Out of the 24 Acana dog food brands that are currently available for sale on Chewy.com, Acana has described 20 of them as suitable for small breed dogs. A number of them are classified as ‘premium’ dog food or ‘limited-ingredients’ dog food recipes and are relatively more expensive compared to other regular dog food for small-size dogs.
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What is a small-breed dog?
The term ‘small-breed dog’ is used to describe dogs that weigh 20 pounds or less at adulthood. Some of the most popular small-breed dogs include the Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier, Pomeranian, Boston Terrier and Miniature Schnauzer. Small-breed dogs generally have a higher metabolism and higher energy levels than larger dogs, and they also tend to live longer.
What is Acana?
Acana is a pet food company that produces dog and cat food. It is owned by Champion Petfoods, which is based in Alberta Canada. The company was founded in 1975 and its products are sold in over 60 countries.
Aside from its original home in Alberta, Acana has expanded its manufacturing operations and now has facilities in Edmonton and Auburn, Kentucky. Read about their 85-acre farmland in Kentucky here.
You can also read more about the story of Acana on their about us website page.
Below is a snapshot of the Acana website’s homepage;
How Acana Markets itself as a quality premium dog food manufacturer:
On its website, Acana prides itself as a company that believes a diet of human-grade ingredients makes all the difference in pet food quality. They have described their commitment to providing dogd and cats with the highest quality nutrition using only whole foods and ingredients from trusted sources.
Acana’s recipes are crafted in small batches, so every recipe contains at least 50% premium animal proteins such as wild-caught fish or cage-free poultry. The remaining balance of each recipe consists of locally sourced fruits, vegetables, botanicals, and nutrients that have been selected for their nutritional value and ability to support overall health and wellness.
Acana also has a page on its website that is dedicated to explaining its feeding trials, ingredient sourcing and manufacturing process in more detail. Click here to read about AAFCO’s feeding trials.
Other helpful resources on Acan’s website;
- Ingredients
- Acana Guide to Dog treats
- Palatability
- Benefits of rotational feeding
- Heavy metal in pet food
Acana relationship with Orijen:
Acana and Orijen are both made by the same company, Champion Petfoods. They are both premium pet food brands that use high quality ingredients sourced from Canada. Acana was launched in 1999 and Orijen in 1985.
Orijen is marketed as a biologically appropriate diet for dogs and cats, while Acana is marketed as a whole prey diet. Both brands use fresh and regional ingredients that are sustainably raised or caught.
The biggest difference between the two brands is that Orijen is grain-free, while Acana recipes do contain grains. Orijen also has a higher protein content than Acana recipes.
Is there Acana Dog Food for Small-breed dogs?
Yes, there are a number of Acana dog food brands that are suitable for small breed dogs. A number of them are classified as ‘premium’ dog food or ‘limited-ingredients’ dog food recipes and are relatively more expensive compared to other regular dog food for small-size dogs.
The following is a list of Acana dog food brands that are suitable for small breed dogs;
– Acana Small Breed Dog Food
– Acana Small Breed Puppy Food
– Acana Small Breed Senior Dog Food
– Acana Limited Ingredient Small Breed Dog Food
– Acana Grain Free Small Breed Dog Food
– Acana Regional Grasslands Small Breed Dog Food
Each of these recipes is made with high quality ingredients that have been carefully selected to provide small breeds with the nutrition they need. The recipes also contain a higher level of protein to help support the smaller dog’s metabolism.
What are the nutritional requirements of small-breed dogs?
Small-breed dogs require a diet that is high in protein and fat and low in carbohydrates. This is because their metabolisms are much faster than those of larger dogs, and they need more calories to maintain their energy levels.
Small-breed dogs also have a higher risk of developing obesity, so it is important to feed them a diet that is balanced and nutritious.
Factors to consider when picking the best Acana Dog food for small dogs:
Protein source:
Luckily, Acana uses human-grade meat ingredients as their primary source of protein. This is important for small dogs as they require a higher level of protein in their diet to support their metabolism. Go for recipes that has fish.
Ingredients:
It is also important to consider the ingredients used in the recipe. Small dogs have delicate stomachs and can be more prone to allergies and sensitivities. Therefore, it is important to choose recipes that are limited ingredient or grain-free.
High-calorie diets:
Small-size dogs have higher metabolism and puppies of small-breed dogs used up to 20 times more energy than adult dogs. Therefore, they require a high-calorie diet to meet their energy needs. Go for Acana brands with at least 380 kcal for healthy weight maintenance for puppies and adult small-breed dogs including toy, miniature and teacup breeds.
Price:
Acana is a premium pet food brand and their recipes are relatively more expensive compared to other regular dog food brands. However, it is important to remember that you are paying for quality ingredients and a nutritionally balanced diet.
Acana Advantage:
- The first two ingredients of Acana pet food are premium meats such as fresh or raw meat, poultry organs or fish.
- Acana uses Whole prey, meat, organs and bone. It does not use meal, by-products or fillers.
- Over 10 quality animal ingredients compared with others that have less than 5.
- Acana recipes do not contain Potato or Tapioca. Potao is a cheap filler used in many pet foods.
- Acana recipes do generally not contain carrageenan, which is an inflammatory agent linked to cancer.
- No artificial colors, flavors or preservatives are used in Acana recipes.
Best Acana Dog food for small-breed dogs:
ACANA Puppy Recipe Grain-Free Dry Puppy Food: Best Acana puppy small breed
The overall best Acana dog food recipe for small-breed dogs is the ACANA Puppy Recipe that is grain-free dry kibble.
ACANA Puppy Recipe Grain-Free Dry Puppy Food’s first 2 ingredients 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. This recipe also features fresh or raw veggies and fruit, including whole pumpkin, collard greens, apples and pears, which are nutritious and high in fiber.
ACANA Puppy Recipe is a real food for your puppy – with ingredients that are sustainably farmed and harvested by people we know, in places we trust. ACANA Puppy Recipe is also made in the USA with the world’s finest ingredients, including responsibly raised meats from North America, wild caught fish from Canada & New Zealand and free-run chicken & turkey.
ACANA Wholesome Grains Puppy Recipe Gluten-Free Dry Dog Food
The second-best Acana dog food recipe for small-breed dogs is the Wholesome Grains Puppy Recipe. This recipe is made with fresh chicken and turkey, whole eggs, and wild-caught fish. The ingredients are free from grains, gluten, and potato.
ACANA’s Puppy Recipe is a gluten-free dry dog food crafted with fresh, nutrient-dense chicken as the very first ingredient. The recipe uses refrigeration as the only method of preservation, while the raw ingredients are frozen at their peak freshness. This results in a healthy, balanced diet that is rich in fiber and supports optimum gut health.
ACANA Singles Limited Ingredient Diet Pork and Squash: Best Acana adult small breed
Our overall best Acana food for small-breed adult dogs is the Singles Limited Ingredient Diet. Small breed dogs that weigh as low as 6kg will find this kibble important for weight and adult health maintenance.
ACANA Singles Limited Ingredient Diet is a protein-rich kibble derived from a single animal source. Made with sweet potatoes, ACANA Singles is free from peas, corn, and plant-protein isolates. Taurine and other vitamins, minerals and antioxidants support immune and circulatory function. Free of grains, glutens and fillers, ACANA Singles provides your dog with the nutrition he needs to thrive as nature intended. Available for dogs of all life stages (adult maintenance), ACANA Singles contains no artificial preservatives, flavors or colors.
This limited ingredient diet is perfect for dogs with sensitivities to ingredients, grains, or gluten. The single protein source makes it easy to identify and eliminate potential allergens.
ACANA Singles Limited Ingredient Diet Lamb & Apple Recipe Grain
Our second best limited-ingredient Acana dog food for small-breed dogs is a lamb and apple recipe called ACANA Singles Limited Ingredient Diet Lamb & Apple Recipe Grain. This recipe is also grain-free, and it’s made with fresh lamb as the first ingredient. The ingredients are free from grains, gluten, and potato.
This recipe is made here in the US and is free from peas which have been linked to DCM in dogs. DCM is a heart condition that can be fatal. ACANA Singles Lamb & Apple Recipe is also free from corn, soy, and wheat which are common allergens in dogs.
This food is perfect for dogs with sensitivities to ingredients, grains, or gluten. The single protein source makes it easy to identify and eliminate potential allergens.
ACANA Free-Run Poultry Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
ACANA’s Free-Run Poultry Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is a high-protein, nutrient-dense recipe made with fresh or raw turkey and chicken as the first two ingredients. The fresh ingredients are refrigerated as the sole method of preservation, while the raw ingredients are frozen at their peak freshness. This food also features fresh or raw veggies and fruit, including whole pumpkin, collard greens, apples and pears, which are nutritious and high in fiber.
ACANA Grasslands Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Another great Acana brand for small-size dogs is the grain-free Acana Grassland kibble. This is a grain-free recipe that features fresh or raw lamb, duck and eggs as its first 3 ingredients.
The fresh or raw ingredients use refrigeration as the sole method of preservation, while the raw ingredients are frozen at their peak freshness. ACANA Grasslands features whole pumpkin, collard greens, butternut squash, apples and pears to provide your dog with fiber and vitamins A & C.
ACANA Grasslands Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is made without corn, soy, wheat or tapioca, and coated with freeze-dried lamb and duck for lip-smacking flavor. Made in the USA with the world’s finest ingredients, this food is perfect for dogs of all ages and sizes.
Orijen-Acana Small-Breed Dog Food
Acana and Orijen have a dog food formulation specifically made for small-breed dogs that have specific to them energy and nutrient requirements. Orijen-Acana Small-Breed Dog Food is made from nourishing protein and kibble that have high palatability
. This dog food is made with smaller kibble pieces to make it easier for small mouths and teeth to eat, as well as being higher in protein and fat content to fuel those high metabolisms.
ORIJEN’s Small Breed Dog Food kibble is packed with protein and nutrients and is shaped to be easier for smaller dogs to eat. With WholePrey animal ingredients, this food is as close to nature as you can get – delivering the nutrition your dog needs in a delicious, healthy meal.
Orijen-Acana Small Breed Dog Food is made with fresh, raw poultry and fish ingredients as the first 5 ingredients. This food uses refrigeration as the sole method of preservation, ensuring that your dog gets the most nutrient-rich food possible. Orijen-Acana is also made with raw ingredients that are frozen at their peak freshness, so you can be sure that your dog is getting the best food possible.
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Hi there! My name is Ben Domb, an owner of two pets and I am one of the co-founders of OurPets HQ. I have several years of experience as a pet care professional in the New England region having spent time in various roles including a stint at a veterinary hospital in Upstate New York, Syracuse area. I am a certified pet care professional and mostly spend my time researching pet nutrition and sharing my thoughts in various blogs and columns. With quarantine and COVID restrictions, I have been spending a lot of time a lot with my dogs and cat and loving it! I also run a small consulting business providing advice to parents on pet nutrition, and especially safe homemade options to try. You can reach me at ben@ourpetshq.com
