Acana Singles (Canadian) Pacific Pilchard Review

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Review of Acana Singles (Canadian) Pacific Pilchard

According to our data, this Acana recipe provides complete & balanced nutrition for all life stages. In other words, this formula is AAFCO approved.

Acana Singles (Canadian) Pacific Pilchard 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 Singles (Canadian) Pacific Pilchard, we'll examine all 30 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. Whole Pacific pilchard is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids and high-quality protein for dogs, promoting heart health, a shiny coat, and strong muscles.

  2. Whole pilchard meal is a high-quality, protein-rich ingredient that provides essential amino acids, omega-3 fatty acids, and various vitamins and minerals. It supports healthy muscle development, brain function, and heart health in your dog.

  3. 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.

  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 garbanzo bean is a nutritious legume that provides a good source of protein, fiber, and essential nutrients for your dog, such as iron, magnesium, and potassium. These beans can help promote digestive health, muscle development, and overall well-being.

  6. Pilchard oil is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for maintaining your dog's healthy skin, coat, and joints. It also supports brain function and helps reduce inflammation in your dog's body.

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

  8. Spinach greens are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin K, vitamin A, and iron, that support overall health and vitality in dogs.

  9. 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.

  10. Cold-pressed sunflower oil is a healthy fat that provides essential omega-6 fatty acids to support your dog's skin and coat health, as well as overall cell function.

  11. 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.

  12. 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.

  13. 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.

  14. 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.

  15. 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.

  16. 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.

  17. Freeze dried pilchard is a nutrient-rich fish protein source that provides essential omega-3 fatty acids, promoting your dog's skin, coat, and heart health.

  18. 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.

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

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

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

  22. 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.

  23. 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.

  24. 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.

  25. 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.

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

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

  28. 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.

  29. Zinc chelate is a highly bioavailable form of zinc that is easily absorbed by your dog's body. Zinc is an essential trace mineral that supports various functions, including skin and coat health, immune system function, and wound healing.

  30. Copper chelate is a highly bioavailable form of copper, an essential trace mineral that supports your dog's coat health, energy metabolism, and immune function.

Review of Guaranteed Analysis

Crude Protein (min) of 31.00%: The primary contributors to the crude protein content in this pet food are the fresh whole Pacific pilchard and pilchard meal, which are listed as the first two ingredients and make up a significant portion of the product. These fish-based ingredients are naturally high in protein, which is essential for muscle maintenance and overall health in pets. The inclusion of whole green peas, red lentils, and garbanzo beans also adds to the protein content, although to a lesser extent than the fish components.

Crude Fat (min) of 15.00%: The crude fat content is mainly derived from the pilchard oil, which is 7% of the formulation. The fresh whole Pacific pilchard and pilchard meal also contribute to the fat content due to the natural oils found in fish. Additionally, the cold-pressed sunflower oil included in the ingredients provides a source of essential fatty acids, which are beneficial for a pet's skin and coat health.

Crude Fiber (max) of 5.00%: Fiber is present in the whole green peas, red lentils, garbanzo beans, lentil fiber, and various whole vegetables like butternut squash and pumpkin. These plant-based ingredients contribute to the overall dietary fiber content, which is important for digestive health. The inclusion of dried brown kelp may also contribute to the fiber content, as well as providing other nutrients.

Calories of 3393.00 per kg: The caloric content is a measure of the energy provided by the food. The fish ingredients, being rich in fats and proteins, are calorie-dense and thus contribute significantly to the total caloric content. The various legumes and vegetables included also provide calories, primarily through their carbohydrate content. The overall caloric value is a balance of the macronutrients – proteins, fats, and carbohydrates – derived from all the ingredients in the formula.