Login

  • Feb 7, 2025

The Top 19 Best Canadian-Made Dog Foods

  • Valley Canine
  • 0 comments

At Valley Canine Training, we believe that a happy and healthy dog starts with a proper diet. As pet owners, we want to provide our furry friends with the best nutrition possible, and choosing high-quality dog food is a crucial part of that process. Canada is home to some fantastic dog food brands that prioritize quality ingredients, ethical sourcing, and the overall well-being of our pets. In this blog post, we’ll explore the top Canadian-made dog foods that you can feel good about feeding to your canine companion.

100% Canadian-Owned Dog Food Brands (As of February 2025)

1. Petcurean

  • Brands: GO! Solutions, Now Fresh

  • Ownership: Petcurean is a Canadian company based in Chilliwack, British Columbia.

  • Ingredient Sourcing: Uses high-quality proteins and fresh produce, sourcing ingredients from local Canadian farms when possible.

  • Support for Canada: Petcurean's commitment to local sourcing and manufacturing supports Canadian agriculture and the economy.

2. Horizon Pet Nutrition

  • Ownership: Horizon is a Canadian-owned company located in Saskatchewan.

  • Ingredient Sourcing: Focuses on using Canadian-sourced ingredients, including local grains and proteins.

  • Support for Canada: By sourcing and producing locally, Horizon supports Canadian farmers and the local economy.

3. Nutrience

  • Ownership: Nutrience is a Canadian brand under Hagen Group, a family-owned company headquartered in Quebec.

  • Ingredient Sourcing: Sources high-quality proteins and other ingredients, with an emphasis on Canadian suppliers.

  • Support for Canada: Nutrience's operations and sourcing practices contribute to the Canadian economy.

4. Performatrin Ultra

  • Ownership: Performatrin is a house brand of Pet Valu, a Canadian specialty retailer.

  • Ingredient Sourcing: Specific sourcing details are limited, but they emphasize high-quality ingredients.

  • Support for Canada: As a Canadian retailer's brand, Performatrin Ultra supports the local economy.

5. True Leaf Pet

  • Ownership: True Leaf Pet is a Canadian company specializing in hemp-based pet products.

  • Ingredient Sourcing: Focuses on functional ingredients, including hemp and superfoods, sourced from reputable suppliers.

  • Support for Canada: True Leaf Pet's practices support Canadian agriculture and the economy.

6. Canadian Naturals

  • Ownership: Canadian Naturals is a brand under Elmira Pet Products, a Canadian-owned company based in Elmira, Ontario.

  • Ingredient Sourcing: Focuses on using locally sourced ingredients to ensure quality and freshness.

  • Support for Canada: By sourcing and manufacturing within Canada, Canadian Naturals supports local farmers and the national economy.

7. Inukshuk

  • Ownership: Produced by Corey Nutrition Company, a family-owned Canadian business located in Fredericton, New Brunswick.

  • Ingredient Sourcing: Utilizes high-quality, locally sourced ingredients suitable for active and working dogs.

  • Support for Canada: Inukshuk's operations bolster the Canadian economy through local employment and ingredient sourcing.

8. Red Leaf

  • Ownership: Red Leaf Pet Foods is a Canadian-owned company dedicated to producing natural pet foods.

  • Ingredient Sourcing: Emphasizes the use of Canadian-sourced meats and grains in their formulations.

  • Support for Canada: Red Leaf supports Canadian agriculture by partnering with local farmers and suppliers.

9. Barker's

  • Ownership: Barker's is a Canadian brand committed to providing high-quality pet foods.

  • Ingredient Sourcing: Prioritizes sourcing ingredients from Canadian farms to ensure freshness and quality.

  • Support for Canada: Barker's contributes to the local economy by supporting Canadian agriculture and manufacturing.

10. Canada Fresh

  • Ownership: Canada Fresh is a brand under PetKind, a Canadian-owned and operated company.

  • Ingredient Sourcing: Focuses on using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, including Canadian meats and fish.

  • Support for Canada: By sourcing and producing their products in Canada, Canada Fresh supports local industries and the economy.

11-19: Additional Canadian Brands

  • Culinary

  • Lifetime

  • Lovibles

  • Smack

  • Summit

  • Tripett

  • Open Farm

  • Boreal Pet Foods

  • FirstMate

The Importance of Transitioning Your Dog’s Food Slowly

If you decide to switch your dog's food, it's crucial to do so gradually over 7–10 days to avoid digestive upset. A sudden change in diet can lead to stomach issues such as diarrhea, vomiting, or loss of appetite. To transition properly:

  1. Start by mixing 25% new food with 75% current food for the first 2–3 days.

  2. Gradually increase the new food to 50% while reducing the current food over the next few days.

  3. After about a week, switch to 75% new food, and finally 100% new food by days 9–10.

  4. Monitor your dog for any signs of digestive issues and adjust the transition period if needed.

When NOT to Change Your Dog’s Food

While finding a high-quality, Canadian-made food is great, some dogs have medical conditions or dietary needs that require them to stay on a specific food, even if it is not Canadian-made. If your dog is on a prescription diet or has food allergies, sensitivities, or other health concerns, always consult with your veterinarian before making any changes. In some cases, sticking to a vet-recommended formula is the best choice for your dog’s long-term health.

At Valley Canine Training, we recommend working closely with your veterinarian to determine the best dietary options for your dog's specific needs. A proper diet, combined with training and socialization, will contribute to a happy, healthy, and well-balanced dog.

🐾 Happy feeding! 🐾

Note: Champion Petfoods, the producer of Orijen and Acana, was acquired by Mars Petcare in 2022, making it no longer 100% Canadian-owned.

If we have missed a food that is from a 100% Canadian company, please let us know and we will add it to our list.

Sources:

Our Little Compions: "25 Top Canadian Dog Food Brands" (ourlittlecompanioncom)

PangoVet: "15 Lgest Pet Food Manufacturerin Canada (Updated in 2025)" (pgovet.com)

These sources provide detailed information on Canadian dog food brands, their ownership, ingredient sourcing, and their contributions to the Canadian economy.

0 comments

Sign upor login to leave a comment