best limited ingredient cat food canada
The 9 Best Cat Foods In Canada
While the United States set the standard for quality pet food long ago, several other countries have stepped into the ring. With premium ingredients, strong quality standards, and commitment to sustainability, Canadian pet food companies give US-based brands a run for their money.
But which products are the best for your cat? Were bringing you a list of the highest-quality cat foods available in Canada. All products we recommend are based on personal experience, customer reviews, customer feedback, and a lot of research.
At A Glance: Best Cat Food To Buy In Canada
Want a quick look at the best cat foods reviewed in this article? In the comparison table below, weve highlighted some of the most important features of each product. Youll find more detailed information about each product later in the article.
Open Farm
10.0
Picked by 31 people today!
- Rich in species-appropriate animal protein
- Packaging is reclosable and recyclable
- Highly digestible, rich in moisture for hydration
FirstMate
9.8
Picked by 31 people today!
- Limited list of simple, digestible ingredients
- Rich in high-quality animal protein
- Plenty of moisture to support your cats hydration
Dr. Marty
9.8
Picked by 18 people today!
- Rich in species-appropriate animal protein
- Freeze-dried to retain flavor and nutritional value
- Covered by a 90-day money-back guarantee
Go! Solutions
9.5
Picked by 25 people today!
- Packed with high-quality sources of animal protein
- Rich in moisture, easily digestible for cats
- Supplemented with salmon oil for omega-3 fatty acids
Smack
9.4
Picked by 21 people today!
- Made with all-natural, humanely raised pork
- Includes nutrient-rich organ meats
- Dehydrated at low temperatures to preserve nutrition
Canadian Naturals
9.3
Picked by 18 people today!
- Made with regional, non-GMO ingredients
- Multiple sources of high-quality animal protein
- Supplemented with probiotics for healthy digestion
Orijen
9.3
Picked by 18 people today!
- Packed with high-quality sources of animal protein
- Contains nutrient-rich organ meats
- Rich in anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids
Amor Pet Foods
9.3
Picked by 18 people today!
- Made with biologically appropriate muscle meat and organs
- Free from fillers, by-products, and artificial additives
- Locally sourced ingredients including free-range meat and eggs
Young Again
9.3
Picked by 18 people today!
- High in animal-based proteins from three sources
- Virtually no carbohydrate content
- Animal-based sources of essential fatty acids
Why Trust Cats.com
Ive spent the past four years studying feline nutrition and have tested hundreds of cat food formulas, but mostly US brands. To write this guide, I began by researching the Canadian pet food industry to get an understanding of how the manufacture, importation, and exportation of pet food is regulated. From there, I performed an in-depth search to identify the best pet food brands made in Canada.
Relying on manufacturer websites, third-party review sites, in-depth customer reviews, and product information, I narrowed down the options. The brands Ive selected produce high-quality, species-appropriate diets for cats and have a strong history of customer satisfaction. All of the products featured here have been personally purchased and tested by members of our team.
What Makes Canadian Cat Food Different?
While its easy to stick to whats familiar, whats familiar isnt always best. Consumers in the United States demonstrate strong brand loyalty, and we love to see that Made in the USA callout on a label.
But as a responsible pet parent, all you want is whats best for your cat. While shopping around for high-quality cat food, you may come across big-name brands made in Canada and find yourself wondering: whats the difference?
Functionally speaking, there is little difference between American cat food and Canadian cat food.
All cats have the same nutritional requirements, so commercial cat foods are all formulated to meet your cats nutritional needs. In fact, the voluntary organization that promotes pet food nutritional standards in Canada uses the standards set by AAFCO.
That being said, not every country has the same manufacturing regulations as the United States.
Well talk more about how Canadas pet food industry is regulated later in this article, but for now suffice it to say that Canada does have a federal regulatory agency that oversees the manufacture, labeling, and sale of both human and pet food products.
For now, however, lets talk about a few details that make Canadian pet food different.
First and foremost, Canada has different natural resources than the United States which means you may see a focus on different ingredients, especially proteins. Its not uncommon for Canadian pet food to feature a lot of fish and seafood as well as poultry like duck and game meats like venison.
You may also notice that many of the top-shelf Canadian pet food companies focus on sustainability and ethical sourcing of ingredients.
Its no secret that Canada is head and shoulders above the United States when it comes to sustainability. While statistics vary from one province to another, 79% of Canadas electricity comes from eco-friendly sources. By 2025, vehicle greenhouse gasses are expected to be half of what they were in 2008. If youre looking for an eco-friendly pet food company, Canada is a great place to start your search.
Theres a lot to love about Canadian pet food companies, but its always your job as a responsible pet owner to make an informed decision. Were here to help you learn the ins and outs of the Canadian pet food industry and to introduce you to some of the best cat food in Canada.
The Best Cat Food In Canada: Our Top Picks
Now that you have a better understanding of what sets Canadian cat food apart, you may be curious to learn more about some of the specific brands. Below youll find a list of some of our favorite Canadian pet food companies with a quick recipe review from each brand.
#1 Open Farm
Easily one of our top picks for cat food in general, Open Farm is a relatively new entry into the pet food industry. Headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, Open Farm is dedicated to premium quality, ingredient transparency, and ethical sourcing.
This company uses only humanely-raised meats and wild-caught fish, all of which is free from antibiotics and growth hormones. They offer a wide variety of product types and flavors, though their options for dogs are a little more extensive than for cats.
They still offer a number of dry foods, wet foods, and bone broths.
Open Farm is highly rated for ingredient quality and species-appropriate nutrition, though you shouldnt be surprised to pay a bit more because of it. Not only is Open Farm conscious about their ingredient sourcing and manufacturing practices, but their packaging is all reclosable, reusable, and/or recyclable.
Featured Recipe: Open Farm Herring and Mackerel Rustic Blend Wet Cat Food
This wet food formula is marketed not only as a wet food but also as a meal topper or mixer. It is rich in moisture which supports your cats hydration and it contains two high-quality sources of animal protein. If your cat has a sensitive stomach or is allergic to common proteins like beef or chicken, this fish-based formula could be a good option.
Like most of Open Farms recipes, this formula does contain a significant number of plant-based ingredients, including some legumes and pulses. Its also worth noting that the primary sources of added fat are plant-based as well, though the herring and mackerel provide natural sources of omega-3s.
Overall, we love the quality as well as the protein and moisture content of this formula. That said, it does contain a number of plant-based ingredients but the carbohydrate content is still only around 15%.
Ocean Herring & Mackerel, Water Sufficient For Processing, Pumpkin, Carrots, Spinach, Red Lentils, Agar Agar, Non-GMO Cranberries, Garbanzo Beans (Chickpeas), Chicory Root, Sunflower Oil, Coconut Oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols), Salt, Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, D-calcium Pantothenate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin Supplement, Biotin, Folic Acid, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Sodium Selenite, Dried Kelp, Potassium Chloride, Dandelion Greens, Choline Chloride, Taurine, Turmeric.
Crude Protein: 8.1%
Crude Fat: 4.74%
Crude Fiber: 0.97%
Moisture: 82%
Protein: 45%
Fat: 26.33%
Fiber: 5.39%
Carbs: 23.28%
Protein: 34.03%
Fat: 48.36%
Carbs: 17.6%
What We Liked
- Rich in species-appropriate animal protein
- Packaging is reclosable and recyclable
- Highly digestible, rich in moisture for hydration
What We Didnt Like
- Fairly expensive
- Contains several plant-based ingredients
#2 FirstMate
The FirstMate pet food brand was founded in 1989 and was originally focused on dog food products. Today, however, theyve expanded their offerings to include both dog and cat food products across several brands such as KASIKS and Skoki.
This brand manufactures all of their own products in company-owned facilities in British Columbia. They source their ingredients primarily from North America, the exception being their lamb which comes from Australia. All of their meat ingredients are humanely raised, and their fish is sustainably wild-caught.
FirstMate offers a variety of dry and canned food products, many of which are made with a limited number of ingredients. They use a variety of protein options including chicken, turkey, salmon, tuna, duck, lamb, and more.
Featured Recipe: FirstMate Chicken Formula Limited Ingredient Grain-Free Canned Cat Food
Formulated with cage-free chicken, this canned food recipe is rich in species-appropriate animal protein and moisture. Because it is made with a short ingredient list, its great for cats with food allergies or sensitivities, unless, of course, your cat is allergic to chicken.
In fact, this formula contains just two main ingredients aside from the water necessary for processing and nutrient supplements required for balanced nutrition. Theres a little kale thrown in at the end, but its likely not significant enough to make much of a difference in terms of the foods composition.
Overall, this appears to be a protein- and moisture-rich recipe with very low carbohydrate content. We wouldnt mind seeing a supplemental source of animal-based fat but this is a very low-calorie cat food that could be a great option for older cats or those who need help achieving a healthy weight.
Boneless Chicken, Water Sufficient for Processing, Potato, Calcium Carbonate, Sodium Chloride, Dicalcium Phosphate, Minerals: (Iron Proteinate, Zinc Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Iodine), Vitamins: (Niacin, Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, D-Pantothenic Acid, Riboflavin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin A Supplement, Folic Acid, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement), Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Taurine, Kale.
Crude Protein: 11%
Crude Fat: 4%
Crude Fiber: 0.5%
Moisture: 78%
Protein: 50%
Fat: 18.18%
Fiber: 2.27%
Carbs: 29.55%
Protein: 40.42%
Fat: 35.7%
Carbs: 23.88%
What We Liked
- Limited list of simple, digestible ingredients
- Rich in high-quality animal protein
- Plenty of moisture to support your cats hydration
What We Didnt Like
- Contains some plant-based ingredients
#3 Dr. Marty
Dr. Marty pet food was developed by Dr. Martin Goldstein using the knowledge and expertise hed accumulated over a 40-year career in veterinary medicine.
This line of pet products incorporates macrobiotics to support healthy digestion as part of a comprehensive wellness plan for pets which also includes nutritionally balanced pet food and nutritional supplements. Dr. Marty also offers a selection of freeze-dried raw cat treats, each featuring a single ingredient like salmon, chicken breast, or chicken liver.
While Dr. Marty isnt based in Canada, their kitchens are located in North America, and they do ship to Canada for a $9.95 fee. Weve chosen to include them in our top picks for the best cat food in Canada as a premium pick.
Featured Recipe: Dr. Marty Natures Feast Freeze-Dried Raw Cat Food
Dr. Martys cat food is freeze-dried raw and nutritionally balanced without the need for synthetic supplements. This singular recipe is built on a foundation of species-appropriate proteins including salmon, turkey, whitefish, chicken liver, chicken heart, and chicken gizzard.
The recipe does contain several plant ingredients like sweet potato, flaxseed, and peas, but there are no fillers, by-product meals, or plant protein concentrates.
As a freeze-dried formula, all of the ingredients in this Dr. Marty recipe are mixed raw. The freeze-drying process gently removes moisture without compromising the nutritional integrity of the ingredients and it helps them retain more of their natural flavor as well.
While this recipe does contain some unnecessary plant ingredients, the total carbohydrate content is a little lower than what you might see in a standard dry cat food. It is, however, higher than wed like to see given its somewhere around 20% on a caloric weight basis.
Salmon, Turkey, Whitefish, Chicken Liver, Chicken Heart, Chicken Gizzard, Sweet Potato, Flaxseed, Egg, Pumpkin Seeds, Peas, Carrot, Apple, Blueberry, Cranberry, Ginger, Salt, Kelp, Sunflower Seeds, Spinach, Broccoli, Kale, Mixed Tocopherols (preservatives).
Crude Protein: 37%
Crude Fat: 23%
Crude Fiber: 3%
Moisture: 5%
Ash: 8%
Protein: 38.95%
Fat: 24.21%
Fiber: 3.16%
Carbs: 25.26%
Protein: 31.66%
Fat: 47.8%
Carbs: 20.54%
What We Liked:
- First six ingredients are high-quality animal proteins
- Freeze-dried to retain nutritional value and natural flavor
- Backed by a 90-day money-back guarantee
- No fillers, by-product meals, or artificial additives
- Can be mixed with water to add hydration to the diet
What We Didnt Like:
- Not manufactured or based in Canada
- Above market average in price
- Contains some unnecessary plant ingredients
#9 Young Again
While Young Again is manufactured in the United States, the company does have a distributor in Canada. The food is distributed by JLCM Enterprises. They offer free ground shipping to Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Ontario, P.E.I. Quebec, and Saskatchewan. Shipping is $14.99 to Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and Yukon Territory.
Young Again only offers dry cat food, but they are much lower in carbohydrates than the average dry food. These formulas are specifically designed for this purpose, making them an excellent choice for cats with diabetes or digestive concerns.
Every Young Again formula starts with a high-quality source of animal protein. Some recipes use hydrolyzed animal protein which is a highly digestible and allergy-friendly ingredient. Most recipes utilize animal-based fats and do not contain any starchy fillers.
Featured Recipe: Young Again ZERO Cat and Kitten Formula
This recipe is packed with species-appropriate animal protein from three sources: hydrolyzed pork, chicken meal, and herring meal. These proteins are highly digestible for cats, though the recipe wont be appropriate for cats with chicken or fish allergies.
Chicken fat and fish oil provide nutritious sources of fatty acids. The recipe is also supplemented with probiotics to support healthy digestion. Because the formula contains guar gum, a soluble fiber, however, some cats may develop loose stools while eating this food.
Customers seem very happy with this recipe. Many diabetic cat owners report good results, and the high-calorie formula was helpful for underweight cats. Due to the high calorie content, however, this recipe might not be appropriate for overweight cats or voracious eatersthe average cat would only need about cup a day.
Hydrolyzed Pork, Chicken Meal, Chicken Fat, Chicken Liver Flavor, Guar Gum, Herring Meal, DL Methionine, L-Lysine, Fish Oil, Psyllium Husk (source of soluble dietary fiber), Potassium Citrate, Fructooligosaccharides (FOS), Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate, Brewers Yeast, Potassium Chloride, Calcium Carbonate, Choline Chloride, Taurine, Potassium Carbonate, Vitamin E Supplement, L-Tryptophan, L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate (source of stabilized vitamin C), L-Carnitine, Betaine Anhydrous, Magnesium Sulfate, Zinc Sulfate, Salt, Yucca Schidigera Extract,Rosemary Extract, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Niacinamide (vitamin B3), Copper Proteinate, Biotin (vitamin B7), Thiamine Mononitrate (vitamin B1), Folic Acid (vitamin B9), Vitamin A Acetate, Riboflavin (vitamin B2), Calcium Pantothenate (vitamin B5), Dried Aspergillus oryzae Fermentation Extract, Dehydrated Pediococcus Acidilactici Fermentation Product, Beta Carotene, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (vitamin B6), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Mixed Tocopherols, Potassium Sorbate and Citric Acid (Preservatives).
Ingredients We Liked: Hydrolyzed Pork, Chicken Meal, Chicken Fat, Herring Meal, Fish Oil
Ingredients We Didnt Like: Guar Gum, Brewers Yeast
Crude Protein: 54%
Crude Fat: 26%
Crude Fiber: 3%
Moisture: 10%
Ash: 5.5%
Protein: 60%
Fat: 28.89%
Fiber: 3.33%
Carbs: 1.67%
Protein: 45.51%
Fat: 53.22%
Carbs: 1.26%
What We Liked:
- Highly digestible, rich in animal protein
- Virtually no carb content, unusual for a dry food
- Rich in essential fats from animal sources
- Free from artificial, fillers, and by-products
What We Didnt Like:
- High calorie content may not be ideal for overweight cats
- No dry food provides the moisture cats need
How Is Canadian Cat Food Regulated?
In the United States, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has the final say when it comes to the manufacture and marketing of most food products, both for people and pets. The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) has set the standard for what is considered complete and balanced for dogs and cats, though they dont have any regulatory power.
Organizations like these help keep American pets safe and help American pet owners make smarter choices about what they feed their pets. So, whats the Canadian equivalent?
While the FDAs reach doesnt extend beyond U.S. borders, Canada has their own industry watchdogs.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is dedicated to safeguarding food, animals and plants, which enhances the health and well-being of Canadas people, environment, and economy. The CFIA is a regulatory agency that was created in 1997 to consolidate the delivery of all food safety, animal health, and plant health regulations in the country.
It was created by combining three previously separate federal government departments:
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada
- Health Canada
Like the FDA, its the CFIAs responsibility to enforce the various acts and regulations that impact the food industry that includes pet food. One of the primary regulations the CFIA is responsible for enforcing is the Food and Drugs Act. First passed in 1920 and revised in 1985, this act regulates the production, import, export, transport, and sale of food, drugs, contraceptive devices, and cosmetics.
But does the CFIA actually enforce any of these regulations? Its unclear.
Over the past several years there have been several reports on Canadas failure to regulate their pet food industry. A representative of the CFIA told a Global News reporter, Pet food safety and hygiene are the responsibility of the pet food manufacturers.
While regulations for pet food do exist, they appear to be much less detailed (and less strictly enforced) than the regulations for human products.
The CFIA doesnt require inspection or verification of pet food products manufactured and sold in Canada. For products exported to the United States, manufacturers must provide documentation to U.S. regulatory authorities, though much of that documentation is based on honesty.
In the previously mentioned Global News Report, Dr. Daniel Joffe, national medical director of VCA Canada comments that, because Canadas pet food industry is largely based on the honor system with a lack of enforcement, theres room for dishonesty. Additionally, veterinarian Dr. Maureen Harper states that the fact that the industry is largely unregulated puts pets in harms way.
If Canadian pet owners cant trust the CFIA to ensure the safety of pet food products, who can they trust? Some say the PFAC is the best place to turn.
Nutritional Adequacy of Canadian Pet Food
More specific to the pet food industry, the Pet Food Association of Canada (PFAC) is a voluntary organization that acts as the national voice of Canadas pet food industry.
Much like AAFCO, the PFAC represents pet food manufacturers as well as the companies that supply the pet food industry with ingredients, products, and services. While the PFAC has no regulatory authority, it helps its members comply with federal regulations.
More importantly, they help their members follow AAFCO nutritional guidelines. What does that mean? Any Canadian pet food that meets PFAC requirements also conforms to AAFCO nutritional standards.
Keep your cats carnivorous needs in mind.
Its important to keep in mind that American pet food companies are not required to seek AAFCO endorsement, but it certainly helps. Aside from adhering to AAFCOs nutrient profiles, pet food companies can get the AAFCO stamp of nutritional adequacy by completing a food trial.
Here at Cats.com, we dont consider AAFCO to be the ultimate authority on pet nutrition. While their cat nutrient profiles are supported by decades of research conducted by the National Research Council (NRC), they represent the minimum requirements for pet nutrition.
Your cat deserves better than the bare minimum.
While an AAFCO statement of nutritional adequacy is certainly a good place to start (and a great way to eliminate some really poor-quality pet foods), its still important to have an understanding of your cats nutritional needs and how different pet foods meet them or dont.
For example, AAFCO recommends a minimum crude protein content of 26% and crude fat of 9% for adult cats, based on a dry matter basis.
If you consider the fact that cats are obligate carnivores and biologically designed to subsist on a whole prey diet, your cats ideal diet is closer to 52% protein and 46% fat. Cats simply arent designed to consume a plant-based diet, though thats what most commercial cat foods are.
The average commercial cat food contains as much as 55% carbohydrate.
If you want to feed your cat the kind of diet hes designed to thrive on, your best bet is a properly formulated raw or homemade food. Fresh cat food offers exceptional quality as well. Unfortunately, all three of these options are pretty expensive and its not in every cat owners budget.
For those who want to support their cats long-term health and wellness with quality nutrition, there are still plenty of commercial options worth considering. If you live in Canada, some of those options are pretty great. Just take a closer look at some of the healthiest recommendations above!
Also Read:
Final Thoughts
As a responsible cat owner, your cats long-term health and wellness is your top priority. While regular vet appointments and adequate opportunities for exercise and enrichment are essential, the best thing you can do to support your cats wellness is to feed him a high-quality, nutritionally balanced diet.
No matter where your cats food is made, its important to ensure that it is nutritionally adequate and produced in accordance with federal standards for quality and safety. The trouble with Canadian pet food is that while federal regulations do exist, they dont appear to be consistently enforced.
That leaves the ultimate responsibility on your shoulders.
As a pet owner, you must do your due diligence to choose a high-quality product from a reputable company. Dont trust everything you read on the label, either. Review the companys website to find information about ingredient sourcing, manufacturing processes, and quality assurance. Look for evidence of product recalls and spend some time reading customer reviews.
Want more? Check out our guide to the best cat food here.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if a cat food is made in Canada?
While food regulations differ between the U.S. and Canada, you can expect pet food products to indicate their country of manufacture somewhere on the label. Many will say Made in Canada somewhere, or youll simply see the address for the brand listed. Keep in mind that some companies that are technically based in Canada, production might occur elsewhere.
Is Canadian cat food safe?
The production and sale of pet food is regulated in Canada by the CFIA, roughly equivalent to the FDA in the United States. Pet food manufacturers are required to adhere to certain standards for safety and quality, though there is some question whether the CFIA actually enforces those regulations. You can always check for Canadian pet food recalls through the Government of Canadas website.
Is Canadian cat food healthy for my cat?
While quality may vary from one product to another, you can assume that any pet food product carrying a PFAC endorsement also meets AAFCO cat or dog nutrient profiles. Keep in mind that these profiles only account for the minimal nutritional requirements of pets and they do not have any bearing on the quality of the ingredients used to meet those requirements.
