Acana Wholesome Grains Duck & Pumpkin Recipe (Limited Ingredient Diet) Review
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Review of Acana Wholesome Grains Duck & Pumpkin Recipe (Limited Ingredient Diet)
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 Duck & Pumpkin Recipe (Limited Ingredient Diet) 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 Duck & Pumpkin Recipe (Limited Ingredient Diet), we'll examine all 35 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.
Oat groats provide a wholesome source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, contributing to healthy digestion and overall well-being in your dog.
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.
Duck liver is an excellent source of protein, vitamins, and minerals that help support overall health and wellbeing.
Duck fat is a nutrient-rich ingredient high in omega-3 fatty acids, which support skin and coat health.
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.
Duck Flavor enhances the taste of the dog food, making it more appealing for dogs to eat while providing essential proteins.
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.
Ground Miscanthus Grass is a high fiber ingredient, helping to promote healthy digestion and bowel movements.
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.
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.
Choline Chloride is an essential nutrient that aids in brain and liver function, muscle movement, and supports healthy metabolic processes.
Taurine is an essential amino acid that supports heart health, vision, and development and function of skeletal muscle.
Potassium chloride is an essential mineral supplement that helps maintain your dog's electrolyte balance and supports healthy nerve and muscle function.
Vitamin E supplement is an essential nutrient that helps support your dog's immune system, skin health, and overall wellness.
Zinc proteinate is a highly absorbable form of zinc. It helps support a healthy immune system, skin, and coat in dogs.
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 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.
Copper Proteinate is a chelated form of copper that's easier for dogs to absorb, aiding in red blood cell formation and iron absorption.
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.
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.
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 27.00%: The primary contributors to the crude protein content in this pet food are the deboned duck and duck meal. Duck is a high-quality source of animal protein that helps support muscle development and maintenance. Duck meal is a concentrated form of duck protein because it has been rendered to remove moisture, which makes it a denser source of protein. The inclusion of duck liver may also contribute to the overall protein content, although to a lesser extent compared to the muscle meat and meal.
Crude Fat (min) of 17.00%: The crude fat content is likely to come from the duck fat and fish oil listed in the ingredients. Duck fat is a nutrient-dense source of energy and also provides essential fatty acids that are important for skin and coat health. Fish oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which can contribute to the overall fat content and provide additional benefits such as supporting cognitive function and reducing inflammation.
Crude Fiber (max) of 6.00%: The fiber in the diet is primarily provided by the whole pumpkin, ground miscanthus grass, and whole oats. Pumpkin is known for its high fiber content, which can aid in digestion and help maintain bowel regularity. Oats are a wholesome grain that provides soluble fiber, which can support digestive health. Miscanthus grass is included as a source of insoluble fiber, which adds bulk to the stool and helps prevent constipation.
Calories of 3370.00 per kg: The caloric content of the food is influenced by the combined macronutrients – proteins, fats, and carbohydrates – from all the ingredients. However, fats are more calorie-dense than proteins or carbohydrates, so the duck fat and fish oil contribute significantly to the energy density of the food. The oat groats and whole sorghum also contribute to the caloric content as they are sources of carbohydrates, which provide energy for daily activities.
Review of Affordability
According to our data, Acana Wholesome Grains Duck & Pumpkin Recipe (Limited Ingredient Diet) costs approximately $4.47 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your dog.
| Adult Weight | Puppy | Adult |
|---|---|---|
| 5 lbs | $18.18 | $28.41 |
| 10 lbs | $30.58 | $47.78 |
| 15 lbs | $41.45 | $64.76 |
| 20 lbs | $51.43 | $80.35 |
| 30 lbs | $69.70 | $108.91 |
| 40 lbs | $86.49 | $135.14 |
| 50 lbs | $102.25 | $159.76 |
| 60 lbs | $117.23 | $183.17 |
| 70 lbs | $131.59 | $205.62 |
| 80 lbs | $145.46 | $227.28 |
| 90 lbs | $158.89 | $248.27 |
| 100 lbs | $171.96 | $268.68 |
Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.
Summary of Customer Reviews
Customers who have dogs with allergies and sensitivities appear to be particularly satisfied with Acana Wholesome Grains Duck & Pumpkin Recipe. Many have reported a noticeable decrease in itching and scratching, and improvements in coat health and digestion after switching to this food. The limited ingredient list and inclusion of healthy grains are frequently praised, especially for dogs that cannot tolerate common allergens like chicken, beef, or legumes.
Several reviews highlight the food's palatability, with dogs eagerly eating it and showing excitement at meal times. This is especially important for picky eaters or when transitioning from one food to another. Pet owners also appreciate the food's nutritional profile and its ability to produce firm stools and shiny coats, indicating overall good health.
Despite some negative experiences, it's important to note that every dog is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. While a few dogs may have had adverse reactions to certain ingredients, the overall consensus is that Acana Wholesome Grains Duck & Pumpkin Recipe is a high-quality food that benefits dogs with specific dietary needs. It's also noted that the kibble size may be small for larger breeds, but this does not detract from the positive outcomes many have observed.
