Boreal Original Line — Dry Cat Food Review
CanadaPetPicks.ca Score: 4.4 / 5 | Single product review | Made in Ontario, Canada | All life stages | Top-selling Boreal cat recipe | Grain-free
Where to Buy
- Boreal store locator — independent Canadian pet stores
- Global Pet Foods — widely stocked nationally
Overview
Boreal Original Turkey & Trout is reported by Naturally Urban — one of Canada’s most prominent independent pet food retailers — as Boreal’s top-selling cat food recipe in Canada. Made using fresh turkey from Ontario and Quebec farms alongside Canadian trout and herring meal, this is a grain-free, dual-protein recipe built on a low-glycemic base of sweet potato, buckwheat, lentils, and peas. It is grain-free, gluten-free, and potato-free, with supplemental taurine and the Availa-Pet chelated mineral package throughout. Made in Ontario, Canada. Available in 2.26 kg (5 lb) and 5.44 kg (12 lb) bags.
Our Assessment
The Turkey & Trout recipe stands out within the Boreal dry cat line for its dual-protein combination — fresh turkey leads, followed by turkey meal, then trout and herring meal. This gives the recipe four meat or fish ingredients in the top four positions, with spray dried egg product rounding out the animal protein sources before the carbohydrate base begins. Cat Food Advisor rates the Boreal Original cat range 4 stars (above-average), noting the protein content of 36% dry matter as above-average for dry cat food, and the chelated mineral package as a meaningful quality marker.
The carbohydrate base is notably varied compared to most competing grain-free kibble: sweet potato, buckwheat, lentils, pumpkin, and peas all appear, providing different fibre sources, digestive support (pumpkin), and prebiotic effects (chicory root, yucca schidigera). Sun-dried miscanthus grass is included for hairball management — a practical addition for indoor cats. The botanical and fruit blend (blueberries, cranberries, apples, spinach) adds antioxidants. Sodium tripolyphosphate is included for dental tartar reduction. Taurine is supplemented directly — essential for feline heart and eye health.
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Ingredient quality | 4.5 / 5 |
| Canadian sourcing | 5.0 / 5 |
| Nutritional profile | 4.0 / 5 |
| Value for money | 4.0 / 5 |
| Palatability (owner reports) | 5.0 / 5 |
| CanadaPetPicks Score | 4.4 / 5 |
Best For
- Everyday complete diet for cats of all breeds and life stages
- Cats with chicken sensitivities needing poultry + fish alternative
- Owners wanting Canada’s top-selling premium dry cat food
- Cats needing hairball management (miscanthus grass fibre)
- Rotation feeding alongside Boreal wet cat food for added moisture
Ingredients
Turkey, Turkey Meal, Trout, Herring Meal, Spray Dried Egg Product, Sweet Potato, Buckwheat, Lentils, Pumpkin, Peas, Natural Flavour, Flaxseeds, Chicken Fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols and citric acid), Sun-Dried Miscanthus Grass, Lecithin, Blueberries, Cranberries, Apples, Spinach, Calcium Propionate, Sodium Tripolyphosphate, DL-Methionine, Yeast Extract, Chicory Root Extract, Taurine, Choline Chloride, Salt, Dried Kelp, L-Lysine, L-Tryptophan, Fumaric Acid, Lactic Acid, Citric Acid, Malic Acid, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Thyme Extract, Zinc Oxide, Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Amino Acid Complex, Iron Amino Acid Complex, Niacinamide, Manganous Oxide, Vitamin E Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin, Thiamine Mononitrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Copper Sulfate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Amino Acid Complex, Folic Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Biotin, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite, Rosemary Extract.
Turkey, turkey meal, trout, and herring meal occupy the first four positions — four animal-sourced ingredients before any carbohydrate source appears. Spray dried egg follows as a fifth high-quality protein source. Sweet potato, buckwheat, and pumpkin provide a varied, low-glycemic carbohydrate base with digestive benefits. Sun-dried miscanthus grass provides insoluble fibre for hairball control — a thoughtful addition given this is marketed as an everyday cat recipe. Sodium tripolyphosphate targets dental tartar. Taurine and essential amino acids (L-lysine, L-tryptophan) are all supplemented directly. Rosemary extract acts as a natural preservative. No artificial colours, flavours, or preservatives.
Feeding Guide
| Cat Weight | Daily Amount |
|---|---|
| Under 5 lbs (2.3 kg) | 1/4 — 3/8 cup |
| 5 — 10 lbs (2.3 — 4.5 kg) | 3/8 — 5/8 cup |
| 10 — 15 lbs (4.5 — 6.8 kg) | 5/8 — 7/8 cup |
| 15 lbs+ (6.8 kg+) | 7/8 cup + 1/8 cup per additional 5 lbs |
Kittens: feed up to twice the adult rate. Pregnant / lactating cats: 2-3 times the adult rate. Adjust based on activity level and body condition. All life stages AAFCO compliant.
At a Glance
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Brand | Boreal Pet Foods |
| Product | Original Turkey & Trout Grain-Free Dry Cat Food |
| Line | Original (Grain-Free) |
| Made in | Ontario, Canada 🍁 |
| Primary proteins | Fresh Ontario/Quebec turkey + Canadian trout + herring meal |
| Bag sizes | 2.26 kg (5 lb) and 5.44 kg (12 lb) |
| Crude Protein (min) | 36% |
| Crude Fat (min) | 16% |
| Crude Fibre (max) | 6% |
| Moisture (max) | 10% |
| Calcium (min) | 1.8% |
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids (min) | 1.3% |
| Calorie content | 3,492 kcal/kg — 384 kcal/cup |
| Grain free | Yes |
| Potato free | Yes |
| AAFCO profile | All life stages |
| Approx. price (CAD) | $22.99 — $26.99 / 2.26 kg | $50.99 — $57.99 / 5.44 kg |
Guaranteed Analysis
| Nutrient | As Fed |
|---|---|
| Crude Protein (min) | 36% |
| Crude Fat (min) | 16% |
| Crude Fibre (max) | 6% |
| Moisture (max) | 10% |
| Ash (max) | 9% |
| Calcium (min) | 1.8% |
| Phosphorous (min) | 1.1% |
| Magnesium (max) | 0.12% |
| Zinc (min) | 100 mg/kg |
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids (min) | 1.3% |
| Omega-6 Fatty Acids (min) | 2.8% |
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.
