FirstMate Dry Dog Food Lines — Grain-Free & Grain Friendly
CanadaPetPicks.ca Aggregate Score: 4.4 / 5 | Based on 6 independent sources | Made in Abbotsford, BC | Zero recalls since 1989
Where to Buy
- FirstMate store locator — independent Canadian pet stores
- Global Pet Foods — widely stocked nationally
Overview
FirstMate dry dog food is manufactured entirely at the company’s own facility in Abbotsford, British Columbia, founded in 1989 by Michael Florian — a commercial fisherman who started by manufacturing high-quality fish feed for BC salmon farms. The entire dry range is built on a limited ingredient philosophy: short ingredient lists, single meat protein per recipe, no corn, no wheat, no soy, and no artificial colours, flavours, or preservatives. Two core lines cover the key diet preferences: Grain-Free (potato-based) and Grain Friendly (oat and rice-based). A third sub-line, Small Breed, offers smaller kibble sizes for toy and small breeds.
Our Assessment
Dog Food Advisor rates the FirstMate Grain-Free line 4.5 stars — their second-highest tier — calling it an above-average dry product with a notable amount of named meat meal as the dominant protein source. The Grain Friendly line also earns 5 stars from Dog Food Advisor for the Fish & Oats formula, noting above-average protein content. The Wag! editorial review gives the brand 4 paws, commending the well-sourced ingredients and veterinarian-assisted formulation, while noting that the use of meat meal (rather than fresh meat) as the primary protein source is a distinction versus brands that lead with fresh meat.
The most distinctive feature of FirstMate’s dry food is what is not in it: no peas, no lentils, no chickpeas, no legumes of any kind in the Grain-Free line. This sets it apart from virtually every other Canadian premium grain-free kibble, which typically uses legumes as the primary carbohydrate and protein substitute for grains. For dogs where legume-heavy diets have been a concern — particularly in the context of DCM research from the FDA — FirstMate’s potato-based grain-free line is one of the few premium Canadian options available.
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Ingredient quality | 4.5 / 5 |
| Canadian sourcing | 4.0 / 5 |
| Product variety | 5.0 / 5 |
| Value for money | 4.0 / 5 |
| Recall history | 5.0 / 5 |
| CanadaPetPicks Aggregate | 4.4 / 5 |
The Two Lines
Grain-Free Line
Twelve recipes across multiple life stage and breed size formats. Uses potato (Burbank and Norkotah varieties) as the primary carbohydrate source — no peas, no lentils, no legumes. Single protein per recipe. Key recipes include Pacific Ocean Fish (wild herring, anchovies, sardines), Australian Lamb, Cage-Free Chicken with Blueberries, Cage-Free Turkey, Free-Run Duck, and Pasture-Raised Beef. Available in Original (all breeds), Small Bites (small breeds), Large Breed, Endurance/Puppy, and Weight Control formats. Protein averages 26-28% dry matter; fat averages 14%. Dog Food Advisor 4.5 stars.
Grain Friendly Line
Uses oats and/or brown rice as the grain source — no corn, no wheat, no soy, no potato, no peas. Single protein per recipe: Wild Pacific Fish & Oats, Wild Pacific Salmon & Rice, Chicken & Oatmeal, Lamb & Oatmeal, Beef & Brown Rice. Higher caloric density than the Grain-Free line — the Fish & Oats formula reaches approximately 494 kcal/cup, making it suitable for high-energy working dogs. Protein averages 30-31% dry matter. Dog Food Advisor 5 stars for Fish & Oats. Grain Friendly is the right choice for owners who prefer a grain-inclusive diet or whose dogs have done better with whole grains than with legume-heavy grain-free foods.
Reviewer Scores
| Source | Line | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Dog Food Advisor | Grain-Free (Pacific Ocean Fish Original) | 4.5 / 5 |
| Dog Food Advisor | Grain Friendly (Fish & Oats) | 5 / 5 |
| Wag! editorial | Overall brand | 4 / 5 |
| Owner reviews (FirstMate.com) | Grain-Free | 4.2 / 5 avg |
| Owner reviews (FirstMate.com) | Grain Friendly | 4.7 / 5 avg |
Canadian Pricing (Approximate)
| Line | Size | Approx. Price (CAD) |
|---|---|---|
| Grain-Free Original | 2.3 kg (5 lb) | $30 — $36 |
| Grain-Free Original | 11.4 kg (25 lb) | $79 — $90 |
| Grain Friendly | 2.3 kg (5 lb) | $32 — $38 |
| Grain Friendly | 11.4 kg (25 lb) | $85 — $95 |
Where to Buy
- FirstMate store locator — independent Canadian pet stores
- Global Pet Foods — widely stocked nationally
- Amazon Canada — search for FirstMate 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.