Our Pet Food

Our Pet Food

Why does CANIDAE offer a grain-free diet?

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.

Are your products safe?

Yes. Though we were not involved in any way with the recalls of contaminated pet food in 2005 and 2007 (or at any other time), we have substantially increased our testing procedures. To assure the safety of our products, CANIDAE has strict protocols which require that all formulas are tested in-line during our production runs and cleared by a second supervisor every 30 minutes. Additionally, there are 141 ingredient tests and 10 finished product tests that are performed. A sample of each finished goods batch is also sent directly to our research and development center where they are tested again, this time by a third party lab, for known toxins and potential risk hazards.

Please read our published Commitment to Pet Food Safety for detailed information.

Where can I find more information on the ingredients you use in your formulas?

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

Where can I buy CANIDAE?

You can purchase online or at leading independent pet food retailers. View our Stockists page to find a local retailer near you.

How is CANIDAE preserved?

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.

Why do ingredient definitions periodically change on pet food labels?

CANIDAE All Natural Pet Foods prides itself on following all of the AAFCO guidelines in all fifty states. In order to satisfy updated ingredient definitions, from year to year and from time to time the exact words used on pet food labels must be updated periodically to the new regulations.

Should I add vitamins or supplements to my pet food?

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.

Why can’t I buy CANIDAE in chain stores?

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 visit our Stockists page.

Do you condone inhumane testing on caged animals?

No. CANIDAE neither conducts nor condones any inhumane 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 inhumanely caging a single dog or cat.

What is the difference between “Dry Matter” and “As Fed”?

Dry Matter is the value for a nutrient assuming all moisture is removed. Dry matter is mostly used by veterinarians because it yields specific information on a more uniform basis.

As Fed would be the value for a nutrient without removing the moisture.