Are there any shops selling natural animal feed?

Calgary has become a true hub for natural pet food, with more than 13 specialty stores focusing exclusively on high-quality, natural, and organic pet food. This industry has experienced exponential growth over the past two decades, reflecting a shift in the mindset of pet owners who are increasingly seeking to provide their pets with food that is as close to natural as possible.

The current natural pet food market in Calgary is characterized by an emphasis on biologically appropriate nutrition that takes into account the evolutionary needs of carnivorous animals. Most leading stores offer a wide range of options, from raw foods produced in-house to certified organic products, creating a unique ecosystem where owners can find solutions for all of their pets' dietary needs.

Leading specialty stores for raw and natural foods

Homes Alive Pets - The Largest Natural Food Center

Homes Alive Pets occupies a huge 30,000 square foot space and offers the largest selection of raw and frozen pet foods in Calgary. The store specializes in premium Canadian-made brands, including Acana, Orijen, Smack, Big Country Raw, Iron Will, and K9 Choice. Special attention is given to raw foods, which can provide numerous health benefits for animals, including improved digestion, shinier coats, and increased energy levels.

Homes Alive Pets stands out for its raw food section for dogs, where products are made from high-quality natural ingredients from trusted brands. The store also offers Autoship services for regular deliveries, which is especially convenient for owners who have switched to raw food and need a steady supply of quality products.

Modern K9 - Revolutionary Freezing Facilities

Modern K9, located at 121 10555 48 St SE, is a one-of-a-kind facility with over 8,500 cubic feet of freezer space. This makes it the only place in Calgary that keeps huge quantities of raw pet food in stock at all times without the need for pre-ordering. The store is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., making it one of the most accessible in the city.

Modern K9 offers not only raw food, but also high-quality supplements, including Green Juju products with fermented vegetables, Wholistic supplements, and Black Sheep Organics organic shampoos. A special feature is the wide selection of frozen raw meat products, from traditional chicken and beef to exotic options such as rabbit and wild boar.

Bone & Biscuit Co. - Canadian leader in natural nutrition

Bone & Biscuit Co. has two locations in Calgary - South Trail Shopping Centre and Mahogany Village Market. The chain specializes in natural foods from leading brands, including Acana, Orijen, Fromm, Merrick, FirstMate, and Carnivora. The company has maintained the highest standards of quality for natural foods, products, and accessories since opening its first store in 2008.

Bone & Biscuit defines quality by evaluating the ingredients, manufacturing techniques, and nutritional value of every product on its shelves. The store offers a wide range of feeding options, including raw dog and cat foods that provide an approach as close to nature as possible, with an emphasis on the benefits of minimally processed nutrition.

Raw for Paws - Local Alberta Production

Raw for Paws is a local source of natural, healthy, balanced, and biologically appropriate pet food. The company's philosophy is “Nourish Naturally,” which means that all products—from food to treats—are natural, healthy, and of the highest quality. Importantly, all products are made locally in Alberta, supporting the local economy.

Raw for Paws partners with Courtlyn Custom Dog Food, an Alberta-based family business that believes in quality for pets. Courtlyn uses only the finest ingredients and whole animals to make their food and never resells other companies' finished products. All products are made with meat from provincially or federally inspected facilities, and the company has a certified dog nutritionist on staff for consultation.

Back to Basics Raw Pet Food - Handcrafted in Small Batches

Back to Basics Raw Pet Food is a small, animal-loving company based in Calgary. Their primary goal is to produce high-quality pet food, with all raw foods personally prepared by the owners at their facility in Calgary. The company is passionate about nutrition, education, and helping with the transition to a raw diet.

Back to Basics specializes in handcrafting pet food using only the finest ingredients and maintaining the quality of their products. They offer home delivery or convenient in-store pickup in Calgary, as well as an online rewards program with 2.5% cashback on online orders.

Holistic nutrition and specialized diets

Tail Blazers - a leader in raw and natural nutrition

Tail Blazers has two locations in Calgary and is a leader in raw and natural nutrition. The company offers the largest selection of raw foods and treats, and their team is always available to provide advice on transitioning to a natural diet. The store is known for its excellent loyalty program and friendly staff, making it a favorite spot for pet owners.

Tail Blazers specializes not only in sales but also in educating owners about the benefits of natural nutrition. They have a wide selection of raw foods from different brands, allowing you to find the best option for each animal, taking into account individual needs, allergies, and preferences.

PAWSitively Natural - 17 years of experience

PAWSitively Natural is located in Mission, Calgary, and has been in business since 2008, accumulating over 17 years of experience in natural pet nutrition. The store is open seven days a week: Monday-Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. A special offer is a 10% discount every first Tuesday of the month.

PAWSitively Natural focuses on natural pet food and products, supporting a philosophy of providing animals with the best products without compromising on quality. The store is an example of a local family business that deeply understands the needs of the local pet community.

Doodle Dogs - Premium Natural Pet Food Delivery

Doodle Dogs specializes in fresh, raw, and frozen premium pet food with regular delivery five days a week throughout Calgary. The company offers favorite raw food brands such as Primal, Big Country Raw, Carnivora, and Bold by Nature. They cater to carnivorous diets, offering a variety of proteins including beef, bison, chicken, and pork.

Doodle Dogs offers free next-day delivery across Canada on orders of $99 or more. For raw food orders, they require the recipient to be home, as the products are left at the door regardless of the circumstances. If the recipient is not home and the products cannot be left, the items are returned to one of Doodle Dogs' stores.

Professional support and nutritional advice

University District Vet Clinic - Veterinary Nutritional Therapy

University District Vet Clinic offers specialized veterinary nutritional therapy services with a certified expert. Nutrition plays a critical role in the health and well-being of pets, so the clinic provides personalized nutrition plans for a variety of medical conditions. Their approach combines traditional veterinary care with holistic nutritional principles to promote optimal health.

Veterinary nutritional therapy is an integrative medical therapy that uses food as a tool for treating and preventing disease in pets. Personalized nutrition plans are developed based on each animal's specific health and lifestyle needs.

Woofur Holistic Pet Care Centre - Comprehensive Holistic Consultations

Woofur Holistic Pet Care Centre offers holistic wellness consultations for $185 per 90-minute session. Most pet health problems are caused by what they eat, so changing their diet can help animals live their best lives. Diets should be tailored to each animal based on their current health status.

Consultations include education on the power of food, using what Mother Nature has blessed us with to help balance daily meals. Clients receive a nutritional assessment of their pet's current diet, learn about different diet options, and receive functional support to improve their pet's quality of life.

Spot On Canine Nutrition - Certified Dog Nutritionist

Jody Zesko of Calgary is a certified dog nutritionist who works with dog owners around the world, providing unbiased and expert nutritional advice. She has been passionate about dog nutrition for over two decades, guided by her belief in the power of fresh food. Her journey began when her first dog, a Dalmatian, suffered from persistent skin problems that commercial foods couldn't solve.

Jody develops customized diets for dogs using the National Research Council (NRC) guidelines to ensure optimal nutrition tailored to each dog's specific health needs. Her approach gives owners peace of mind that their dogs' nutritional needs are being met over a balanced period of time.

Types of natural foods and their characteristics

Raw Food - Biologically Appropriate Nutrition

Raw food is the most natural form of nutrition for pets, consisting of raw, minimally processed meat, organs, and bones. The Calgary Holistic Veterinary Clinic emphasizes that owners have the right to choose their pet's food, and the clinic does not judge dietary choices but offers professional opinions and works with owners to ensure the best for their pet. Natural Instincts, a Canadian raw food manufacturer since 2000, emphasizes that all of their products are 100% raw and contain no artificial preservatives, fillers, added water, colors, or bone meal. The company is a family-owned business, and all employees are pet owners who want only the best for their own animals.

Freeze-dried food - the convenience of raw food

Freeze-dried food retains most of the nutritional value of fresh ingredients while offering the convenience of a lightweight, shelf-stable product. Homes Alive Pets offers the best freeze-dried dog food in Canada, including products from Vital Essentials and Primal Canine. These foods are an excellent choice for owners who prioritize feeding their dogs a diet rich in whole foods without the hassle of processing raw ingredients.

Pet Valu also offers a wide selection of freeze-dried foods, including Performatrin Ultra and Stella & Chewy's products. These products are available in a variety of package sizes, from small trial bags to large economy options.

Organic and Holistic Foods

Chow Bella Pet Health Store in Okotoks (near Calgary) specializes in premium products and free nutrition consultations. The store has been in business for 14 years and has earned a reputation for offering only the best products for pets. Every product in the store is carefully researched and selected according to the highest quality standards.

Holistic pet nutrition prioritizes natural, whole ingredients and scientific understanding to create balanced diets focused on the overall well-being of the animal. It includes tailoring food to individual needs, emphasizing preventive health, and regularly adapting to new research.

Calgary is undoubtedly one of Canada's leading cities for natural pet nutrition, offering an unmatched variety of specialty stores, expert advice, and high-quality products. From large centers such as Homes Alive Pets with their 30,000 square feet of natural products to small family-owned businesses such as Back to Basics with their handcrafted foods, pet owners have access to the full spectrum of natural nutrition options. With the support of professional nutritionists, holistic veterinarians, and knowledgeable sales staff, switching to natural nutrition in Calgary is not only possible, but also an enjoyable and successful process for improving the health and quality of life of pets.