Is Raw Dog Food Regulated in Canada?

Pet food in Canada is overseen by the CFIA. Here is what that means for raw dog food and what to look for when choosing a supplier you can trust.

Pet food regulation in Canada is a topic that comes up often among raw feeders, and for good reason. Understanding how the industry is overseen helps you make more informed decisions about what you feed your dog.

Who Regulates Pet Food in Canada?

Pet food in Canada falls under the oversight of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). The CFIA enforces the Feeds Act and related regulations, which set out requirements for pet food labelling, ingredient standards, and safety.

However, it is worth noting that pet food regulation in Canada is less prescriptive than in some other countries. The CFIA does not pre-approve every pet food product before it goes to market. Instead, companies are responsible for ensuring their products meet the regulations, and the CFIA conducts inspections and takes action when products are found to be non-compliant.

What Does This Mean for Raw Dog Food?

Raw pet food is subject to the same regulatory framework as other pet foods in Canada, including labelling requirements and general safety standards. However, because raw food is not heat-processed, it is handled differently from a food safety perspective. Producers are expected to follow good manufacturing practices to minimize the risk of bacterial contamination. Our guide on how to read raw dog food labels in Canada explains what to look for on the packaging itself.

What to Look for as a Consumer

When choosing a raw dog food supplier, look for companies that are transparent about their production practices, source their ingredients from reputable suppliers, and have clear handling and storage guidance on their packaging. Our full guide on how to choose a raw dog food supplier in Edmonton covers all the key criteria. You should also look for products that use locally sourced ingredients — our post on Alberta sourced raw dog food ingredients explains why this matters.

At Hound and Bone the products we carry come from trusted suppliers who follow responsible production practices. If you have questions about how a specific product is made or where the ingredients come from, we encourage you to ask us directly. Browse our products to see the full ingredient information for every blend we carry.

This article is for general information only and is not veterinary advice. Every dog is different — consult your veterinarian before making changes to your dog’s diet. Individual results may vary.