Importing & Exporting Pet Food
Importing Pet Food to Canada
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) oversees the importation of pet food sold in Canada. Most pet food sold in Canada is either manufactured in our country or in the United States. A small amount of pet food sold in Canada comes from other countries.
The CFIA sets out the documentation required to import pet foods to Canada and the conditions under which it may be imported. Pet food sold in Canada must comply with CFIA importation requirements and the provisions of the Consumer Packaging and Labelling Act.
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates the importation of foods manufactured in the United States. The United States Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) inspects American pet food facilities. Additionally, all pet food manufactured in the United States must meet the Association of American Feed Control Officials' (AAFCO) regulations for pet food.
Members of the Pet Food Association of Canada (PFAC) that import pet food sold in Canada are:
- Hills Pet Nutrition
- Land O'Lakes
- Mars Canada Inc.
- Menu Foods
- Nestle Purina Petcare
- P&G Pet Care
- Rolf C. Hagen
Bringing Pet Food into Canada for Personal Use
If you are planning to visit Canada, please note that it is prohibited to bring pet food containing beef across the border. If your pet is on a special diet, you may wish to consult with your veterinarian about the availability of the diet in Canada in advance of travelling.
Importing Pet Food into Canada for Commercial Sale
The CFIA has primary responsibility for the regulation of pet food imports into Canada. Their role includes working with other governments to verify that imported food products, including pet food, meets Canadian laws.
Products that do not meet regulatory requirements will be refused entry into Canada. Importers must comply with all regulations regarding pet food.
If you are a pet food manufacturer looking for more information about importing to Canada, please contact the CFIA.
For information about PFAC membership, visit our PFAC Membership section.