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Updated August 28, 2025
Canadian pet food brand founded in 1988 by Rolf C. Hagen Inc.
Made in Canada with ~98% local ingredients.
Product lines include Original, Grain Free, Infusion, SubZero, and Care.
Strong safety record with no recalls.
Price
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Quality
Service
Nutrience is a reputable Canadian brand known for its safety standards, local sourcing, and wide range of pet foods. Their lineup includes Original (classic dry kibble), Grain Free (dry kibble without corn, wheat, or soy), Infusion (dry kibble infused with freeze-dried raw), SubZero (high-protein, raw-infused dry food), and Care (specialized functional diets, such as weight management or skin and stomach support). While SubZero is especially well-regarded for its premium, high-protein recipes, Nutrience does not provide any fresh, gently cooked dog food. Some recipes also contain yeast extract, which may not suit sensitive dogs, and certain formulas—such as those in the Care line—are higher in carbohydrates than ideal for every pet. Many owners are happy with Nutrience’s dry and raw-inspired foods, but some have started exploring gently cooked dog food as an alternative. Prepared at lower temperatures with whole, recognizable ingredients, gently cooked meals can be easier to digest, retain more nutrients, and appeal to picky eaters—making them a thoughtful option for pet parents who want something closer to a fresh, home-prepared diet.
| Seller/Channel | Free Shipping Details |
|---|---|
| Nutrience official site | No direct shipping offered |
| PetOnly.ca | Yes — Free shipping on Nutrience orders |
| PetMax (Canada) | Yes — Free shipping on orders over CAD $89 |
| Homes Alive Pets (Canada) | Ships Canada-wide (no free shipping mentioned) |
| Other retailers (PetSmart, etc.) | Shipping terms unknown; check individually |
Nutrience was launched in 1988 by Rolf C. Hagen Inc., a Canadian, family-owned company founded in 1955. Hagen has grown into one of the world’s largest privately held pet supply companies, and Nutrience became its dedicated premium pet food brand. The company’s family roots are still reflected in its focus on quality, consistency, and trust in pet nutrition.
The name Nutrience combines “nutrient” and “science,” highlighting the brand’s goal of creating balanced, science-driven diets for dogs and cats. All recipes are made in small batches at Canadian facilities in British Columbia and Ontario, both certified at SQF Level 3—the highest standard for food safety. Nutrience emphasizes locally sourced ingredients, like Fraser Valley poultry, Prairie-raised beef and bison, and wild-caught fish from the Pacific Northwest.
1988: Nutrience brand launched under Hagen Inc.
2015: Moved all production to Canada and introduced SubZero, a raw-infused, high-protein line.
Today: Offers several product families—Original, Grain Free, Infusion, SubZero, and Care—spanning from budget-friendly options to specialized health formulas.
Since its launch, Nutrience has maintained a perfect recall record, supported by strict safety protocols, third-party testing, and small-batch production. This track record reinforces the brand’s reputation for quality and reliability.
Original (dry kibble)
The most basic and budget-friendly option, made with traditional ingredients for everyday feeding. Costs about CA$0.25–0.30 per oz (~CA$50 per 11 lb bag). As with all kibble, it’s processed at high temperatures, which can reduce nutrient retention compared to cooked meals.
Grain Free (dry kibble without corn, wheat, or soy)
Designed for dogs with grain sensitivities, using premium proteins and low-glycemic carbs like lentils and sweet potatoes. Typically priced at CA$6–8 per kg. While higher quality than the Original line, it still goes through the same extrusion process as other kibbles.
Infusion (dry kibble with freeze-dried raw infusion)
A mid-range line that blends kibble with freeze-dried raw protein for added taste and nutrition. Prices average around CA$60–70 for a 22 lb bag. This is less processed than standard kibble alone, but still not as minimally handled as gently cooked food.
SubZero (premium raw-infused kibble and freeze-dried options)
The flagship premium line, combining grain-free kibble with freeze-dried raw inclusions to deliver high-protein, low-carb meals closer to an ancestral diet. Costs about CA$80–100 per 22 lb bag (~CA$8–10 per kg). While SubZero is considered Nutrience’s most advanced option, the kibble portion is still heavily processed compared to gently cooked diets.
Care (functional health-focused dry kibble)
A specialized line formulated for targeted health concerns such as weight management, oral care, digestion, or sensitive skin. The most expensive line, reaching CA$100+ per large bag (~CA$10+ per kg). Even with added functional ingredients, it remains a processed dry food rather than a fresh-cooked option.
Nutrience is recognized for balancing safety, Canadian-sourced ingredients, and variety, all backed by its family-owned heritage. The SubZero line is widely praised for quality and high protein, while lines like Original and Infusion offer more accessible price points. With no recalls and a wide range of formulas, Nutrience appeals to both budget-conscious and premium-focused pet parents.
That said, kibble and raw-infused foods remain fairly processed by nature, since they are manufactured at high temperatures to ensure shelf stability. This has led some dog owners to explore fresh, gently cooked diets as an alternative. Made with whole human-grade ingredients and prepared at lower temperatures, gently cooked meals can preserve more nutrients, enhance digestibility, and offer a taste that feels closer to home-prepared food. For pet parents who value convenience but want something less processed, gently cooked options provide another thoughtful path alongside established brands like Nutrience.
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