The Top 22 Dog Foods In Canada For 2022
Over the past several decades, Canadian pet food manufacturers have been developing high quality, human grade, and innovative pet foods to supply both Canada and the world. We have carefully evaluated more than fifty Canadian pet food brands, closely scrutinizing every aspect of the manufacturer and their recipe. Here are just a few of the things we consider:
- Quality and source of ingredients, including how fresh the ingredients are, where theyre sourced from, whether they include antibiotics or hormones, if theyre GMO free, organic, and more.
- Manufacturing practices and transparency. We believe the manufacturers of the foods we feed our beloved pets should be accountable for every step of the manufacturing process.
- Innovation and sustainability. As we move towards a more eco-friendly world, pet food manufacturers should be focused on developing earth-friendly standards and practices as well.
Senior Dog Food Vs Regular Dog Food
Senior dogs require fewer calories than their younger, more active counterparts. If your older dog is relatively healthy, you may be able to get away with keeping them on the same formula and adjusting the serving size to accommodate their level of activity.
Some senior dogs will benefit from special formulas designed to help strengthen their bodies and fight against these common ailments that come with age:
- Constipation: Some senior dogs have problems with constipation for which they will need high-fiber diets.
- Joint pain: Joint pain caused by arthritis is an age-related issue for many senior dogs. A dog with joint problems or inflammation may benefit from glucosamine and chondroitin supplements, available in some special veterinary diets.
- Dental problems: Soft or wet diets are recommended for senior dogs with dental problems.
Best Senior Wet Dog Food
Senior dogs or pups with missing teeth or oral pain will particularly enjoy the Purina Pro Plan Savor Adult Classic for its soft pate formula and energy-boosting rice and lean protein. The tasty chicken and rice formula is also packed with added carrageenan, which will help boost the immune system and protect against canine colds.
Highlights
- Packed with energy-boosting complex carbohydrates
- Very easy for senior dogs or dogs with oral pain to chew
Things to Consider
- Certain pet parents report that the formula can be quite watery
Sample buyer review: Having to change the feeding plan for our 13-year-old female Scottish Terrier. He eats this canned food like it is candy. She is gaining weight and looking good. Putting the puppy back in our girl.
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Lets Talk About The Winning Wet Dog Foods
The best-wet dog food is Canidae Chicken & Rice Formula canned dog food suitable for all sizes of adult dogs. It contains human-grade ingredients at an affordable price with high protein content.
Cesar Classic Loaf in Sauce Chicken & Liver Recipe Dog Food Trays is best for your small or medium-breed adult dog.
If you have a large breed of dog, we recommend Purina Pro Plan Focus Adult Large Breed Beef & Rice Entree Chunks in Gravy. It focuses on delivering the nutrients needed for healthy bones and joints.
If you found our guide to wet dog foods helpful, let us know which is the best-wet dog food your pooch enjoys in the comments below. Dont forget to talk to your vet about the choice you made!
Natural Balance Ultra Premium Wet Dog Food
Natural Balance Ultra Premium Wet Dog Food is another canned food thats formulated to meet the needs of dogs of all ages, sizes, and breeds. So, whether you have a puppy Doberman, an adolescent Poodle, an adult Rottweiler, or a senior French Bulldog, or if you have multiple dogs of varying breeds, sizes, and ages, this formula will suit all of their nutritional needs. The makers of Natural Balance dog food conducts nine safety tests on each and every dog treat and food that they make to ensure the utmost quality. All tests are conducted by chemists and microbiologists, so you can rest assured that your pet will be consuming the best, safest food.
Features
The first ingredient in this formula is natural beef, followed by beef broth and beef liver, which means your pooch will be getting the protein he needs to ensure his muscles are strong. Other ingredients include potatoes, carrots, brown rice, and oat bran, so its easy to digest. The addition of essential nutrients, such as zinc, manganese, calcium, vitamin D, vitamin A, and niacin, makes this a well-balanced meal. There are no artificial colors or flavors, and each package comes with 12 13-ounce cans of wet dog food.
What We Like About It
- Made with premium quality ingredients
- Easy to digest
- Infused with essential vitamins and minerals
- Suitable for dogs of all ages and sizes
- Free of artificial colors and flavors
Reasons to Complain
Features
What We Like About It
Reasons to Complain
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Holistic Select Natural Grain Free Dry Dog Food
If you’re looking for a dog food that won’t upset your canine companion’s stomach, consider this option from Holistic Select It doesn’t contain any harmful grains, corn fillers, or artificial additives.
Instead, it contains natural alternatives and beneficial ingredients that will keep your dog healthy despite their lower metabolism. Chicken meal is used as the main protein source. It’s accompanied by complex carbs like peas. Beet pulp and flaxseed are also used to supply a boost of fiber.
In total, 5.5% of the recipe is made up of fiber. Protein makes up about 28% while fat makes up about 12%. Glucosamine and chondroitin are also added for joint health.
Diamond Naturals Senior Formula Dry Dog Food
If it’s a dry food you’re looking for, Diamond Naturals Senior Formula Dry Dog Food comes from a reputable brand and at an inexpensive cost. With 304 reviews and a four-and-a-half out of 5 star rating on Chewy.com, this senior-friendly recipe is designed to support a dog’s muscles with real chicken, fruit and vegetables, including peas, kale, blueberries and coconut. High in antioxidants and omega fatty acids , a positive result of feeding your dog this recipe is a healthy, shiny-looking coat!
Buy at Chewy.
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Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Natural Adult Small Breed Wet Dog Food
- REAL CHICKEN FIRST: This paté style wet dog food features high-quality protein from real chicken to support healthy muscle maintenance and is formulated to support the nutritional needs of small breed dogs.
- FEED THREE WAYS: BLUE Homestyle Recipe adult small breed dog food makes a delicious treat, adds interest mixed into their favorite dry foods or can be fed as a meal on its own.
- NATURAL DOG FOOD: All BLUE canned dog foods are made with the finest natural ingredients and enhanced with vitamins and minerals.
- WHOLESOME INGREDIENTS: BLUE wet dog food contains NO chicken by-product meals, NO corn, wheat or soy, and NO artificial flavors or preservatives.
- Contains twenty four 5.
Can You Give Homemade Wet Dog Food For Your Adult Dog
Homemade wet dog food is as nutritious and affordable as a portion of Amazon-bought wet dog food.
Try this hearty recipe at home for dog food with 50% protein, 30% carbohydrates, 20% fruits, and vegetables, and 10% fat, amounting to 400 kcal per cup:
Ingredients:
1 pound organic lean meat
1 pound of carbohydrates like organic sweet potato, pumpkin, brown rice, or lentils
1 cup of organic carrots
Half a cup of organic yogurt or scrambled eggs
4 tbs of olive oil
Instructions:
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What To Look For
Just because its canned food doesnt necessarily mean its good for your dog. Pay close attention to:
- Protein this should be the number one ingredient. Moreover, it should always name a specific animal .
- Whole and unprocessed grains these should always be your choice unless your dog is sensitive to them. In that case, opt for grain-free foods.
- Vegetables and fruits again, these should be present in the best wet dog foods. Nevertheless, they shouldnt be the first three ingredients on the list.
- Additional ingredients like DHA these help puppies develop healthy eyes and brains, while glucosamine keeps senior dogs joints healthy. Choose the food that best suits your dogs age and needs.
- Complete and balanced foods that have passed the AAFCO feeding trial Also, look for a guaranteed analysis of ingredients.
How To Read A Dog Food Label
One of the first things conscientious owners look at is the label on a bag of food. While this is a good practice, the reality is that dog food labels can be very misleading and hard to interpret. There are a few things to keep in mind as you look at a label:
- Look for the statement complete and balanced
- Check the life stages
- Examine the ingredients for any allergens your pet may have
Complete and balanced dog foods contain at least the minimum amount of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients considered necessary for dogs, helping ensure that your pet does not suffer from a nutrient deficiency. Choosing the appropriate life stage also helps keep your pet nutritionally satisfied, and avoiding allergens prevents your dog from suffering from an allergic reaction.
The ingredient list is a good way to see what the primary ingredients in the dog food are, but it will not tell you very much about the quality of the ingredients. The best way to determine if the food is made from good quality ingredients such as meats, grains, vegetables, and fruits is to contact the manufacturer or consult your veterinarian.
- Do they follow AAFCO feeding trials?
- Have they participated in clinical studies about their products?
- Do they manufacture their foods in-house where they have control over all aspects of development, or do they outsource?
- Where do they source their ingredients?
- How many calories are in their servings?
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Omega Fatty Acids And Antioxidants
Omega fatty acids and antioxidants are two types of nutrients that work together to maintain the health of the brain and nervous system. Many people believe that this combination is the reason for lower rates of heart disease that are seen in coastal populations. People who live near the sea tend to eat a lot of fish, and fish are very high in omega fatty acids and antioxidants.
For aging dogs, these nutrients are a great way to maintain their mental acuity and sharpness well into their old age. Also, as you may have already guessed, omega fatty acids will help to prevent your dog from developing heart problems. In fact, veterinarians will often recommend high doses of this nutrient for dogs suffering from heart problems.
Best Wet Dog Food Brands For Adult Dogs By Sizes
Choosing what to feed our pet is mainly based on preference, but wet dog food is not only easier to enjoy and tastier for our pets.
The best-canned foods have no cancer-causing preservatives, fewer carbs but more protein.
The brands and recipes that we chose are loved by many and offer benefits for dogs based on reviews.
Need more convincing about wet dog food? Listen to this vets take on its pros and cons in this video:
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Cost Of Small Breed Dog Food
Once you have sorted through the various dog food brands and found one that you and your vet think will best benefit your dog, you need to decide how much you are willing to spend. A good rule of thumb to follow for commercial dog food diets is to stay away from the cheapest option. Your dogs food is a vital part of his preventative healthcare, and so you want to invest in it as much as possible. When it comes to dog food, you usually get what you pay for.
On the other hand, an expensive dog food is not a guarantee of quality, either. By talking with your veterinarian and comparing brands of dog food in a variety of price ranges, you should be able to find the best dog food for small dogs that also matches your budget.
Wet Dog Food Vs Dry Dog Food
I know there is a lot of high-quality kibble out there but wet food does have some advantages. They are easy to digest and contain ingredients closer to their natural form. Processing is often minimal and that is how they retain a higher amount of proteins and other nutrients. Additionally, it contains more moisture than dry food, helping to keep your dog hydrated.
It is a very good option for picky eaters.
One downside, however, is that it may not be as good for teeth and gums as kibble. Also, since dogs are naturally used to the crunchiness of bones, they enjoy a similar texture in kibbles. You can mix dry and wet dog food to give them a bit of both.
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At What Age Is A Dog Considered Senior Or Geriatric
It really depends on the breed and body weight, says Fred Metzger, DVM, Diplomate ABVP. Large and giant breeds age faster than smaller dogs.
Metzger — who owns Metzger Animal Hospital in State College, Pa. and is an adjunct professor at Penn State University — tells WebMD that in addition to breed making a difference, overweight dogs also age faster than lean dogs.
As a rule of thumb, dogs are considered older when theyve reached half of their life expectancy, says Mark Nunez, DVM, president of the California Veterinary Medical Association from 2009-2010 and owner of a veterinary practice in Van Nuys, Calif.
In general, little dogs live to about 15 to 20 years of age, while bigger dogs live to about 12 to15 years.,” Nunez says. Bigger dogs are considered older at around six years, and smaller dogs become older at around eight or nine.
Best Canned Dog Food For Senior Dogs Buying Guide
Now lets look at a few factors for you to consider before you choose a canned dog food for your senior dog. This isnt something to be taken lightly the dog food you choose could drastically change your dogs behavior, health, and quality of life. Take the below considerations and bear them in mind while you compare different brands of dog food.
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Bone And Joint Issues
Many older dogs will also suffer from joint problems. In some breeds, this is very common. For instance, the French Bulldog will often suffer fromhip problems later in life. One way to combat this problem is to choose a dog food that contains Chondroitin and/or Glucosamine. These are natural substances that have been shown to have a positive effect on the skeletal health of dogs and humans.
If you cannot find a brand that contains these ingredients, it is safe to use a supplement. However, it is recommended that you consult your veterinarian for a recommended dosage. There doesnt seem to be any evidence that these substances are harmful to dogs, but it pays to be on the safe side.
What Is The Best Senior Dog Food To Choose
The older dog will need a good, well-balanced diet that is lower in calories, higher in fiber and has adequate protein and fat. For some older dogs, you can continue to feed their regular food, but in a smaller quantity. Specially formulated senior diets are lower in calories and help to create a feeling of fullness.
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Types Of Hypoallergenic Dog Food
Hypoallergenic dog food could be misleading since an ingredient that triggers food allergies in dogs varies from one dog to another.
For example, for a dog that’s allergic to chicken, any food that does not contain this common allergen can be considered hypoallergenic dog food.
But that’s not the case for dogs that are allergic to various ingredients other than chicken, like rice or beef, pork, and others.
A vet typically recommends this type of dog food once your dog’s food allergies are determined. Though hypoallergenic dog foods are often regarded as prescription dog foods, some are readily available over-the-counter and online.
Here are the common types of hypoallergenic food for dogs: Limited Ingredient Diet, Hydrolyzed Dog Food, and Grain-Free Diet.
Limited Ingredient Diet
Limited ingredient dog food, otherwise known as limited ingredient diets , refers to dog foods with fewer ingredients. This diet helps eliminate and identify food ingredients that trigger dog food allergies.
Generally, limited ingredient diets include a novel protein and a different carbohydrate source.
A novel protein is a new protein that is not usually present in common dog foods. Examples of sources include kangaroo, venison, duck, venison, turkey, and ostrich.
Usual novel carbohydrate sources for limited ingredients diet are brown rice, sweet potatoes, and oatmeal.
Hydrolyzed Formula
Grain-Free Formula
Best Wet Dog Foods For Large
Larger dogs require high-calorie recipes with quality meat protein preferably a diet with more protein with less fat.
And since canines of this size usually suffer from bone and joint problems, its best to choose a dog food with chondroitin and glucosamine. Here are a few of our picks.
1. Purina Pro Plan Focus Adult Large Breed Beef & Rice Entree Chunks in Gravy
Our rating: 5Top ingredients: Water Sufficient for Processing, Beef, LiverType: Wet Chunks in gravy
If your pooch loves savory and rich dishes, the premium chunks of liver and beef smothered in gravy will surely entice him more.
Pros:
- Contains glucosamine and rich in calcium to support overworked dogs joints
- Perfect protein-to-fat ratio for keeping bodies strong and lean
- Manufactured without any artificial preservatives, flavors, and colors in Purina-owned USA facilities
Cons:
2. Nutro Hearty Stew Tender Chicken, Carrot & Pea Stew Grain-Free Canned Dog Food
Our rating: 4.5Top ingredients: Chicken, Pork Broth, Chicken BrothType: Wet Chunks in gravy
Containing real meat and crafted for large breed adult dogs, this non-GMO wet dog food is a balanced diet packed with minerals and vitamins.
Its made with quality ingredients without chicken by-product meal, grains, artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, as well as soy, corn, and wheat.
Pros:
Cons:
- Some of the owners said there was a sudden change to this recipe going grain-free and arent happy about it
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