FirstMate Grain-Free Line — Dry Dog Food Review
CanadaPetPicks.ca Score: 4.4 / 5 | Single product review | Made in Abbotsford, BC | All life stages incl. large breed puppies | No peas | No legumes | Single protein
Where to Buy
- FirstMate store locator — independent Canadian pet stores
- Global Pet Foods — widely stocked nationally
Overview
FirstMate Pacific Ocean Fish Meal Original Formula is the flagship recipe in the FirstMate Grain-Free line — the most reviewed and most widely discussed FirstMate product online. It uses a blend of wild-caught Pacific herring, anchovies, and sardines — collectively labelled as ocean fish meal — as the sole protein source, with Burbank and Norkotah potato as the carbohydrate base. No peas, no lentils, no legumes of any kind. The chicken fat used is processed via centrifuge to separate the fat from the protein, making it safe for dogs with chicken protein allergies. Made at FirstMate’s own facility in Abbotsford, BC. AAFCO compliant for all life stages including growth of large breed dogs.
Our Assessment
Dog Food Advisor rates this recipe 4.5 stars, describing it as an above-average dry product with a notable amount of named meat meal as the dominant animal protein source. The dry matter protein is approximately 26.7%, fat 14.4%, and carbohydrates approximately 54% — the higher carbohydrate figure reflects the potato base. Reviewers note that while the carb level is higher than some competing grain-free formulas, the complete absence of peas and legumes is a meaningful differentiator for dogs where legume-based grain-free diets have been a concern.
Owner reviews on firstmate.com are strongly positive for allergy and sensitivity dogs. Multiple veterinarians are reported in owner reviews to have specifically recommended this formula for dogs with food sensitivities. The fish protein combination (herring, anchovies, sardines) is naturally high in omega-3 fatty acids and represents a novel protein source for most dogs, reducing the likelihood of a prior sensitisation. The vacuum infusion manufacturing method — where fats and essential oils are infused into the kibble after production rather than sprayed on the surface — is an unusual quality marker that FirstMate uses across their dry range.
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Ingredient quality | 4.5 / 5 |
| Canadian sourcing | 4.0 / 5 |
| Nutritional profile | 4.0 / 5 |
| Value for money | 4.0 / 5 |
| Allergy suitability | 5.0 / 5 |
| CanadaPetPicks Score | 4.4 / 5 |
Best For
- Dogs with food allergies or sensitivities to chicken, beef, or legumes
- Owners concerned about legume-heavy grain-free diets and DCM research
- Dogs needing a novel fish protein they have not previously been exposed to
- Elimination diet trials — very short, transparent ingredient list
- All life stages including large breed puppies
Ingredients
Ocean Fish Meal, Burbank Potato, Norkotah Potato, Tomato Pomace, Chicken Fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), Dicalcium Phosphate, Choline Chloride, Calcium Propionate (a preservative), Minerals (Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Calcium Carbonate, Manganese Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Selenium Yeast, Calcium Iodate), Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin A Supplement, D-Pantothenic Acid, Riboflavin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid), Taurine, Yeast Extract (a source of prebiotics), Rosemary Extract.
Ocean fish meal leads — a concentrated blend of wild Pacific herring, anchovies, and sardines, with 73% of the total protein coming from these fish. Two types of potato follow as the carbohydrate base. Tomato pomace provides fibre and lycopene. Chicken fat is protein-free (centrifuge-processed), eliminating chicken allergen risk while providing a highly digestible fat source. The mineral package uses proteinate-chelated forms for all minerals, ensuring superior absorption. Selenium yeast is used rather than the more common sodium selenite — a quality distinction FirstMate highlights. Taurine is supplemented. Yeast extract provides prebiotic support. Rosemary extract provides natural preservation. No artificial colours or flavours.
Feeding Guide
| Dog Weight | Daily Amount (Adult) |
|---|---|
| 5 — 10 lbs (2 — 4.5 kg) | 1/2 — 3/4 cup |
| 10 — 20 lbs (4.5 — 9 kg) | 3/4 — 1 1/4 cups |
| 20 — 40 lbs (9 — 18 kg) | 1 1/4 — 2 cups |
| 40 — 60 lbs (18 — 27 kg) | 2 — 2 3/4 cups |
| 60 — 80 lbs (27 — 36 kg) | 2 3/4 — 3 1/4 cups |
| 80 — 100 lbs (36 — 45 kg) | 3 1/4 — 3 3/4 cups |
Puppies: feed up to twice the adult rate. Transition slowly over 7-14 days. All life stages AAFCO compliant including growth of large breed dogs (70 lbs or more as an adult).
At a Glance
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Brand | FirstMate Pet Foods |
| Product | Pacific Ocean Fish Meal Original Formula Dry Dog Food |
| Line | Grain-Free (Limited Ingredient) |
| Made in | Abbotsford, British Columbia 🍁 |
| Primary protein | Wild Pacific herring, anchovies, sardines (ocean fish meal) |
| Bag sizes | 2.3 kg (5 lb) and 11.4 kg (25 lb) |
| Crude Protein (min) | 23% |
| Crude Fat (min) | 12% |
| Crude Fibre (max) | 5% |
| Moisture (max) | 10% |
| Grain free | Yes |
| Pea free | Yes |
| Legume free | Yes |
| AAFCO profile | All life stages incl. large breed growth |
| Dog Food Advisor rating | 4.5 / 5 |
| Approx. price (CAD) | $30 — $36 / 2.3 kg | $79 — $90 / 11.4 kg |
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.