Acana is a prominent dog food brand dedicated to providing “whole food nutrition” for canine companions, combining high-quality meats with nutrient-dense produce to promote their health and happiness. The brand offers a comprehensive selection of recipes, catering to various dietary needs with options including freeze-dried raw foods, grain-free formulations, and limited-ingredient diets. Acana dog food earns a commendable 4 out of 5 paw rating due to its extensive recipe variety and the superior quality of its ingredients. This review delves into Acana’s product lines, recall history, and other important considerations to help you determine if it’s the right choice for your dog.
Acana Dog Food Product Lines and Flavors
As of this review, Acana presents approximately 50 distinct dog food varieties, organized across seven distinct ranges and sub-ranges. A hallmark of Acana’s philosophy is the significant inclusion of animal-based ingredients, with recipes typically comprising 50% to 90% animal ingredients and up to 40% high-quality fruits and vegetables. All Acana recipes are formulated to be “complete and balanced” in accordance with the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) guidelines, meeting the criteria for all life stages, growth (puppies), or maintenance (adults).
Acana Dry Dog Food
The standard Acana dry food line features six distinct recipes, all free from common fillers such as soy, corn, and tapioca. These recipes consist of 60% animal ingredients and 40% fruits and vegetables, with the majority being grain-free. While the top ingredient is consistently a quality meat source, these formulas are not classified as “human-grade” due to the inclusion of meat meals. This range includes puppy, weight management, and specialized recipes for recently adopted dogs, alongside adult poultry, fish, and beef options. Typical protein content for standard adult dry foods is 32.9% as dry matter, with 19.3% fat.
Acana standard dry food flavors include:
- Puppy
- Free-Run Poultry
- Freshwater Fish
- Red Meat
- Light & Fit
- Rescue Care for Adopted Dogs with Red Meat, Liver and Oats
Acana Classics Dry Dog Food
Acana Classics is a new sub-range of dry food featuring three grain-inclusive recipes. These recipes primarily use barley, a fiber-rich grain alternative containing essential nutrients like potassium, phosphorus, and magnesium. Similar to the standard range, a quality meat source is the top ingredient, with meat meals appearing within the top three. The Chicken and Barley flavor contains 28.4% protein and 18.1% fat as dry matter.
Acana Classics flavors include:
- Chicken and Barley
- Beef and Barley
- Salmon and Barley
Acana Wholesome Grains Dog Food
This grain-inclusive dry dog food range comprises nine products, two of which are also part of the Limited Ingredient range. Acana Wholesome Grains utilizes nutrient-rich grains such as oat groats, whole sorghum, and whole millet. Most recipes contain 60% animal ingredients and 40% fruits and vegetables, with a named meat as the first ingredient. These formulas are not human-grade due to the inclusion of meat meals. The range offers various meat options and includes formulas for small dogs, large breeds, and limited-ingredient diets. Protein content in this range is generally lower than the standard dry foods, with the Free-Run Poultry & Grains recipe containing 30.6% protein and 19.3% fat as dry matter.
Wholesome Grains flavors include:
- Free-Run Poultry & Grains
- Red Meat & Grains
- Sea to Stream Fish & Grains
- Small Breed
- Large Breed
- Large Breed Puppy
- Puppy
- Puppy Sea & Farm
Acana Limited Ingredient Dog Food
Acana Limited Ingredient recipes are designed for dogs with food allergies or sensitive stomachs, featuring single animal proteins and a reduced ingredient list. These six recipes typically contain 65% animal ingredients and 35% fruits and vegetables. While they include multiple carbohydrates, they are a good option for sensitive dogs. Each recipe lists a quality named meat as the primary ingredient, alongside meat meals. Beef, lamb, duck, and pork options are available. These recipes contain approximately 35.2% protein and 19.3% fat as dry matter.
Limited Ingredient Diet flavors include:
- Singles Duck & Pear
- Singles Pork & Squash
- Singles Lamb & Apple
- Singles Beef & Pumpkin
- Wholesome Grains Lamb & Pumpkin
- Wholesome Grains Duck & Pumpkin
Acana Highest Protein Dog Food
The Acana Highest Protein range is formulated for active working dogs and senior dogs, with 70% animal ingredients and 30% fruits and vegetables. These recipes aim to support healthy weight and muscle mass. The four recipes in this range list three quality named animal proteins as the top ingredients and include meat meals. Due to the multiple meat sources, they may not be suitable for dogs with sensitive stomachs. This range boasts higher protein levels, with the Meadowland recipe containing 37.5% protein and 19.3% fat as dry matter.
Highest Protein flavors include:
- Meadowland with Poultry, Fish & Eggs
- Atlantic with Mackerel, Herring & Redfish
- Appalachian Ranch with Meats & Catfish
Acana Butcher’s Favorites Dog Food
This premium dry food range consists of kibble mixed with jerky pieces, making it ideal for picky eaters with its strong meaty flavor. Butcher’s Favorites includes three grain-free recipes made from 70% animal ingredients and 30% fruits and vegetables. Each recipe features a named quality meat as the top ingredient and includes meat meals from multiple animals. With 40.9% protein and 19.3% fat as dry matter, this range offers even higher protein ratios than the Highest Protein line.
Butcher’s Favorites flavors include:
- Free-Run Poultry & Liver
- Wild-Caught Salmon
- Farm-Raised Beef & Liver
Acana Freeze-Dried Dog Food
Acana’s Freeze-Dried range includes eight dog foods in either patty or kibble-style morsels. This line has the highest ratio of animal ingredients, at 90% animal ingredients and 10% fruits and vegetables. The top three ingredients are quality named animal proteins, and no meat meals are used. The inclusion of organic produce like pears, butternut squash, and carrots highlights the high quality of this range. Available flavors include chicken, turkey, duck, and beef. However, the presence of whole herring or mackerel may make these recipes unsuitable for dogs with sensitive stomachs. Most recipes contain 44.2% protein and 29.4% fat as dry matter.
Freeze-Dried dog food flavors include:
- Freeze-Dried Patties Farm-Raised Beef
- Freeze-Dried Patties Free-Run Chicken
- Freeze-Dried Patties Free-Run Duck
- Freeze-Dried Patties Free-Run Turkey
- Freeze-Dried Morsels Beef
- Freeze-Dried Morsels Free-Run Chicken
- Freeze-Dried Morsels Duck
- Freeze-Dried Morsels Free-Run Turkey
Acana Wet Dog Food
Acana’s Premium canned dog food range offers six flavors in two consistencies, with each recipe containing 85% animal ingredients and 15% fruits and vegetables. Poultry, beef, lamb, duck, and pork options are available, with a quality named meat source listed as the top ingredient. These recipes contain no meat meals and their high moisture content (78%) makes them an excellent choice for hydration or as a dry food topper. The Chunks Poultry in Bone Broth recipe contains 36.3% protein and 22.7% fat as dry matter.
Premium wet dog food flavors include:
- Pâté Poultry
- Pâté Beef
- Pâté Duck
- Pâté Lamb
- Pâté Puppy in Bone Broth
- Chunks Poultry in Bone Broth
- Chunks Beef in Bone Broth
- Chunks Lamb in Bone Broth
- Chunks Duck in Bone Broth
- Chunks Pork in Bone Broth
Acana Classics Pâté Wet Dog Food
As a newer addition, Acana Classics wet food offers a budget-friendly, grain-inclusive alternative to the Premium wet dog foods. The pâté poultry recipes are similar in moisture, protein, and fat levels, with unprocessed chicken listed as the top ingredient. The main difference lies in the inclusion of rolled oats and barley as primary ingredients in Classics Pâté Chicken, along with higher amounts of sweet potato. This recipe contains 36.3% protein and 27.2% fat as dry matter.
Acana Classics Wet Dog Food flavors include:
- Pâté Chicken
- Pâté Beef
- Pâté Fish
Acana Dog Treats
Acana provides two treat sub-ranges: Chewy Tenders and Freeze-Dried Treats. The Chewy Tenders, available in three recipes, support different aspects of a dog’s health, such as immune support with cranberries rich in antioxidants. These treats are made with 90% animal ingredients and contain meat meal. Acana Freeze-Dried Treats come in three flavors, contain fewer than five ingredients, making them suitable for dogs with allergies or sensitivities, and are low in calories, ideal for training.
Acana dog treat flavors include:
- Chewy Tenders Chicken
- Chewy Tenders Beef
- Chewy Tenders Salmon
- Duck & Pear Freeze-Dried Treats
- Lamb & Apple Freeze-Dried Treats
- Beef & Pumpkin Freeze-Dried Treats
Why Wag! Recommends Acana Dog Food
Acana earns a 4 out of 5 paw rating for several compelling reasons:
Quality Top Ingredients
Acana prioritizes premium fresh and frozen meats, ensuring nutrient-rich meals. Fresh meat is refrigerated, while raw meat is frozen at peak freshness. All Acana recipes prominently feature a quality named meat as the top ingredient. The brand also utilizes high-quality whole vegetables sourced from trusted partners, with Freeze-Dried recipes exclusively using organic produce. Grain-inclusive formulas incorporate nutritionally beneficial grains like whole sorghum and whole millet.
Recipes for Every Lifestyle, Breed, and Age
Acana offers a dog food solution for nearly every dog, regardless of age, size, or specific needs. Beyond formulas for puppies and different breed sizes, they provide high-protein, limited-ingredient, and healthy weight options. The unique recipe for recently rehomed rescue dogs further demonstrates their commitment to diverse needs.
Responsibly-Sourced Ingredients
Acana is committed to responsible sourcing. Their poultry is free-run, beef and lamb are ranch-raised, and fish is wild-caught. The traceability of meat origins adds a layer of transparency, with ingredients like lamb sourced from New Zealand and fish from Scandinavia.
Strict Manufacturing Standards
Acana’s DogStar kitchen adheres to stringent quality and safety standards. The facility is Safe Quality Food (SQF) and Safe Feed/Safe Food (SFSF) certified. They employ a track-and-trace system for ingredient monitoring throughout processing and participate in a HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) program to ensure food safety.
Concerns and Considerations
When considering Acana dog food, a few points warrant attention:
Above Average Cost
Due to the high quality of its ingredients, Acana dog food is generally more expensive than many alternatives. For instance, a 25-lb bag of Acana Red Meat Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food can cost around $80.99, significantly higher than comparable options from other brands.
Potentially Controversial Ingredients
Some Acana recipes include ingredients like “natural flavors,” a term that lacks precise definition by the FDA in pet food, raising transparency concerns. Additionally, lentil fiber, an agricultural byproduct with limited nutritional value beyond fiber, is present in some dry food recipes.
Concerns About Grain-Free Diets
The FDA’s 2018 investigation into potential links between grain-free diets and canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) remains a topic of discussion. While the investigation initially focused on foods high in potatoes, legumes, and pulses, subsequent statements suggest it may affect both grain-free and grain-inclusive diets. Acana was frequently named in DCM cases during the investigation. However, as of December 2022, the FDA has not released new scientific information confirming a definitive link. Dr. Linda Simon MVB MRCVS, a veterinary surgeon, notes that while grain-free diets can benefit dogs with grain sensitivities (which are uncommon), they could be detrimental to some dogs. Insufficient evidence exists to definitively link grain-free diets to DCM. Consult your veterinarian if you have concerns about feeding your dog Acana’s grain-free foods.
Pet Parent Testimonials
Feedback from pet owners often highlights Acana’s effectiveness:
- “Our dogs thrive on Acana. German Shepherds can have sensitive guts and skin, we have had no problems with Acana. I can feed less of this nutrient dense food so despite the higher initial cost, I find it costs less in the long run.”
- “We have a multi-dog household and there is one that has sensitivities to other proteins. Finding a food that works for everyone is ideal and this food checks all the boxes for my dogs. I have tried other brands for variety but have always come back to this food. Sticking with a good thing!”
More reviews are available on Chewy.
Acana Dog Food History
Founded in Alberta, Canada, in 1979, Acana dog food has a long-standing history. It was previously owned by Champion Petfoods, which also owned the premium brand Orijen. In 2023, Mars Incorporated acquired Champion Petfoods. Acana products are now distributed in over 60 countries, with manufacturing facilities located in Edmonton, Alberta, and Auburn, Kentucky.
Acana Dog Food Recalls
As of March 2025, there have been no recalls issued for Acana dog food.
All product images sourced from the Chewy website. Copyright Mars Incorporated.
Editor’s Choice
FAQ
Do vets recommend Acana dog food?
While the FDA investigated potential links between DCM and grain-free diets, there is no definitive proof that these diets are harmful. Veterinarians may still recommend Acana based on a dog’s individual dietary needs. Consulting your vet is advised if you have concerns.
Who owns Acana?
As of 2023, Mars Incorporated owns Acana.
Is Acana dog food formulated to meet AAFCO standards?
Yes, all Acana dog food varieties are certified “complete and balanced” by AAFCO. Some recipes are suitable for all life stages, while others are intended for maintenance (adults). Always check the nutrient profile on the packaging.
How does Wag! determine paw ratings for dog food?
Wag!’s paw ratings are based on independent research into ingredients and nutritional content. A 1-paw rating indicates high filler content, while a 5-paw rating signifies veterinarian approval and human-grade ingredients, with incremental improvements in between. Half-paws are awarded for additional benefits like affordability or trustworthiness.
