Puppies have unique nutritional needs to help them grow up healthy and happy. There are an overwhelming number of puppy foods on the market, all varying in ingredient quality, sourcing, manufacturing, and more. This can be overwhelming for pet owners debating what to feed their new furry friend.
That’s why we’ve made a list of our highest-rated puppy-specific dry kibbles in Canada,
While puppy foods are ideal for most puppies, large and giant breed puppies should be fed a diet specific to their needs. See our list of the top large breed-specific puppy foods here.
Here are The 13 Best Puppy Foods in Canada:
Instinct Be Natural Chicken & Brown Rice Puppy Food
Grain Friendly • Made in USA • From $0.78 per cup
Based out of Lincoln, Nebraska, Instinct is well known for their extensive research into companion animal nutrition. This exceptional puppy recipe is made with human-grade, cage-free chicken as the primary ingredient. Each kibble is tumbled in a dehydrated-raw coating that provides a superior boost of nutrition and flavour from freeze-dried chicken liver.
Instinct Be Natural Chicken & Brown Rice Puppy Food takes a whole-body approach to natural nutrition, providing extra probiotics, prebiotics, antioxidants, omega fatty acids, and everything else your puppy needs to grow up healthy. Healthy whole grains like barley and brown rice complete what is an impressive recipe for puppies.
Ingredients:
Chicken, Chicken Meal, Barley, Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Menhaden Fish Meal, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols and Citric Acid), Ground Flaxseed, Lamb Meal, Salmon Oil, Natural Flavor, Salt, Carrots, Montmorillonite Clay, Apples, Blueberries, Cranberries, Choline Chloride, Minerals (Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese, Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Ethylenediamine Dihydriodide), Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate, Niacin Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Biotin), Potassium Chloride, Freeze Dried Chicken, Yeast Culture, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Aspergillus niger Fermentation Extract, Dried Trichoderma longibrachiatum Fermentation Extract, Dried Bacillus subtilis Fermentation Extract, Freeze Dried Chicken Liver, Pumpkin seeds, Freeze Dried Chicken Heart, Rosemary Extract.
Grain Free • Made in Canada • From $0.94 per cup
Among the most highly decorated brands in the pet industry, Orijen is well known throughout Canada and the US for their exceptional quality products. This Canadian brand sources a majority of their ingredients from local, trusted Canadian farmers located within 100 kilometres from their Alberta-based facility; the award winning Northstar Kitchen. This recipe uses a mix of poultry, fish, eggs, fruits, and vegetables for a remarkably well-rounded meal. In fact, Orijen’s puppy food is so nutrient dense, it contains the fewest synthetics of any food on this list.
For dogs that simply need more meat in their diet, Orijen’s puppy formulation has the highest meat inclusion among leading super premium puppy foods on the market. As it is among the tastiest kibbles available, Orijen’s puppy diet is an ideal choice for fussy puppies.
Ingredients:
Boneless chicken*, chicken meal, chicken liver*, whole herring*, boneless turkey*, turkey meal, turkey liver*, whole eggs*, boneless walleye*, whole salmon*, chicken heart*, chicken cartilage*, herring meal, salmon meal, chicken liver oil, chicken fat, red lentils, green peas, green lentils, sun-cured alfalfa, yams*, pea fiber, chickpeas, pumpkin*, butternut squash*, spinach greens*, carrots*, Red Delicious apples*, Bartlett pears*, cranberries*, blueberries*, brown kelp, licorice root, angelica root, fenugreek, marigold flowers, sweet fennel, peppermint leaf, chamomile, dandelion, summer savory, rosemary, Enterococcus faecium.* FRESH AND PRESERVATIVE-FREE
SUPPLEMENTS
Vitamin A supplement, vitamin D3 supplement, vitamin E Supplement, zinc proteinate, dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product
Wilder Harrier Insect Based Puppy Food
Grain Friendly • Made in Canada • From $1.66 per cup
Based out of Montreal, Quebec, Wilder Harrier Insect Based Puppy Food is a unique and innovative new way to feed your young pooch. This highly sustainable formula uses fresh black soldier flies; a high-protein, clean source of nutrition that has a carbon footprint up to ten times smaller than that of meat.
As it doesn’t contain any of today’s most common food allergens, this hypoallergenic puppy food is an ideal selection for puppies with food allergies. Wilder Harrier Insect Based Puppy Food is completely free from artificial ingredients, by-products, and fillers.
Ingredients:
Black soldier flies, millet, pea protein, black soldier fly oil, buckwheat, lentils, chickpeas, coconut, sunflower oil, flaxseeds, sweet potatoes, natural pea extract, dicalcium phosphate, yeast extract, lecithin, calcium carbonate, salt, miscanthus grass fiber, blueberries, micro-algae, potassium chloride, disodium phosphate, choline chloride, DL-methionine, L-lysine, taurine, fructooligosaccharides, fumaric acid, lactic acid, citric acid, malic acid, thyme extract, zinc proteinate, iron proteinate, vitamin E, copper proteinate, L-2-ascorbyl-monophosphate (source of vitamin C), vitamin A, biotin, D-calcium pantothenate, manganese proteinate, sodium selenite, niacin, vitamin D3, riboflavin, thiamine mononitrate, vitamin B12, folic acid, pyridoxine hydrochloride, calcium iodate, rosemary extract.
Acana Healthy Grains Puppy Food
Grain Friendly • Made in Canada • From $0.86 per cup
The sister brand to Orijen, Acana is also very well known for their uniquely high manufacturing and ingredient sourcing standards. Like Orijen, the majority of the ingredients used are sourced from within 100 kilometers of their award-winning commercial kitchen based in Alberta.
Acana Healthy Grains Puppy Food focuses on cage-free chicken as the main ingredient, complemented by nutrient-dense foods like pumpkin, butternut squash, apples, and more. To achieve the perfect balance of protein, this recipe uses a combination of fresh (never frozen) chicken with dehydrated chicken. Wholesome, quality grains like millet and oats are sure to provide your puppy with long-lasting energy and optimal digestive health.
Ingredients:
Fresh chicken meat (17%), dehydrated chicken meat (16%), oat groats, whole sorghum, whole millet, chicken fat (7%), whole oats, fresh eggs (6%), fresh chicken giblets (heart, liver) (6%), dehydrated turkey meat (5%), dehydrated herring (5%), raw whole herring (4%), ground miscanthus grass, pollock oil (2%), chicken cartilage (1%), raw turkey meat (0.5%), raw turkey liver (0.5%), salt, dried kelp, fresh whole pumpkin, fresh whole butternut squash, fresh apples, fresh carrots, fresh pears, fresh zucchini, fresh beet greens, fresh kale, fresh spinach, fresh turnip greens, freeze-dried chicken and turkey liver, fresh whole cranberries, fresh whole blueberries, fresh whole saskatoon berries, chicory root, burdock root, lavender, marshmallow root, milk thistle, rosehips, turmeric root, Choline chloride (choline): 1050 mg, Taurine: 500 mg, Zinc (Zinc chelate of amino acid hydrate): 160 mg, Vitamin B1(thiamine mononitrate): 25 mg, Copper (Copper (II) chelate of amino acid hydrate): 11 mg, Vitamin B2 (riboflavin): 10 mg, Vitamin B3 (niacin): 50 mg, Vitamin B5 (calcium pantothenate): 8 mg, Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine hydrochloride): 7.5mg, Vitamin B9 (folic acid): 0.75 mg, Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin): 0.1 mg, Vitamin A: 3750 IU, Vitamin D3: 500 IU, Vitamin E: 140 IU. Zootechnical additives: 4b1707 Enterococcus faecium DSM 10663/NCIMB 10415 1×10^9 CFU
Nulo Freestyle Salmon & Peas Puppy Food
Grain Free • Made in USA • From $0.96 per cup
Chicken-free puppy foods can be difficult to find. Considering the number of dogs suffering from chicken-related allergies these days, it is no surprise that Nulo Freestyle Salmon & Peas Puppy Food is a top choice among pet owners.
Manufactured in Austin, Texas, Nulo Freestyle Salmon & Peas Puppy Food is a grain free diet with a high meat inclusion guaranteed to keep your puppy healthy, happy, and excited at meal time. This recipe gets a whopping 80% of its protein from real meats, including deboned salmon, delicious turkey, and menhaden fish.
There are no chicken proteins in this food, although it does contain chicken fat. However, chicken fat is not considered an allergen as it does not contain the symptom-forming protein.
Other healthful ingredients in this recipe include peas, chickpeas, sweet potato, lentils, tomatoes, carrots, blueberries, and also apples.
Ingredients:
Deboned Salmon, Turkey Meal, Menhaden, Fish Meal, Whole Peas, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols & Citric Acid), Sweet Potato, Chickpeas, DebonedTurkey, Lentils, Pea Fiber, Natural Flavor, Yeast Culture, Dried Chicory Root, Dried Tomatoes, Dried Carrots, Dried Blueberries, Dried Apples, Salt, Calcium Carbonate, Choline Chloride, Potassium Chloride, Zinc Proteinate, Vitamin E Supplement, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C), Iron Proteinate, Niacin, Copper Proteinate, Thiamine, Mononitrate (source of Vitamin B1), Calcium Pantothenate,, Vitamin A Supplement, Manganous Oxide, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (source of Vitamin B6), Sodium Selenite, Riboflavin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Biotin, Dried Bacillus coagulans Fermentation Product, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Calcium Iodate, Folic Acid,Rosemary Extract.
The Honest Kitchen Whole Food Clusters Puppy Food
Grain Friendly • Made in USA • From $1.30 per cup
The Honest Kitchen’s whole food clusters are an innovative hybrid between kibble and dehydrated raw. Based out of California, The Honest Kitchen uses a very slow baking technique, followed by a light dehydration to retain as much of the original nutrients as possible. Additionally, they exclusively use human-grade ingredients, and their unique foods are made using 100% human-grade manufacturing processes.
Made with fresh chicken, liver, eggs, pumpkin, salmon oil, and other tasty whole foods, these nutrient-dense clusters are highly palatable, making them an ideal choice for fussy puppies.
Ingredients:
Chicken, potatoes, lentils, peas, chicken liver, carrots, ground flaxseed, eggs, coconut oil, broccoli, pumpkin, apples, natural chicken flavor, salmon oil, chia seed, kale, minerals [tricalcium phosphate, sodium chloride, iron amino acid chelate, copper amino acid chelate, manganese amino acid chelate, zinc amino acid chelate, sodium selenite], fenugreek seed, dried kelp, taurine, L-carnitine, vitamins [vitamin A supplement, vitamin D3 supplement, vitamin E supplement, niacin supplement, folic acid, thiamine mononitrate (vitamin B1), riboflavin (vitamin B2), calcium pantothenate (vitamin B5), pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6), vitamin B12 supplement, choline chloride], mixed tocopherols (a natural preservative), turmeric, dried bacillus coagulans fermentation product, rosemary extract
Oven Baked Tradition Lamb Puppy Food
Grain Friendly • Made in Canada • From $1.09 per cup
Oven Baked Tradition is one of Canada’s fastest growing brands. Their natural approach to dog food is wholesome, healthy, and rich in nutrition. All of their recipes are slow baked, making them closer to a dehydrated raw food than a traditional kibble. The result is a nutrient dense, delicious recipe that dogs can’t resist.
Lamb is rich in excellent quality protein and iron, which are essential for growing pups. It is also a great option for dogs who suffer from allergies or sensitivities to common proteins such as chicken and beef. This recipe also contains fish, flaxseed, and salmon oil, to ensure healthy brain development, skin and coat, and much more.
Ingredients:
Lamb, lamb meat meal, ground whole rye, ground dehulled barley, ground oat groat, fish meal, ground whole flaxseed, canola oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols and citric acid), dried plain beet pulp, natural flavor, choline chloride, salmon oil, inulin, sea salt, potassium chloride, vitamin E supplement, zinc proteinate, iron proteinate, pumpkin, yucca schidigera extract, ascorbic acid (vitamin C), marine micro algae (source of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)), green tea extract, copper proteinate, spinach, manganese proteinate, apples, cranberries, bananas, blueberries, broccoli, sweet potatoes, dried kelp, niacin supplement, vitamin A supplement, d-calcium pantothenate, riboflavin supplement, thiamine mononitrate, vitamin D3 supplement, vitamin B12 supplement, pyridoxine hydrochloride, calcium iodate, folic acid, sodium selenite, rosemary extract.
Whole Earth Farms Healthy Puppy Dry Dog Food
Grain Free • Made in USA • From $0.72 per cup
Made by Merrick, and manufactured in Amarillo, Texas, Whole Earth Farms dog foods are well known for their wholesome, well rounded approach to pet nutrition at affordable pricing. This recipe is no exception, containing a modest 26% protein from high quality sources like chicken, salmon, potatoes, and peas.
Whole Earth Farms Healthy Puppy is free from gluten, corn, soy, wheat, by-products, and artificial ingredients. This is a very limited ingredient diet, making another excellent option for dogs with common food allergies.
Ingredients:
Chicken Meal, Potatoes, Peas, Sweet Potatoes, Chicken Fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), Pea Protein, Chicken, Salmon, Natural Flavor, Flaxseed, Sunflower Oil, Apples, Salmon Oil, Salt, Organic Dried Alfalfa Meal, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Minerals (Iron Amino Acid Complex, Zinc Amino Acid Complex, Zinc Sulfate, Sodium Selenite, Manganese Amino Acid Complex, Copper Amino Acid Complex, Copper Sulfate, Potassium Iodide, Cobalt Proteinate, Cobalt Carbonate), Yucca Schidigera Extract, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin A Acetate, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Niacin, Riboflavin Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride), Dried Lactobacillus plantarum Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus casei Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus Fermentation Product
Acana Heritage Grain Free Puppy and Junior Dog Food
Grain Free • Made in Canada • From $0.73 per cup
Another phenomenal offering by Alberta-based Champion Pet Foods, Acana Heritage Puppy and Junior Dog Food is a super premium dog food designed specifically for young dogs that will grow to between 9-25kg.
Acana Heritage Puppy and Junior is made from 70% fresh meats, which helps to promote development of lean muscle mass. It is also low in carbohydrates, and contains an impressive variety of low-glycemic fruits and vegetables.
This biologically appropriate puppy food is made using fresh, human-grade ingredients, including delicious free-run chicken, farm fresh eggs, and fresh caught fish.
Ingredients:
Fresh chicken meat (16%), chicken meal (13%), turkey meal (13%), red lentils, whole green peas, fresh chicken giblets (liver, heart, kidney) (6%), chicken fat (6%), fresh whole eggs (4%), fresh whole flounder (4%), herring meal (3%), herring oil (3%), sun-cured alfalfa (2%), green lentils, field beans (2%), whole yellow peas, pea fiber, fresh chicken cartilage (2%), dried brown kelp, fresh whole pumpkin, fresh whole butternut squash, fresh whole parsnips, fresh kale, fresh spinach, fresh mustard greens, fresh turnip greens, fresh whole carrots, fresh red delicious apples, fresh Bartlett pears, freeze-dried chicken liver, freeze-dried turkey liver, fresh whole cranberries, fresh whole blueberries, chicory root, turmeric, milk thistle, burdock root, lavender, marshmallow root, rose hips, enterococcus faecium, Zinch Chelate, Vitamin E (Preservative)
Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Puppy Food
Grain Free • Made in USA • From $0.71 per cup
Taste of the Wild is a Missouri-based, family-owned business with strong beliefs that dogs should eat like their wild ancestors. This fish-based recipe is chicken-free; made primarily from sustainably sourced salmon, including smoked salmon and salmon oil, for a delish and enticing flavour. This is an excellent hypoallergenic recipe for puppies who have chicken-related allergies.
Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Puppy food’s kibble is smaller than average, making it an ideal choice for small to medium breed puppies. It also uses species-specific probiotics, for optimal gut health.
Ingredients:
Salmon, ocean fish meal, sweet potatoes, peas, potatoes, canola oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols), pea protein, tomato pomace, smoked salmon, salmon meal, natural flavor, salmon oil (a source of DHA), salt, choline chloride, taurine, dried chicory root, yucca schidigera extract, tomatoes, blueberries, raspberries, dried Lactobacillus plantarum fermentation product, dried Bacillus subtilis fermentation product, dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product, dried Bifidobacterium animalis fermentation product, vitamin E supplement, iron proteinate, zinc proteinate, copper proteinate, ferrous sulfate, zinc sulfate, copper sulfate, potassium iodide, thiamine mononitrate, manganese proteinate, manganous oxide, ascorbic acid, vitamin A supplement, biotin, niacin, calcium pantothenate, manganese sulfate, sodium selenite, pyridoxine hydrochloride, vitamin B12 supplement, riboflavin, vitamin D supplement, folic acid.
Open Farm Puppy Recipe Dry Dog Food
Grain Free • Made in USA • From $1.04 per cup
Open Farm is a Canadian-owned company that manufactures super-premium pet products out of their facility in Minnesota. This is one of the more expensive foods on our list, but for good reason. Open Farm Puppy features 100% certified humane turkey and chicken, free from antibiotics and growth hormones.
Open Farm uses the highest quality ingredients, like locally sourced GMO-free pumpkin. All of the ingredients in this recipe come from local farmers, and are 100% traceable, too. Open Farm Puppy is free from grains, including corn, wheat, and soy, and instead focuses on nutrient dense ingredients like potatoes, chickpeas, lentils, peas, and more.
Ingredients:
Humanely Raised Turkey, Humanely Raised Chicken, Ocean Whitefish Meal, Russet Potatoes, Garbanzo Beans (Chickpeas), Green Lentils, Field Peas, Coconut Oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols), Ocean Menhaden Fish Meal, Tomato, Apples, Pumpkin, Natural Flavour, Flaxseed, Sun Cured Alfalfa, Carrots, Chicory Root, Salmon Oil, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Mixed Tocopherols (a natural preservative), Vitamin E Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Niacin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Folic Acid, Zinc Proteinate, Calcium Carbonate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Selenium Yeast, Calcium Iodate, Rosemary Extract, Taurine, Cinnamon, Turmeric, Dicalcium Phosphate
Fromm Classic Premium Puppy Food
Grain Friendly • Made in USA • From $0.47 per cup
The Wisconsin-based Fromm family is widely known for providing quality pet products for decades. The ingredients used in this formula are vetted through a third party to ensure safety and quality in every bite. This is a chicken-based formula complimented with healthy ingredients like oatmeal, barley, egg, salmon oil, and even cheese.
While Fromm Classic Premium Puppy Food may not be the highest rated food on our list, it certainly warrants serious consideration as it is substantially more affordable than other super premium puppy foods.
Ingredients:
Chicken, Chicken Meal, Pearled Barley, Oatmeal, Menhaden Fish Meal, Brown Rice, White Rice, Beet Pulp, Chicken Fat, Dried Whole Egg, Salmon Oil, Flaxseed, Cheese, Brewers Dried Yeast, Chicken Liver, Vitamins, Monocalcium Phosphate, Salt, Potassium Chloride, DL-Methionine, Chicory Root Extract, Choline Chloride, Minerals, Chicken Cartilage, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Sodium Selenite, L-Tryptophan, Folic Acid, Taurine, Probiotics.
Merrick Beef and Sweet Potato Dry Puppy Food
Grain Free • Made in USA • From $1.05 per cup
This gourmet recipe by Texas-based Merrick features deboned beef, lamb, sweet potatoes, salmon, and peas as primary ingredients. Delicious apples and blueberries complete this naturally preserved puppy recipe. Merrick dog foods are made under strict FDA guidelines to ensure quality and safety.
Ingredients:
Deboned Beef, Sweet Potatoes, Peas, Lamb Meal, Potatoes, Pea Protein, Pork Fat, Natural Flavor, Salmon Meal, Potato Protein, Flaxseed, Sunflower Oil, Deboned Salmon, Salt, Organic Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Apples, Blueberries, Minerals (Iron Amino Acid Complex, Zinc Amino Acid Complex, Zinc Sulfate, Sodium Selenite, Manganese Amino Acid Complex, Copper Amino Acid Complex, Copper Sulfate, Potassium Iodide, Cobalt Proteinate, Cobalt Carbonate), Taurine, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Mixed Tocopherols for Freshness, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, d- Calcium Pantothenate, Thiamine Mononitre, Niacin, Riboflavin Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride), Citric Acid for Freshness, Dried Lactobacillus plantarum Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus casei Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus Fermentation Product
Hello,
I have a gorgeous 11 week old black lab puppy. She was the “dwarf” of the litter which also has eye sight issues diagnosed by vet at her initial check up. I’m strongly thinking her parents which are CKC registered are inbred as litter of 3 all have pretty some sort of deficits. I’m wondering what would be best nutrition to help her from 11 weeks of age or should I just go vet food to give her, her best chances?
Hello, Louise.
Congratulations on your new puppy! I am sorry to hear she has had some health issues, but I am happy to help you with your questions.
In terms of quality, veterinary diets are substandard in my opinion. When compared to the brands on this list, it is evident there is a major quality difference. Based on the limited information you have provided, I cannot necessarily make any specific recommendations, but in terms of overall quality, these brands are among the best in the industry and I highly recommend them.
I hope this is helpful, Louise. Please let me know if I can help any further. Good luck with your pup!
I have a 13 pound 13 week old black lab. Any recommendations for healthy food and snacks?
I give him banana, apple, orange, carrots. And he is on Acana puppy recipe. I also give fish oil.
Thanks Neil
Hello, Neil. Thank you for your post. Congratulations on your new puppy! To answer your question about healthy food options, we have many resources for that. In addition to this article, you should also check out my Top 24 Canadian Dog Foods 2024 Rankings to learn more about my highest-rated Canadian-made dog foods. With regards to recommending snacks, that will depend on what the intention is. Since you have a puppy, there will no doubt be much training for the foreseeable future, and there is nothing more popular for training treats than dehydrated beef liver. Benny Bully’s is made from 100% Canadian beef liver, and will certainly captivate your dog’s attention during training sessions, housebreaking, and much more.
I am happy to help if you have any further questions. Good luck with your pup!
I’m looking for puppy food for my 4 months old, 40 lbs lab in Ontario, Canada.
Hello, Ana. Thanks for posting.
If you are looking for a new food for your 4 month old Lab, then please check out my Top 10 Large Breed Puppy Foods rankings.
I hope this helps!