Smack Pet Food vs the Rest: A Deep Dive into Canada’s Favourite Dehydrated Brand

If you're a devoted pet parent, chances are you've heard the buzz around raw diets and whole food feeding. More and more Canadians are moving away from heavily processed kibble and toward options that align better with their own health values - and that includes their pets. But with so many choices in the world of dehydrated pet food, one brand consistently rises to the top: Smack Pet Food.

Based right here in Canada, Smack offers a unique blend of raw nutrition, convenience, and ingredient integrity. In this post, we’re taking a deep dive into why Smack is a standout choice, how it compares to other popular dehydrated brands, and which flavour options are best for your dog or cat.

What Is Dehydrated Pet Food?

Dehydrated pet food is raw or lightly cooked food that’s had all its moisture removed through gentle heat. Unlike kibble, which is cooked at high temperatures and often contains starches and fillers, dehydrated food retains most of its nutrients - while offering the shelf stability and convenience pet parents love.

Why pet parents love dehydrated options:

• Long shelf life without preservatives
• No need to refrigerate
• Preserves natural flavours and nutrients
• Easier to store and serve than raw frozen food

While freeze-dried and air-dried foods are also part of the “raw alternative” movement, dehydrated food often offers the best value - especially for multi-pet households or large breeds.

Meet Smack Pet Food

Smack Pet Food is proudly Canadian and proudly different. Handcrafted in Winnipeg, Smack uses only GMO-free, wild-caught or ethically raised meats and organic produce. Every bag contains only what your pet needs - nothing more, nothing less.

What makes Smack stand out:

• 100% Canadian-owned and operated
• Only raw, whole food ingredients
• No grains, fillers, gluten, or synthetic vitamins
• Gently dehydrated to lock in raw nutrition
• Complete and balanced for all life stages

Their “no fluff” ingredient labels read more like a health food store smoothie than a typical pet food bag - and that’s exactly what pet parents are looking for.

Smack vs. Other Dehydrated Pet Food Brands

With more Canadians embracing whole-food pet nutrition, a few standout brands have emerged. But how does Smack stack up against other heavy hitters in the dehydrated and raw category? Here’s a side-by-side comparison.

Key Takeaways:

• Smack and Red Dog Blue Kat are the only Canadian-made options - supporting local sourcing and lower carbon footprint for Canadian pet parents.
• Smack is the only shelf-stable, Canadian dehydrated raw product - making it more convenient than frozen raw.
• Smack is one of the very few options formulated equally for dogs and cats, with no need for additional supplements.

Smack Pet Food Flavour Options: A Closer Look

Smack offers a thoughtfully curated range of dehydrated raw recipes for both dogs and cats - each one formulated with real, raw ingredients and no fillers. Here’s a breakdown of what’s in each flavour and how to choose the right one for your pet.

Smack Dog Food Recipes

1. Very Berry Chicken

• Main Protein: Free-range chicken (including organ meats)
• Superfoods: Organic blueberries, cranberries, and spinach
• Best For: Immune support, antioxidant boost, active dogs
• Why Pet Parents Love It: Great for skin and coat health and overall vitality thanks to its anti-inflammatory ingredients.

2. Rockin’ Rockfish

• Main Protein: Wild Pacific rockfish
• Omega Sources: Salmon oil, organic coconut
• Best For: Dogs with food sensitivities or allergies
• Why Pet Parents Love It: Gentle on digestion, rich in omega-3s, and ideal for dogs with itchy skin or recurring hotspots.

3. Chunky Chicken

• Main Protein: Free-range chicken
• Carbs and Veggies: Organic pumpkin, carrots, and apples
• Best For: Daily feeding, well-rounded nutrition
• Why Pet Parents Love It: A balanced, everyday recipe with clean ingredients and no fuss - easy to transition to and serve.

4. Prairie Harvest Pork

• Main Protein: Canadian pork (including liver)
• Digestive Boosters: Organic parsley, pumpkin seeds
• Best For: Picky eaters, sensitive stomachs
• Why Pet Parents Love It: Mild yet nutrient-rich - great for rotation feeding or as a base for custom toppers.

5. Caribbean-Salmon Fusion

• Main Protein: Wild salmon, chicken
• Tropical Superfoods: Organic mango, pineapple, kale
• Best For: Skin and coat health, flavor variety
• Why Pet Parents Love It: Dogs love the bold flavour combo, and pet parents love the omega-rich, anti-inflammatory properties.

6. Lipsmackin’ Lamb

• Main Protein: Grass-fed lamb
• Rich in: Iron, zinc, and natural taurine
• Best For: Growing puppies and high-protein needs
• Why Pet Parents Love It: A hearty red meat option perfect for boosting energy, supporting growth, or bulking up underweight pups.

Top Picks by Health Goal

Smack Cat Food Recipes

1. Purrfect Pork

• Main Protein: Pork (muscle meat and liver)
• Supportive Ingredients: Organic pumpkin, turmeric
• Best For: Cats with picky appetites or skin sensitivities
• Why Pet Parents Love It: Pork offers a novel protein option for rotation and is well-tolerated by many sensitive cats.

2. Pacific Fish Feast

• Main Protein: Wild fish
• Additional Ingredients: Organic dandelion, flaxseed, coconut
• Best For: Seniors or cats with dental sensitivities
• Why Pet Parents Love It: Easy to digest, strong omega profile, and gentle on aging tummies.

3. Very Berry Chicken

• Main Protein: Chicken
• Superfoods: Blueberries, spinach, cranberries
• Best For: Everyday feeding with antioxidant support
• Why Pet Parents Love It: A reliable go-to option that supports urinary health and general wellness.

Top Picks by Health Goal

How to Transition to Smack

Switching your pet to a dehydrated raw diet like Smack is an exciting step toward better nutrition - but making the change gradually is key to avoiding tummy troubles. Like any new food, it’s best to transition slowly to give your pet’s digestive system time to adjust.

Start by mixing 25% Smack with 75% of your pet’s current food for the first three days. Then, over the next few days (days 4 to 6), increase the ratio to a 50/50 blend. By days 7 to 9, aim for a 75% Smack and 25% old food mix. On day 10 and beyond, you should be able to serve Smack exclusively, assuming your pet is adjusting well.

Because Smack is highly concentrated and nutrient-dense, you’ll use less per meal than traditional kibble. You can serve it dry straight from the bag, or rehydrate it with warm water to make it more appealing - especially helpful for picky eaters or pets with dental sensitivities.

As a general guideline, here’s how much Smack to feed daily based on your dog’s weight:

• 10-20 lbs: ⅓ to ½ cup
• 20-40 lbs: ½ to 1 cup
• 40-60 lbs: 1 to 1½ cups
• 60and lbs: 1½ to 2 cups or more, depending on activity level

Always monitor your pet during the transition and adjust portions as needed. And as with any diet change, fresh water should always be available.

Final Thoughts

Smack Pet Food is more than just a brand - it’s a movement toward better, cleaner, and more honest nutrition for Canadian pets.

By combining whole raw ingredients with gentle dehydration, Smack Pet Foods delivers the best of both worlds: raw food benefits without the freezer or the fuss. With formulas tailored for both dogs and cats, it’s a versatile, health-conscious choice for households of every kind.

Ready to try Smack?

Explore the full range at Brindle Pet Supplies and give your pet a bowl full of real, whole food goodness.