Supporting local: Atlantic Canadians choosing homegrown pet products amid tariff war
- Judith Mendiolea Lelo de Larrea
- May 7, 2025
- 5 min read
“At least three to four times a day, we have somebody coming in asking if their food is Canadian or wanting to transition.”
(Story originally published by The Guardian on Mar 26, 2025)
When Hunter Nicholson-Kerr first noticed his dog struggling with stubborn skin allergies, he faced the same frustration many pet owners experience — a cycle of trial and error with expensive, store-bought foods.
Eventually, he took a closer look at what he was feeding his pet.
“As soon as we looked into the ingredients of the treats we were feeding, we realized it was essentially the Big Macs of dog treats,” he said.
Determined to find a healthier alternative, Nicholson-Kerr began crafting his own treats using clean, locally-sourced ingredients.
That commitment eventually grew into Wag-Worthy, a small business specializing in all-natural, homemade pet treats in Atlantic Canada.
Canadian pet food
Hunter Nicholson-Kerr is the creator of Wag-Worthy, a P.E.I.-based pet treat company. He sells his product at the Charlottetown’s Farmers’ Market. Judith Mendiolea
“We’re able to utilize undervalued proteins that don’t get purchased for human-grade markets. Instead of farmers taking it to the dump, we buy it and add to their bottom line,” Nicholson-Kerr said.
Now stocked in local stores and markets across P.E.I. and shipping throughout the Maritimes, Wag-Worthy products are part of a growing movement toward supporting local businesses — one further fueled by ongoing trade tensions between Canada and the United States.
“We’re moving towards a bag option printed by a company called Maritime Labels, so at least it keeps it Atlantic,” he said. “Through the retailers, there’s been an uptick in sales, and I believe it’s definitely the consumers wanting to look for Canadian versus before when it was price driven.”
Impact of trade uncertainty on pet owners
As tariffs on imported goods fluctuate, pet owners and retailers are noticing the effects. Supply chain disruptions and rising prices have prompted consumers to rethink their purchasing habits.
According to Rover’s True Cost of Pet Parenthood Report 2025, 55 per cent of Canadian pet owners are opting for domestically produced pet brands or locally sourced products, even when these come at a higher cost.
“We’ve seen a noticeable shift,” said Becky Donald, owner of Sunibrook Farms in Summerside, P.E.I., a pet supplies store that has been operating for 19 years.
“At least three to four times a day, we have somebody coming in asking if their food is Canadian or wanting to transition.”
There are options out there for pet owners seeking Canadian-made products. Judith Mendiolea
Sunibrook Farms has expanded its pet food section, introducing more local brands like Nicholson-Kerr’s.
“There’s a real pride in supporting Atlantic Canadian businesses,” Donald said. “People are becoming more conscious of where their money is going.”
However, transitioning to local products isn’t always straightforward.
“We need to have lots of inventory of Canadian food and treats for dogs and cats, but it’s difficult with some of the other products,” Donald explained, noting that items like dog beds and toys are not as commonly manufactured in Canada.
Dietary changes can also be complex.
“It’s not like switching your ketchup brand. You can’t do that with dogs,” she said. “You need a one-week transition, at least, for food. You have to make sure we’re giving people good advice.”
Navigating change: how pet owners are adapting
P.E.I. resident Angela Driscoll, who has two dogs and two cats, tries to buy Canadian-sourced goods whenever possible but acknowledges it’s not always an option.
“My cats are both on a urinary diet, which is a vet-prescribed brand. Honestly, I’ve never even looked to see if it’s Canadian or American because I have no choice,” she said.
However, when she has the option, Driscoll chooses Canadian-made products.
“People at the dog park always comment on how nice my dogs’ coats are. I tell them, ‘It’s FirstMate — Canadian and not as expensive as some other premium brands,’” Driscoll said.
At Global Pet Foods, store manager Annette Bourdages has seen the same shift in consumer priorities.
“Customers are asking more questions — where is this product made? Who makes it? They want that reassurance,” Bourdages said.
The store, which has locations across the Atlantic provinces, carries about seven Canadian food brands and multiple Canadian raw food brands. Examples include Go! Solutions, Oven Baked Tradition, FirstMate, Kasik, Nutrium, Canadian Naturals, and their home brand, Nature’s Harvest.
Raw food options like Bold Raw and Healthy Paws are also available. Canadian brands are prominently displayed with flags and signs throughout the store.
“We didn’t even realize until all this happened how many Canadian products we do have,” said Bourdages.
Supporting Atlantic Canadian brands
For pet owners seeking alternatives to imported products, Atlantic Canada offers a growing range of trusted options:
Corey Nutrition Company: Based in New Brunswick, Corey has been family-owned since 1982, producing pet foods with locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. Their brands include Inukshuk Professional Dog Food and ProSeries.
Totally Raw Pet Food: Established in 2003 in Dartmouth, N.S., they specialize in raw pet foods, dehydrated treats, and natural supplements, all made from clean, local ingredients.
Great North Pet Food: This company uses 100 per cent Canadian meats to create meat-based dog treats and food, with a focus on holistic nutrition.
Sam & Paisley Treat Company: Based in Nova Scotia, they offer single-ingredient, freeze-dried treats sourced, prepared, and packaged locally.
Pawsitive Pet Food: Located in Atlantic Canada, they produce pet food made from human-grade salmon, offering nutrient-rich options for dogs and cats.
Growing partnerships and Atlantic collaboration
For Nicholson-Kerr, the trade war has meant more than just increased clientele. He recently collaborated with Catherine McPhee, founder of Maddie and Sarge — a line of eco-friendly pet accessories named after a local community cat and her dog.
Together, they sell their products at the Charlottetown Farmers’ Market, providing pet owners with an opportunity to shop sustainably.
“It’s hard to grow a small business when your evenings are spent recovering from your day job. But I’m hopeful that having my nights free will help,” McPhee said.
“The tariffs are a big topic, but they also push us to think local. Supporting each other’s businesses has always been part of our community here.”
As Atlantic Canadian pet owners and businesses continue to adjust to shifting trade dynamics, many are proving that even small choices — like buying local treats and supplies — can make a lasting impact.
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