Acana Original Dry Food Red Meat Recipe Review

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Review of Acana Original Dry Food Red Meat 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 Red Meat 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 Red Meat Recipe, we'll examine all 50 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. Pork is a high-quality source of protein, essential for muscle development and maintenance, and provides vital nutrients for your dog's overall health.

  3. Beef meal is a concentrated source of high-quality protein derived from cooked beef. It provides essential amino acids that support muscle development, tissue repair, and overall health. Beef meal is a highly digestible ingredient that can contribute to your dog's balanced and nutritious diet.

  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. 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. Beef fat is a high-quality source of energy and essential fatty acids that support your dog's skin, coat, and overall health.

  9. 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.

  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 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.

  12. Lamb is a high-quality protein source that provides essential amino acids necessary for your dog's muscle growth, tissue repair, and overall health. It's also a good option for dogs with sensitivities to other protein sources, such as chicken or beef.

  13. 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.

  14. 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.

  15. Natural pork flavor enhances the taste of your dog's food, making it more appealing and enjoyable for them to eat.

  16. 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.

  17. Beef tripe is a nutrient-rich ingredient that provides high-quality protein and essential amino acids for your dog. It also contains beneficial probiotics that can aid in digestion and support a healthy gut microbiome.

  18. Beef liver is a nutrient-rich organ meat that provides essential vitamins and minerals, such as iron, zinc, and B vitamins, which support your dog's overall health and well-being. It is also a good source of high-quality protein, which helps maintain strong muscles and a healthy coat.

  19. Beef kidney is a nutrient-rich organ meat that provides a concentrated source of essential vitamins and minerals, supporting your dog's immune system, cognitive function, and overall health.

  20. Pork liver is a nutrient-rich organ meat that provides a plethora of essential vitamins and minerals, including iron, vitamin A, and B vitamins, which help support your dog's overall health.

  21. Pork kidney is a nutrient-dense protein source for dogs, providing essential vitamins and minerals, including iron, zinc, and vitamins A and B. It supports overall health, including immune function, cognitive health, and energy production.

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

  27. 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.

  28. 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.

  29. 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.

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

  31. Taurine is an essential amino acid that supports heart health, vision, and development and function of skeletal muscle.

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

  33. Freeze dried beef is a high-quality protein source that retains more of its nutritional value compared to traditional cooking methods. It provides essential amino acids and supports muscle development and maintenance.

  34. Freeze dried pork is a high-quality source of protein that helps build and maintain your dog's muscles. The freeze drying process preserves the nutrients in the meat without the need for preservatives.

  35. Freeze-dried lamb is a high-quality protein source used in dog food. It provides essential amino acids that support muscle growth and maintenance, as well as healthy skin and coat. Freeze-drying preserves the nutritional value of the meat, ensuring that your dog gets the maximum benefits from this protein source.

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

  37. 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.

  38. 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.

  39. 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.

  40. 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.

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

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

  43. 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.

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

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

  46. 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.

  47. 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.

  48. 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.

  49. 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.

  50. 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

1. Crude Protein (min) of 29.00%: The primary source of protein in this pet food is likely the beef, pork, beef meal, and pork meal. These ingredients are listed first, indicating that they are the most abundant. Additionally, whole lentils, beans, peas, and chickpeas also contribute to the protein content, as they are rich in plant-based proteins.

2. Crude Fat (min) of 17.00%: The main sources of fat in this pet food are likely the beef fat and fish oil. These are listed among the top ingredients, which means they contribute significantly to the overall fat content. The beef, pork, and lamb also naturally contain fats, further contributing to this percentage.

3. Crude Fiber (max) of 6.00%: The fiber in this pet food is most likely derived from the whole lentils, beans, peas, chickpeas, lentil fiber, pea starch, whole pumpkin, and dried chicory root. These ingredients are known to be high in dietary fiber.

4. Calories of 3405.00 per kg: The caloric content of this pet food is a result of the combination of all the ingredients, with the largest contributors usually being the protein and fat sources. In this case, the beef, pork, beef meal, pork meal, beef fat, and fish oil would be the main sources of calories. The legumes and vegetables also contribute, albeit to a lesser extent.

In addition to these, the product contains various vitamins, minerals, and probiotics derived from the other ingredients listed, contributing to the overall nutritional profile of the pet food.

Review of Affordability

According to our data, Acana Original Dry Food Red Meat Recipe costs approximately $3.38 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your dog.

Adult WeightPuppyAdult
5 lbs $13.60$21.24
10 lbs $22.87$35.73
15 lbs $30.99$48.43
20 lbs $38.46$60.09
30 lbs $52.12$81.44
40 lbs $64.68$101.05
50 lbs $76.46$119.46
60 lbs $87.66$136.97
70 lbs $98.40$153.76
80 lbs $108.77$169.95
90 lbs $118.82$185.65
100 lbs $128.59$200.91

Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.

Summary of Customer Reviews

Many customers have found Acana Original Dry Food Red Meat Recipe to be an excellent option for their dogs, particularly those with allergies to common ingredients found in other dog foods. The Red Meat formula has been praised for being free of poultry, potatoes, and other allergens. Customers have noted that their dogs seem to enjoy the taste, with some dogs licking the bowl clean.

Several customers have praised the quality of the ingredients in Acana. One customer, who conducted a research paper on pet nutrition in vet school, highly recommends Acana for its high-quality ingredients and lack of fillers. Despite the high cost, customers believe it's worth it due to the quality of the food.

The Acana Red Meat Recipe has been a hit with many dogs, with owners reporting that their pets eat it more quickly than other brands. Some customers have also noted that Acana does not test on animals, which they appreciate. The brand has been praised for its commitment to quality and for the noticeable improvements in dogs' health after switching to this food.

However, some customers have reported that their dogs had adverse reactions to the food, such as allergies or digestive issues. There are also concerns about the recent change in ownership of the brand. Despite these issues, many customers remain loyal to Acana due to the overall quality and positive effects on their pets' health.

Customers have also noted that Acana's food has helped improve their dogs' coats and digestion. Despite the higher initial cost, some find it more cost-effective in the long run due to the nutrient density of the food. However, some customers have expressed concerns about the size of the kibble, suggesting that it may be too large for smaller breeds.

Acana is highly recommended by many dog owners, especially those with dogs that have specific dietary needs or allergies. However, as with any pet food, it's important for individual pet owners to monitor their dogs’ reactions to the food and consult with a vet if any health issues arise.