Best Raw Dog Food Brands in Scarborough and North York 2026: Big Country Raw, Primal and Instinct Compared

Raw feeding is growing fast across the GTA — and if you're a dog owner in Scarborough searching for the best raw dog food, you don't have to drive far. Ashario Pets, located at 1111A Finch Ave W, Unit 2, North York, is one of the closest premium pet supply stores to Scarborough's east-end neighbourhoods, carrying three of the most trusted raw dog food brands in Canada: Big Country Raw, Primal, and Instinct Raw. You can shop raw dog food online or visit us any day of the year — we're open 7 AM to 11 PM, 365 days a year.

As of 2026, raw feeding has moved from niche to mainstream. More Scarborough and North York dog owners are asking our team about transitioning away from processed kibble toward minimally processed, nutrient-dense raw diets. In this guide, we break down the real nutritional differences between Big Country Raw, Primal, and Instinct Raw — so you can make a confident, informed decision for your dog.

Key Takeaway: Big Country Raw is a Canadian-made freeze-and-fresh raw option ideal for budget-conscious raw feeders. Primal is a premium US-sourced freeze-dried raw with certified organic produce. Instinct Raw bridges the gap with a patented high-pressure processing (HPP) approach and wide life-stage coverage. All three are available at Ashario Pets in North York, minutes from Scarborough.

Why Scarborough Dog Owners Are Switching to Raw Food in 2026

Raw dog food diets — also called BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) or prey-model raw diets — consist of uncooked muscle meat, organ meat, raw meaty bones, and sometimes fruits and vegetables. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), raw diets have grown significantly in popularity, though the AVMA recommends consulting a veterinarian before transitioning. The AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) provides nutritional guidelines that help evaluate whether a raw diet is complete and balanced — look for the AAFCO statement on any raw food product you choose.

Our team at Ashario Pets sees this shift happening week over week at our North York location. Customers driving in from Scarborough, Agincourt, Malvern, and the Scarborough Town Centre area are increasingly asking for raw options after noticing improvements in coat quality, digestion, and energy in dogs belonging to friends or neighbours. We typically guide new raw feeders through the differences between fresh-frozen raw, freeze-dried raw, and air-dried raw — because not all formats suit every household.

The core nutritional appeal of raw feeding comes down to protein content and bioavailability. Most quality raw formulas deliver between 14–18% protein on an as-fed basis (fresh frozen) or 35–50%+ on a dry matter basis, far exceeding the 18% minimum adult protein requirement set by AAFCO guidelines. Fat content typically ranges from 8–15% as-fed, supporting skin, coat, and energy levels — particularly relevant for active working dogs common in larger Scarborough households.

Big Country Raw vs Primal vs Instinct Raw: Which Brand Is Right for Your Dog?

These three brands represent different philosophies and formats within the raw dog food category. Here is a direct comparison across the key metrics Scarborough and North York dog owners ask about most.

• Big Country Raw — Canadian-Made Fresh Frozen Raw
  Big Country Raw is a proudly Canadian brand, produced in Ontario. Their fresh-frozen patties and chubs are made from single-protein or blend options including beef, chicken, turkey, duck, and lamb. A typical Big Country Raw beef blend delivers approximately 16% protein and 12% fat on an as-fed basis, with a moisture content around 70%. Their formulas are free of fillers, artificial preservatives, and by-products. For AAFCO compliance, many Big Country Raw products are formulated as a complete and balanced meal or as a complementary food — always check the label. This is often the starting point our nutrition experts recommend to first-time raw feeders in North York and Scarborough because the price point is accessible and the Canadian sourcing is transparent.
• Primal Pet Foods — Freeze-Dried and Raw Frozen Premium
  Primal is a US-based brand with a strong reputation in Canada. Their freeze-dried raw nuggets and raw frozen patties use USDA-inspected meats, certified organic produce, and organic oils. A Primal freeze-dried chicken nugget formula delivers approximately 38% protein and 28% fat on a dry matter basis — after rehydration the numbers fall to roughly 13% protein and 9% fat as-fed. Primal uses high-pressure processing (HPP) to reduce pathogens without heat, preserving nutritional integrity. The inclusion of omega-3 fatty acids from salmon oil (typically around 0.3% DHA/EPA as-fed) supports coat health and joint function. Primal's freeze-dried format is particularly popular with Scarborough pet owners who want raw nutrition without freezer storage demands.
• Instinct Raw — Patented Raw Boost and Frozen Patties
  Instinct Raw (by Nature's Variety) is widely distributed across Canada and carries AAFCO complete-and-balanced statements for all life stages on many of its formulas. Their frozen raw patties use cage-free chicken or grass-fed beef as the first ingredient. A standard Instinct Raw chicken patty delivers approximately 11% protein, 8% fat, and 1% fiber as-fed, with moisture around 72%. Instinct also offers raw boosters — small freeze-dried raw pieces designed to top a kibble meal, making it a flexible option for partial raw feeders. The brand's multi-protein formulas include organ meats, which supply natural sources of taurine and glucosamine — two nutrients that support heart and joint health respectively.

How Much Raw Food Should You Feed Your Dog?

Adult dogs on a raw diet typically need 2–3% of their body weight in raw food per day, split across two meals. A 60 lb (27 kg) dog needs approximately 1.2 to 1.8 lbs (540–815g) of raw food daily. Puppies require more — roughly 5–10% of their current body weight — to support rapid growth, and their food should meet AAFCO's puppy growth requirement of at least 22% protein on a dry matter basis.

These numbers shift based on activity level, neutered/intact status, and individual metabolism. An active Siberian Husky in Scarborough spending hours outdoors daily will need the higher end of this range. A sedentary senior Basset Hound may thrive closer to 2%. Our nutrition experts at the North York store always recommend getting a baseline body condition score assessment from your veterinarian before starting a raw diet — especially for dogs with existing health conditions. For deeper guidance on complete and balanced raw feeding, AAFCO's official feeding guidelines are an excellent reference point updated for 2026.

Pet owners tell us that the most common mistake new raw feeders make is underfeeding organ meat. Organs — especially liver — should make up roughly 10% of a complete raw diet and supply key fat-soluble vitamins and naturally occurring taurine. Brands like Big Country Raw and Primal include organ meat in their blend formulas, making it easier to hit these targets without sourcing individually.

Is Raw Dog Food Safe? What Scarborough Pet Owners Need to Know

Raw dog food safety is a legitimate topic, and one our team addresses openly. The AVMA recommends that pet owners discuss raw feeding with their veterinarian, particularly in households with immunocompromised individuals, infants, or elderly family members — as raw meat can harbour pathogens including Salmonella and Listeria. Proper handling — frozen storage, thawing in the refrigerator, sanitizing food prep surfaces, and washing hands after handling — significantly reduces risk.

Both Primal and Instinct Raw use high-pressure processing (HPP), a cold-water pressure technique that reduces surface pathogens without cooking or applying heat, thereby preserving raw nutritional integrity. Big Country Raw uses careful sourcing and cold-chain management. Always buy raw dog food from a reputable retailer that maintains proper cold storage — which is a standard practice at Ashario Pets' North York location.

If you have safety concerns or a dog with a compromised immune system, freeze-dried raw — such as Primal's freeze-dried nuggets — offers an excellent middle ground. The freeze-drying process removes moisture without heat, and combined with HPP, delivers a shelf-stable product with a nutritional guaranteed analysis comparable to fresh raw.

Where to Buy Raw Dog Food Near Scarborough in 2026

Ashario Pets is a premium pet supply store located at 1111A Finch Ave W, Unit 2, North York, ON M3J 2P7 — easily accessible from Scarborough via the Allen Road corridor or highway connections from Highway 401. We are open every single day of the year, including holidays, from 7 AM to 11 PM. That means even if your dog runs out of raw food on a Sunday evening, you can restock without waiting.

As of 2026, Ashario Pets carries over 79 pet food brands, including Big Country Raw, Primal, and Instinct Raw, across our full raw dog food collection. We also carry complementary products for raw feeders including dog health and wellness supplements — such as probiotics, omega-3s, and digestive enzymes that pair well with a raw diet transition.

GTA delivery is available via Uber Eats, DoorDash, SkipTheDishes, Instacart, and Fantuan — so Scarborough pet owners who can't make the trip can still get same-day delivery of raw dog food directly to their door. You can also reach us at +1-647-564-4433 for stock questions before making the drive.

Our North York store on Finch Ave regularly hears from customers coming in from Wexford, Woburn, and Tam O'Shanter — Scarborough communities that are often underserved by premium raw pet food options. We keep Big Country Raw chubs in stock in multiple proteins specifically because of the demand we see from east-end GTA dog owners.

Frequently Asked Questions: Raw Dog Food in Scarborough and North York

What is the best raw dog food brand available near Scarborough in 2026?

The best raw dog food brand depends on your dog's size, life stage, and your storage setup. Big Country Raw is the top pick for Canadian-sourced fresh frozen raw at an accessible price point. Primal is ideal for freeze-dried convenience with certified organic ingredients. Instinct Raw suits partial raw feeders and those wanting all-life-stage AAFCO compliance. All three are stocked at Ashario Pets in North York, which is the closest premium raw pet food retailer to Scarborough.

How do I transition my dog from kibble to raw dog food?

Transition your dog gradually over 7–14 days by replacing 25% of kibble with raw food every few days until fully switched. Start with a single-protein raw formula — such as Big Country Raw's chicken blend — to minimize digestive upset. Monitor stool consistency and energy levels throughout. Loose stool in the first week is common as your dog's gut microbiome adjusts. Adding a probiotic supplement during transition can ease the process. Always consult your veterinarian before making significant diet changes, especially for puppies, seniors, or dogs with health conditions.

Is Big Country Raw made in Canada?

Yes. Big Country Raw is a Canadian brand manufactured in Ontario, making it one of the most locally sourced raw dog food options available in the GTA. The brand sources Canadian proteins including beef, chicken, turkey, lamb, and duck. Because of the local supply chain, it tends to be fresher and more cost-effective than imported raw options. Ashario Pets carries Big Country Raw as part of its made in Canada pet products selection.

Can I mix Primal freeze-dried raw with my dog's regular kibble?

Yes — Primal freeze-dried nuggets are commonly used as a raw topper or partial meal enhancement mixed with dry dog food. This approach, sometimes called "raw boosting," allows dog owners to introduce raw nutrition without fully committing to a raw diet. Rehydrate Primal nuggets with warm water before mixing to improve palatability and digestibility. Primal recommends adjusting feeding amounts when combining — reduce kibble volume proportionally to avoid overfeeding. This is a popular entry point for Scarborough dog owners new to raw feeding.

Does Ashario Pets deliver raw dog food to Scarborough?

Ashario Pets offers GTA-wide delivery through Uber Eats, DoorDash, SkipTheDishes, Instacart, and Fantuan — meaning raw dog food can be delivered directly to addresses in Scarborough, including areas like Scarborough Town Centre, Agincourt, Malvern, and Wexford. You can also visit our physical store at 1111A Finch Ave W, Unit 2, North York, ON M3J 2P7, open from 7 AM to 11 PM every day of the year. Call us at +1-647-564-4433 to confirm current stock before visiting. Browse our full raw dog food collection online to plan your order.