Acana Original Dry Food Puppy Recipe Review
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Review of Acana Original Dry Food Puppy 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 Original Dry Food Puppy 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 Original Dry Food Puppy Recipe, we'll examine all 47 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Flounder is a lean, easily-digestible protein source that's also rich in essential omega-3 fatty acids, which can support skin and coat health.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Chicken broth is a flavorful, hydrating ingredient that adds moisture to your dog's food, making it more palatable. It also contains essential nutrients, like vitamins and minerals, to support your dog's overall health and well-being.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Natural chicken flavor is a dog food ingredient used to enhance the taste and aroma of the product, making it more appealing to your pet. It is derived from real chicken and does not contain any artificial additives or chemicals. This natural flavoring helps encourage your dog to eat and enjoy their meals.
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.
Chicken Heart is rich in taurine and other essential nutrients that support your dog's heart health.
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.
Vitamin E supplement is an essential nutrient that helps support your dog's immune system, skin health, and overall wellness.
Dried kelp is a natural source of essential minerals and trace elements, which help support your dog's thyroid function and overall health.
Zinc proteinate is a highly absorbable form of zinc. It helps support a healthy immune system, skin, and coat in dogs.
Mixed tocopherols are natural antioxidants used to preserve the freshness of dog food, ensuring your pet receives the highest quality nutrients possible.
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.
Collard green is a leafy green vegetable rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making it a great addition to your dog's diet. It supports healthy digestion, immunity, and overall wellness in dogs.
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.
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.
Calcium pantothenate is a source of pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) that helps support your dog's energy metabolism and nervous system function.
Thiamine mononitrate is a form of vitamin B1 that helps support your dog's nervous system function, energy metabolism, and overall health.
Freeze dried chicken is a highly digestible source of protein that retains the natural flavor and nutrients of fresh chicken. It supports muscle development, a healthy coat, and overall well-being.
Freeze dried turkey is a high-quality protein source that provides essential amino acids, supporting your dog's muscle growth, tissue repair, and immune system.
Riboflavin, also known as Vitamin B2, is essential for energy production, cell function, and fat metabolism in your dog's body.
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.
Copper Proteinate is a chelated form of copper that's easier for dogs to absorb, aiding in red blood cell formation and iron absorption.
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.
Sarsaparilla root is used in herbal medicine and may have anti-inflammatory and liver-protecting effects.
Althea root, also known as marshmallow root, has been used traditionally to soothe and coat the digestive tract. It may help support healthy digestion and reduce inflammation in your dog's gastrointestinal system.
Rose hip is rich in antioxidants, especially vitamin C, and can support joint health in dogs.
Juniper berry is a natural source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, supporting a healthy immune system and overall wellbeing in dogs.
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.
Dried lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product is a probiotic that can aid in maintaining a healthy balance of bacteria in your dog's gut, supporting overall digestive health.
Dried Bifidobacterium animalis fermentation product is a probiotic that aids in maintaining a healthy balance of bacteria in your dog's gut, promoting digestive health.
Dried Lactobacillus casei fermentation product is a probiotic ingredient that helps maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria in your dog, promoting optimal digestion and immune system function.
Review of Guaranteed Analysis
Crude Protein (min) of 31.00%: The high crude protein content is likely provided by the chicken, turkey, chicken meal, turkey meal, eggs, and fish oil listed in the ingredients. Chicken and turkey are excellent sources of protein, while chicken meal and turkey meal are concentrated forms of these proteins because they are rendered and dried. Eggs are also a high-quality protein source, contributing to the overall protein content.
Crude Fat (min) of 19.00%: The crude fat content is primarily coming from ingredients like chicken fat, fish oil, and to a lesser extent, the fats present in the chicken, turkey, and eggs. Chicken fat is a common source of energy for dogs and is rich in essential fatty acids. Fish oil is high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for a dog's coat and skin health.
Crude Fiber (max) of 5.00%: The fiber in the diet is most likely coming from the plant-based ingredients such as whole green peas, whole red lentils, lentil fiber, whole yellow peas, whole chickpeas, whole green lentils, whole pinto beans, and pea starch. These ingredients contribute to the dietary fiber which aids in digestion. The inclusion of chicory root, which is a source of inulin (a type of soluble fiber), also contributes to the fiber content.
Calories of 3575.00 per kg: Calories in pet food are derived from the three macronutrients: proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. In this case, the high caloric content can be attributed to the high levels of protein and fat from the animal-based ingredients like chicken, turkey, and chicken fat, as well as the carbohydrates from the peas, lentils, and beans. The overall caloric density is important for growing puppies who require more energy for growth and development.
Review of Affordability
According to our data, Acana Original Dry Food Puppy Recipe costs approximately $3.20 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your dog.
| Adult Weight | Puppy |
|---|---|
| 5 lbs | $12.27 |
| 10 lbs | $20.64 |
| 15 lbs | $27.97 |
| 20 lbs | $34.71 |
| 30 lbs | $47.04 |
| 40 lbs | $58.37 |
| 50 lbs | $69.00 |
| 60 lbs | $79.11 |
| 70 lbs | $88.81 |
| 80 lbs | $98.16 |
| 90 lbs | $107.23 |
| 100 lbs | $116.05 |
Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.
Summary of Customer Reviews
Customers have generally praised Acana Original Dry Food Puppy Recipe for its positive impact on their puppies' health, noting improvements in coat shine and overall vitality. Many have reported their puppies thriving on this food, highlighting its quality ingredients and the fact that it's made in Kentucky.
Several reviews mention that their puppies love the taste of Acana, choosing it over other brands and even using it as treats. The small kibble size is appreciated, especially for younger puppies, and there's a consensus that the food does not cause digestive issues for most pets.
While there are some concerns about grain-free diets, many customers have found Acana to be a good choice for their pets, with no reported issues related to heart disease. The brand's focus on quality ingredients and the positive effects on puppies' coats and energy levels are frequently cited reasons for continued use.
Despite some negative experiences, such as digestive upset in certain puppies, the overall sentiment is that Acana is a high-quality food that supports puppy growth and health. Customers appreciate the resealable bags for freshness and the convenience of the product.
Lastly, Acana's customer service and the perceived value of the product have been commended. Pet owners who have switched to Acana often report seeing a noticeable difference in their puppies, including better coat condition, less itching, and more consistent energy levels.
