Boreal Functional LID Line — Dry Dog Food Review
CanadaPetPicks.ca Score: 4.4 / 5 | Single product review | Made in Ontario, Canada | All life stages | Single protein | Grain-free | Chicken-free
Where to Buy
- Boreal store locator — independent Canadian pet stores
- Global Pet Foods — widely stocked nationally
Overview
Boreal Functional LID Herring is part of Boreal’s award-winning Functional Limited Ingredient Diet line — winner of Favourite New Product at the Pets Canada Industry Show in Drummondville. This is a single-protein, grain-free, chicken-free dry dog food using Canadian herring as the sole meat protein. It is specifically designed for dogs with food sensitivities, allergies, or digestive issues, with a deliberately short ingredient list, tapioca as a gentle low-starch carbohydrate, and coconut oil in place of the chicken fat used in other Boreal dry lines. Made in Ontario, Canada. Available in 10 kg and 1.8 kg bags.
Our Assessment
The Functional LID Herring stands out as one of the most thoughtfully constructed sensitivity-focused dry dog foods made in Canada. Every ingredient decision is deliberate: herring is chosen as a novel, easily digestible protein that most dogs have not been previously exposed to; tapioca replaces potato and grain as a clean, low-allergen carbohydrate binder; canola and coconut oils replace chicken fat to eliminate the most common poultry allergen; and the full mineral stack is chelated throughout for superior absorption and reduced gut inflammation.
The protein level (28% DMB) is modest compared to the Original line but appropriate for a LID formula. The fat level (13%) is the lowest in Boreal’s dog food range — useful for dogs that also need weight management alongside sensitivity management. The omega-3 content from herring oil is a genuine differentiator: herring is naturally high in EPA and DHA, supporting skin and coat health from within. Owner reports consistently note improvement in skin conditions and digestion after switching to this formula.
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Ingredient quality | 4.5 / 5 |
| Canadian sourcing | 5.0 / 5 |
| Nutritional profile | 4.0 / 5 |
| Value for money | 4.0 / 5 |
| Suitability for sensitivities | 5.0 / 5 |
| CanadaPetPicks Score | 4.4 / 5 |
Best For
- Dogs with confirmed or suspected food allergies or sensitivities
- Dogs with chicken, grain, or potato intolerances
- Dogs with skin conditions, hot spots, or chronic digestive issues
- Owners conducting an elimination diet trial
- Dogs needing a lower-fat formula alongside sensitivity management
- All life stages including puppies and gestating females
Ingredients
Dehydrated Herring, Peas, Northern White Beans, Tapioca, Pea Protein, Yeast Extract (source of mannan-oligosaccharides — MOS), Canola Oil (naturally preserved with mixed tocopherols), Coconut Oil (naturally preserved with mixed tocopherols), Dicalcium Phosphate, Natural Flavor, Calcium Carbonate, Herring Oil, Salt, Chicory Root Extract (source of inulin), Taurine, Choline Chloride, DL-Methionine, L-Lysine, Zinc Amino Acid Complex, Iron Amino Acid Complex, Vitamin E Supplement, Manganese Amino Acid Complex, Copper Amino Acid Complex, Selenium, Niacin, Biotin, Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Riboflavin, Thiamine Mononitrate, Ascorbic Acid (source of Vitamin C), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Calcium Iodate, Folic Acid, Rosemary Extract.
Dehydrated herring leads as the sole protein source — a concentrated fish protein with naturally high omega-3 content. Peas and northern white beans provide the primary carbohydrate base. Tapioca appears as a gentle low-allergen starch binder, replacing the pea starch or potato found in other formulas. Pea protein follows — a minor protein booster common in LID kibble. No chicken, no chicken fat, no grains. The full mineral stack (zinc, iron, manganese, copper amino acid complexes) is entirely chelated — the most bioavailable mineral form available in dry pet food. Herring oil adds additional omega-3 fatty acids beyond those naturally present in the dehydrated herring. Rosemary extract provides natural preservation. The ingredient list is notably short for a complete dry dog food.
Feeding Guide
| Dog Weight | Daily Amount |
|---|---|
| 5 — 10 lbs (2 — 4.5 kg) | 1/4 — 1/2 cup |
| 10 — 20 lbs (4.5 — 9 kg) | 1/2 — 7/8 cup |
| 20 — 40 lbs (9 — 18 kg) | 7/8 — 1 1/2 cups |
| 40 — 60 lbs (18 — 27 kg) | 1 1/2 — 2 cups |
| 60 — 80 lbs (27 — 36 kg) | 2 — 2 1/2 cups |
| 80 — 100 lbs (36 — 45 kg) | 2 1/2 — 3 cups |
Adjust based on activity level and body condition. All life stages AAFCO compliant. Transition slowly over 7-10 days when switching from another food, especially for dogs with sensitive digestive systems.
At a Glance
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Brand | Boreal Pet Foods |
| Product | Functional LID Herring Dry Dog Food |
| Line | Functional Limited Ingredient Diet |
| Made in | Ontario, Canada 🍁 |
| Primary protein | Canadian herring (dehydrated) + herring oil |
| Bag sizes | 1.8 kg and 10 kg |
| Crude Protein (min) | 28% |
| Crude Fat (min) | 13% |
| Crude Fibre (max) | 3% |
| Moisture (max) | 10% |
| Calcium (min) | 1.5% |
| Phosphorus (min) | 1.0% |
| Zinc (min) | 100 mg/kg |
| Grain free | Yes |
| Chicken free | Yes |
| Potato free | Yes |
| Single protein | Yes (herring) |
| AAFCO profile | All life stages |
| Industry award | Favourite New Product — Pets Canada Industry Show |
| Approx. price (CAD) | $80 — $95 / 10 kg |
Guaranteed Analysis
| Nutrient | As Fed |
|---|---|
| Crude Protein (min) | 28% |
| Crude Fat (min) | 13% |
| Crude Fibre (max) | 3% |
| Moisture (max) | 10% |
| Ash (max) | 9% |
| Calcium (min) | 1.5% |
| Phosphorus (min) | 1.0% |
| Zinc (min) | 100 mg/kg |
Where to Buy
- Boreal store locator — independent Canadian pet stores
- Global Pet Foods — widely stocked nationally
- Amazon Canada — search for Boreal pet food
Disclosure: Some links above are affiliate links. If you purchase through them we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This does not influence our ratings or recommendations.
