How Can We Help You?

Our customers asked for all natural, holistic grain-free pet foods. We responded by consulting with our nutritionists and veterinarians to develop two new CANIDAE grain free formulas: CANIDAE Grain-Free Salmon and CANIDAE Grain-Free All Life Stages. These grain-free diets are formulated for dogs that do not tolerate grain well, are prone to dietary allergic reactions, and require a higher level of meat protein in their diets.

Traditionally, CANIDAE has offset the abundance of meat protein in its foods by including nutritious grains or starches. For many dogs this provides an optimal blend of protein, carbohydrates and fat. Some dogs however can benefit from a further increase in meat protein and a complete absence of grains of any kind. In these grain-free formulas, the carbohydrates are derived from sources like potatoes and peas instead of grains.

Our CANIDAE Grain-Free All Life Stages diet is an optimal blend of multiple meat sources. With a protein level of 34% and fat at 18% you will need to make sure your dog can tolerate that high a level of protein and adjust the intake to your dog's nutritional needs. Our CANIDAE Grain-Free Salmon diet yields a protein level of 40% with fat at 20%. Because Salmon yields such a high meat protein value and we utilize a low starch offset, this product is much higher in protein than our other formulas. We feel as though very sensitive dogs, higher stress dogs, and underweight dogs will benefit from our CANIDAE Grain-Free Salmon formula.

These grain-free foods may not be suitable for all dogs. It is always best to consult with your veterinarian before making a substantial change to your dog's diet.

The exact formulation for each of our pet foods and gourmet treats is listed on the bag, can or box. The ingredients are also listed on each product's webpage. We also have an ingredients page that discusses the benefits and sources for the ingredients we use.

Our Store Locator will direct you to the nearest independent pet food retailer that carries our products. Our all natural dog foods, dog treats and cat foods are available at thousands of locations in the United States and Canada and at select locations worldwide.

Yes. Please visit our Links Page for a list of fine online retailers who stock our full line of pet foods and gourmet treats.

CANIDAE pet foods are preserved with Vitamin E (mixed tocopherols) and Vitamin C. We do not use anything artificial. CANIDAE pet foods are naturally preserved.

Normally, no. CANIDAE cat and dog foods are nutritionally complete. We continually consult with our veterinarians and pet nutritionists to formulate the healthiest foods possible. Our formulas meet or exceed the minimum requirements of the Nutrient Profiles set by AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials). If you do decide to include additional supplement or vitamins, we recommend consulting with your veterinarian.

It’s been our philosophy and commitment to support Independent Pet Stores. Independent Pet Stores have been the heart and soul of the pet industry. From the local corner pet shop to the large feed store, we all grew up with and loved to shop in Independent Pet Stores. Typically independent retailers are more knowledgeable with the products lines they carry, offer higher quality unique items, and are able to offer competitive pricing. Please support your local independent retailers! To find one near you that carries CANIDAE and FELIDAE use our Store Locator.

No. CANIDAE neither conducts nor condones any laboratory live animal testing. After many years of making pet food and over a million tons a month being fed without incident world wide, we have passed the real world test without harming or caging a single dog or cat that wasn't in a loving home or a home type environment.

Dry Matter is the value for a nutrient assuming all moisture is removed. Dry matter is mostly used by veterinarians because it yeilds specific information on a more uniform basis. As Fed would be the value for a nutrient without removing the moisture.

CANIDAE and FELIDAE canned products are loafs. Our loafed formulas are of a very high meat content make up. Each batch run consist of 2000 pounds. The ingredients are placed into the can and then the lid is applied. The can then goes into the cooking process and the meat in the can is cooked. The can is then cooled with water and the final process applies the label and puts the cans into trays. We run many batches each and every day utilizing this canning process.

Because we use so much meat in our products, and the canning processes cooks the products in the can, each batch will vary slightly in color and texture. If you could imagine cooking your favorite dinner recipe two separate times utilizing the same ingredients and the same cooking temperatures, each dish would vary slightly in color and consistency. The same theory applies to loafed cans slightly varying in color and texture.

In May 2008 CANIDAE made the change in its formulations in an effort to provide the most nutritious, all natural, palatable products for your pet. We continuously monitor advances in pet nutrition and only implement changes in our formulas that will increase the quality of your pet’s diet and health. The improved formulations have increased levels of meat protein, lowered carbohydrates, and an increased overall complex carbohydrate quality. For your pet, this means more meat and more sustained energy. Guaranteed viable microorganisms help build a stronger immune system and cranberries aid in optimal urinary tract health. Please visit our Improved Formulas webpage to learn much more about our improved formulations.

We have reduced the overall amount of carbohydrates in our formulations. Here's how we did it, and why: First, we lowered the amount of rice. Then we added other carbohydrate sources, e.g., peas, millet, and potatoes. See each formula's ingredients list for exact details. The total amount of carbohydrates in every improved formula is less than before. The total amount of meat protein in every improved formula is greater than before. This diversification of carbohydrates and increase in meat protein is healthier for your pet -- multiple sources of carbohydrate nutrition instead of just one.

An abrupt change to a different diet can cause some dogs to experience gastrointestinal upset causing loose stools or vomiting. While this upset usually disappears in a matter of days, it can often be avoided by following these simple transition guidelines.

IF PREVIOUS FORMULA IS AVAILABLE:
Mixing our original formula with our improved formula can be part of your transitional process. Over the first two days, start with 75% of the original formula and 25% of the improved formula. On days three and four, use a 50/50 mixture of the formulas. Continue to gradually decrease the amount of the original formula by 25%. This process should usually takes about six days, but you can extend the transition time if your dog is particularly sensitive.

IF PREVIOUS FORMULA IS NOT AVAILABLE:
In most cases, we realize transitioning slowly by mixing our original formula with the improved formula is not possible. In that case, feed smaller portions more regularly. We suggest breaking up the daily intake to 3 to 4 feedings per day. Adding warm water to the food will also decrease the chance of your dog eating too quickly and not chewing thoroughly. Gulping a highly palatable product too quickly could cause vomiting.

You may notice a change in the appearance of your dog's stool even after the transition period. This can often be a result of a change in the amount of fiber and protein in the new diet and is normal.

If your pet continues to have loose stools after the transition period, please contact your veterinarian to rule out any underlying health concerns. For more transitioning tips visit our Transitioning from Original Formula Guidelines page.

If you are not completely satisfied with any of our products, please return the unused portion in its original packaging with the receipt to the place of purchase for a complete refund or replacement.