Hill's Science Diet Puppy Chicken & Barley vs Royal Canin Large Breed Puppy
Head-to-head comparison — specs, scores, pros & cons, and our expert verdict to help you pick the right one for your dog.
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Hill's Science Diet Puppy Chicken & Barley
From $54.99(prices may vary)
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Royal Canin Large Breed Puppy
From $73.99(prices may vary)
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| Category | Hill's Science Diet Puppy Chicken & Barley | Royal Canin Large Breed Puppy |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 9.4 | 9.4 |
| Value | 7.4 | 6.5 |
| Quality | 9.6 | 9.6 |
| Durability | 9 | 9 |
| Ease of Use | 9.1 | 9.1 |
Pros & Cons
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Chicken & Barley
Pros
- ✓DHA from fish oil for brain and eye development
- ✓Clinically proven antioxidant blend
- ✓Recommended by more veterinarians than any other brand
- ✓Optimal calcium levels for growing bones
- ✓Highly digestible for sensitive puppy stomachs
Cons
- ✗Contains chicken by-product meal
- ✗Pricier than comparable puppy foods with similar ingredients
Royal Canin Large Breed Puppy
Pros
- ✓Precise calcium and phosphorus for controlled skeletal growth
- ✓Kibble shape designed for large-breed jaw structure
- ✓Highly digestible proteins reduce stool volume
- ✓EPA and DHA for joint support during rapid growth
- ✓Immune support blend for developing puppies
Cons
- ✗Expensive per pound compared to all-breed puppy foods
- ✗Contains corn and wheat gluten
Specs Comparison
| Spec | Hill's Science Diet Puppy Chicken & Barley | Royal Canin Large Breed Puppy |
|---|---|---|
| Bag Size | 30 lb | 30 lb |
| Protein Source | Chicken | Chicken By-Product Meal |
| Life Stage | Puppy (up to 1 year) | Large Breed Puppy (up to 15 months) |
| Grain-Free | No | No |
| Special Feature | DHA for brain development, clinically proven antioxidants | Controlled calcium/phosphorus for large-breed skeletal health |
| Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
| Buy | ||
PawBench Scoremethodology → | Nutrition 72 Ingredients 72 Palatability 74 Value 77 Owner Satisfaction 80 | Nutrition 79 Ingredients 69 Palatability 76 Value 65 Owner Satisfaction 87 |
| Buyer sentiment | Quality Nutrition Palatability Buyers praise quality and nutrition. Mixed feedback on value for money. Some flag palatability. Based on 140 user mentions | — |
| Bag Size | 30 lb | 30 lb |
| Protein Source | Chicken | Chicken By-Product Meal |
| Life Stage | Puppy (up to 1 year) | Large Breed Puppy (up to 15 months) |
| Grain-Free | No | No |
| Special Feature | DHA for brain development, clinically proven antioxidants | Controlled calcium/phosphorus for large-breed skeletal health |
* Prices are approximate and may vary. Please check the latest price on Amazon.
Our Verdict

Winner
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Chicken & Barley
9.4/10 overall
It's extremely close, but Hill's Science Diet Puppy Chicken & Barley edges ahead with a slightly higher overall score (9.4 vs 9.4). Both are excellent choices — you really can't go wrong with either. Pick the one that best fits your dog's specific needs and your budget.
From $54.99 (prices may vary)
📦 Buy Hill's Science Diet Puppy Chicken & Barley on Amazon