Acana s Lamb Dog Food Line Exploring the Range of Nutritious Options

ACANA Dog Food Review 2022: Prices, Quality, Nutrients

Have you considered the possibility of flavor fatigue in your canine companion? I cant even imagine having to eat the same meal every day, yet were happy to feed our furry friends the same kibble day after day. Dog Food Care explored the variety of dog food on offer from the Canadian dog food manufacturer, ACANA, and realized that they offer a range of highly nutritious options, perfect for starting rotational feeding.

ACANA offers kibble for dogs of all breeds and life stages, with and without grains, limited ingredients for dogs with food-related allergies, and packed with nutrients. The range includes chunky meat in gravy options in cans, freeze-dried patties and morsels, and even protein-rich crunchy biscuits. All ACANA recipes will leave your doggy dude nourished and satisfied because they are loaded with animal protein balanced with fruits, vegetables, and botanicals.

Rotating your precious pups food can happen in different ways. You can change to a different flavor of kibble when the bag is empty to provide some variety, or you can buy smaller bags and rotate daily meals. You could also introduce interesting flavors and textures by using ACANAs canned food as toppers. However, finding the right brand of dog food that offers variety and still meets the unique nutritional needs of your dog is quite a challenge.

Dog Food Care wants to ease this process. Well explore the various dry dog food options ACANA offer, and then introduce you to the extras available for avoiding flavor fatigue. However, it is always best to check a dog food suppliers recall history before buying their products.

We can set your mind at ease. To date, ACANA has never had products recalled. ACANA has been available for more than two decades. Champion Foods, ACANAs owner, was founded in 1975 and has been a pioneer in crafting premium food for dogs and cats since 1985. Their track records on integrity, quality of production processes, and use of top-grade ingredients over the years are unquestionable.

What is Champion Foods and ACANAs Commitment?

Looking at a dog food manufacturers commitment can help you judge whether their brand is worth your consideration. Below is a copy of ACANAs commitment.

At Champion Petfoods, were dedicated to making premium ACANA pet food from start to finish with the worlds best ingredients. We craft our foods with premium animal ingredients balanced with fruit and vegetables to ensure your pet lives a full and healthy life as a happy member of your family.

Every Acana recipe includes:

• At least 50% premium animal ingredients
• Recipes balanced with vegetables, fruit, botanicals, & nutrients
• Added vitamins and minerals, natural preservatives and probiotics
• A delicious variety of recipes and a range of options to suit every pet

Our recipes never include:

• Artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives added in our kitchens
• No soy, corn, tapioca, or wheat ingredients added in our kitchens

Quality at Every Step

We employ rigid manufacturing procedures and other protocols, enabling us to produce nutrient-dense food that is safe, wholesome, and delicious.

Wholesome Ingredients for a Lifetime of Wellbeing

We use only the finest ingredients that will promote your pets wellbeing, maintain their energy and help them glow with a sense of overall health. We never include artificial flavors, preservatives and other chemicals in our foods.

Utilizing Only the Most Conscientious Suppliers

We choose only the most respectable, trustworthy suppliers who can deliver superior ingredients. Our passion is to provide uncompromising nutrition to the pets who depend on us.

What are the Sub-Brands of ACANA Dog Food Manufacturer?

ACANA knows it takes quality ingredients to make the best dog food. Mealtime is more than just a bowl of food. Its the foundation to a longer and healthier life, together. Thats why they craft delicious recipes that use simple, natural ingredientswithout any fluff or fillers.

Is ACANA a Complete and Balanced Dog Food?

Choosing the best food for your furry family member is a challenge and not a job to do without doing your research. Even though ACANA is a top-rated company that produces high-quality foods, it is not necessarily the right choice for everyone. Can you trust the manufacturers claim that the dog food is Complete and Balanced?

For any dog food to be marketed as Complete and Balanced, it must meet the nutritional standards established by AAFCOan acronym for the Association of American Feed Control Officials, a non-profit organization that sets standards for pet foods in the United States.

These nutritional adequacy standards are defined by two nutrient profiles based on a dogs stage of life.

• Adult maintenance
• Growth and reproduction

You might see (ACANA) is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO (Dog) Food Nutrient Profiles for (All Life Stages) on a dog food label. It verifies that the dog food meets AAFCOs nutrient profiles. However, no law makes testing, analysis, or inclusion on dog food labels compulsory in the US.

Acanas recipes meet the requirements of the AAFCO for Maintenance, Growth, and All Life Stages based on the recipes.

Who owns ACANA Dog Food?

ACANA was founded in a small town in Alberta, Canada, by its parent company, Champion Petfoods. They began producing pet foods since 1985. Champion produces the most authentic, the highest quality pet food, which is why all of it is made in its award-winning kitchens in Alberta, Canada and Kentucky, USA. They never outsource any of the production, nor do they manufacture food for anyone else. Champion Foods says they designed their kitchens solely for their production.

What are the Nutritional Profiles of the Different ACANA Dog Foods Recipes?

Remember, your dogs overall health, metabolism, breed size and food-related sensitivities make your doggy dude unique, and must be considered when you select dog food. And when in doubt, consult a veterinarian for help.

When Dog Food Care reviews and rates a dog food brand, we consider the important aspects, some of which are listed below.

• Is the protein content high enough to maintain strong, lean muscles?
• Is the carbohydrate content low enough to maintain healthy blood sugar levels?
• Are the meat sources specified by name to show the genuine source of amino acids?
• Does the formula include meat by-products?
• What is the level and quality of fatty acids like linoleic, Omega-3, and Omega-6?
• Which fresh vegetables and legumes were included as sources of minerals and digestible vitamins?

1. Nutritional Profile of the ACANA Regional Range of Dry Dog Food

With the highest protein offering in ACANA pet foods, the High-Protein Regional Recipes are rich with 70% quality animal ingredients, balanced with 30%+ fruits, vegetables, and botanicals, many delivered daily. Artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives have no place in ACANAs kitchens.

The premium ingredients come from a curated group of farmers, ranchers and fishers, known and trusted for decades. ACANA workers approach every batch with an unsurpassed commitment to safety and quality in the companys award-winning Kentucky kitchen. The result is a protein-rich, nutritious, and delicious dog food to help dogs of all breeds and life stages live healthy, happy lives.

Dog Food Care chose the ACANA Appalachian Ranch Grain-Free Recipe to represent the 4 ACANA Regional grain-free recipes. Below is information about the ingredients and nutritional profile of the ACANA Appalachian Ranch Recipe.

(Please note that all prices quoted are as of June 17, 2022.)

Below is a list of the 4 recipes in ACANA Regional Recipes Dry Dog Food Range

Feed your furry friend a nutritious meal, delicious and full of protein with ACANA Appalachian Ranch Grain-Free Dry Dog Food. This recipe is crafted with 70% animal ingredients including ranch-raised beef, Yorkshire pork, grass-fed lamb, catfish and bison, plus 30% fruits, vegetables, and botanicals.

There are also added vitamins, minerals, natural preservatives and probiotics, and zero artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. ACANA always uses premium ingredients from a curated group of trusted farmers, ranchers and fishers, and every batch of food is made in their state-of-the-art Kentucky kitchen.

Analyzing the first 10 ingredients in dog food is a great way to understand the overall nutrient content of the dog food because AAFCO requires all dog food ingredients to be listed in order of predominance by their weight.

Unlike most other Dry Dog Foods, the ACANA Appalachian recipes first six ingredients on the list are animal proteins. Beef, pork, and lamb, and because fresh meat contains about 73% moisture, beef meal, pork meal, and lamb meal are added to replace lost nutrients. Proteins in meat meals are about 4 times more concentrated than in cooked meat.

ACANAs promise of at least 70% animal ingredients is further underscored by the addition of pork liver, beef fat, catfish meal, catfish, bison, natural pork flavor, beef liver, beef tripe, lamb tripe, lamb liver, beef kidney, and pork kidney. And even that is not the end of the protein sources in this recipe.

Scattered among the meat ingredients we found whole red lentils, whole pinto beans, whole green lentils, whole chickpeas, pea starch, lentil fiber, whole green peas, and whole yellow peas. Although these legumes provide fiber and multiple other nutrients, they are all loaded with plant protein. Combined animal and plant proteins in this recipe could be a concern because excess proteins are stored as fat in dogs. Therefore, high-protein kibble is best for highly active dogs because inactivity on a high-protein diet could lead to obesity.

The nutrient-rich fruit and vegetables in the recipe include dried kelp, whole pumpkin, whole butternut squash, kale, spinach, mustard greens, collard greens, turnip greens, carrots, apples, and pears Further down the ingredient list we find chicory root, which is rich in inulin, a starch-like compound. Chicory is not only a natural source of soluble dietary fiber, but its also a prebiotic used to promote the growth of healthy bacteria in a dogs digestive tract.

We also find herring oil in this food. Herring oil is naturally rich in the prized EPA and DHA type of omega-3 fatty acids. These two high-quality fats boast the highest bio-availability to dogs and humansdepending on its level of freshness and purity, herring oil should be considered a commendable addition.

And lastly, this food contains one chelated mineral, a mineral that has been chemically attached to protein. This makes them easier to absorb. Chelated minerals are usually found in better dog foods.

As a group, the grain inclusive range features an average protein content of 38% and a mean fat level of 19%. Together, these figures suggest a carbohydrate content of 35% for the overall product line, and a fat-to-protein ratio of about 52%. All this means, is that the ACANA Regional range of 4 grain-free dog foods have above-average protein, above-average fat, and below-average carbs when compared to a typical dry dog food.

Even when you consider the effect of the plant-based proteins, this looks like the profile of a kibble containing a notable amount of named meats and meat meals. Thus earning the ACANA Regional range of grain-free dog foods brand 5 stars, and also Dog Food Cares highest recommendation.

2. Nutritional Profile of the ACANA Singles Range of Dry Dog Food

ACANAs Singles Range is a Limited Ingredient diet option. If your precious pup is picky, prone to food-related allergies, or heading for her golden years and painful joints, the six Singles recipes might be the answer. A kibble packed with 65% protein from a single animal source? No kidding, thats what youll get.

Dog Food Care chose the ACANA Duck and Pear Limited Ingredient Recipe to represent the 6 ACANA Singles recipes. Below is information about the ingredients and nutritional profile of the ACANA Duck & Pear Recipe.

(Please note that all prices quoted are as of June 17, 2022.)

Below is a list of the 6 recipes in ACANA Singles Dry Dog Food Range

The Limited Ingredients recipes in the Singles range are rich in protein from a single animal source, providing the nutrient-dense diet your dog needs, with no peas or plant-protein isolates. They contain superfood sweet potatoes, rich in fiber to help support healthy digestion and overall gut health. Enriched with taurine and essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to help support healthy circulatory and immune system functions.

Analyzing the first 10 ingredients in dog food is a great way to understand the overall nutrient content of the dog food because AAFCO requires all dog food ingredients to be listed in order of predominance by their weight.

The first ingredient in this recipe is duck meat. However, duck contains almost 73% water which is lost during cooking, reducing the meat content to just a fraction of its original weight. Therefore, duck meal is added as a replacement of lost nutrients, including protein, fat, iron, zinc, B vitamins, potassium, phosphorous, glucosamine, and chondroitin sulfate. The protein in duck meal is about 300% more concentrated than in the boiled duck.

Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate act as precursors for joint cartilage and therefore helps improve the health of joints, particularly for dogs with osteoarthritis. Duck cartilage at number 11 contains even more glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate.

Next on the ingredient list is duck liver, naturally rich in protein, iron, and essential vitamins. Being a hypoallergenic protein, it is perfect for dogs with food allergies to common protein sources such as beef and chicken. Duck liver is high in copper and zinc. Copper, an anti-oxidant, helps maintain a dogs coat and skin health.

Sweet Potatoes are at number four. Sweet potatoes are a root vegetable that are rich in complex carbohydrates, dietary fiber, beta-carotene and other vitamins. They are a high-quality dog food ingredient, regarded as a superfood by some.

Chickpeas aka Garbanzo Beans are added for more fiber to help digestion. They also provide excellent nutrients for your dogs including proteins, lecithin, potassium, magnesium, copper, folate, and a wide variety of vitamins. Note that the chickpeas are about 25% protein, which will form a significant part of the recorded protein content. The same applies to the lentils at number eight.

More duck goodness comes from duck fat, which is skimmed off the liquid used to cook the duck meat. Duck fat is a quality ingredient, high in linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid essential for your dogs life. The remaining broth serves as a natural duck flavor, instead of artificial flavors.

That brings us to Pollock oil at number 10. Similar to wild Alaskan salmon, wild Alaskan Pollock is an exceptional and sustainable source of fish oil, naturally rich in the prized EPA and DHA type of omega-3 fatty acids. These two high-quality fats boast the highest bio-availability to dogs and humansdepending on their level of freshness and purity, Pollock oil should be considered a commendable addition.

At that point, we finally come across pears. Pears can be a healthy treat for dogs as they have many beneficial nutrients in them such as fiber, vitamin C and potassium. These vitamins and minerals are essential for your dogs health, especially when their diet consists mainly of dry kibble.

At the backend of the ingredient list are a few more valuable ingredients. We find taurine, an important amino acid associated with the healthy function of a dogs heart muscle. The minerals zinc and copper are chelated, making them easier for the dogs system to absorb. And lastly, we come across those unpronounceable dried fermentation products with names like Lactobacillus acidophilus, valuable probiotics to aid with digestion.

As a group, the grain inclusive range features an average protein content of 34% and a mean fat level of 19%. Together, these figures suggest a carbohydrate content of 35% for the overall product line, and a fat-to-protein ratio of about 58%. All this means, is that the ACANA Regional range of 6 Singles Limited Ingredients dog foods have above-average protein, above-average fat, and below-average carbs when compared to a typical dry dog food.

Even when you consider the effect of the plant-based proteins, this looks like the profile of a kibble containing a notable amount of named meats and meat meals. Thus earning the ACANA Regional range of grain-free dog foods brand 5 stars, and also Dog Food Cares highest recommendation.

3. Nutritional Profile of ACANA Classic Dry Dog Food

ACANA pet food always goes beyond the first ingredient by sourcing high-quality ingredients like animal proteins from fresh or raw free-run chicken, and turkey, quail, ranch-raised meats, wild-caught or sustainably farmed fish, and cage-free eggs. Our recipes are also balanced with fruit, vegetables, and botanicals to keep your pet healthy, happy and strong.

Your love for your dogs means you want them to enjoy a meal thats both tasty and healthy. And with ingredients like beef and salmon, ACANA is truly a protein-packed dog food. At the heart of every tasty ACANA bite is a careful balance of natural, quality ingredients. The result is a wonderfully nutrient-dense meal your pets can sink their teeth into.

Dog Food Care chose the ACANA Free-Run Poultry Recipe to represent the 5 Classic ACANA dog food recipes.

Below is information about the ingredients and nutritional profile of the ACANA Free-Run Poultry Recipe

Below is a list of the 5 recipes in the ACANA Classic Dry Food range

This recipe is crafted with 60% animal ingredients including free-run chicken and turkey, plus cage-free eggs and 40% fruits, vegetables, and botanicals. There are also vitamins, minerals, natural preservatives and probiotics added, and zero artificial colors, flavors or preservatives.

Analyzing the first 10 ingredients in dog food is a great way to understand the overall nutrient content of the dog food because AAFCO requires all dog food ingredients to be listed in order of predominance by their weight. In this review, well examine all the animal sources first (Even beyond the first 10) and then look at the plant sources.

The first ingredient in the Free-Run Poultry dog food recipe is deboned chicken, rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids, and all 9 essential amino acids. Number two is deboned turkey packed with magnesium and zinc, both of which are necessary for the health of your dogs skin and coat. Turkey also contains small amounts of phosphorus, a mineral that combines with calcium to improve your dogs bone strength, muscle growth, and tooth health. All this without overdoing the fats because turkey meat is lean.

However, chicken and turkey contain almost 73% water which is lost during cooking, reducing the meat contentand nutrients to just a fraction of its original weight. Therefore, chicken meal, which contains about 300% more protein than the cooked chicken, is added to replace lost protein and other nutrients. We also found more protein sources at number 7, 8, and 9 on the ingredient list in the form of chicken liver, chicken fat, and catfish meal, and more beyond the first 10 ingredients mark.

At number 7 is chicken liver, a high-quality dog food ingredient, is an organ that contains healthy nutrients like calories, protein, vitamins, and minerals. Specifically, its rich in iron, copper, vitamin A and B. Chicken fat is number 8, a healthy fat source, obtained by skimming the fat off the soupy water after cooking the chicken. Chicken fat is high in linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid essential for life, and although not among the first 10 ingredients, the remaining broth after skimming off the chicken fat serves as the natural chicken flavor listed at number 15.

We found Catfish meal at number 9, high in protein, healthy Omega-3 fatty acids, amino acids, antioxidants, potassium, phosphorous, selenium, Vitamins B6, B12, and Niacin. Fourteenth on the list is turkey giblets (liver, heart, gizzard), a rich source of vitamins B3 and B12, and the minerals iron, phosphorus and zinc. These vitamins and minerals play an important role in the cell-metabolism of your canine. We found chicken hearts at number 18, a rich source of lean protein and fatty acids, vitamin A, vitamin B, zinc, iron, and phosphorus. They are an excellent source of omega-3. Chicken hearts also contain taurine, which is good for a dogs cardiovascular and eye health.

Eggs, often regarded a superfood, is at number 15. Eggs are one of natures perfect protein sources and are full of amino acids and fatty acids that are excellent for your dogs skin and coat. They also provide a variety of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin B, Riboflavin, Folate, Iron, and Selenium. Eggs are followed by fish oil, which could be valuable, but because the source is not mentioned, we could not judge this ingredient. And then, just to ensure a product loaded with animal protein, freeze-dried chicken liver and freeze-dried turkey liver, appear around number 25 and 26.

Although legumes are quality plant ingredients, the extensive list included in this recipe might be seen as ingredient splitting. They include whole red lentils, whole pinto beans, whole green peas, whole chickpeas, whole green lentils, whole yellow peas, lentil fiber, and pea starch. If we were to combine all these individual items together and report them as one, that newer combination would likely occupy a significantly higher position on the list. Moreover, legumes contain about 25% plant protein, which must be considered when looking at the protein percentage recorded for this recipe.

The use of taurine is beneficial as an important amino acid associated with the healthy function of the heart muscle. Although taurine is not typically considered essential in canines, some dogs have been shown to be deficient in this critical nutrient, most frequently dogs on grain-free diets.

We also find chicory root, a starch-like compound and a rich source of inulin, a natural source of soluble dietary fiber. It is also a prebiotic used along with the probiotics from fermentation products at the end of the ingredients list to promote the growth of healthy bacteria in a dogs digestive tract. And lastly, its good to see the minerals are chelated, a sign of better quality dog foods, to ease absorption of the minerals.

As a group, the ACANA Classic dried dog food range features an average protein content of 34% and a mean fat level of 18%. Together, these figures suggest a carbohydrate content of 40% for the overall product line, and a fat-to-protein ratio of about 54%. This means this range contains above-average named protein sources, above-average fat, and below-average carbs compared to other dried dog foods.

Although Acana formulated their classic recipes with an abundance of named animal proteins, the amount of plant-based proteins might pose weight gain risks. That is because any excessive protein your dog eats will be stored as fat. Although Dog Food Care highly recommend these ACANA Classics, it earns only a 4-Star rating.

4. Nutritional Profile of ACANA Wholesome Grains Dry Dog Food

ACANA pet food always goes beyond the first ingredient by sourcing high-quality ingredients like animal proteins from fresh or raw free-run chicken, and turkey, quail, ranch-raised meats, wild-caught or sustainably farmed fish, and cage-free eggs. Their recipes are also balanced with fruit, vegetables, and botanicals to keep your pet healthy, happy and strong.

As a doggy daddy or mommy, your most significant responsibility is to ensure your choice of puppy food will give the little fuzzball optimal nutrition from the start. Puppies do most of their growing and other development during the first three to four months, which is when every ingredient in their food must have a purpose.

At the heart of every tasty ACANA bite is a careful balance of natural, quality ingredients. The result is a wonderfully nutrient-dense meal your puppies can sink their teeth into. However, it is important to note that the nutritional requirements for small breed puppies are different because they grow faster and could reach adulthood at around 6 to 7 months.

Dog Food Care chose the ACANA Wholesome Grains Puppy Recipe to represent the 5 Wholesome Grains ACANA recipes.

Below is information about the ingredients and nutritional profile of the ACANA Wholesome Grains Puppy Recipe

Below is a list of the 5 recipes in the ACANA Wholesome Grains Dry Food range

Feed your doggy dude the high-quality nutrition he needs and deserves with ACANA Puppy Recipe, Real Chicken, Eggs & Turkey Wholesome Grains. This dry dog food is specially crafted for growing puppies with free-run chicken, cage-free eggs and free-run turkey, along with wholesome grains, including oats, sorghum, and millet. The grains are not only high in fiber, but they are also free from gluten, delivering nutrition that helps support healthy digestion.

Analyzing the first 10 ingredients in dog food is a great way to understand the overall nutrient content of the dog food because AAFCO requires all dog food ingredients to be listed in order of predominance by their weight. In this review, well examine all the animal sources first (Even beyond the first 10) and then look at the plant sources.

The first ingredient in the Wholesome Grains Puppy recipe is deboned chicken, rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids, and all 9 essential amino acids. There is also deboned turkey meat lower down the list at number 12, which is packed with magnesium and zinc, both of which are necessary for the health of your dogs skin and coat. Turkey also contains small amounts of phosphorus, a mineral that combines with calcium to improve your dogs bone strength, muscle growth, and tooth health. All this without overdoing the fats because turkey meat is lean.

However, chicken and turkey contain almost 73% water, which is lost during cooking, reducing the meat contentand nutrients to just a fraction of its original weight. Therefore, at number 2, we find chicken meal, which contains about 300% more protein than the cooked chicken and turkey, is added to replace lost protein and other nutrients.

Chicken fat is number 6, a healthy fat source, obtained by skimming the fat off the soupy water after cooking the chicken. Chicken fat is high in linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid essential for life, and although not among the first 10 ingredients, the remaining broth after skimming off the chicken fat serves as the natural chicken flavor listed at number 14.

At number 8 is chicken liver, a high-quality dog food ingredient, is an organ that contains healthy nutrients like calories, protein, vitamins, and minerals. Specifically, its rich in iron, copper, vitamin A and B.

We found Catfish meal at number 9, high in protein, healthy Omega-3 fatty acids, amino acids, antioxidants, potassium, phosphorous, selenium, Vitamins B6, B12, and Niacin. Eggs, often regarded a superfood, is at number 11. Eggs are one of natures perfect protein sources and are full of amino acids and fatty acids that are excellent for your dogs skin and coat. They also provide a variety of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin B, Riboflavin, Folate, Iron, and Selenium. Next is fish oil, which could be valuable, but we could not judge this ingredient because the source is not mentioned.

The final group of animal proteins on the list includes chicken cartilage, chicken hearts, and turkey giblets (liver, heart, gizzard), a rich source of vitamins B3 and B12, and the minerals iron, phosphorus and zinc. These vitamins and minerals play an important role in the cell metabolism of your canine.

Chicken cartilage is good for your dogs bones and good for his dental health as well. It cleans out bits of food and nasty bacteria between his teeth that can cause gum disease and tooth decay. Most prevalent in chicken feet. Chicken feet are one of the best sources of glucosamine available, and they are composed of over 30% cartilage.

We found chicken hearts at number 16, a rich source of lean protein and fatty acids, vitamin A, vitamin B, zinc, iron, and phosphorus. They are an excellent source of omega-3. Chicken hearts also contain taurine, which is good for a dogs cardiovascular and eye health. And then, just to ensure a product loaded with animal protein, freeze-dried chicken liver and freeze-dried turkey liver appear toward the end of the ingredient list.

That brings us to the plant-based nutrients. Below is a list of the Whole Grains in this recipe.

• Whole Sorghum: Sorghum is an ancient grain with a low glycemic index, beneficial for diabetic dogs. It has antioxidant effects and provides minerals like phosphorus, copper, magnesium, and zinc.
• Whole Millet: This grain is gluten-free, a popular choice for gluten-sensitive dogs who prefer grain-inclusive diets. Additional features of millet include high concentrations of antioxidants, which boost your dogs immune system.
• Whole Oats: The low glycemic index of oats helps control blood sugar. And the soluble fiber from whole oats helps manage cholesterol. Oats are high in protein and low in gluten, and they are popular in formulas for dogs with sensitivities to corn, wheat, or other grains.
• Oats groats: This is cleaned oats with the hulls removed. The dehulled oat includes the germ, bran, and endosperm. They contain a good balance of amino acids, vitamins, and minerals.
• Ground Miscanthus Grass: It contains over 80 percent dietary fiber, all natural, non-GMO, grain-free, gluten-free. It is not a byproduct of another industry like beet pulp, a left-over after the sugar production.

Two more plant-related ingredients are butternut squash and pumpkin. Butternut squash is filled with potassium, which greatly benefits the nerves, enzymes, kidneys, and muscles of a dog. Pumpkin is a superfood for dogs. It contains essential micronutrients and fiber that make it a very nutritious treat. Besides being a natural stomach soother, pumpkin also helps to remove excess water in a dogs digestive tract.

The use of taurine is beneficial as an important amino acid associated with the healthy function of the heart muscle. Although taurine is not typically considered essential in canines, some dogs have been shown to be deficient in this critical nutrient, most frequently dogs on grain-free diets.

We also find chicory root, a starch-like compound and a rich source of inulin, a natural source of soluble dietary fiber. It is also a prebiotic used along with the probiotics from fermentation products at the end of the ingredients list to promote the growth of healthy bacteria in a dogs digestive tract. And lastly, its good to see the minerals are chelated, a sign of better quality dog foods, to ease absorption of the minerals.

Feeding large breed puppies something that is too high in protein may make them put on weight too quickly, causing abnormal joint development and making them more prone to issues like arthritis in the future. That can happen because any excessive protein your puppy eats will be stored as fat.

Acana formulated its classic recipes with an abundance of named animal proteins, and nutrient-rich plant-based ingredients. Therefore, Dog Food Care rates Acana Wholesome Grains Puppy formula as 5-star dog food and recommends it to all puppy parents.

5. ACANA Rescue Care For Adopted Dogs

ACANA Rescue Care for Adopted Dogs is a delicious, nourishing kibble that was specially crafted to help support a shelter dogs transition from the adoption environment to their forever home. Two recipes were developed from shelter research in partnership with the ACANA in-house veterinarian.

ACANA Rescue Care for Adopted Dogs supports the needs of rescues while also giving back. For every bag purchased, ACANA provides a meal for a shelter pet in need. They come packed in 4-lb and 22.5-lb bags, at an average price of $2.79-lb

6. ACANA Premium Chunks in Broth Grain-Free Canned Food

Every can of ACANA Premium Chunks is crafted thoughtfully from start to finish. Each Animal Protein Source in Bone Broth is formulated with 85% animal ingredients in the form of premium chunks. Its also balanced with 15% visible fruit and vegetables in a savory bone broth your dog will love. Add it as a topper to your dogs favorite ACANA kibble to provide them with more hydration and crave-worthy flavor, or feed it alone for an indulgent treat at mealtime. You can rotate the 5 Premium Chunks flavors to prevent your dog from developing flavor fatigue.

Dog Food Care picked the ACANA Premium Beef Chunks in Bone Broth to represent the 5 Premium Chucks canned dog food recipes.

Below is information about the ingredients and nutritional profile of the ACANA Premium Beef Chunks in Bone Broth.

Below is a list of the 5 recipes in the ACANA Premier Grain-Free Chunks in Bone Broth Canned Dog Food range

Is your dog a kibble dude, or does he prefer canned dog food? Why not give him both? If you can find an ACANA kibble that your precious pup really enjoys, make sure you have a few cans of ACANA Premium Grain-Free Meat Chunks in Bone Broth of different flavors in the pantry. Spoon some over your canine companions kibble to enhance the flavor.

Analyzing the first 10 ingredients in dog food is a great way to understand the overall nutrient content of the dog food because AAFCO requires all dog food ingredients to be listed in order of predominance by their weight.

Lets look at the animal-sourced ingredients first. The meaty ingredients in the first 10 ingredients in this recipe are listed below.

Beef is rich in protein and nutrients like niacin, vitamin B12, creatine, iron, and zinc.

Beef liver is an organ thats rich in iron, copper, and vitamins A and B. Generally, the liver is a nutritious and healthy ingredient that provides nutrients and flavor that makes your dog want to eat the food

Bison: According to the USDA, bison is clearly the better choice with significantly less fat and calories, less cholesterol and bison contains higher amounts of protein, iron, and vitamin B-12 than beef, pork, chicken, and salmon

Broth results from the cooking process of beef bones and lamb. Broth is often used as a healthy natural flavor or instead of water when making dog food. It makes dogs more likely to eat the food and adds moisture. Although broth doesnt provide a lot of nutritional value, we regard it as a healthy dog food ingredient.

Dried egg whites and dried egg product are listed separately. Both are powders made from dried shell-free eggs. Eggs are a high-quality protein source, and each part of an egg provides specific health benefits for dogs. For instance, egg yolks contain both fatty acids and vitamins, while egg whites provide amino acids, vitamin A, calcium, and iron.

Organic guar gum is a natural ingredient that stabilizes the liquid and prevents the oil and water from separating. It also causes the gel-like texture of the broth or sauce you find in canned meat products.

Sweet Potatoes are at number three. Sweet potatoes are a root vegetable that is rich in complex carbohydrates, gluten-free dietary fiber, beta-carotene and other vitamins. They are a high-quality dog food ingredient, regarded as a superfood by some.

Cranberries can improve your dogs bladder health, reduce tartar and plaque buildup, fight bacteria, and help prevent cancer, among other benefits.

Blueberries are a great low-calorie treat for dogs. They also contain antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins C and K. These nutrients support the immune system and contribute to overall health.

Carrots are root vegetables and contain healthy nutrients like carbohydrates, fiber, and beta-carotene. We consider it a high-quality dog food ingredient.

Spinach is a rich source of vitamin A, C, K, magnesium, manganese, and iron. Spinach also provides riboflavin, vitamin B6, vitamin E, calcium, potassium, and dietary fiber. Its a very nutritious plant and generally a high-quality dog food ingredient.

Several ingredients follow, none with particular importance as they are low down the list. However, we find sunflower oil and herring oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols), which is naturally rich in the prized EPA and DHA types of omega-3 fatty acids. These two high-quality fats boast the highest bio-availability to dogs and humans.

The use of taurine is beneficial as an important amino acid associated with the heart muscles healthy function. Although taurine is not typically considered essential in canines, some dogs are deficient in this critical nutrient, most frequently dogs on grain-free diets.

And lastly, its good to see the minerals are chelated, a sign of better quality dog foods, to ease absorption of the minerals.

ACANAs Premium Chunks in Broth looks like the profile of canned dog food containing a significant amount of named meat ingredients. Dog Food Care recommends ACANA Premium Chunks in Broth as a grain-free option worth 5 Stars.

6. ACANA Freeze-Dried High-Protein Patties and Morsels

With all the benefits of raw nutrition and none of the mess, the four ACANA Freeze-Dried Food products will satisfy your dogs natural cravings in a convenient, freeze-dried form. Made from 90%* quality animal protein, and infused with delicious bone broth, you can serve morsels or patties on their own or as toppers at mealtime.

Dog Food Care picked the ACANA Freeze-Dried Ranch-Raised Beef Recipe to represent the 4 High-Protein Freeze-Dried food recipes.

Below is information about the ingredients and nutritional profile of the ACANA Ranch-Raised Beef Freeze-dried Patties and Morsels Recipe

Below is a list of the 4 recipes in the ACANA Premier Grain-Free Chunks in Bone Broth Canned Dog Food range

ACANA offers yet another option to prevent your canine companion developing flavor fatigue. This comes in the form of high-protein freeze-dried patties and morsels in four farm-fresh flavors.

Analyzing the first 10 ingredients in dog food is a great way to understand the overall nutrient content of the dog food because AAFCO requires all dog food ingredients to be listed in order of predominance by their weight.

The ingredients in the different flavors of the freeze-dried patties and morsels are very similar, with only the protein-related ingredients varying.

1st IngredientBeef: Beef is rich in protein and nutrients like niacin, vitamin B12, creatine, iron, and zinc.

2nd IngredientBeef Liver: Beef liver is an organ thats rich in iron, copper, and vitamins A and B. Generally, the liver is a nutritious and healthy ingredient that provides nutrients and flavor that makes your dog want to eat the food

3rd IngredientWhole Mackerel: Whole Mackerel is absolutely loaded with essential nutrients for your dogs health and wellbeing! Mackerel fish is a great source of Omega-3. Vitamin B12, vitamin D, and amino acids. This makes it a super healthy addition to your dogs daily meals, or an occasional treat for behaving well.

4th IngredientPumpkin: Pumpkin is a superfood for dogs. It contains essential micronutrients and fiber that make it a very nutritious treat. Besides being a natural stomach soother, pumpkin also helps to remove excess water in a dogs digestive tract:

5th IngredientNatural Fish Flavor: Broth obtained from cooking the mackerel is likely used as a healthy natural flavor or instead of water when making dog food.

6th IngredientBeef Bone: Without mentioning whether this ingredient is ground dog bones, we assume the bones are added during the cooking process to add natural flavor to the mixed ingredients.

7th IngredientBeef Tripe: Tripe contains omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids. Fatty acids have many health benefits for dogs. They may help boost a dogs immune system, reduce joint inflammation and help produce a healthy skin and coat.

8th IngredientBeef Kidney: Beef kidney is an organ meat which are the most nutrient dense part of the animal. They are a good source of Protein, vitamin C, zinc, vitamin A, Thiamine, Riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Folate, Vitamin B12, Pantothenic Acid, Iron, Phosphorus, Copper, and Selenium.

9th IngredientBeef Bone Broth: This broth results from the cooking process of beef bones and other meat-related ingredients. Broth is often used as a healthy natural flavor or instead of water when making dog food. It makes dogs more likely to eat the food and adds moisture. Although broth doesnt provide a lot of nutritional value, we regard it as a healthy dog food ingredient.

10th to 12th IngredientsOrganic Vegetables and Fruits:

Organic Butternut SquashButternut squash is filled with potassium, which greatly benefits the nerves, enzymes, kidneys, and muscles of a dog.

Organic CarrotsCarrots are packed with healthy nutrients like carbohydrates, fiber, and beta-carotene.

Organic PearsPears, including the peels, are filled with vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber, and antioxidants.

We also find chicory root, a starch-like compound and a rich source of inulin, a natural source of soluble dietary fiber. It is also a prebiotic that promotes the growth of healthy bacteria in a dogs digestive tract. Furthermore, the recipe uses mixed Tocopherols as a natural preservative, and the minerals are chelated to make them more absorbable.

Dog Food Care is impressed by this range of freeze-dried food options for dogs. ACANA High-Protein Freeze-Dried range of patties and morsels are loaded with proteins, antioxidants, omega fatty acids, and other valuable nutrients. We rate both patties and morsels 5-star quality, and eagerly recommend ACANA Freeze-Dried Patties and Morsels.

7. ACANA Treat Options

ACANA offers two healthy treats for your furry friends, both limited ingredient high-protein, and irresistible for most dogs. Well tell you about their high-protein freeze-dried treats and biscuits.

What are the Best ACANA Dry Dog Food Recipes and Flavors?

After reviewing the ACANA range of Dog Foods, Dog Food Care selected the Best Recipes and Flavors as listed below.

Best Overall:

ACANA Appalachian Ranch Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

ACANA Appalachian Ranch Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is a nutritious meal for your canine companion. It is delicious and packed full of protein, formulated with 70% animal ingredients including ranch-raised beef, Yorkshire pork, grass-fed lamb, catfish and bison, plus 30% fruits, vegetables, and botanicals.

Best Kibble with Wholesome Grains:

ACANA Sea to Stream Fish & Wholesome Grains Gluten-Free Recipe

Feed your doggy dude the high-quality nutrition he needs and deserves with ACANA Sea to Stream Recipe with Wholesome Grains Dry Dog Food. This kibble is specially crafted with raw herring, catfish, mackerel, and redfish, along with wholesome grains, including oats, sorghum, and millet. The grains are not only high in fiber, but they are also free from gluten, delivering nutrition that helps support healthy digestion.

Best Wet Food for Puppies

ACANA Premium Pt Puppy Recipe in Bone Broth

ACANAs Puppy Recipe in Bone Broth is a specially formulated pate crafted to nurture your puppys growth and development. With 85%* premium animal ingredients like chicken, turkey and herring, its balanced with 15%* visible fruit and vegetables. The recipe is also in a savory bone broth base for flavor and nutrition. Top it on your puppys favorite ACANA kibble to provide moisture and nourishment, or feed it alone for an indulgent treat at mealtime.

Best Freeze Dried Food:

ACANA Free-Run Turkey Recipe Patties and Morsels

With all the benefits of raw nutrition and none of the mess, ACANA Freeze-Dried Food, Free-Run Turkey Recipe satisfies your dogs natural cravings in a convenient, freeze-dried form. Made from 90%* quality animal protein from free-run turkey and whole wild-caught herring, and infused with delicious bone broth, you can serve patties or morsels on their own or as a topper at mealtime.

Best For Budget:

ACANA Free-run Poultry Grain-Free Dry Dog Food Recipe

If you thought its impossible to serve your furry friend a nutritious meal thats delicious and full of protein at an affordable price, youd be wrong. ACANAs Free-Run Poultry Recipe, Grain-Free Dry Dog Food, ticks all the boxes without breaking the bank. This recipe is formulated with 60% animal ingredients including free-run chicken and turkey, plus cage-free eggs and 40% fruits, vegetables, and botanicals. There are also vitamins, minerals, natural preservatives and probiotics added, and zero artificial colors, flavors or preservatives.

What is the quality of ingredients in ACANA Dry Dog Food?

ACANA doesnt cut corners when it comes to ingredients. They source only locally produced ingredients and never include undesirable ingredients like wheat, soy, corn, meat by-products or unnamed meats and oils. The first and often also the second and third ingredients are always high-quality meat proteins. ACANA have warnings of possibly causing DCM in pets, but nothing has been thoroughly proven, so you should be safe using Acana as your dogs go-to dog food.

All ACANA recipes include essential amino acids, Omega fatty-acids, vitamins, and minerals by using Wholeprey muscle meat, organs, and cartilage, which contains all the nutrients your doggy dude needs naturally. You wont need to add supplements to your furry friends diet. All fruits and vegetables, including peas, beans, and lentils, are non-GMO ingredients that provide natural fiber, minerals, and vitamins.

What are the Customer Reviews for ACANA Dog Food Brand?

Customer reviews are essential as a tool when considering a change in your dogs diet. Even though ACANA is a highly recommended dog food brand, it helps to see what other dog owners think. Amazon customer reviews of the ACANA Free-Range Poultry Grain-Free recipe are noted below.

Is ACANA Dog Food good for a dogs skin?

All ACANA Sub-brands have food recipes that specifically include healthy oils, such as fish oil and sunflower oil, containing omega-3 and omega-6 to promote healthy skin and combat allergies.

Is ACANA Dog Food good for dogs with itchy skin problems?

Yes, all sub-brands include limited ingredient formulas with wholesome grains and grain-free options, and if your dogs itchy skin is food-related, ACANA recipes will minimize the risk of ingredient allergens within the diet. ACANA has diets formulated to relieve itchiness and maintain skin health once the condition has improved.

Is ACANA Dog Food good for puppies?

Several puppy options are among the various formulas of ACANAs dog foods. Those recipes are approved as G, for Growth, by the AAFCO.

Is ACANA Dog Food good for older dogs?

All the ACANA foods should be perfectly safe for senior dogs, as the AAFCO approval indicates all recipes suitable for All Life Stages. Most Acana recipes provide protection for joints and bones by ensuring the presence of chondroitin and glucosamine in the formulas.

Is ACANA Dog Food healthy for dog growth?

ACANA diets have been carefully crafted to provide optimal amounts of calcium, balanced by phosphorus, to promote adequate bone growth while reducing the risk of potentially debilitating disorders later in life.

Is ACANA Dog Food expensive?

ACANA has a vast range of dog food recipes, at different prices, based on the dog food bought. Below is a list of average prices per pound.

Is ACANA Dog Food AAFCO approved?

Yes, all the ACANA dog food formulas are approved as meeting the nutritional guidelines set out by AAFCO (The Association of American Feed Control Officials). Most ACANA recipes are approved for All Life Stages, except for the growth of large-size dogs (70 lb. or more as an adult)

Is ACANA Dog Food grain-free?

All ACANA Sub-brands reviewed here have grain-free and wholesome grains inclusive recipes, only the ACANA Digestive Health does not have a grain-free formula.

Is ACANA Dog Food a high-energy dog food?

ACANA Dry Dog Foods sub-brands are all formulated to provide the nutrients required for optimal health and energy.

Is ACANA Dog food produced in the USA?

All ACANA Dog food dry recipes are produced at our company-owned manufacturing facility in Indiana, U.S.A.

Is ACANA Dog food produced in China?

The ACANA website indicates that their dry dog foods are manufactured in Indiana. However, they provide no information about the location of the wet dog foods manufacturing facilities.

Where to Buy ACANA Dog Food products in the USA?

ACANA dog food is available to purchase from a considerable range of physical pet food stores. Champion Petfoods, is committed to supporting local Neighborhood Pet Stores. As a founding member of IndiePet, Theyre investing in the long-term future of more than 8,000 independent pet retailers in the U.S. Through collaboration and the sharing of insights and strategic advice, theyre able to support this important community. Champion does not authorize the following retailers to sell their products: Walmart, Target, Petsmart, Kmart, eBay, and Sears.

Online suppliers authorized to sell ACANA dog foods include

Chewy

Amazon

Both the above retailers offer subscriptions for scheduled deliveries of your dog food orders, typically such subscriptions earn you discounts.

Below is a list of additional online retailers authorized to sell ACANA dog foods.

• Petstuff.com
• Pet Supplies Plus
• PetFlow
• Petco
• Only Natural Pet
• Natural Pawz
• Loyal Companion
• Krisers Natural Pet
• K9Cuisine
• Hollywood Feed
• Chuck & Dons

How is the ACANA Dog Food Shipment Speed?

The speed of shipments for orders placed online depends on the location where the dog food must be delivered. Amazon and Chewy deliveries take 1 to 3 days in most cases.

What is the difference between Acana and Orijen?

ACANA is the sister brand of Orijen, with both being made by Canadian manufacturer Champion Petfoods. Orijen is the more expensive brand of the two.