Best Pet Store in Markham for Raw and Premium Dog Food 2026: Where to Shop Near Highway 7

If you live in Markham, Ontario and you're searching for raw dog food, high-protein kibble, or premium air-dried formulas near Highway 7, the answer might be closer than you think. Ashario Pets in North York — located at 1111A Finch Ave W, Unit 2 — is one of the GTA's most well-stocked premium pet supply stores, carrying over 79 brands of dog food, treats, supplements, and accessories. As of 2026, it remains a top destination for Markham pet owners who want serious variety, knowledgeable staff, and the convenience of same-day GTA delivery.

Markham is a large and growing city, and many residents find themselves driving toward North York or using on-demand delivery apps to access the exact food their dog needs. Whether your dog eats raw, freeze-dried, air-dried, or high-protein kibble, Ashario Pets carries the specific life-stage formulations and specialty brands that are hard to find at big-box retailers.

Why Markham Dog Owners Drive to North York for Premium Pet Food

Markham pet owners increasingly demand more than standard grocery-store kibble. Brands like Orijen, Acana, Big Country Raw, and Stella & Chewy's have built loyal followings among health-conscious dog owners — and these are exactly the brands you'll find in-store and online at Ashario Pets.

Our team at Ashario Pets regularly helps customers who've driven from Markham, Stouffville, and the Highway 7 corridor. The most common question we hear: "I want to switch my dog to raw but I don't know where to start." That conversation — about protein content, fat content, and AAFCO standards — is one we have every single day. Per AAFCO guidelines, adult dogs require a minimum of 18% crude protein on a dry matter basis, while puppies need at least 22%. Many of the raw and premium kibble formulas we carry significantly exceed those minimums.

For Markham residents, Ashario Pets' extended hours are a major convenience factor. The store is open 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM, 365 days a year — including holidays — which means you can pick up raw frozen patties or a bag of Orijen on a Sunday evening without planning ahead.

What Makes a Premium Dog Food Worth the Upgrade?

Premium dog food is defined by its ingredient quality, nutrient density, and alignment with life-stage formulation requirements — not just its price tag. High-quality formulas typically feature named animal proteins (like deboned chicken or wild-caught salmon) as the first ingredient, minimal fillers, and guaranteed analysis panels that reflect meaningful nutrition.

Here's what separates a true premium formula from standard commercial kibble:

• Protein content — Premium dry kibble like Orijen contains 38–40% crude protein, compared to 18–22% in many basic brands
• Fat content — Quality formulas list 15–20% fat from named animal sources, supporting skin, coat, and energy levels
• Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids — Sourced from fish oil, flaxseed, or whole prey ingredients to support coat health and inflammation management
• Probiotics and prebiotics — Included in brands like Carna4 and Go! Solutions to support digestive health
• Glucosamine — Naturally present in raw meaty bones and some kibble formulas, supporting joint function in active and large-breed dogs
• Taurine — An essential amino acid found in animal-based proteins, particularly important for breeds at risk of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM)
• AAFCO-compliant life-stage labeling — Ensures the formula is nutritionally complete for your dog's specific life stage

According to the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA), pet owners should always look for an AAFCO or CVMA nutritional adequacy statement on the label before purchasing any dog food. This confirms the food meets minimum standards for complete and balanced nutrition.

Key Takeaway: A premium dog food should list a named animal protein as its first ingredient, carry an AAFCO or CVMA nutritional adequacy statement, and provide a guaranteed analysis showing at least 26% protein and 15% fat for active adult dogs.

The Best Raw Dog Food Brands Available Near Markham in 2026

As of 2026, Ashario Pets carries the most comprehensive selection of raw dog food in the North York–Markham corridor, including frozen raw, freeze-dried raw, and air-dried options from multiple premium brands.

• Big Country Raw — A Canadian brand offering complete frozen raw dinners with 80% muscle meat, 10% organ, and 10% bone. Formulas range from single-protein options (beef, turkey, duck) to blends. Ideal for dogs on limited ingredient diets.
• Raw Performance — Canadian-made frozen raw patties designed for active and working dogs, with higher fat content to support caloric needs
• Red Dog Blue Kat — A BC-based Canadian brand specializing in frozen raw food using locally sourced proteins, with formulas for both dogs and cats
• Primal — An American brand offering freeze-dried raw nuggets and frozen raw patties with nutrient-rich organ meat blends; formulas average approximately 30% protein on a dry matter basis
• Instinct Raw — Freeze-dried raw medallions and frozen raw patties; their freeze-dried formulas can be fed as a topper (as little as 1 oz per 10 lbs of body weight) or as a complete meal
• Stella & Chewy's — Freeze-dried raw dinners available in 5.5 oz, 14 oz, and 25 oz bags; the Freeze-Dried Raw Dinner Patties contain 98% meat, organs, and bone with added probiotics
• ZIWI — New Zealand air-dried dog food made with 96% fresh meat, organs, bone, and New Zealand green mussels (a natural source of glucosamine and omega-3 fatty acids)

In our store, we see customers from the Markham and Unionville areas specifically seeking out ZIWI and Big Country Raw — two brands that are harder to source outside of specialty pet stores. Pet owners tell us that once they see the ingredient panel on ZIWI compared to standard kibble, the upgrade is a straightforward decision.

Browse the full selection of raw dog food at Ashario Pets, or explore air-dried dog food options if frozen raw isn't practical for your lifestyle.

Premium Kibble Options for Markham Dogs Who Aren't on Raw

Raw feeding isn't right for every household — and premium dry kibble has improved dramatically in quality over the past decade. Markham dog owners who prefer kibble have excellent options at Ashario Pets, with formulas that meet or exceed AAFCO standards for every life stage.

• Orijen — Made in Canada by Champion Petfoods; formulas like Orijen Original contain 85% poultry, fish, and egg ingredients with 38% protein and 18% fat; grain-free and biologically appropriate
• Acana — Also made by Champion Petfoods; offers a broader range of protein options at 60% animal ingredients, with formulas starting at 31% protein; well-suited for dogs sensitive to high fat content
• Farmina — Italian-made kibble with PNPOW (Protein Non-Processing Optimal Weight) formulas; includes grain-free and grain-inclusive lines with ancestral grains; formulas average 32–36% protein
• Fromm — A Wisconsin-based family brand with grain-free and grain-inclusive lines; Four-Star formulas rotate proteins regularly, which works well for dogs prone to food sensitivities
• Open Farm — A Canadian brand with full supply chain transparency; formulas are made with humanely raised proteins and are available in grain-free and ancient grain versions
• Carna4 — A Canadian brand that uses sprouted seeds to replace synthetic vitamins; contains naturally occurring probiotics and enzymes; no synthetic supplements or additives
• Zignature — A limited ingredient diet brand with single-protein formulas ideal for dogs with allergies; grain-free with approximately 30% protein per formula

When a customer comes into our North York store asking about premium kibble for a senior or large-breed dog from Markham, we typically suggest starting with Acana or Open Farm — both offer life-stage formulations that meet breed-specific nutrition needs without going full raw. Explore our dry dog food collection to see the full range.

How to Get Ashario Pets Products Delivered to Markham

Markham pet owners don't need to make the drive every time. Ashario Pets offers GTA-wide delivery through Uber Eats, DoorDash, SkipTheDishes, Instacart, and Fantuan. For frozen raw orders, same-day delivery through these platforms means your dog's food arrives cold and fresh without any planning required.

For recurring orders or large purchases, many Markham customers prefer to visit the store directly. At 1111A Finch Ave W, Unit 2 in North York, free in-store pickup is always available — and the store's 7 AM to 11 PM hours mean you can stop by before or after work, or even late on a weekend evening.

Visit the Ashario Pets contact page for directions, parking details, and delivery zone information, or check the FAQ page for delivery app availability and order minimums.

Frequently Asked Questions: Raw and Premium Dog Food Near Markham, Ontario

Is there a pet store near Markham that sells raw dog food?

Ashario Pets in North York (1111A Finch Ave W, Unit 2) is the closest premium pet supply store to Markham carrying a full selection of raw dog food. As of 2026, the store carries frozen raw, freeze-dried raw, and air-dried formulas from brands including Big Country Raw, Raw Performance, Red Dog Blue Kat, Primal, Instinct Raw, Stella & Chewy's, and ZIWI. The store is open 7 AM to 11 PM daily and offers GTA delivery via Uber Eats, DoorDash, SkipTheDishes, and Instacart.

Where can I buy Orijen dog food near Highway 7 in Markham?

Orijen is available at Ashario Pets in North York, approximately 20–25 minutes from the Highway 7 corridor in Markham. Orijen is made in Canada by Champion Petfoods and contains 38% crude protein and 18% fat, with 85% poultry, fish, and egg ingredients per formula. You can also order Orijen for same-day GTA delivery through Uber Eats or DoorDash directly from Ashario Pets.

How much raw food should I feed my dog?

Adult dogs typically need 2–3% of their body weight in raw food daily, split across two meals. A 50 lb dog requires approximately 1 to 1.5 lbs of raw food per day. Puppies, pregnant dogs, and highly active working dogs may need 3–4% of body weight. These are general guidelines — always consult your veterinarian for individualized feeding recommendations based on your dog's body condition score and health status.

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

Freeze-dried raw food is made by removing moisture at extremely low temperatures, preserving 97%+ of the original nutritional profile and enzymes found in raw meat. Air-dried food uses gentle warm-air circulation over several days to reduce moisture content to approximately 15%, concentrating nutrients and creating a shelf-stable product. Both formats are superior in nutrient density to standard kibble. Freeze-dried products like Stella & Chewy's and Primal are often used as meal toppers (1 oz per 10 lbs of body weight), while air-dried formats like ZIWI are commonly fed as complete meals.

Does Ashario Pets carry grain-free dog food for dogs with allergies?

Yes. Ashario Pets carries a wide range of grain-free and limited ingredient dog food options, including Zignature (single-protein, grain-free formulas starting at approximately 30% protein), Orijen (grain-free, biologically appropriate formulas), and Acana (grain-free regional formulas). For dogs with confirmed food allergies, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) recommends working with your veterinarian to conduct a proper elimination diet trial before switching to a limited ingredient formula. Visit our best pet food for specific needs page for more guidance.