ACANA First Feast
ACANA First Feast scores 4.5/5 on Moesonson's label-based analysis. Its strongest factor is protein clarity (high — 100% of the recipe's protein panel is clearly named); its weakest is animal-protein content (strong — 87% of the weighted protein comes from animal sources).
Rating
Updated Mar 2026
How this score is made
This score isn’t a hand-wavy impression: it reads what the label actually prints — the ingredient list, guaranteed analysis and AAFCO adequacy statement — and runs it through the same algorithmic rubric as every other product. No brand pays for placement, and there are no affiliate links on reviewed products.
Is ACANA First Feast dry cat food good?
ACANA First Feast is a dry cat food rated 4.5 stars, with high ingredient transparency and strong animal protein content. The recipe lists most animal ingredients by name and features real muscle meat as a primary protein source. This recipe is free from Gluten grains, Dairy, Nuts, Red meat, Shellfish, Unknown Meal but contains Grains (gluten-free), Egg, Legumes, Poultry, Fish.
Allergy Highlights
Contains:
Free From:
Pros
- Uses clearly named animal protein sources for better transparency.
- Contains organ meats that provide natural vitamins and minerals.
- Includes plant ingredients that can provide fiber and natural antioxidants.
Nutrition Breakdown
| Protein | 41% |
|---|---|
| Fat | 20% |
| Est. Carbs | 23% |
| Fiber | 4% |
| Ash | 11% |
Moisture (10%) removed so you can compare foods fairly.
Dry matter basis = label value ÷ (100% − moisture%). Carbs estimated from remaining.
| Protein | 37% |
|---|---|
| Fat | 18% |
| Est. Carbs | 21% |
| Fiber | 4% |
| Moisture | 10% |
| Ash | 10% |
As-fed values are the raw percentages printed on the product label.
Tips
- Protein is High (41% dry matter) on our label-based comparison range. This is generally more aligned with cats' higher protein needs than lower-protein recipes, assuming the food is complete for the cat's life stage.
- Fat is High (20% dry matter) on our label-based comparison range. It can raise calorie density, so watch body condition and seek vet input for cats with pancreatitis or digestive disease.
Ingredients Analysis
22 of 22 matched
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1 Fresh Chicken
Animal ProteinDescription
The dominant animal protein source in pet foods. Other than protein, it is also high in iron, zinc, selenium, and B vitamins.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
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2 Chicken Meal
Animal ProteinDescription
A dehydrated form of chicken, it is a meat concentrate that contains up to 4 times more protein than fresh chicken on dry matter basis.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
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3 Herring Meal
Animal ProteinDescription
A dehydrated form of herring, which contains up to 400% more protein than the fresh form. It is a small silvery fish with low content of mercury. It is high in protein, vitamin D, selenium, and omega 3s.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
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4 Oat Groats
CarbsDescription
A whole grain that has higher protein and fats compared to other types. It is rich in B-vitamins and dietary fiber.
Why Concerned?
An inexpensive filler without gluten, with limited nutrition value to dogs / cats.
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5 Whole Peas
Carbs Plant ProteinDescription
A type of legume that is added to boost up the protein content and acts as an alternative carb. It contains around 22% protein.
Digestion Concern
Legume contains oligosaccharides, which is a 3 - 5 carbon short-chain sugar that are indigestible by dogs / cats.
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6 Chicken Fat
FatDescription
The fatty layer separated during the cooking process, with a high level of omega 6, It is more preferable by dogs and cats over other types of fats.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal fat with high digestibility and biological value.
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7 Whole Green Lentils
Carbs Plant ProteinDescription
A type of legume that is added to boost up the protein content and acts as an alternative carb. It contains around 27% protein.
Digestion Concern
Legume contains oligosaccharides, which is a 3 - 5 carbon short-chain sugar that are indigestible by dogs / cats.
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8 Turkey Meal
Animal ProteinDescription
A large bird looks similar to chicken, high in protein, and packed with vitamin B3, B6, B12, selenium, zinc, and phosphorus.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
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9 Whole Chickpeas
Carbs Plant ProteinDescription
Also known as garbanzo beans, a type of legume that is added to boost up the protein content and acts as an alternative carb. It contains around 20% protein.
Digestion Concern
Legume contains oligosaccharides, which is a 3 - 5 carbon short-chain sugar that are indigestible by dogs / cats.
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10 Whole Red Lentils
Carbs Plant ProteinDescription
A type of legume that is added to boost up the protein content and acts as an alternative carb. It contains around 27% protein.
Digestion Concern
Legume contains oligosaccharides, which is a 3 - 5 carbon short-chain sugar that are indigestible by dogs / cats.
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11 Raw Whole Herring
Animal ProteinDescription
A small silvery fish with low mercury, high in protein, vitamin D, selenium, and omega-3s.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
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12 Fresh Eggs
Animal ProteinDescription
It contains almost every nutrient the body needs. It also has the highest biological value (protein absorption) among other animal proteins.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
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13 Fish Oil
FatDescription
Oil derived from fish, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, DHA, and EPA.
Why Concerned?
A high-quality animal fat with high digestibility and biological value.
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14 Inulin Fibre
OthersDescription
A prebiotic soluble fiber from chicory root supporting beneficial gut bacteria.
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15 Raw Kale
OthersDescription
Raw kale, a nutrient-dense leafy green rich in vitamins A, C, K, and antioxidants.
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16 Fresh Chicken Giblets
Animal ProteinDescription
Refer to multiple organs like the liver and kidney of chickens. Organs meat is high in protein and various vitamins / minerals.
Why Prefer?
Organ meats are highly nutritious, with quality protein and many important vitamins / minerals.
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17 Raw Turkey Liver
Animal ProteinDescription
Raw turkey liver, nutrient-dense and rich in vitamin A, B12, and iron.
Why Prefer?
Organ meats are highly nutritious, with quality protein and many important vitamins / minerals.
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18 Dried Kelp
CarbsDescription
An excellent source of various minerals including calcium, iron, magnesium. Rich in rare mineral iodine essential for healthy thyroid function.
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19 Fresh Whole Butternut Squash
CarbsDescription
An alternative high carbs filler with an excellent source of potassium, vitamin C, and beta carotene.
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20 Fresh Whole Pumpkin
CarbsDescription
An alternative high carbs filler with an excellent source of potassium, vitamin C, and beta carotene.
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21 Whole Cranberries
CarbsDescription
High in vitamin C and antioxidants, it is also best known for fighting Urinary Tract Infections. While it could be true for humans, the effect on pets is yet to be confirmed by further research.
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22 Whole Blueberries
CarbsDescription
Superfood packed with antioxidants, a good source of vitamin C, K, and manganese.
Tips
- Named animal proteins near the top: Fresh Chicken, Chicken Meal are listed early in the ingredient panel.
- Plant protein is worth closer review for cats: Whole Peas, Whole Green Lentils, Whole Chickpeas may raise the listed protein percentage without meaning there is more meat.
- Ingredients worth checking: Oat Groats, Fish Oil.
- Possible digestion triggers: Whole Peas, Whole Green Lentils, Whole Chickpeas, and 1 more have digestion notes; watch tolerance if your pet has a sensitive stomach.
Protein Analysis
How this recipe earned its protein scores.
Protein Clarity
High- Named 100%
Strong clarity: 100% of ACANA First Feast's animal-protein ingredients are clearly named (like chicken or salmon). Only 0% use vague terms such as "meat meal" and 0% are by-products. Named protein ingredients let you verify the source and check for allergens.
Contributing ingredients
Named
Animal Protein
High- Animal 87%
- Plant 13%
Meat-forward: 87% of the weighted protein in ACANA First Feast comes from animal sources. Plant signals are modest (13% whole plants, 0% plant concentrates), so the protein profile leans on real meat.
Contributing ingredients
Animal
Plant
ACANA First Feast dry cat food Review
ACANA First Feast is a strong choice — rated 4.5 stars with high ingredient transparency and strong animal protein content. A confident pick when the ingredient panel matches your pet's needs.
Best for
- Owners who want clearly named protein sources
- Pets that thrive on muscle-meat protein
Avoid if
- Your pet is allergic to eggs
- You're avoiding legumes
Key takeaways
- Named animal proteins make up 100% of the recipe's protein panel — a clear sourcing win.
- Contains common allergens: Grains (gluten-free), Egg, Legumes, Poultry, Fish.
- On a dry-matter basis: 41% protein, 20% fat, 23% estimated carbohydrates.
- 87% of the weighted protein comes from animal sources.
- Free from Gluten grains, Dairy, Nuts, Red meat, Shellfish, Unknown Meal.
Frequently asked questions
Is ACANA First Feast good for cats?
Yes — ACANA First Feast earns 4.5 out of 5 stars on Moesonson’s label-based analysis, combining high ingredient transparency with strong animal protein content. The score is computed from the printed ingredient list and guaranteed analysis rather than marketing claims — a confident pick when the label matches your cat’s needs.
Does ACANA First Feast contain Dairy?
No — based on the printed ingredient list, ACANA First Feast does not include Dairy or closely related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Dairy can typically avoid that trigger here. Recipes do get reformulated, though, so re-check the packaging before feeding — Moesonson’s reading reflects the label at analysis time.
Does ACANA First Feast contain Egg?
Yes — according to the printed ingredient list, ACANA First Feast contains Egg. Pets with a known Egg sensitivity should generally avoid this recipe, or check with a veterinarian first. Moesonson flags allergens directly from the label’s ingredient panel, so this reflects what the manufacturer actually declares.
Does ACANA First Feast contain Legumes?
Yes — according to the printed ingredient list, ACANA First Feast contains Legumes. Pets with a known Legumes sensitivity should generally avoid this recipe, or check with a veterinarian first. Moesonson flags allergens directly from the label’s ingredient panel, so this reflects what the manufacturer actually declares.
Does ACANA First Feast contain Nuts?
No — based on the printed ingredient list, ACANA First Feast does not include Nuts or closely related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Nuts can typically avoid that trigger here. Recipes do get reformulated, though, so re-check the packaging before feeding — Moesonson’s reading reflects the label at analysis time.
Is ACANA First Feast grain-free?
No — ACANA First Feast is not grain-free: the printed ingredient list includes Grains (gluten-free). That mainly matters for pets with a diagnosed grain sensitivity or allergy; most cats tolerate grains well as an energy source. If your cat must avoid grains, choose a recipe without these ingredients.
What are the main protein sources in ACANA First Feast?
The main animal proteins in ACANA First Feast are Fresh Chicken, Chicken Meal, Herring Meal. Each is named by species on the printed ingredient list — a protein-clarity strength in Moesonson’s scoring, because named sources let you verify what your cat is eating and avoid specific proteins when managing food allergies.
