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January in Canada may feel like a quiet month for fresh food but when it comes to raw feeding, winter actually brings excellent access to nutrient-dense, high-quality proteins. Many local farms process and stock up during the colder months, making several raw proteins especially fresh, plentiful and ideal for feeding in early winter.

Here’s a breakdown of the best in-season or peak-availability proteins you can feel confident feeding your dog this January.

 

1. Beef - Winter’s Most Reliable, Freshest Protein

Beef is one of the most plentiful proteins in Canada during the winter season.
Why? Many cattle are processed late fall into early winter, meaning January offers:

  • Peak freshness

  • Excellent fat content for winter energy needs

  • High levels of iron, B12, zinc and amino acids

Why it’s great in January:
Beef provides slow-burning energy, helping dogs maintain body heat and stamina during cold weather.

Best Raw Performance picks:
✔️ Pure or Gourmet Beef
✔️ Performance Blend

 

2. Pork - Excellent Winter Availability & Nutrient Density

Like beef, Canadian pork production remains strong through winter, making it an economical and nutrient-dense option in January.

Pork is rich in:

  • Thiamine (Vitamin B1)

  • Selenium

  • Highly digestible protein

  • Healthy fats for sustained energy

Why it’s great in January:
Dogs naturally benefit from slightly higher fat and calorie intake during cold months.

Best Raw Performance picks:
✔️ Gourmet Pork
✔️ Super Supreme and Supreme (includes pork)

 

3. Turkey - A Lean, Post-Holiday Staple

Turkey is widely available after the holidays, making January a perfect month to rotate it into your dog’s bowl.

Nutritional benefits include:

  • Lean, clean protein

  • B6 and niacin

  • Anti-inflammatory amino acids

  • Gentle digestion

Why it’s great in January:
Turkey supports weight management after holiday overfeeding and boosts immune health during flu season.

Best Raw Performance picks:
✔️ Pure Turkey
✔️ Gourmet Turkey

 

4. Duck - Ideal for Dogs With Sensitivities

Duck remains readily available through winter and is one of the richest, most flavorful proteins for dogs.

Benefits include:

  • High iron

  • Higher natural fat content

  • Great for picky or underweight dogs

  • Perfect alternative to chicken sensitivities

Why it’s great in January:
Dogs burn more calories in the cold - duck’s fat content helps fuel them.

Best Raw Performance picks:
✔️ Pure Duck
✔️ Super Supreme and Supreme (includes duck)

 

5. Salmon & Herring - Peak Omega Season

Cold-water fish are at their nutritional best in winter.

Benefits include:

  • Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA & DHA)

  • Vitamin D

  • Joint and skin support

  • Natural anti-inflammatory properties

Why it’s great in January:
Winter dryness and cold can stress joints and skin - omega-rich fish help offset that.

Best Raw Performance picks:
✔️ Pure Salmon
✔️ Herring Oil

 

Why Feeding In-Season Proteins Matters

Just like humans benefit from seasonal eating, so do dogs.

Feeding in-season proteins means:

  • Fresher nutrient profiles

  • Better availability and price

  • More balanced rotation

  • Stronger immune and joint support during cold months

January is the perfect time to focus on warm-energy proteins (beef, pork, duck) and immune-boosting, anti-inflammatory options (fish, turkey).

 

Tips for January Raw Feeding

  • Rotate proteins weekly or bi-weekly

  • Add omega-3s to combat dry winter skin

  • Increase calories slightly for active dogs

  • Use warming proteins like beef and duck for winter energy

 

January might be cold and quiet, but it’s one of the best months for nutrient-rich raw feeding in Canada. Take advantage of the season by rotating fresh, in-season proteins like beef, pork, turkey, duck and omega-rich fish to keep your dog energized, healthy, and thriving all winter long.