Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Selected Protein is a vet-exclusive dog food for dogs with suspected food sensitivities. The adult PR version is built around rabbit and potato, and it is meant to be used under a veterinarian’s direction, often as part of an elimination diet trial.
What it is
Selected Protein is Royal Canin’s “novel protein” line. Instead of the chicken or beef found in most dog foods, it uses a protein your dog is less likely to have eaten before, paired with a single main carbohydrate. The idea is to reduce the chance of triggering an immune reaction. Do not confuse it with Royal Canin’s Hydrolyzed Protein diets, which break proteins into tiny pieces for a different approach to the same problem. The line comes in more than one protein version, so check the exact name on the bag.
Ingredients (Selected Protein PR adult, dry)
According to Royal Canin’s product page, the first ingredients are potato, rabbit meal, coconut oil, hydrolyzed soy protein and potato protein, followed by natural flavors, vegetable oil and fish oil, with added vitamins, minerals and taurine. Ingredients can change, so always read the label on your bag. The page lists about 289 kcal per cup.
Who it is for
- Dogs with possible food allergies or intolerances that cause itchy skin, ear problems or chronic digestive upset
- Dogs doing an elimination diet trial under a vet’s supervision
- Some dogs that stay on it long term after the trial because it keeps symptoms under control
Only a veterinarian can tell whether symptoms come from a food reaction, environmental allergies or something else.
How an elimination trial works
Vets commonly ask owners to feed only the trial diet, with no other foods or treats, for about 8 to 12 weeks, then watch for improvement. Flavored medications, chew toys and table scraps can ruin a trial, so ask your vet to review everything your dog eats. If the symptoms improve, your vet may suggest slowly reintroducing old ingredients to find the trigger.
Pros and cons
Pros: Novel protein, designed for sensitive dogs, complete and balanced, and recommended by vets.
Cons: It needs veterinary authorization, it costs more than regular dog food, supply can be limited at times, and it contains soy, so it is not a fit for every allergy. Most dogs do not need it.
Alternatives to ask your vet about
Depending on your dog, your vet may suggest a hydrolyzed diet such as Royal Canin Hypoallergenic or Hill’s hypoallergenic food. For digestive problems rather than allergies, see Royal Canin Gastrointestinal.
Bottom line
Selected Protein PR is a solid tool for sorting out food sensitivities, but it is a medical diet, not an everyday upgrade. Start with your vet, stick to the plan strictly and give it the full trial period.
This review is general information, not veterinary advice. Talk to your vet before changing your dog’s diet.
