Acana Classics (Canadian) Red Meat Recipe For Dogs Review

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Review of Acana Classics (Canadian) Red Meat Recipe For Dogs

According to our data, this Acana recipe provides complete & balanced nutrition for all life stages. In other words, this formula is AAFCO approved.

Acana Classics (Canadian) Red Meat Recipe For Dogs is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages.

Review of Ingredients

In our review of Acana Classics (Canadian) Red Meat Recipe For Dogs, we'll examine all 34 ingredients and highlight the nutritional contribution of each ingredient.

While the first few ingredients typically dominate the recipe's composition, ingredients in small quantities can still have a meaningful impact on the overall nutritional profile of the recipe.

  1. Beef is a high-quality protein source that provides essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals to support your dog's muscle development and overall health.

  2. Lamb meal is a concentrated protein source, providing essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals to support muscle development and overall health in dogs.

  3. Pearled barley is a wholesome, easily digestible grain that provides dogs with a source of dietary fiber, which promotes healthy digestion and helps maintain stable blood sugar levels. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals that support overall health.

  4. Whole peas are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. They can support digestive health and provide necessary nutrients for your dog.

  5. Oat groats provide a wholesome source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, contributing to healthy digestion and overall well-being in your dog.

  6. Pork fat is a highly palatable source of energy for dogs, providing essential fatty acids that support overall health, skin and coat condition, and immune function.

  7. Pork meal is a concentrated source of animal protein, essential for maintaining muscle mass in dogs. It can provide essential nutrients including amino acids and essential fatty acids.

  8. Whole oats are a nutritious and easily digestible grain that provides essential nutrients, such as fiber, vitamins, and minerals, to support your dog's overall health and digestion.

  9. Pork is a high-quality source of protein, essential for muscle development and maintenance, and provides vital nutrients for your dog's overall health.

  10. Fish oil is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for maintaining a healthy skin and coat, supporting brain function, and promoting overall immune system health in dogs.

  11. Potassium chloride is an essential mineral supplement that helps maintain your dog's electrolyte balance and supports healthy nerve and muscle function.

  12. Dried kelp is a natural source of essential minerals and trace elements, which help support your dog's thyroid function and overall health.

  13. While salt is a necessary component of a dog's diet, providing essential minerals such as sodium and chloride for proper cellular function, it should be provided in moderation to avoid health issues like hypertension or kidney damage.

  14. Dried chicory root is a natural prebiotic fiber that can help promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria and support your dog's digestive health. It also contains inulin, which can help maintain healthy blood sugar levels and support overall immune system function.

  15. Whole pumpkin is a healthy, low-calorie ingredient that is rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It can help support healthy digestion, maintain a healthy weight, and contribute to overall well-being in your dog.

  16. Whole butternut squash is a nutritious and easily digestible vegetable that provides essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber for your dog's diet. It can help support a healthy digestive system and promote overall well-being.

  17. Whole carrot is an excellent source of dietary fiber and antioxidants, providing essential vitamins like beta carotene and vitamin A that are vital for maintaining your dog's eye health.

  18. Whole apple is a natural source of dietary fiber, antioxidants, and essential vitamins, which can support your dog's digestive health and overall well-being.

  19. Whole pear is a natural source of dietary fiber, which supports healthy digestion and bowel movements. Pears are also rich in vitamins and antioxidants that contribute to your dog's overall health and well-being.

  20. Zucchini is a nutritious vegetable that provides a good source of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, promoting your dog's overall health and supporting a healthy digestive system.

  21. Kale is a nutrient-rich leafy green packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support a strong immune system, healthy skin, and coat in dogs.

  22. Spinach is a nutrient-rich vegetable that offers vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support your dog's overall health and wellbeing.

  23. Turnip greens are an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber for your dog. They are high in vitamins A, C, and K, and provide important minerals such as calcium and potassium. These nutrients support your dog's immune system, bone health, and overall well-being.

  24. Beet greens are a great source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, supporting overall health and digestion in dogs.

  25. Whole cranberry is packed with antioxidants and is known for its benefits in urinary health. It can help in maintaining a balanced urinary pH in dogs.

  26. Whole blueberry is a natural source of antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins, contributing to your dog's immune system and overall health.

  27. Saskatoon berry is packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that help boost your dog's immune system and overall health.

  28. Turmeric is a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant spice that can help support your dog's joint health, immune system, and overall well-being.

  29. Milk thistle is an herbal ingredient known for its liver-supporting properties, helping to detoxify and protect your dog's liver while promoting overall liver health and function.

  30. Burdock root is a natural ingredient known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help support your dog's immune system and overall health.

  31. Though not a common dog food ingredient, lavender is known for its calming properties, which can potentially help reduce stress and anxiety in dogs when used in small amounts.

  32. Marshmallow root is a natural ingredient used in dog food for its soothing properties. It is known to help support healthy digestion and can provide relief from gastrointestinal issues such as inflammation or irritation. In addition, marshmallow root may help maintain healthy skin and coat by providing essential nutrients and hydration.

  33. Rose hip is rich in antioxidants, especially vitamin C, and can support joint health in dogs.

Review of Guaranteed Analysis

Crude Protein (min) of 27.00%: The primary contributors to the crude protein content in this pet food are the animal-based ingredients. Raw beef and lamb meal are listed as the first two ingredients, indicating they are present in the highest quantities. These are followed by pork meal and raw pork, which also contribute significantly to the protein content. Animal meals, like lamb meal and pork meal, are concentrated forms of protein because they are rendered and contain less water than raw meat.

Crude Fat (min) of 16.00%: The crude fat in this formula is likely derived from the raw beef, pork fat, and fish oil. Pork fat is specifically mentioned as comprising 8% of the formula, which makes it a major contributor to the overall fat content. Fish oil is also a rich source of fats, particularly omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for a dog's coat and skin health.

Crude Fiber (max) of 5.00%: Crude fiber generally comes from plant-based ingredients. In this recipe, the fiber sources are likely the pearled barley, whole peas, oat groats, whole oats, and chickpea fibre. These ingredients provide the necessary dietary fiber to aid in digestion and promote gut health. The inclusion of various whole vegetables and fruits may also contribute to the overall fiber content.

Calories of 3425.00 per kg: The caloric content is a measure of the energy provided by the food. The main contributors to the calorie count are the macronutrients: protein, fat, and carbohydrates. In this formula, the high-protein ingredients (meat and meat meals), the fat sources (pork fat and fish oil), and the carbohydrates (pearled barley, peas, oats) all contribute to the total caloric value. The fat content, in particular, is calorie-dense, making it a significant factor in the total calorie count.