Acana Wholesome Grains Red Meat & Grains Recipe For Dogs Review

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Review of Acana Wholesome Grains Red Meat & Grains 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 Wholesome Grains Red Meat & Grains 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 Wholesome Grains Red Meat & Grains Recipe For Dogs, we'll examine all 48 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. Pork is a high-quality source of protein, essential for muscle development and maintenance, and provides vital nutrients for your dog's overall health.

  3. Beef meal is a concentrated source of high-quality protein derived from cooked beef. It provides essential amino acids that support muscle development, tissue repair, and overall health. Beef meal is a highly digestible ingredient that can contribute to your dog's balanced and nutritious diet.

  4. Oat groats provide a wholesome source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, contributing to healthy digestion and overall well-being in your dog.

  5. Whole Sorghum is a gluten-free grain that is a good source of complex carbohydrates, fiber, and essential nutrients, promoting healthy digestion and sustained energy levels.

  6. Whole millet is a nutritious and easily digestible grain that provides energy, essential nutrients, and fiber for your dog. It's a gluten-free alternative to other grains and can help support your dog's digestive health and overall well-being.

  7. 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.

  8. Whole oats are a nutritious and easily digestible grain that provides essential nutrients, such as fiber, vitamins, and minerals, to support your dog's overall health and digestion.

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

  10. 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.

  11. 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.

  12. Ground Miscanthus Grass is a high fiber ingredient, helping to promote healthy digestion and bowel movements.

  13. Natural pork flavor enhances the taste of your dog's food, making it more appealing and enjoyable for them to eat.

  14. 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.

  15. 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.

  16. Pork kidney is a nutrient-dense protein source for dogs, providing essential vitamins and minerals, including iron, zinc, and vitamins A and B. It supports overall health, including immune function, cognitive health, and energy production.

  17. Beef tripe is a nutrient-rich ingredient that provides high-quality protein and essential amino acids for your dog. It also contains beneficial probiotics that can aid in digestion and support a healthy gut microbiome.

  18. 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.

  19. Potassium chloride is an essential mineral supplement that helps maintain your dog's electrolyte balance and supports healthy nerve and muscle function.

  20. 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.

  21. 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.

  22. 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.

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

  24. Choline Chloride is an essential nutrient that aids in brain and liver function, muscle movement, and supports healthy metabolic processes.

  25. Vitamin E supplement is an essential nutrient that helps support your dog's immune system, skin health, and overall wellness.

  26. Dried kelp is a natural source of essential minerals and trace elements, which help support your dog's thyroid function and overall health.

  27. Zinc proteinate is a highly absorbable form of zinc. It helps support a healthy immune system, skin, and coat in dogs.

  28. Mixed tocopherols are natural antioxidants used to preserve the freshness of dog food, ensuring your pet receives the highest quality nutrients possible.

  29. Vitamin D3 supplement is an essential vitamin that supports bone health, immune function, and overall well-being in dogs. It helps regulate calcium and phosphorus balance in the body, promoting strong and healthy bones.

  30. Vitamin A acetate is a form of vitamin A, which is essential for your dog's overall health. It supports healthy vision, immune function, and proper growth and development. Vitamin A acetate also plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy skin and coat, ensuring your dog looks and feels its best.

  31. Niacin, also known as Vitamin B3, is essential for a dog's metabolism and energy production, and supports healthy skin and coat.

  32. Thiamine mononitrate is a form of vitamin B1 that helps support your dog's nervous system function, energy metabolism, and overall health.

  33. Riboflavin, also known as Vitamin B2, is essential for energy production, cell function, and fat metabolism in your dog's body.

  34. Calcium pantothenate is a source of pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) that helps support your dog's energy metabolism and nervous system function.

  35. 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.

  36. 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.

  37. Vitamin B12 Supplement is an essential vitamin that helps support brain function and the formation of red blood cells.

  38. 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.

  39. Turmeric is a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant spice that can help support your dog's joint health, immune system, and overall well-being.

  40. Sarsaparilla root is used in herbal medicine and may have anti-inflammatory and liver-protecting effects.

  41. 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.

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

  43. Juniper berry is a natural source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, supporting a healthy immune system and overall wellbeing in dogs.

  44. 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.

  45. 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.

  46. 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.

  47. 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.

  48. 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

The crude protein content of 27.00% is primarily derived from the animal-based ingredients listed, such as beef, deboned pork, beef meal, pork meal, deboned lamb, beef cartilage, beef liver, pork liver, pork kidney, beef tripe, and beef kidney. These ingredients are rich in proteins, which are essential for the growth, maintenance, and repair of body tissues in dogs.

The crude fat minimum of 17.00% is likely contributed by the beef fat, fish oil, and the fats naturally present in the meat-based ingredients like beef, pork, and lamb. Fats are a crucial source of energy for dogs and also help in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.

Crude fiber maximum of 6.00% comes from the plant-based ingredients such as oat groats, whole sorghum, whole millet, whole oats, ground miscanthus grass, whole butternut squash, and whole pumpkin. These ingredients provide dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and helps maintain bowel health.

The caloric content of 3370.00 kcal per kg is a measure of the total energy provided by all the ingredients combined. The protein and fat are high-energy components, while carbohydrates from grains and vegetables also contribute to the total caloric value. The specific caloric contribution of each ingredient is not detailed, but meats and fats are typically more calorie-dense than fibers and other carbohydrates.

Review of Affordability

According to our data, Acana Wholesome Grains Red Meat & Grains Recipe For Dogs costs approximately $3.61 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your dog.

Adult WeightPuppyAdult
5 lbs $14.69$22.95
10 lbs $24.70$38.59
15 lbs $33.48$52.31
20 lbs $41.54$64.90
30 lbs $56.30$87.97
40 lbs $69.86$109.16
50 lbs $82.59$129.04
60 lbs $94.69$147.95
70 lbs $106.29$166.08
80 lbs $117.49$183.58
90 lbs $128.34$200.53
100 lbs $138.89$217.02

Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.

Summary of Customer Reviews

Customers are generally pleased with the Acana Wholesome Grains Red Meat & Grains Recipe For Dogs, highlighting the quality ingredients and the inclusion of real protein as the first ingredient. The grain-inclusive formula is appreciated by those looking to avoid legumes and peas, and many report their dogs thriving on the brand despite previous concerns regarding grain-free diets and DCM. The larger kibble size compared to other brands like Open Farm is also noted as a positive feature.

Many dog owners have noticed improvements in their pets' health after switching to this Acana recipe. Dogs with sensitive stomachs, allergies to chicken, or skin issues have shown better digestion, solid stools, less itching, and overall enthusiasm for the food. The brand's reputation for rigorous quality testing is reassuring to pet parents who prioritize the well-being of their furry family members.

While there are some reports of dogs not taking to the flavor or experiencing digestive issues, the majority of reviews are positive, with dogs showing excitement at meal times and pet owners observing healthy coats, energy levels, and weight management. Some dogs with specific allergies or sensitivities have found relief with this recipe, and the absence of chicken and legumes is a significant plus for those concerned with these ingredients.

In the face of negative experiences, it's important to note that individual dogs may react differently to certain foods due to their unique dietary needs and sensitivities. However, the overall consensus suggests that Acana's recipe is well-received, with many dogs enjoying the taste and experiencing health benefits from the high-quality, wholesome ingredients.