Boreal Dry Cat Food Lines — Original, Proper & Functional
CanadaPetPicks.ca Aggregate Score: 4.0 / 5 | Based on 4 independent sources | Made in Ontario, Canada | Zero recalls
Where to Buy
- Boreal store locator — independent Canadian pet stores
- Global Pet Foods — widely stocked nationally
Overview
Boreal produces six dry cat food recipes across three lines — Original (grain-free), Proper (low-GI grains), and Functional (indoor and senior/less active). All are made in Ontario, Canada, using proteins from Canadian-raised chicken, turkey, duck, and farmed salmon. The underlying philosophy is consistent across all lines: low glycemic index carbohydrates, high meat content, no artificial colours or preservatives, supplemental taurine throughout, and the Availa-Pet chelated mineral package.
Our Assessment
Cat Food Advisor rates the Boreal dry cat food range 4 stars on average (range 3.5-4.5 across six recipes), noting above-average protein, chelated minerals, and supplemental taurine as key positives. The Original Turkey & Trout is reported by Naturally Urban as Boreal’s top-selling cat food in Canada. The Functional Indoor recipe receives more mixed reviews — Cat Food Advisor rates it above-average while CatFoodDB rates it below-average — the divergence reflects different evaluation methodologies for the indoor-cat calorie and fibre profile. Cats.com gives the overall Boreal dry range a B+/A- (47/60).
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Ingredient quality | 4.0 / 5 |
| Product variety | 4.0 / 5 |
| Canadian sourcing | 5.0 / 5 |
| Value for money | 3.5 / 5 |
| Recall history | 5.0 / 5 |
| CanadaPetPicks Aggregate | 4.0 / 5 |
The Three Lines
| Line | Grain | Recipes | Protein (avg) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Original | Grain-free | Turkey & Trout, Chicken, Duck, Salmon | 33-36% | Everyday diet, all breeds, all ages |
| Proper | Low-GI oats + barley | Chicken Meal, Low Carb Grain | ~30% | Grain-inclusive preference |
| Functional Indoor | Grain-free | Indoor Cat, Senior/Less Active | 32-33% | Indoor cats, sterilized cats, seniors |
Original Line
Four grain-free recipes using single or dual Canadian proteins: Turkey & Trout (Boreal’s top-selling cat recipe in Canada), Chicken, Duck, and Salmon. All are made with fresh meat as the first ingredient alongside meat meal for concentrated protein. Low-glycemic pea-and-bean carbohydrate base. Cat Food Advisor rates the Original Chicken 4 stars with above-average protein (33%) and supplemental taurine. Available in 2.26 kg (5 lb) and 5.44 kg (12 lb) bags.
Proper Line
Two grain-inclusive recipes using low-GI steel-cut oats and barley from Ontario’s Central Mennonite farming region alongside the standard pea-and-bean base. Designed for owners who prefer grain-inclusive nutrition without high-glycemic fillers like corn or wheat. Lower protein than the Original line (~30%). Available in 2.26 kg and 5.44 kg bags.
Functional Indoor Line
Two functional recipes targeting specific indoor cat health needs. The Indoor Cat formula is calibrated for lower-activity indoor and sterilized cats, with reduced fat (12%), higher fibre (7%), and added miscanthus grass fibre for hairball control. Sodium tripolyphosphate is included for dental tartar reduction. The Senior & Less Active formula mirrors this approach with slightly adjusted macros for older cats. Both use fresh deboned chicken as the first ingredient. Available in 2.26 kg and 5.44 kg bags.
Reviewer Scores
| Source | Line | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Cat Food Advisor | Original Chicken | 4 / 5 (above average) |
| Cat Food Advisor | Full dry range | 3.5 — 4.5 / 5 |
| Cats.com | Overall brand | B+/A- (47/60) |
| CatFoodDB (dry) | Original range | Above average |
| Naturally Urban | Turkey & Trout | Top-selling cat recipe in Canada |
Canadian Pricing (Approximate)
| Line | Size | Approx. Price (CAD) |
|---|---|---|
| Original | 2.26 kg (5 lb) | $22.99 — $26.99 |
| Original | 5.44 kg (12 lb) | $50.99 — $57.99 |
| Proper / Functional | 2.26 kg (5 lb) | $20.99 — $24.99 |
| Proper / Functional | 5.44 kg (12 lb) | $45.99 — $52.99 |
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.
