Confused by Canadian Raw Dog Food? Start Here.

We unpack what’s real, what’s risky, and how to feed raw the right way in Ottawa—with local quality and clarity you can count on.

“Canadian raw dog food” sounds like a safe bet—local, natural, and good for your pet. But when you look at what's on shelves and in freezers, the picture can get blurry. Ingredient lists are vague. Sourcing is unclear. Prices vary wildly. And pet owners in Ottawa are left wondering: Is this actually good for my dog or just good marketing?

In this guide, we’ll help you cut through the confusion. Whether you're new to raw, researching alternatives, or fed up with unreliable options from big-box stores, this post will give you the clarity you need to feed raw with confidence.

Why Raw? Why Now?

The demand for natural, minimally processed pet food is growing fast—especially in Canada. More dog owners are asking questions about their pets’ health, longevity, and what goes into commercial pet food.

Here’s what’s driving the shift toward raw:

• Cleaner ingredient profiles: More people want food without artificial additives, fillers, or mystery meats.
  

• Health benefits: Many report improvements in digestion, coat condition, energy, and even allergy symptoms after switching to raw.
  

• Control and customization: Raw lets you tailor your dog’s diet based on their breed, age, and sensitivities.
  

That said, not all raw food is created equal especially in the Canadian market.

The Reality of Buying Raw Dog Food in Canada

If you’ve looked for raw options in Ottawa, you know the landscape is all over the place. Pet stores carry a mix of local and national brands. Big-box retailers like Costco offer frozen options. Online stores promote bundles with bulk pricing.

But here’s where things get tricky:

Ingredient Labels Aren’t Always Clear

Many “raw” products list broad terms like animal protein, meat by-products, or vitamins and minerals without specifying sources. That makes it hard to judge quality or avoid allergens.

Prices Vary for a Reason

Some raw brands use high-quality, human-grade ingredients. Others don’t. Two bags of raw food might look the same but deliver very different nutritional value.

Freshness Isn’t Guaranteed

Frozen products from warehouses or shipped long distances often arrive freezer-burned, improperly sealed, or with packaging that leaks during thawing.

Support is Lacking

Big stores don’t offer advice on how to transition, portion, or troubleshoot raw diets. You’re left to figure it out or give up if things don’t go smoothly.

These are real issues we've heard from customers who came to us after trying other options.

How to Evaluate a Raw Dog Food Brand in Canada

If you’re comparing raw food brands, here are some key questions to ask:

1. Where is the meat sourced from?

Look for Canadian or North American sourcing with traceability. Brands that say “globally sourced” or “from trusted suppliers” but don’t give details may be cutting corners.

2. Is the product nutritionally complete?

Some raw food is meant to be supplemental only—not a full meal. Others include added vitamins, minerals, and omega-3s to ensure proper balance. Check for AAFCO or NRC guidelines.

3. How is it handled and packaged?

Freezer-safe, portioned packaging with vacuum seals or tight seals reduces waste and protects freshness. Avoid loosely packed or overly bulky formats that are hard to store.

4. What does it cost per serving?

Compare by weight or calories not just by bag. A cheaper bag with high moisture content or fillers could mean less actual nutrition per dollar.

5. What support is available?

Does the brand offer feeding guides, portion calculators, transition help, or local customer service? If the only contact is a barcode and a 1-800 number, you're on your own.

What Raw Feeding Looks Like in Ottawa Right Now

Here’s what we’re seeing in Ottawa and the surrounding areas:

• Pet owners want better ingredient transparency, but most big-name products fall short.
  

• Costco and other retailers offer “budget” raw options, but concerns about spoilage, poor packaging, and vague nutrition are rising.
  

• Local availability is inconsistent. Many popular products are either out of stock or only available online with long delivery times and high shipping fees.
  

• Customers are hungry for local expertise—someone they can call, visit, and trust.
  

That’s exactly where Raw Fed & Furry fits in.

How Raw Fed & Furry Makes Raw Feeding Simple (and Better)

We built Raw Fed & Furry to solve these exact problems for pet owners in Ottawa.

Here’s how we’re different:

Transparent Ingredients, Every Time

We don’t hide behind “proprietary blends” or vague terms. You’ll know exactly what meat, organs, and supplements go into every meal because we believe you have a right to know.

Locally Sourced, Carefully Handled

Our products are sourced from Canadian and regional suppliers with high safety and quality standards. We use portioned, vacuum-sealed packaging and maintain cold-chain integrity from our freezer to yours.

Better Value Without Compromise

We offer bundles, subscriptions, and multi-packs that help reduce cost per pound without sacrificing quality. Plus, our pricing is transparent and competitive with major brands, especially once you factor in waste and spoilage.

Real Support, Real People

We don’t just sell raw food we feed it to our own pets. Whether you're transitioning from kibble or troubleshooting digestive issues, we’ll help you every step of the way.

Local Pickup & Delivery

Located in Orleans, we serve the greater Ottawa area with flexible pickup hours and efficient local delivery. No more waiting weeks or hoping your raw food doesn’t thaw in transit.

Not Sure How to Start? We’ve Got You.

Switching to raw doesn’t have to be complicated—or risky.

We provide:

• Simple feeding calculators based on your dog’s weight and activity
  

• Starter packs and transition bundles
  

• Single-protein options for dogs with allergies
  

• Resources on thawing, storage, and portioning
  

Whether your dog is a puppy, senior, rescue, or picky eater, we’ll help you get it right from the start.

Why Your Choice of Raw Food Brand Matters

Feeding raw is an investment in your dog’s long-term health. But choosing the wrong product or the wrong supplier can lead to:

• Nutritional imbalances

• Digestive upset

• Spoiled food and wasted money

• Confusion, frustration, and giving up
  

When you choose Raw Fed & Furry, you’re choosing:

• Quality you can see

• Support you can trust

• Value that lasts
  

We’re not just another pet food brand. We’re Ottawa’s raw food partner.

Visit Us or Get in Touch

Raw Fed & Furry

5929 Jeanne D'arc Blvd S Unit 9

Orleans, ON, K1C 2N1

(343) 883-1818

thatsrawsome@gmail.comrawfedandfurry.ca

Store Hours

Wednesday – Friday: 12pm – 6pmSaturday – Sunday: 12pm – 4pm

Ready to Feed Better? Let’s Talk Raw.

If you’re ready to feed smarter and more naturally, come visit us.

We’ll help you build a diet that supports your dog’s health, fits your routine, and gives you peace of mind.