Acana for Large Breed Dogs

There are six different dog food brands from Acana that have been formulated to meet the requirements for large dogs. All of them are dry dog foods, with some being labeled as ‘premium’ or ‘limited ingredient.’

Having analyzed the ingredients of each, I found Acana’s brands to be above average in quality, but not exceptional. For example, some of their ‘large-breed adult formula’ contains 27% protein and others have 10% fat, which is a little on the low side for large dogs. However, it does contain omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, as well as glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health – all good things.

Before we review the recipes, let’s first go through some basics;

What is Acana dog food brand?

Acana is a Canadian pet food company that was founded in 1975. It is owned by Champion Petfoods, which also owns the Orijen brand. Acana’s dry dog foods are made in their own kitchens in Alberta, Canada. Champion Petfoods is a renowned pet food producer that has been operating for more than 25 years and has earned a reputation of trust throughout the globe.

What are the nutritional requirements of large-breed dogs?

• Protein: Large and giant breed pups should consume diets that contain at least 30% protein on DM basis, preferably high quality. Protein is important for lean muscle development and maintenance.
• Fat: Fat is a vital source of energy for large breed dogs. At least 9% fat in their diet is recommended.
• Calcium: Calcium is essential for proper bone development in large breeds. 1.5% or 3 grams/1,000 kcal) calcium on a dry matter basis is ideal for puppies of large-breed dogs and around 1% is sufficient for adult and senior dogs.
• Phosphorus: Phosphorus works with calcium to ensure proper bone development. A Calcium to Phosphorus ratio ranging from 1:1 to 1.3 is ideal for puppies.
• Vitamins and Minerals: Large breed dogs have increased requirements for some vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin D, which is essential for calcium absorption. Puppies need higher levels of certain vitamins, such as niacin (B3) and choline (B4), to support their rapid growth. Puppies and adult dogs of large breeds need higher levels of vitamins A, C and D3 for proper development and function of different body systems. Adult dogs require at least 5 IU/kg (2,500 IU/kg) of vitamin A, 10 mg/kg (5,000 mg/kg) of choline, 200 mg/kg (100,000 mg/kg) of vitamin C and 500 IU/kg (250,000 IU/kg) of vitamin D3.
• L-Carnitine: L-carnitine is an amino acid that helps the body to use fat as an energy source. It is required in higher amounts by large breed dogs. The recommended amount is 50-100 mg/kg of dry matter.

List of 6 Acana Dog Food Brands for Giant-breed dogs:

• ACANA Singles + Wholesome Grains Limited Ingredient Diet Lamb & Pumpkin Recipe Dry Dog Food
• ACANA Light & Fit Recipe Grain-Free Adult Dry Dog Food
• ACANA Singles + Wholesome Grains Limited Ingredient Diet Duck & Pumpkin Recipe Dry Dog Food
• ACANA Sea to Stream Recipe + Wholesome Grains Gluten-Free Dry Dog Food
• ACANA Free-Run Poultry Recipe + Wholesome Grains Gluten-Free Dry Dog FoodACANA Puppy Recipe Grain-Free Dry Puppy Food

Reviews:

ACANA Singles + Wholesome Grains Limited Ingredient – Lamb and Pumpkin

Acana Singles+ Diet is my favorite for its dense nutrients that makes them ideal for large dogs.

ACANA Singles + Wholesome Grains is a grain-free, protein-rich diet formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages. This recipe features an exclusive blend of single animal proteins and no plant proteins or pea protein isolates. With fresh deboned salmon, herring meal and whole eggs, these nutrient-dense ingredients supply your dog with a broad range of amino acids for building muscle tissue that’s strong and healthy. Whole pumpkin and butternut squash are added for fiber and essential vitamins and minerals, while flaxseed provides a natural source of omega-3 fatty acids. The result is a diet that’s easy to digest and nutritionally dense, perfect for large dogs with big appetites.

ACANA Singles + Wholesome Grains Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food is a premium, all-natural dog food that is designed to support peak functionality. With a proprietary heart-healthy vitamin pack, this food supports the proper function of the nervous and circulatory systems. ACANA’s kitchen is 100% free from artificial flavors, colors or preservatives, and the ingredients are all-natural and gluten-free.

Ingredients:

• Deboned Lamb, Lamb Meal, Oat Groats, Whole Sorghum, Lamb Liver

Pros:

• Limited ingredient diet Grain-free
• All-natural ingredients
• No artificial flavors, colors or preservatives
• Gluten-free

Cons:

None that I can think of!I would highly recommend ACANA Singles + Wholesome Grains Limited Ingredient Diet to any dog owner, but especially to those with large breed dogs. The all-natural ingredients and lack of artificial flavors, colors or preservatives make this food perfect for dogs with sensitivities or allergies. And, the limited ingredient diet makes it easier to digest for large breed dogs with big appetites.

ACANA Light & Fit Recipe Grain-Free Adult Dry Dog Food

ACANA Light & Fit recipe is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages.

The first 2 ingredients in this nutrient-dense, high-protein recipe are fresh or raw chicken and turkey. The fresh ingredients use refrigeration as the sole method of preservation, while the raw ingredients are frozen at their peak freshness. ACANA Light & Fit recipe contains no grains, potatoes or peas. It features fresh or raw veggies and fruit, including whole pumpkin, collard greens, apples and pears.

ACANA Light & Fit recipe is a grain-free dog food that contains no corn, soy, wheat or tapioca. It is made in the USA with the world’s finest ingredients and contains freeze dried chicken and turkey for lip smacking flavor. ACANA Light & Fit recipe provides your dog with natural sources of glucosamine and chondroitin to support hip and joint health. This formula also has omega fatty acids from fish oil to support healthy skin and coat. The fresh fruits, vegetables, botanicals and antioxidants give your dog essential nutrients in a complete and balanced recipe.

Ingredients:

Deboned Chicken, Deboned Turkey, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Whole Red Lentils,

Pros:

1. Grain-free
2. No corn, soy, wheat or tapioca
3. Made in the USA with world’s finest ingredients
4. Freeze dried chicken and turkey for flavor
5. Natural sources of glucosamine and chondroitin
6. Omega fatty acids from fish oil Fresh fruits and vegetables

Cons:

1. None that I can think of!I would highly recommend ACANA Light & Fit Recipe to any dog owner, but especially to those with large breed dogs. The grain-free recipe is perfect for dogs with sensitivities or allergies and the freeze dried chicken and turkey add delicious flavor.

ACANA Singles + Wholesome Grains Limited Ingredient Diet Duck & Pumpkin Recipe

Looking for a limited ingredient diet that provides your large canine with all the nutrient-dense diet they need? ACANA Singles + Wholesome Grains Limited Ingredient Diet Duck & Pumpkin is perfect! This recipe is crafted with only one animal protein source – duck – and zero peas or plant-protein isolates, making it ideal for dogs with food sensitivities. Butternut squash and pumpkin are added for their rich fiber content and nutritional value, as well as their ability to support optimum gut health.

ACANA Singles + Wholesome Grains Limited Ingredient Diet Duck & Pumpkin supports peak functionality with a proprietary heart-healthy vitamin pack, which supports the proper function of the nervous and circulatory systems. Zero artificial flavors, colors or preservatives are added in ACANA’s kitchen. 100% free from legume, gluten and potato ingredients.

ACANA Sea to Stream Recipe + Wholesome Grains Gluten-Free Dry Dog Food

ACANA Sea to Stream Recipe is a grain-free, gluten-free recipe that features a fresh, raw whole fish and seafood foundation. Handcrafted in our kitchens with care from the world’s best ingredients, ACANA delivers precisely balanced nutrition for your dog. The first 3 ingredients are nutrient-dense, herring, mackerel and catfish which are also high in protein. These raw ingredients are frozen at their peak freshness to lock in nutrients and flavor.

ACANA Sea to Stream Recipe + Wholesome Grains Gluten-Free Dry Dog Food is a high-quality, nutritious food that your dog will love. Made with zero artificial flavors, colors or preservatives, this food is free from legume, gluten and potato ingredients.

ACANA Free-Run Poultry Recipe + Wholesome Grains Gluten-Free Dry Dog Food

Looking for nutritious, grain-free dog food? ACANA’s Free-Run Poultry Recipe + Wholesome Grains is perfect for your pup! The first 2 ingredients are fresh or raw, nutrient-dense chicken and turkey, which are also high in protein. The fresh ingredients use refrigeration as the only method of preservation, while the raw ingredients are frozen at their peak freshness. Crafted with wholesome grains, butternut squash and pumpkin, which are rich in fiber, highly nutritious and support optimum gut health.

ACANA Free-Run Poultry Recipe + Wholesome Grains Gluten-Free Dry Dog Food is a grain-free recipe that features fresh chicken, turkey meal and whole eggs. It also has fresh Atlantic cod, wild-caught flounder and haddock. This formula is designed to support peak functionality with a proprietary heart-healthy vitamin pack, which supports the proper function of the nervous and circulatory systems. ACANA’s high quality proteins are naturally rich in essential amino acids needed by your dog for muscle development, repair and maintenance. 100% free from legume, gluten and potato ingredients.

ACANA Grass-Fed Lamb Recipe + Wholesome Grains Gluten-Free Dry Dog Food

ACANA Grass-Fed Lamb Recipe is a grain-free, gluten-free recipe that features a fresh, raw lamb foundation.

ACANA Puppy Recipe Grain-Free Dry Puppy Food

ACANA Puppy Recipe is a grain-free, fresh or raw dog food that provides the nutrients to support your puppy’s growth and development.

The first 2 ingredients in this nutrient-dense recipe are fresh or raw chicken and turkey. The fresh ingredients use refrigeration as the sole method of preservation, while the raw ingredients are frozen at their peak freshness. ACANA Puppy Recipe also contains whole pumpkin, collard greens, apples and pears, which are nutritious and high in fiber.

This food is made without corn, soy, wheat or tapioca, and is coated with freeze-dried chicken and turkey to give it a lip-smacking flavor. ACANA Puppy Recipe is also made in the USA with the world’s finest ingredients, ensuring that your pup gets the best possible nutrition.