Stella & Chewy's vs Primal Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food Canada: Which Is Worth the Price in 2026?

Freeze-dried raw dog food is one of the fastest-growing segments in the Canadian premium pet food market — and two brands consistently top the conversation: Stella & Chewy's and Primal. Both deliver the nutritional advantages of a raw diet in a shelf-stable, convenient format. But they're not the same product. As of 2026, Ashario Pets carries both brands at our North York store, and our team fields this exact question from customers nearly every week. This guide breaks down the real differences so you can choose the right option for your dog — and your budget.

If you're still learning the fundamentals of this food category, start with our guide on what freeze-dried dog food actually is, how to rehydrate it, and the best brands available in Canada. Then come back here for the head-to-head comparison. Ready to shop? Browse our full freeze-dried dog food collection at Ashario Pets and see both brands in stock.

Key Takeaway: Stella & Chewy's and Primal are both premium freeze-dried raw dog foods available in Canada that meet AAFCO nutritional standards. Stella & Chewy's tends to offer higher protein density and a wider variety of protein sources, while Primal is known for its certified-organic produce ingredients and whole-food supplement additions. The right choice depends on your dog's protein tolerance, life stage, and whether organic sourcing is a priority for you.

What Is Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food and Why Does It Matter?

Freeze-dried raw dog food preserves raw meat, organs, and bones by removing moisture under vacuum at sub-zero temperatures — retaining nutrients that cooking destroys while eliminating the need for refrigeration. A typical freeze-dried raw formula delivers 30–40% protein on a dry-matter basis, far exceeding the AAFCO minimum of 18% protein for adult maintenance and 22% protein for growth and reproduction. Fat content typically runs 20–30% dry matter, which is why portion control matters — especially for less active dogs.

For Canadian dog owners, freeze-dried raw hits a practical sweet spot. It doesn't require the freezer space of raw dog food patties or medallions, and it travels well — a real advantage for pet owners commuting between downtown Toronto and cottage country. The format also makes it easier to transition dogs off kibble incrementally, using freeze-dried as a topper before moving to full portions.

According to the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA), pet owners considering raw-based diets — including freeze-dried formats — should discuss the transition with their veterinarian, particularly for puppies, senior dogs, or immunocompromised pets. Always consult your vet before making major dietary changes.

Stella & Chewy's Freeze-Dried Raw: What Canadian Pet Owners Need to Know

Stella & Chewy's freeze-dried raw dog food is formulated to deliver 95% meat, organs, and bone content per recipe, with the remaining 5% composed of organic fruits, vegetables, and added supplements including probiotics and taurine. As of 2026, their Dinner Patties line remains their flagship freeze-dried format available in Canada.

Our team at Ashario Pets recommends Stella & Chewy's frequently to customers whose dogs are transitioning off dry kibble or who need a higher-protein, lower-carbohydrate profile. The guaranteed analysis on their Beef Dinner Patties lists approximately 38% crude protein and 22% crude fat on a dry-matter basis, with a crude fiber content of around 1.5%. That protein-to-fat ratio is well-suited to active adult dogs with elevated energy needs.

Stella & Chewy's Key Nutritional Profile

• Crude protein (dry matter): approximately 38% (Beef Dinner Patties)
• Crude fat (dry matter): approximately 22%
• Crude fiber: approximately 1.5%
• Added taurine: yes — relevant for breeds with DCM sensitivity
• Added probiotics: yes — supports gut microbiome balance
• Life-stage formulation: All life stages (AAFCO compliant)
• Protein sources available in Canada: beef, chicken, duck, lamb, rabbit, venison, turkey
• Grain-free: yes
• Feeding guideline (adult dog, 20 lbs / 9 kg): approximately 1.5 oz (42g) per day as a complete meal

One detail worth noting: Stella & Chewy's explicitly adds taurine to most recipes — an amino acid that has received attention from the FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine in relation to grain-free diet formulations and canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). That proactive inclusion makes Stella & Chewy's a considered choice for breeds like Golden Retrievers, Dobermans, and Cocker Spaniels where taurine status is worth monitoring.

Primal Freeze-Dried Raw: What Canadian Pet Owners Need to Know

Primal Pet Foods distinguishes itself with a certified-organic produce ingredient list and a focus on whole-food supplementation rather than isolated synthetic additives. Primal's freeze-dried Nuggets and Patties use USDA-inspected meats, organic fruits and vegetables, and add supplements like vitamin E (as mixed tocopherols), zinc, and omega-3 sources including salmon oil — directly in the base recipe rather than as a separate topper.

Pet owners tell us at Ashario Pets that Primal is often the preferred choice for dogs with environmental sensitivities or when the owner has a strong preference for certified-organic plant ingredients. The guaranteed analysis on Primal's Beef & Salmon Nuggets shows approximately 35% crude protein and 25% crude fat on a dry-matter basis, with added omega-3 fatty acids providing meaningful EPA and DHA support — relevant for dogs with skin conditions, joint inflammation, or cognitive function needs in senior life stages.

Primal Key Nutritional Profile

• Crude protein (dry matter): approximately 35% (Beef & Salmon Nuggets)
• Crude fat (dry matter): approximately 25%
• Crude fiber: approximately 2%
• Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA): yes, via added salmon oil
• Organic produce: yes — certified-organic fruits and vegetables
• Added probiotics: select recipes include fermented produce
• Life-stage formulation: All life stages (AAFCO compliant)
• Protein sources available in Canada: beef, chicken, turkey, duck, venison, lamb, pork
• Grain-free: yes
• Feeding guideline (adult dog, 20 lbs / 9 kg): approximately 2.5 oz (70g) per day as a complete meal

The higher fat content in Primal is something our nutrition team flags for owners of less active or weight-sensitive dogs. At 25% fat dry matter, portion precision matters more. That said, the added omega-6 and omega-3 balance in Primal is well-suited to dogs dealing with dry coat, seasonal itching, or early-stage joint stiffness — conditions where dietary fat quality has a direct functional impact.

Stella & Chewy's vs Primal: Side-by-Side Comparison

Here's how these two leading freeze-dried raw brands stack up across the criteria that matter most to Canadian dog owners in 2026.

How to Choose Between Stella & Chewy's and Primal for Your Dog

The right freeze-dried raw food depends on your dog's individual health profile, activity level, and your own sourcing priorities — not just which brand has the most impressive packaging.

Choose Stella & Chewy's if your dog needs:

• A higher crude protein percentage — approximately 38% dry matter vs Primal's 35%
• Explicit taurine supplementation (important for certain large and giant breeds)
• A wider protein variety to manage food rotation for allergy-prone dogs
• A slightly lower fat profile — useful for dogs prone to pancreatitis or weight gain

Choose Primal if your dog needs:

• Built-in omega-3 support via salmon oil — helpful for coat dryness, joint inflammation, or cognitive support in seniors
• Certified-organic plant ingredients (if that certification matters to you as an owner)
• A formula where whole-food sources handle most of the supplementation load
• A slightly higher fat content to support underweight dogs or working breeds with extreme energy demands

When a customer comes into our North York store asking about senior dog nutrition and coat condition, we typically start with Primal's omega-3-rich recipes and layer in a targeted dog health supplement if needed. For high-drive working dogs or dogs recovering from illness who need maximum protein density, Stella & Chewy's Dinner Patties are usually our first recommendation.

Can You Use These as a Topper Instead of a Complete Meal?

Yes — both Stella & Chewy's and Primal can be used as a food topper over premium dry dog food or wet dog food rather than as a standalone meal. Many pet owners in Toronto use this approach to boost protein and palatability without fully committing to the cost of 100% freeze-dried feeding. When used as a topper, a 10 lb (4.5 kg) dog would typically get 0.5 oz (14g) per meal mixed into their base food. Always adjust total daily kcal intake to avoid overfeeding when combining formats.

Using freeze-dried as a topper is also one of the most effective transitioning strategies for dogs moving from dry kibble to a more biologically appropriate diet. The rich aroma of freeze-dried raw is highly palatable, even for notoriously picky eaters.

Frequently Asked Questions: Stella & Chewy's vs Primal Freeze-Dried Dog Food Canada

Is Stella & Chewy's freeze-dried raw dog food available in Canada in 2026?

Yes, Stella & Chewy's freeze-dried raw dog food is available in Canada as of 2026. Ashario Pets carries Stella & Chewy's at our North York store located at 1111A Finch Ave W, Unit 2, and online via ashariopets.ca. The brand's Dinner Patties line is the most commonly stocked freeze-dried format, available in multiple protein sources including beef, chicken, duck, and lamb. GTA-wide delivery is available through Uber Eats, DoorDash, and SkipTheDishes.

Is Primal freeze-dried dog food worth the price for Canadian pet owners?

Primal freeze-dried dog food is worth the premium price for Canadian owners whose dogs have specific needs — particularly skin and coat issues, joint inflammation, or owners who prioritize certified-organic produce ingredients. Primal's built-in omega-3 supplementation via salmon oil (delivering meaningful EPA and DHA levels) can offset the cost of buying a separate fish oil supplement. If your dog has no specific nutritional requirements beyond high protein, Stella & Chewy's offers slightly higher protein density at a comparable or lower price point per serving in Canada.

What's the difference between freeze-dried raw and regular raw dog food?

Freeze-dried raw dog food and regular raw dog food (fresh or frozen) share the same base ingredients — raw meat, organs, and bone — but freeze-drying removes approximately 98% of moisture through a vacuum process at sub-zero temperatures, creating a shelf-stable product that doesn't require refrigeration. Fresh or frozen raw dog food retains its moisture and typically requires freezer storage. Freeze-dried formats are more portable and convenient but tend to cost more per kcal than equivalent frozen raw. For a deeper look at the freeze-dried process, see our full guide on what freeze-dried dog food is and how to rehydrate it.

How much freeze-dried raw food should I feed my dog per day?

Adult dogs on a complete freeze-dried raw diet typically need 2–3% of their body weight in rehydrated food daily. For a 50 lb (22.7 kg) dog, that's approximately 1–1.5 lbs (450–680g) of rehydrated food per day, split between two meals. In dry, pre-rehydration weight, this translates to roughly 3–4 oz (85–113g) per day for a 50 lb dog, depending on the brand and specific recipe. Always check the guaranteed analysis and feeding chart on the specific bag and adjust based on your dog's activity level, body condition score, and life stage. Consult your veterinarian before making significant dietary changes.

Does Ashario Pets carry both Stella & Chewy's and Primal in North York?

Yes. Ashario Pets at 1111A Finch Ave W, Unit 2, North York carries both Stella & Chewy's and Primal freeze-dried dog food. The store is open 7 AM to 11 PM daily, 365 days a year — including holidays. Both brands are also available for GTA delivery via Uber Eats, DoorDash, SkipTheDishes, and Instacart, or you can shop freeze-dried dog food online at ashariopets.ca. For questions about specific recipes in stock, contact our North York store directly at +1-647-564-4433.