Acana Original Dry Food Paleo Formula Review

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Review of Acana Original Dry Food Paleo Formula

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 Paleo Formula 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 Paleo Formula, we'll examine all 42 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. Wild boar is a lean and nutrient-dense protein source for your dog. It contains essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals that support muscle growth, immune system function, and overall health. As an alternative to more common proteins like chicken and beef, wild boar can be a novel protein source for dogs with food sensitivities.

  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. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. 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.

  7. Turkey meal is a high-quality, protein-rich ingredient that provides essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals for your dog. It supports lean muscle development, healthy organ function, and a strong immune system.

  8. 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.

  9. 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.

  10. 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.

  11. 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.

  12. 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.

  13. Pork broth is a flavorful and nutrient-rich ingredient that provides hydration, essential minerals, and amino acids for your dog. It can also help improve the palatability of the food, making it more appealing to picky eaters.

  14. Rabbit is a lean, novel protein source that is easily digestible and can be beneficial for dogs with food allergies or sensitivities.

  15. Wild boar liver is a nutrient-dense ingredient that provides high-quality protein, essential vitamins, and minerals for your dog. It is rich in vitamin A, iron, and other important nutrients that support immune function, maintain healthy muscles, and promote overall well-being.

  16. Pollock oil is a fantastic source of Omega-3 fatty acids which are essential for your dog's skin and coat health, as well as their overall brain function.

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

  18. 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.

  19. 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.

  20. 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.

  21. Wild boar heart is a lean, high-quality protein source that is rich in essential nutrients such as taurine, which is vital for maintaining your dog's heart health. It also contains various vitamins and minerals that support muscle growth and maintenance.

  22. Wild boar cartilage is a natural source of glucosamine and chondroitin, which are essential for maintaining healthy joints and cartilage in dogs. This ingredient may help support joint health and mobility, particularly in aging or active dogs.

  23. 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.

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

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

  26. 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.

  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 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.

  29. 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.

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

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

  32. Freeze dried pork liver is a nutrient-dense organ meat that provides essential vitamins, minerals, and amino acids for dogs. It supports overall health, immune function, and offers a taste that dogs love.

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

  34. Chicory Root is a prebiotic that supports healthy digestion in dogs by promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.

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

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

  37. 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.

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

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

  40. 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.

  41. 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.

  42. 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

Crude Protein (min) of 29.00%: The high protein content in this pet food is primarily contributed by the first few ingredients listed, which include deboned wild boar, deboned turkey, pork meal, turkey meal, and other meat-based components such as turkey liver, turkey heart, and turkey gizzard. These ingredients are rich in animal proteins, which are essential for a carnivorous diet. Pork meal and turkey meal are concentrated sources of protein because they are rendered forms of the meat with moisture removed, which means they contain a higher percentage of protein by weight compared to fresh meats.

Crude Fat (min) of 17.00%: The fat content is likely coming from the pork fat, pollock oil, and the fats naturally present in the meats like deboned wild boar, deboned turkey, and the various organ meats listed. Pork fat is a high-quality source of energy and helps to make the food palatable. Pollock oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for skin and coat health.

Crude Fiber (max) of 5.00%: The fiber in this pet food is likely provided by the plant-based ingredients such as whole green peas, whole red lentils, whole yellow peas, whole chickpeas, whole green lentils, whole pinto beans, lentil fiber, and chicory root. These ingredients contain dietary fiber, which is important for digestive health. Lentil fiber, in particular, is a concentrated source of fiber.

Calories of 3475.00 per kg: The caloric content is a cumulative result of all the macronutrients (proteins, fats, and carbohydrates) present in the food. The meats and fats (like pork fat and pollock oil) contribute to the calorie density with fats providing more calories per gram than proteins or carbohydrates. The legumes and vegetables also contribute to the overall caloric content, albeit to a lesser extent compared to the protein and fat sources.