Blogs
Enjoy our articles written especially for pet parents, by our guest writers like Leanne Behrle, cat lover, Carrie Rotarris, dog behaviourist, and Terese Houle, breeder. Don’t miss Boréal videos on important dog and cat topics.
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Boujee Cat = Boujee Problems
maybe cats should have hair - July 2, 2025
Once upon a time I thought it was a great idea to spend $2500 on a cat with no hair. I know what you're thinking....'gross', but your thoughts are wrong, they feel like elk velvet and put off heat like a small radiator, providing the best space heater when the -40 weather hits. Small problem though, they are high maintenance! Ear gunk, oily skin & disgusting bowel movements are just a few of their hereditary problems, their whole existence was actually a mistake when genetic mutations produced one of these creatures in Toronto in 1966, this kittens name was Prune and would supply the crazy cat ladies a new frenzy. The selective breeding began.
Over the years they have developed into a highly sought after breed, however not so much those undesirable features I previously mentioned.
Since switching to Boreal Pet Food with their quality ingredients and added benefits of their high-end vitamins and minerals I have noticed a dramatic decrease in ear gunk buildup, oily skin & most importantly the smell of the litter box. Sully currently eats the indoor formula that also supports his urinary health, as these cats are also prone genetically to urinary stones (hot mess express).
Boréal: Proudly Canadian Made & Canadian Owned
Thank you for supporting Canadian-made pet food. - February 13, 2025
At Boréal Pet Food, we take pride in being a truly Canadian company. From coast to coast, we are committed to providing pets with high-quality nutrition made right here at home. In today’s new uncertainties, we know that sourcing local matters more than ever—to ensure quality, reliability, and to support Canadian businesses.
All our dry food is made in Ontario, using carefully selected ingredients to meet the needs of dogs and cats across Canada. Our top-selling line of wet food is proudly crafted in Quebec, while our treats and large-format cans of wet food are produced in British Columbia. The only exception is our Red Tuna wet food, which comes from Thailand, as we responsibly source the best possible tuna for our feline friends. As well our foods are made using Canadian farm products. Most of our meats are from Ontario and Quebec and we use oats, barley, peas and beans all grown in Canada. Our lamb and venison are from Australia.
What truly sets Boréal apart is that we are not just made in Canada—we are also Canadian owned. We are deeply invested in supporting local pet stores, local suppliers, and pet owners who want the best for their companions. Choosing Boréal means choosing a company that understands Canadian pets, Canadian values, and the importance of feeding quality food from a trusted source.
Thank you for supporting Canadian-made pet food. We’re proud to be part of your pet’s healthy, happy life.
Congratulations Boreal on winning ‘Favourite New Product’ at the Drummondville show
Boréal Functional Limited Ingredients - a smiling Dan - August 27, 2024
Retailers voted and Boréal Functional Limited Ingredients won the Favourite New Product at Pets Canada Industry Show in Drummondville. Here is the team with big smiles. When owner Dan Stevenson crafted the new LID foods he knew the pet food retailers in Quebec would be excited and he was 100% correct. 4 dog foods, herring, venison, duck and pork with 1 cat food using duck. Boréal LID use single meat protein, have a lower starch load and use advanced minerals for support of gut and skin and coat.
Healthy Garden Treats for Our Canine Companions
- May 30, 2022
As we are approaching the beginning of summer, many of us are getting anxious to start planting our vegetables in our garden, or at the very least, start shopping at the community farmers’ market for local garden fare. When plotting out our garden and writing out our grocery lists, we always like to make sure we include some healthy options that we can use to treat our dogs for good behaviour, and supplement their meals. Here is a list of the healthy fruits and vegetables that we love to grow and share with our canine friends:
Apples: High in fibre and a great source of Vitamins A and C, apples are a great healthy treat for your canine companion. Remember to remove the core and seeds, as these are not safe for your dog to eat.
Blueberries: Not only are blueberries considered a super food for humans, but they also provide just as many health benefits to our furry canine friends. Packed with antioxidants and fibre, they make a healthy, low-fat replacement of the typical calorie dense training treats.
Carrots: Low in calories, yet high in fibre and Vitamin A plus the dogs love the crunchy texture that is also great for their gums and teeth
Cucumbers: Low in calories but loaded with vitamins K, C, and B1. They also have essential nutrients such as potassium, copper, magnesium, and biotin.
Celery: Another crunchy treat that dogs love that also comes packed with heart healthy vitamins like A, B, and C.
Pumpkin: High in fibre, pumpkin is not only good for our dogs’ digestive systems, but it has also been shown to be beneficial for dogs that suffer from urinary incontinence and can even help with weight management
Strawberries: These are a favourite summer snack for our girls…they steal them off the plant just as they become ripe enough to pick! Rich in fibre and vitamin C, but be cautious of how much you allow your dog to have as they also contain sugar.
Sweet Potatoes: Packed with nutrients, including fibre, beta carotene, and vitamins B-6 and C, they make an excellent treat for your dog as long as they are served washed, peeled, and cooked. Do not serve your furry friend potatoes that have been doctored with seasonings or sugars.
Not all vegetables are safe for our dogs, so be sure to do your research and check with your veterinarian before slipping them a treat from your garden. However, replacing your dog’s dense, high-fat processed treats with a few of these healthy fruits and vegetables could be one of the best things you can do for your pet’s health.
People Foods to Avoid Giving your Dogs
Written by: Terese Houle - March 16, 2022
Candy, Gum, and Sugar
Similar to humans, your dog risks, dental problems, obesity, and diabetes with the consumption of too much sugar.
Be extremely cautious about having candy laying around that could be easily accessed by your dog. Oftentimes candy and gum contain xylitol, which is a sugar substitute that is extremely toxic to dogs. Even in the smallest amounts, it can lead to seizures, liver failure, and even death in some occasions.
Chocolate
While most people know that chocolate is toxic for our canine friends, it bears repeating. It’s not just the caffeine that is harmful to your dog, but it also contains toxic substances called methylxanthines, which can cause severe vomiting, diarrhea, and can damage your dog’s heart and nervous systems.
While giving your dog small servings of dairy products, such as milk or sugar free ice cream, will not harm your dog, it can lead to digestive irritation, as many adult canines are lactose intolerant.
Fruit Pits/Seeds (Apples, Peaches, Pears, Plums, etc.)
While slices of apples, peaches, and pears are safe for your dog, be sure to carefully cut out and remove the pits and seeds before serving. The pits and seeds contain amygdalin, a compound that dissolves into cyanide when digested.
Grapes a
Both of these foods are extremely toxic to dogs and even small amounts can lead to liver and kidney failure. Do not, under any circumstances, give your dog grapes as a treat.
Garlic and Onions
Garlic, onions, leeks, chives, etc. are part of the allium plant family, which is poisonous to most pets. Regardless of the form they’re in (dry, cooked, raw, powdered, or within other foods). These plants may cause anemia and can also damage red blood cells.
Salt
Avoid giving your canine friend any foods that contain salt (ie. potato chips). Consuming too much salt can deplete their electrolyte levels and cause dehydration.
If you suspect that your canine friend may have ingested one of these toxic items and notice that he is acting strangely or experiencing symptoms such as weakness, vomiting, and/or diarrhea, contact your vet immediately.
Responsible Dog Parenting: Teaching the “Take-It / Leave-It” Command
- June 21, 2021
As dog parents we worry a lot about keeping our furry friends healthy by feeding them nutritiously balanced food, providing them with regular exercise, and of course, showering them with our love. We also do our best to keep them safe by providing them with shelter, making sure they have the proper collar and identification, and having them micro chipped. However, our responsibility to our furry companions does not stop there. Teaching our pets to have good manners, both in the home and in public, is one additional measure we can take to ensure our pet’s safety.
Some training opportunities to consider working on with your dog include loose leash walking, sit/stay, wait, drop-it, and come. Another command that could keep your dog safe is the “leave-it” command. As dog parents, we know how our companion’s nose and mouth can get him into trouble, so teaching the “leave-it” command could help you save your pet. Here are step-by-step directions on helping your dog to learn this command:
- Place a treat in your hand and say “take-it” as she grabs it. Repeat this three times.
- On the 4th time, don’t say anything and instead, close your hand as she reaches for it.
- Wait and don’t pull away - be ready for her to paw, lick, nibble, etc. BE PATIENT!
- When she pulls away and waits a few seconds, open hand and say “take-it”.
- Repeat the hand closing until she stops going for the treat and instead waits for you to say “take-it”.
- Once she has grasped the idea that she should not take the treat until you say “take-it”, and then leave your hand open with the treat in your hand. When she goes for the treat, close your hand and say “leave-it”.
- Repeat until she pulls away. Wait a second and then open your hand and say “take-it”. Repeat this step, extending the time of the wait before saying “take-it”.
Essential Ingredients for Canine Nutrition
- April 28, 2021
As a responsible breeder, one of my main priorities is to ensure that all of my dogs are provided with a balanced and nutritional diet. Fortunately, due to research and consumer demand for healthier options, there are a number of choices available for us to choose from when deciding what is the best food for our pets.
I often hear from folks, “But there are so many options! How do you choose?” Before selecting what brand to feed our dogs, I start by reviewing the label to ensure that the food includes all of the following ingredients: high-quality proteins; healthy species-specific animal fat; a guaranteed amount of the antioxidant Vitamins A, C and E; an array of vegetables; and fruits.
Why are all of these ingredients important for your dog’s nutrition?
High-Quality Proteins: The label may claim high quality protein, but what does that mean? Understanding the difference between the various types of protein that could be present in your pets’ food is critical. There is a significant difference in the nutritional value between “Chicken” meal and a “meat” or “animal” by-product, so to ensure it is a high quality protein, make sure it is a species specific “meal”.
Healthy Species-Specific Animal Fat: While vegetable oil may sound healthier to us humans, dogs need nutrients only found in animal fats. Make sure the listed animal fat source is species-specific like "chicken fat", and not generic like "animal fat”.
Antioxidants (Vitamins A, C and E): Antioxidants are an essential component to promoting good health. Vitamins such as A, C and E are some of the most effective antioxidants and research supports that the food we feed our dogs should include them to maintain their overall wellness.
Vegetables: Dog food should contain a variety of vegetables such as carrots, beets, celery, and peas because they each have unique, health promoting properties. The skin and flesh of each contain vital nutrients, including phytonutrients, essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber.
Fruits: Fruits such as apples, blueberries, and pomegranate should be part of your dog's food. Similar to vegetables, the skin and flesh of each contain a variety of essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber.
Our dogs eat the same food every day; therefore, what we choose to feed them is the most important decision we can make. The food we give them is their primary source of nutrition; so selecting a superior dog food will help to promote a solid nutritional foundation that supports a healthy immune system, a healthy digestive system, and healthy skin and coat.
Socializing Your Puppy
Written by: Terese Houle - March 2, 2021
Exposing your puppy to new experiences is the first, and probably most important step to having a well-adjusted adult dog.
Introducing them to all kinds of sights, sounds, and smells will help to ensure that they are adaptable to all situations. If you ensure that your dog experiences different people, things, voices, and more, then they are less likely to be surprised, scared, or even worse, aggressive when they encounter something new.
The following is a checklist of suggested situations to expose your puppy to as he/she grows up:
- Child on a bike
- Man wearing a hat
- Crying baby
- Person walking a puppy/dog
- Person in a wheel chair
- Man with a beard Child dancing and jumping
- Lawn mower Tractor
- Person using a broom Vacuum
- Jogger Veterinarian
- Shy person
- Loud person
- A festival or party
- Mailman
- Person pushing a baby stroller
- Person in a trench coat
- Cat/kitten
- Women in a dress
- Man in a suit
- Person with a ball
- Screaming child
- Ride on an elevator
- Child playing with a loud toy
- Child with a stuffed toy
- Delivery person
- People of different races
- Person with sunglasses
- Horse
- Children at a playground
- Person at a drive-through window
- Pet store
- Downtown sidewalks
- Busy streets
- Trucks and Cars
- Shooting range
- Dump trucks
- Garbage trucks
- Fire trucks
- Sirens Person in uniform
- Elderly person
- Outdoor sporting games (basketball, baseball, tennis, etc.)
Of course, these are only a few suggestions, as there are a number of other opportunities you may be aware of based upon your own neighborhood situations. The greater the variety of experiences, the more comfortable your dog will be when she comes into contact with these situations. A knowledgeable dog is a confident dog, which produces a more socially acceptable dog that is not fearful.
We also highly recommend registering you and your puppy in a puppy kindergarten class. This is not only a great way to expose your puppy to a variety of different breeds of dogs, but also will teach you how to help your puppy be a responsible citizen!
A thought on wolfdogs
Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary in Cochrane Alberta - June 4, 2020
- Dan and wife Kathy recently visited the Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary in Cochrane Alberta along with Carson Morris. Carson volunteers at the sanctuary and works at Global Pet Foods in Cochrane Alberta.
These are wolves with varying parts of dog bread into them. When people find that ‘wolfdogs’ are often too difficult to handle the sanctuary looks after them. The wolfdogs we saw are very well cared for and we think this group is doing a great job. For more check out their website at
http://yamnuskawolfdogsanctuary.com/
Glycemic index and why it is important to your pet
- April 8, 2020
Wonder why youth rates of diabetes and obesity are skyrocketing? I
think the examples above are quite self-explanatory, I call this the
pizza and soda problem. Luckily, our pets don’t have to be exposed to
high carb diets.
Lets talk about Glycemic Index (GI)- this is a measure of how quickly blood sugar levels rise after eating a type of food. Carbohydrates break down quickly arid release glucose rapidly into the bloodstream. GLUCOSE HAS A GI OF 100 WHEREAS MEAT HAS A GI OF VIRTUALLY 0.
Examples:
- Low GI foods <55-beans, most vegetables, most fruits.
- Medium GI foods 56-69-potatoes, pita bread, white enriched bread
- High GI foods>70-white bread, most white rice, com flakes, breakfast cereals, pretzels, French fries.
Low GI results in a slow release of glucose. A high GI index is associated with a role in obesity and diabetes. Boreal dog and cat foods are highly digestible, grain free, with a low carbohydrate content, and a low glycemic Index (GI). Consider Boreal diets for your dog and cat. Their ancestors ate similar diets and did just fine!!
What exercise does my dog need?
“Ditch the Doggie Playpen” - March 13, 2020
A lot of people that come to my classes often are surprised by my answer to this fundamental question - “What exercise does my dog need?” Some people will tell me they jog everyday with their dog for up to 2 hours and can't understand why their dog is still wound up and needing more. Some will tell me they take their dog for a 20-minute walk around the block but will use the ball or chuck it for an hour in the backyard and can't figure out why their dog needs more.
Close your eyes and imagine for a minute what it is like in your dogs shoes: most of us would love to sit around the house all day long and do nothing. After a while, we would get sick of it and want to go back to work or do something different. Most of my clients think their dog has the life. They get to chill at home all day long. Many forget that dogs are social animals like us. Being at home all day is boring. Most dogs are stuck with this and that is okay because most of us have 9-5 jobs. Put yourself in their shoes, and think about how excited they get when we finally return. They are excited to see you and are more than ready for what adventures may come! Usually us humans are tired or there is bad weather out - too hot/too cold/raining/snowing - or some other ready-made excuse. So, we do a quick and easy job to get it over with. Hence the leisurely play in the yard or, because the human needs to get exercise, we add the dog into our jogging routine.
Remember you are putting yourself in your dogs shoes: the back yard is a glorified playpen. There is nothing new or interesting there. Your dog has smelled everything there is to smell. Some may love playing ball, but the reason is because, well what else is there to do in their playpen. Going for a jog usually entails no sniffing. Just running and getting some physical exercise but what about the mental side of things?
All dogs, big and small, need physical and mental stimulation. If they don't get both, owners usually have problems and dogs are usually very unsatisfied and give the owners problems. So how do I give my dog both?
It really is simple if you think about it. Routine is not good for your dog! Dogs going the same route get very bored or possessive of their territory. Your neighborhood can become a glorified playpen. A regular dog park can even give some dogs similar problems. Dogs need variety. They need some days to play and say hi to other dogs. They need days to play in the woods- this is my favorite activity! Dogs were born to be in the woods smelling and playing. They need new parks and places to visit. Exercising your dogs is the most important way of bonding with your dog, so put down your phone before going out with your dog. Be part of their exploration and adventure. Make walking your dog a new way of life so that it’s not a chore. You will both benefit in the end. It won't take long for you to start appreciating the woods as much as your dog does! Change up your dog parks and WALK with your dog - don't stay still! Movement is solidifying your bond by walking as a pack and sharing meetings and exercise. Engage, observe and participate with the things your dog sees, gets excited about and loves to smell. You will learn so much about your four-legged family member and your relationship will be amazing because your dog will see you are fulfilling his or her needs.
- Carrie Rottaris Canine Behaviourist and Trainer, Canine Bond
Trek4Kids Hike and Bike
Trek to help send children to camp - May 29, 2017
We were very excited to be involved with House of Friendships' Trek4Kids Hike and Bike fundraising event on May 6, 2017. This program sponsors children from families living on low income in our community to attend various overnight camps throughout the summer. These camps provide opportunities to children that they otherwise may not experience. At camp, children form friendships, develop life and leadership skills and experience nature. Participants in this event collect pledges and hike, bike and run various distances along The Iron Horse and Laurel Creek Trails in the heart of Kitchener and Waterloo.
One of our staff members participated with his two children and shares his experience from the day: "As you can see we did it, tough conditions to ride on but so worth it regardless and very proud of the boys. By the way thanks Tim for the rain gear suggestion, it worked! Thanks for helping us achieve our fundraising goal! On May 6th, we participated in the 12th annual Trek4Kids Hike and Bike, to raise much needed funds, helping send 2 kids living on low income to overnight summer camp. Once again, thank you so much for your generosity. It means a lot to my family and the kids that are able to experience camp this summer!" -Cyrille
Congratulations to Cyrille and the boys who were able to reach their fundraising goal. It was a huge success!
For more info on Trek4Kids: https://www.houseoffriendship.org/hof-happenings/trek-4-kids-hike-and-bike/
Outreach for Stedman Community Hospice
Our music rocks a great cause - May 2, 2017
While at Boreal most of our outreach and charity projects are focused on dogs and cats, we were pleased to recently to be involved at a local event with a very human topic, supporting the Stedman Community Hospice in Brantford, ON.
Some of you may know that the Boreal staff is very musical.
The household’s of Dan and Andrew are full of instruments ranging from
banjo’s to bagpipes (some of our staff only play iPod’s but that is another
story). 
It was the musical side of Boreal that was involved with the hospice fundraiser at the St. George Legion. Here is a photo of Andrew handing Gary Gray a checque from Boreal for $750 to help support the Stedman Community Hospice. Gary is a musician and he, along with three St. George,ON local bands (“Frisky Business”, “The Village Joke” and “My Brother The Lion”) do the fund raiser every year. Our Andrew, when he is not helping at Boreal, plays in Frisky Business. Gary has been organizing this fundraiser the last 10 years after seeing firsthand the great work done by Stedman Hospice.
For more on Stedman Community Hospice - https://www.sjlc.ca/stedman-community-hospice-1
Dog and cat food gets eat-local, back-to-basics diet option
https://www.aginnovationontario.ca/en/dog-and-cat-food-gets-eat-local-back-to-basics-diet-option/ - April 11, 2017
By Lisa McLean for AgInnovation Ontario
Beamsville – Health-conscious Canadians know a low glycemic index (GI) diet with fewer processed foods is an effective way to manage weight. Now, a Canadian pet food company is applying those same priorities to pets.
Dan Stevenson, president of Ontario-based Boréal Pet Food, says the idea for a new line of cat and dog food came from a desire to go back-to-basics for Canadian pets.
He and his brother Hugh Stevenson, a veterinarian, have built a line of canned and dried food products for cats and dogs that use low-carb Canadian ingredients.
Stevenson spent more than 15 years in the pet food industry before starting his own line. He says he didn’t see enough pet foods taking a low GI approach for the average pet – and it was taking a toll on animal health.
“Too many pets are consuming high-carb diets because they’re eating food with high amounts of corn, wheat, rice and potato, and it contributes to skin allergies, obesity, diabetes and poor pet health,” says Stevenson. “Low GI foods slow digestion, keeping pets fuller for longer.”
Boréal products are grain-free, relying on peas from Western Canada and white beans grown in Ontario – both foods that score low on the glycemic index.
The meats are sourced locally whenever possible, including local chicken and turkey, duck from Ontario and Quebec and salmon from Newfoundland & Labrador. He notes product labels are clear, and include whole ingredients – not byproducts.
“I think it’s important to our customers that we’re sourcing local, whole ingredients, because there’s a certain amount of trust in that,” says Stevenson.He notes the brand’s namesake– Boréal – is a tribute to the boreal forest that comprises half of Canada’s land mass. The product packaging features paintings of lynx, wolves and bobcats from Canadian artist Brent Townsend, whose polar bear is featured on Canada’s two-dollar coin.
Stevenson notes the Canadian scenes and Canadian ingredients are well received in the domestic marketplace as well as internationally. The company has begun to distribute product to the United States and China.
“There’s a fair amount of interest in our products overseas, and we have plans to expand further in those markets in the coming years,” Stevenson says.
The company recently secured a grant from Bioenterprise’s Seed Funding Program to help fund new marketing resources that will be available in multiple languages.
This entry was posted in health, innovation, livestock, markets on 2017-03-28.