Kettle Craft vs Crumps' Naturals vs Canine Matrix Dog Treats Canada 2026: Best Canadian-Made Treat Brands Compared

Canadian-made dog treats have earned a fierce following among health-conscious pet owners — and for good reason. Kettle Craft, Crumps' Naturals, and Canine Matrix are three of the most trusted treat brands on Canadian shelves today, each with a distinct philosophy on ingredients, processing methods, and nutritional purpose. If you're shopping for premium dog treats in North York or anywhere across the GTA, this 2026 breakdown will help you pick the right brand for your dog's size, life stage, and health needs.

As of 2026, Ashario Pets at 1111A Finch Ave W, Unit 2, North York carries all three of these Canadian brands alongside 79+ other pet food and treat labels — open 7 AM to 11 PM, 365 days a year. Our team at Ashario Pets recommends all three brands regularly to customers, but for very different reasons. Here's what you need to know before you buy.

Key Takeaway: Kettle Craft excels in small-batch, artisan-style baked treats ideal for everyday rewarding; Crumps' Naturals leads in functional, single-ingredient chews and training treats; and Canine Matrix brings a functional mushroom-based supplement-treat hybrid that supports immunity and overall wellness. All three are proudly Canadian and available at Ashario Pets in North York.

What Makes a Canadian Dog Treat Worth Buying in 2026?

A high-quality Canadian dog treat meets AAFCO safety standards, uses traceable domestic ingredients, avoids artificial preservatives, and delivers a clear nutritional or functional purpose. Not all treats are created equal — some are glorified junk food, while others genuinely support your dog's health between meals.

When evaluating any treat, our in-store pet care advisors at Ashario Pets look at four things: protein content and source, fat content relative to treat size, fiber content for digestive balance, and whether the product carries third-party safety verification. A well-formulated training treat, for example, should be under 5 kcal per piece so you can reward frequently without throwing off your dog's daily caloric intake. Functional treats — like those containing mushroom extracts or probiotics — should disclose active ingredient dosages in mg so pet owners can assess actual efficacy.

According to the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA), treats should make up no more than 10% of a dog's daily caloric intake. For a 25 kg (55 lb) dog on a 1,000 kcal/day diet, that's a maximum of 100 kcal from treats — roughly 10–20 small training treats, depending on the brand.

Kettle Craft Dog Treats: Artisan-Baked, Small-Batch Canadian Quality

Kettle Craft is a Canadian pet treat brand known for its small-batch, slow-baked biscuits and chews made with whole-food ingredients. As of 2026, the brand sources ingredients domestically and produces its treats without artificial colours, flavours, or preservatives — a non-negotiable for many North York pet owners who shop with us.

Kettle Craft's baked biscuits typically contain whole grains, real meat or fish as a primary protein, and natural flavouring agents like sweet potato or pumpkin. The slow-baking process locks in flavour and creates a satisfying crunch that most medium-to-large dogs love. Protein content in Kettle Craft biscuits generally ranges from 18% to 24% on a dry-matter basis, with fat content between 8% and 14% depending on the recipe. Most biscuit varieties clock in at 10–20 kcal per treat, making them well-suited for moderate daily rewarding rather than high-frequency training sessions.

In our store, we see customers in the Jane-Finch and Downsview areas gravitate toward Kettle Craft when they want something that feels like a "real food" treat — something they could read every ingredient on without needing a chemistry degree. Pet owners tell us their dogs go absolutely wild for the fish-based varieties in particular.

Crumps' Naturals Dog Treats: Canada's Functional Single-Ingredient Leader

Crumps' Naturals is one of Canada's most recognized natural treat brands, best known for its freeze-dried and dehydrated single-ingredient chews — including beef liver, sweet potato, and whitefish — as well as its Mini Trainers line, which are among the top training treats sold at Ashario Pets. As of 2026, Crumps' remains a proudly Canadian company with a reputation built on transparency and minimal processing.

The Mini Trainers — arguably Crumps' most popular product — are soft, pea-sized treats designed for high-frequency training sessions. At approximately 2–3 kcal per piece and around 28% protein content (dry-matter basis), they're a technically sound choice for reward-based training with puppies and adult dogs alike. The soft texture makes them easy to break into even smaller pieces for small breeds or very young dogs. Fat content sits around 10–13%, which is appropriate for an energy-dense training treat used in small quantities.

Crumps' freeze-dried beef liver treats are particularly notable for their single-ingredient simplicity — just beef liver, with no added salt, sugar, or fillers. Beef liver is naturally rich in vitamin A, B vitamins, and iron, making it one of the most nutrient-dense treat ingredients available. A 30g serving of beef liver treats can deliver meaningful micronutrient support without adding junk calories. These are a go-to recommendation from our Ashario Pets team for dogs on limited ingredient diets or with suspected food sensitivities, since the single-protein format makes it easy to track and eliminate potential allergens.

Canine Matrix Dog Treats: Functional Mushroom Supplements Meet Everyday Treats

Canine Matrix occupies a unique position in the Canadian pet treat market: it bridges the gap between functional supplements and everyday treats using certified organic mushroom blends. The brand's core philosophy is that food — and treats — can be genuinely therapeutic when formulated with evidence-backed functional ingredients.

Canine Matrix products are built around mushroom species like Reishi, Turkey Tail, Maitake, and Shiitake, all of which have been studied for their beta-glucan content and potential immunomodulatory effects. According to published research indexed at the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI/PubMed), beta-glucans derived from medicinal mushrooms have shown promise in supporting immune function in companion animals, though pet owners should always consult their veterinarian before starting any supplement regimen.

Canine Matrix products are typically dosed by body weight — for example, a 500 mg daily serving for dogs under 25 lbs, scaling to 1,000–2,000 mg for larger dogs. Unlike Kettle Craft and Crumps' Naturals, Canine Matrix is not primarily a "reward" treat — it's a functional supplement in treat or powder form. Pet owners tell us they appreciate being able to give their dog something that feels like a treat while delivering genuine wellness support, particularly for senior dogs or dogs recovering from illness. Our nutrition experts at the North York store often recommend Canine Matrix alongside a high-quality base diet for dogs that need an immune or mobility boost.

You can explore our full range of dog health and wellness products, including Canine Matrix, at Ashario Pets in North York or through GTA delivery partners including Uber Eats, DoorDash, and SkipTheDishes.

Kettle Craft vs Crumps' Naturals vs Canine Matrix: Side-by-Side Comparison

Choosing between these three Canadian brands depends on what you need the treat to do. Here's how each brand stacks up across the key decision factors for GTA dog owners in 2026:

• Kettle Craft — Best for: everyday biscuit-style rewarding for medium and large dogs. Key feature: slow-baked, whole-food ingredients with 18–24% protein (dry-matter). Processing: baked. Ideal dog profile: healthy adult dogs who enjoy crunch and variety. Available at Ashario Pets: yes.
• Crumps' Naturals — Best for: high-frequency training sessions and single-ingredient chews for dogs with sensitivities. Key feature: Mini Trainers at ~2–3 kcal/piece, 28% protein; freeze-dried single-ingredient options. Processing: soft-baked, freeze-dried, dehydrated. Ideal dog profile: puppies, dogs in training, dogs with food sensitivities. Available at Ashario Pets: yes.
• Canine Matrix — Best for: immune support, senior wellness, and functional health supplementation in treat form. Key feature: certified organic mushroom blends (Reishi, Turkey Tail, Maitake, Shiitake), dosed at 500–2,000 mg daily based on weight. Processing: supplement-grade. Ideal dog profile: senior dogs, immunocompromised dogs, or any dog whose owner wants food-as-medicine support. Available at Ashario Pets: yes.

Key Takeaway: If your goal is training, choose Crumps' Naturals Mini Trainers. If you want a wholesome daily biscuit, Kettle Craft delivers. If your dog needs functional immune or wellness support, Canine Matrix is in a category of its own.

Which Canadian Dog Treat Brand Is Right for Your Dog?

The right treat depends on your dog's age, size, health status, and how you plan to use it. Here's a quick guide our Ashario Pets team uses when customers come in asking for a recommendation:

• Puppy under 6 months: Crumps' Naturals Mini Trainers — small size, low calorie, soft texture, easy to portion for AAFCO-appropriate treat limits during critical socialization and training windows.
• Adult dog in active training: Crumps' Naturals Mini Trainers or freeze-dried single-ingredient treats — high protein content, low kcal per piece, irresistible scent drives motivation.
• Adult dog as a daily reward: Kettle Craft baked biscuits — satisfying texture, whole-food ingredients, flavour variety keeps dogs engaged without overloading on calories.
• Senior dog or dog with immune concerns: Canine Matrix mushroom supplements in treat or powder form — consult your veterinarian on dosage and integration with existing diet and medications.
• Dog with food sensitivities or limited-ingredient diet: Crumps' Naturals single-ingredient freeze-dried treats (e.g. beef liver or whitefish) — single protein source makes allergen tracking straightforward.

When a customer comes in asking about treats for a dog recently diagnosed with environmental allergies, we typically steer them toward Crumps' single-ingredient options first — isolating protein sources is the fastest way to identify triggers. From there, once the diet is stable, we might introduce Kettle Craft for variety or Canine Matrix for immune support. Browse our best pet food and treats for specific needs guide for more targeted recommendations.

Where to Buy Kettle Craft, Crumps' Naturals, and Canine Matrix in North York

Ashario Pets is a premium pet supply store located at 1111A Finch Ave W, Unit 2, North York, ON M3J 2P7 — open 7 AM to 11 PM daily, 365 days a year, including holidays. As of 2026, we carry Kettle Craft, Crumps' Naturals, and Canine Matrix as part of our curated selection of Canadian-made dog treats and supplements. You can reach us at +1-647-564-4433.

Can't make it in? GTA-wide delivery is available through Uber Eats, DoorDash, SkipTheDishes, Instacart, and Fantuan. You can also explore our made in Canada pet products page to see the full range of Canadian brands we stock, or check out our top pet product brands in Canada overview for deeper brand profiles.

Frequently Asked Questions: Canadian Dog Treats 2026

What is the difference between Kettle Craft and Crumps' Naturals dog treats?

Kettle Craft specializes in slow-baked artisan biscuits with whole-food ingredients and 18–24% protein, ideal for daily rewarding and crunch-loving dogs. Crumps' Naturals focuses on soft training treats and single-ingredient freeze-dried chews, with Mini Trainers at roughly 2–3 kcal per piece and 28% protein — better suited for high-frequency training or dogs with limited ingredient diet needs. Both are proudly Canadian and available at Ashario Pets in North York.

Is Canine Matrix a treat or a supplement?

Canine Matrix is primarily a functional supplement that comes in treat-friendly formats, built around certified organic medicinal mushrooms like Reishi, Turkey Tail, Maitake, and Shiitake. It is not a conventional reward treat — it's designed to be given at weight-based dosages (typically 500 mg for dogs under 25 lbs, up to 2,000 mg for large breeds) to support immune and general wellness. Always consult your veterinarian before starting a mushroom supplement regimen for your dog.

Are Canadian dog treats better than American-made treats?

Canadian dog treats benefit from domestic ingredient sourcing, Health Canada oversight, and brand transparency that many Canadian manufacturers pride themselves on — but quality ultimately depends on the specific brand and product, not the country alone. Brands like Kettle Craft, Crumps' Naturals, and Canine Matrix are Canadian examples that meet or exceed AAFCO and Health Canada safety standards. Always read the guaranteed analysis and ingredient list regardless of country of origin.

Where can I buy Crumps' Naturals and Kettle Craft treats in North York?

Ashario Pets at 1111A Finch Ave W, Unit 2, North York, ON carries both Crumps' Naturals and Kettle Craft as part of its curated Canadian treat selection. The store is open 7 AM to 11 PM daily, 365 days a year. GTA-wide delivery is available through Uber Eats, DoorDash, SkipTheDishes, Instacart, and Fantuan. You can also shop our dog treats collection online at any time.

How many treats can I give my dog per day?

The CVMA and most veterinary nutritionists recommend that treats make up no more than 10% of your dog's total daily caloric intake. For a 25 kg (55 lb) dog consuming 1,000 kcal per day, that's a maximum of 100 kcal from treats — roughly 10–15 Crumps' Mini Trainers (at ~2–3 kcal each), 5–10 Kettle Craft biscuits (at 10–20 kcal each), or the appropriate weight-based serving of Canine Matrix. Adjust based on your dog's activity level and consult your veterinarian if you're unsure. For more guidance, visit our dog wellness needs resource page.