Acana Highest Protein (Canadian) Ranchlands Recipe For Dogs Review

PawDiet has been helping pet owners since 2015. To fund our efforts, articles may include affiliate links; if you buy something through a link, we may earn a commission.


Review of Acana Highest Protein (Canadian) Ranchlands 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 Highest Protein (Canadian) Ranchlands 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 Highest Protein (Canadian) Ranchlands Recipe For Dogs, we'll examine all 52 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 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.

  3. Yorkshire pork is a lean and nutrient-rich meat that provides high-quality protein, essential for your dog's muscle development and energy needs. It also contains important vitamins and minerals such as iron, zinc, and B vitamins.

  4. 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.

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

  6. 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.

  7. 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.

  8. 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.

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

  11. 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.

  12. 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.

  13. Bison is a lean and nutrient-dense protein source, providing essential amino acids for muscle development and maintenance. It's also a great alternative for dogs with sensitivities to common proteins, as it is less likely to trigger allergies.

  14. Wild-caught walleye is a high-quality protein source rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which support your dog's skin, coat, and overall health.

  15. 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.

  16. 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.

  17. 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.

  18. Sun-cured alfalfa is a fiber-rich ingredient that can support digestive health in dogs, and it also provides important vitamins and minerals.

  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. 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.

  21. 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.

  22. Dried Beef Cartilage is a source of natural glucosamine and chondroitin, which can support joint health in dogs.

  23. Lamb tripe is a nutritious organ meat which provides a variety of essential nutrients like protein, calcium, and other beneficial enzymes that can aid digestion and support a healthy immune system.

  24. Dried brown kelp is a natural source of iodine, which is essential for maintaining proper thyroid function in dogs. It also contains a variety of vitamins and minerals that contribute to overall health and well-being.

  25. Pumpkin is a nutritious and fiber-rich ingredient that can help support your dog's digestive health. Its high fiber content can aid in maintaining a healthy weight and promoting regular bowel movements.

  26. Butternut Squash in dog food provides a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It helps promote healthy digestion and is also beneficial for a dog's eyesight due to its high Vitamin A content.

  27. Parsnip is a nutrient-rich root vegetable that provides essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber for your dog. It supports a healthy digestive system, promotes a strong immune system, and contributes to overall health and vitality.

  28. Green Kale is a superfood packed with vitamins and antioxidants that support your dog's overall health and immune system.

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

  30. Mustard greens are a nutrient-rich vegetable that provides dogs with essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, C, and K, as well as antioxidants to support overall health and well-being.

  31. 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.

  32. Carrots are an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants for your dog. They're rich in vitamin A, which supports healthy vision and immune function, and also provide fiber to aid in digestion and maintain a healthy weight.

  33. Apple is a natural source of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants that support your dog's digestive health, immune system, and overall well-being.

  34. Pear is a great source of dietary fiber, vitamin C, and other essential nutrients that can support your dog's digestive and immune health.

  35. Freeze dried beef liver is a nutrient-rich source of protein, vitamins, and minerals for your dog. It contains essential amino acids, as well as high levels of vitamin A, B vitamins, and iron, which support your dog's overall health, growth, and immune function. Freeze drying preserves the nutrients in beef liver, making it a healthy and delicious treat or meal addition for your dog.

  36. 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.

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

  38. Cranberry is a fruit that can provide your dog with antioxidants, fiber, and vitamin C, promoting urinary tract health and boosting their immune system.

  39. Blueberry is a nutrient-rich fruit that provides antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber, which can help support your dog's immune system and overall health.

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

  41. The turmeric root is an antioxidant-rich ingredient, known for its anti-inflammatory properties that can help alleviate joint discomfort and improve overall health.

  42. 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.

  43. 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.

  44. 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.

  45. 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.

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

  47. Tocopherol rich extract of natural origin is a natural source of antioxidants, which help to protect your dog's cells from damage and support a strong immune system.

  48. Vitamin E is an essential nutrient that acts as an antioxidant, helping to protect your dog's cells from damage caused by free radicals. It also supports your pet's immune system, skin, and coat health, making it an important component in a balanced diet.

  49. Zinc chelate of amino acids hydrate is a highly bioavailable form of zinc, an essential trace mineral that supports your dog's immune system, metabolism, and skin and coat health.

  50. Copper chelate of amino acids hydrate is a highly bioavailable form of copper, an essential trace mineral that supports various bodily functions, such as immune system health, collagen formation, and iron metabolism in dogs.

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

  52. Enterococcus faecium is a probiotic that helps promote a healthy balance of gut bacteria, supporting your dog's digestive health and immune system.

Review of Guaranteed Analysis

The guaranteed crude protein minimum of 35.00% is likely attributed to the high inclusion of animal-based ingredients such as raw beef, raw lamb, raw pork, beef meal, lamb meal, pork meal, raw beef liver, raw pork liver, raw freshwater lake fish, raw bison, and raw lamb liver. Meals (like beef meal, lamb meal, and pork meal) are concentrated sources of protein because they are rendered and have much of their moisture removed, which makes them more protein-dense than raw meats.

The crude fat minimum of 17.00% is mostly contributed by the various meats and their associated fats, such as beef fat, which is explicitly listed at 5%. Additionally, the inclusion of fish oil at 2% also contributes to the total fat content, providing essential fatty acids like omega-3s.

Crude fiber maximum of 6.00% comes from plant-based ingredients such as whole green peas, whole red lentils, whole chickpeas, whole green lentils, whole pinto beans, whole yellow peas, pea starch, lentil fiber, and various fresh vegetables and fruits included in the diet. These ingredients provide dietary fiber which is essential for digestive health.

The caloric content of 3790.00 kcal/kg is a result of the combined energy provided by the protein, fat, and carbohydrates in the diet. The meats and fat sources are high-energy ingredients, while the legumes, vegetables, and fruits also contribute to the total calorie count, albeit to a lesser extent compared to the animal-based components.