et owners in Canada love their pets, and there is nuance to how they feed their animals depending on where they live. | (Lori Beneteau | Shutterstock.com)
From 2016 to 2021, 90% or more of Canada’s total pet food imports consistently came from their southern neighbor, according to figures from the Pet Food Association of Canada (PFAC).
For years, Canada’s pet food imports have mainly come from the United States, while growing in both value and volume. From 2016 to 2021, 90% or more of Canada’s total pet food imports consistently came from their southern neighbor, according to figures provided by the Pet Food Association of Canada (PFAC) from Agriculture Agrifood Canada (AAFC) via Statistics Canada.
In 2016, Canada imported CAD775.1 million in pet food and treats from the United States. That increased nearly 36% to CAD1.202 billion by December of 2021. Canada’s imports of pet food and treats in 2016 stood at 246 million kilograms, rising to 392 million kilograms in 2021.
Seven pet food and treat companies headquartered in Canada
3 highest annual revenues of Canadian pet food companies 2020
Champion Petfoods - Founded in a small town in Alberta, Canada, Champion Petfoods has been offering premium food for dogs and cats since 1985. The company exports to nearly 100 countries worldwide.
Annual revenue 2020: $US200,000,000
PLB International - PLB International produces its own brands, 1st Choice, Pronature and Lily & Jax, as well as private labels at its Canadian plant. The company has more than 65 commercial partners in 36 countries across four continents.
Annual revenue 2020: $US50,000,000
FirstMate Pet Foods – FirstMate Pet Foods is a family-owned company founded in 1989, with a focus on foods that feature fish. Now a worldwide brand, the company owns a dry production facility and a cannery.
Annual revenue 2020: $US50,000,000
Tim Wall covers the dog, cat and other pet food industries as a senior reporter for WATT Global Media. His work has appeared inScientific American, Live Science, Discovery News, Honduras Weekly, Global Journalist and other outlets. He holds an M.A. in journalism and an M.S. in natural resources, both
from the University of Missouri - Columbia, along with a bachelor's degree in biology.
Wall served in the Peace Corps in Honduras from 2005 to 2007, where he coordinated with the town government of Moroceli to organize a municipal trash collection system, taught environmental science, translated for medical brigades and facilitated sustainable agriculture, along with other projects.
Many hours, efforts, dollars and brainpower go into pet food companies’ and regulatory bodies’ efforts to ensure that products on the market are safe and healthy for pets.
