Acana Dry Dog Food (Canadian) Puppy Large Breed Recipe Review

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Review of Acana Dry Dog Food (Canadian) Puppy Large Breed 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 Dry Dog Food (Canadian) Puppy Large Breed 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 Dry Dog Food (Canadian) Puppy Large Breed Recipe, we'll examine all 40 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. 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.

  3. 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.

  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. 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.

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

  7. 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.

  8. Hake is a type of fish that provides a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for your dog's skin, coat, and brain health. It's also a great source of high-quality protein.

  9. 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.

  10. Herring meal is a high-quality, concentrated source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids derived from herring fish. The omega-3 fatty acids found in herring meal can support your dog's skin and coat health, reduce inflammation, and promote cognitive function. As a protein source, herring meal helps build and maintain strong muscles and supports overall growth and development.

  11. 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.

  12. 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.

  13. 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.

  14. 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.

  15. 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.

  16. 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.

  17. 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.

  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. 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.

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

  21. 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.

  22. 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.

  23. 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.

  24. 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.

  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. 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.

  27. 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.

  28. 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.

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

  30. 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.

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

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

  33. 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.

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

  35. 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.

  36. 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.

  37. 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.

  38. 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.

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

  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.

Review of Guaranteed Analysis

The guaranteed analysis value of crude protein at a minimum of 33.00% is largely contributed by the high-protein ingredients such as fresh chicken, chicken meal, chicken giblets (liver, heart), herring meal, eggs, turkey meal, and fish oil. Chicken meal and herring meal, being concentrated forms of protein after water removal, are especially significant contributors to this high protein content, which is essential for the growth and development of large breed puppies.

The crude fat content at a minimum of 15.00% is primarily derived from ingredients like chicken fat, fish oil, and the natural fats present in the fresh chicken and eggs. These fat sources provide essential fatty acids that are crucial for the energy, skin and coat health of puppies.

Crude fiber at a maximum of 6.00% comes from the plant-based ingredients such as whole lentils, green peas, chickpeas, pea fiber, and various fresh vegetables and fruits included in the recipe. These sources of fiber are important for digestive health and regular bowel movements.

The caloric content of 3375.00 kcal/kg is influenced by the combined contributions of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates in the ingredients. The proteins and fats are high-energy components, while the carbohydrates from lentils, peas, chickpeas, and various fruits and vegetables also contribute to the total caloric value, ensuring the food meets the energy requirements of growing large breed puppies.