Is ACANA good for dogs with allergies
Acana Dog Food Review 2024: Recalls, Pros, and Cons
Our Final Verdict
We give Acana dog food a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars:
Acana offers a variety of dry dog food formulas, many of which are designed for a grain-free diet. This premium label comes at a competitive price while still utilizing a wide range of high-quality ingredients in its formulas.
Due to the FDAs scrutiny of grain-free diets as a whole, Acana has seen better days. With that said the brands continued research and introduction of grain-inclusive dog food is an excellent step toward balanced nutrition for all dogs.
At a Glance: The Best Acana Dog Food Recipes:
Although Acana recently released a grain-inclusive line of dog food, its grain-free, and limited-ingredient formulas remain its most popular. Here are a few of Acanas top recipes at the moment:
Acana Dog Food Reviewed
The Acana brand is built on providing high-quality dog food with fresh, biologically appropriate ingredients, something that every pet owner can get behind. It also promises to never outsource the production of its pet food to a third party, ensuring that everything that goes into your dogs kibble is carefully monitored by Acana itself.
Unfortunately, most dog food companies make similar claims but fall short in practice. So, does Acana actually live up to its wholesome brand image? Or is it all just marketing?
Who Makes Acana and Where Is It Produced?
Acana was one of two dog food labels owned and manufactured by Champion Pet Foods (the other being Orijen). Champion Pet Foods started in Canada but maintained a U.S. factory in Kentucky.
However, in November 2022, Mars Petcare, part of Mars, Incorporated, announced that they had acquired Champion Pet Foods. This business deal hopes to broaden food options for a wide range of pet owners.
Which Types of Dogs Is Acana Best Suited For?
Acana dog food uses high-quality ingredients with a focus on animal-based proteins, making it a great option for most healthy dogs. It also offers a few specialty recipes, such as its Puppy & Junior Formula or Light & Fit Formula.
While Acanas biologically appropriate original line of dog foods was built around a grain-free diet, the label now offers several grain-inclusive formulas. Though these recipes arent as popular as the brands grain-free offerings, grain-inclusive recipes are generally recommended for dogs without grain sensitivities. We encourage you to speak with your vet to determine which formulation is best for your pooch.
A Quick Look at Acana Dog Food
- Uses sustainable and local meat sources
- Made in the U.S.A.
- No history of product recalls
- Offers biologically appropriate recipes
- Manufactures grain-free and grain-inclusive formulas
- Excellent ingredient transparency
- History of class-action lawsuits
- Not available in all pet food retailers
- No wet food options
Recall & Class Action History
As of our dog food review, Acana has not been subject to any product recalls. The same was true for Champion Pet Foods as a whole. Mars Petcare did have some pet food recalls in 2012 and 2014; however, there have not been any recent recalls of Acana foods since they acquired the Champion.
In the past, Champion Pet Foods has been the target of a few class-action lawsuits throughout its operations. In these lawsuits, consumers claim that Acana and Orijen dog foods contain heavy metals and BPA. However, in March 2022, the district court dismissed heavy metal fraud-by-omission claims.
Reviews of the 3 Best Acana Dog Food Recipes
Since the ingredients and nutritional breakdowns of Acana dog foods are so important to the brand, lets take a closer look at three of its most popular recipes:
1. Acana Kentucky Farmlands With Wholesome Grains Dry Dog Food
As you can guess from the name, the Kentucky Farmlands with Wholesome Grains recipe is one of the formulas offered in Acanas new grain-inclusive line. While this formula does feature grains, it is still gluten-free.
This formula is made with 70% animal-based ingredients, half of which are used in a fresh or raw form. In order, these animal protein sources include chicken, turkey, duck, and eggs. Along with muscle meat, Acana also uses the organs, cartilage, and other sources of key canine nutrition.
As always, we want you to be as informed as possible when choosing a new food for your pup. You can read the Amazon customer dog food reviews for this product here.
- Grain-inclusive formula
- High in animal protein
- Made in the U.S.A.
- Formulated with live probiotics
- Gluten-free
- Uses raw and fresh ingredients when possible
- Some dogs wont eat it
- Kibble is too large for some dogs
2. Acana Meadowland Dry Dog Food
The Acana Meadowland Dry Dog Food is one of the most popular grain-free recipes from its Regionals product line. Acanas Regionals line is designed around different areas and ingredients local to its Kentucky-based U.S. factorythe Regionals recipes manufactured and sold in Canada are slightly different in honor of the ingredients local to the Alberta factory.
Within the Meadowlands recipe, 70% of the ingredients are from animal sources. In order from highest to lowest concentration, these sources are chicken, turkey, freshwater catfish, eggs, and rainbow trout. Since Acana relies on whole animal sources for its products, your dog will also benefit from nutrients found in the organs, cartilage, and more.
To learn what other dog owners have to say about this formula, you can find the Amazon reviews here.
- High in meat-based protein
- Made in the U.S.A.
- Contains live probiotics
- Suitable for dogs with grain sensitivities
- Wide variety of fruit and vegetables
- Half of animal ingredients are raw or fresh
- Relies heavily on lentils
- Not ideal for dogs not requiring a grain-free diet
3. Acana Singles Limited Ingredient Diet Duck & Pear Formula Dry Dog Food
Since Acanas target market includes many dogs with food sensitivities and allergies, it makes sense that the brand would offer a specialized limited-ingredient line of food. The Singles Limited Ingredient Diet Duck & Pear Formula is one of these recipes, providing protein from a single animal source: free-run duck.
While 60% of this formula is comprised of duck (half of which is raw or fresh), this food also relies heavily on pea protein. Unfortunately, many dogs with food sensitivities have trouble digesting pea protein and other plant-based ingredients in this recipe, making it less-than-ideal as a true limited-ingredient food.
If youre curious about what other dogs and their owners think of this limited-ingredient formula, you can read the Amazon reviews here.
- Animal protein comes from a single source
- Made in the U.S.A.
- Suitable for dogs with grain sensitivities
- Formulated with probiotics for digestion
- No wheat, potatoes, rice, or tapioca
- Includes muscle, cartilage, and organs
- Includes pea protein
- Not ideal for a true limited-ingredient diet
What Other Users Are Saying
As with any purchase that affects your dogs health and well-being, the more information at your disposal, the better. Here are comments from other reviewers who have taken a deep dive into Acana and its product lines:
Dog Food Network: With all fresh ingredients and Kentucky-based state-of-the-art kitchens, Acana dog food is proving itself as a reliable brand for healthy dog food for all types of breeds.
Woof Whiskers: ACANA has, arguably, some of the highest quality ingredients in the entire industry, striving to get their products from field to factory in less than 48 hours.
Dog Food Insider: [The Duck & Pear Formula is] one of Acanas Singles, with a single source of protein in this case, duck. The food may have a single source of meat protein but it is far from being a limited ingredient formula.
TreeHouse Puppies: For dog owners looking for a high-protein kibble made with natural and safe ingredients, Acana is without doubt a great choice.
DogFoodAdvisor: When you consider the protein-boosting effect of the multiple legumes, this looks like the profile of a kibble containing a moderate amount of meat.
Conclusion Acana Dog Food
As a dog food brand, Acana offers several dry formulas made with high-quality ingredients and decent nutritional profiles. While Acana was originally a grain-free company, it has now released a line of grain-inclusive formulas, as well as following the FDAs statement on the potential health risks of a grain-free diet.
After our dog food review, Acana offers well-rounded nutrition at a reasonable price. While Acana is not perfect, it is one of the best dog food options currently available on the market.
Best Dog Foods for Allergies
Farmers Pork is one of 3 fresh recipes included in our review of the The Farmers Dog product line.
The Farmers Dog pork recipe gets the bulk of its animal protein from fresh pork. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 36% protein, 28% fat and 28% estimated carbs which produces a fat-to-protein ratio of about 78%.
A top pick. Enthusiastically recommended.
See all 3 available recipes
Read our review of the full The Farmers Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Main Ingredients Pork, sweet potato, potato, green beans, cauliflower Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 36% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All dogs including large breed puppies Pork Potluck is one of 4 fresh human-grade recipes studied in our review of the Nom Nom cooked-then-frozen product line.
Nom Nom Pork Potluck derives the bulk of its meat protein from fresh ground pork. Dry matter label analysis reveals a wet recipe containing 28% protein, 20% fat and 44% estimated carbs with a fat-to-protein ratio of about 71%.
If youve ever wished you could feed your dog a fresh, home-cooked meal but you didnt know how to make sure it was nutritionally complete and balanced then Nom Nom makes a smart choice.
The first time you visit Nom Noms website, youll answer a few questions about your dogs age, weight, breed and suspected allergies. Nom Nom will then create a customized, single protein diet designed to keep your dog at optimal weight.
Expertly designed by Dr. Justin Shmalberg, a board-certified veterinary nutritionist (DACVN).
An excellent limited ingredient recipe and a solid place to start an at-home elimination diet. Enthusiastically recommended.
See all 4 available recipes
For More Choices: See our Best Fresh-Cooked Dog Food page
Read our review of the full Nom Nom Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Main Ingredients Ground pork, russet potatoes, green beans, squash, kale Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 28% AAFCO Standards All life stages Best For Adults + puppies (including large breeds) Turkey and Potato Formula is one of 6 recipes included in our review of the Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient dry product line.
Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient Diet Turkey and Potato derives the majority of its animal protein from fresh turkey and turkey meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 29% protein, 14% fat and 49% estimated carbs yielding a fat-to-protein ratio of about 46%.
An excellent limited ingredient option for adult dogs with food and skin sensitivities. Easily recommended.
See all 6 available recipes
Read our review of the full Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Deboned turkey, turkey meal, potatoes, peas, dried ground potatoes Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 29% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adults only (not for puppies) Raised Right Beef is one of 11 fresh recipes included in our review of the Raised Right product line.
Raised Right Beef derives the lions share of its animal protein from fresh beef. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 61% protein, 24% fat and 8% estimated carbs delivering a fat-to-protein ratio of about 39%.
One of the best fresh, human-grade dog foods on the market. Unusually wide recipe selection can be a major plus especially for picky eaters. Highly recommended.
See all 11 available recipes
Read our review of the full Raised Right Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Main Ingredients Beef, beef heart, carrots, beef liver, cranberries Type Grain-free (carrots, cranberries) Protein Percentage 61% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult dogs only Turkey Patties is one of 6 frozen raw recipes included in our review of the We Feed Raw product line.
This We Feed Raw Turkey Patties derives most of its animal protein from turkey. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 49% protein, 25% fat and 18% estimated carbs producing a fat-to-protein ratio of about 52%.
High quality ingredients. Highly recommended.
See all 6 available recipes
Read our review of the full We Feed Raw Dog Food (Raw Frozen) range here
Main Ingredients Turkey Tails, turkey gizzards, turkey wings, turkey liver, WFR vitamin + mineral mix Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 49% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at WeFeedRaw.com"I have been feeding my dogs We Feed Raw for 3 years now and they love their food, their coats are always shining. They are active, happy, healthy dogs."
Real Salmon and Sweet Potato Recipe is one of 10 formulas included in our review of the Canidae Grain-Free Pure dry product line.
Canidae Grain-Free Pure Real Salmon and Sweet Potato gets the majority of its meat protein from fresh salmon, as well as salmon and menhaden fish meals. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 36% protein, 20% fat and 36% estimated carbs creating a fat-to-protein ratio of about 56%.
A high-quality recipe ideal for adult dogs.
See all 10 available recipes
Read our review of the full Canidae Grain Free Pure Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Salmon, salmon meal, menhaden fish meal, sweet potatoes, peas Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 36% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adults only (not for puppies) Angus Beef Recipe is one of 3 dry formulas included in our review of the Taste of the Wild Prey Limited Ingredient product line.
Taste of the Wild Prey Angus Beef receives most of its animal protein from fresh beef. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 30% protein, 17% fat and 45% estimated carbs which yields a fat-to-protein ratio of about 57%.
Highly recommended.
See all 3 available recipes
Read our review of the full Taste of the Wild Prey Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Beef, lentils, tomato pomace, chicken fat, natural flavor Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 30% AAFCO Standards All life stages Best For All adults + puppies Chicken Flavor is one of 2 recipes included in our review of the Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets HA Dog Food dry product line.
Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets HA Chicken Flavor gets most of its protein from hydrolyzed soy protein isolate. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 20% protein, 11% fat and 61% estimated carbs which creates a fat-to-protein ratio of about 53%.
An exceptional selection for sensitive dogs. Highly recommended.
See all available recipes
Read our review of the full Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets HA Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Corn starch, hydrolyzed soy protein isolate, partially hydrogenated canola oil preserved with TBHQ, coconut oil, powdered cellulose Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 20% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adults only (not for puppies) Real Turkey and Brown Rice is one of 4 wet recipes included in our review of the Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet wet product line.
This Merrick Limited Ingredient formula derives the bulk of its meat protein from fresh deboned turkey. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 36% protein, 27% fat and 28% estimated carbs which results in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 75%.
A balanced, wet alternative to dry kibble. A practical option for those seeking to pin down a possible offending ingredient. Plus its available in 4 other featured proteins. Highly recommended.
See all 4 available recipes
Read our review of the full Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Dog Food (Canned) range here
Main Ingredients Deboned turkey, turkey broth, turkey liver, brown rice, oatmeal Type Grain-inclusive (brown rice, oatmeal) Protein Percentage 36% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adults only (not for puppies) Royal Canin Veterinary Diets Hydrolyzed Protein Adult HP is one of 4 recipes included in our review of the Royal Canin Veterinary Diets Hydrolyzed Protein dry product line.
Royal Canin Veterinary Diets Hydrolyzed Protein draws the bulk of its protein from hydrolyzed soy protein. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 21% protein, 19% fat and 52% estimated carbs producing a fat-to-protein ratio of about 89%.
A solid all life stages option for dogs with allergies.
See all 4 available recipes
Read our review of the full Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Hydrolyzed Protein Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Brewers rice, hydrolyzed soy protein, chicken fat, natural flavors, dried plain beet pulp Type Grain-inclusive (brewers rice) Protein Percentage 21% AAFCO Standards All life stages Best For All adults + small or medium breed puppies Z/D is one of 2 dry recipes included in our review of the Hills Prescription Skin Food Sensitivities product line.
This product gets the majority of its animal protein from chicken liver. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 19% protein, 14% fat and 59% estimated carbs yielding a fat-to-protein ratio of about 75%.
Hills Z/D is made with hydrolyzed protein derived from chicken to help avoid adverse food reactions and promote healthy skin.
A time-proven, hypoallergenic formula thats been recommended by veterinary professionals nationwide for years. Ideal for dogs diagnosed with food and skin allergies. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Hills Prescription Diet Z/D Canine Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Corn starch, hydrolyzed chicken liver, powdered cellulose, soybean oil, calcium carbonate Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 19% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adults only, including seniors (not for puppies) This Salmon and Brown Rice Formula is one of 26 recipes included in our review of the Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diets dry product line.
This Natural Balance Limited Ingredient formula derives most of its animal protein from fresh salmon and fish meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 27% protein, 17% fat and 49% estimated carbs which produces a fat-to-protein ratio of about 63%.
Enthusiastically recommended.
See all 26 available recipes
Read our review of the full Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diets High Protein Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Salmon, menhaden fish meal, brown rice, brewers rice, rice bran Type Grain-inclusive (brown rice, brewers rice) Protein Percentage 27% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adults only (not for puppies) Sensitive Skin Salmon and Rice is one of 19 recipes included in our review of the Purina Pro Plan dry product line.
This Purina Pro Plan formula derives the bulk of its animal protein from fresh salmon. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 30% protein, 18% fat and 44% estimated carbs yielding a fat-to-protein ratio of about 62%.
We also note the inclusion of omega-3 and 6 fatty acids from sunflower and fish oils designed to help support dry, itchy skin.
An exceptional over-the-counter, non-prescription dog food that may provide symptomatic relief from chronic skin allergies. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Purina Pro Plan Dog Food range here
Main Ingredients Salmon, barley, rice, oat meal, canola meal Type Includes grain (barley, rice, oat meal) Protein Percentage 30% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adults only (not for puppies) Zignature Turkey is one of 13 wet dog food recipes included in our review of the Zignature canned product line.
Zignature Salmon extracts the bulk of its meat protein from fresh turkey. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 52% protein, 23% fat and 17% estimated carbs creating a fat-to-protein ratio of about 43%.
An exceptional, simple ingredient formula. Recommended with confidence.
See all 13 available recipes
Read our review of the full Zignature Dog Food (Canned) range here
Main Ingredients Turkey, turkey broth, turkey liver, peas, turkey meal Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 52% AAFCO Standards All life stages Best For All adults + puppies 15. Zignature Dog Food Review (Canned)
