Acana Singles (Canadian) Free-Run Duck 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 Singles (Canadian) Free-Run Duck
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) Free-Run Duck 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) Free-Run Duck, we'll examine all 33 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 is a highly digestible protein source that provides essential amino acids, which support muscle development and energy in dogs.
Duck meal is a high-quality, concentrated source of protein and essential nutrients that support healthy muscle growth, strong bones, and a robust immune system in dogs.
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.
Duck liver is an excellent source of protein, vitamins, and minerals that help support overall health and wellbeing.
Duck heart is a nutrient-rich organ meat that provides a good source of protein, B vitamins, and iron for your dog.
Duck kidney is a nutrient-rich organ meat that provides essential vitamins and minerals, including iron and vitamin A, to support your dog's overall health.
Duck fat is a nutrient-rich ingredient high in omega-3 fatty acids, which support skin and coat health.
Pear is a great source of dietary fiber, vitamin C, and other essential nutrients that can support your dog's digestive and immune health.
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.
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 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.
Dried duck cartilage is a natural source of glucosamine and chondroitin, which are beneficial for your dog's joint health.
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.
Marine Algae is a great source of Omega-3 fatty acids, which help support a healthy skin and coat, as well as your dog's immune system.
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.
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.
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.
Freeze dried duck liver is a nutrient-dense ingredient in dog food, packed with essential vitamins and minerals. It is an excellent source of iron, vitamin A, and B vitamins, which support your dog's immune system, metabolism, and overall health. Duck liver is also a good alternative protein source for dogs with sensitivities to more common meats like beef or chicken.
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.
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.
Whole blueberry is a natural source of antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins, contributing to your dog's immune system and overall health.
Chicory Root is a prebiotic that supports healthy digestion in dogs by promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.
The turmeric root is an antioxidant-rich ingredient, known for its anti-inflammatory properties that can help alleviate joint discomfort and improve overall health.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Rose hip is rich in antioxidants, especially vitamin C, and can support joint health in dogs.
Enterococcus faecium is a probiotic that helps promote a healthy balance of gut bacteria, supporting your dog's digestive health and immune system.
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.
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.
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 high crude protein content is primarily provided by the first two ingredients: fresh duck and duck meat meal. The duck meat meal is a concentrated source of protein because it is a rendered product from which the moisture has been removed, making it denser in protein. Fresh duck also contributes significantly, although it contains more water. Additionally, other ingredients such as whole green peas, red lentils, and garbanzo beans contribute plant-based proteins, which add to the overall protein content.
Crude Fat (min) of 15.00%: Duck fat, which is listed at 6%, is a significant contributor to the total fat content. The inclusion of whole duck, duck liver, heart, and kidney also adds to the fat content, as these organs and meat cuts naturally contain fats. The marine algae listed might also contribute some fat, particularly omega-3 fatty acids (DHA and EPA), although it is a smaller proportion given its position in the ingredient list.
Crude Fiber (max) of 5.00%: Fiber is derived from plant-based ingredients. In this case, whole green peas, red lentils, garbanzo beans, whole green lentils, yellow peas, lentil fiber, butternut squash, and pumpkin are likely the main sources of fiber. These ingredients contain indigestible parts that contribute to the fiber content. Lentil fiber, specifically mentioned, is a clear indicator of added fiber.
Calories of 3393.00 per kg: The caloric content is influenced by the proportions of protein, fat, and carbohydrates in the food. The duck ingredients and duck fat are calorie-dense, providing a high amount of energy per gram. The peas, lentils, and beans, in addition to contributing to protein and fiber, also include carbohydrates that contribute to the overall caloric content. The fresh pears and other fruits and vegetables listed would also add some calories, though less significantly due to their lower placement in the ingredient list and their higher water content.
