Top 10 Dog Food Brands in Canada – 2024

A Comprehensive Guide for Pet Owners

Selecting the best dog food brand for your pet is crucial if you own a dog in Canada. Choosing the best brand to suit your pet’s nutritional needs might be difficult with so many options on the market. The top ten dog food brands in Canada that focus on taste, quality, and nutrition are examined in this article. 

We have what you need, whether you’re searching for organic, grain-free, or reasonably priced solutions. Continue reading to learn about your best options and how to keep your pet happy and healthy. 

1. Orijen

Top-tier Canadian dog food company Orijen is renowned for its biologically sound formulations that closely resemble a dog’s diet. Orijen offers protein-rich, grain-free formulations that support optimal health for dogs of all breeds and sizes, with an emphasis on premium, fresh regional ingredients.

• Pros:
  1. High protein content from fresh, regional ingredients.
  2. Grain-free and biologically appropriate.
  3. Rich in essential vitamins and minerals for balanced nutrition.
• Cons:
  1. Premium pricing may not suit all budgets.
  2. Strong smell that some dogs might not prefer.
  3. Limited options for dogs with specific dietary needs.
• Top Selling Product: Orijen Original Dry Dog Food.
• Price Range: CAD 90 – CAD 120 for a 13 lb bag

Jennifer Aniston has been spotted promoting high-protein diets for pets, which aligns with Orijen’s philosophy.

2. Acana

Another well-known dog food brand in Canada that emphasizes providing nourishment that is appropriate for the dog’s biology is Acana. Canadian pet owners love Acana’s recipes because they are made with seasonal, fresh ingredients and are suitable for dogs of all ages.

• Pros:
  1. Diverse range of recipes tailored to different life stages and breeds.
  2. Uses fresh, regional ingredients for quality assurance.
  3. Rich in antioxidants, supporting immune health.
• Cons:
  1. Higher price point compared to other brands.
  2. Limited availability in some regions.
  3. Some formulas may not be suitable for dogs with specific allergies.
• Top Selling Product: Acana Grass-Fed Lamb Dog Food.
• Price Range: CAD 80 – CAD 110 for a 13 lb bag.

Ellen DeGeneres has mentioned the importance of healthy pet diets, which complements Acana’s natural and fresh ingredient approach.

3. Royal Canin

The well-known brand Royal Canin is well-known throughout the world for its scientifically designed meals that are tailored to particular breeds, sizes, and medical issues. For pet owners in Canada seeking to provide their dogs with specialized nutrition, Royal Canin continues to be a reliable option.

• Pros:
  1. Breed-specific formulas tailored to unique nutritional needs.
  2. Wide range of products for different health conditions.
  3. Veterinary-recommended for therapeutic diets.
• Cons:
  1. Contains some fillers like corn and wheat.
  2. Higher cost for specialized formulas.
  3. Some dogs may not like the taste of certain formulas.
• Top Selling Product: Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Medium Adult.
• Price Range: CAD 70 – CAD 100 for a 17 lb bag.

Amanda Seyfried, known for her love of pets, has been seen using Royal Canin for her dog.

4. Hill’s Science Diet

Brands like Hill’s Science Diet emphasize nutrition backed by science, with an emphasis on particular health benefits including supporting mobility, helping with digestion, and helping people lose weight. This makes it the option of choice for Canadian veterinarians. 

• Pros:
  1. Scientifically formulated to support various health conditions.
  2. High-quality ingredients with added vitamins and minerals.
  3. Widely recommended by veterinarians.
• Cons:
  1. Includes some grain and filler ingredients.
  2. Higher price range for specialized formulas.
  3. Limited protein sources in some recipes.
• Top Selling Product: Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin.
• Price Range: CAD 60 – CAD 90 for a 15 lb bag.

Actress Hilary Duff has endorsed Hill’s Science Diet for its focus on health-specific formulas.

5. Blue Buffalo

Blue Buffalo provides natural dog food solutions devoid of artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives. Canadian pet owners who are looking for quality and honesty often choose Blue Buffalo because of their dedication to using real meat as the primary ingredient. 

• Pros:
  1. Real meat as the primary ingredient in most formulas.
  2. No artificial preservatives, flavors, or colors.
  3. Includes LifeSource Bits for antioxidant-rich nutrition.
• Cons:
  1. Can be pricey compared to other natural brands.
  2. Some formulas may cause digestive issues in sensitive dogs.
  3. Reports of formula changes affecting taste and quality.
• Top Selling Product: Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Adult Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe.
• Price Range: CAD 70 – CAD 95 for a 15 lb bag.

Ryan Reynolds has promoted Blue Buffalo, emphasizing the brand’s natural ingredients.

6. Merrick

Merrick is well-known for their high-protein, grain-free dog food selections. Merrick offers a variety of recipes that accommodate various dietary needs and tastes, all while upholding their commitment to using foods that are produced locally.

• Pros:
  1. Grain-free options with high protein content.
  2. Locally sourced ingredients for quality assurance.
  3. Wide variety of flavors and recipes.
• Cons:
  1. Some dogs may not tolerate high protein levels.
  2. Can be more expensive than other brands.
  3. Occasional availability issues in certain regions.
• Top Selling Product: Merrick Grain-Free Texas Beef & Sweet Potato Recipe.
• Price Range: CAD 75 – CAD 105 for a 12 lb bag.

Olivia Wilde has shared her preference for feeding her pets grain-free options, aligning with Merrick’s offerings.

7. Nutro

A company called Nutro specializes in clear-cut, straightforward, and functional nutrition. Because their dog food recipes are made with non-GMO components, many Canadian pet owners who are concerned about their health choose them. 

• Pros:
  1. Uses non-GMO ingredients for clean nutrition.
  2. No artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.
  3. Variety of recipes for different life stages and dietary needs.
• Cons:
  1. Not all recipes are grain-free.
  2. Limited protein sources in some formulas.
  3. Can be expensive for larger breed formulas.
• Top Selling Product: Nutro Ultra Adult Dry Dog Food.
• Price Range: CAD 65 – CAD 85 for a 12 lb bag.

Jessica Biel has highlighted Nutro for its focus on clean ingredients.

8. Wellness Core

Grain-free dog food company Wellness Core provides formulas that are high in protein and nutrients. It is highly respected for its dedication to using high-quality products and offering nutritious food that is balanced.

• Pros:
  1. High protein content with grain-free options.
  2. Rich in essential nutrients for complete and balanced nutrition.
  3. Variety of recipes catering to different life stages and breeds.
• Cons:
  1. Higher price point may not fit all budgets.
  2. Some dogs may find it too rich or heavy.
  3. Limited availability in some stores.
• Top Selling Product: Wellness Core Grain-Free Original Deboned Turkey & Chicken.
• Price Range: CAD 85 – CAD 110 for a 12 lb bag.

Chrissy Teigen, a pet lover, has mentioned her preference for grain-free options like Wellness Core.

9. Nature’s Variety Instinct

Nature’s Variety Instinct offers a variety of grain-free, raw-boosted dog food products that center around raw nutrition. For pet owners who want to add raw materials to their dog’s diet, this brand is perfect.

• Pros:
  1. Offers raw-boosted kibble for added nutrition.
  2. Grain-free options available.
  3. Rich in natural ingredients for balanced nutrition.
• Cons:
  1. Higher price point due to raw ingredients.
  2. Limited availability in some regions.
  3. Raw elements may not suit all dogs’ digestive systems.
• Top Selling Product: Nature’s Variety Instinct Raw Boost Mixers.
• Price Range: CAD 90 – CAD 130 for a 10 lb bag.

Actress Kate Bosworth is an advocate for raw diets and has endorsed brands like Nature’s Variety Instinct.

10. Canidae

For dogs with allergies or sensitivities, Canidae is a family-owned company that provides a variety of grain-free and limited ingredient diets. The company is dedicated to using sustainable, premium ingredients.

• Pros:
  1. Offers grain-free and limited ingredient options.
  2. Sustainable sourcing of ingredients.
  3. Good for dogs with allergies or sensitivities.
• Cons:
  1. Can be expensive, especially for specialty diets.
  2. Some formulas may lack variety in protein sources.
  3. Availability may vary by region.
• Top Selling Product: Canidae Pure Grain-Free Limited Ingredient Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe.
• Price Range: CAD 80 – CAD 110 for a 12 lb bag.

Dog trainer Cesar Millan has spoken about the benefits of limited ingredient diets like those offered by Canidae.

8 Tips Before Buying Dog Food in Canada

1. Understand Your Dog’s Nutritional Needs: Consider factors like age, breed, size, and activity level to choose the right formula.
2. Look for High-Quality Ingredients: Opt for dog food that lists real meat as the first ingredient and avoids fillers like corn and soy.
3. Check for Recalls: Research the brand’s recall history to ensure the safety and quality of the food.
4. Read the Labels Carefully: Look for natural preservatives and avoid artificial additives and by-products.
5. Consider Your Dog’s Allergies: If your dog has known allergies, select a limited ingredient diet to minimize risks.
6. Consult Your Veterinarian: Seek advice from your vet to ensure the dog food meets your pet’s specific health requirements.
7. Budget Considerations: While quality dog food can be more expensive, it’s a worthwhile investment in your dog’s health.
8. Buy in Bulk for Savings: Purchasing larger quantities can often save money in the long run and ensure you don’t run out.

Conclusion

Choosing the best dog food brand in Canada will significantly improve your pet’s health and well-being. Each brand on this list has distinct benefits, catering to a variety of dietary demands and tastes. Understanding your dog’s individual needs and carefully examining the possibilities allows you to offer your beloved companion with the nourishment they require to flourish. Always talk with your veterinarian to make an informed decision that is in line with your pet’s health needs.