Best Canadian Pet Food Brands; From A Pet Nutritionist

In early 2025, the United States, under President Donald Trump, imposed significant tariffs on imports from Canada, Mexico, and China. Specifically, a 25% tariff was levied on Canadian and Mexican goods, while Chinese products faced a 10% tariff. These measures were justified by the U.S. administration as necessary for national security and addressing issues like illegal immigration and fentanyl trafficking.

In response, Canada announced retaliatory tariffs targeting U.S. goods, focusing on products from Republican-leaning states and allies of President Trump. The list of 1,256 items includes food, agriculture, textiles, and furniture, with energy and technology products notably excluded. This strategic move aims to exert political pressure within the U.S. by impacting key industries in supportive regions.

As of February 4, 2025, the Canadian government has imposed a surtax on certain U.S. goods in direct response to the U.S. tariffs on Canadian products. The specific goods affected by this surtax have been outlined by Finance Canada.

These developments have significant implications for Canadian consumers, particularly in sectors like pet food. The imposition of tariffs can lead to increased costs for imported pet food products, prompting consumers to consider domestic alternatives.

Impact on Pet Food

The imposition of tariffs on U.S. goods by Canada is likely to affect the pet food industry in several ways:

1. Price Increases: Imported pet food from the U.S. may become more expensive due to the added tariffs, leading to higher retail prices for consumers.
2. Supply Chain Adjustments: Retailers might reduce their inventory of U.S.-sourced pet foods, opting to stock more Canadian-made products to avoid tariff-related costs.
3. Consumer Shifts: Pet owners may begin to favor Canadian brands, not only due to potential cost savings but also to support local businesses during this trade dispute.

Comparing Canadian and American Pet Food

When evaluating pet food from Canadian and American manufacturers, several factors come into play:

1. Ingredient Sourcing:
   • Canadian Brands: Often emphasize locally sourced, high-quality ingredients. Brands like FirstMate and NutriCanine highlight their use of fresh, regional ingredients from Canadian farmers and fishermen.
   • American Brands: The U.S. has a vast agricultural sector, and many American pet food companies source ingredients both domestically and internationally. The quality and sourcing transparency can vary widely among brands.
2. Manufacturing Standards:
   • Canadian Brands: Canada has stringent regulations for pet food production, ensuring high safety and quality standards.
   • American Brands: The U.S. also maintains rigorous standards, but the larger number of manufacturers can lead to variability in adherence and quality control.
3. Brand Reputation and Recalls:
   • Canadian Brands: Generally, Canadian pet food brands have experienced fewer recalls, which can be attributed to stringent quality controls and smaller production scales.
   • American Brands: Some large-scale American brands have faced recalls in the past, underscoring the importance of consumers staying informed about product safety.

Canadian Pet Food Brands Exempt from Tariffs

Opting for Canadian-made pet foods can be a practical way to avoid tariff-induced price hikes. Here are some notable Canadian pet food brands:

Acana & Orijen

While these brands are owned by US based company, Mars inc, it is produced under the brand Champion Petfoods, which manufactures in Alberta.

Smack Pet Foods

Based in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Smack produces dehydrated raw foods using organic, human-grade ingredients.

Carna4

Known for its synthetic-free recipes, Carna4 uses sprouted seeds and fresh meats to create nutrient-dense foods.

Horizon

A family-owned company from Saskatchewan, Horizon offers grain-free diets using locally sourced ingredients. Their brands include: Pulsar, Legacy and Taiga.

Zeal Canada

Specializing in air-dried dog food, Zeal uses natural ingredients without artificial fillers or preservatives.

PetKind

Based in British Columbia, PetKind is known for incorporating green tripe into its formulas, promoting digestive health.

Nutrience

A Canadian brand offering a variety of formulas, including grain-free and limited ingredient diets, suitable for different life stages and dietary needs.

NOW Fresh

Provides grain-free recipes made with 100% fresh meats and a balanced blend of fruits and vegetables.

GO! Solutions

Offers limited ingredient diets tailored for pets with specific dietary needs, focusing on single protein sources and digestive health.

Boréal

Grain-free and limited-ingredient diets using Canadian-sourced meats and fish.

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FirstMate & Kasiks

Family-owned brand specializing in high-quality, single-protein dry and canned foods.

Lifetime

Affordable, all-life-stage pet foods made with locally sourced ingredients.

Red Dog Blue Kat

Premium raw pet food company focusing on species-appropriate diets.

Valens Pet Nutrition

Locally sourced, grain-free pet food inspired by farm-to-bowl nutrition.

Amore Pet Foods

Small-batch, locally sourced pet food based in British Columbia.

Big Country Raw

Popular raw pet food brand offering balanced, high-quality raw diets.

Earth Options by Pets 1st

Canadian-made pet food with holistic, natural ingredients.

Faim Museau

Quebec-based raw pet food company focused on biologically appropriate diets.

Iron Will Raw

Premium raw food brand with balanced formulations and high-quality proteins.

Nature’s Logic Canada

Offers minimally processed, whole-food-based pet nutrition.

Open Farm

While American owned, open farm manufactures some of their products in Canada.

Tom & Sawyer

Toronto-based company specializing in gently cooked, nutritionally balanced meals.

NutriCanine

Fresh-cooked, customized dog food made with human-grade ingredients.

Tilted Barn & Farm Fresh Pet Foods

Gently cooked pet food focusing on Canadian prairie ingredients.

Lucky Dog Cuisine

Small-batch, gently cooked dog food using organic and grass-fed meats.

Dog Standards

Ontario-based fresh-cooked pet food brand with grain-free and whole food recipes.

Nutram

Specializes in using high-quality, natural ingredients to create nutritious and delicious dog food.

Canadian Naturals

A well-known Canadian brand offering high-quality, gently cooked pet food with locally sourced ingredients.

Wholesome Blend

Based in Ontario, offers grain-free and limited ingredient recipes for optimal pet health.

Loyall

Offers veterinarian-formulated recipes made with high-quality ingredients, promoting pets’ overall health and vitality.

Natural Balance

Offers a range of cooked and fresh options made with premium, balanced ingredients.

Pura Vita

Provides fresh, minimally processed meals for pets with a focus on natural nutrition.

Pet Nutritionist’s Advice: Navigating Tariffs and Choosing the Best Pet Food

As a certified companion animal nutritionist with years of experience working with both pet owners and pet food companies, I understand the unique challenges pet parents face when it comes to providing optimal nutrition for their pets. With the rising costs of pet food due to recent tariffs, it can be difficult to determine the best course of action for both your pet’s health and your budget. Here’s some practical advice that can help you make informed decisions while navigating these price hikes.

1. Prioritize Quality Over Cost

While the tariffs have certainly affected pet food prices, it’s important to remember that nutrition plays a pivotal role in your pet’s long-term health. The adage “you get what you pay for” is especially true when it comes to pet food. Lower-priced options may seem attractive at first glance, but they often contain fillers or subpar ingredients that might not meet your pet’s nutritional needs. Inadequate nutrition can lead to a range of health issues, including obesity, digestive problems, and even allergies.

When choosing a pet food, always look at the first few ingredients. High-quality protein should be the primary ingredient (e.g., chicken, turkey, beef, or fish), and the food should avoid fillers like corn, soy, or by-products. Avoid brands with a long list of artificial colors and flavors.

2. Consider Canadian-Made Pet Food Brands

As we’ve discussed, Canadian-made pet food brands are exempt from the latest tariffs, which means you can still access premium quality pet food at competitive prices without worrying about the inflated costs associated with imported brands. Canadian brands like NutriCanine, Tom & Sawyer, and Tilted Barn that offer fresh and gently cooked options that use locally sourced ingredients. These brands are subject to high safety and quality standards and are a great choice for ensuring your pet gets the best nutrition available.

Additionally, many Canadian brands are committed to sustainable and ethical sourcing, so you can feel confident about your purchase choices benefiting not only your pet but the environment as well.

3. Don’t Be Afraid to Reach Out for Guidance

Choosing the right pet food can be overwhelming, especially with the myriad of options available and the added complication of rising costs due to tariffs. If you’re unsure about what to feed your pet or are dealing with a health condition, don’t hesitate to reach out to a certified pet nutritionist for personalized guidance. I always recommend a one-on-one consultation for pet owners who are unsure about their pet’s diet, whether it’s for a specific health concern or simply to ensure they are feeding the best possible food for their pet’s life stage and activity level.

It’s important to remember that what works for one pet may not work for another, so tailored advice can save you time and effort. Whether it’s formulating a balanced homemade diet, recommending the right commercial food, or adjusting your pet’s current food to meet their health needs, I’m always here to help guide you through the process.

Andrea Geiger is a certified companion animal nutritionist with a master’s degree in Veterinary Toxicology and Nutrition. With over five years of experience in product development and consulting, Andrea specializes in creating science-based nutrition plans and formulating recipes that prioritize pet health, ensuring optimal nutrition for dogs and cats alike.

Take Home Message

The recent tariffs have undoubtedly created challenges for pet owners, but with a bit of research and thoughtful decision-making, you can still provide your pet with the best possible nutrition. Opting for Canadian-made brands, exploring fresh or gently cooked diets, and considering customized meal plans can help mitigate the effects of rising prices.

Your pet’s health is worth the investment, and the right food can make a significant difference in their quality of life. I encourage you to look beyond just the price tag and choose the food that best supports your pet’s unique needs, ensuring a long, healthy, and happy life together.

Feel free to reach out to me for personalized advice or if you need help selecting the right food for your pet’s specific dietary requirements. Together, we can navigate the complexities of pet nutrition and ensure your pet gets the very best.