Royal Canin Small Adult Dry Dog Food vs Wellness CORE Small Breed Original

Scored head-to-head on every dimension — with a clear verdict and the best price on each.

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Royal Canin Small Adult Dry Dog Food
Royal Canin Small Adult Dry Dog Food
$26.49 · ★ 4.8 (9,845)
Better value pick
vs
Wellness CORE Small Breed Original
Wellness CORE Small Breed Original
$20.98 · ★ 4.6 (3,139)
Winner · 3 of 5 categories
76
Nutrition
89
71
Ingredients
89
84
Palatability
74
79
Value
87
90
Owner Satisfaction
85

Our verdict: Wellness CORE Small Breed Original takes it, 85 to 81 on the PawBench Score, thanks largely to 36% protein from deboned turkey and chicken. Royal Canin Small Adult Dry Dog Food is still a solid pick if it fits your budget better.

Differences only
Spec
Royal Canin Small Adult Dry Dog Food#1
⭐ Best Value
Royal Canin Small Adult Dry Dog Food
4.8
AAFCO completeWSAVA-compliant
Wellness CORE Small Breed Original#2
💰 Best Budget
Wellness CORE Small Breed Original
4.6
AAFCO complete
Buy
PawBench Scoremethodology →
Nutrition
76
Ingredients
71
Palatability
84
Value
79
Owner Satisfaction
90
Nutrition
89
Ingredients
89
Palatability
74
Value
87
Owner Satisfaction
85
Buyer sentiment
Quality Healthiness Digestibility Kibble Size

Buyers praise quality, healthiness, digestibility and kibble size. Mixed feedback on value for money and digestive issues.

Based on 796 user mentions

Taste Value for money Ingredients Healthiness

Buyers praise taste, value for money, ingredients and healthiness. Mixed feedback on palatability and digestibility.

Based on 548 user mentions

Bag Size14 lb12 lb
Protein SourceChicken By-Product MealDeboned Turkey & Chicken Meal
Life StageAdult (10 months+)Adult
Grain-FreeNoYes
Special FeatureSmall-breed kibble shape, calorie-dense for fast metabolisms36% protein, probiotics, small-breed kibble size

* Prices are approximate and may vary. Please check the latest price on Amazon.

What owners actually say

Royal Canin Small Adult Dry Dog Food
Royal Canin Small Adult Dry Dog Food
88/100 sentiment
N=796
+ Quality+ Healthiness+ Digestibility+ Kibble Size± Value for money± Digestive Issues± Ingredients
Wellness CORE Small Breed Original
Wellness CORE Small Breed Original
88/100 sentiment
N=548
+ Taste+ Value for money+ Ingredients+ Healthiness± Palatability± Digestibility

Pros & cons

Royal Canin Small Adult Dry Dog Food

Pros

  • Tiny kibble specifically shaped for small jaws
  • Calorie-dense formula prevents hypoglycemia in toy breeds
  • Highly palatable — even the pickiest Yorkies eat it
  • Precise fiber blend for small-breed digestive sensitivity
  • EPA and DHA for skin and coat health

Cons

  • Contains corn and chicken by-product meal
  • Premium price for a kibble with non-premium first ingredients

Wellness CORE Small Breed Original

Pros

  • 36% protein from deboned turkey and chicken
  • Grain-free formula with no fillers
  • Small kibble size with satisfying crunch
  • Probiotics and omega fatty acids included
  • No meat by-products, wheat, corn, or soy

Cons

  • Higher protein may not suit all small breeds
  • Bag size options are limited
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