Best Dog Food Canada: 25 Top Canadian Dog Food Brands 2023

What is the best food for puppies in Canada? From the best large-breed dog food to the best budget dog food - you can feel good about shopping locally. To help you find the right Canadian food as a dog owner for your patriotic pooch, we put together a list of the best dog foods made in Canada. 

From the top raw Canadian dog food to the top best quality and most popular dry dog food in Canada, we have your dogs covered with healthy options for any big or small dog. At Homes Alive Pets, you'll find the best hypoallergenic dog food Canada brands and wholesome, holistic cheap dog food made in Canada.

Beyond the best quality dry European dog food brands, we have a bevy of options, including the best puppy foods, dry dog food, and the top 10 dog food in Canada for small dog breeds.  Choose foods that are also endorsed by the American Veterinary Medical Association. 

Every dog is different, and to help you find the best Canadian dog food for your Canadian pooch, we have broken down our top 25 Canadian dog food brands and included the best Canadian Dog Foods for a variety of different needs, ages, and breeds.

These leading dog food brands are also available in the United States. Each premium food made our list because of the food manufacturers commitment to providing only healthy ingredients and avoiding harmful substances such as propylene glycol.

You’ll find foods made from chicken, turkey and whole grain. The animal based foods are available as a raw diet, kibble, dehydrated food choice, or more.  We highly recommend each one to help with your dog’s digestion. Your dog's digestive system will thank you for the healthy food choices.

So, what is the best-rated dog food in Canada? As a dog owner, you know the importance of picking the best dog food brand to meet your furry friend’s nutritional needs.  In this article, we will focus on leading pet food brands in Canada.

25 Best Canadian Dog Food Brands

Canadian dog food in 2023. Whether you are searching for the best dog food brands, like Acana, FirstMate, or Nutram - we have you covered with some highly recommended options at the best prices.

The best part is that we ship our dog food Canada-wide, so you can get your favourite Canadian dog food delivered right to your door!  Our delivery service always takes into consideration food safety when shipping.

Take a look at some of the best dry dog food brands in Canada and the United States, the best wet Canadian dog foods, and our huge selection of freeze-dried, dehydrated, and raw Canadian dog foods! 

Feeding a healthy diet can help you save on vet bills by combating heart disease and other issues that frequently arise from food. In addition, feeding premium food recipes also cuts down on bowel movements.  The diets contain all of the vitamins and minerals your dog needs to thrive. 

Check out How to Read and Understand Pet Food Labels to learn how to find the right diet for your pooch. There are plenty of bad dog food brands to avoid in Canada that use clever marketing to trick you into buying products that won't help your pet thrive.

We might be a little biased, but we love Canadian dog foods for more than their geography.  Even dog owners in the United States like Canadian dog food brands. We love them because they offer the trusted quality and affordable prices that Canadian pet owners deserve. 

Browse our list of the best dry dog foods for dogs in Canada to gain some insight. All of these foods are available through Homes Alive Pets and some at Canadian pet stores.

ACANA Dog Food

ACANA is produced by Champion Canadian dog food, which has been one of the top United States and Canadian pet food brands in the industry for 25+ years. ACANA uses a combination of fresh, regionally sourced ingredients from Canadian farmers and fishers to make food that closely mimics the diets of your dog's ancestors.  Orijen is ACANA’s sister brand. 

Offering the best dry dog food for puppies Canada, this high-quality food incorporates a whole prey diet (includes fresh meat, organs, marrow, and cartilage) to provide dogs with medically appropriate food that is rich in high-quality protein. ACANA formulas are cooked slowly at low temperatures (90 C/195 F) in order to preserve as much of the flavour and nutrient content as possible in the dry dog food.

ACANA is produced in its award-winning kitchen in Alberta, Canada to ensure food safety. The pet food manufacturer's food is also very popular in the United States. 

These foods are great for breeds of all sizes such as large breed adults or large breed puppies and small breed dogs.  They are all easy on the digestive system and most are locally sourced. 

Shop Acana's full selection of dog and cat foods, including kibble, canned food, treats, and the best freeze dried dog food Canada.

Key Features:

• Medically Appropriate Food:
• Heritage Formulas: 60 - 75% meat; 25 - 35% fruits, vegetables & botanicals; 0% grains, potato & tapioca
• Regionals Formulas: 60% meat; 40% fruits, vegetables & botanicals; 0% grains, potato & tapioca
• Singles Formulas: 50% meat; 50% fruits, vegetables & botanicals; 0% grains, potato & tapioca
• Classics Formulas: 50% meat from fresh free-run/wild-caught meats, fish, chicken fat, and eggs
• Fresh, regional, fresh ingredients - protein content includes free-run poultry, chicken meal,  nest-laid eggs, wild boar, brown rice, and sustainably caught fish, free-range red meats - delivered fresh to their own kitchen daily
• Sticks to dogs' evolutionary adaptation of eating fresh meat and protein-rich diets
• Completely free of antibiotics, hormones, and GMO ingredients

Selection:

• Kibble
• Freeze-Dried
• Treats
• Wet Food

Big Country Raw Dog Food

Big Country Raw food is one of the country’s leading pet food manufacturers who focus on providing optimal health for your dog. They start with pasture-raised, free meats, wild-caught fish, and the best organic dog food. 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. The quality assurance puts put this best adult dog food in Canada at the top of our list.

Big Country big dog raw food started its premade best adult dog food in Canada and has since remained a reliable and innovative raw dog food manufacturer in Canada. In all, this is one of the best  dog food suppliers in Ontario and Vancouver, Canada. The brand always ensures food safety and quality. 

Key Benefits:

• Wide range of flavours ranging from chicken meal and turkey, chicken liver, chicken fat, or beef, to exotic meat protein like rabbit, lamb tripe, turkey, salmon, and kangaroo
• Big Country Raw diets are available in full meal dinners, pure ground real meat, signature blends, and their newest addition, Trek dehydrated diets
• All diets are suitable for all stages of life such as large breed or small breed adults or small breeds. 
• Kangaroo, sourced from Australia, is the only ingredient that is not sourced from Canada
• They provide support for rescues and working dog programs

Selection:

• Frozen raw
• Side dishes
• Raw bones

Sources: www.bigcountryraw.ca

To learn more about the Big Country Raw, check out our Complete Big Country Raw Buying Guide.

Bold Raw Dog Food

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. Bold Raw uses fresh ground real meat, meaty bones, tripe, organ, and kelp to ensure that all nutrients were as abundant and as natural as possible.

7 years later, they added the Mega Dog line to this restricted ingredient dog food without artificial flavours that accommodate the needs of larger breed dogs.

Replacing the tripe with fresh fruits and vegetables allowed them to offer the best affordable Canadian dog food feeding option for large breed puppy needs and multi-pet owner households. As one of the cheapest raw dog food options on this list, we highly recommend a trial run. 

Bold Raw is 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 to help your pet thrive.

Key Benefits:

• All Bold Raw and Mega Dog products are triple-ground to ensure consistency and make the diets suitable for dogs and cats of all ages, breeds, and sizes such as large breed and small breeds. 
• Tripe contains fish oil and digestive enzymes, probiotics, and omega fatty acids and is mineral-rich
• Bold Raw does not contain any by-products, leaving a very less glycemic diet, ideal for weight issues and digestive sensitivities
• Mega Dog is offered in larger bulk sizing and variety packs to allow for the best price points
• Mega Bold products use only a 7% produce content

Selection:

• Frozen raw
• Raw bones

Sources: www.boldraw.com

To learn more about feeding raw, check out Raw Dog Food for Beginners: Everything You Need to Know to Feed Your Dog Raw.

Boreal Dog Food

Boreal is produced by Lincoln Biotech, a family-owned company run by two brothers (one of whom is a veterinarian) with over 20 years of experience in the pet industry. Boreal's approach is to provide pets with diets similar to those of their ancestors. With grain free varieties, you’ll have plenty to pick between to find the perfect food for your furry friend. 

They produce pet food products that are high in simple meat protein (i.e. salmon, lamb, chicken, and turkey), low in starch, and rank low on the glycemic index in order to give dogs a more consistent source of energy.

If you are looking for the best dry dog foods in Canada or the United States, then Boreal might be just what you are looking for. Boreal aims to promote a healthy weight,  help dogs lose weight, decrease symptoms caused by food allergies, and encourage overall wellness in dogs.

Boreal grain free dog food formulas are produced in two different manufacturing facilities in Ontario, Canada to ensure food safety. 

Key Features:

• Grain-free, starches, cereals, added salt, and artificial colours
• Uses Western Canadian peas and Northern White Pea beans as less glycemic carbohydrate sources
• Rich in Omega 3. 
• Contains Zinpro, which is an organic zinc mineral supplement that is beneficial for dogs' skin and coat
• Source the majority of their ingredients, including beans, peas, and all meats, locally sourced from North America
• Contains probiotics to enhance digestion
• Ideal for large breed or small breed dogs. 
• Offers a blend of herbs, fruits, and vegetables to provide essential nutrients like antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals
• Boreal's canned dog foods contain 90% meat, chicken fat,  organ meat, and/or fish high in protein

Selection:

• Kibble
• Grain free  
• Canned food
• Treats

Sources: www.borealpetfood.com

Canada Fresh Dog Food

Canada Fresh is the newest Canadian dog food brand addition 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 Canadian pet food company offers grain free formulas

Canada Fresh is only offered in a wet raw food diet 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. 

They believe that not only should our pets be fed naturally but that with each can, they have a responsibility to give a little back to the earth. As part of their commitment to this cause, they are partnered with the Nature Conservancy of Canada, and 25 cents from every case sold goes towards the preservation and protection of Canada’s ecosystems.

Canada Fresh is made by Petkind in British Columbia. 

Key Benefits:

• All products are single-meat protein, except for their red meat formula
• Canada Fresh diets are made using 95% animal-based proteins and are both grain-free and potato-free
• All ingredients are sustainably sourced to limit the damaging effect that the pet industry has on the environment
• Voted one of the top 10 cat foods in North America
• Ideal for large breeds dogs or small breeds. 
• Canada Fresh diets are a restricted ingredient and are ideal for pet owners with allergies and sensitivities
• All formulas are suited for all dog breeds and considered a leading puppy food. 

Selection:

• Canned food

Sources: www.petkind.com

Canisource Dog Food

CaniSource produces raw dehydrated Canadian dog foods that use ingredients of human-grade quality and retain the maximum amount of nutrients possible through their slow, low-temperature dehydration process. They make two lines, Grand Cru and Homemade, using dehydration and low-temperature baking, respectively.

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. As the best dehydrated dog food Canada, Canisource lets you feed like kibble but better. It is a leading Canadian pet food. 

Canisource has been producing dehydrated Canadian pet food in Quebec for over 10 years.  

Key Features:

• The ingredients in Grand Cru formulas are preserved through a slow, low-temperature dehydration process
• Fresh, unprocessed meat remains the first ingredient, even after dehydration
• Rich in Omega 3 
• Grand Cru is offered in 4 flavours for dogs, all grain-free except for Red Meat
• Homemade diets are available in two flavours for dogs only
• The oven-baked morsels are more porous than extruded kibble, making them easier to chew and digest
• All ingredients are sourced within 45 minutes of the manufacturing plant, with the exception of rice
• Formulas are suitable for all breeds (large breed or small breed) and stages of life.
• Recipes are grain free. 

Selection:

• Dehydrated raw
• Oven-baked kibble

Sources: www.canisource.com

Carna4 Dog Food

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 chicken liver, helping their bodies get complete nourishment from their food. Carna4 is by far one of the best dry dog food in Canada and the United States.

This same principle is used to craft Carna4 dry dog food, delivering real nutrition from true food ingredients and minimal processing. Carna4 is the first pet food to use only natural food ingredients to exceed all AFFCO nutrient standards for Canadian pet food. It is rich in Omega 3. 

They like to call themselves the "un-kibble", due to the similarities to dehydrated food, in digestibility and nutrient profile. With ingredients like real fresh chicken and healthy grains - this is a great selection. They offer a variety of proteins and diet types, including the best dog food for small dogs Canada and the best senior dog food Canada, with their easy-chew formulas.

Carna4 is oven-baked Canadian dog food made in an EU-certified family-run bakery called Bio Biscuit Inc. in Quebec.

Key Benefits:

• Available in chicken, duck, or fish for dogs
• 90% of the meat protein comes from animal ingredients and sprouted seeds
• Sprouted seeds contain highly digestible nutrients, probiotics, and antioxidants
• Very nutrient-dense dry dog food, leading to smaller feeding guidelines
• Kibble is baked at the lowest allowable temperature to retain freshness, palatability, and maximum nutrition
• Suited for all breeds and stages of life
• A great alternative to raw for dog owners looking for a less cumbersome feeding format

Selection:

• Oven-baked kibble
• Meal topper
• Dog Treats

Sources: www.Carna4.com

Carnivora Dog Food

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. Carnivora has developed a wide range of whole animal carcass diets in patty form for dogs and cats and is considered by many as the best raw food Canada.

Carnivora patties include almost the entire animal meat protein source, excluding parts such as feathers, intestines, hooves, horns, and bladder. They also offer whole raw meat bones (chicken necks and chicken backs), which are great for smaller dogs. The foods contain Omega 3 which is beneficial for pets of all life stages. 

Carnivora dog food brand  is manufactured by Riverine Open Farm Ltd. in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

Key Benefits:

• Uses a variety of high-quality, all-natural animal meat protein sources, including  lamb, turkey, beef, duck, rabbit, chicken fat,  chicken, organ meat, and red meat. 
• Almost the entire animal is used in the patties, excluding parts such as intestines, bladders, feathers, hooves, and horns
• Most of their formulas are strictly whole animal carcass diets in patty form, called diets, but some include 5% fruit and vegetables, called dinners
• Suitable for large breed or small breed dogs. 
• Diets are often ideal for pets with allergies and sensitivities and can be customized to suit individual dog's needs
• Sources their ingredients from "small scale, Canadian establishments that follow holistic management and feeding practices.” 

Selection:

• Frozen raw Canadian dog food
• Raw treats
• Supplements

Sources: www.carnivora.ca

To learn more about feeding raw, check out Raw Dog Food for Beginners: Everything You Need to Know to Feed Your Dog Raw.

First Mate Dog Food

FirstMate Pet Foods is a family-owned and operated dog food manufacturer that began in 1989. Originally, the mission of the company was to make high-quality, fish-based Canadian dog food to keep dogs from eating the fish feed on salmon oil open farms.

Since then, it has developed into a global company that offers a variety of foods to meet the nutritional dog's needs in all walks of life. Quality control is assured with each of their products. You'll find a variety of diets, including grain-free and grain inclusive, as well as some of the best canned dog food Canada. Many are a rich source of Omega 3. 

FirstMate foods are produced in a modern facility that they own in Chilliwack, British Columbia.

Key Features:

• Offers several grain-free formulas, grain-free Canadian dry dog food and grain-friendly lines
• Simple, limited-ingredient, grain-free dog food and grain-friendly formulas
• Contains high-quality protein sources, such as free-run chicken and turkey and wild-caught salmon meal and tuna, that are all regionally sourced (except for the lamb red meat, organ meat, which is from Australia)
• The classic line of foods is free of corn, soy, and wheat and are all single protein choices
• Suitable for large breed or small breed dogs. 
• Using a unique vacuum infusion system, healthy fats are applied after extrusion to ensure consistency and potency, leaving their diets nutrient-dense
• Canned diets are made with human-grade ingredients and are free of gums and artificial preservatives

Selection:

• Kibble
• Canned Canadian dog food
• Treats

Sources: FirstMate

Gather Dog Food

Gather was designed to focus on environmentally sustainable, cruelty-free formulas for dog owners who really wanna feel good about what they feed their pets. All gathered products are GMO-free, certified organic, and hormone and antibiotic-free to create leading dry dog food. 

Their suppliers face a fierce vetting process to ensure that they meet the stringent standards of the Gather philosophy. They strive to follow humane animal welfare practices, protect the water supply and limit water use, and ensure the preservation of natural resources and biodiversity.

Gather is functional, whole food from the earth and ocean with nothing added that's not needed. It may be a small line, but Gather offers the best vegan dog food Canada and the best organic dog food Canada. 

All Gather formula low-carb Canadian dog food is produced in Ontario, Canada.

Key Benefits:

• Meets are humanely, ethically, and sustainably sourced
• Offered in three flavours: Cod, Chicken, and their popular vegan formula for dogs
• Not all stages, suitable only for an adult dog
• Gather is one of the highest quality best vegan Canadian dog food and the best kibble for dogs on the market in part because of the philosophy of the dog foods but also due to the higher quality ingredients and exclusion of high glycemic fillers
• Even their packaging is Eco-friendly, using 30% plant-based bag material from sugarcane, a renewable raw material (For every 16 lbs bag, the equivalent to 4 lbs bags worth of petroleum-based material is saved)

Selection:

• Kibble

Sources: www.petcurean.com

go! Solutions Dog Food

go! Solutions! Dog food 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.

Their formulas contain named meat meals (high-quality, concentrated protein sources) to help your dog get more essential nutrients from a smaller amount of food. They offer a variety of limited-ingredient diets with the intent of finding food that suits even the pickiest of eaters, which is why go Solutions! might just be the best dry dog food in Canada.

Key Features:

• • High protein, low carbohydrate diets
  • Many restricted ingredient diets for dogs with sensitive stomachs & allergies
  • Offers whole grain and grain-free dog food options (no wheat or rice protein concentrate) 
  • All meat proteins, grains, cereals, fruits, and vegetables are sourced from farmers and ranchers in North America, except for pasture-raised lamb and grass-fed venison (sourced from Australia and New Zealand)
  • Uses fresh meats and named meat meals (a very concentrated source of quality protein) 
  • Provides formulas for each life stage (Puppy, Adult Dog, Senior Dog) and All
    Stages options 

Selection:

• • Kibble
  • Canned food
  • Tetra packs
  • Freeze-dried meal mixers

Sources: Petcurean

Horizon Dog Food

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.

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 the best grain free dog food Canada at economic prices.

Horizon Pet Nutrition is a family-owned and operated company that manufactures its grain free food from its own facility in Rosthern, Saskatchewan.

Key Features:

• 50%+ animal protein inclusion, up to 81%
• Horizon offers 4 lines to let you choose the diet that best suits your unique pet:
• Complete - Horizon's flagship grain-inclusive low glycemic formula, designed to meet the needs of each life stage, breed size, and weight
• Legacy - a high-protein, grain-free option designed to meet the needs of a carnivore, with the highest red meat inclusion and protein content in the brand
• Amicus - the best small grain free dog food Canada, offering a grain-free, small-bite option that is suited for the fast metabolism of little dogs
• Pulsar - a limited ingredient, single protein line that is suited for dogs with allergies and sensitivities
• Pre and probiotics are added to all formulas to ensure proper digestion and nutrient absorption

Selection:

• Kibble recipes 
• Grain Free 

Sources: www.horizonpetfood.com

Hurraw Dog Food

Hurraw dehydrated dog food uses fresh, human-grade ingredients to produce a raw diet in a simple-to-feed format. It’s ideal for raw feeders looking for a less cumbersome format but still wish to feed premium quality food.

Over 14 years of working with dehydrated dog foods helped Hurraw create a hybrid process between freeze-drying and dehydration, making them one of the best dehydrated dog food in Canada.

Their low-temperature dehydration system retains more nutrients than typical dehydration techniques while still crafting a ready-to-serve, highly digestible food that is beneficial for heart conditions, digestion and joints. 

Hurraw is made in Quebec, Canada

Key Benefits:

• Available in 3 flavors for dogs: turkey meal, pork meal, and fish
• The cost per feeding is considerably lower than most dehydrated diets
• All ingredients are 100% human-grade
• Suitable for large breed or small breed dogs. 
• Hurraw is suitable for all breeds and stages of life

Selection:

• Dehydrated raw

Sources: www.hurraw.ca

K-9 Choice Dog Food

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. What's the best raw dog food in Canada? That's for you to judge, but K-9 Choice definitely makes our list.

K9 Choice products were inspired by the desire to provide a complete, wholesome raw food diet to dogs, especially those whose lives are compromised due to a terminal condition or illness. K-9 Choice products meet government inspection, and the ingredients are of human-grade quality. 

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. To accommodate food for small breeds and puppies, K-9 Choice produces a triple ground full meal option that is portioned into 1-ounce cubes. 

K-9 Choice dog food operates its 10,000 sq. ft. facility in Tofield, Alberta.

Key Features:

• Grain-free, which makes them easily digestible for most dogs
• Ideal for dogs with allergies or food sensitivities
• K-9 Choice products act as a natural toothbrush, preventing the buildup of plaque and tartar in dogs' mouths
• Many of the ready-to-serve meals and meat formulas include offal and finely-ground bone for added essential nutrients
• Use a variety of animal protein sources - free chicken, pasture-raised Alberta beef, buffalo, pasture-fed llama, and now kangaroo and rabbit. 
• Suitable for large breed or small breed dogs. 
• Fresh, locally-sourced seasonal vegetables are used in their ready-to-serve meals

Selection:

• Frozen raw dog food
• Raw bones
• Raw treats

Sources: www.k9choicefoods.com

Kasiks Dog Food

Kasiks is a brand from FirstMate Foods (parent company), a family-owned and operated pet food manufacturer that began in 1989. Originally, the mission of the company was to make high-quality, fish-based dog food to keep dogs from eating the fish feed on salmon meal open farms. Since then, it has developed into a global company that offers a variety of dog foods to meet the nutritional needs of pets in all walks of life.

Quality control is assured with each of the products that are produced. Kasiks is suitable for all pets but is ideal for allergies and digestive issues due to its single protein, restricted ingredient format. Kasiks is the best limited ingredient dog food Canada, offering both premium dog kibble and canned diets for dogs and cats.

Kasik's dog foods are produced in a modern facility that they own in Chilliwack, British Columbia. 

Key Benefits:

• Offered in both kibble and canned formats
• Unique Grub (Yep, that means bugs!) formula for dog owners needing low-fat, or exotic proteins
• Using a unique vacuum infusion system, vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats are applied after extrusion to ensure consistency and potency, leaving their diets nutrient-dense
• Canned diets are made with human-grade ingredients and are free of gums and artificial preservatives
• Cans are Epoxy free
• Suitable for large breed or small breed dogs.
• Kasik diets are designed to be less glycemic and ideal for managing weight and energy

Selection:

• Kibble recipes 
• Canned Canadian dog food

Sources: www.firstmate.com

Legacy Pet 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.

Legacy raw dog foods are actually some of the best hypoallergenic dog foods Canada. Legacy single-protein diets, limited ingredients, and minimal processing make these diets suitable for both allergies and sensitive stomachs. 

Legacy Dog Foods is committed to only using meats that have been government-inspected and are of human-grade quality. Their animal protein sources are fresh and free and do not contain added hormones or antibiotics. In addition, the vegetables such as sweet potato and fruits used in their products are not dehydrated or frozen - they are ground in their fresh, natural form to provide optimal nutritional value.

Legacy Dog Foods operates out of its own facility near Edmonton, Alberta.

Key Features:

• Contains human-grade, government-inspected meat that is fresh, range-fed, and free of hormones and antibiotics
• Dinner formulas include 10 fresh, wholesome fruits and vegetables from British Columbia - carrots, broccoli, green beans, green peas, sweet potatoes, pumpkin meal, apples, blueberries, cranberries, and cantaloupe 
• Dinner formulas contain whole carcass animal proteins, including meat, organs, and bones
• Suitable for large breed or small breed dogs. 
• A small selection of raw meaty bones is also available
• The newest addition, the variety pack, offers an option for rotational feeders, picky pets, and those looking to incorporate red meats at a more affordable cost

Selection:

• Frozen raw food
• Raw bones and treats

Sources: Legacy Pet Foods

Now Fresh Dog Food

Now Fresh is made by Petcurean - an independently-owned Canadian dog food manufacturer founded in 1999. Now Fresh uses a variety of 100% market-fresh meat and fish protein sources, including turkey meal, salmon, lamb, and duck, and combines them with fresh fruits, vegetables like sweet potato, and botanicals to create formulas that suit dogs according to their breed, life stage, and individual dietary requirements.

Many pet parents are looking for the best grain-free dog food Canada, and Now Fresh delivers a complete line of diets for large breeds, small breeds, seniors, and even allergies and sensitivities.  They offer real meat ingredients in all of their recipes. 

All Now Fresh grain free formulas are manufactured in Ontario and are free of grains, meat, and by-products.

Key Features:

• All meat proteins, grains, cereals, fruits, and vegetables are sourced from farmers and ranchers in North America, except for pasture-raised lamb and grass-fed venison (sourced from Australia and New Zealand) 
• All food recipes are free of grains, gluten, wheat, beef, fresh chicken, corn, and soy 
• Uses 100% market-fresh meats (turkey meal, salmon, duck, etc.) and no meat meals or by-products 
• Suitable for large breed or small breed dogs. 
• Formulas contain fresh Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids in the form of coconut, canola, and vegetables 
• Contains a variety of fruits, vegetables, and herbs, including spinach, cranberries, lentils, carrots, peas, chamomile, pumpkin, and peppermint 
• Offers specific formulas for your dog's life stage and/or breed size 

Selection:

• Kibble recipes 
• Tetra packs
• Grain free

Sources: Petcurean

Nutram Dog Food

Nutram takes a holistic approach to fulfill the nutritional requirements of dogs and cats and comes highly recommended by dog food advisor Canada. All of their dog foods contain natural grain inclusive ingredients and are preserved naturally. The grain inclusive recipes contain a blend of real, deboned meats (i.e. salmon, chicken, and lamb) and fresh produce to maintain the optimal function of your dog's digestive system.

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. And if you are looking for the best grain inclusive dog food Canada, then check out the Nutram Sound line which may earn them a spot as a leading food choice.  

A grain inclusive diet includes a variety of healthy, wholesome grains for your pet. Common grain inclusive recipes include: wheat, corn, rye, soy, and more.  They also use real meat ingredients and vegetables like sweet potato. 

Nutram is produced by Elmira Pet Products (EPP), a private Canadian pet wellness company that began in Elmira, Ontario, almost 100 years ago and has produced pet food products for over 30 years. 

Key Features:

• Three different formula lines: Nutram Sound Balanced Wellness - suitable for all life stages; Nutram Ideal Solution Support - formulas for specific health concerns & heart conditions (i.e weight control; sensitive skin and stomach); Nutram Total Grain-Free - low-glycemic carbohydrate alternatives (chickpeas, lentils, green peas), grain-free formulas 
• Recipes use real, deboned animal meat - chicken, salmon, trout, and lamb - both fresh and in meal form 
• Suitable for large breed or small breed dogs
• Provides a variety of fresh produce, including apples, carrots, pumpkin, pomegranate, cranberries, butternut squash, kale, and broccoli, to create nutritionally balanced food recipes
• Free of corn, wheat, soy, potatoes, and hormones 
• Optimum Combinations - various combinations of two ingredients that are paired to provide a certain benefit (i.e. pomegranate and turmeric are paired to boost immunity) 

Selection:

• Kibble recipes 
• Canned Canadian dog food

Sources: Nutram

Orijen Dog Food

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 brands. Orijen uses a combination of fresh, regionally sourced ingredients from Canadian farmers and fishers to make food that is biologically appropriate for dogs. For those wondering, when it comes to Orijen Canadian dog food vs USA - there is no difference!

Widely considered the best dry high fiber 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 - rich in a variety of protein sources. Orijen's original formulas are cooked at low temperatures (90 C/195 F) in order to preserve as much flavour and nutrient content as possible.  Their superior food may earn them the top spot on just about any leading dog food list. 

Orijen all kibble products are a part of Champion Canadian dog food (parent company). The pet foods' are prepared in the company’s award-winning kitchen in Morinville, Alberta, and freeze-dried foods and treats in their kitchen-like production facility in Ontario.  

ACANA is Orijen’s sister brand. 

Key Features:

• Biologically Appropriate Formulas - 75 - 80% meat, 20 - 25% fruits, vegetables & botanicals, 0% grains, potato & tapioca
• High Meat Content Whole Prey Diet: incorporate nutrient-rich fresh meats, cartilage, marrow, chicken meal, and organs in amounts that mimic diets in the wild
• Fresh, regional, human-grade ingredients - cage-free poultry, nest-laid eggs, wild-caught fish, ranch-raised meats - delivered fresh to their own kitchen daily
• Never outsourced Formulas include a variety of meats - Free-Run Cobb Chicken, Free-Run Turkey, Nest-Laid Eggs, Pork Meal, Heritage Pork meal, Alberta Lamb, Free-Range Wild Boar, Free-Ranged Bison, Free-Ranged Black Angus Beef, Freshwater Fish, Saltwater Fish
• Low-carbohydrate and low-glycemic formulas
• Topped off with whole fruits, vegetables, and botanicals, including Red Delicious apples, beet pulp, Bartlett pears, cranberries, blueberries, butternut squash, whole carrots, spinach greens
• Completely free of antibiotics, hormones, and GMO ingredients
• Great for dogs of all activity levels
• All freeze-dried products are first flash-frozen to preserve nutrients and flavour and then slowly freeze-dried at extremely low temperatures (-50 C)
• Orijen original freeze-dried is made into medallions for convenient feeding, treating, or meal topper

Selection:

• Kibble recipes 
• Freeze-dried raw
• Treats

Sources: Orijen

Petkind Dog Food

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. 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.

Petkind sources almost all of its ingredients in Canada, with the exception of lamb tripe from New Zealand and fresh fruits and vegetables like sweet potato from the USA in their dog food recipes that provide many health benefits. 

Petkind is independently-owned and has been producing dog food product lines in British Columbia since 2001. 

Key Features:

• All food recipes contain green tripe, which has lots of health benefits for dogs in all life stages
• Great for picky eaters and active dogs
• Offers a variety of protein sources, including beef tripe, bison tripe, wild salmon, lamb tripe,  chicken meal, and venison tripe
• Loaded with essential fatty acids. 
• Suitable for large breed or small breed dogs. 
• Free of corn, soy, grains, wheat, beet pulp, and potatoes
• "That's It" canned recipes contain green tripe along with other gourmet protein sources, combined with sweet potato and boosted with acai berry for antioxidants
• All Tripe Dry options have tripe as the first ingredient. Many ingredient options are available for dogs with sensitivities

Selection:

• Kibble recipes 
• Canned Canadian dog food
• Treats

Sources: www.petkind.com

Pets Go Raw Dog Food

Pets Go Raw has been producing and selling frozen raw pet food commercially for over 10 years and has become one of the leading dog food brands. Pets Go Raw uses only human-grade meats, fruits, and vegetables to create high-quality frozen raw dog formulas that are both easy to feed and very digestible.  Human grade foods are considered safe for human consumption. 

Pets Go Raw makes our list of the best frozen raw dog food Canada. The majority of their formulas contain a single animal protein source, which is ideal for elimination diets and dogs with food allergies or sensitivities.  

Pets Go Raw product lines are processed and manufactured by Top Hand Supplies Ltd., which is located in Cranbrook, British Columbia. 

Key Features:

• Easy-to-feed patties and sausages
• Provides full meals and combinations of meat with fruit and vegetables (all of which are 75% meat and 25% produce), as well as ground meat-only formulas
• Offers a variety of high-quality animal protein sources, including fresh chicken meal, beef, open farm fresh eggs, turkey, bison, lamb, goat, salmon, and rabbit
• Variety pack designed for rotational feeders and customized diets
• Single-source protein formulas work well for dogs with food sensitivities and allergies
• Many formulas include finely ground bone and a variety of beneficial organs
• Suitable for dogs of all life stages such as adult dogs, seniors or puppies. 

Selection:

• Frozen raw food
• Raw bones

Sources: www.petsgoraw.ca

To learn more about feeding raw, check out Raw Dog Food for Beginners: Everything You Need to Know to Feed Your Dog Raw.

Smack Dog Food

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.

Smack is the best dehydrated dog food Canada because they make use of whole superfoods and organic ingredients and leave out grains and unnecessary fillers. Plus, dogs can't resist the delicious flavour!  Why not see what your best friend thinks about the food?  Most adult dogs love it! 

Smack Pet Food is a leading pet food manufacturer that has produced raw dehydrated foods in their own facility in Winnipeg, Manitoba, since 2008. 

Key Features:

• Ingredients are sourced regionally
• Protein options include fresh chicken meal, salmon, rockfish, herring, and their newest addition, pork meal
• Food recipes are appropriate for all dog breeds and life stages 
• Restricted ingredient lists make these formulas easy to digest and good for picky eaters
• Crafted into crunchy, bite-sized portions that can be fed best dry dog food like kibble or rehydrated with warm water
• Smack is nutrient-dense and fully digestible

Selection:

• Dehydrated raw

Sources: www.smackpetfood.com

Taiga Dog Food

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.

It's the best affordable dog food Canada, offering both grain-free and grain-inclusive diets. Their single-protein diets are suitable for dogs with food allergies and sensitive digestion. 

Taiga is made by Horizon champion pet foods, a family-owned and operated company that manufactures from its own facility in Rosthern, Saskatchewan. They offer a diverse array of dog food recipes. 

Key Benefits:

• Economy-priced, premium pet food, ideal for feeding multiple pets or larger breeds
• Offered in two single protein flavours - Chicken meal or Pork
• Low glycemic index and grain-free to accommodate weight management and digestion.
• Open farm ingredients. 
• Pre and probiotics are added to further support digestion
• 50% meat inclusion ensures that animal protein provides ample amino acids and minerals

Selection:

• Kibble recipes 

Sources:  www.horizonpetfood.com

Tripett

Tripett is a line of canned tripe meal supplements produced by Petkind. Tripe is a digestive and nutritional aid that can be fed as part of a complete diet and a meal topper. It's an especially popular dog food for picky pets, despite the unappealing smell.

Tripett is 100% pure canned tripe with no added carbohydrates or preservatives. Petkind sources all of its ingredients from North America, and New Zealand, using only green, unbleached, and minimally processed tripe. 

Petkind is independently-owned and has been producing dog food in British Columbia, Canada, since 2001.

 Key Benefits:

• Excellent digestive aid can be combined with any other type of diet
• Ideal for picky eaters, as a treat or meal topper
• Available in a variety of flavours, including 4 single protein options
• Novel protein options like venison and bison are offered and ideal for food allergy sufferers
• Tripe is rich in omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, aiding in skin + coat health

Selection:

• Canned food

Sources: www.petkind.com

Zeal Dog Food

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. These are the best dog food recipes for pet owners seeking raw foods. 

This best air dried dog food Canada sources all of its ingredients from Canada, with the exception of their salmon, which is sourced from Alaska and processed in Canada. Like a dehydrated diet, air-dried foods provide raw nutrition that can be fed like kibble. 

Zeal Foods are produced by the Canadian Jerky Company in their 40,000 square foot facility in British Columbia. The brand was just established in 2018. 

Key Benefits:

• Compared to many air-dried foods on the market, Zeal offers an economic price point
• Perfect for dogs of all activity levels. 
• Bamboo Fibre is added to help the food retain moisture in the food and is a natural dietary source of fibre to aid in digestion
• Grain, gluten, and produce-free, making it very low glycemic and high in protein
• Hemp oil is used to provide fatty acids and antioxidants
• Concentrated, nutrient-dense, and highly digestible diets

Selection:

• Air-dried raw
• Grain free 

Sources:  www.zealpetfood.ca

Best Dog Food Canada FAQs

Is Acana Still Made in Canada?

Yes. All Canadian Acana products are still sourced and manufactured in Canada from the North Star Kitchens in Alberta, Canada. Acana products sold in the US are manufactured in their Dog Star Kitchen in Kentucky.

Why is Canadian Dog Food Better?

As Canadians, we might be a little biased, but we love a good Canadian product. The biggest reason that Canadian foods are the best is because of the premium quality ingredients we grow and raise right here in Canada.  When picking a Canadian dog food, always consider ingredient quality.  Some foods use coconut oil and others do not. 

What is the Best Dog Food You Can Buy in Canada?

The best dog food 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!  Contact a dog food advisor to learn more. Always stay current on any dog food recall problems. 

Why Pick a Grain Free Canada Dog Food?

Grain-free dog food has become a popular choice among dog owners for several reasons. One of the main reasons is that some dogs may have dietary sensitivities or allergies to grains like wheat, corn, or soy. By opting for grain-free dog food, your dog might not experience an adverse reaction to the food. 

Grain-free dog food often contains easily digestible ingredients such as high-quality meats, vegetables, and fruits. These ingredients are gentle on the digestive system, making it easier for dogs to break them down and absorb the essential nutrients. 

Many believe a grain free diet is better if your pet has heart disease. 

Also, grain-free dog food has a higher protein content.  Which is ideal for a large breed puppy.  Most grain-free formulas prioritize animal proteins as the primary source, which are essential for building and maintaining strong muscles. 

Weight management is another aspect where grain-free dog food may be beneficial. Some grain-free formulas are designed with lower carbohydrate content, which can help dogs maintain a healthy weight or manage weight-related issues. Ingredient quality is crucial for weight management. 

Can I Bring Dog Food into Canada?

In short, yes, you can bring dog food recipes into Canada. However, it must be done in limited qualities of 40kg that you purchase from pet stores or some retailers. Check with the Canadian Border Agencies website or call to find out if any restrictions may affect whether your dog's diet is allowed into the country. 

Travelling to the US with dog food has some rules too. Foods need to be shelf-stable and a product of the USA. This means no raw, dehydrated, or refrigerated diets. Even if the brand is sold in both Canada and the US, if the food is not a product of the USA, you probably won't get it into the country. 

Though we proudly recommend any of these Canadian-made foods, we know that there are many great brands from all over the world. Find the one that's right for your dog - as well as where to buy the best dry dog food in Canada, among many others! Always take the time to read the dog food reviews of each food. Dog food reviews are a great indicator of quality.  Reach out to us to talk to our dog food advisor.

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What's your favourite Canadian Dog Food? Let us know in the comments below!