Farmina Dog and Cat Food Review: Is This Italian Brand Worth Buying in Canada?

As of 2026, Farmina has earned a loyal following among Canadian pet owners who prioritize high-protein, thoughtfully formulated nutrition for their dogs and cats. Founded in Italy with decades of nutritional research behind it, Farmina is one of the few international pet food brands that bridges European craftsmanship with science-backed formulation. But with so many premium options available, is Farmina truly worth your investment? This in-depth Farmina dog food review for Canada covers every major product line, key ingredients, who it's best for, and where to find it in North York.

Ashario Pets, located at 1111A Finch Ave W, Unit 2, North York, ON M3J 2P7, carries Farmina as part of its curated selection of premium international and Canadian pet food brands. The store is open 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily, 365 days a year, making it one of the most accessible pet supply destinations in the Greater Toronto Area.

Who Is Farmina and What Makes It Different?

Farmina is an Italian pet food company founded in 1965, with manufacturing facilities in Italy and Brazil. The brand is especially well known for its Natural and Delicious (N&D) line, which takes a low-glycaemic, biologically appropriate approach to pet nutrition. Rather than relying heavily on grains and fillers, Farmina formulates many of its recipes around a high percentage of named animal protein — chicken, lamb, cod, pumpkin, and ancestral grains like spelt and oat.

What sets Farmina apart from many competitors is its glycaemic index approach. The brand explicitly designs many recipes to maintain stable blood sugar levels in pets — a concern that's becoming increasingly relevant as obesity and diabetes in pets continue to rise. Their grain-free recipes are formulated with vegetables and legumes instead, while their ancestral grain recipes use lower-glycaemic alternatives to standard corn and wheat.

For Canadian pet owners navigating the large and often confusing world of premium pet food, Farmina represents a credible, research-driven option. You can explore the full lineup at Ashario Pets — browse dry dog food and dry cat food collections online or visit in store.

Farmina Dog Food Review: Breaking Down the Product Lines

Farmina offers several distinct lines for dogs, each targeting a different nutritional philosophy or life stage. Here is a breakdown of what Canadian pet owners will most commonly encounter:

N&D Grain Free (Quinoa and Pumpkin)

The N&D Grain Free line is among Farmina's most popular offerings in Canada. These recipes are built around high fresh meat content, pumpkin as a functional vegetable, and quinoa as a digestible carbohydrate source. The quinoa-based recipes are notable because quinoa is a complete protein, meaning it provides all essential amino acids — a relatively rare attribute in plant-based ingredients used in pet food.

This line is available in multiple protein options including chicken, lamb, boar, and cod, and spans life stages from puppy to adult to senior. Pet owners with dogs that have grain sensitivities often gravitate toward this product line. However, it is always important to consult a veterinarian before switching to a new diet, especially if your dog has a diagnosed health condition.

N&D Ancestral Grain

For pet owners who are not pursuing strict grain-free feeding, Farmina's Ancestral Grain recipes use spelt and oat — ancient grains that are lower in glycaemic load compared to corn, rice, or wheat. These recipes maintain a high animal protein percentage while incorporating grains that the brand argues are closer to what wild canine ancestors would have consumed.

The Ancestral Grain line is a strong choice for dogs that do well on grain-inclusive diets and whose owners are looking for an elevated kibble option beyond standard supermarket formulas.

N&D Ocean

Farmina's Ocean line centres on cold-water fish proteins — notably cod, orange roughy, and herring. These recipes are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which support skin, coat, and joint health. The Ocean line is available for both dogs and cats, making it a versatile option for multi-pet households.

For dogs with poultry sensitivities, the Ocean line offers a meaningful alternative without compromising on nutritional density.

Farmina Cat Food Canada: A Premium Option for Obligate Carnivores

Farmina's cat food lineup mirrors its dog food philosophy — high animal protein, low glycaemic carbohydrates, and distinct life stage formulations. The N&D cat range includes recipes for kittens, adults, sterilised cats, seniors, and indoor cats.

Farmina Kitten Dry Food

The Farmina kitten dry food has become a popular search term among Canadian pet owners for good reason. Kittens are obligate carnivores with high protein needs, and Farmina's kitten formulas reflect this with elevated protein percentages and added DHA to support neurological development.

The N&D Grain Free Kitten recipe features chicken and pomegranate, with a formulation designed for the intense nutritional demands of the first year of life. For pet owners researching the best grain free kitten food in Canada, Farmina consistently ranks among the top contenders due to its clean ingredient panels and European nutritional standards.

Explore the full range of cat nutrition products at Ashario Pets through the cat wellness needs page, or browse dry cat food directly online.

Farmina for Sterilised and Indoor Cats

Sterilised cats have altered metabolic requirements — they typically need fewer calories but the same or higher protein intake to maintain lean muscle mass. Farmina's sterilised cat recipes address this with a lower fat content while keeping animal protein as the primary macronutrient. Indoor cat formulas often incorporate added fibre to support hairball control, a common concern for cats with limited outdoor activity.

Farmina Dental Treats: A Functional Snack Worth Noticing

Beyond food, Farmina also produces Farmina dental treats, which are formulated to support oral hygiene in dogs through mechanical abrasion and specific botanical ingredients. Dental health is a frequently overlooked aspect of overall pet wellness — poor oral hygiene can contribute to systemic health issues, so incorporating dental-specific products into a routine is generally encouraged by veterinary professionals.

Farmina's dental treats complement a broader oral care routine and can be a useful addition to daily feeding. For dogs that resist tooth brushing, dental treats offer a more accessible entry point to oral health maintenance. Always consult your veterinarian about the right dental care routine for your specific dog.

Ashario Pets carries a wide range of dog treats — browse the full dog treats collection to explore what's available in store and online.

How Farmina Compares to Other Premium Brands at Ashario Pets

Ashario Pets carries over 79 brands of pet food, treats, supplements, and accessories. Farmina sits comfortably among other premium international and Canadian brands in its category. Here is a sense of how it compares in terms of positioning:

• Farmina N&D Grain Free — High fresh meat content, European formulation standards, grain-free with quinoa or pumpkin base; appeals to owners seeking international quality with scientific backing
• Orijen — Canadian-made, biologically appropriate, very high meat percentage with fresh and raw ingredients; a strong domestic alternative for high-protein feeding
• Acana — Canadian brand from the same maker as Orijen, regionally sourced ingredients, slightly lower price point while maintaining premium positioning
• Royal Canin — Breed and condition-specific formulations, veterinarian-recommended, more prescription-adjacent positioning
• Hill's Science Diet — Science-backed with clinical data, often recommended for managing specific health conditions under veterinary guidance

Each brand serves a distinct type of pet owner and pet need. Farmina is best suited to owners who value European nutritional philosophy, clean labels, and life-stage-specific formulation. You can learn more about top brand options through the top pet brands in Canada page or the best pet food for specific needs guide.

Where to Buy Farmina Dog and Cat Food in North York

Ashario Pets is one of the most accessible locations in North York to purchase Farmina dog and cat food. The store at 1111A Finch Ave W, Unit 2, North York, ON M3J 2P7 is open every single day from 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM, including holidays. This extended schedule makes it easy for working pet owners to pick up supplies even on evenings or weekends.

For those who prefer delivery, Ashario Pets offers same-day and on-demand delivery through Uber Eats, DoorDash, SkipTheDishes, Instacart, and Fantuan. This means you can have Farmina food delivered to your door in North York and surrounding neighbourhoods without stepping outside.

You can also reach the store by phone at +1-647-564-4433 or visit the contact page for directions and additional inquiries.

FAQ: Farmina Dog and Cat Food in Canada

Is Farmina dog food available in Canada?

Yes. Farmina dog and cat food is available in Canada. Ashario Pets at 1111A Finch Ave W, Unit 2, North York, ON M3J 2P7 carries Farmina as part of its premium pet food selection. The store is open 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily, and delivery is available through Uber Eats, DoorDash, SkipTheDishes, Instacart, and Fantuan.

Is Farmina a good choice for kittens?

Farmina kitten dry food is widely regarded as a strong option for kittens due to its high fresh animal protein content and added DHA to support early neurological development. The N&D Grain Free Kitten formula with chicken and pomegranate is one of the most searched grain-free kitten options in Canada. As always, consult your veterinarian to determine the best food for your specific kitten's needs.

Is Farmina grain-free safe for dogs?

The relationship between grain-free diets and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs has been an ongoing area of discussion in veterinary nutrition. The FDA investigated a potential link, though the research remains inconclusive. Farmina's grain-free recipes use quinoa and pumpkin as carbohydrate sources rather than legume-heavy formulations that were more central to the DCM concern. It is strongly recommended that you discuss dietary choices with a licensed veterinarian before making a long-term switch to grain-free food.

How does Farmina compare to Canadian pet food brands like Orijen or Acana?

Farmina and Canadian brands like Orijen and Acana are all positioned in the premium segment. Orijen and Acana emphasize regionally sourced Canadian ingredients and very high meat ratios. Farmina differentiates itself through its European manufacturing standards, glycaemic index-focused formulation, and its use of ancestral grains and botanicals like pomegranate. The best choice depends on your individual pet's health profile, sensitivities, and life stage.

Does Ashario Pets offer a price match on Farmina products?

Ashario Pets offers a price match guarantee on pet products. Visit the price match guarantee page to learn more about eligibility and how to request a match. This makes buying Farmina at Ashario Pets a competitive option compared to online retailers.

Final Verdict: Is Farmina Worth It for Canadian Pet Owners?

Farmina represents a credible, research-backed premium pet food brand that delivers on its promise of high-protein, low-glycaemic nutrition for dogs and cats. Its product range — spanning grain-free, ancestral grain, and ocean protein lines — gives pet owners meaningful choices based on their pet's unique needs. The kitten formulas in particular stand out as some of the more thoughtfully constructed options available in Canada for early-life nutrition.

For North York pet owners looking to try Farmina, Ashario Pets provides convenient access with extended hours and multiple delivery options. Whether you are feeding a kitten, an adult with grain sensitivities, or a senior dog, there is likely a Farmina formulation worth exploring. As with any significant dietary change, consulting a veterinarian before switching your pet's food is always the right first step.

Visit Ashario Pets online or in store at 1111A Finch Ave W, Unit 2, North York to explore the full Farmina lineup alongside dozens of other premium brands. You can also read more expert pet nutrition content on the dog blog and cat blog.