Choosing the right dog food can be a difficult task. There are countless brands and options on the market, so knowing which will be the healthiest is hard. While you might be tempted to choose the first food you see or the first one your vet recommends, it’s best to do some research to ensure the food you’re picking will be the healthiest option for your dog’s nutritional needs and life stage. If you feel overwhelmed by dog food decision fatigue, let us help. Keep reading to find our reviews of the 10 best dog foods in Canada. By the end of our article, you should have a good idea of what food will be the healthiest for your pooch.
A Glance at Our Top Picks (2023 Update)
Image Product Details
Best Overall
Pro Plan Wet Dog Food
Highly digestible
Made with real salmon
Great for sensitive tummies
Check Price
Best Value
IAMS Adult Minichunks
Boosts muscle growth
Made with real chicken
Wholesome ingredients
Check Price
Premium Choice
Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Chicken
Real chicken
Brown rice provides B-vitamins
Antioxidant properties from blueberries and cranberries
Check Price
Best for Puppies
Pro Plan Dry Puppy Food
Great for all breeds
Vitamin A for healthy skin and coat
Minerals included to build strong teeth and bones
Check Price
Hill’s Science Diet Adult Oral Care
Freshens doggy breath
No artificial flavors or preservatives
Formulated with veterinarian nutritionists
Check Price
The 10 Best Dog Foods in Canada
- Pro Plan Wet Dog Food – Best Overall
Check Latest Price
Food Type: Wet
Recommended Age: Adult
Food Size: 12 369-gram cans
Top Ingredients: Water sufficient for processing, salmon, rice, fish, and potato protein
Purina’s Pro Plan Wet Dog Food for Sensitive Skin & Stomach takes our pick as the best overall dog food in Canada. This food is designed specifically for dogs who have sensitive stomachs. Its easy-to-digest formula is made without any artificial colors or flavors so your sensitive dog should have no problems eating or digesting it. After water, the number one ingredient is real salmon, providing a hefty dose of high-quality protein. This wet food has linoleic acid inside to help support your dog’s healthy skin and coat. Linoleic acid is an amino acid that is necessary for growth as well as the prevention of skin lesions. Pros
Affordable price
Great for sensitive tummies
Highly digestible
Made with real salmon
Complete and balanced nutrition
Cons
Strong smell
- IAMS Adult Minichunks Dry Dog Food – Best Value
Check Latest Price
Food Type: Dry
Recommended Age: Adult
Food Size: 15 lb bag
Top Ingredients: Chicken, ground whole grain corn, ground whole grain sorghum, chicken by-product meal, dried plain beet pulp
You don’t need a huge budget to find the best dog food in Canada for the money. IAMS Minichunks Dry Dog Food provides high-quality nutrition at a pocket-friendly price point. This food is made with wholesome ingredients like farm-raised chicken to help your dog maintain strong and healthy muscles and wholesome grains for promoting healthy energy levels. This recipe also contains beet pulp to provide a dose of natural fiber and probiotics for a healthier digestive system. This food is 100% complete and balanced for adult maintenance and has zero artificial preservatives or flavors at all. Pros
Made with real chicken
Boosts muscle growth
Helps digestion
Wholesome ingredients
Cons
The Kibble size may be too big for small dogs
- Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Food for Dogs – Premium Choice
Check Latest Price
Food Type: Wet
Recommended Age: Adult
Food Size: 12 354-gram cans
Top Ingredients: Chicken, chicken broth, chicken liver, carrots, peas
Th pate-style Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Food for Dogs is made with high-quality protein from real chickens to help boost your dog’s muscle growth and maintenance. It doesn’t contain any chicken by-products, artificial flavoring, preservatives, wheat, corn, or soy. If your dog is sensitive to these ingredients, you can feed him this recipe without worrying about it bothering his stomach. This recipe contains chicken liver to give your dog a boost of Vitamin A and iron and carrots for beta carotene and fiber. Pros
Brown rice provides B-vitamins
Antioxidant properties from blueberries and cranberries
Real chicken
Natural ingredients
Cons
Contains above-average calories for wet food
Expensive
- Pro Plan Dry Puppy Food – Best for Puppies
Check Latest Price
Food Type: Dry
Recommended Age: Puppy
Food Size: 15.4 kg bag
Top Ingredients: Chicken, rice, poultry by-product meal, corn gluten meal, whole grain wheat
Growing puppies need a diet that supports their rapidly growing bodies. If you have a pup in your home, you need to invest in food that can support bone and muscle growth. The Purina Pro Plan Dry Puppy Food can provide just that. This high-protein food features real chicken as its main ingredient. It has fish oil included to help nourish brain and vision development, and its antioxidant-rich formulation will help support your puppy’s developing immune system. This recipe is designed to provide 100% complete and balanced nutrition for pups that are up to one year of age. Pros
Minerals included building strong teeth and bones
Vitamin A for healthy skin and coat
Available in a sensitive stomach variety
Great for all breeds
Cons
Contains the controversial ingredient menadione
- Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food
Check Latest Price
Food Type: Dry
Recommended Age: Adult
Food Size: 28.5 lb bag
Top Ingredients: Chicken, whole grain wheat, powdered cellulose, brown rice, whole grain corn
If your dog is having problems with his teeth, he needs food that can promote better oral health. Hill’s Science Diet Adult Oral Care Dry Dog Food is designed to reduce plaque and tartar build-up and promote fresh breath. The kibble works to scrub your dog’s teeth just like a toothbrush. It can also clean your dog’s teeth right to his gum line as he chews his food. This kibble isn’t just great for oral health, though. It’s made with natural ingredients and has omega-6 fatty acids to promote healthier coats and skin. The antioxidant blend promotes a healthy immune system and is safe to feed every day. Pros
High-quality ingredients
Formulated with veterinarian nutritionists
No artificial flavors or preservatives
Freshens doggy breath
Cons
Not for puppies or pregnant dogs
- Taste of the Wild Dry Dog Food
Check Latest Price
Food Type: Dry
Recommended Age: Puppy
Food Size: 15 lb bag
Top Ingredients: Buffalo, lamb meal, sweet potatoes, egg product, pea protein
For puppy-specific kibble, Taste of the Wild Grain-Free High Prairie Dry Dog Food for Puppy provides digestible energy and balanced nutrition for your growing puppy. It’s made with a blend of high-quality protein sources like buffalo and lamb to give your dog the protein he needs to support his growing bones and muscles. The kibble is puppy-sized so your puppy will have no problem chewing and digesting his food. This recipe provides antioxidant-rich nutrition thanks to real fruits and vegetables as well as ingredients like dried chicory root to promote a healthy digestive system. It also contains ingredients like This formula is grain-free as well as free from artificial flavors and colors. Pros
Contains active live cultures for digestive health
Small kibble size
Pasture-raised meat
DHA supports brain and vision development
Cons
Not all puppies need a grain-free diet
- Royal Canin Small Adult Dry Dog Food
Check Latest Price
Food Type: Dry
Recommended Age: Adult
Food Size: 2.5 lb bag
Top Ingredients: Corn, chicken by-product meal, brewers rice, brown rice, corn gluten meal
You might be surprised to learn that small dogs need higher calorie amounts per pound of body weight than their large dog counterparts. Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Small Adult Dry Dog Food was designed as a small-breed-specific dog food, to ensure your pet gets the nutrition level he needs to support his body size. This food contains EPA and DHA to support your dog’s coat and promote healthy skin. It’s formulated to provide nutrition that will meet his energy needs and promote fat metabolism. The kibble shape is perfect for small breeds and the satisfying texture is designed to satisfy fussy appetites. Pros
Specifically designed for small breeds
Senior option available
Boosts coat health
Kibble can reduce tartar formation
Cons
Expensive
Meat is not the first ingredient
- CESAR Classic Wet Dog Food
Check Latest Price
Food Type: Wet
Recommended Age: Adult
Food Size: 24 100-gram trays
Top Ingredients: Beef, chicken liver, beef lung, chicken broth, water
CESAR Classic Loaf in Sauce Wet Dog Food comes in perfectly portioned trays, which make a convenient dinner for your large or small breed dog. The loaf is packed in a tasty sauce that dogs are drawn to so even picky pooches like it. This particular package comes with 24 trays in three different flavors: beef, filet mignon, and porterhouse steak. This food is enhanced with several vitamins and minerals to provide a complete and balanced diet. Its high-protein formula is high-quality and made for easy digestion. Try feeding this food as a meal or as a kibble topper. Pros
Convenient to serve
Affordable price
Meets the AAFCO nutrient profile for adult dogs
Always fresh
Cons
Trays are small if feeding this exclusively
- Hill’s Science Senior Dry Dog Food
Check Latest Price
Food Type: Dry
Recommended Age: Senior
Food Size: 5 lb bag
Top Ingredients: Chicken Meal, cracked pearled barley, brewers rice, whole grain wheat, whole grain corn
Senior dogs need more protein to fuel muscle loss. Hill’s Science Diet Senior Small Bites Dry Dog Food is made specifically with senior dogs in mind so you know your pup is getting the protein and nutrition he needs to thrive in his golden years. This formula provides an easy-to-digest meal with a unique blend of ingredients that will support your dog’s energy and activity level. It has omega-6s and Vitamin E to encourage healthy skin and coat. The kibble itself is small and bite-size so dogs with poor teeth will have no problem eating it. Pros
Great for toy and small breeds
Easy-to-digest formula
Small kibble size
Natural ingredients
Cons
Expensive
Velcro closure doesn’t keep food fresh
- Pedigree Adult Wet Dog Food
Check Latest Price
Food Type: Wet
Recommended Age: Adult
Food Size: 24 375-gram cans
Top Ingredients: Chicken, sufficient water for processing, animal liver, meat by-products, brewers’ rice
Pedigree’s Chopped Adult Wet Dog Food is a great pick for dogs who love chunky textured wet food. This formula is available in several flavor options including Chicken and Filet Mignon, Beef, Chicken, and Filet Mignon to make finding a recipe your dog likes a breeze. Every recipe is designed to be 100% complete and balanced to ensure your dog is getting the most nutrition from each of his meals. The recipes are highly digestible so it’s easy for your dog’s body to absorb the nutrients it needs. Pros
Affordable price point
Great for all breeds and sizes
Well-balanced fats, proteins, and carbs
Cons
Contains artificial colors
Higher in calories
Buyer’s Guide: How to Pick the Best Dog Food in Canada Choosing the right dog food can feel like an overwhelming decision. There are so many different brands and types on the market that knowing which to pick feels impossible. Keep reading to learn how to choose the best dog food available in Canada.
Read the Labels One of the best ways to determine if the dog food you’re considering will be good for your pooch is to read the labels. Just as with human food, pet food labels will provide you with plenty of insight into the nutritional quality. Take a look at the ingredient list on the food in question. The ingredients are listed in order of weight, so the ingredients at the top of the list are far more prevalent in the recipe than the ones that are listed further down. The guaranteed analysis part of the nutrition label will tell you the minimum amount of protein and fat by percentage. It will also state the maximum amount of fiber and moisture present in the food by percentage. Moisture levels can skew the comparison, however, so if the label contains information on a dry matter basis, it’s best to look at that instead. Know the Buzzwords Just as with the human food industry, there are plenty of buzzwords floating around the world of animal nutrition. Knowing what the buzzwords mean and whether or not you should care about them is important. Let’s take a look at some of the most common buzzwords you might come across in your search for the best dog food. You might see ingredients like “animal by-products” listed on a dog food label and be instantly turned off. While most of us humans don’t like the thought of by-products in our foods, it’s not necessarily a bad addition to your dog’s food. By-products are the clean and non-rendered parts of an animal that aren’t meat. It can include things like the lungs, liver, spleen, and fatty tissues. By-products are great sources of protein and other nutrients and are often tasty to dogs. Grain-free is another big trend in the pet food industry right now. Grains are used in a lot of pet foods and are a great source of carbohydrates. Dogs are usually able to metabolize these carbs and use them as a source of energy. Some owners, however, prefer to provide a grain-free diet for their dogs. While it is a valid option for pooches who are allergic to grains, it’s more likely that your dog is allergic to the meat in his food than the grains. We recommend talking with your vet before opting for a grain-free diet to ensure this is the right pick for your pooch. Some companies use the phrase “human-grade ingredients” to make it seem like their food is so high-quality that humans could eat it. This label is not defined by animal feed regulations.1 Human grade doesn’t necessarily mean a food is nutritionally adequate for your pet and shouldn’t be the deciding factor in your decision-making process. Image Credit: Monika Wisniewska, Shutterstock Look for the AAFCO Statement One thing you should be on the lookout for is a statement from the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). This institution has developed nutrition profiles for puppies and adult dogs. If the food in question has a statement on it that says it meets the nutritional standards from the AAFCO, it’s a safe bet to assume the food is healthier for your dog than options that don’t have this statement. Look at the label to find the nutritional adequacy statement. This statement should state whether the food is complete and balanced for all life stages, for adult maintenance, or tailored for growth and reproduction. Ask Your Vet If you’re ever in doubt about what food or diet is best for your dog, make an appointment to talk to your vet. They will be able to provide you with the valuable insight you need to make the best food decision for your pup. Your vet will know your dog’s health history as well as his nutritional needs based on his age, so he’ll be an invaluable resource when it comes to choosing what diet will work best for your pup. Image Credit: Pressmaster, Shutterstock Consider His Life Stage Your dog’s nutritional needs will vary not only by his diet requirements but his lifestyle and life stage. There are three life stage categories for dogs:
Puppies or Growth Stage: Less than one year for small and medium breeds, less than 2 for large and giant breeds
Adult: 1 or 2 years old to 7 years
Senior: 7 years and older
The nutrition requirements of puppies are higher than during any other stage in life. Growing puppies need more calories, protein, and fat than adult dogs. They also require higher levels of vitamins and minerals to support their growing dogs. Large and giant puppies need diets specifically designed for their large size to help prevent orthopedic issues and obesity. Adult dogs require a moderate amount of nutrients, including proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals. The goal of adult nutrition should be maintained. Your adult dog’s diet should provide complete and balanced nutrition and be made with high-quality ingredients. Dogs are considered to be seniors at different ages depending on their size and breed. Most dogs who are around age seven are still fit and active enough to not be showing many signs of aging. That said, internal changes do start taking place at around this age so most dogs are considered to be seniors by age seven. A senior dog’s diet needs to support optimal health and body conditioning and slow or prevent chronic diseases. See Also:
10 Best Dry Dog Foods in Canada 10 Best Wet Dog Foods in Canada
Final Verdict The best overall dog food in Canada is Purina’s Pro Plan Wet Dog Food for Sensitive Skin & Stomach for its easy-to-digest formula and irresistible flavor. IAMS Minichunks Dry Dog Food provides the best value for the money thanks to its affordable price and whole-ingredient formulation. For a premium pick, Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Food for Dogs is a natural food chock full of protein and antioxidants. We hope our dog food reviews above have made finding the perfect nutrition for your pooch an easier process. Give yourself time to research each food before choosing the best one for your dog’s needs.
Featured Image Credit: Nadezhda Zaitseva, Shutterstock
Choosing the right dog food can be a difficult task. There are countless brands and options on the market, so knowing which will be the healthiest is hard. While you might be tempted to choose the first food you see or the first one your vet recommends, it’s best to do some research to ensure the food you’re picking will be the healthiest option for your dog’s nutritional needs and life stage.
If you feel overwhelmed by dog food decision fatigue, let us help. Keep reading to find our reviews of the 10 best dog foods in Canada. By the end of our article, you should have a good idea of what food will be the healthiest for your pooch.
A Glance at Our Top Picks (2023 Update)
Image Product Details
Best Overall
Pro Plan Wet Dog Food
Highly digestible
Made with real salmon
Great for sensitive tummies
Check Price
Best Value
IAMS Adult Minichunks
Boosts muscle growth
Made with real chicken
Wholesome ingredients
Check Price
Premium Choice
Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Chicken
Real chicken
Brown rice provides B-vitamins
Antioxidant properties from blueberries and cranberries
Check Price
Best for Puppies
Pro Plan Dry Puppy Food
Great for all breeds
Vitamin A for healthy skin and coat
Minerals included to build strong teeth and bones
Check Price
Hill’s Science Diet Adult Oral Care
Freshens doggy breath
No artificial flavors or preservatives
Formulated with veterinarian nutritionists
Check Price
The 10 Best Dog Foods in Canada
- Pro Plan Wet Dog Food – Best Overall
Check Latest Price
Food Type: Wet
Recommended Age: Adult
Food Size: 12 369-gram cans
Top Ingredients: Water sufficient for processing, salmon, rice, fish, and potato protein
Purina’s Pro Plan Wet Dog Food for Sensitive Skin & Stomach takes our pick as the best overall dog food in Canada. This food is designed specifically for dogs who have sensitive stomachs. Its easy-to-digest formula is made without any artificial colors or flavors so your sensitive dog should have no problems eating or digesting it. After water, the number one ingredient is real salmon, providing a hefty dose of high-quality protein.
Check Latest Price
Food Type: Wet
Recommended Age: Adult
Food Size: 12 369-gram cans
Top Ingredients: Water sufficient for processing, salmon, rice, fish, and potato protein
This wet food has linoleic acid inside to help support your dog’s healthy skin and coat. Linoleic acid is an amino acid that is necessary for growth as well as the prevention of skin lesions.
Pros
Affordable price
Great for sensitive tummies
Highly digestible
Made with real salmon
Complete and balanced nutrition
Cons
Strong smell
- IAMS Adult Minichunks Dry Dog Food – Best Value
Check Latest Price
Food Type: Dry
Recommended Age: Adult
Food Size: 15 lb bag
Top Ingredients: Chicken, ground whole grain corn, ground whole grain sorghum, chicken by-product meal, dried plain beet pulp
You don’t need a huge budget to find the best dog food in Canada for the money. IAMS Minichunks Dry Dog Food provides high-quality nutrition at a pocket-friendly price point.
Affordable price
Great for sensitive tummies
Highly digestible
Made with real salmon
Complete and balanced nutrition
- Affordable price
- Great for sensitive tummies
- Highly digestible
- Made with real salmon
- Complete and balanced nutrition
Strong smell
- Strong smell
Food Type: Dry
Recommended Age: Adult
Food Size: 15 lb bag
Top Ingredients: Chicken, ground whole grain corn, ground whole grain sorghum, chicken by-product meal, dried plain beet pulp
This food is made with wholesome ingredients like farm-raised chicken to help your dog maintain strong and healthy muscles and wholesome grains for promoting healthy energy levels. This recipe also contains beet pulp to provide a dose of natural fiber and probiotics for a healthier digestive system.
This food is 100% complete and balanced for adult maintenance and has zero artificial preservatives or flavors at all.
Pros
Made with real chicken
Boosts muscle growth
Helps digestion
Wholesome ingredients
Cons
The Kibble size may be too big for small dogs
- Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Food for Dogs – Premium Choice
Check Latest Price
Food Type: Wet
Recommended Age: Adult
Food Size: 12 354-gram cans
Top Ingredients: Chicken, chicken broth, chicken liver, carrots, peas
Th pate-style Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Food for Dogs is made with high-quality protein from real chickens to help boost your dog’s muscle growth and maintenance. It doesn’t contain any chicken by-products, artificial flavoring, preservatives, wheat, corn, or soy. If your dog is sensitive to these ingredients, you can feed him this recipe without worrying about it bothering his stomach.
Made with real chicken
Boosts muscle growth
Helps digestion
Wholesome ingredients
- Made with real chicken
- Boosts muscle growth
- Helps digestion
- Wholesome ingredients
The Kibble size may be too big for small dogs
- The Kibble size may be too big for small dogs
Food Type: Wet
Recommended Age: Adult
Food Size: 12 354-gram cans
Top Ingredients: Chicken, chicken broth, chicken liver, carrots, peas
This recipe contains chicken liver to give your dog a boost of Vitamin A and iron and carrots for beta carotene and fiber.
Pros
Brown rice provides B-vitamins
Antioxidant properties from blueberries and cranberries
Real chicken
Natural ingredients
Cons
Contains above-average calories for wet food
Expensive
- Pro Plan Dry Puppy Food – Best for Puppies
Check Latest Price
Food Type: Dry
Recommended Age: Puppy
Food Size: 15.4 kg bag
Top Ingredients: Chicken, rice, poultry by-product meal, corn gluten meal, whole grain wheat
Growing puppies need a diet that supports their rapidly growing bodies. If you have a pup in your home, you need to invest in food that can support bone and muscle growth. The Purina Pro Plan Dry Puppy Food can provide just that. This high-protein food features real chicken as its main ingredient. It has fish oil included to help nourish brain and vision development, and its antioxidant-rich formulation will help support your puppy’s developing immune system.
Brown rice provides B-vitamins
Antioxidant properties from blueberries and cranberries
Real chicken
Natural ingredients
- Brown rice provides B-vitamins
- Antioxidant properties from blueberries and cranberries
- Real chicken
- Natural ingredients
Contains above-average calories for wet food
Expensive
- Contains above-average calories for wet food
- Expensive
Food Type: Dry
Recommended Age: Puppy
Food Size: 15.4 kg bag
Top Ingredients: Chicken, rice, poultry by-product meal, corn gluten meal, whole grain wheat
This recipe is designed to provide 100% complete and balanced nutrition for pups that are up to one year of age.
Pros
Minerals included building strong teeth and bones
Vitamin A for healthy skin and coat
Available in a sensitive stomach variety
Great for all breeds
Cons
Contains the controversial ingredient menadione
- Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food
Check Latest Price
Food Type: Dry
Recommended Age: Adult
Food Size: 28.5 lb bag
Top Ingredients: Chicken, whole grain wheat, powdered cellulose, brown rice, whole grain corn
If your dog is having problems with his teeth, he needs food that can promote better oral health. Hill’s Science Diet Adult Oral Care Dry Dog Food is designed to reduce plaque and tartar build-up and promote fresh breath. The kibble works to scrub your dog’s teeth just like a toothbrush. It can also clean your dog’s teeth right to his gum line as he chews his food.
Minerals included building strong teeth and bones
Vitamin A for healthy skin and coat
Available in a sensitive stomach variety
Great for all breeds
- Minerals included building strong teeth and bones
- Vitamin A for healthy skin and coat
- Available in a sensitive stomach variety
- Great for all breeds
Contains the controversial ingredient menadione
- Contains the controversial ingredient menadione
Food Type: Dry
Recommended Age: Adult
Food Size: 28.5 lb bag
Top Ingredients: Chicken, whole grain wheat, powdered cellulose, brown rice, whole grain corn
This kibble isn’t just great for oral health, though. It’s made with natural ingredients and has omega-6 fatty acids to promote healthier coats and skin. The antioxidant blend promotes a healthy immune system and is safe to feed every day.
Pros
High-quality ingredients
Formulated with veterinarian nutritionists
No artificial flavors or preservatives
Freshens doggy breath
Cons
Not for puppies or pregnant dogs
- Taste of the Wild Dry Dog Food
Check Latest Price
Food Type: Dry
Recommended Age: Puppy
Food Size: 15 lb bag
Top Ingredients: Buffalo, lamb meal, sweet potatoes, egg product, pea protein
For puppy-specific kibble, Taste of the Wild Grain-Free High Prairie Dry Dog Food for Puppy provides digestible energy and balanced nutrition for your growing puppy. It’s made with a blend of high-quality protein sources like buffalo and lamb to give your dog the protein he needs to support his growing bones and muscles. The kibble is puppy-sized so your puppy will have no problem chewing and digesting his food.
High-quality ingredients
Formulated with veterinarian nutritionists
No artificial flavors or preservatives
Freshens doggy breath
- High-quality ingredients
- Formulated with veterinarian nutritionists
- No artificial flavors or preservatives
- Freshens doggy breath
Not for puppies or pregnant dogs
- Not for puppies or pregnant dogs
Food Type: Dry
Recommended Age: Puppy
Food Size: 15 lb bag
Top Ingredients: Buffalo, lamb meal, sweet potatoes, egg product, pea protein
This recipe provides antioxidant-rich nutrition thanks to real fruits and vegetables as well as ingredients like dried chicory root to promote a healthy digestive system. It also contains ingredients like
This formula is grain-free as well as free from artificial flavors and colors.
Pros
Contains active live cultures for digestive health
Small kibble size
Pasture-raised meat
DHA supports brain and vision development
Cons
Not all puppies need a grain-free diet
- Royal Canin Small Adult Dry Dog Food
Check Latest Price
Food Type: Dry
Recommended Age: Adult
Food Size: 2.5 lb bag
Top Ingredients: Corn, chicken by-product meal, brewers rice, brown rice, corn gluten meal
You might be surprised to learn that small dogs need higher calorie amounts per pound of body weight than their large dog counterparts. Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Small Adult Dry Dog Food was designed as a small-breed-specific dog food, to ensure your pet gets the nutrition level he needs to support his body size.
Contains active live cultures for digestive health
Small kibble size
Pasture-raised meat
DHA supports brain and vision development
- Contains active live cultures for digestive health
- Small kibble size
- Pasture-raised meat
- DHA supports brain and vision development
Not all puppies need a grain-free diet
- Not all puppies need a grain-free diet
Food Type: Dry
Recommended Age: Adult
Food Size: 2.5 lb bag
Top Ingredients: Corn, chicken by-product meal, brewers rice, brown rice, corn gluten meal
This food contains EPA and DHA to support your dog’s coat and promote healthy skin. It’s formulated to provide nutrition that will meet his energy needs and promote fat metabolism.
The kibble shape is perfect for small breeds and the satisfying texture is designed to satisfy fussy appetites.
Pros
Specifically designed for small breeds
Senior option available
Boosts coat health
Kibble can reduce tartar formation
Cons
Expensive
Meat is not the first ingredient
- CESAR Classic Wet Dog Food
Check Latest Price
Food Type: Wet
Recommended Age: Adult
Food Size: 24 100-gram trays
Top Ingredients: Beef, chicken liver, beef lung, chicken broth, water
CESAR Classic Loaf in Sauce Wet Dog Food comes in perfectly portioned trays, which make a convenient dinner for your large or small breed dog. The loaf is packed in a tasty sauce that dogs are drawn to so even picky pooches like it. This particular package comes with 24 trays in three different flavors: beef, filet mignon, and porterhouse steak.
Specifically designed for small breeds
Senior option available
Boosts coat health
Kibble can reduce tartar formation
- Specifically designed for small breeds
- Senior option available
- Boosts coat health
- Kibble can reduce tartar formation
Expensive
Meat is not the first ingredient
- Expensive
- Meat is not the first ingredient
Food Type: Wet
Recommended Age: Adult
Food Size: 24 100-gram trays
Top Ingredients: Beef, chicken liver, beef lung, chicken broth, water
This food is enhanced with several vitamins and minerals to provide a complete and balanced diet. Its high-protein formula is high-quality and made for easy digestion. Try feeding this food as a meal or as a kibble topper.
Pros
Convenient to serve
Affordable price
Meets the AAFCO nutrient profile for adult dogs
Always fresh
Cons
Trays are small if feeding this exclusively
- Hill’s Science Senior Dry Dog Food
Check Latest Price
Food Type: Dry
Recommended Age: Senior
Food Size: 5 lb bag
Top Ingredients: Chicken Meal, cracked pearled barley, brewers rice, whole grain wheat, whole grain corn
Senior dogs need more protein to fuel muscle loss. Hill’s Science Diet Senior Small Bites Dry Dog Food is made specifically with senior dogs in mind so you know your pup is getting the protein and nutrition he needs to thrive in his golden years.
Convenient to serve
Affordable price
Meets the AAFCO nutrient profile for adult dogs
Always fresh
- Convenient to serve
- Affordable price
- Meets the AAFCO nutrient profile for adult dogs
- Always fresh
Trays are small if feeding this exclusively
- Trays are small if feeding this exclusively
Food Type: Dry
Recommended Age: Senior
Food Size: 5 lb bag
Top Ingredients: Chicken Meal, cracked pearled barley, brewers rice, whole grain wheat, whole grain corn
This formula provides an easy-to-digest meal with a unique blend of ingredients that will support your dog’s energy and activity level. It has omega-6s and Vitamin E to encourage healthy skin and coat.
The kibble itself is small and bite-size so dogs with poor teeth will have no problem eating it.
Pros
Great for toy and small breeds
Easy-to-digest formula
Small kibble size
Natural ingredients
Cons
Expensive
Velcro closure doesn’t keep food fresh
- Pedigree Adult Wet Dog Food
Check Latest Price
Food Type: Wet
Recommended Age: Adult
Food Size: 24 375-gram cans
Top Ingredients: Chicken, sufficient water for processing, animal liver, meat by-products, brewers’ rice
Pedigree’s Chopped Adult Wet Dog Food is a great pick for dogs who love chunky textured wet food. This formula is available in several flavor options including Chicken and Filet Mignon, Beef, Chicken, and Filet Mignon to make finding a recipe your dog likes a breeze.
Great for toy and small breeds
Easy-to-digest formula
Small kibble size
Natural ingredients
- Great for toy and small breeds
- Easy-to-digest formula
- Small kibble size
- Natural ingredients
Expensive
Velcro closure doesn’t keep food fresh
- Expensive
- Velcro closure doesn’t keep food fresh
Food Type: Wet
Recommended Age: Adult
Food Size: 24 375-gram cans
Top Ingredients: Chicken, sufficient water for processing, animal liver, meat by-products, brewers’ rice
Every recipe is designed to be 100% complete and balanced to ensure your dog is getting the most nutrition from each of his meals. The recipes are highly digestible so it’s easy for your dog’s body to absorb the nutrients it needs.
Pros
Affordable price point
Great for all breeds and sizes
Well-balanced fats, proteins, and carbs
Cons
Contains artificial colors
Higher in calories
Affordable price point
Great for all breeds and sizes
Well-balanced fats, proteins, and carbs
- Affordable price point
- Great for all breeds and sizes
- Well-balanced fats, proteins, and carbs
Contains artificial colors
Higher in calories
- Contains artificial colors
- Higher in calories
Buyer’s Guide: How to Pick the Best Dog Food in Canada
Choosing the right dog food can feel like an overwhelming decision. There are so many different brands and types on the market that knowing which to pick feels impossible. Keep reading to learn how to choose the best dog food available in Canada.
Read the Labels
One of the best ways to determine if the dog food you’re considering will be good for your pooch is to read the labels. Just as with human food, pet food labels will provide you with plenty of insight into the nutritional quality.
Take a look at the ingredient list on the food in question. The ingredients are listed in order of weight, so the ingredients at the top of the list are far more prevalent in the recipe than the ones that are listed further down.
The guaranteed analysis part of the nutrition label will tell you the minimum amount of protein and fat by percentage. It will also state the maximum amount of fiber and moisture present in the food by percentage. Moisture levels can skew the comparison, however, so if the label contains information on a dry matter basis, it’s best to look at that instead.
Know the Buzzwords
Just as with the human food industry, there are plenty of buzzwords floating around the world of animal nutrition. Knowing what the buzzwords mean and whether or not you should care about them is important. Let’s take a look at some of the most common buzzwords you might come across in your search for the best dog food.
You might see ingredients like “animal by-products” listed on a dog food label and be instantly turned off. While most of us humans don’t like the thought of by-products in our foods, it’s not necessarily a bad addition to your dog’s food. By-products are the clean and non-rendered parts of an animal that aren’t meat. It can include things like the lungs, liver, spleen, and fatty tissues. By-products are great sources of protein and other nutrients and are often tasty to dogs.
Grain-free is another big trend in the pet food industry right now. Grains are used in a lot of pet foods and are a great source of carbohydrates. Dogs are usually able to metabolize these carbs and use them as a source of energy. Some owners, however, prefer to provide a grain-free diet for their dogs. While it is a valid option for pooches who are allergic to grains, it’s more likely that your dog is allergic to the meat in his food than the grains. We recommend talking with your vet before opting for a grain-free diet to ensure this is the right pick for your pooch.
Some companies use the phrase “human-grade ingredients” to make it seem like their food is so high-quality that humans could eat it. This label is not defined by animal feed regulations.1 Human grade doesn’t necessarily mean a food is nutritionally adequate for your pet and shouldn’t be the deciding factor in your decision-making process.
Look for the AAFCO Statement
One thing you should be on the lookout for is a statement from the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). This institution has developed nutrition profiles for puppies and adult dogs. If the food in question has a statement on it that says it meets the nutritional standards from the AAFCO, it’s a safe bet to assume the food is healthier for your dog than options that don’t have this statement.
Look at the label to find the nutritional adequacy statement. This statement should state whether the food is complete and balanced for all life stages, for adult maintenance, or tailored for growth and reproduction.
Ask Your Vet
If you’re ever in doubt about what food or diet is best for your dog, make an appointment to talk to your vet. They will be able to provide you with the valuable insight you need to make the best food decision for your pup. Your vet will know your dog’s health history as well as his nutritional needs based on his age, so he’ll be an invaluable resource when it comes to choosing what diet will work best for your pup.
Consider His Life Stage
Your dog’s nutritional needs will vary not only by his diet requirements but his lifestyle and life stage.
There are three life stage categories for dogs:
Puppies or Growth Stage: Less than one year for small and medium breeds, less than 2 for large and giant breeds
Adult: 1 or 2 years old to 7 years
Senior: 7 years and older
The nutrition requirements of puppies are higher than during any other stage in life. Growing puppies need more calories, protein, and fat than adult dogs. They also require higher levels of vitamins and minerals to support their growing dogs. Large and giant puppies need diets specifically designed for their large size to help prevent orthopedic issues and obesity.
Puppies or Growth Stage: Less than one year for small and medium breeds, less than 2 for large and giant breeds
Adult: 1 or 2 years old to 7 years
Senior: 7 years and older
- Puppies or Growth Stage: Less than one year for small and medium breeds, less than 2 for large and giant breeds
- Adult: 1 or 2 years old to 7 years
- Senior: 7 years and older
Adult dogs require a moderate amount of nutrients, including proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals. The goal of adult nutrition should be maintained. Your adult dog’s diet should provide complete and balanced nutrition and be made with high-quality ingredients.
Dogs are considered to be seniors at different ages depending on their size and breed. Most dogs who are around age seven are still fit and active enough to not be showing many signs of aging. That said, internal changes do start taking place at around this age so most dogs are considered to be seniors by age seven. A senior dog’s diet needs to support optimal health and body conditioning and slow or prevent chronic diseases.
See Also:
- 10 Best Dry Dog Foods in Canada
- 10 Best Wet Dog Foods in Canada
Final Verdict
The best overall dog food in Canada is Purina’s Pro Plan Wet Dog Food for Sensitive Skin & Stomach for its easy-to-digest formula and irresistible flavor. IAMS Minichunks Dry Dog Food provides the best value for the money thanks to its affordable price and whole-ingredient formulation. For a premium pick, Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Food for Dogs is a natural food chock full of protein and antioxidants.
We hope our dog food reviews above have made finding the perfect nutrition for your pooch an easier process. Give yourself time to research each food before choosing the best one for your dog’s needs.
Featured Image Credit: Nadezhda Zaitseva, Shutterstock
