Canada’s Bilingual Packaging Law: How It’s Impacting Your Pet’s Favourite Products
If you’ve recently noticed that some of your pet’s favourite products are harder to find in online Canada, you’re not alone.
Across the country, many pet parents have been asking the same questions:
- Why are some dog foods suddenly out of stock?
- Why are certain treats or supplements temporarily unavailable?
- Did my pet’s favourite brand get discontinued?
- Why is my dog food not on amazon.ca anymore?
In most cases, the answer is no - the product hasn’t disappeared permanently.
Instead, many of these temporary shortages are linked to Canada’s bilingual packaging requirements, which require most consumer products to display mandatory information in both English and French.
As brands update their packaging to comply with Canadian regulations, supply chains can experience temporary disruptions.
The good news? Many of these products are still available — and independent pet retailers like Brindle Pet Supplies are working closely with brands and distributors to keep customers informed and stocked.
In this guide, we’ll explain:
- what Canada’s bilingual packaging law is
- why it’s affecting pet product availability
- why some brands are experiencing shortages
- how reliable retailers help customers stay ahead of supply changes
Quick Answer: Why Some Pet Products Are Hard to Find in Canada
If you’re struggling to find your pet’s usual food or treats right now, the most common reason is packaging compliance updates.
Canadian regulations require certain information on product labels — including product identity and net quantity — to appear in both English and French.
When products don’t meet these requirements, brands or distributors may need to:
- redesign packaging
- update ingredient or nutrition panels
- print new packaging runs
- relabel imported inventory
During this transition period, products can temporarily become harder to find online or in stores.
The key thing to remember is that these shortages are usually temporary logistical disruptions — not product discontinuations.
What Is Canada’s Bilingual Packaging Law?
Canada is officially bilingual, which means consumer product labels must provide important information in both English and French.
This requirement is governed by legislation including the Consumer Packaging and Labelling Act and regulations enforced by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).
Under these regulations, most prepackaged products sold at retail must display key information in both official languages.
This includes:
- product identity (for example, “dog food”)
- ingredient lists
- net quantity statements
- feeding instructions
- nutrition information
- certain warnings or claims
For food products and pet food in particular, the rules are quite strict because labeling helps consumers make safe and informed decisions.
While bilingual labeling has existed in Canada for decades, enforcement and compliance checks have become more consistent as ecommerce and cross-border distribution have expanded.
Why Many Pet Brands Are Updating Their Packaging
Many pet food and treat brands — especially those based outside Canada — originally designed their packaging primarily for the U.S. market.
However, selling products in Canada requires compliance with Canadian labeling regulations, which can differ significantly from U.S. requirements.
For example, pet food labels in Canada must include:
- bilingual product identity
- bilingual ingredient lists
- bilingual feeding instructions
- metric net quantity declarations
- manufacturer or importer information
These requirements apply to both domestic and imported pet foods sold at retail.
When brands expand into Canada or update compliance processes, they may need to:
- redesign labels
- translate packaging content
- adjust label layouts
- reprint packaging inventory
For brands producing large volumes of packaging, this process can take months to complete.
Why Packaging Changes Can Cause Temporary Shortages
Packaging updates might sound like a simple change, but in reality they can affect multiple parts of a brand’s supply chain.
Packaging Production Delays
When packaging changes are required, companies often need to design and print entirely new packaging materials.
These materials must be approved and tested before large production runs begin.
Inventory Transitions
Brands must also manage the transition from older packaging to new packaging.
In many cases, they cannot continue selling products with outdated labels once compliance deadlines are reached.
This can result in:
- temporary pauses in shipments
- delayed product releases
- inventory gaps
Import and Distribution Changes
Because a significant portion of pet food sold in Canada is imported — particularly from the United States — updates to labeling can also affect cross-border shipments.
Importers may need to relabel products or wait for updated packaging before inventory can enter the Canadian market.
These factors together can create the temporary shortages that many pet parents are seeing today.
Why Some Marketplace Listings Disappear
Another reason pet parents notice shortages is because of how large online marketplaces operate. Platforms like Amazon and other marketplaces typically enforce strict product listing requirements.
If a product’s packaging or labeling does not clearly show required information in both languages, listings may be:
- temporarily removed
- paused by sellers
- restricted by the platform
For example, marketplace guidelines often require product images to clearly show bilingual packaging information on the label.
If updated packaging is not yet available, sellers may remove listings until compliant inventory arrives.
This can make it appear as though a product has disappeared — even if the brand itself is still actively producing it.
Why Independent Pet Retailers Often Maintain Better Availability
While large marketplaces may temporarily remove listings, independent pet retailers often operate differently.
Specialty pet stores tend to work closely with distributors and brands to maintain steady inventory.
This can include:
- ordering directly from authorized suppliers
- maintaining deeper product knowledge
- communicating directly with brands about restock timelines
- helping customers navigate supply disruptions
Because their business focuses specifically on pet products, these retailers often have better visibility into what’s happening behind the scenes.
For pet parents, that can make a big difference when certain products become harder to find.
How Brindle Pet Supplies Keeps Customers Informed
At Brindle Pet Supplies, one of the most important priorities is transparency with customers.
When supply disruptions happen — whether due to packaging updates, manufacturing changes, or shipping delays — the goal is to keep pet parents informed.
That includes:
- monitoring brand inventory updates
- communicating expected restock timelines
- helping customers find suitable alternatives if needed
- continuing to stock trusted products whenever possible
Because Brindle works closely with distributors and premium pet brands, customers often receive clearer information than they would through a large marketplace listing.
And when products do temporarily go out of stock, Brindle aims to provide updates so customers know when to expect them again.
Popular Pet Products Canadians Are Searching for Right Now
Even with packaging updates affecting some products, many pet parents are still looking for high-quality nutrition and treats for their pets.
Here are a few categories that continue to grow in popularity.
Freeze-Dried Dog Food
Freeze-dried dog food has become one of the fastest-growing segments in premium pet nutrition.
These foods preserve raw ingredients through a dehydration process that removes moisture while maintaining nutritional value.
Many pet parents choose freeze-dried diets because they offer:
- high-protein formulations
- minimal processing
- convenient storage
Searches for freeze-dried dog food in Canada have increased as pet owners look for higher-quality feeding options.
Natural Dog Chews
Natural dog chews remain a popular option for enrichment and dental health.
Pet parents often look for:
- long-lasting dog chews
- single-ingredient treats
- digestible chew options
These products can help satisfy dogs’ natural chewing instincts while supporting oral health.
Dental Health Dog Care
Dental health supplements are another category seeing steady demand.
Products like dental powders and plaque-control supplements help support:
- fresher breath
- reduced tartar buildup
- overall oral hygiene
Many pet parents add these products to their pet’s routine to support long-term health.
How Pet Parents Can Avoid Supply Disruptions
While packaging changes can temporarily affect availability, there are a few ways pet parents can stay ahead of shortages.
Buy From Trusted Retailers
Shopping with specialty pet retailers often provides more reliable access to premium brands.
Sign Up for Restock Notifications
Many online retailers offer restock alerts so customers can be notified as soon as inventory returns.
Consider Subscription Options
Subscriptions help ensure you never run out of your pet’s favourite products.
Stay Informed About Industry Changes
Supply disruptions sometimes occur due to regulatory updates, ingredient sourcing changes, or manufacturing adjustments.
Retailers who communicate openly about these changes help customers plan ahead.
The Future of Pet Products in Canada
The good news is that most of the shortages related to packaging updates are temporary.
As brands complete their bilingual packaging transitions, inventory availability is expected to stabilize.
Over time, consumers may even benefit from clearer labeling and improved product transparency.
Canada’s labeling regulations are designed to ensure that consumers have access to clear and accurate product information in both official languages.
While these requirements can create short-term adjustments for brands, they ultimately help ensure that consumers across the country can make informed choices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are pet products out of stock in Canada?
Some pet products are temporarily out of stock because brands are updating packaging to meet Canadian bilingual labeling requirements.
What are Canada’s bilingual packaging requirements?
Most consumer products sold in Canada must display key information — such as ingredients and product identity — in both English and French.
Is my dog’s food being discontinued?
In most cases, no. Temporary shortages are often caused by packaging updates or supply chain transitions rather than product discontinuation.
Where can I buy dog food online in Canada?
Many Canadian pet retailers sell dog food and pet products online, including specialty stores that focus specifically on pet nutrition.
Will these shortages continue?
Most packaging updates are temporary. As brands transition to compliant packaging, product availability should improve.
Final Thoughts: Staying Informed as a Pet Parent
If you’ve noticed that some of your pet’s favourite products are harder to find right now, there’s usually a simple explanation behind it.
Canada’s bilingual packaging requirements mean brands sometimes need to update labels before selling products at retail.
While these updates can temporarily affect availability, they’re part of the process of ensuring products meet Canadian regulatory standards.
In the meantime, shopping with trusted pet retailers that communicate openly with customers can make the experience much smoother.
At Brindle Pet Supplies, the goal is to keep pet parents informed, provide reliable product availability whenever possible, and help customers continue giving their pets the nutrition and care they deserve.
Because when it comes to your pet’s health and happiness, reliable access to quality products matters.