Royal Canin Small Adult Dry Dog Food vs Wellness CORE Small Breed Original
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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Royal Canin Small Adult Dry Dog Food
From $47.49(prices may vary)
📦 Buy on Amazon
Wellness CORE Small Breed Original
From $33.98(prices may vary)
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| Category | Royal Canin Small Adult Dry Dog Food | Wellness CORE Small Breed Original |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 9.4 | 9 |
| Value | 7.8 | 8.5 |
| Quality | 9.6 | 9.2 |
| Durability | 9 | 8.6 |
| Ease of Use | 9.1 | 8.7 |
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
Specs Comparison
| Spec | Royal Canin Small Adult Dry Dog Food | Wellness CORE Small Breed Original |
|---|---|---|
| Bag Size | 14 lb | 12 lb |
| Protein Source | Chicken By-Product Meal | Deboned Turkey & Chicken Meal |
| Life Stage | Adult (10 months+) | Adult |
| Grain-Free | No | Yes |
| Special Feature | Small-breed kibble shape, calorie-dense for fast metabolisms | 36% protein, probiotics, small-breed kibble size |
| Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
| 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 Size | 14 lb | 12 lb |
| Protein Source | Chicken By-Product Meal | Deboned Turkey & Chicken Meal |
| Life Stage | Adult (10 months+) | Adult |
| Grain-Free | No | Yes |
| Special Feature | Small-breed kibble shape, calorie-dense for fast metabolisms | 36% protein, probiotics, small-breed kibble size |
* Prices are approximate and may vary. Please check the latest price on Amazon.
Our Verdict

Winner
Royal Canin Small Adult Dry Dog Food
9.4/10 overall
Royal Canin Small Adult Dry Dog Food takes the win with a solid overall score of 9.4 compared to 9 for Wellness CORE Small Breed Original. The Royal Canin Small Adult Dry Dog Food offers a better balance of quality, value, and durability, though the Wellness CORE Small Breed Original remains a strong option if its specific features better match your needs.
From $47.49 (prices may vary)
📦 Buy Royal Canin Small Adult Dry Dog Food on Amazon