Beyond Beef Exploring the Appeal of Lamb in Acana s Dog Food Line
Acana Dog Food Review (2024)
Acana Dog Food Review
Introduction
In the ever-evolving world of pet nutrition, Acana stands out as a premium brand renowned for its commitment to high-quality ingredients and nutritional excellence. As pet owners increasingly seek foods that offer more than just basic sustenance, Acana has become a go-to option for those looking to nourish their dogs in a way that promotes overall health and vitality. This review delves into Acana Dog Food, exploring its core values, extensive range of products, and the nutritional benefits that distinguish it from other brands in a competitive market.
Through a blend of genuine customer experiences, expert insights, and a detailed comparison with other brands, we aim to provide a comprehensive overview that equips dog owners with the information they need to make informed decisions about their pets diet. By examining the critical role of diet in a dogs health, longevity, and well-being, we underscore the importance of choosing a diet that supports pets in leading happy, healthy lives.
Company Overview
Founded in 1985, Acana embarked on a mission to redefine pet food standards by crafting biologically appropriate diets using fresh, regional ingredients. The cornerstone of Acanas philosophy is a profound belief that the health and well-being of pets are intricately linked to their diet. This belief has not only shaped the companys approach to pet nutrition but also its commitment to sustainability and community engagement. Acana prides itself on partnering with local farmers and fishermen, ensuring that the ingredients used are not only of the highest quality but also sustainably sourced to support local economies.
The companys dedication to creating nutrient-dense, wholesome pet foods is matched by its commitment to environmental stewardship. Acana employs eco-friendly manufacturing processes that minimize waste and conserve natural resources, reflecting a deep respect for the planet and its inhabitants. This holistic approach to business has propelled Acanas growth, enabling it to offer a comprehensive range of products that cater to the specific needs of dogs at different stages of their lives. By maintaining a steadfast focus on quality, integrity, and sustainability, Acana has established itself as a leader in the premium pet food market, trusted by pet owners worldwide who seek the best for their canine companions.
Product Line and Ingredients
Acanas unwavering dedication to pet nutrition is at the heart of its diverse product lineup, designed to meet the varied needs of dogs across all breeds, sizes, and life stages. At the core of Acanas philosophy is a commitment to using only the finest ingredients, sourced from trusted local suppliers. This ensures that each product is not just nourishing but also reflective of a dogs natural dietary requirements. The selection of whole, fresh, or raw meats, poultry, and fish, alongside fresh vegetables and fruit, underscores Acanas pledge to provide diets rich in nutrients that dogs would naturally consume in the wild.
In addition to grain-free options that offer high-quality alternatives for energy, Acanas portfolio includes specialized formulas designed to address specific health concerns and dietary needs. This includes diets tailored for weight management, sensitive stomachs, and even breed-specific formulas, ensuring that every dog can enjoy the benefits of a balanced and healthy diet. The All Life Stages line exemplifies Acanas innovative approach, offering a single solution for families with multiple dogs, simplifying pet care without compromising on nutritional value.
Acanas openness about where its ingredients come from not only demonstrates the brands integrity but also its dedication to sustainability and ethical practices. By emphasizing the importance of quality and transparency, Acana not only ensures the well-being of pets but also fosters trust among pet owners, making it a preferred choice for those who prioritize the health and happiness of their dogs.
7Varieties of Acana Heritage Dog Food
4 Varieties of Acana Regional Dog Food
5 Varieties of Acana Singles Range Dog Food
Nutritional Content and Benefits
Acanas commitment to superior nutrition extends beyond the basics, encompassing a wide array of micronutrients and functional ingredients that collectively enhance pet health. The brands formulations are rich in chelated minerals, which are crucial for their higher bioavailability compared to standard minerals. This means pets can absorb and utilize these nutrients more efficiently, leading to better health outcomes. Acana also integrates a generous amount of antioxidants sourced from fruits and vegetables, such as blueberries and spinach, which play a vital role in supporting the immune system and combating cellular damage.
Probiotics are another cornerstone of Acanas nutritional philosophy, included in every formula to promote a healthy gut flora. Given the critical role of gut health in overall well-being, these beneficial bacteria aid in digestion, nutrient absorption, and even immune function. Acanas holistic approach ensures that pets are not only receiving the foundational macronutrients they need to thrive but also the micronutrients and supplements that support a vibrant, healthy life from the inside out.
Pricing and Availability
Despite its premium positioning, Acana strives to ensure its products are as accessible as possible to pet owners. Recognizing the importance of quality nutrition for pets, Acana has developed an extensive distribution network that spans both brick-and-mortar pet stores and online retailers. This wide availability is part of Acanas commitment to meeting pet owners wherever they are, making it easier than ever to provide dogs with high-quality diets.
The brands pricing reflects the premium ingredients and meticulous care that go into each product. While Acanas products may come at a higher cost compared to some mainstream options, the brand aims to provide value through the superior health benefits and quality of life improvements observed in pets. For many pet owners, the investment in Acana is seen as an investment in their pets long-term health and happiness.
Most Popular Acana Dog Food Brands Best Current Online Prices
Testimonials and Consumer Feedback
The positive impact of Acana on pet health is a recurring theme in testimonials and feedback from satisfied pet owners. Many report noticeable improvements in their dogs coat health, with increased shine and softness often mentioned. Similarly, enhancements in energy levels are frequently cited, with dogs appearing more lively and engaged. The benefits of Acanas emphasis on digestive health are also well-documented, with numerous pet owners observing better regularity and stool quality in their dogs, underscoring the effectiveness of the probiotics included in Acanas formulas.
While the premium pricing of Acanas products is acknowledged, the consensus among pet owners is one of overall satisfaction. The visible health improvements and quality of life enhancements in their pets affirm the value of Acanas dietary approach, making it a worthwhile investment for those committed to providing the best possible care for their dogs.
Expert Reviews and Opinions
Nutrition experts and veterinarians frequently endorse Acana as a top choice for dog nutrition, highlighting the brands reliance on whole, real ingredients and its balanced formulations. The emphasis on creating biologically appropriate diets that mirror a dogs natural eating habits is particularly praised, aligning with the trend toward more natural and holistic pet foods. Experts appreciate Acanas focus on gut health through the inclusion of probiotics, recognizing the vital role of digestive wellness in overall health.
The scientific backing and nutritional robustness of Acanas formulas are often noted in professional evaluations, suggesting that the brand effectively combines natural ingredients with nutritional science to support pet health comprehensively. However, experts also remind pet owners to consider their individual dogs health needs, preferences, and any dietary sensitivities when choosing a food, advocating for a personalized approach to nutrition.
Comparative Analysis
When comparing Acana to other premium dog food brands like Blue Buffalo and Orijen, its unique strengths become apparent. Acanas dedication to local sourcing and sustainability sets it apart, reflecting a commitment to not only pet health but also environmental and community well-being. The brands extensive product range, designed to meet a variety of dietary needs and preferences, offers flexibility and choice to pet owners.
Acanas premium pricing is often viewed in the context of its high-quality ingredients and the tangible benefits these provide to pets. While the cost may be higher than some alternatives, the positive feedback from pet owners and the health improvements seen in their pets provide a compelling argument for the brands value proposition. Ultimately, the choice between Acana and other premium brands will depend on individual needs and values, with Acana standing out for those who prioritize local sourcing, nutritional integrity, and comprehensive health benefits.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- High-Quality, Local Ingredients: Acanas strict adherence to sourcing premium, local ingredients ensures that every product is not just nutritious but also supports local agriculture and sustainability efforts.
- Comprehensive Nutritional Approach: By focusing on a diet that mirrors what dogs would naturally consume, Acana supports overall health, from digestive wellness to immune system strength, ensuring pets lead vibrant, active lives.
- Diverse Product Range: Catering to the unique needs of various breeds, sizes, and life stages, Acana offers specialized formulas that address specific health concerns, dietary sensitivities, and nutritional requirements, making it easier for pet owners to find the perfect fit for their furry friends.
Cons:
- Premium Pricing: While the quality of ingredients and the comprehensive approach to nutrition justify the price, Acanas premium cost may be beyond the reach of some pet owners, potentially limiting access to its benefits for all pets.
Overall Score
Acana Dog Food Overall Score: 8.5/10
Acana earns a well-deserved 8.5 out of 10 for its unwavering commitment to creating biologically appropriate, nutritionally dense diets for dogs. The brands focus on using high-quality, locally sourced ingredients, coupled with a comprehensive nutritional approach, ensures pets receive the optimal balance of macronutrients and micronutrients necessary for their health and well-being. Additionally, the extensive range of products allows pet owners to tailor their pets diet closely to their specific needs, promoting better health outcomes.
The premium pricing of Acanas products, reflecting the quality and care put into each formula, is a consideration for pet owners. However, the tangible improvements in pet health, vitality, and longevity observed by those who choose Acana highlight the value of investing in a premium diet. Pet owners looking to make the best dietary choices for their dogs are advised to weigh their pets specific health requirements and lifestyle needs, consulting with veterinarians to ensure their dietary decisions support their pets overall health and happiness.
Acana Dog Food Review 2023: A True Standout?
This post may contain affiliate links. If you click and buy we may make a commission, at no additional charge to you. Please see our disclosure policy for more details.
Acana dog food makes biologically appropriate dog food from regional ingredients at their facilities in Kentucky and Alberta. Their food is made with seasonally fresh ingredients (or ingredients that were flash-frozen at peak freshness) and is never outsourced. The website clearly is making claims that their food is fresher and higher-quality than all the rest.
Acana dog food is one of the most-awarded pet food companies out there, recognized for Eco-Excellence, Global Food Safety Initiative, and as an Industry Leader by Pet Business, to name just two awards.
But how does Acana dog food measure up? Whenever Im checking out dog food, I try to answer the questions laid out by the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) in their handout on selecting dog food. Well get to those eight questions later on as we review Acana dog food.
Also Read: 10 Best Affordable Dog Food Brands of 2023
[amalinkspro type=image-link asin=B01C8ZJQ6S associate-id=canineweekly02-20 new-window=true addtocart=false nofollow=true alt=ACANA Heritage Dry Dog Food, Red Meat, Biologically Appropriate & Grain Free alignment=aligncenter]https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/417WUUX2vAL.jpg[/amalinkspro]
Acana Dog Food Review: Overview
Acana is a high-end, award-winning dog kibble with good reason. Theyre owned by Champion Pet Foods, which also makes the uber-high-quality kibble Orijen. If youre looking for a good kibble for your dogs, you could do a lot worse than Acana!
Acana does seem to take food innovation seriously. Theyve got a whole facility set up for designing and testing their new foods in Canada. But theyre not publishing any research, so I cant say exactly what that means beyond whats on their website. The library on their website has several well-written whitepapers that are very well-cited with scientific literature, so thats really good to see!
Acana clearly takes feeding your pets seriously.
Acana sells its food through trusted pet specialty partners and veterinarian practices, to guarantee that you get the best customer service possible. That said, their list of trusted pet specialty stores includes PetCo and PetLand, which arent exactly small, boutique stores! You cant buy Acana on Chewy.com, but Amazon does sell Acana.
I love that Acanas food strives to be ecologically sustainable. For example, their Wild Atlantic diet is made to support sustainable fisheries.
The biggest downside of Acanas food, as far as I can tell, is that their grain-free diets rely on legumes to fill the void left by grains. Some recent research has linked boutique pet foods that rely on peas and lentils and other legumes with dilated cardiomyopathy (a heart issue) in dogs. The FDA even put out an alert about grain-free diets like these. This link is purely correlational right now and might not be the actual root of the problem but its still something to keep in mind.
Acana dog food generally comes as highly-rated and is well-regarded, with good reason. They take great care in producing their foods with high-quality ingredients.
What Does Biologically Appropriate Even Mean? Hint: Not Much.
Acana dog food really pushes the biologically appropriate line for their dog food, with high-quality ingredients and lots of real meat in their foods. While I cant argue with the quality of their ingredients or the expertise of their team, its worth pointing out that theres not really any actual published research behind biologically appropriate dog food. When the phrase is mentioned in scientific research, its usually in quotes and its usually referring to raw dog food.
Acana seems to think that biologically appropriate is a good label to slap onto their food it sounds good. But its effectively meaningless, just a trademark registered by Champion Petfoods. That doesnt mean Acanas dog food isnt high quality it is!
But I take issue with the marketing, especially claims that dogs are descended from wolves (many current researchers actually think dogs and wolves are taxonomic cousins, not descended from each other) and that dogs have the exact same digestive system as wolves despite eating human table scraps and not hunting for prey for thousands of years and the same biological needs as wild wolves, which have vastly different lifestyles from your Goldendoodle.
Acana defines biologically appropriate as:
- Rich in meat and protein Acana dog food is made up of up to 75% meat.
- High fresh meat inclusion up to half of each Acana dog food is made from fresh or raw meat.
- An abundant variety of meat Acana dog food includes ranch-raised meat, wild-caught fish, free-run poultry, and eggs.
- Whole prey meat ratios meaning appropriate ratios of muscle meat, organs, cartilage, and other bits of meat.
- Fresh fruits and vegetables.
The point is, theres no consensus on what biologically appropriate even means. While Acana seems to have a good description on their site, this isnt a regulated label and isnt based on published research as far as I can tell. That said, their food is formulated by some real experts!
How Does Acana Stand Up to WSAVA Guidelines?
I am not a nutritionist, and my dog will eat just about anything I had to stop him from eating a tree branch yesterday. So my review of dog food would be quite inadequate if I based it off of my own intuition and how much my dog liked a food.
Instead, Ill fall back on the World Small Animal Veterinary Association guidelines for selecting dog food.
- Do you employ a full-time qualified nutritionist?
- From the Acana website: Yes, our highly educated and talented team of 20 Research & Innovation scientists lead the development and research of our ACANA and ORIJEN pet foods. These individuals cover a wide variety of education and experience including, but not limited, to: 1 Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, 1 Ph.D. in Animal Nutrition, 2 PhDs in Food Science, 3 Masters of Science in Animal Nutrition (2 in companion animal nutrition), 2 Masters of Science in Food Science, 1 Masters of Science in Meat Hygiene and Food Microbiology, and 17 Bachelors of Science areas such as Animal Science, Biochemistry, and Veterinary Medicine.
- Who formulates your foods and what are his/her credentials?
- See above. They work with a group of animal nutritionists and consults with Veterinarians who specialize in nutrition, toxicology, and holistic medicine.
- Are your diets tested using AAFCO feeding trials or by formulation to meet AAFCO nutrient profiles?
- Acana participates in AAFCO feeding trials.
- Where are your foods produced and manufactured?
- All of Acanas foods are manufactured at the Champion Pet Food plants nothing is outsourced.
- What specific quality control measures do you use to assure the consistency and quality of your ingredients and the end product?
- Acanas meat comes from a federally inspected facility and only uses meat from animals that are high-quality enough for human inspection. They also adhere to the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) for preventing, identifying, and responding to hazards in their plant. Their Quality Assurance department, technicians, and independent labs all come together to ensure that testing and pathogen evaluation is done properly.
- Will you provide a complete nutrient analysis for the dog or cat food in question?
- Acana provides a guaranteed analysis on their site, which offers maximum and minimum values. I could not find a typical analysis, which shows exact values for a sample of food.
- What is the caloric value per gram, can, or cup of your foods?
- Acana makes it easy to find the caloric value per cup and pound of their food under the Feeding tab of specific diets.
- What kind of product research has been conducted? Are the results published in peer-reviewed journals?
- I searched Google Scholar for Acana and was unable to find any research specifically into Acana food just a few studies that used Acana food as part of their research, and even those were barely footnotes! I called Acana and left a voicemail to ask more, but havent heard back.
Has Acana Dog Food Had Recalls?
No, Acana has never had a recall. Thats pretty impressive! However, Acana and Orijen were both sued as part of a case against their partner company, Champion Petfoods.
That lawsuit accuses the company(ies) of negligent, reckless practices, false advertising, and failing to disclose the presence of heavy metals and toxins in its pet foods such as BPA, cadmium, lead, and mercury. This lawsuit was recently trimmed by the judge basically, the judge said the plaintiffs didnt show enough evidence that the metals and toxins were actually harmful.
What Formulas Does Acana Dog Food Offer?
Acana has a variety of different lines of food. Acana Regionals are delicious blends of meats or fish from a given area like grasslands or Appalachian ranch. Acana For Dogs are also made from local, fresh ingredients, but arent themed based on geography the same way. Acana Singles are made with a single protein source for picky dogs or dogs with allergies.
Since there are so many different Acana formulas, lets take a look at one formula from each line of food:
This diet is mostly based on turkey and chicken, but also has Atlantic flounder, pumpkin, carrots, apples, turmeric, rose hips, and more. Its a pretty high-quality ingredients list!
This food offers 408 kcal per 8 oz cup of food. The guaranteed analysis (the maximum and minimums of food, not the actual values expected) is below.
Crude protein (min.) 31 %
Crude fat (min.) 19 %
Crude fiber (max.) 5 %
Moisture (max.) 12 %
DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) (min.) 0.4 %
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) (min.) 0.2 %
Calcium (min.) 1.2 %
Phosphorus (min.) 1 %
Omega-6 fatty acids* (min.) 2.3 %
Omega-3 fatty acids* (min.) 1.3 %
Glucosamine* (min.) 800 mg/kg
Total Microorganisms* (min.)
(Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium animalis, Lactobacillus casei) 100MM CFU/lb
This diet is largely made from duck, but also includes pears, lentils, peas, pollock oil, kelp, chicory root, and turmeric. Aside from the potential issues with lentils, this is a great ingredient list.
This food has 409 kcal per 8 oz. cup of dry food. The guaranteed analysis is below. This is not the expected or exact value for the food just maximums and minimums.
Crude protein (min.) 31 %
Crude fat (min.) 17 %
Crude fiber (max.) 6 %
Moisture (max.) 12 %
DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) (min.) 0.2 %
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) (min.) 0.2 %
Calcium (min.) 1.4 %
Phosphorus (min.) 1.0 %
Omega-6 fatty acids* (min.) 2.0 %
Omega-3 fatty acids* (min.) 0.8 %
Dietary Starch (max.) 22.5 %
Sugars (max.) 2 %
Glucosamine (min.) 800 mg/kg
Total Microorganisms* (min.)
(Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium animalis, Lactobacillus casei) 100MM CFU/lb
Other Acana Singles include:
This food provides 388 kcal per 8 oz cup of food. The guaranteed analysis of the food is below.
DESIGNED FOR CARNIVORES
Your dog is a carnivore and shares his anatomy with the gray wolf which means his body, teeth, jaws, and short digestive tract are adapted for a diet rich in meat, protein, and fat.
Based on this biological fact, and to produce a nutritional analysis that mirrors the diet Mother Nature would provide for your dog, ACANA Appalachian Ranch is rich in nourishing meat protein and oils, while excluding grains and gluten, and long lists of synthetic ingredients found in some dog foods.
GUARANTEED ANALYSIS
Crude protein (min.) 33 %
Crude fat (min.) 17 %
Crude fiber (max.) 6 %
Moisture (max.) 12 %
DHA (min.) 0.1 %
EPA (min.) 0.1 %
Calcium (min.) 1.8 %
Phosphorus (min.) 1.2 %
Omega-6 fatty acids* (min.) 1.8 %
Omega-3 fatty acids* (min.) 0.6 %
Glucosamine* (min.) 600 mg/kg
Total Microorganisms* (min.)
(Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium animalis, Lactobacillus casei) 100MM CFU/lb
Other Acana Regionals foods include:
Where to Get Acana Food
Acana Dog Food is high quality, but its not always easy to find and its not cheap! Here are a few possible substitutions for Fromm dog food. You can purchase Acana at many local vets, small businesses, or at Amazon.com.
You can check out some of the Acana Heritage diets at the links below:
[wpdatatable id=66]
Forrest is a lover of dogs, the wild outdoors, deep mysterious conversations and coffee. He is the owner of several websites, including Canine Weekly. He resides in Austin, Texas.
