Acana Original Dry Food Free-Run Poultry Recipe Review

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Review of Acana Original Dry Food Free-Run Poultry Recipe

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

Acana Original Dry Food Free-Run Poultry Recipe 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 Original Dry Food Free-Run Poultry Recipe, we'll examine all 49 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. Chicken is a lean, easily digestible source of protein that provides essential nutrients for your dog's growth and maintenance. It's also a great source of vitamins and minerals to support overall health.

  2. Turkey is a lean protein source that can help build and maintain muscle mass in dogs. It is also rich in essential nutrients like vitamin B6 and niacin.

  3. Chicken meal is a highly concentrated source of protein made from dehydrated and ground chicken. It provides essential amino acids for your dog's muscle development, tissue repair, and overall growth, making it a valuable ingredient for maintaining your dog's health and well-being.

  4. Whole red lentils are a great source of plant-based protein, fiber, and essential nutrients for dogs, promoting a healthy digestive system and supporting overall health.

  5. Whole pinto beans are a great source of plant-based protein and fiber, promoting healthy digestion and weight management in dogs. They also contain essential vitamins and minerals that support overall health.

  6. Whole green peas are a low-calorie, nutrient-rich legume that can provide essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber to support your dog's digestive health. They are also a natural source of plant-based protein, promoting lean muscle development and maintenance.

  7. Chicken liver is a nutrient-rich organ meat that provides your dog with protein, fat, and vitamin A. It's also a great source of iron, copper, niacin, zinc, and phosphorus.

  8. Chicken fat is a highly palatable source of energy, providing essential fatty acids for a healthy skin and coat, as well as supporting your dog's immune system.

  9. Catfish meal is a concentrated protein source that provides essential nutrients for your dog's overall health. It supports muscle growth, organ function, and immune system health, making it a valuable addition to your dog's diet.

  10. Whole chickpeas are a great source of protein and fiber in dog food. They are also packed with essential nutrients like folate and iron, contributing to a balanced diet.

  11. Whole green lentil is a nutrient-dense legume that provides a valuable source of plant-based protein, dietary fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals for your dog. Green lentils are low in fat and have a low glycemic index, making them a suitable choice for dogs with diabetes or weight management needs. They also contribute to a healthy digestive system and support overall health.

  12. Whole yellow pea is a nutritious, low-glycemic carbohydrate source that is both grain-free and gluten-free. It provides your dog with essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber to support healthy digestion and overall well-being.

  13. Lentil fiber is a natural source of dietary fiber that helps support healthy digestion and maintain regular bowel movements for your dog. It also provides essential nutrients and antioxidants that promote overall health and wellbeing.

  14. Turkey liver is a nutrient-dense ingredient, rich in essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin A, iron, and B vitamins, which support overall health in dogs.

  15. Turkey heart is an excellent source of high-quality protein, vitamins, and minerals. It contains essential amino acids, vitamin B, and iron, all of which contribute to your dog's muscle development, energy levels, and overall health.

  16. Turkey gizzard is a nutrient-dense organ meat that provides a high-quality source of protein and essential nutrients, such as iron and zinc. It supports your dog's overall health, including muscle development, immune function, and energy levels.

  17. Egg is a highly digestible protein source that provides essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals to support your dog's muscle growth, coat health, and overall wellness.

  18. 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.

  19. Natural chicken flavor is a dog food ingredient used to enhance the taste and aroma of the product, making it more appealing to your pet. It is derived from real chicken and does not contain any artificial additives or chemicals. This natural flavoring helps encourage your dog to eat and enjoy their meals.

  20. Chicken Heart is rich in taurine and other essential nutrients that support your dog's heart health.

  21. Pea starch is a carbohydrate source derived from peas, providing an alternative to grains for dogs with sensitivities. It serves as a source of energy, supports healthy digestion, and contributes to the overall balance of your dog's diet. Pea starch also has a low glycemic index, which can help manage blood sugar levels in dogs with diabetes or weight management needs.

  22. 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.

  23. Vitamin E supplement is an essential nutrient that helps support your dog's immune system, skin health, and overall wellness.

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

  25. 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.

  26. Mixed tocopherols are natural antioxidants used to preserve the freshness of dog food, ensuring your pet receives the highest quality nutrients possible.

  27. Zinc proteinate is a highly absorbable form of zinc. It helps support a healthy immune system, skin, and coat in dogs.

  28. Calcium pantothenate is a source of pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) that helps support your dog's energy metabolism and nervous system function.

  29. Collard green is a leafy green vegetable rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making it a great addition to your dog's diet. It supports healthy digestion, immunity, and overall wellness in dogs.

  30. 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.

  31. 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.

  32. Vitamin A acetate is a form of vitamin A, which is essential for your dog's overall health. It supports healthy vision, immune function, and proper growth and development. Vitamin A acetate also plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy skin and coat, ensuring your dog looks and feels its best.

  33. Vitamin D3 supplement is an essential vitamin that supports bone health, immune function, and overall well-being in dogs. It helps regulate calcium and phosphorus balance in the body, promoting strong and healthy bones.

  34. Riboflavin, also known as Vitamin B2, is essential for energy production, cell function, and fat metabolism in your dog's body.

  35. Folic acid is a crucial B-vitamin that aids in the synthesis of DNA and supports healthy cell growth. It's essential for maintaining your dog's overall health, particularly during periods of rapid growth.

  36. Freeze dried chicken is a highly digestible source of protein that retains the natural flavor and nutrients of fresh chicken. It supports muscle development, a healthy coat, and overall well-being.

  37. Freeze dried turkey is a high-quality protein source that provides essential amino acids, supporting your dog's muscle growth, tissue repair, and immune system.

  38. Copper Proteinate is a chelated form of copper that's easier for dogs to absorb, aiding in red blood cell formation and iron absorption.

  39. 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.

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

  41. Sarsaparilla root is used in herbal medicine and may have anti-inflammatory and liver-protecting effects.

  42. Althea root, also known as marshmallow root, has been used traditionally to soothe and coat the digestive tract. It may help support healthy digestion and reduce inflammation in your dog's gastrointestinal system.

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

  44. Juniper berry is a natural source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, supporting a healthy immune system and overall wellbeing in dogs.

  45. Citric acid is a natural preservative that helps maintain the freshness and quality of dog food. It also acts as an antioxidant, which can help protect your dog's cells from damage caused by free radicals.

  46. Rosemary extract is a natural antioxidant that can help protect your dog's body from the harmful effects of free radicals. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can support your dog's overall health and well-being, particularly in regard to joint health.

  47. Dried lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product is a probiotic that can aid in maintaining a healthy balance of bacteria in your dog's gut, supporting overall digestive health.

  48. Dried Bifidobacterium animalis fermentation product is a probiotic that aids in maintaining a healthy balance of bacteria in your dog's gut, promoting digestive health.

  49. Dried Lactobacillus casei fermentation product is a probiotic ingredient that helps maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria in your dog, promoting optimal digestion and immune system function.

Review of Guaranteed Analysis

The Crude Protein minimum of 29.00% is primarily contributed by the chicken, turkey, chicken meal, and catfish meal in the ingredients list. These are all high-protein ingredients, with chicken and turkey being lean meats and the meals being concentrated sources of animal protein.

The Crude Fat minimum of 17.00% is likely due to the chicken fat, fish oil, and the fats inherent in the meats (chicken, turkey) and meals (chicken meal, catfish meal). Chicken fat is a high-quality source of essential fatty acids, while fish oil provides omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for skin, coat, and overall health.

The Crude Fiber maximum of 6.00% comes from the plant-based ingredients in the food, such as whole red lentils, whole pinto beans, whole green peas, whole chickpeas, whole green lentils, whole yellow peas, and lentil fiber. These ingredients provide dietary fiber which is important for digestive health.

The Calories of 3475.00 per kg is a result of the combined energy provided by the protein, fat, and carbohydrates in the food. All the ingredients contribute to this value, but the primary contributors are likely the meats and meals (for protein and fat) and the legumes and peas (for carbohydrates and fiber).

The vitamins and minerals listed in the ingredients (vitamin E supplement, vitamin A acetate, vitamin D3 supplement, riboflavin, folic acid, zinc proteinate, calcium pantothenate, copper proteinate) contribute to the overall nutritional completeness of the food but are not directly reflected in the guaranteed analysis values. They are, however, crucial for the overall health of the pet, supporting everything from immune function to metabolism.

Review of Affordability

According to our data, Acana Original Dry Food Free-Run Poultry Recipe costs approximately $3.33 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your dog.

Adult WeightPuppyAdult
5 lbs $13.15$20.54
10 lbs $22.11$34.55
15 lbs $29.97$46.83
20 lbs $37.18$58.10
30 lbs $50.40$78.75
40 lbs $62.54$97.71
50 lbs $73.93$115.52
60 lbs $84.76$132.44
70 lbs $95.15$148.67
80 lbs $105.17$164.33
90 lbs $114.89$179.51
100 lbs $124.33$194.27

Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.

Summary of Customer Reviews

Many customers praised Acana Original Dry Food Free-Run Poultry Recipe for its high-quality ingredients and positive impact on their dogs' health. One customer noted that their dog's coat became softer and shinier after switching to this food. Another customer said that their dog, who used to vomit after eating other brands, had no issues with this product. Several customers also mentioned that their dogs, even the picky eaters, loved the taste of this food.

Some customers expressed concerns about the change of ownership of the company that produces Acana. They worried that the quality of the products might have decreased since the company was purchased by Mars. However, other customers said they noticed no changes in the quality of the food and their dogs continued to enjoy it.

A few customers reported that their dogs experienced adverse reactions to the food, such as vomiting and diarrhea. In response to these concerns, it's important to note that every dog is different and what works for one might not work for another. It's always recommended to gradually introduce new food to a dog's diet and monitor their reaction.

Despite the concerns about the company's change of ownership, many customers remained loyal to Acana. They appreciated the variety of flavors offered and the fact that the food is made from real ingredients. Some customers also highlighted that their dogs' health improved after switching to Acana, with benefits such as healthier weight, less shedding, and improved bowel movements.

A few customers mentioned that the kibble size was too big for their dogs. However, other customers didn't find this to be a problem, even for their smaller dogs. Some customers felt the food was expensive, but most agreed that the quality of the ingredients and the positive impact on their dogs' health made it worth the price.

In conclusion, the majority of customers were very happy with Acana Original Dry Food Free-Run Poultry Recipe. They praised the high-quality ingredients and the positive impact on their dogs' health, and most importantly, their dogs loved the taste.