Canada · Pet Food

Pet Food Claims in Canada

A practical guide to Pet Food Claims for pet food sold in Canada: who it applies to, what to prepare, and the mistakes that cause rejection.

Who needs it

Claims such as complete, balanced, or veterinary must be substantiated; Online sellers shipping pet food into Canada

Authority

Canadian Food Inspection Agency

Legal basis

Feeds Act and Regulations

Local representative

A local importer or agent is required

Timeline

Before sale; registration can take weeks

Cost

Registration and testing fees vary by market

If you do not comply

Import refusal, recall, and fines

Who needs this

Claims such as complete, balanced, or veterinary must be substantiated
Online sellers shipping pet food into Canada

Documents you need

Claims substantiation file
Ingredient and additive review
Manufacturing facility registration
Labelling and claims review

Compliance checklist

Tick each item as you collect it. Saved in this browser only.

Claims substantiation file
Ingredient and additive review
Manufacturing facility registration
Labelling and claims review

How to comply

Substantiate nutritional claims
Check ingredient and additive eligibility
Register the facility or product
Prepare local-language labels

Brief for your lab or agent

Copy this into an email, then edit the product and channel.

Request: Pet Food Claims — Canada
Product category: Pet Food
Authority: Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Legal basis: Feeds Act and Regulations

Documents we already have:
  1. Claims substantiation file
  2. Ingredient and additive review
  3. Manufacturing facility registration
  4. Labelling and claims review

Questions:
  1. Does our product fall under Pet Food Claims in Canada?
  2. Which test standards or evidence do you accept?
  3. What is the current fee and lead time?
  4. Is a local representative required, and can you act as one?

Cost and timeline

Before sale; registration can take weeks.

Registration and testing fees vary by market.

Common rejection reasons

Complete and balanced claim unsupported
Ingredient not approved
Label claims unsupported
Facility not registered

Registration, notification, or certification is not the same as approval. Keep the technical file current and make sure the label, listing, and submitted data match.