Canidae

*Est. $1.30 per 13 oz. can

Pros

Plenty of "human-grade" meat
Good carb sources -- brown rice, barley
No chemical preservatives
No low-value fillers

Cons

More expensive than most supermarket foods
Harder to find
More grains than premium dog foods

Where to Buy

for $24.99

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February 2009. Experts say Canidae All Live Stages formulas are is among the better moderately priced canned dog foods. Ingredients are high quality, and there are no cheap fillers, by-products or chemical preservatives. Canidae can be fed as a sole food, though the manufacturer recommends a mix of 25 percent canned and 75 percent dry "to achieve a balanced diet and maintain firm stools." The company's dry food has come under some owner fire following a formulation change in the summer of 2008, but the canned foods are unchanged and still well regarded. While some foods, such as Pedigree Choice Cuts with Beef (*est. 88 cents per 13.2-ounce can), are notably less expensive, the ingredient line ups don't compare. Premium foods, such as Innova EVO (*est. $1.75 per 13.2-ounce can) have an even higher meat content -- and no grains whatsoever -- but are even more pricy and best suited for use as a supplement to a mainly dry food diet.

DogFoodAnalysis.com covers most of the canned dog foods on the market, including Canidae, and provides a rating, but without discussion. Whole Dog Journal publishes an annual list of the best canned dog foods, with selections made based on rigid requirements. Animal Ark provides good information, though the review is older and the food has been slightly reformulated (separate from the recent change in dry varieties that has generated some controversy). Mary Straus includes Canidae on her list of better dog foods at DogAware.com. The Ask Susan Peters site reviews several canned Canidae foods, giving the both positive and negative ratings. A handful of user comments can be found at the Only Natural Pet Store website.

Where To Buy

Canidae 12-Pack Canned Dog Food, Lamb and Rice Formula in Lamb Broth, 13-Ounce Can

(20 reviews)
Buy new: $24.99 6 New from $19.79

In Stock. Eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping

Our Sources

1. DogFoodAnalysis.com

Dog foods aren't tested, but they are evaluated according to contents listed on the label and rated from one to six stars. While the site includes reviews with many of its ratings of dry dog foods, canned dog foods are simply rated without comment. Several Canadae formulas receive four-star ratings, better than most canned foods in their price class.

Review: 4 Star Premium Canned Food Reviews, Editors of DogFoodAnalysis.com

2. Whole Dog JournalDetails/Subscribe

Whole Dog Journal publishes lists of top canned (and dry) dog foods each year. The requirements for making the list are well defined. Though the lists can be found on many dog-related web sites and forums, the article itself is only available to subscribers.

Review: Whole Dog Journal's 2009 Canned Dog Food Review, Nancy Kerns, Jan. 2009

3. AnimalArk.com

This site belongs to a no-kill animal shelter in Minnesota, and foods are rated from one to four stars based mainly on ingredients. Canidae gets four stars and the note that the meat is from animals that haven't been injected with hormones. However, the food has been slightly reformulated since the evaluation was written.

Review: How Does Your Pet Food Rate?, Dr. Linda Wolf, DVM, and editors of AnimalArk.com

4. DogAware.com

Mary Straus says she has attended seminars and studied on her own to learn about dog diets, and her comments are balanced and insightful, based on label analysis. Canidae is included on her list of better canned foods, though discussion is brief.

Review: Dog Feeding Info, Mary Straus

5. Ask Susan Peters

This website has become an enigma of late. Earlier positive reviews of Canidae canned foods are now joined by negative reviews using a different rating scale.

Review: Canidae Dog Food Review, Susan Peters

6. Only Natural Pet Store

Around a dozen owners have weighed in on Canidae All Life Stages (Chicken, Lamb and Fish) formula, and nearly all are completely pleased. One owner does complain of loose stools until another food was mixed in, but reports that his dog loved the food.

Review: Canidae All Life Stages Canned Dog Food, Contributors to Only Natural Pet Store.com

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