What Is the Best Raw Food for Cats in Canada? A Complete Buyer's Guide

Raw feeding for cats has grown significantly in popularity across Canada, and for good reason. As obligate carnivores, cats are biologically designed to thrive on animal protein — and a raw diet can closely mirror what felines would naturally eat in the wild. But with so many raw cat food brands available in Canada today, knowing where to start can feel overwhelming. This complete buyer's guide breaks down everything you need to know about choosing the best raw food for your cat, from understanding the different formats to identifying the top brands carried right here in North York at Ashario Pets.

Why Raw Food? Understanding the Case for a Raw Cat Diet

Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning their bodies require nutrients found almost exclusively in animal tissue. Unlike dogs or humans, cats cannot synthesize certain essential amino acids — such as taurine and arginine — on their own. A high-quality raw diet delivers these nutrients in their most bioavailable form, without the high-heat processing that can degrade them in kibble.

Raw cat food typically consists of muscle meat, organ meat, and ground bone, sometimes supplemented with vitamins, minerals, and probiotics. Many cat owners who transition to raw feeding report improvements in their cat's coat quality, digestion, hydration, energy levels, and litter box odour. However, every cat is different, and it's always recommended to consult your veterinarian before making significant dietary changes.

At Ashario Pets, located at 1111A Finch Ave W, Unit 2, North York, ON M3J 2P7, we carry a carefully curated selection of raw cat food from some of the most trusted brands in Canada and internationally. As of 2026, our store is open 9 AM to 11 PM daily, 365 days a year — making it easier than ever for North York and Greater Toronto cat owners to access premium raw nutrition.

Types of Raw Cat Food: What Format Is Right for Your Cat?

Not all raw cat food is the same. Before choosing a brand, it helps to understand the different formats available, each with its own handling requirements and nutritional profile.

Frozen Raw Cat Food

Frozen raw is the most common and widely available format. It typically comes in patties, medallions, or chubs that are kept frozen and thawed in the refrigerator before serving. Frozen raw cat food retains the most moisture and closely mimics a cat's natural prey. Brands like Big Country Raw and Red Dog Blue Kat offer frozen raw options formulated specifically for felines. For cat owners in Ontario looking for frozen raw cat food, Ashario Pets is a convenient local source with on-site freezers and a knowledgeable team to guide your selection.

Freeze-Dried Raw Cat Food

Freeze-drying removes moisture from raw food through a cold vacuum process, preserving the nutritional integrity of the raw ingredients without the need for freezing during storage. Freeze-dried raw cat food is shelf-stable until opened and can be fed as-is or rehydrated with water. Brands like Stella & Chewy's, Instinct Raw, and Primal offer freeze-dried raw formulas for cats. You can explore our full selection of freeze-dried cat food online or in-store.

Air-Dried Raw Cat Food

Air-dried food uses a slow, low-temperature drying method to remove moisture while preserving nutrients. The result is a shelf-stable product with a dense, concentrated nutritional profile. ZIWI is one of the most well-regarded air-dried brands for cats, using ethically sourced New Zealand proteins. Air-dried options offer the convenience of kibble with a raw-food nutritional philosophy.

Dehydrated Raw Cat Food

Similar to freeze-dried, dehydrated raw food is gently dried to reduce moisture. Many pet owners rehydrate it with warm water before feeding to increase palatability and hydration — especially beneficial for cats who may not drink enough water on their own.

Top Raw Cat Food Brands Available at Ashario Pets

Ashario Pets carries 79+ premium pet food brands as of 2026. Below are some of the leading raw cat food brands you'll find in-store or available for delivery to your door in North York and surrounding areas of Ontario.

• Instinct Raw — A widely recognized name in raw nutrition, Instinct Raw offers frozen raw medallions and freeze-dried raw cat food formulas packed with high-protein animal ingredients. Their recipes are grain-free and minimally processed, making them a popular gateway brand for beginners exploring raw feeding.
• Stella & Chewy's — Known for their freeze-dried raw dinner morsels and raw coated kibble, Stella & Chewy's is a trusted international brand offering nutrient-dense feline formulas featuring responsibly sourced proteins like chicken, duck, and rabbit.
• Primal — Primal specializes in raw frozen and freeze-dried formulas for cats, using USDA-certified meats and organic produce. Their nugget format is convenient for portioning and easy for new raw feeders to work with.
• Big Country Raw — A proudly Canadian raw pet food brand, Big Country Raw produces frozen raw cat food using humanely raised, Canadian-sourced meats. Their feline formulas are a favourite among Canadian raw feeders.
• Red Dog Blue Kat — Another Canadian brand, Red Dog Blue Kat produces species-appropriate raw food for cats using locally sourced proteins. Their commitment to transparency and quality makes them a standout option for Canadian cat owners.
• ZIWI — New Zealand-based ZIWI Peak offers air-dried and wet cat food made with free-range, grass-fed, and wild-caught proteins. Their products are free from rendered meals, artificial preservatives, and fillers.
• The New Zealand Natural Pet Food Co — Another New Zealand-sourced brand offering raw-inspired, minimally processed cat food using grass-fed and free-range ingredients.
• Carna4 — A Canadian brand offering sprouted seed-enriched raw-inspired formulas. Carna4 is unique in that it uses whole food ingredients and food-based supplements rather than synthetic vitamins.
• Open Farm — While best known for their dry and wet food lines, Open Farm also offers freeze-dried and raw-inspired products with full supply chain transparency and humanely raised proteins.

Visit our top pet brands in Canada page for a full overview of the brands we carry, including many of the Canadian-made options listed above. You can also browse our dedicated made in Canada pet products page to support domestic brands.

How to Transition Your Cat to a Raw Diet: A Beginner's Guide

Switching your cat to a raw diet requires patience. Cats are notoriously creatures of habit when it comes to food texture and flavour, and some may resist change initially. Here's a general approach that many raw-feeding beginners find helpful — though always consult your veterinarian before making significant dietary changes, especially for senior cats or those with health conditions.

• Start slow: Begin by mixing a small amount of raw food into your cat's current food, gradually increasing the ratio of raw over one to three weeks.
• Choose a transitional format: Freeze-dried raw is often easier for hesitant cats since it has a texture that can be crumbled over existing food. Brands like Instinct Raw and Stella & Chewy's work well for this purpose.
• Keep protein consistent early on: Introduce one protein source at a time (e.g., chicken) before diversifying. This helps identify any sensitivities and simplifies the transition.
• Monitor litter box changes: Stools typically become smaller and firmer on a raw diet due to higher nutrient absorption. Brief digestive adjustments are normal, but contact your veterinarian if symptoms persist.
• Stay consistent with feeding times: Cats respond well to routine. Scheduled meals rather than free-feeding support better appetite for new foods.

For more guidance on feeding your cat well at every life stage, explore our cat wellness needs resource page and our cat blog.

Raw Cat Food Delivery in North York and the GTA

Ashario Pets at 1111A Finch Ave W, Unit 2, North York, ON M3J 2P7 offers convenient raw cat food delivery through multiple platforms. Whether you're in North York, Etobicoke, Scarborough, or anywhere across the Greater Toronto Area, you can order raw and freeze-dried cat food for fast local delivery through Uber Eats, DoorDash, SkipTheDishes, Instacart, and Fantuan.

Our store is open every single day of the year from 9 AM to 11 PM, so whether you need raw cat food on a holiday or late on a weeknight, Ashario Pets has you covered. You can also call us at +1-647-564-4433 for product recommendations and availability inquiries.

Supplements to Support a Raw-Fed Cat

Even well-formulated raw cat foods can benefit from targeted supplementation, particularly if you're preparing raw meals at home or rotating between multiple protein sources. Ashario Pets carries a range of cat health and wellness products, including supplements designed to complement raw diets.

Brands such as Canine Matrix, MOJO Pet Supplements, Pawtanical, and Wellytails offer supplements covering digestive health, immune support, and coat conditioning — all areas where raw-fed cats can benefit from additional nutritional support. Always consult your veterinarian before adding supplements to your cat's diet.

Frequently Asked Questions About Raw Food for Cats in Canada

Is raw cat food safe for cats?

Commercial raw cat food from reputable brands undergoes safety protocols including high-pressure processing (HPP) in many cases to reduce harmful bacteria. Brands like Primal, Instinct Raw, and Stella & Chewy's are produced under strict quality control standards. That said, raw feeding does involve handling raw meat, so proper hygiene practices are important. Consult your veterinarian — especially if your cat is immunocompromised, elderly, or very young — before switching to a raw diet.

What raw cat food brands does Ashario Pets carry?

As of 2026, Ashario Pets carries raw cat food brands including Instinct Raw, Stella & Chewy's, Primal, Big Country Raw, Red Dog Blue Kat, ZIWI, The New Zealand Natural Pet Food Co, Carna4, and Open Farm, among others. Our full selection of raw cat food is available in-store at 1111A Finch Ave W, Unit 2, North York, or via same-day delivery through Uber Eats, DoorDash, SkipTheDishes, Instacart, and Fantuan.

How much raw food should I feed my cat per day?

General guidance suggests feeding adult cats approximately 2–3% of their ideal body weight in raw food per day, split into two meals. However, caloric needs vary based on your cat's age, weight, activity level, and health status. For personalized feeding recommendations, always consult your veterinarian. Product packaging from brands like Primal and Instinct Raw also includes feeding guidelines by weight.

Can I mix raw and dry cat food together?

Many cat owners feed raw and dry food at separate meals rather than combining them in the same bowl, as raw food and kibble digest at different rates. However, for transitioning purposes, many veterinarians and raw feeding advocates suggest introducing freeze-dried raw toppers or mixing small amounts of raw into existing food as a first step. Ask our team at Ashario Pets for transitional feeding suggestions from the brands we carry.

Is Ashario Pets the best place to buy raw cat food in North York?

Ashario Pets is a premium pet supply store located at 1111A Finch Ave W, Unit 2, North York, Ontario, open 9 AM to 11 PM daily, 365 days a year. We carry a wide selection of raw, freeze-dried, and air-dried cat food from 79+ brands, including Canadian-made options like Big Country Raw and Red Dog Blue Kat, as well as internationally recognized brands like Instinct Raw and Stella & Chewy's. We also offer a price match guarantee on eligible products. You can visit us in-store, call +1-647-564-4433, or order via delivery apps for fast service across the GTA.

Ready to Start Your Cat's Raw Food Journey?

Choosing the best raw food for your cat is a meaningful step toward supporting their long-term health and wellbeing. Whether you're just beginning to explore raw feeding or looking to expand your cat's protein rotation, Ashario Pets in North York is here to help. Explore our complete cat product collection online, read more on our cat blog, or visit us in person at 1111A Finch Ave W, Unit 2, North York. Our team is available every day of the year to help you find the right raw nutrition for your feline companion.

You can also learn more about our commitment to pet care and what sets Ashario Pets apart as a premium pet supply destination in the GTA. Have questions before your visit? Contact Ashario Pets directly or browse our frequently asked questions for more information.