Raw and Holistic Pet Food Guide for Canadian Dog and Cat Owners in 2026

As of 2026, more Canadian pet owners than ever are moving away from conventional kibble and exploring raw, minimally processed, and holistic pet food options for their dogs and cats. Whether you are new to the concept or looking to deepen your understanding before making a switch, this guide covers everything you need to know — from what "holistic" actually means on a pet food label, to how different raw formats compare, to which verified Canadian brands are worth exploring. Ashario Pets, located at 1111A Finch Ave W, Unit 2, North York, Ontario, is a premium pet supply store open 9 AM to 11 PM daily, 365 days a year, carrying a wide selection of raw, freeze-dried, air-dried, dehydrated, and holistic wet and dry foods for both dogs and cats.

What Does "Holistic" Really Mean in Pet Food?

The term "holistic" is not a regulated label in Canada — no government body certifies a pet food as holistic. What it generally refers to in the pet food industry is a philosophy of whole-body nutrition: formulating food with high-quality, minimally processed ingredients that support overall health rather than simply meeting minimum nutritional requirements. Holistic pet foods typically avoid artificial preservatives, synthetic dyes, and low-quality fillers like corn syrup or rendered by-products.

When evaluating whether a product lives up to a holistic claim, Canadian pet owners should look for named protein sources (such as deboned chicken, wild-caught salmon, or grass-fed beef), whole fruits and vegetables, and minimal processing. Brands like Acana, Orijen, Open Farm, and Carna4 are examples of pet food makers that align with this philosophy and are available at Ashario Pets. For a broader look at verified brands stocked in-store, visit the top pet brands in Canada page.

Raw Pet Food: Formats Explained

Raw pet food is not a single product — it encompasses several formats, each with different handling requirements, convenience levels, and nutritional profiles. Understanding the distinctions helps Canadian pet owners make an informed decision based on their lifestyle, budget, and their pet's needs.

Fresh and Frozen Raw Food

Fresh and frozen raw food is the most traditional form of raw feeding. These products typically consist of ground or whole raw meat, organ, and bone — often formatted as patties, medallions, or chubs. They require freezer storage and thawing before serving. Brands like Big Country Raw and Red Dog Blue Kat are Canadian-made examples available at Ashario Pets. Instinct Raw is an internationally recognized option also carried in-store. Browse the raw dog food collection or the raw cat food collection to explore available options.

Freeze-Dried Raw Food

Freeze-drying removes moisture from raw food under low heat and vacuum pressure, preserving the nutritional integrity of raw ingredients without refrigeration. The result is a shelf-stable product that can be fed as-is or rehydrated with water. This format is popular with Canadian pet owners who want the benefits of raw feeding with easier storage. Brands like Stella & Chewy's, Primal, and The Honest Kitchen offer freeze-dried options for dogs and cats. Explore available products in the freeze-dried dog food and freeze-dried cat food collections.

Air-Dried Raw Food

Air-drying uses low temperatures over a longer period to remove moisture and concentrate nutrition. The texture is typically denser than kibble and rich in protein. ZIWI and The New Zealand Natural Pet Food Co are well-known air-dried brands available at Ashario Pets. Air-dried foods are shelf-stable, making them convenient for travel or households with limited freezer space. See the air-dried dog food collection for more options.

Dehydrated Raw Food

Dehydrated raw food is gently heated to remove moisture while preserving most nutrients. These products are often rehydrated before serving and can be a good transitional step for pets moving from processed kibble toward a more raw-forward diet. The Honest Kitchen and Carna4 offer dehydrated formats that are stocked at Ashario Pets.

Big Country Raw vs Instinct Raw: A Practical Comparison for Canadian Pet Owners

Two of the most commonly searched raw pet food brands in Canada are Big Country Raw and Instinct Raw. Both are available at Ashario Pets and represent different approaches to raw feeding.

• Big Country Raw — A Canadian-made brand based in Ontario, offering frozen raw patties, chubs, and complete meal options for dogs and cats. Known for transparency in sourcing, with Canadian proteins and a strong focus on species-appropriate nutrition. A popular choice among Canadian pet owners who prioritize domestic sourcing.
• Instinct Raw — An internationally recognized brand offering frozen raw medallions and patties, as well as raw-coated kibble and freeze-dried options. Known for accessible formats and wide protein variety including chicken, beef, lamb, and rabbit.

Both brands are solid choices and the better option depends on your pet's protein preferences, your household freezer capacity, and how comfortable you are handling raw food. If you are just beginning your raw feeding journey, consulting with the team at Ashario Pets in person can help you identify the right starting point for your dog or cat. You can also visit the best pet food for specific needs page for more guidance.

Holistic Dog Food Brands Available in Canada

For Canadian dog owners who want high-quality nutrition without necessarily committing to a full raw diet, the holistic dry and wet food category offers a compelling middle ground. As of 2026, Ashario Pets carries a curated selection of holistic dog food brands, including:

• Orijen — Biologically appropriate dry dog food made in Canada with fresh regional ingredients and high fresh-meat content
• Acana — Canadian-made dry dog food using regionally sourced proteins and whole-prey ratios
• Open Farm — A Canadian brand emphasizing humanely raised proteins, transparent sourcing, and non-GMO ingredients
• Farmina — An internationally formulated grain-free and grain-inclusive dry dog food using certified ingredients
• Fromm — A family-owned brand known for small-batch production and diverse protein rotation options
• Go! Solutions — A Canadian brand offering grain-free and sensitive stomach formulas for dogs across life stages
• Zignature — A limited-ingredient dry dog food brand offering novel proteins for dogs with food sensitivities

Explore the full dry dog food collection at Ashario Pets or read more on the dog wellness needs page.

Raw and Holistic Cat Food in Canada: What to Know in 2026

Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning their nutritional requirements are fundamentally protein-driven. This makes raw and minimally processed food formats particularly well-suited to feline biology. As of 2026, Ashario Pets carries a strong selection of raw, freeze-dried, air-dried, and high-protein wet cat food options.

Some of the holistic and raw cat food brands available in-store include:

• ZIWI — Air-dried cat food made in New Zealand from single-region proteins with no rendered meats or artificial preservatives
• Stella & Chewy's — Freeze-dried raw cat food using cage-free poultry, grass-fed meats, and wild-caught fish
• Tiki Cat — High-moisture, high-protein wet cat food formulated to support hydration and urinary health
• Weruva — Grain-free wet cat food using human-grade proteins in a variety of textures
• Red Dog Blue Kat — A Canadian-made raw cat food brand using ethically sourced proteins
• Instinct Raw — Frozen raw medallions and freeze-dried options for cats
• Farmina — Grain-free dry cat food with high fresh-meat percentages and low carbohydrate content

Browse the full raw cat food collection and freeze-dried cat food collection, or read more on the cat wellness needs page.

Tips for Switching to a Holistic or Raw Diet

Transitioning your pet to a new diet — particularly one that is raw or significantly different in composition — should always be done gradually. Sudden diet changes can cause digestive upset in dogs and cats. A common approach is to introduce the new food in small proportions alongside the existing diet over 7 to 14 days, incrementally increasing the ratio of new food while decreasing the old.

Key points to keep in mind during any food transition:

• Start with a single protein source if your pet has a sensitive stomach or unknown food history
• Monitor stool consistency and energy levels closely during the first two weeks
• Ensure fresh water is always available, especially if moving from a wet to a dry or air-dried format
• Consider adding a digestive supplement to support gut health during the adjustment period — brands like Canine Matrix, MOJO Pet Supplements, and Pawtanical offer options available at Ashario Pets
• Always consult your veterinarian before making significant dietary changes, especially for pets with existing health conditions

For more information on supplements to support the transition, visit the dog health supplements page or the dog health and wellness collection.

Made in Canada Pet Food: Why It Matters

Canadian-made pet food brands are subject to Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) oversight and are often produced under stricter sourcing and quality standards than imported alternatives. For pet owners who prioritize supporting domestic manufacturing and traceable ingredient sourcing, choosing Canadian-made brands is a meaningful decision.

Ashario Pets carries a strong lineup of made-in-Canada pet food brands, including Acana, Orijen, Big Country Raw, Open Farm, Go! Solutions, Canadian Naturals, Carna4, Raw Performance, Oven-Baked Tradition, and Red Dog Blue Kat. Learn more at the made in Canada pet products page.

Frequently Asked Questions: Raw and Holistic Pet Food in Canada

Is raw pet food safe for dogs and cats?

Raw pet food from reputable commercial brands is formulated to meet AAFCO or FEDIAF nutritional standards and undergoes safety testing. However, raw food does carry handling considerations — proper freezer storage, thawing protocols, and hygiene practices are important. Always consult your veterinarian if you have concerns about raw feeding for your specific pet, particularly for puppies, kittens, senior animals, or pets with immune conditions.

What is the difference between raw dog food and holistic dog food?

Raw dog food refers specifically to food made from uncooked ingredients — meat, bone, and organ — in formats such as frozen patties, freeze-dried medallions, or air-dried pieces. Holistic dog food is a broader term describing food made with whole, quality ingredients and a whole-body nutritional philosophy. A food can be both raw and holistic, or holistic without being raw (for example, a high-quality grain-free kibble).

Can I buy raw pet food online and have it delivered in North York?

Ashario Pets at 1111A Finch Ave W, Unit 2, North York, Ontario offers delivery through Uber Eats, DoorDash, SkipTheDishes, Instacart, and Fantuan. Note that frozen raw food delivery is subject to availability and delivery partner capabilities for temperature-sensitive items. Visit the contact page or call +1-647-564-4433 for details.

Which raw pet food brands are Canadian-made?

At Ashario Pets, Canadian-made raw pet food brands include Big Country Raw, Red Dog Blue Kat, Raw Performance, and Healthy Paws. These brands use Canadian-sourced proteins and are produced domestically. See the made in Canada pet products page for a full list of Canadian brands carried in-store.

How do I know which holistic pet food is right for my dog or cat?

The right holistic or raw pet food depends on your pet's age, weight, activity level, protein sensitivities, and any existing health conditions. The best pet food for specific needs page is a helpful starting point. For health-specific dietary questions, always consult a licensed veterinarian. The team at Ashario Pets can also help you navigate the available options in-store during our daily hours of 9 AM to 11 PM.