Acana Wholesome Grains Lamb & Pumpkin Recipe (Limited Ingredient Diet) Review
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Review of Acana Wholesome Grains Lamb & 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 Lamb & 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 Lamb & Pumpkin Recipe (Limited Ingredient Diet), we'll examine all 37 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.
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.
Lamb meal is a concentrated protein source, providing essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals to support muscle development and overall health 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.
Lamb Liver is a nutrient-dense organ meat that provides high-quality protein, vitamins, and minerals.
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.
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.
Lamb flavor is used to enhance the taste of the food, making it more appealing to dogs. This can help encourage eating in picky eaters.
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.
Sunflower oil is rich in linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid that promotes a healthy coat and skin.
Lamb tripe is a nutritious organ meat which provides a variety of essential nutrients like protein, calcium, and other beneficial enzymes that can aid digestion and support a healthy immune system.
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.
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.
Choline Chloride is an essential nutrient that aids in brain and liver function, muscle movement, and supports healthy metabolic processes.
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.
Selenium yeast is a natural source of the mineral selenium which supports immune function and provides antioxidant benefits.
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.
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.
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
The crude protein content of at least 27.00% in the Acana Wholesome Grains Lamb & Pumpkin Recipe is likely contributed by the first few ingredients listed: deboned lamb, lamb meal, and lamb liver. These are all high-quality sources of animal protein that are rich in essential amino acids necessary for a dog's health. Lamb meal, being a concentrated form of protein after water has been removed, would particularly contribute to a higher protein percentage.
The crude fat minimum of 17.00% can be attributed to ingredients such as lamb fat, fish oil, and the natural fats present in the deboned lamb and lamb meal. Fish oil is a high-quality source of essential fatty acids, including omega-3s, which are beneficial for a dog's skin and coat health. Lamb fat is also a concentrated source of energy and helps make the food palatable.
The maximum crude fiber content of 6.00% is likely due to the inclusion of whole grains like oat groats, whole sorghum, whole oats, and ground miscanthus grass. These ingredients provide dietary fiber, which is important for digestive health. The whole pumpkin also contributes to the fiber content and offers additional nutritional benefits such as vitamins and minerals.
The caloric content of 3370.00 kcal/kg indicates the energy density of the food. This is influenced by all macronutrients - proteins, fats, and carbohydrates - but the high fat content (from sources like lamb fat and fish oil) significantly contributes to the overall caloric value, as fats are more energy-dense than proteins or carbohydrates.
Other ingredients such as vitamins, minerals, and fermentation products are included to ensure a balanced diet and support overall health, but they do not contribute significantly to the guaranteed analysis values of protein, fat, fiber, and calories.
Review of Affordability
According to our data, Acana Wholesome Grains Lamb & Pumpkin Recipe (Limited Ingredient Diet) costs approximately $4.45 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 | $18.11 | $28.30 |
| 10 lbs | $30.46 | $47.59 |
| 15 lbs | $41.28 | $64.50 |
| 20 lbs | $51.22 | $80.03 |
| 30 lbs | $69.42 | $108.47 |
| 40 lbs | $86.14 | $134.60 |
| 50 lbs | $101.83 | $159.12 |
| 60 lbs | $116.76 | $182.43 |
| 70 lbs | $131.07 | $204.79 |
| 80 lbs | $144.87 | $226.36 |
| 90 lbs | $158.25 | $247.27 |
| 100 lbs | $171.26 | $267.60 |
Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.
Summary of Customer Reviews
Customers who have dogs with sensitive stomachs and allergies have found success with Acana Wholesome Grains Lamb & Pumpkin Recipe. A Belgian Malinois owner noticed significant improvement in bloating and acid reflux issues, while a Weimaraner owner was delighted to find her dog eagerly eating full servings without digestive problems. The inclusion of grains is also appreciated by pet owners who are conscious of their dogs' dietary needs.
Some dogs, particularly those with specific protein allergies, have thrived on this limited ingredient diet. For example, a German Shepherd with a chicken allergy and a Maltipoo with similar sensitivities both responded well to the lamb and pumpkin formula. Positive feedback also comes from a vet tech whose finicky dog with IBD showed perfect stools and a strong appetite on this food.
Despite some negative experiences, many dogs seem to love the taste of Acana Wholesome Grains Lamb & Pumpkin Recipe. A Goldendoodle's skin health improved after switching to this food, and a Goldendoodle owner reported that their dog, who is typically a picky eater, didn't leave any food behind. Another customer with a service dog with severe food allergies praised the product as the best ever.
Several customers have observed improvements in their dogs' coat health and digestion after transitioning to this food. A Goldendoodle with flaky skin saw the issue resolved, and a dog owner with a Goldendoodle puppy managed a successful dietary transition to Acana, despite previous GI upset with other foods.
Owners of multiple dogs have mixed experiences, with some finding that all but one of their pets could enjoy the food without issues. For those with dogs that have sensitive stomachs, the food has been a game-changer, resulting in no more loose stools or digestive upset.
Customers appreciate the quality ingredients and the brand's limited ingredient approach, which can be particularly beneficial for dogs with food intolerances. A Westie owner, after trying various foods including prescription diets, was relieved to find that her dog eagerly ate Acana's food with no stomach issues.
