FirstMate’s Limited Ingredient Diets use 1 meat protein and 1 carbohydrate to provide complete and balanced nutrition. This simple approach helps to improve digestion while […] Read more
Why can a new batch of FirstMate look different than the previous batch? Our company uses natural ingredients without the addition of artificial colour additives or binders. […] Read more
Our chicken fat is produced using a centrifuge to separate the chicken fat from the chicken protein. When an animal has a food allergy, the […] Read more
Did you know that our FirstMate, KASIKS, and SKOKI diets are often more nutrient and physically dense than other pet food varieties? Our diets […] Read more
Over 30 years ago, before starting FirstMate Pet Foods, Michael fished commercially off the shores of British Columbia, Canada, and Alaska. The digestibility and health […] Read more
Our company believes that to produce a truly superior product, you need to have control over the ingredient sourcing and the manufacturing process. That is […] Read more
Cats can be picky about their food, and therefore palatability (acceptance/taste) is an important factor to consider when designing cat food. High palatability ensures cats […] Read more
If you haven’t already done so, please read and watch the video Go To Your Bed & Mat Training Part 1. Mat training is all […] Read more
Mat training is all about sending a dog to a designated spot and having him stay there until released. I have had clients request this […] Read more
What is the history of the Guaranteed Analysis? In the late 1800s production of animal feeds evolved as entrepreneurs began thinking of ways to use […] Read more
Not all pet foods are created equal. Even though formulas and ingredient lists may be identical, there is wide variation in the quality of the ingredients […] Read more
Looking for something to do while self-isolating? We’ve got you covered! We know that self-isolating can be hard, but at least we can still spend […] Read more
If there is any chance, whatsoever, that your dog is fearful of something then eliminate that possibility first. Might his fear be of your impatient […] Read more
Hello everyone, River here again! I’m back with another one of my favourite recipes. I love to mix things up and invent new ways to […] Read more
It’s Shedding Season With the warmer weather on its way, our furry friends aren’t going to be needing their thick winter coats for much longer. […] Read more
Hello everyone, this is River your duck tolling, play seeking, chef extraordinaire …. Coming to you from my home-based test kitchen where some tasty magic […] Read more
Ready for a fresh start? While looking for personal resolutions, why not look for some healthy new habits for you and your FirstMate. It’s a […] Read more
Written by: Janine Allen Why does a dog insist upon continually pulling on his leash and what can be done to stop it? First, recognize […] Read more
Why does FirstMate use meat meals as the main ingredient in their dry kibble formulas? Meat meals provide a highly concentrated source of animal protein […] Read more
Obesity is a major health issue of dogs and cats, and the prevalence of obesity is rising rapidly. Obese animals have a large amount of […] Read more
Written by: Janine Allen Dogs are not innately thieves. They put things in their mouths because that’s just what dogs do. It is when they […] Read more
July 2019 To Our Valued Customers, FirstMate Pet Foods has been in business for 30 years. We have been producing quality pet foods since the […] Read more
As any pet owner will tell you, dogs are naturally curious animals, willing to sniff at (or try to taste) just about anything. It’s also […] Read more
Written by: Janine Allen The nose touch is the go to behavior for many dog trainers and performance competitors. The trainer offers the dog the […] Read more
Written By: Lauren Farricker When you hear the word avalanche, it may fill you with fear. But did you know your chances of survival are […] Read more
Written by Janine Allen This video shows me working on impulse control and decision making with a puppy. As a foundation skill, it helps teach […] Read more
One realizes the importance of taking a long range view of things if one wants to achieve any chance of crystallizing goals. Whether it is […] Read more
You and your FirstMate have a great rapport–you spend time outdoors and love to chill out at the end of the day—but do you have […] Read more
Have you ever wondered how to come up with a great dog name? Something that’s memorable, fits the dog’s personality, and shows off the most […] Read more
Winter is upon us. Time to gear up and get out. It’s true that not every dog will be as enthusiastic about leaving the warm […] Read more
For most, the new year ushers in a moment for reflection and growth. As you order a salad for lunch and pick up a new […] Read more
What’s the difference between prebiotics and probiotics? They are supposed to be good for your stomach, right? Yogurt…? Today we will delve into what they […] Read more
Halloween brings with it scary stories about mythical creatures – ghosts, goblins, and vampires. There is one pet that tends to get lumped in with […] Read more
Halloween is just around the corner! You’ve picked out your costume, filled a bowl with candy for trick or treaters, and carved the perfect pumpkin. […] Read more
Ready for a weekend getaway, but don’t want to leave your furry friend at home? Whether you’re escaping from a tough week at work or […] Read more
Recent reports from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have suggested a link between grain-free diets and incidents of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). More specifically, the […] Read more
You may have noticed that some of your FirstMate Canned Pet Food has a new look. Why the change? We have not changed the formulation, […] Read more
There’s a long-standing myth that pets look like their owner’s, and it’s not without evidence. Have you ever noticed a resemblance between your friend and […] Read more
Mary is the proud master of Swindle, a dynamic Belgian Malinois who does competitions for a living – or better yet – for fun! In […] Read more
With summer upon us, it’s important to make the most of long days and clear skies. If your dog gets excited just to go for […] Read more
Bringing your dog to work with you can be frustrating, but if you’re lucky enough to be employed in a dog-friendly capacity, having your best […] Read more
Walking your dog is a fantastic way to ensure they get their necessary daily exercise, while also offering a chance for the two of you […] Read more
Cooking with some company is always fun, especially when that company is your pet! Our dogs love us unconditionally, so it’s important to surprise them […] Read more
We asked, and you delivered! With tons of amazing submissions, we’re so happy to get to learn all about what makes your furry pals so […] Read more
It’s an age-old conflict, and one that’s been seen across the globe in movies, cartoons, and real-life; cats and dogs don’t always get along! This […] Read more
Adopting a shelter pet is a choice that enriches both the life of an animal in need and your family’s. The excitement that comes with […] Read more
Every so often we are sent stories of incredible dogs who rely on a diet of FirstMate or KASIKS to help improve their overall quality […] Read more
Raising a puppy is one of the most rewarding experiences in life. From the excitement that comes with introducing a new friend to the family, […] Read more
Recently, the FirstMate team introduced a new pet food category; our Grain Friendly line. As many of our customers know, while FirstMate diets are not […] Read more
If you and your dog are travelling to The Fairmont Hotel in Vancouver or Whistler, the Fairmont team has some special comforts for your companion. […] Read more
With a new year comes a host of new opportunities and adventures for you and your pet; and a popular choice for many is going […] Read more
The FirstMate team would like to thank Kaitlyn and Molly for sending this fantastic recipe to us! You can follow Molly’s adventures through their Instagram […] Read more
Winter has arrived, and with it, a whole load of holiday parties, presents, and decorations. While most humans know better than to nibble at the […] Read more
The FirstMate team recently donated several bags of our pet food to a trio of orphan bear cubs that arrived at the Greater Vancouver Zoo […] Read more
FirstMate & Kasiks dog and cat canned diets have a unique texture. They are softer and juicier than a traditional pate. They are described by […] Read more
Our pets are family and choosing their foods can be a very daunting task. Once we finally select a suitable brand that is working well, […] Read more
Noah and his “FirstMate”, Chilkoot, have an incredible bond and share a passion for Canada’s mountains, helping others and extreme sports. For the past 4 […] Read more
Best Served Stirred! 🐾 What is the texture of our cans? Our formulas fall within the pate category although they are different than most other […] Read more
At FirstMate Pet Foods, we are passionate about providing the best quality nutrition to dogs like Callie, the 12-year-old Landseer Newfoundland who has been thriving […] Read more
