Top 9 Prescription Diet Foods for Dogs in Canada — 2025 Veterinarian-Approved Guide to Managing Kidney Disease, Allergies, Diabetes and GI Disorders

Hill's Prescription Diet k/d Kidney Care is a long-established, prescription renal diet with a substantial clinical evidence base and wide-format availability (dry and wet), which makes it a frequent first choice for veterinarians managing chronic kidney conditions. Compared with the other options on this list, k/d is noted for palatability and proven study support but is typically positioned at a premium price point relative to value-focused alternatives.

Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Hepatic Canned provides the same hepatic‑specific nutrient control as the dry formula but in a high‑moisture, highly palatable wet format that helps maintain hydration and stimulate appetite in anorexic or finicky patients. It stands out for delivering the brand's precise formulation in a wet product—useful when comparing to Hill's canned option for clinical evidence and Purina's economical wet choices—though it is typically higher cost per feeding than dry alternatives.

Hill's i/d is positioned as a go-to prescription formula for acute and chronic digestive upsets because of its highly digestible proteins and targeted prebiotic fiber blend that support stool quality and nutrient absorption. It is often favored for its broad clinical track record and relative cost-effectiveness for routine GI management compared with more specialized or hydrolyzed options on this list.

Royal Canin Glycobalance canned brings the prescription-focused glycemic control of the Glycobalance line into a high-moisture format, useful for hydration and appetite-challenged diabetic dogs. Compared with Hill's w/d canned and Purina's dry DM, it is the go-to when clinicians want precise glycemic management with wet-food palatability, though it generally sits at a premium price that reflects its targeted formulation and clinic-focused positioning.

Hill's c/d Multicare is often chosen for its broad clinical evidence and proven track record in reducing recurrence of both struvite and calcium oxalate-related urinary problems, offering comprehensive long-term urinary health support. Compared with Royal Canin SO and Purina UR, c/d is marketed with extensive clinical studies and veterinary support materials, which can justify a slightly higher price for practices prioritizing scientific backing and patient outcomes. Its financial trade-off is higher per-bag cost in exchange for a robust prevention profile and formulations that promote increased water intake and urinary comfort.

A clinic-formulated hydrolyzed protein diet designed for dermatologic and adverse food reaction cases, it balances allergen reduction with palatability and complete nutrition. Compared with the other options on this list it often represents a middle ground—more specialized than generic adult foods but typically more affordable and widely available than ultra-elemental formulas like Ultamino, while offering a different palatability and formulation profile than Hill's z/d and Purina HA.

Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Gastrointestinal Low Fat is positioned as a clinic-favorite for pancreatitis because its formula is specifically balanced for ultra-low fat and precise nutrient profiles developed from extensive veterinary research. Compared with the other options on this list, Royal Canin’s scale and formulation consistency deliver predictable clinical results and purchasing efficiencies for veterinary practices, often making it a cost-effective staple in hospital formularies.

Hill's h/d Heart Care is a long-standing prescription diet formulated to support dogs with heart disease through sodium restriction, targeted taurine and L‑carnitine supplementation, and omega‑3 fatty acids to support cardiac function. It holds a market leader position because of extensive clinical use, high palatability and broad veterinary distribution, which often makes it financially accessible through clinics compared with smaller specialty brands; compared with Royal Canin and Purina it is distinguished by its long clinical track record and clinic-level availability.