Nutrience

CanadaPetPicks.ca Aggregate Score: 4.2 / 5  |  Based on 8 independent sources  |  Zero recalls since 1988  |  Made in Vancouver, BC

Location: Longueuil, Quebec (HQ)  |  Manufactured: Vancouver, British Columbia  |  Parent company: Rolf C. Hagen Corp. (est. 1955)  |  Visit Official Website

What is Nutrience?

Nutrience is a Canadian premium pet food brand founded in 1988, produced under the umbrella of Rolf C. Hagen Corp. — one of the world’s largest privately-owned pet product companies, family-owned since 1955. The name itself blends “nutrient” (from the Latin “nutriens,” meaning to nourish) and “science,” reflecting the brand’s commitment to nutritionally complete, research-backed formulations.

All Nutrience dry pet foods are manufactured in the company’s own SQF Level-3 certified facility in Vancouver, British Columbia — a human-grade standard facility that gives them full control over ingredient sourcing and production. Wet foods and treats are produced by co-packers specialising in small-batch, locally sourced production. Ingredients are sourced primarily from Canadian and US growers including chicken and turkey from the Fraser Valley, beef and bison from the Prairies, and wild-caught fish from the Pacific Northwest.

Aggregate Review Scores

SourceScoreFocus
Cat Food Advisor (Dry)4 / 5 avg (range 4-5)20 dry cat food recipes reviewed
Cat Food Advisor (Wet)5 / 5 avg15 wet cat food recipes, all above average
Cats.comB equivalentSpecies appropriateness, ingredients, variety, recall history
CatFoodDB (dry)Above average94.3% list high-quality protein as first ingredient
CatFoodDB (wet)Average15 wet cat food recipes analysed
Kabo (dog food)RecommendedAbove-average protein 38%, below-average carbs
PetfulRecall-free verifiedNo recalls since brand founding in 1988
Nutrience.com consumer reviews4.3 / 5Real-world owner experience across multiple lines

Product Lines

  • SubZero — Grain-free, freeze-dried raw-infused dry food for dogs and cats. Fraser Valley and Pacific Ocean protein sources. Flagship premium line.
  • Original — Grain-inclusive dry food for dogs and cats. Uses whole grains including oats and brown rice. More affordable entry point into the premium segment.
  • Infusion — Freeze-dried raw pieces infused into dry kibble. Designed to bridge the gap between dry and raw feeding.
  • Care — Functional line targeting specific health concerns: anxiety, food sensitivities, dental, urinary, hairball, and weight management. Available for both dogs and cats.
  • Wet / Canned — 15+ cat food recipes. Pate and shredded formats. Above-average protein, first ingredient always animal meat.

Ingredient Quality

Nutrience consistently uses named animal proteins as the first ingredient across all product lines. Cat Food Advisor rates the wet range an average of 5/5 stars, noting above-average protein and appropriate nutrient profiles. The dry range averages 4/5, rated above average for dry cat food. CatFoodDB notes 94.3% of Nutrience products list a high-quality protein as the first ingredient — a strong result across a range of 35 products. Kabo’s canine nutritionist review notes above-average protein (38% average) and below-average carbohydrates compared to typical kibble.

The main criticism across reviewers is the inclusion of yeast extract in dry formulas — used as a palatant and a source of B vitamins, but considered a potentially controversial ingredient for dogs with yeast sensitivities. Some recipes also include plant-based proteins from legumes, which some reviewers flag when evaluating the true meat content. A minority of consumers flagged a 2024 reformulation of the SubZero line that reduced bag size and altered kibble size, though Nutrience has not officially acknowledged a recipe change.

Recalls and Safety

Zero recalls since the brand was founded in 1988 — confirmed by Petful and Cat Food Advisor. All dry food is manufactured in Nutrience’s own SQF Level-3 certified facility in Vancouver, BC, equivalent to human-grade food safety standards. The facility operates under HACCP protocols and undergoes regular third-party testing.

Canadian Availability and Price

Nutrience is one of the most widely distributed premium Canadian pet food brands. It is available at PetSmart, Pet Valu, Bosley’s, Global Pet Foods, and most independent pet specialty retailers across Canada. It is also available online through Chewy Canada and Amazon Canada. Approximate pricing:

  • SubZero dry dog food (10kg): $85-$95 CAD
  • Original dry dog food (10kg): $60-$70 CAD
  • SubZero dry cat food (5kg): $55-$65 CAD
  • Wet cat food (156g can): $2.50-$3.50 CAD

Our Verdict

Nutrience is one of the most accessible premium Canadian pet food brands — widely available, competitively priced within the premium segment, and backed by a clean recall history stretching back to 1988. The SubZero freeze-dried infused line is a genuine differentiator and the wet cat food line earns top marks from every independent reviewer consulted. The brand is not the absolute highest-performing option on pure ingredient metrics — that distinction belongs to more expensive brands like Orijen or Acana — but for Canadian pet owners who want a reliable, premium, widely-available domestic brand, Nutrience is an excellent choice.

CategoryScore
Ingredient quality4.0 / 5
Product variety5.0 / 5
Canadian availability5.0 / 5
Value for money4.0 / 5
Recall history5.0 / 5
Consumer satisfaction4.0 / 5
CanadaPetPicks Aggregate4.2 / 5

Where to Buy Nutrience in Canada

Nutrience Reviews & Product Coverage

Browse all our reviews and articles covering Nutrience products below.

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