Acana Freeze-Dried Morsels Free-Run Duck Recipe Review
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Review of Acana Freeze-Dried Morsels Free-Run Duck 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 Freeze-Dried Morsels Free-Run Duck 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 Freeze-Dried Morsels Free-Run Duck Recipe, we'll examine all 31 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.
Duck (ground with bone) is a complete protein source, providing essential nutrients and bone content for calcium, supporting strong bones and teeth.
Turkey (ground with bone) is a protein-rich ingredient that provides essential nutrients, such as calcium and phosphorus, for strong bones and overall health.
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.
Whole herring is an excellent source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential nutrients that support your dog's skin and coat health, heart function, and overall well-being.
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.
Natural fish flavor enhances the taste of your dog's food, making it more appealing and enjoyable for your pet.
Chicken Heart is rich in taurine and other essential nutrients that support your dog's heart health.
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.
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.
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.
Calcium carbonate is a valuable source of calcium, an essential mineral for strong bones and teeth, and for supporting proper muscle function in your dog.
Turkey bone broth is rich in vitamins, minerals, and collagen, supporting joint health and promoting a healthy gut in dogs.
Organic butternut squash is a nutrient-dense vegetable that provides your dog with plenty of vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and potassium. It is also a good source of dietary fiber for healthy digestion.
Organic Carrot is an excellent source of dietary fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins, especially vitamin A, promoting eye health and a strong immune system.
Organic Pear is a good source of dietary fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants which can support your dog's digestive and immune health.
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.
Turmeric is a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant spice that can help support your dog's joint health, immune system, and overall well-being.
Dried kelp is a natural source of essential minerals and trace elements, which help support your dog's thyroid function and overall health.
Mixed tocopherols are natural antioxidants used to preserve the freshness of dog food, ensuring your pet receives the highest quality nutrients possible.
Vitamin E supplement is an essential nutrient that helps support your dog's immune system, skin health, and overall wellness.
Niacin, also known as Vitamin B3, is essential for a dog's metabolism and energy production, and supports healthy skin and coat.
Thiamine mononitrate is a form of vitamin B1 that helps support your dog's nervous system function, energy metabolism, and overall health.
Riboflavin, also known as Vitamin B2, is essential for energy production, cell function, and fat metabolism in your dog's body.
Calcium pantothenate is a source of pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) that helps support your dog's energy metabolism and nervous system function.
Pyridoxine hydrochloride is a source of vitamin B6, which is essential for your dog's nervous system function, immune health, and red blood cell production.
Folic acid is a crucial B-vitamin that aids in the synthesis of DNA and supports healthy cell growth. It's essential for maintaining your dog's overall health, particularly during periods of rapid growth.
Vitamin B12 Supplement is an essential vitamin that helps support brain function and the formation of red blood cells.
Zinc proteinate is a highly absorbable form of zinc. It helps support a healthy immune system, skin, and coat in dogs.
Copper Proteinate is a chelated form of copper that's easier for dogs to absorb, aiding in red blood cell formation and iron absorption.
Citric acid is a natural preservative that helps maintain the freshness and quality of dog food. It also acts as an antioxidant, which can help protect your dog's cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Rosemary extract is a natural antioxidant that can help protect your dog's body from the harmful effects of free radicals. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can support your dog's overall health and well-being, particularly in regard to joint health.
Review of Guaranteed Analysis
The crude protein content of 46.00% is quite high, indicative of a protein-rich diet. This value is primarily contributed by the first several ingredients listed: duck with ground bone, turkey with ground bone, and chicken liver. These are all high-quality sources of animal protein, which are essential for a carnivorous diet. The inclusion of whole herring also contributes to the protein content, as well as providing omega fatty acids.
The crude fat minimum of 23.00% reflects the presence of nutrient-dense, fatty ingredients such as duck, turkey, chicken liver, and whole herring. These ingredients not only contribute to the protein content but also contain natural animal fats that are crucial for a pet's energy, skin, and coat health. The chicken heart and turkey giblets (liver, heart, gizzard) also add to the fat content, as organ meats are typically rich in both protein and fat.
Crude fiber is listed at a maximum of 5.00%, which is relatively low, indicating that this food is not primarily plant-based. The fiber that is present likely comes from the pumpkin, organic butternut squash, organic carrots, dried chicory root, and possibly the organic pear. These ingredients provide not only fiber but also natural vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Fiber is important for digestive health, but in carnivorous diets, it is present in smaller amounts compared to omnivorous or herbivorous diets.
The caloric content is 3950.00 kcal/kg, which is a measure of the energy provided by the food. This high energy content is consistent with the high levels of protein and fat, as both are calorie-dense macronutrients. The caloric density makes this food appropriate for active pets that require a lot of energy, and the caloric contribution comes mainly from the animal-based ingredients listed at the beginning of the ingredient list.
Additional ingredients like calcium carbonate and turkey bone broth contribute to the mineral content, particularly calcium, and the overall palatability of the product. The vitamins and minerals listed, such as zinc proteinate and copper proteinate, are added to ensure nutritional completeness and are not necessarily reflected in the guaranteed analysis but are important for overall health. The natural fish flavor, salt, and herbs like turmeric and rosemary extract enhance the taste and provide minor health benefits, while mixed tocopherols serve as a natural preservative to maintain the food's quality.
