Royal Canin sells three separate ranges and they overlap confusingly. Size Health Nutrition, chosen by how big your dog will get. Breed Health Nutrition, made for named breeds. And the Veterinary range, for dogs with a diagnosed problem. You only need one of the three.
Size Health Nutrition: the one most dogs want
X-Small, Mini, Medium and Maxi, picked on your dog's adult weight rather than their age or breed. Kibble size changes, calorie density changes, and the recipes for the bigger sizes carry more joint support.
This is the mainstream range and the cheapest way into the brand. If you're not sure which to buy, this is the one.
Breed Health Nutrition: honest answer, it's optional
These are made for named breeds, with the kibble shaped for that breed's jaw and the recipe leaning on whatever that breed tends to struggle with. Cocker, Dachshund, Chihuahua, Poodle, Shih Tzu, Miniature Schnauzer, Cavalier King Charles and a handful of others.
They're good foods. But if your breed isn't on the list, or you've a crossbreed, you're not missing anything: buy the Size range at the right size and you've got most of the same food for less money.
Where the breed range genuinely earns it is a fussy small dog who won't pick up ordinary kibble, because the shape really does make a difference to a flat-faced or small-jawed dog. If that's not your problem, our small breed dog food and large breed dog food ranges have cheaper options that do the same job.
The Veterinary range, and the thing nobody tells you
Hypoallergenic, Anallergenic, Gastrointestinal, Urinary S/O, Satiety and the rest. These are formulated for dogs with a diagnosed condition.
Despite how they're sold, none of them needs a prescription and you can buy them here without one. That's a brand name, not a legal status.
What they do need is a vet's involvement. These foods work by restricting or adjusting things a healthy dog needs, so they aren't an upgrade and some are actively wrong for a well dog. If your vet named one, buy that exact product. If they didn't, start with an appointment. Our veterinary dog food range covers the rest.
Where to start
For a healthy adult dog, the Size Health Nutrition range in the right size, in the largest bag you'll get through in about six weeks.
If your dog is carrying weight, the Light Weight Care recipes run through both the Size and Breed ranges, and our weight management dog food page compares them against the other brands.