First-Ever Tariff Sniffing Dog Supports Canadian Brands

​In response to increasing trade tensions and rising consumer concern over the origin of imported goods, a Canadian pet food brand has taken an unusual step: training a dog to sniff out products made in Canada.

Bob’s Your Uncle, a leading producer of ethically sourced, 100% Canadian pet food announced today the deployment of ‘Maple’ – Canada’s first-ever tariff-sniffing dog. Part border security, part brand ambassador, Maple is specially trained to identify Canadian made products - with a particular nose for premium pet food. After months of conditioning using scent imprints from locally sourced ingredients and a rigorous testing program, Maple is now capable of detecting Bob’s Your Uncle pet food with what trainers call 'unshakable loyalty and tail-wagging enthusiasm.'

“We wanted to make a statement - not just about where our food comes from, but how much that matters,” said founder and creative director Bob Froese at Bob’s Your Uncle. “Maple reminds us that even when trade policy gets complicated, Canadians still know how to sniff out the good stuff.”

Maple, a four-year-old golden retriever-border collie mix, has undergone intensive training with canine scent detection specialists. In addition to food sourcing, she’s also been conditioned to recognise markers of ethical farming, recyclable packaging and suspicious labelling tactics like 'Made for Canada.'

“She once overturned an entire shelf of imported kibble at a pop-up activation in Mississauga,” said her handler. “That was the moment we knew she was ready.”

Maple will be making public appearances this summer at pet retailers, farmers markets and border-adjacent photo ops.