Farmina N&D Dog Food Canada: Is Ancestral Grain Worth It for Your Dog in 2026

Farmina N&D has become one of the most talked-about premium dog food brands among Canadian pet owners in recent years — and for good reason. With its emphasis on high animal protein content, low glycemic ingredients, and what the brand calls an "ancestral grain" philosophy, Farmina occupies a unique space in the Canadian pet food market. But is the ancestral grain approach actually worth the premium price tag? And where can Toronto-area dog owners buy it? This in-depth educational review for 2026 breaks down Farmina's ingredients, compares its philosophy to other Canadian market leaders, and helps you decide whether it's the right choice for your dog.

Ashario Pets, located at 1111A Finch Ave W, Unit 2, North York, Ontario (open 7 AM to 11 PM daily, 365 days a year), carries Farmina as part of its curated selection of premium pet food brands. As of 2026, it remains one of the most requested international brands in the store.

What Is Farmina N&D? A Canadian Overview for 2026

Farmina is an Italian pet food company founded in 1965. Its N&D (Natural & Delicious) line is formulated around the concept of biologically appropriate nutrition, using high-quality animal proteins as the primary ingredient and minimizing the use of refined starches. What distinguishes Farmina N&D from many conventional brands is its "ancestral grain" concept — the intentional inclusion of specific ancient or heritage grains such as spelt and oats, rather than modern, heavily processed grains like wheat or corn.

The brand markets itself as scientifically formulated, citing research from the University of Naples Federico II. Each recipe is designed to mirror what the brand calls the ancestral diet of dogs — one that prioritized animal protein and included only minimally processed plant matter. In Canada, Farmina N&D is available in dry, wet, and freeze-dried formats, covering multiple protein sources including chicken, lamb, boar, venison, and fish.

For a full overview of the brands Ashario Pets carries, visit the top pet brands in Canada page.

Understanding the Ancestral Grain Concept: What Does It Actually Mean?

The "ancestral grain" label can be confusing for pet owners who've heard warnings about grains in dog food. It's important to understand that not all grains are created equal. The grain-free movement that peaked in the mid-2010s raised concerns about legume-heavy diets and a potential link to dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs — a topic still under ongoing veterinary and regulatory review. In response, some brands pivoted back to grains, but opted for ancient, lower-glycemic varieties rather than modern commodity grains.

Farmina N&D's ancestral grain recipes typically include:

• Spelt — an ancient wheat variety with a lower glycemic index than modern wheat
• Oats — a digestible, nutrient-dense grain often better tolerated than corn or white rice
• High fresh meat percentages — typically 70% or higher in the recipe composition
• Fruits and vegetables — pomegranate, blueberry, and spinach appear in various formulas
• No artificial preservatives, colours, or flavours — Farmina uses natural preservation methods

The core argument is that dogs evolved alongside humans eating foods that included small amounts of grain from hunting and foraging — not the high-volume, processed grain fillers found in mass-market kibble. Whether this philosophy is right for your individual dog depends on their health history, sensitivities, and life stage. Always consult your veterinarian before making a significant dietary change.

Farmina N&D Ingredient Analysis: What Canadian Pet Owners Should Know

When evaluating any premium dog food, looking beyond marketing language and directly at the ingredient panel matters. Farmina N&D ancestral grain recipes in the Canadian market generally lead with a named fresh meat source — for example, fresh chicken or fresh lamb — followed by a dehydrated protein, and then the ancestral grain component.

Key ingredient observations for Farmina N&D in 2026:

• First ingredient — fresh, named meat (e.g., fresh chicken, fresh herring, fresh lamb), not a by-product or generic "meat meal"
• Protein content — typically ranges from 28% to 38% crude protein depending on the formula
• Fat sources — chicken fat and fish oil are common, providing omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids
• Carbohydrate sources — spelt and oats rather than corn, wheat flour, or soy
• Added supplements — vitamin D3, zinc sulfate, and DHA from fish oil are often included
• Fruit and botanical inclusions — antioxidant-rich fruits like blueberry and pomegranate appear in select lines

These profiles are generally considered above average for dry kibble in the Canadian market. However, ingredient quality alone does not determine whether a food suits a specific dog. Dogs with grain sensitivities — even to ancient grains like spelt — may do better on a grain-free or raw diet. Speak with your vet if your dog has a history of skin issues, digestive upset, or food allergies before switching foods.

For dogs with special dietary requirements, browse the best pet food for specific needs page at Ashario Pets.

Farmina vs. Orijen: Comparing Ancestral Grain to Biologically Appropriate in Canada

One of the most common comparisons Canadian dog owners make is between Farmina N&D and Orijen — a Canadian brand that is also carried at Ashario Pets. Both brands position themselves as premium, protein-forward options, but their philosophies differ in meaningful ways.

• Farmina N&D Ancestral Grain — Italian-made, includes ancient grains (spelt, oats), typically 70%+ animal ingredients, emphasizes low glycemic index and scientific formulation
• Orijen — Canadian-made in Alberta, completely grain-free, 85%+ animal ingredients across most recipes, uses a "whole prey" ratio of meat, organs, and cartilage

In terms of animal protein percentage, Orijen generally leads. In terms of digestibility for grain-tolerant dogs, Farmina's ancestral grain formulas may offer a gentler transition than a very high-protein grain-free diet for dogs moving from conventional kibble. Neither brand is universally superior — the right choice depends on your dog's age, activity level, sensitivities, and health conditions.

Both Farmina and Orijen are available at Ashario Pets in North York. You can explore the full range of dry dog food options on the website or visit the store in person for guidance from knowledgeable staff.

Other premium dry food brands available at Ashario Pets that dog owners frequently compare include Acana (also made in Canada), Open Farm, and Zignature — each offering distinct ingredient philosophies worth considering depending on your dog's needs.

Which Dogs Benefit Most from Farmina N&D Ancestral Grain?

Farmina N&D ancestral grain formulas are generally well-suited to the following types of dogs, though individual results always vary and veterinary consultation is recommended:

• Dogs transitioning off conventional grain-inclusive kibble — the inclusion of familiar grains (oats, spelt) can ease the transition compared to jumping straight to grain-free
• Dogs with moderate activity levels — the balanced protein and fat ratios are designed for maintenance across most adult breeds
• Dogs that don't tolerate high-legume grain-free diets — for dogs whose owners prefer to avoid peas, lentils, and legumes as primary ingredients, ancestral grain offers an alternative
• Senior dogs — certain Farmina N&D lines are formulated for mature dogs, with adjusted phosphorus and calorie profiles
• Breeds with known grain sensitivity history — these dogs should be assessed by a vet before introducing any grain, ancestral or otherwise

For a broader look at supporting your dog's health through nutrition, explore Ashario Pets' dog wellness needs resource page.

Where to Buy Farmina Dog Food in Toronto and North York in 2026

As of 2026, Farmina N&D dog food is available at Ashario Pets, located at 1111A Finch Ave W, Unit 2, North York, ON M3J 2P7. The store is open every single day of the year from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM, including holidays — making it one of the most accessible premium pet supply stores in the Greater Toronto Area.

You can also order Farmina and other premium brands for same-day delivery through Uber Eats, DoorDash, SkipTheDishes, Instacart, and Fantuan — ideal for Toronto-area dog owners who can't make it to the store in person.

To reach the store directly, call +1-647-564-4433 or visit the contact page. Staff can help confirm current product availability and assist with food selection for your specific dog.

Ashario Pets also offers a price match guarantee, so Toronto pet owners can shop with confidence knowing they're getting competitive value on premium brands like Farmina.

Complementing Farmina with Supplements and Treats

Regardless of the dry food you choose, many dog owners in Canada supplement their pet's diet with additional health support. Ashario Pets carries a wide range of dog health and wellness products, including supplements from brands like Canine Matrix, MOJO Pet Supplements, and Wellytails — all available in-store and online.

For treats to complement a Farmina-based diet, consider freeze-dried or single-ingredient options from brands like Crumps' Naturals, Kettle Craft, or Stella & Chewy's — all carried at Ashario Pets and available to browse in the dog treats collection.

Frequently Asked Questions: Farmina N&D Dog Food in Canada

Is Farmina N&D available in Canada in 2026?

Yes. As of 2026, Farmina N&D dog food is available in Canada at select premium pet supply retailers. In the Toronto and North York area, Farmina is carried at Ashario Pets, located at 1111A Finch Ave W, Unit 2, North York, ON M3J 2P7, open 7 AM to 11 PM daily, 365 days a year. It is also available for delivery via Uber Eats, DoorDash, SkipTheDishes, Instacart, and Fantuan.

What is the difference between Farmina grain-free and ancestral grain?

Farmina N&D offers both grain-free and ancestral grain product lines. The ancestral grain line includes ancient, low-glycemic grains like spelt and oats, while the grain-free line relies on potatoes or other non-grain carbohydrate sources. The ancestral grain option may be preferable for dogs whose owners want to avoid legume-heavy grain-free formulas. Consult your veterinarian to determine which format is appropriate for your dog.

How does Farmina compare to Orijen in terms of ingredients?

Both are premium protein-forward brands available at Ashario Pets in North York. Orijen is a Canadian-made brand that typically contains 85%+ animal ingredients and is completely grain-free, following a whole prey rationale. Farmina N&D ancestral grain is Italian-made with approximately 70%+ animal ingredients and includes ancient grains. Orijen generally leads on raw animal protein percentage, while Farmina may suit dogs that digest grains well and are transitioning from conventional kibble.

Is ancestral grain dog food safe for dogs with grain sensitivities?

Not necessarily. While ancestral grains like spelt and oats are generally considered more digestible than modern commodity grains, dogs with confirmed grain allergies or sensitivities may still react. If your dog has a history of skin issues, chronic digestive problems, or food intolerances, consult your veterinarian before introducing any grain-inclusive food, including ancestral grain formulas.

Can I order Farmina dog food online in Toronto?

Yes. Ashario Pets offers delivery of Farmina and other premium dog food brands across Toronto and North York through Uber Eats, DoorDash, SkipTheDishes, Instacart, and Fantuan. You can also visit the store in person at 1111A Finch Ave W, Unit 2, North York, ON, or call +1-647-564-4433 to confirm current stock. Visit the pet store FAQ page for more information about ordering and delivery options.