For many Canadian pet owners, ensuring their furry companions receive the right nutrition isn’t just about preference—it’s a medical necessity. Prescription diets are essential for managing conditions like kidney disease, allergies, and gastrointestinal disorders. But what happens when international trade policies, like U.S. tariffs, disrupt the supply chain?
Understanding the Cross-Border Pet Food Supply
Canada relies heavily on imports for pet food, particularly prescription diets. Brands like Hill’s, Royal Canin, and Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets are produced primarily in the United States. The U.S. also dominates the market in terms of manufacturing facilities and ingredient sourcing, which means that any changes in American trade policy could have a direct effect on Canadian pet owners.
A recent article from The Globe and Mail highlights the challenges Canadian consumers face when trying to purchase domestically produced pet food. The article notes that "the vast majority of pet food sold in Canada is imported from the United States," underscoring our country's dependence on U.S. manufacturers.
Tariffs and Their Potential Impact for Canadian Pet Food
If the U.S. imposes tariffs on pet food exports, Canadians could see a spike in prices. Tariffs function as a tax on goods crossing the border, and companies will pass these costs onto consumers. A 25% tariff, for example, could make a $120 bag of prescription food cost $150. For households managing chronic illnesses in multiple pets, this adds up fast.
Even without direct tariffs, supply chain disruptions in the U.S.—such as restrictions on ingredient imports, labour shortages, or increased production costs—can result in price hikes that trickle down to Canadian consumers. The 2020-2022 pandemic-era shortages already showed us how fragile these supply chains can be.
Could We See a Shift to Canadian-Made Alternatives?
Currently, the veterinary prescription diet industry in Canada is limited. Some boutique companies produce specialized foods, but large-scale prescription diets are still largely manufactured south of the border. If tariffs make U.S. imports cost-prohibitive, Canadian pet food companies may have an opportunity to expand their offerings. However, research, development, and regulatory approval for new veterinary diets take time—meaning immediate alternatives may not be available.
It’s Not Just About Ingredients—Expert Formulation Matters
While some argue that Canadian-made pet food is just as good if you "do an apples-to-apples comparison of the ingredients," this approach misses a critical point: pet food formulation is more than just an ingredient list. Simply matching ingredients does not guarantee the same level of digestibility, bioavailability, micronutrient balance (vitamins and minerals), or suitability for a specific medical condition.
We need more than just Canadian-made diets—we need Canadian-made diets developed by experts. That means pet food companies should be working with qualified nutritionists who hold a PhD in nutrition at minimum. Even better would be veterinary nutritionists who are DVMs and board-certified by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) in nutrition.
The Globe and Mail article also points out that "while there are Canadian pet food manufacturers, their products often don't have the same market penetration or veterinary endorsements as their U.S. counterparts," making it challenging for consumers to find equivalent domestic options. More investment in Canadian veterinary nutrition expertise is essential if we want truly comparable alternatives.
What Can Pet Owners Do?
Stay informed. If you're relying on a specific prescription diet, talk to your veterinarian about potential alternatives in case of price hikes or shortages.
Consider bulk buying. If storage allows, purchasing larger quantities before potential tariff changes could save money in the long run.
Look for assistance programs. Some pet food manufacturers offer rebate programs or discounts through veterinary clinics.
Final Thoughts
Trade policies may seem far removed from everyday veterinary care, but the reality is that international economics directly affects the availability and affordability of essential pet products. If tariffs on U.S. pet foods become a reality, Canadian pet owners may need to navigate a new landscape of increased costs and limited options.
That said, the conversation shouldn’t just be about buying Canadian—it should be about ensuring expert formulation. Pet food, especially prescription diets, should be developed by those with the highest level of expertise in nutrition, not just by those who can match ingredients on a label.
As trade policies and supply chain issues evolve, I’ll do my best to come back and update this post with new developments. Stay tuned!
In a previous blog post, I mentioned a few Canadian brands. Again, this won't be helpful for those who require a prescription diet, but hopefully our big three will take Canadians into consideration and increase production for pet foods in Canada.
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