Top 5 Canadian Dog Foods We Recommend
Written by: Victoria Regan
How do you find the best food for your dog? Many people have looked at all the bags of dog food at the store and tried to determine which one to get, only to choose one based on the packaging, or a recommendation from the employee behind the counter. It is normal to feel confused when looking into dog food. With all the options out there, differing opinions depending on where you go, and almost too much information online to sift through, it can be tremendously overwhelming to try to determine which food you should get for your four-legged family members.
Of course, we all want what is best for our dogs, but pet food can be pricey! I completely understand that some people choose lesser quality foods to save a bit of money. Something to think about though, is just how much a “cheap” dog food can affect your dog’s behavior and health. Cheap prices mean, well, cheap food. The nourishment offered by your dog’s food is very important, not only for your canine’s health but also for their behavior.
The thing to look out for in your dog food is the amount of carbohydrates, or filler. When a dog eats carbs, like people, those carbs are turned into sugar. This means if the food has a high percentage of filler, the dog will have more sugar in their system. This can manifest by your dog acting crazy, having spikes in energy and then crashing, or that energy building up and bursting out unexpectedly at a passing dog or person while you are on a walk.
Usually, the less expensive options for pet food have more fillers. They are cheaper for the company to make, and so they can sell them at a lower price and still make a profit. However, this also means that they are worse for your dog. Unfortunately, you do have to pay a bit more for better quality food, but in my opinion, it is well worth it to have a happy healthy dog.
So how do you find out the amount of filler in your dog food? The nutrition labels on dog food do show you the percentages of what is in the food. Everything but the filler that is. Companies don’t like to broadcast the amount of bad stuff they use in food. So, it is important to know how to determine the percentage of filler in any dog food you are looking to buy.
To calculate this amount, simply add the percentages listed on the nutrition label for protein, fat, minerals, moisture, etc. and subtract that sum from 100. You will end up with the percentage of filler in that food. Here is a simplified example: let’s say the label reads protein 28%, fat 15%, minerals 7% and moisture 10%. We add these together and get 60%. We subtract 60 from 100 and get 40. So, the amount of filler in this case is 40%. A good dog food will have a filler percentage of less than half, but of course the lower the better!
It is also beneficial to look over the list of ingredients themselves. Take a look at the first five ingredients, they are listed by weight, so the first five make up a large portion of the food. You should look for dog food with a protein listed as the first ingredient, or the first few ingredients. If the first ingredient is a carbohydrate, most of the food is filler!
I know there is a lot to look for, so to help simplify your search, here are our top 5 recommended dog foods. We have chosen a selection of Canadian brands and to keep things as straightforward as possible, I have chosen similar flavors from each brand. The different proteins in each flavor will have different fat content, so to have a more even comparison I am going to stick to poultry recipes.
Top 5 Canadian Dog Foods:
1. Petcurean GO! Solutions
Petcurean’s GO! Solutions line is crafted to address various dietary needs, offering high-quality nutrition for dogs. The GO! Solutions Carnivore Grain-Free Salmon + Cod Recipe features the following first five ingredients:
- Deboned Salmon: A rich source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids.
- Salmon Meal: Concentrated protein source.
- Deboned Cod: Lean protein with essential nutrients.
- Herring Meal: Provides additional protein and omega-3s.
- Sweet Potatoes: Complex carbohydrates for energy.
| Crude protein (min) | 34% |
| Crude fat (min) | 16% |
| Crude fibre (max) | 3% |
| Moisture (max) | 10% |
| Calcium (min) | 2% |
| Phosphorus (min) | 1.2% |
| *Omega-6 (min) | 2.7% |
| *Omega-3 (min) | 0.4% |
| *Microorganisms (min) (Lactobacillus acidophilus, Enterococcus faecium) | 90,000,000 CFU/lb |
This food includes only 30% filler or carbs, percentages change depending on flavour/protein type.. The price for a large bag (22 lbs) is approximately $85 CAD.
2. Performatrin Ultra
Performatrin Ultra emphasizes whole foods and premium ingredients. The Woodlands Grain-Free Recipe lists its first five ingredients as:
- Turkey: Primary protein source.
- Salmon Meal: High in protein and omega-3s.
- Oatmeal: Provides dietary fiber and energy.
- Barley: Source of carbohydrates and fiber.
- Chicken Meal: Concentrated protein source.
Crude Protein (min.) 22.0%
Crude Fat (min.) 12.0%
Crude Fibre (max.) 4.5%
Moisture (max.) 10.0%
Calcium (min.) 1.0%
Phosphorus (min.) 0.8%
Vitamin E (min.) 150 IU/kg
Taurine*(min.) 0.15%
Ascorbic Acid(Vitamin C)*(min.) 50 mg/kg
Omega-6 Fatty Acids*(min.) 1.00%
Omega-3 Fatty Acids* (min.) 0.35%
About 49.55% filler, other flavours and types have higher protein and fat percentages which would change the filler percentage. Shop around to find the best choice for your dog. A large bag (25 lbs) is priced around $70 CAD.
3. Canadian Naturals
Canadian Naturals offers recipes with locally sourced ingredients. The Chicken & Brown Rice formula includes:
- Chicken Meal: Primary protein source.
- Brown Rice: Digestible carbohydrate.
- Oats: Source of fiber and energy.
- Barley: Provides carbohydrates and fiber.
- Chicken Fat: Source of essential fatty acids.
Guaranteed Analysis:
- Protein 29%min
- Fat 15%min
- Fibre 5%max
- Moisture 10%max
- Calcium 1.4%min
- Omega-6 fatty acids 2.1%min
- Omega-3 fatty acids 1.2%min
- Phosphorus 1.0%min
- Calorie Content: 3586 kcal per kg (381 kcal per cup)
35% filler only, percentages change depending on flavour and protein type. A large bag (30 lbs) costs approximately $60 CAD.
4. FirstMate
FirstMate focuses on limited ingredient diets, suitable for dogs with sensitivities. The Pacific Ocean Fish Meal Original formula lists:
- Fish Meal (Herring, Anchovy, Sardine): Primary protein source.
- Potato: Main carbohydrate source.
- Whole Potato: Provides fiber and energy.
- Chicken Fat: Source of essential fatty acids.
- Tomato Pomace: Fiber source.
| Crude Protein (min) | 28% | Ash (max) | 10% |
| Crude Fat (min) | 12% | Calcium (min) | 1.8% |
| Crude Fibre (max) | 8% | Phosphorous (min) | 1.3% |
| Moisture (max) | 10% | Calcium / Phosphorous ratio | 1.4:1 |
About 28.9% filler or carbs, percentages change depending on flavour/protein type. A large bag (28.6 lbs) is priced around $75 CAD.
5. Inukshuk
Inukshuk is tailored for active and working dogs, providing high-energy nutrition. The 30/25 formula includes:
- Chicken Meal: Primary protein source.
- Chicken Fat: Provides energy and essential fatty acids.
- Herring Meal: Additional protein and omega-3s.
- Brown Rice: Digestible carbohydrate.
- Barley: Source of carbohydrates and fiber.
| Nutrient | Typical | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Crude Protein | Min. | 26.00% |
| Crude Fat | Min. | 16.00% |
| Crude Fibre | Max. | 3.50% |
| Moisture | Max. | 10.00% |
| Calcium | Max. | 1.3% |
| Phosphorus | Max. | 1.1% |
| Sodium | Max. | 0.5% |
| Omega-3* | Typical | 650 mg/cup |
| Omega-6* | Typical | 4,160 mg/cup |
About 41.6% filler or carbs, percentages change depending on flavour/protein type. A large bag (33 lbs) costs approximately $80 CAD.
Please note that ingredient compositions and prices are subject to change. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it’s recommended to consult the respective brand’s official website or contact retailers directly.
If you’re looking for high-quality dog food with minimal filler, Petcurean GO! Solutions is a strong choice. Their formulas are high in protein and cater to different dietary needs, such as skin health, weight management, and digestion. They are based in Ontario and source most of their ingredients from North America, ensuring high standards in quality.
Canadian Naturals is a great option for those who want to support a Canadian business and local farmers, as they are based in British Columbia. While they contain slightly more filler than some premium brands, they still offer a much better ingredient profile than most budget dog foods. They focus on sourcing regionally and locally whenever possible.
Performatrin Ultra is another high-quality dog food that prioritizes whole food ingredients with minimal filler. Their grain-free and limited-ingredient formulas cater to dogs with sensitivities while still providing balanced nutrition. Performatrin is available through Pet Valu stores, making it an accessible choice for many pet owners.
Inukshuk is designed for high-performance dogs that require a nutrient-dense diet. Manufactured in Canada, this food is known for its extremely high protein and fat content, making it ideal for working dogs, sled dogs, and active breeds that need sustained energy levels.
First Mate is a family-owned Canadian company that prioritizes simple, high-quality ingredients with single-protein sources. Their formulas are excellent for dogs with food sensitivities, and they are one of the few brands that control every aspect of their production, from sourcing ingredients to manufacturing.
No matter which brand you choose, these options provide high-quality nutrition while supporting Canadian businesses. By understanding ingredient sourcing and filler content, you can make an informed decision that best suits your dog’s needs!