When it comes to keeping our furry friends happy and healthy, the food we choose plays a critical role. Selecting the best dog food Canada ensures that your canine companion receives optimal nutrition tailored to their needs, promoting a long, healthy, and vibrant life.
Canada is known for its high pet food standards, including responsible and sustainable ingredient sourcing, and safe manufacturing practices.
Whether you have a growing puppy, a picky eater, or a dog with specific dietary needs, Canada offers a variety of dog food options that cater to every canine palate and health requirement. In this blog, we'll break down the top Canadian dog food brands that stand out for their commitment to quality, sustainability, and nutritional value
One of the reasons that Canadian dog foods are some of the best in the world is Canada's vast assortment of premium agricultural resources.
The best Canadian dog foods are made from ingredients sourced from a huge network of trusted and responsible Canadian farmers, ranchers, and fishermen, to craft wholesome and nutritious diets that support the unique dietary needs of all dogs.
In addition to quality ingredients, many Canadian dog food brands are also leaders in sustainability and ethical sourcing. They understand the importance of protecting our environment so that we can continue to produce these valuable resources for years to come.
By choosing Canadian dog food brands, you’re not only supporting your pet’s health but also promoting eco-friendly practices and responsible sourcing. These brands often emphasize transparency, allowing pet owners to know exactly what goes into their dog’s food and where it comes from.
Lastly, supporting Canadian dog food brands means investing in local businesses and the Canadian economy. These companies take pride in their roots, often starting from small, family-owned operations that have grown due to their dedication to quality and customer satisfaction.
To help you find the best Canadian dog food for your pooch, we have broken down our top 25 Canadian dog food brands.
Choosing the right dog food is about more than just preference. Every dog is different, and it's important to select a diet that best supports their overall health.
Each premium food made our list of the best dog foods in Canada because of their commitment to excellence by selecting only healthy and nutritious ingredients that dogs need to thrive.
Browse our list of the 25 best Canadian dog food brands available in-store and online through Homes Alive Pets.
Orijen original is produced by Champion Canadian Dog Food, which has been in the pet food industry for 25+ years and has become one of the world's leading dog food choices - especially for canines with food sensitivities.
Widely considered the best dry high protein dog food Canada, Origen Original incorporates a whole prey diet (includes fresh meat, organs, marrow, and cartilage) to provide dogs with food that mimics their ancestors' diets - no meat meals.
They offer only foods considered safe for human consumption due to their food safety and healthy diet ingredients. A dog owner will find food suitable for adult dogs, small breed dogs, and puppies (even a large breed puppy).
ACANA is produced by Champion Canadian, which has been one of the top Canadian pet food brands in the industry for over 25 years.
Many consider ACANA the best Canadian dog food choice for a wide array of reasons, including their premium ingredients and ethical manufacturing processes. They use a combination of fresh, regionally sourced ingredients to make food that closely mimics the natural diets of your dog's ancestors.
The high-quality food incorporates a whole prey diet (includes fresh meat, organs, marrow, and cartilage) to provide dogs with biologically appropriate food that is rich in high-quality protein.
All ACANA formulas are cooked slowly at low temperatures (90 C/195 F) to preserve as much of the flavour and nutrient content as possible in dry dog food.
FirstMate Pet Foods is a family-owned and operated food manufacturer for pets that began in 1989. The idea that launched First Mate pet food was when local fish farmers found their guard dogs eating the high protein, high-fat fish food produced by Taplow Feeds.
Upon seeing the improved health and physical condition of the dogs, they realized that a high-quality, fish-based diet can help dogs thrive. This launched the very first, First Mate Dog Food back in 1989.
Since then, it has developed into a global company that offers a variety of premium pet foods to meet the nutritional needs of dogs and cats.
go! Solutions! is produced by Petcurean - an independently-owned Canadian dog food manufacturer that was founded in 1999. go! Solutions are rich in nutrients and provide dogs with a high-quality diet that supplies essential nutrients and energy.
Now Fresh is made by Petcurean - an independently-owned Canadian dog food manufacturer founded in 1999. This kibble is one of the few Canadian dog foods that offer a completely chicken-free option in a variety of formulas to suit all breeds and ages, including puppy, senior, and small breeds.
The food manufacturer uses a variety of 100% market-fresh meats and fish protein sources, including turkey, salmon, lamb, and duck, and combines them with fresh fruits, vegetables, and botanicals to provide a well-balanced and flavourful diet for dogs.
By using only fresh meats, this Canadian dry dog food offers superior nutrition and flavour. Additionally, Now Fresh formulas use superfood ingredients like coconut oil and pumpkin to boost digestion and skin and coat health.
Nutram takes a holistic approach to fulfilling the nutritional requirements of dogs and cats by carefully selecting complementary ingredients that support overall health and well-being in pets.
Each food contains various "Optimum Combinations" - two ingredients intentionally paired to give a specific health benefit. For example, turkey and chamomile are paired to provide a calming effect for your dog.
If you are looking for the best grain inclusive dog food Canada, then check out the Nutram Sound line, which earn them a spot as one of the leading dog food choices in Canada.
Big Country Raw Food is one of the country's leading pet food manufacturers that focuses on providing optimal health for your dog.
They use only pasture-raised, fresh meats, and wild-caught fish in each Big Country Raw diet.
Their extensive line of dinners, pure meats, and blends help to ensure that there is an option to suit all dogs and cats. This is just one reason that BCR is considered the best raw dog food in Canada.
Fresh, whole ingredients are delivered to the Big Country Raw facility, where their production team inspects and processes all ingredients, ensuring quality control of all of their pet products.
This quality assurance makes Big Country Raw the best raw dog food in Canada and secures them a spot at the top of our list.
As advocates of raw and natural whole dog foods diets, Carna4 founders Dave and Maria saw a calling for a less labour-intensive, best grain-inclusive alternative dog food to fresh raw diets.
The brand name is derived from the Roman goddess Carna, who was believed to protect their internal organs like the liver, helping their bodies get complete nourishment from their food.
Carna4 is by far one of the best dry dog foods in Canada. They like to call themselves the "un-kibble", due to the similarities to dehydrated food, in digestibility and nutrient profile, while still offering the easy-to-feed and store format of kibble.
Petkind dog food formulas use unique, wholesome ingredients, such as green tripe, to create a diet that supports dogs of all different backgrounds and lifestyles. If you are a dog owner evaluating the best dog food brands, you will definitely want to consider this brand for adult dogs or puppies.
Among many other health benefits, green tripe is an excellent source of amino acids, is great for picky eaters, and works to aid digestion.
The inclusion of tripe also makes this food highly palatable. Petkind offers tripe-based kibble and the best canned dog food made in Canada.
Carnivora has been manufactured in Canada since 2003, but as dog owners themselves, Carnivora has had over 20 years of experience in the raw pet food industry.
The best food brand's patties include almost the entire animal protein source, excluding parts such as feathers, intestines, hooves, horns, and bladder.
Bold Raw is a premium Canadian producer of all-natural raw food for dogs and cats. All of the Bold Raw pet food formulas were developed by a team of experts and veterinarians and are backed by 15 years of pet industry experience.
The nutritionally complete foods are made in a 10,000-square-foot production facility in Erin, Ontario.
As one of the best raw dog food brands Canada, we know that you'll find a great and affordable formula from the brand's line-up to help your pet thrive.
Rooted in Canada’s rich agricultural heritage, Canadian Naturals utilizes locally sourced ingredients to ensure every meal is packed with wholesome goodness. Their recipes are meticulously crafted using the most current small-batch manufacturing practices to cater to the diverse dietary needs of pets.
From grain-free options to recipes tailored for different life stages and specific health concerns, Canadian Naturals offers a variety of products that promote optimal health and vitality in pets.
What sets Canadian Naturals apart is their commitment to quality and transparency. Every ingredient is carefully selected for its nutritional benefits, and their products are free from artificial additives, preservatives, and by-products. This dedication to natural and nutritious pet food makes Canadian Naturals a trusted choice for pet owners.
Canada Fresh is the newest Canadian dog food brand added to the Petkind family. Canada Fresh ingredients are proudly sourced from Canadian farmers, with the exception of their salmon, which is sustainably sourced from Europe.
The foods are only offered in a wet food format and can be fed as a complete diet. It might just be the best wet dog food in Canada, but you'll have to try it to find out.
This Canadian and family-owned brand has been a leading innovator in pet nutrition for over three decades. Their recipes are crafted with carefully selected ingredients to provide optimal levels of protein, fat, and carbohydrates, ensuring that pets receive the essential nutrients they need for a healthy and active life.
Each Vetdiet recipe is enriched with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support overall health, including immune function, skin and coat health, and digestive wellness. Vetdiet offers a variety of formulas tailored to different life stages, sizes, and specific health conditions, ensuring that every pet’s unique nutritional needs are met.
In addition to their focus on high-quality ingredients and balanced nutrition, Vetdiet emphasizes sustainability and ethical sourcing. This dedication to quality, health, and sustainability makes Vetdiet a trusted choice for pet owners who want to provide their furry companions with the best possible care.
Smack Pet Food strives to provide top-notch raw, dehydrated foods that are delicious and convenient to feed.
Their restricted ingredient lists incorporate fresh meats, fruits, vegetables, herbs, and spices in order to improve dogs' overall health by boosting vitality and energy and enhancing digestion.
Zeal is Canada's first and newest air-dried raw dog food. The unique air-drying process yields a firmer but still chewy texture compared to a freeze-drying process, allowing you to scoop and serve without rehydration.
If you are seeking one of the best air dried dog food brands, then look no further than Zeal.
Horizon takes great pride in sourcing its ingredients locally and maintaining highly sustainable, environmentally aware practices while keeping quality control an absolute priority during its production process of their dry dog food.
Legacy Pet Foods, Inc. is an independent, family-owned, and operated business.
They currently offer several different food options - chicken dinner, turkey dinner, and beef dinner (all of which include fresh, ground whole carcasses and freshly ground fruits and vegetables), fresh Pacific salmon dinner, and meaty ground fresh chicken necks and backs.
K-9 Choice Foods, Inc. is a family-owned company that has been operating for over 10 years in the frozen raw dog food brands Canada industry. They produce a combination of frozen raw foods, meat ingredients (complete, ready-to-serve, as well as strictly meat/bone formulas) and raw meaty bones with ingredients that are sourced locally.
Founded on the belief that dogs thrive on a biologically appropriate diet, Iron Will Raw focuses on delivering meals that are as close to nature as possible. By offering a variety of protein sources and formulations, Iron Will Raw caters to the diverse dietary needs and preferences of dogs and cats, promoting optimal health and well-being.
Each meal is carefully balanced to include the right proportions of meat, organs, and bones, mimicking the natural diet of wild canines and supporting overall health.
Iron Will Raw places a strong emphasis on convenience for pet owners. This combination of premium ingredients, meticulous formulation, and user-friendly packaging makes Iron Will Raw a preferred choice for pet owners who want to provide their dogs with the best possible nutrition.
CaniSource produces raw dehydrated Canadian dog foods in Quebec that use ingredients of human-grade quality to ensure a complete, well-balanced diet that dogs love.
They make two lines, Grand Cru and Homemade, using dehydration and low-temperature baking, respectively. The low-temperature manufacturing processes help to preserve nutrients and flavour.
Both products are in a scoop-and-serve format, requiring no rehydration, refrigeration, or any of the other hassles associated with dehydrated or raw diets. This is a great option for those looking to improve overall nutrition without losing the convenience of feeding kibble.
As the best dehydrated dog food Canada, Canisource lets you feed like kibble but better. It is a leading Canadian pet food and a great option for picky pets and sensitive stomachs.
Hurraw dehydrated dog food uses fresh, human-grade ingredients to produce a raw diet in a simple-to-feed format
The food is ideal for raw feeders looking for a less cumbersome format but who still wish to feed premium quality food.
Over 14 years of working with dehydrated dog foods have helped Hurraw create a hybrid process between freeze-drying and dehydration, making them what many consider the best dehydrated dog food in Canada.
Taiga takes great pride in sourcing its ingredients locally and maintaining highly sustainable, environmentally aware practices while keeping quality control an absolute priority during its production process.
They believe that dogs need meat, and that's why all of their formulas have a high meat inclusion compared to industry standards.
Horizon sourced only GMO-free ingredients and offers premium foods at economical prices.
Back2Raw believes that raw pet food doesn't have to be complicated, which is why they emphasize a back-to-basics approach, by using high-quality, human-grade ingredients to craft meals that are biologically appropriate for canines.
By offering a variety of protein sources and carefully balanced recipes, the brand ensures that dogs receive food that they love and the essential nutrients they need to thrive.
Each recipe contains premium, Canadian-sourced animal proteins and organic produce to formulate complete and balanced dog diets. Each easy-to-portion and feed formula is designed to make raw feeding while still providing superior raw nutrition.
Puppy Love is a Canadian-owned and founded company whose mission is to offer pets high-quality nutrition made from 100% Canadian-sourced ingredients. With a state-of-the-art facility in Fort Macleod Alberta, Puppy Love has been serving Canadian pet owners for nearly 20 years.
Though Puppy Love is most well-known for their raw and dehydrated bones and chews for pets, they've recently launched a line of raw freeze-dried diets for dogs. Formulated by a certified canine nutritionist, Puppy Love Freeze Dried Feasts offers an easy way to feed raw nutrition in an easy-to-prepare and feed format.
They believe that nutrition should come from real food, which is why Puppy Love Freeze-Dried Diet contains only real, recognizable, and species-appropriate food ingredients that you can see. Puppy Love products are free from artificial and synthetic ingredients.
You won't find a better selection of Canadian dog food brands than at Homes Alive Pets. Shop in-store to find the best dog food Calgary, Edmonton, Langley, Kelowna, and Lethbridge. No matter what your pet's dietary needs are, we can help you find the perfect Canadian dog food to help your pet thrive.
As Canadians, we might be a little biased, but we love a good Canadian product -especially pet food. Canadian dog food companies use only premium quality ingredients that we grow and raise right here in Canada.
When picking Canadian dog food, always consider ingredient quality. Some foods use coconut oil in their dog food recipes, and others do not.
One of the best canine food choices you can buy in Canada is raw dog food. Top brands like Big Country Raw, K-9 Choice, and Carnivora are just a few of the great choices that Canada has to offer.
If you prefer a kibble diet, then take a look at Acana, Carna4, and go Solution! Undoubtedly, you will find the perfect food for your dog's digestive system.
Puppies have unique dietary requirements so choose a Canadian dog food designed to support those needs, like Now Fresh, Acana, or Iron Will. Many raw diets are suitable for all life stages too.
There are Canadian dog food brands that offer options for dogs with specific health conditions or dietary restrictions. These foods will help support digestion through pre- and probiotics and stick to easy-to-digest ingredients. Smack, go! Solutions and Petkind are all great options for improving digestion through diet.
Fortunately, Canada is home to a variety of premium raw dog food brands. No one food is best for every dog, so it's important to choose the one that suits your dog's unique dietary needs. Brands like Big Country Raw, Iron Will, and Carnivora are all popular options with a variety of formulas to choose from.