Choosing the right food while respecting a human allergy. Help!!

[Tracey & Spike]

I'm sorry if this is duplicated somewhere but I'm having a tough time deciding on a food for Spike. The breeder started him on Royal Canin. Which isn't a brand I'm fond of and want him off of it. We've only had Spike two and half weeks so and he's 10 weeks old. So I don't want to switch quite yet. Lots of changes for him already.
Originally I wanted to go with Orijen. Which is a touted brand on here from the looks of it. However I literally can't handle the kibble. I'm highly allergic to fish. I can't even handle the salmon flavour whiskas temptations that my neighbours cat LOVES. I know Orijen is made by the same company that makes Acana. But the ingredients are similar so I'm worried about how I'd be with it.
Another issue with the above two brands is that they actually scare me. I am a proud Canadian and these are both Canadian brands..... BUT there have been A LOT of problems in recent years with Alberta beef and I just don't want to risk it. And if that's not enough. I cross the border a lot to go visit family and Spike will be coming with us. When there are meat issues Orijen is the first brand they stop from crossing the border.
So I've been looking at blue buffalo. Which formula I have NO clue. Limited ingredient. Longevity. Etc. I'm lost. Totally and completely. I have handled the kibble and don't seem to have and issue. I will just avoid the more fishy flavours. I do know that blue can be very fatty. So i know to stick with the lower feeding dose.
I want what's best for both Spike and myself and I really don't know what to do. I also need to get a North American brand so I can cross the picky US border with it.
Again sorry if this is a redundant topic but I really need advice!

[F, Calla & Luca]

It's all a bit confusing since we buy Orijen and Acana here.

[Tracey & Spike]

I know. But that's what we deal with. Even though it's sold in the states some how bringing it over can cause an issue because of the made in Canada logo on our bags. Along with the mention of Alberta beef. They can be that strict. There is even bag size restrictions and it has to be sealed. I haven't gone over with a dog yet. But I don't want to make the three hour drive to the border to get a jerk and have an issue. Regardless I can't handle it anyways

[BG and Gavin]

I have never tried to take dog food across the border to Michigan, but our cottage neighbours travel back and forth with their dog all the time and they have told me in the past that they never can bring any (Ontario bought) food home with them.  The first stop they make once they cross is the pet food store.  Just to throw it out there, Petcurean is a good Canadian company that makes the GO! and NOW! lines.  Perhaps there are some formulas there that would not bother your allergies.  P.S. Spike is A-dorable!!

[Shari Becker]

We have brought dog food back and forth between my husband's family cottage in Michigan and Ontario AND between New York and Quebec without and issue ... so far. My family is Canadian, and I know my parents (who follow strict Kosher rules) travel across the border with their own meat. I'm pretty sure the laws have lightened up on this because my folks spend a month in the Adirondack mountains and they bring all their own food. I 'think' it's about quantity, and I don't think chicken and turkey were in the ban. If you are staying in the US for more than a few days, you can also always order food online and have it delivered to where you are staying. 

[Shari Becker]

And sadly, I while I know of the Alberta beef issue, I generally consider - overall - the Canadian conventional beef stock healthier than here in the US, but I could be just thinking wishfully. It would be interesting to know if there's a grass fed beef kibble. You can't get mad cow from grass fed beef.... 

[Gail and Bailey]

There are many "formulas" of the Acana food that are only available in Canada.  I was chatting with the owner of one of the pet food places I frequent and we were discussing the Canadian food companies.  She told me there are different Acana and Orijen foods that American stores can't get.   Maybe this has something to do with the foods being confiscated at the border.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Interesting.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I also remember hearing that the Acana Puppy formula is not available in Canada, I think? 

[Deborah Brown]

Well, back to your original question.  You are looking for a food without fish and that is not made in Canada, right?  On the recommended list, "I and Love and You" has Poultry Palooza without fish.  It looks like an interesting choice.  Fromm is also popular here and there are a number of forumlations, many of which don't appear to contain fish.  You'd want to scan the ingredient list yourself to verify.

[Brittney & Cally]

I am assuming it would, but would salmon oil be an issue? Because if not than the Fromm four star grain free pork and peas, game bird and beef frittata veg would be a good option!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

According to JD's dermatologist, oils do not contain the same proteins as the foods they are made from, and therefore do not provoke an allergic response even in individuals with known allergies. This information was specifically about salmon oil, but I believe it would apply to all fish oils. 

[Brittney & Cally]

Hate it when that happens, lol!