Open ProvincesDog and cat food: labels, safe feeding and recalls
A practical way to read pet-food labels, make diet changes carefully and check whether a product or lot has been recalled.
Adapted from a guide first written for Quebec readers: passages specific to Quebec were removed. Rules in your province may differ.
A food that suits one animal may not suit another. Age, health, pregnancy, activity and medication can change a pet’s nutritional needs. For a medical condition, persistent digestive symptoms or a major diet change, ask a veterinarian rather than relying on marketing claims or an online calculator.
Read the package as a whole
- Check which animal and life stage the product is intended for.
- Review the feeding directions as a starting point, then monitor body condition and discuss adjustments with a veterinarian.
- Compare similar products using their nutritional information; wet and dry foods are not directly comparable by ingredient order alone.
- Keep the product name, manufacturer, package code, lot number and receipt until the food is used.
Make changes cautiously
When changing foods, a gradual transition may help some pets, but follow veterinary advice—especially for animals with a prescription diet, chronic illness or a history of food reactions. Store food as directed, keep it away from moisture and pests, and wash bowls regularly. Raw diets can expose people and animals to disease-causing organisms; discuss risks and handling with a veterinarian.
Check recalls and act on a match
Search official recall notices using the exact brand, product, size and lot or package code; a recall may apply to only certain batches. If the details match, stop feeding the product and follow the notice’s return or disposal instructions. If your pet is unwell, contact a veterinarian and keep the package for reference.
For current notices, use the Government of Canada’s Recalls and safety alerts. This guide does not prescribe a diet.
Sources and limits
For an individual animal’s diet or symptoms, consult a veterinarian.
General information based on federal and national rules; provincial rules may differ. Confirm with the official body before acting.