Valens™ - Fisherman Dog Food - Salmon and Cod

Valens Fisherman features wild Pacific salmon and Pacific cod as its primary protein sources, both delivered fresh and refrigerated daily — never frozen. The formula also includes Dover sole and golden-tailed flounder, along with salmon meal and ocean whitefish meal as concentrated protein sources.

All fish is sourced through Valens' trusted network of MSC-certified (Marine Stewardship Council) fishers and government-certified fishing operations, ensuring sustainable and traceable sourcing. The fish is processed fresh to preserve nutrient integrity and natural flavour.

This combination delivers a guaranteed minimum of 30 % crude protein from exclusively marine sources — no poultry, beef, lamb, or pork appears in the formula. For dogs with sensitivities to land-based proteins, this single-category protein approach makes Valens Fisherman a compelling option worth discussing with your veterinarian.

Valens Fisherman provides a minimum of 4.2 % omega-3 fatty acids — one of the highest levels you will find in a commercial dog food. This is roughly double to triple the omega-3 content found in most poultry or red meat-based kibbles, and it comes naturally from the wild salmon, cod, cod liver, and salmon oil in the formula.

Omega-3s, particularly EPA and DHA from marine sources, support several critical functions:

• Skin and coat health: reduces itching, flaking, and dullness — particularly noticeable in Quebec's dry winter months when indoor heating strips moisture from skin
• Joint support: natural anti-inflammatory properties help manage stiffness and discomfort
• Brain and eye development: DHA is essential for cognitive function in puppies and aging dogs
• Immune regulation: helps modulate inflammatory responses throughout the body

The formula also contains 1.0 % omega-6, creating a favourable omega-6 to omega-3 ratio that promotes balanced inflammation management rather than excess.

Valens Fisherman contains 3,500 kcal/kg with approximately 420 calories per cup, making it a calorie-dense formula. Most dogs need less volume per meal than with standard kibbles, so measure carefully to avoid overfeeding.

General daily feeding guidelines for adult dogs:

• Small dogs (5–10 kg): approximately 3/4 to 1 cup per day
• Medium dogs (10–25 kg): approximately 1 to 2 cups per day
• Large dogs (25–45 kg): approximately 2 to 3 cups per day
• Giant breeds (45+ kg): approximately 3 to 4 cups per day

These are starting points — adjust based on body condition. You should feel your dog's ribs without pressing hard and see a defined waist from above. Active working dogs, puppies, and pregnant or nursing females need more calories. Senior or sedentary dogs typically need 10–20 % less. Divide the daily amount into two meals for adults, or three meals for puppies under 12 months.

Yes — Valens Fisherman is completely poultry-free. It contains no chicken, turkey, duck, or any poultry-derived ingredients, including poultry fat or poultry meal, which are hidden sources of poultry protein in many dog foods that claim to be "chicken-free" on the front label.

Chicken is one of the most common protein allergens in dogs. Symptoms of a chicken allergy typically include chronic ear infections, excessive paw licking, itchy or red skin, recurring hot spots, and digestive issues like loose stools or vomiting. If your dog has been experiencing these symptoms on a poultry-based diet, switching to a fish-based formula like Valens Fisherman eliminates that allergen entirely.

That said, a true food allergy diagnosis requires a veterinary-supervised elimination diet lasting 8 to 12 weeks. If you suspect a chicken allergy but have not confirmed it, work with your vet before making assumptions. Some dogs react to environmental allergens that mimic food allergy symptoms, and a proper diagnosis saves time and money in the long run.

Both are premium grain-free Valens formulas with 30 % protein, probiotics, and glucosamine, but they differ in their protein source and fat profile — and those differences matter depending on your dog's needs.

Valens Fisherman uses exclusively marine proteins (salmon, cod, sole, flounder) and is notably higher in omega-3 at 4.2 % versus 2.0 % in Pasture. It contains no poultry or red meat, making it ideal for dogs with land-protein sensitivities. At 3,500 kcal/kg, it is slightly more calorie-dense than Pasture.

Valens Pasture uses lamb, beef, bison, and wild boar as its primary proteins. It has a higher omega-6 content at 2.1 % and slightly lower omega-3 at 2.0 %. Pasture is better suited for dogs that thrive on red meat and do not have protein sensitivities.

Choose Fisherman for dogs needing maximum omega-3 support (skin issues, joint inflammation, coat quality) or those avoiding land-based proteins. Choose Pasture for dogs that prefer red meat flavour and have no protein restrictions.

Yes — Valens Fisherman includes four strains of dried probiotics: Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus casei, Bifidobacterium bifidum thermophilum, and Streptococcus faecium. These beneficial bacteria support healthy digestion, nutrient absorption, and immune function by maintaining a balanced gut microbiome.

The formula also contains chicory root extract, a prebiotic fibre that feeds the beneficial bacteria already living in your dog's intestinal tract. This prebiotic-probiotic pairing is more effective than either alone — the prebiotics help the probiotics establish and thrive in the gut environment.

Dogs transitioning to a new food, recovering from antibiotic treatment, or prone to digestive sensitivity benefit most from built-in probiotic support. For rural dogs in Quebec that spend time outdoors on farm properties, strong gut health provides everyday resilience against the environmental bacteria they encounter in barns, fields, and waterways.

Yes — Valens Fisherman is completely grain-free. It contains no corn, wheat, rice, soy, or any cereal grains. The carbohydrate and fibre sources are peas, sweet potatoes, and tomato pomace, all chosen for digestibility and nutritional value.

The fruits and vegetables in the formula — including blueberries, cranberries, apples, carrots, spinach, and pumpkin — are sourced from British Columbia's Okanagan and Fraser valleys. These whole-food ingredients provide vitamins, minerals, and natural antioxidants without relying on synthetic additives alone.

Sweet potatoes are a particularly valuable carbohydrate source: they are lower on the glycemic index than white potatoes or rice, providing sustained energy without sharp blood sugar spikes. They also supply beta-carotene, vitamin C, and dietary fibre that supports digestive regularity. For dogs with confirmed grain sensitivities or owners who prefer grain-free feeding, Valens Fisherman delivers its 3,500 kcal/kg entirely from non-grain sources.

Transition gradually over 7 to 10 days to minimize digestive upset. This is especially important when switching to a fish-based formula, as the protein source and fat profile are significantly different from poultry or red meat diets and the gut needs time to adjust enzyme production.

Recommended transition schedule:

• Days 1–3: 25 % Valens Fisherman mixed with 75 % current food
• Days 4–6: 50 % Valens Fisherman mixed with 50 % current food
• Days 7–9: 75 % Valens Fisherman mixed with 25 % current food
• Day 10: 100 % Valens Fisherman

Fish-based kibbles have a distinct aroma that most dogs find very appealing — do not let your dog's enthusiasm lead you to switch too fast. Dogs with sensitive stomachs benefit from a 14-day transition. Temporary soft stools during the first few days are normal and usually resolve by mid-transition. If diarrhea persists beyond day 10, reduce the portion slightly and ensure fresh water is always accessible.