Choosing food for your dog has never been so simple… and so complicated at the same time. Simple, because there are excellent brands available today. Complicated, because between grain-free recipes, recipes with grains, high-protein formulas, limited-ingredient diets, exotic proteins, dehydrated foods and ultra-premium formulas, there’s enough here to make you want a second coffee.

At Sherbrooke Canin, we advise dog owners every day, in-store and online. After serving more than 100,000 customers and recommending thousands of bags of food across Quebec, we have a pretty good idea of the brands that come up most often in our recommendations.

This ranking is not based on sales alone. It combines our in-store expertise, feedback and results observed with our customers, and the real popularity of the brands among our clientele. The goal is not to say that one food is "the best in the world." The best food is the one that suits your dog, its activity level, digestion, sensitivities and your budget.

No brand paid to appear in this ranking.

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Prefer to see everything in one place? Discover our collection Our recommended dog foods.

How did we choose the brands in this ranking?

To build this top 10, we considered several important criteria: ingredient quality, animal protein sources (type, amount and digestibility), overall digestibility, manufacturer transparency, range variety (puppy, adult, senior, small and large breeds, with or without grains), value for money, and results observed in-store. No brand paid to appear here.

1. Horizon

Horizon takes the top spot because it’s a brand we recommend very often. Why? Because it does something difficult: offering quality food, made in Canada, with very good value for money. At a time when bag prices can rise faster than a dog hearing a treat bag open, that’s a major advantage.

Horizon offers several ranges, including Pulsar, Taiga, Legacy and Complete, making it possible to recommend a recipe suited to different profiles: active dogs, families looking for a more budget-friendly option, or dogs that do better with a specific protein.

What we like : Canadian manufacturing, excellent value for money, grain-free or with grains options, varied ranges and great popularity with our customers.

To consider : some recipes are richer than others. As with any quality food, a gradual transition is important, especially if your dog has a sensitive stomach.

Best for : most dogs: puppies, adults, active dogs and family dogs that need a complete food at a reasonable price.

👉 Discover our selection of Horizon dog food.

2. Canisource

Canisource is a Quebec brand that really stands out in our selection. Unlike traditional extruded kibble, Canisource Grand Cru is a low-temperature dehydrated raw food. The goal: offer some of the benefits sought in raw feeding while keeping the ease of use close to dry food.

What we like : Quebec brand, ingredients approved for human consumption, low-temperature dehydration, no meat or fish meal in Grand Cru formulas, and practical recipes to serve.

To consider : it’s a premium food, generally more expensive than traditional kibble. Because it’s different from standard kibble, it’s important to respect the transition and recommended portions carefully.

Best for : customers looking for a high-end, Quebec-made, practical food, and those who like the raw concept without wanting to handle frozen raw food.

👉 Discover our selection of Canisource dog food.

3. Wholesome Blend

Wholesome Blend earns its place because it’s a very interesting brand for families who want quality, functional food that’s more accessible than some ultra-premium brands. Its strength: practicality, with several recipes designed for specific needs (digestion, skin and coat, mobility, healthy weight, large breeds).

What we like : good value for money, functional recipes, formulas with pumpkin in several recipes, grain-free and pea-free options depending on the range.

To consider : it’s not the most "glamorous" brand in the ranking, but a nice bag doesn’t feed a dog. What matters is tolerance, recipe quality and the result in the bowl.

Best for : family dogs, those needing light digestive support, large breeds, or customers who want good food at a reasonable price.

👉 Discover our selection of Wholesome Blend dog food.

4. FirstMate

FirstMate is a highly appreciated Canadian brand, especially for sensitive dogs. What sets it apart is the simplicity of many of its recipes: some formulas use a limited-ingredient approach with a single animal protein and a single main carbohydrate source. For dogs that react easily to certain ingredients, that simplicity can make a big difference.

What we like : Canadian brand, several limited-ingredient recipes, grain-free and with grains options, simple recipes that are easy to understand.

To consider : simple recipes aren’t always necessary for every dog. If your dog digests a more varied food very well, it doesn’t necessarily need such a limited formula.

Best for : dogs with food sensitivities, fragile digestion or sensitive skin, and owners who want a simple, effective Canadian food.

👉 Discover our selection of FirstMate dog food.

5. Open Farm

Open Farm is probably one of the strongest brands when it comes to transparency. It places a lot of emphasis on ingredient traceability and responsible sourcing. For customers who want to know where the ingredients in their dog’s bowl come from, that’s very appealing. The brand also offers a wide variety: dry food, RawMix, ancient grain recipes, grain-free, wet food, broths and freeze-dried options.

What we like : high transparency, batch traceability, a wide variety of formats and recipes, ancient grain and grain-free options.

To consider : it’s a premium brand, so the price is generally higher. For very sensitive dogs, it’s better to choose the right formula rather than grab just any bag.

Best for : demanding owners who want a transparent, modern brand, and those who like to mix up formats (kibble, broths, wet food, toppers).

👉 Discover our selection of Open Farm dog food.

6. Valens

Valens is an interesting Canadian brand for dogs that like rich, tasty, different recipes. The brand offers protein combinations such as fish, lamb, bison, beef, wild boar, turkey or salmon depending on the formula. Some recipes also include "vita cubes," small air-dried pieces designed to add aroma and palatability.

What we like : Canadian brand, recipes rich in animal protein, very good palatability, less common protein combinations.

To consider : some recipes can be richer than simpler foods. For a very sensitive or very sedentary dog, you need to choose the formula carefully and adjust portions.

Best for : active dogs, picky dogs and owners who want a different Canadian formula.

👉 Discover our selection of Valens dog food.

7. Farmina

Farmina is a premium brand with a philosophy strongly focused on animal nutrition, research and recipes rich in animal protein. The N&D range is probably the best known, with several lines: Prime, Pumpkin, Ocean, Ancestral Grain, Quinoa Functional and Tropical Selection depending on availability.

What we like : premium recipes, strong presence of animal protein, wide variety of specialized lines, ancient grain and grain-free options, very carefully developed nutritional approach.

To consider : Farmina is generally in a higher price range. Some formulas are also very rich, so a good transition is essential.

Best for : active dogs and owners looking for an ultra-premium food with a high proportion of animal protein.

👉 Discover our selection of Farmina dog food.

8. Boréal

Boréal is a Canadian brand that stands out for its low glycemic index approach and recipes generally designed to avoid excess fast carbohydrates. The brand offers grain-free options, but also recipes with grains such as oats and barley in some ranges.

What we like : Canadian brand, low glycemic index approach, with and without grains options, interesting recipes for weight management and steadier energy.

To consider : as with all foods, choosing the right recipe matters. One formula may be excellent for one dog and less suitable for another depending on age, activity and digestion.

Best for : dogs that need better weight control, steadier energy or a recipe less focused on fast carbohydrates.

👉 Discover our selection of Boréal dog food.

9. PetKind

PetKind is a Canadian brand best known for its use of green tripe, a very appetizing ingredient. That’s what makes PetKind particularly interesting for picky dogs: many dogs that turn up their nose at their bowl may be more motivated by this type of recipe. The brand also offers different proteins and options.

What we like : Canadian brand, use of green tripe, very good palatability, options with different proteins.

To consider : the smell and taste of green tripe are very appealing to dogs… sometimes more than to humans. But well, we’re not the ones eating from the bowl. As always, you need to choose the right recipe and do a gradual transition.

Best for : picky dogs, those lacking interest in their food, or owners who want a more appetizing recipe.

👉 Discover our selection of PetKind dog food.

10. Nutram

Nutram rounds out our top 10 with a more holistic, balanced nutritional approach. It’s a Canadian brand that offers different ranges depending on needs: formulas for all life stages, grain-free recipes, digestive support, skin and coat, small breeds and large breeds.

What we like : Canadian brand, holistic approach, several recipes depending on needs, good value for money depending on the formula.

To consider : Nutram may be less "flashy" than some heavily marketed brands, but it’s often a logical, stable and well-balanced option.

Best for : family dogs, owners who want reliable food and dogs that need a simple formula to maintain long term.

👉 Discover our selection of Nutram dog food.

Our recommendations based on your dog’s profile

• Best overall choice : Horizon, one of the best balances of quality, price, variety and availability.
• Best premium Quebec choice : Canisource, a high-quality Quebec dehydrated food.
• Best value for money : Wholesome Blend, a serious food at a more realistic price.
• Best choice for sensitive dogs : FirstMate, thanks to its simple limited-ingredient recipes.
• Best ultra-premium choice : Open Farm, for ingredient transparency and traceability.
• Best choice for picky dogs : PetKind or Valens, green tripe palatability and rich recipes.
• Best choice for active dogs : Farmina or Valens, richer recipes for dogs that move a lot.
• Best choice for weight management : Boréal or Wholesome Blend, low glycemic index and targeted formulas.

With grains or without grains: which should you choose?

This is probably one of the questions we get most often. The short answer: it depends on the dog. A grain-free food is not automatically better, and a food with grains is not automatically worse. What matters is the overall quality of the recipe, the protein and carbohydrate sources, digestibility and your dog’s tolerance.

Some dogs do very well on a grain-free recipe; others do better with quality grains like oats, barley or certain ancient grains. If your dog has a history of heart problems, significant sensitivities or a medical condition, it’s always best to check with your veterinarian before making a major change.

The most common mistakes when choosing food

1. Choosing based only on protein percentage. A high percentage can be interesting, but protein quality, source and digestibility are just as important. A 30% food is not automatically better than a 26% one.

2. Changing food too quickly. Even excellent food can cause soft stools if the transition is too fast. We generally recommend a gradual transition over 7 to 10 days, sometimes up to 2 weeks for sensitive dogs.

3. Thinking the most expensive is automatically the best. Price is an indicator, not a guarantee. The best food is the one your dog tolerates well, eats happily, digests properly and that fits your budget.

4. Not adjusting portions. Calories vary a lot from one brand to another. Always check the manufacturer’s recommendations, then adjust according to the dog’s body condition.

5. Ignoring signs of poor tolerance. Persistent soft stools, gas, itching, vomiting or loss of appetite are signs to watch for. If the symptoms are significant, you should consult a professional.

How do you know if a food suits your dog?

A good food should generally give you: well-formed stools, good energy, stable weight, a healthy coat, good appetite, little gas and good overall digestion. Note: every dog is different. Two dogs can eat exactly the same food and react differently. That’s why personalized recommendations are so important.

FAQ: best dog food

What is the best dog food in 2026?

Based on our experience at Sherbrooke Canin, Horizon is our best overall choice in 2026, thanks to its excellent value for money, Canadian manufacturing and great versatility. That said, the best food always depends on the dog.

What is the best Canadian dog food?

Several excellent Canadian brands are in our ranking: Horizon, FirstMate, Boréal, PetKind, Valens, Nutram and Open Farm. Canisource also stands out as a premium Quebec option.

Is grain-free food better for dogs?

Not necessarily. Some dogs do very well on grain-free, while others tolerate recipes with grains better. You need to look at the full recipe, not just whether grains are present or absent.

What food should I choose for a sensitive dog?

FirstMate is often an excellent starting point thanks to its simple limited-ingredient recipes. Canisource can also be a great high-quality dehydrated option. For a specific health condition, always check with your veterinarian.

What food should I choose for a picky dog?

PetKind and Valens are two excellent options. PetKind is known for its green tripe recipes, which are very appetizing, while Valens offers rich, tasty recipes that often appeal to pickier dogs.

What food should I choose for an active dog?

Farmina, Valens and certain Horizon ranges can be very good choices. The important thing is to choose a recipe suited to the activity level and monitor the dog’s body condition.

How long does it take to see if a food works?

You can sometimes see a difference within a few days in the stools, but it often takes a few weeks to properly evaluate digestion, coat, energy and body condition.

Conclusion: our real best advice

Don’t choose a food just because it’s popular, expensive, grain-free or recommended in a Facebook group at 11:47 p.m. by someone typing in ALL CAPS. Choose a food based on your dog: age, weight, activity level, digestion, sensitivities, appetite and your budget.

Want to see everything in one place? Browse our collection Our recommended dog foods. Need help choosing? Come see us in-store at 4921 boul. Industriel à Sherbrooke, or shop online at SherbrookeCanin.com. Our team can help you find the best option for your dog, because in the end, the right bag of food is the one that keeps your dog happy, healthy… and doesn’t turn your backyard into a disaster zone.