acana dry dog food
Light & Fit RecipeDry Dog Food
Ingredients
Chicken, turkey, chicken meal, turkey meal, whole red lentils, whole green peas, lentil fiber, whole yellow peas, flounder,chicken broth, dehydrated pumpkin, whole green lentils, whole pinto beans, whole chickpeas, herring meal, fish oil,natural chicken flavor, dehydrated egg, chicken liver, pea starch, chicken fat, chicken heart, vitamin E supplement, driedkelp, mixed tocopherols (preservative), zinc proteinate, whole pumpkin, collard greens, whole apples, whole pears,calcium pantothenate, riboflavin, folic acid, freeze-dried chicken, freeze-dried turkey, dried chicory root, turmeric,sarsaparilla root, althea root, rose hips, juniper berries, citric acid (preservative), rosemary extract, dried Lactobacillusacidophilus fermentation product, dried Bifidobacterium animalis fermentation product, dried Lactobacillus caseifermentation product.
CALORIE CONTENT (calculated): Metabolizable Energy is 3020 kcal/kg (344 kcal per standard 8 fl. oz cup) with 38% from protein, 34% from carbohydrates, and 28% from fat.
ACANA Light & Fit Recipe is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Proles for Adult Maintenance.
Acana Dog Food Review (Dry)
The Acana product line includes the 5 dry dog foods listed below.
Each recipe includes its AAFCO nutrient profile: Growth (puppy), Maintenance (adult), All Life Stages, Supplemental or Unspecified.
Recipe and Label Analysis
Acana Free-Run Poultry Formula was selected to represent the other products in the line for detailed recipe and nutrient analysis.
Ingredients Analysis
The first ingredient in this dog food is chicken. Although it is a quality item, raw chicken contains up to 73% water. After cooking, most of that moisture is lost, reducing the meat content to just a fraction of its original weight.
After processing, this item would probably account for a smaller part of the total content of the finished product.
The second ingredient is turkey, another quality, raw item inclusive of water.
The third ingredient is chicken meal. Chicken meal is considered a meat concentrate and contains nearly 300% more protein than fresh chicken.
Its important to note that the next 6 out of 10 ingredients included in this recipe are each a type of legume:
- Green peas
- Red lentils
- Pinto beans
- Chickpeas
- Green lentils
- Yellow peas
Although theyre a mixture of quality plant ingredients, theres an important issue to consider here. And thats the recipe design practice known as ingredient splitting.
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.
In addition, legumes contain about 25% protein, a factor that must also be considered when judging the meat content of this dog food.
The seventh ingredient in this food is chicken liver, an organ meat sourced from a named animal and thus considered a beneficial component.
The eighth ingredient is chicken fat. Chicken fat is obtained from rendering chicken, a process similar to making soup in which the fat itself is skimmed from the surface of the liquid.
Chicken fat is high in linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid essential for life. Although it doesnt sound very appetizing, chicken fat is actually a quality ingredient.
The ninth ingredient is catfish meal, yet another high protein meat concentrate.
Fish meal is typically obtained from the clean, dried, ground tissue of undecomposed whole fish and fish cuttings of commercial fish operations.1
From here, the list goes on to include a number of other items.
But to be realistic, ingredients located this far down the list (other than nutritional supplements) are not likely to affect the overall rating of this Champion Petfoods product.
With 4 notable exceptions
First, we find lentil fiber, a mixture of both soluble and insoluble dietary fiber derived from lentils. Aside from the usual benefits of fiber, this agricultural by-product provides no other nutritional value to a dog.
Next, fish 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 humans.
Depending on its level of freshness and purity, fish oil should be considered a commendable addition.
In addition, chicory root is rich in inulin, a starch-like compound made up of repeating units of carbohydrates and found in certain roots and tubers.
Not only is inulin a natural source of soluble dietary fiber, its also a prebiotic used to promote the growth of healthy bacteria in a dogs digestive tract.
And lastly, this food contains chelated minerals, minerals that have been chemically attached to protein. This makes them easier to absorb. Chelated minerals are usually found in better dog foods.
Nutrient Analysis
Based on its ingredients alone, Acana Dog Food looks like an above-average dry product.
The dashboard displays a dry matter protein reading of 33%, a fat level of 19% and estimated carbohydrates of about 40%.
As a group, Acana 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 53%.
Which means this Acana product line contains
Above-average protein. Above-average fat. And below-average carbs when compared to a typical dry dog food.
Even when you consider the protein-boosting effect of the multiple legumes, this looks like the profile of a kibble containing a notable amount of meat.
Champion Petfoods Dog Food Recall History
The following automated list (if present) includes all dog food recalls related to Champion Petfoods through April 2024.
No recalls noted.
You can view a complete list of all dog food recalls since 2009 here.
Our Rating of Acana Dry Dog Food
Acana is a grain-free dry dog food using a notable amount of named meat meals as its dominant source of animal protein, thus earning the brand 4 stars.
However, its unfortunate the company chose to include so much plant-based protein in its recipe. Otherwise, we would have been compelled to award this product a higher rating.
Highest Protein, Wild Atlantic RecipeDry Dog Food
Ingredients
Whole mackerel, whole herring, redfish, silver hake, mackerelmeal, herring meal, sunflower oil, whole red lentils, pollockmeal, whitefish meal, safflower oil, whole pinto beans, wholegreen lentils, whole chickpeas, lentil fiber, pea starch, flounder,natural fish flavor, whole green peas, fish oil, whole yellow peas,collard greens, mixed tocopherols (preservative), dried kelp,freeze-dried cod, zinc proteinate, vitamin E supplement, wholepumpkin, whole butternut squash, whole apples, whole pears,thiamine mononitrate, calcium pantothenate, pyridoxinehydrochloride, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, copperproteinate, dried chicory root, turmeric, sarsaparilla root, althearoot, rosehips, juniper berries, citric acid (preservative),rosemary extract, dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentationproduct, dried Bifidobacterium animalis fermentation product,dried Lactobacillus casei fermentation product.
METABOLIZABLE ENERGY: 3440 kcal/kg (392 kcal per 8oz cup), with 34% from protein, 24% from carbohydrates, and 42% from richly nourishing fish oils.
ACANA Wild Atlantic Dog recipe is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Proles for All Life Stages, including growth of large size dogs (70 lb or more as an adult).
Highest Protein, PacificaDry Dog Food
Composition
Raw whole herring (14%), raw whole mackerel (11%), raw flounder (9%), herring meal (7%), mackerel meal (7%), blue whiting meal (7%), whole green peas, whole red lentils, whole chickpeas, whole green lentils, fish oil (6%), raw whole hake (4.5%), raw whole rockfish (4.5%), whole pinto beans, whole yellow peas, pea starch, sunflower oil, lentil fibre, dried kelp, freeze-dried cod and liver, fresh whole pumpkin, fresh whole butternut squash, fresh whole carrots, fresh whole apples, fresh whole pears, fresh whole zucchini, dried chicory root, fresh kale, fresh spinach, fresh turnip greens, fresh beet greens, whole cranberries, whole blueberries, whole saskatoon berries, turmeric, milk thistle, burdock root, lavender, marshmallow root, rosehips.
ADDITIVES (per kg): Technological additives: Tocopherol extract from vegetable oils: 308 mg, citric acid: 40 mg. Sensory additives: Rosemary extract: 105 mg. Nutritional additives: Zinc proteinate: 150 mg, Copper proteinate: 11 mg, Vitamin B1: 75 mg, Vitamin B2: 15 mg, Vitamin B3: 150 mg, Vitamin B5: 45 mg, Vitamin B6: 26.25 mg, Vitamin B9: 5.25 mg, Vitamin B12: 0.15 mg, Vitamin E: 500 IU. Zootechnical additives: Enterococcus faecium DSM 10663/ NCIMB 10415 1x10^9 CFU.
ACANA Pacifica is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by FEDIAF for All Life Stages, including growth of all large size dogs. Store in a cool, dry place. Not fit for human consumption. | Metabolizable Energy is 3850 kcal/kg (462 kcal per 250ml/120g cup), with 36% from protein, 24% from carbohydrates, and 40% from fat.
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.
Protein-rich, with the best grains on earth1
Protein-rich, with the best grains on earth1
Nurture your dog with the animal protein they really crave! Crafted with our most protein-rich animal ingredients, your dog will love the premium flavour and nutrition in ACANA Highest Protein recipes.
SEE OUR RECIPES Where To Buy60 - 70%
protein-richAnimal Ingredient2
30 - 40%
wholesome grains, vegetablesfruit & botanicals2,3
0%
artificial preservatives,flavors or colorsadded in our kitchen
1Sorghum, millet and oats are higher in fiber, protein, vitamins and minerals when compared to wheat and rice. 2Approximate and derived from the unprocessed state of the ingredients.3 We also add essential vitamins and minerals, natural preservatives and probiotics. Our included fresh ingredients are delivered refrigerated and our included raw ingredients are delivered frozen..Highest Protein, GrasslandsDry Dog Food
Ingredients
Raw Lamb (8.5%), raw duck (8.5%), fresh eggs (8%), lamb meal (8%), herring meal (7%), turkey meal (7%), whole green peas, whole red lentils, whole chickpeas, raw freshwater lake fish* (5%), fish oil (4%), raw lamb liver (4%), raw duck liver (4%), raw turkey (4%), whole green lentils, whole pinto beans, whole yellow peas, lentil fibre, chicken fat (2%), pea starch, dried kelp, fresh whole pumpkin, fresh whole butternut squash, fresh whole carrots, fresh whole apples, fresh whole pears, fresh whole zucchini, dried chicory root, freeze-dried duck and liver, freeze-dried lamb and liver, fresh kale, fresh spinach, fresh turnip greens, fresh beet greens, whole cranberries, whole blueberries, whole saskatoon berries, turmeric, milk thistle, burdock root, lavender, marshmallow root, rosehips. *varied mix of raw tullibee, whitefish, northern pike, and mullet
ADDITIVES (per kg): Technological additives: Tocopherol extract from vegetable oils: 308 mg, citric acid: 40 mg. Sensory additives: Rosemary extract: 105 mg. Nutritional additives: Zinc proteinate: 150 mg, Copper proteinate: 11 mg, Vitamin B1: 75 mg, Vitamin B2: 15 mg, Vitamin B3: 150 mg, Vitamin B5: 45 mg, Vitamin B6: 26.25 mg, Vitamin B9: 5.25 mg, Vitamin B12: 0.15 mg, Vitamin E: 500 IU. Zootechnical additives: Zootechnical additives: Enterococcus faecium DSM 10663/ NCIMB 10415 1x10^9 CFU.
ACANA GRASSLANDS Dog Food is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the FEDIAF Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for All LifeStages, except for the growth of large sized dogs. Store in a cool, dry place. Not fit for human consumption. | Metabolizable Energy is 3810 kcal/kg (457 kcal per 250ml/120g cup) with 37% from protein, 23% from carbohydrates, and 40% from fat.
