Acana s Lamb Lineup An In Depth Look at Premium Canine Nutrition

Singles, Lamb with Apple RecipeDry Dog Food

Composition

Raw lamb (21%), lamb meal (18%), raw lamb organs (liver, kidney, tripe) (16%), whole chickpeas, whole lentils, fish oil (5%), fresh apples (4%), dehydrated sweet potato (4%), lentil fibre, sunflower oil, salt, dried kelp, fresh whole pumpkin, fresh whole butternut squash, dried chicory root, whole cranberries, whole blueberries, turmeric, milk thistle, burdock root, lavender, marshmallow root, rosehips.

ADDITIVES (per kg): Technological additives: Tocopherol extracts from vegetable oils: 121 mg, citric acid: 40 mg. Sensory additives: Rosemary extract: 80 mg Nutritional additives: Taurine: 1500 mg, Choline chloride (choline): 700 mg, Zinc proteinate: 160 mg, Copper proteinate: 5.5 mg, Vitamin B1: 75 mg, Vitamin B2: 15 mg, Vitamin B3: 150 mg, Vitamin B5: 45 mg, Vitamin B6: 26 mg, Vitamin B9: 5.25 mg, Vitamin B12: 0.15 mg, Vitamin E: 250 IU. Zootechnical additives: Enterococcus faecium DSM 10663/NCIMB 10415: 1x10^9 CFU.

CALORIE CONTENT (calculated): Metabolizable energy is 3405 kcal/kg (409 kcal per standard 120 g cup) with calories distributed with 32% from protein, 26% from carbohydrates, and 42% from fat. ACANA LAMB WITH APPLE RECIPE dog food is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by FEDIAF for All Life Stages, excluding growth of all large size dogs (70 lb or more as an adult).

More ProteinFor Your Growing

When it comes to ACANA pet food, every ingredient that goes into our thoughtfully crafted recipes is important, and were dedicated to making quality dog and cat foods with the world's best ingredients. Our foods are crafted with quality fresh or raw animal ingredients balanced with whole fruit and vegetables. Our fresh ingredients use refrigeration as the sole method of preservation, and our raw ingredients are frozen at their peak freshness. ACANA premium dog foods and treats are protein-rich, nutritious and delicious, and use ingredients from a curated group of farmers, ranchers and fishers weve known and trusted for decades. Our recipes are ideal for dogs of all ages including puppies, adult dogs and senior dogs and are available in no grains ingredients added recipes, Healthy Grains recipes, and Singles recipes for dogs with sensitivities. ACANA premium cat food recipes offer a variety of recipes and flavours rich with animal protein and nutrients, so your cat is getting everything they need to look and feel their best. With diets for kittens, adult cats and senior cats, theres the right food for every cat. The name "Acana" was inspired by the farmlands of Alberta, Canada. Through the years, it has become synonymous with quality. Today we craft our food in our world-class kitchens in Edmonton, Alberta and Auburn, Kentucky.

BALANCED RECIPESFOR ABALANCED BUDGET

When it comes to ACANA pet food, every ingredient that goes into our thoughtfully crafted recipes is important, and were dedicated to making quality dog and cat foods with the world's best ingredients. Our foods are crafted with quality fresh or raw animal ingredients balanced with whole fruit and vegetables. Our fresh ingredients use refrigeration as the sole method of preservation, and our raw ingredients are frozen at their peak freshness. ACANA premium dog foods and treats are protein-rich, nutritious and delicious, and use ingredients from a curated group of farmers, ranchers and fishers weve known and trusted for decades. Our recipes are ideal for dogs of all ages including puppies, adult dogs and senior dogs and are available in no grains ingredients added recipes, Wholesome Grains recipes, and Singles recipes for dogs with sensitivities. ACANA premium cat food recipes offer a variety of recipes and flavors rich with animal protein and nutrients, so your cat is getting everything they need to look and feel their best. With diets for kittens, adult cats and senior cats, theres the right food for every cat. The name "Acana" was inspired by the farmlands of Alberta, Canada. Through the years, it has become synonymous with quality. Today we craft our food in our world-class kitchens in Edmonton, Alberta and Auburn, Kentucky.

ACANA FAQs FOR PET LOVERS

Q. WHAT IS FEDIAF AND AAFCO?

FEDIAF is the trade body that represents the European pet food industry. As we do export our ORIJEN diets to Europe, we follow FEDIAF nutritional recommendations for dogs and cats to ensure that our diets are complete andbalanced. AAFCO is the Association of American Feed Control Officials. Our Freeze-Dried foods and Treats are produced in our DogStar Kitchen in the US and adhere to the nutritional levels established by AAFCO for catsand dogs.

Q. Are ACANA foods appropriate for my overweight pet?

Yes. Studies show that feeding dogs a high protein, low carbohydrate diet can help them to reduce body weight better than a high carbohydrate food.High protein diets support weight loss, while not having such severe reductions in caloric intake when compared to traditional high carbohydrate diets. We recommend ACANA Light & Fit, as it does meet these requirements.

Q. What is your position on DCM?

Why some dogs develop DCM is a complex issue that has been studied by scientists for decades. From published research we know many factors may cause a dog to develop DCM, including breed, genetics, biology, pre-existinghealth conditions, digestive issues, obesity, nutrition and processing of key nutrients, as well as activity level. We believe the best diet for your dog depends on the unique nutritional needs of your pet.

The FDA has reinforced that:

• DCM is a scientifically complex, multifaceted disease and in December 2022, the FDA announced it will not release further updates on its research into DCM until there is any meaningful new scientific information toshare, because up until this point the reports under their review provided insufficient data to link grain-free foods to DCM.
• The development of DCM in dogs has a clear genetic component, and potentially other factors, including nutrition, could contribute.
• FDA is not taking any regulatory action against grain-free foods.

There is no question that grain-free foods are safe and nutritionally complete. We have been making premium grain-free foods for 15 years, and dogs thrive on our products. If grain-free foods were dangerous or unsafe, we would have known that by now.Moreover, as a public health agency, FDA would be required to take regulatory action, including recalling grain-free products if they were unsafe or dangerous.We are passionate about the premium quality of the grain-free food we make and are committed to optimizing pet health through sound nutrition. Grain-free foods are safe and nutritionally complete our history and thescience proves it.

The following article, which appeared in the Journal of Animal Science, provides an overview of the scientific literature on the issue.

For more information please contact our Customer Care team.

Q. What happened to the ACANA Lawsuit?

Heavy Metals Consumers represented by the same group of plaintiffs lawyers brought numerous class action lawsuits alleging that the heavy metals in Champions ORIJEN and ACANA dog food was deceptive or misleading. Champion doesnot add heavy metals into its food as an ingredient, or otherwise. Heavy metals are naturally found in the environment and the ingredients in Champions pet food. Every court that has considered this issue has foundthat the naturally-occurring heavy metals in Champions pet food are present at a low, safe levels that are not dangerous or toxic to pets.

Champion, the manufacturers of ORIJEN and ACANA, has tested its dog and cat foods for heavy metals at independent laboratories, using the Official Methods of Analysis by Association of Analytical Communities (AOAC). The results show that the presenceof naturally-occurring heavy metals are well below the National Research Councils maximum tolerable limits, which are the limits that the FDA uses for guidance and are the most widely used scientific guidance availableto veterinary toxicology and nutrition experts for determining what are considered to be safe levels of heavy metals in dog food.

Biologically Appropriate Pet Food At least eight federal courts have dismissed, or affirmed the dismissal of, lawsuits arguing that the term biologically appropriate was deceptive or misleading. These courts found that the term implies the food issuitable for dogs and cats to eat.

The term biologically appropriate refers to pet food that mirrors the natural diets which cats and dogs have evolved to consume, aligned with their digestive anatomy. Studies have shown that the fundamental physiology of modern dogs and cats has experiencedminimal change through domestication. Despite present day domestication, our beloved pets evolved from hunters, which is evident in their digestive mechanisms. Dogs and cats have short gastro-intestinal tracts. Thisindicates that the digestive tract is designed for breaking down protein and fat from meat, rather than plants or grains.

Therefore, in the context of dogs and cats, biologically appropriate food would typically consist of fresh or raw meat, offering high protein, moderate fat, and low carbohydrate content. It's worth noting that substantial amounts of grains and carbohydratesare not considered biologically appropriate for your pets, which is why our food is low in carbohydrates, unlike many other premium pet food brands.

Taste of the Wild vs. Acana Dog Food: Our 2024 In-Depth Comparison

Pet nutrition is a hot topic these days, and pet parents are concerned now more than ever about what goes in their furry friends bowl. We have two noteworthy picksTaste of the Wild and Acana. Both similar brands offer excellent nutrition for your dog, but which is better?

Here were going to go over each brands best dishes and learn a little more about the companies.

A Sneak Peek at the Winner: Acana

Rating	Image	Product	Details
Best Overall		Acana Wholesome Grains Red Meat	First 2 ingredients are fresh or raw beef or pork Crafted with wholesome grains 100% free from legume, gluten and potato	CHECK PRICE
Runner-Up		Taste of the Wild Wetlands Ancient Grains	Real duck as the #1 ingredient With vitamins and minerals from real fruits and ancient grains Contains K9 Strain Proprietary Probiotics	CHECK PRICE

These dog food brands aim to give a wide variety of flavors, textures, and nutritional aims to nourish your pup. But which is better?

Due to changes in dog food over the recent years, companies are pushed to adapt to new changes. Nutritionists aim to give dogs a better diet, and both companies seem to follow suit. However, when it comes to quality, we think Acana comes out on top.

About Acana

Despite its popularity being relatively recent, Acana has been around for quite a while. They adapted to the ever-changing expectations in pet food, adopting a more holistic approach to their food lines. This has proven to be a great success as they continue to incorporate modern standards.

Company History

Acana pet food is owned by Champion Pet Foods. It was named after its birthplace in the farmlands of Alberta, Canada. Acana aims to use all-natural recipes with 50% animal ingredients. While it didnt start as a holistic choice, they have powered up their recipes, giving the quality your pup deserves.

Available Food Lines

Acanas food line has grown exponentially since its beginning in Canada during the 1970s. They seem to jive with the times, creating a line of a dry kibble containing frozen raw and fresh pieces for optimal nutrition intake.

While this is definitely a step in the right direction, it seems there is little information that makes raw diets iffy. They can contain harmful bacteria, like salmonella and E. coli. So, having a new line of raw-based foods can lead to concern.

However, with more product regulations, this company will continue to grow and put in place the correct measures to ensure freshness and safety.

About Taste of the Wild

Taste of the Wild was originally created in the 1970s by Diamond Pet Food. As the years droned on, the Taste of the Wild brand was marketed as wolf food, aiming to give dogs a natural, species-specific food that would nourish their bodies as nature intended.

Company History

Providing high protein, nutrient-dense recipes, Taste of the Wild has built an outstanding reputation with pet owners everywhere. Even though Taste of the Wild has grown exponentially through the years, it is still owned by a single-family. This family saw the opportunity to create a better diet experience that closely relates to canine and feline roots.

Available Food Lines

As the name might imply, Taste of the Wild aims to give dogs species-specific recipes. They pride themselves on tasty grain-free, ancient grain, and wet food options.

Taste of the Wilds recipes are notably high in protein, fat, and fiber. They believe that providing your dog with a more natural ingredients list, their bodies will thrive accordingly. These recipes are available in dry kibble and wet food portions.

The 3 Most Popular Acana Dog Food Recipes

1. Acana Wholesome Grains Red Meat & Grains Recipe

Acana Wholesome Grains Red Meat & Grains Recipe is a comprehensive recipe containing fresh or raw protein sources. This type of meal aims to deliver the most nutritious protein source to your dogs body to help all systems function properly.

As Acana advertises, they use 60% protein-rich animal ingredients in this recipethe rest are delicious fruits and veggies with absolutely no artificial additives or fillers. The proteins are frozen at peak freshness to ensure full benefits.

Rather than using harsh fillers, this recipe contains easy-to-digest ingredients like oat groats. In one serving, there are 371 calories. This is a modest amount, ideal for any everyday maintenance diet. The fat is slightly high in comparison, coming in at 17.0%.

All in all, its a terrific choice for an everyday diet for adult canines.

Pros

• Excellent for everyday health
• Raw and fresh freeze-dried kibble pieces
• Easy to digest grain

Cons

• Beef might be an allergy trigger

2. Acana Singles Beef & Pumpkin Recipe Grain-Free

Acana got the memo loud and clear about the potential of peas leading to heart problems. Thats why their grain-free line, including the Beef & Pumpkin Recipe, contains no peas. Instead, they use nutritious legumes as the primary carbohydrate source.

This is a kickin recipe for dogs with food allergies and gut sensitivities. This particular recipe has impressive protein content with deboned beef, beef meal, and beef liver, the first three ingredients. It also uses pumpkin, a highly digestible and nutrient-rich source of fiber.

This recipe is enriched with essential vitamins and minerals, providing antioxidant support for healthy immunity. We scoured the ingredients list, and we think this grain-free recipe is very well thought out. It wont be for all dogs to enjoybut its beyond excellent in quality.

Pros

• Easy to digest recipe
• No grains or peas
• Rich in fiber

3. Acana Wholesome Grains Puppy

We have to rave about Acana Wholesome Grains Puppy. It is simply loaded with goodies to keep your growing puppy healthy and on track. The impressive ingredients list is enough to make us sure.

It has all the right combination of nutrients your pup needs to get a good start in lifeglucosamine for healthy joints, omega fatty acids for skin and coat, EPA, and DHA for development.

In one serving, there are 425 calories, which is plentiful and excellent for a growing canine. Its packed with antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and protein. The protein content is 28.0%, a moderate level for most premium puppy foods. What more could you want?

We think that your puppy can benefit from starting with this diet selection.

Pros

• It contains DHA and EPA
• Antioxidant-rich
• Omega fatty acids for total health

The 3 Most Popular Taste of the Wild Dog Food Recipes

1. Taste of the Wild Wetlands with Ancient Grains

Overall favorite Taste of the Wild recipe is Ancient Wetlands with Ancient Grains. This delicious kibble offers duck as the first ingredient, so youre getting rich, dark meat that is full of beneficial ingredients and tasty flavors.

In one serving, there are 425 calories. This is moderately high compared to most dog foods, but it is aimed toward energetic, calorie-depleting pooches. So, if you have a lazier pup, youll have to be careful when you portion.

The guaranteed analysis of this product reads 32.0% crude protein, 18.0% crude fat, and 3.0% crude fiber. The animal protein is top-notch here, creating lean, healthy muscles for any dog. Combined with easy-to-digest grains like sorghum and millet, this is settling for the tummy.

It contains species-specific K9 strain proprietary probiotics to ensure a healthy gutit makes digestion a breeze! It has no potentially harsh ingredients but uses superfoods and antioxidant-rich additives to create a well-rounded recipe with necessary, flavorful ingredients.

Pros

• Excellent protein levels
• Delicious waterfowl recipe
• Ideal for active dogs

2. Taste of the Wild Pine Forest Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

If you have a gluten-sensitive pooch, we believe they will thrive on Taste of the Wild Pine Forest Grain-Free Dry Dog Food (but ask your vet!) It has everything you could want in a grain-free recipehardy protein, excellent veggies and fruits, and agreeable legumes.

In one serving, there are 408 calories, an ideal amount for moderate to high activity levels. The protein content is 28.0%, higher than most commercial dog foods to nourish and develop healthy, strong muscles. Using novel proteins like venison and lamb also helps dogs with protein sensitivities.

Rather than grains, this recipe uses legumes like garbanzo beans and lentils. This combo provides carbohydrates without the irritation of gluten in the system. It also contains Taste of the Wilds proprietary probiotics to support the immune system and gut.

If your dog is prone to allergies, this might be the diet that helps them overcome related symptoms.

Pros

• Novel protein for protein allergies
• Built for gluten sensitivity
• Easy-to-digest legumes added

Cons

• For gluten-sensitive dogs only

3. Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Puppy

If you want a highly nutritious puppy chow to feed your growing baby, consider Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Puppy. While it is labeled as roasted venison and bison, it actually contains water buffalo and lamb meal as the first two ingredients.

This recipe is grain-free, which is pretty controversialespecially among puppies. However, we want to point out that other recipes with grain are all-life-stages, meaning you can offer a regular recipe for your pup.

In one serving, there are 415 calories, plenty to serve a growing body. The protein content in this recipe is 28.0%, made up of several novel protein sources.

We love this recipe for puppies, and we think any breed could benefit. But it might trigger early allergies, so pay attention to your puppys behavior.

Pros

• Well-rounded recipe for pups
• Contains novel proteins
• Made without grains, corn, wheat

Recall History of Acana and Taste of the Wild

Luckily, over the course of Acanas growth, there has never been any pet food recalls to date. However, their owner, Champions Pet Foods, filed a lawsuit claiming mercury and lead levels were found in their food lines. Champion upheld the quality of their products without fail.

Taste of the Wild, on the other hand, had one major recall in 2012.

Taste of the Wild was also grouped in the lawsuit in 2018 about cardiopathic myopathy.

Taste of the Wild had a lawsuit pinned against them in 2019. It involved food testing positive for lead, arsenic, pesticides, and other toxins.

No open decisions were made about the verdict.

Brand Acana VS Taste of the Wild Comparison

Now that you know the basics of the recipes from both sides, we can get into it. Lets compare these two brands to see which is worthy of your dogs bowl.

IngredientsAcana

Both these brands have exquisite recipes that are premium and nutritious for dogs. Acana has taken a fresh/frozen kibble approach, while Taste of the Wild is holding strong to their lines of specialized and everyday dry kibble and wet food diets.

Even though Acana is up-and-coming, utilizing new tactics through fresh and frozen food turned into kibblewe have to give this to Taste of the Wild.

TasteAcana

We have to say that both of these dog foods were a real hit regarding flavor. Both the dry kibble and wet food selections have an appetite-inducing medley of ingredients that can satisfy the taste buds of even picky pooches.

We dont like that Taste of the Wild sometimes advertises specific proteins that arent in the top three ingredients. That could be misleading to buyers. Acana never does thisaiming to add the

Nutritional ValueAcana

Taste of the Wild and Acana have comprehensive ingredient lists. Each brand uses well-researched formulas that offer substantial nutrition for household pets.

Acana sort of evolved into the current recipes while Taste of the Wild started out offering excellent, biologically appropriate premium but affordable meals.

However, with Acanas new lines, the nutritional value is impeccable. They incorporate lightly cooked and raw pieces into their food lines to promote proper protein benefits.

While Taste of the Wild definitely has high protein recipes, your dog might not receive as much nutritionally.

PriceTaste of the Wild

Both brands are similarly priced. However, Taste of the Wild is more budget-friendly.

SelectionTaste of the Wild

Both Acana and Taste of the Wild have some pretty delicious recipes (our dogs told us so.) However, Taste of the Wild offers more variety, which can appeal to a wider audience.

Dont fretAcana is growing by the day, offering new recipes that include dry kibble and wet canned selections.

HistoryAcana

History is important to us. Thats why we have to go with Acana on this one. Taste of the Wild has had recalls and was also involved with multiple lawsuits regarding its pet food recipes.

No one is perfect, and there are bound to be issues with any company, but we think Acana comes out on top here.

OverallAcana

We think your best option between these two brands is Acana. While both can help your dog thrive, Acana has comprehensive and growing recipes that offer an even better natural approach to dog food.

Taste of the Wild just might wow consumers with a new line incorporating these ideas. But for now, Acana is in the lead.

Final Verdict

We think both dog foods aim to give your little guy or gal proper nutrition. With advancements in the industry, both lines will likely change with the ebb and flow of consumer expectations.

Overall, we commend both brands for being excellent in their own right. Innovative and nutritious, Taste of the Wild and Acana will both be around a long time. But with all things considered, Acana is our favorite.