Ol’ Roy Canned Dog Food Reviews 2025: Pros, Cons, Recalls

Ol’ Roy is one of the most widely recognized pet food brands in the United States, largely because it’s Walmart’s in-house line and has been on the market for decades. Millions of dog owners choose it because it’s extremely affordable, easily accessible, and available in a wide variety of wet and dry options. Among its offerings, Ol’ Roy canned dog food is especially popular, often used as a complete meal or as a topper to improve the taste of kibble.

But what’s really inside Ol’ Roy canned food? Does the low price impact the quality? Is it safe for long-term feeding? And how does it compare to other budget-friendly wet dog foods?

This in-depth review breaks down every aspect of Ol’ Roy canned dog food from ingredients and nutrition to real-world performance, pros, cons, recall history, and more so you can make an informed decision for your dog.

Introduction

Wet dog food is often chosen for its palatability, soft texture, and ability to boost hydration. For senior dogs, picky eaters, or dogs with dental issues, canned food can be a lifesaver. Ol’ Roy’s wet food line is designed to offer a budget alternative to premium canned dog foods while still providing dogs with complete and balanced nutrition according to AAFCO standards.

This review aims to give dog owners a clear picture of what Ol’ Roy canned dog food offers its strengths, limitations, and what to consider before feeding it as a main diet or meal enhancer.

Brand Background

Ol’ Roy was introduced by Walmart in 1981 and named after Sam Walton’s favorite hunting dog. Over the decades, it has become one of the largest-selling dog food brands in the U.S., thanks to low pricing and widespread availability.

Who Manufactures Ol’ Roy?

Walmart contracts various third-party pet food manufacturers, including large-scale producers that create multiple private-label brands. Production varies by region and formula.

Brand Reputation

Ol’ Roy has experienced a mixed reputation. On one hand, millions of dogs have thrived on it for years. On the other hand, the brand has faced multiple recalls over the decades, especially in the early 2000s and mid-2010s, often due to manufacturing issues or contamination concerns.

Despite this mixed history, many dog owners still rely on Ol’ Roy because of its affordability.

Product Line Overview

Ol’ Roy canned dog food comes in numerous varieties, giving owners many options in flavor, texture, and price. Common recipes include:

• Beef & Rice Dinner
• Chicken & Rice Dinner
• Chunky Stew with Gravy
• Chopped Chicken & Beef
• Meaty Loaf Style Recipes
• Country Stew
• Gravy Loaf Mixed Variety Packs

Most cans come in 13.2 oz sizes, available individually or in multipacks of 12 or more.

Target Customers

Ol’ Roy canned dog food is primarily aimed at:

• Budget-conscious pet owners
• Owners of multiple dogs
• Dogs that need soft, moist meals
• Owners mixing wet food with dry kibble
• Dogs that need a taste boost to eat better

Ingredient Analysis

Ingredients vary slightly by formula, but Ol’ Roy canned dog food generally follows a consistent pattern. Let’s break down the main components.

1 Protein Sources

Ol’ Roy uses a range of protein ingredients, such as:

• Poultry by-products
• Beef by-products
• Meat by-products
• Chicken
• Beef
• Liver

By-products are commonly used in budget foods. While they are nutritionally acceptable and can provide essential amino acids, they are not considered premium protein sources. Whole meats or named meals (e.g., “chicken meal”) are typically higher-quality.

Still, the moisture content of canned food helps make protein more digestible for many dogs.

2 Carbohydrates & Fillers

Typical carb sources include:

• Wheat flour
• Rice
• Corn flour
• Modified food starch
• Potatoes (in some varieties)

These ingredients act as thickeners and energy sources. They are safe for most dogs but may be problematic for those with grain sensitivities.

3 Fats & Oils

Wet Ol’ Roy foods often contain:

• Animal fat
• Beef fat
• Poultry fat
• Some recipes add vegetable oils

The fat sources are not premium but offer adequate omega-6 fatty acids. However, omega-3s are limited, so this food may not be ideal for dogs with skin or coat issues unless supplemented.

4 Additives & Preservatives

Canned foods require fewer preservatives than kibble, but Ol’ Roy canned foods may contain:

• Artificial flavors
• Artificial colors
• Carrageenan (a controversial thickener in some canned pet foods)
• Synthetic vitamin mixes

Concerns

Carrageenan, used for texture, is controversial due to studies linking it to digestive inflammation. While many dogs tolerate it well, sensitive dogs may not.

Nutritional Breakdown

Nutrition varies by recipe, but typical values are:

• Protein: 7%–10% (as fed)
• Fat: 3%–6%
• Fiber: 1%–1.5%
• Moisture: ~78%
• Calories: 300–450 kcal per can

While protein looks low, remember canned food contains high moisture. On a dry matter basis, protein content is more reasonable.

Compared to premium canned foods, Ol’ Roy’s calorie and nutrient density is lower. This means you may need to feed more Ol’ Roy to reach the same caloric intake as a higher-quality brand.

Performance & Palatability

Taste & Smell

Dogs often love the taste of Ol’ Roy canned food due to the gravy, soft texture, and aromatic fat content. It is frequently used to:

• Encourage picky dogs to eat
• Add moisture to kibble
• Make meals more satisfying

Texture

Varieties include:

• Loaf style (smooth, uniform texture)
• Chunks in gravy (more aromatic and flavorful)
• Chopped mixes (soft, shredded consistency)

Loaf-style cans tend to be easier for senior dogs and dogs with dental issues.

Feeding Performance

Owners report that:

• Appetite increases
• Dogs finish meals quickly
• Mixing it with kibble improves palatability dramatically

However, some dogs may experience softer stools when switching quickly.

Digestibility & Health Effects

Digestibility

Ol’ Roy canned food is moderately digestible. Many adult dogs tolerate it well, but dogs with sensitive stomachs may have reactions such as:

• Loose stool
• Gas
• Occasional vomiting
• Increased bowel movement frequency

Coat & Skin

Because omega-3 content is low and ingredients may include fillers or artificial additives, sensitive dogs may develop:

• Dry skin
• Dull coat
• Mild itching

Healthy dogs typically show no issues.

Energy Levels

Ol’ Roy canned food provides adequate calories for:

• Normal lifestyle dogs
• Indoor dogs
• Low-to-moderate activity dogs

Active, working, or performance dogs may require more calorie-dense meals.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Extremely affordable
• Dogs usually love the taste
• Easy to find at any Walmart
• Good for picky eaters
• Excellent for mixing with kibble
• Helps increase moisture intake

Cons

• Uses lower-quality proteins (by-products)
• Contains fillers and artificial additives
• Not ideal for sensitive dogs
• Not nutrient-dense enough for active working dogs
• History of recalls may concern some owners
• Strong smell in some formulas

Best For / Not Good For

Best For

✔ Dogs needing softer foods
✔ Dogs that need meal toppers
✔ Picky dogs
✔ Senior dogs with missing teeth
✔ Owners who need affordable wet food
✔ Mixing small amounts into dry food

Not Good For

✘ Dogs with grain allergies
✘ Dogs with digestive issues
✘ Dogs with skin conditions
✘ Puppies needing precise nutrition
✘ Owners who prefer high-quality, limited-ingredient diets

Real User Feedback

Common Praise

• “My dog loves the flavor.”
• “Helps my senior dog eat again.”
• “Easy to mix with dry food.”
• “Great price for multi-dog households.”

Common Complaints

• “My dog had diarrhea after switching.”
• “Texture is inconsistent between cans.”
• “Strong smell.”
• “Wish it used better ingredients.”

Feedback indicates that Ol’ Roy canned food works best as a supplement or topper, not necessarily as a long-term sole diet.

Pricing & Value

Ol’ Roy canned dog food is one of the cheapest canned dog foods in the U.S.

Typical Prices

• Individual 13.2 oz can: extremely low price
• 12-pack: highly affordable
• Multi-flavor variety packs offer better value

Compared to brands like Pedigree, Purina, or Iams, Ol’ Roy is always cheaper.

Value Assessment

If you’re looking for:

• Budget wet food
• Meal toppers
• Occasional canned meals
• Feeding multiple dogs at once

…Ol’ Roy offers excellent value.

For dogs needing premium nutrition, stronger immune support, or higher protein, it falls short.

Feeding Guidelines

General Feeding Amounts

Feeding amounts vary by recipe, but generally:

• Small dogs (10–20 lbs): ½–1 can daily
• Medium dogs (20–50 lbs): 1–2 cans daily
• Large dogs (50–90 lbs): 2–4 cans daily
• Mixing with kibble: ¼–½ can per meal

Transitioning Safely

To avoid stomach upset:

Days 1–3 → 25% new food
Days 4–6 → 50% new food
Days 7–9 → 75% new food
Day 10 → 100% new food

Store opened cans in the refrigerator and use within 2–3 days.

Recall History & Safety Concerns

Ol’ Roy has had several recalls in its history. Key concerns included:

• Salmonella contamination
• Melamine contamination (during the major 2007 pet food crisis)
• Mislabeling or ingredient inconsistencies

While modern production standards have improved, the brand’s recall record is still a consideration for cautious pet owners.

Good Choice If:

• You want affordable wet dog food
• Your dog is not sensitive to grains or by-products
• You need a soft food option
• You’re mixing wet food with dry kibble

Not Ideal If:

• Your dog has skin or stomach sensitivities
• You prefer natural, high-quality ingredients
• You want grain-free or limited-ingredient nutrition
• You want long-term feeding of premium-quality diets

Final Words

Ol’ Roy canned dog food isn’t the most nutritious wet food on the market, but it serves a purpose providing accessible, tasty meals at a price nearly anyone can afford. As long as your dog digests it well and doesn’t have allergies or sensitivities, it can be used responsibly as part of a balanced diet, especially when paired with higher-quality kibble.

Always monitor your dog’s stool, coat, and overall health when trying new foods, and consult your veterinarian if your dog has pre-existing health concerns.