Acana Highest Protein (Canadian) Wild Prairie 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) Wild Prairie 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) Wild Prairie 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) Wild Prairie Recipe For Dogs, we'll examine all 53 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 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.

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

  5. Chicken kidney is a nutrient-dense organ meat that provides a range of essential nutrients for your dog, including iron, vitamins A and B, and trace minerals.

  6. 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.

  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. Whole herring meal is a high-quality protein source that also provides Omega-3 fatty acids, supporting skin and coat health, joint health, and overall immune function.

  9. 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.

  10. 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.

  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. 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.

  13. 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.

  14. Trout is a high-quality protein source that also provides essential omega-3 fatty acids, which support skin and coat health.

  15. 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.

  16. 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.

  17. Heart is an excellent source of protein, B vitamins, and iron, which can help support your dog's active lifestyle and overall health.

  18. Kidney is an organ meat that provides essential vitamins and minerals, such as iron and vitamin B12, supporting your dog's overall health and vitality.

  19. 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.

  20. 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.

  21. 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.

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

  23. 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.

  24. 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.

  25. Dried chicken cartilage is a natural source of glucosamine and chondroitin, which help maintain your dog's joint health and mobility.

  26. 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.

  27. 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.

  28. 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.

  29. 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.

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

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

  32. 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.

  33. 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.

  34. 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.

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

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

  37. Freeze dried chicken liver is a highly nutritious ingredient that provides a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and protein for your dog. It is an excellent addition to dog food, as it supports overall health and well-being, and contributes to a shiny coat and strong immune system.

  38. Freeze dried turkey liver is a nutrient-rich ingredient that provides essential vitamins, minerals, and protein for your dog. It supports healthy muscle growth, immune system function, and overall well-being.

  39. 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.

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

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

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

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

  44. 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.

  45. 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.

  46. 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.

  47. 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.

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

  49. 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.

  50. 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.

  51. 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.

  52. 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.

  53. 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 analysis of crude protein at a minimum of 35.00% is primarily contributed by the animal-based ingredients such as fresh chicken, raw turkey, chicken giblets (liver, heart), chicken meal, herring meal, turkey meal, and fresh eggs. These ingredients are high in protein, which is essential for a dog's muscle development and overall health. The chicken meal and herring meal are concentrated sources of protein because they are rendered products with moisture removed, which means they have a higher percentage of protein by weight compared to fresh or raw meats.

The crude fat content at a minimum of 17.00% is likely to come from the chicken fat, fish oil, and the fats naturally present in the animal proteins listed (chicken, turkey, freshwater fish, etc.). These ingredients not only contribute to the total fat content but also provide essential fatty acids that are crucial for a dog's skin and coat health, as well as supporting other bodily functions.

Crude fiber at a maximum of 6.00% is provided by the plant-based ingredients such as whole green peas, red lentils, chickpeas, green lentils, pinto beans, yellow peas, lentil fiber, and various fresh vegetables and fruits. Fiber is important for digestive health, and these ingredients help to regulate bowel movements and can aid in weight management.

Calories are measured at 3850.00 per kg, and this energy content comes from the combined macronutrients in the food: proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. The high protein and fat ingredients like meats and chicken fat are calorie-dense and contribute significantly to the total caloric content. Carbohydrates from legumes (peas, lentils, chickpeas, beans) and other vegetables and fruits also add to the caloric value, providing energy for daily activities.

Additional ingredients like dried kelp, fresh vegetables, and fruits, as well as botanicals like turmeric and milk thistle, contribute to the overall nutrient profile of the food, including vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, but they do not significantly impact the guaranteed analysis values of protein, fat, fiber, and calories.