With 59% of dogs now overweight or obese, a condition that increases the risk of diseases like cancer, the need for healthier pet diets has never been more critical. In response, Dog Standards, a leading Canadian-founded, vet-developed fresh dog food subscription service, is marking its one-millionth meal delivery milestone by introducing a new Topper Program designed to improve canine nutrition.
Managing Weight for Longer, Healthier Lives
Canadian veterinarians emphasize weight management as the number-one factor in extending a pet's life. A study from Purdue University found that switching just 25% of a dog’s diet to real food can reduce the risk of cancer by up to 90%. Dog Standards' Topper Program allows pet parents to add human-grade, gently-cooked fresh food—designed by veterinary nutritionists—on top of their dog’s current diet, without the need for a complete change.
Customized Vet-Led Nutrition
Dog Standards is the only company of its kind in Canada that provides vet-led meal planning with a tailored feeding guide for every subscription. Pet parents also receive a 20-minute phone consultation with a top Canadian expert in dog nutrition, ensuring that every meal is perfectly portioned down to the gram. Within 28 days, most Dog Standards customers report significant improvements in their dogs’ skin, coat, breath, digestion, weight managemen and energy levels.
Combatting Overfeeding
Many pet owners unknowingly overfeed their dogs, increasing the risk of obesity-related diseases. A study from the University of Guelph, published in Science Daily, revealed that 95% of pet parents of overweight dogs mistakenly believed their pets were a healthy weight.
“I was inspired to create Dog Standards after seeing how fresh food transformed my own dog’s life,” said Jessica Bevilacqua, founder of Dog Standards. “Our mission is to empower pet parents to provide healthier, balanced feeding options that are both convenient and tailored.”
Diet and Cancer: A Critical Link
Research shows that diets rich in vegetables and low in processed foods are linked to a lower risk of certain cancers in dogs. Studies also indicate that highly processed commercial dog food is associated with increased cancer risks.
“In my expert opinion, about half of all senior pets develop cancer, and nearly 60% of all dogs are overweight,” said Dr. Suzee Camilleri, DVSc, veterinary pathologist. “I’ve seen firsthand how a fresh diet can eliminate skin conditions and significantly improve a dog’s health. The good news is that diet is something pet parents can control.”
Fresh, Whole-Food Dog Meals Delivered
Dog Standards delivers fresh, human-grade, whole-food meals—including beef, turkey, and chicken recipes—directly to pet parents' doors. Unlike raw dog food, Dog Standards’ meals are gently cooked, promoting better digestion, weight management and overall health.
A Market Hungry for Fresh Pet Food
The global fresh dog food market, valued at US$ 22.3 billion in 2023, is expected to grow to US$ 35.01 billion by 2032 at a CAGR of 5.13%. According to a 2024 report, Gen Z pet parents are driving the growth in this market, favoring fresh, refrigerated products with wellness benefits akin to the foods they buy for themselves.
Dog Standards is leading the way by offering fresh, balanced meals designed to improve the health and longevity of dogs across Canada.
