ACANA
Limited Ingredient Diet Lamb & Apple Recipe
Rating
Is ACANA Limited Ingredient Diet Lamb & Apple Recipe dry dog food good?
ACANA Limited Ingredient Diet Lamb & Apple Recipe is a dry dog 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, Grains (gluten-free), Dairy, Egg, Nuts, Poultry, Shellfish, Unknown Meal but contains Legumes, Red meat, 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.
- Uses mainly organic mineral sources, which are typically better absorbed.
Nutrition Breakdown
- Protein 35%
- Fat 19%
- Est. Carbs 28%
- Fiber 6%
- Ash 11%
Moisture (12%) removed so you can compare foods fairly.
Dry matter basis = label value ÷ (100% − moisture%). Carbs estimated from remaining.
- Protein 31%
- Fat 17%
- Est. Carbs 25%
- Fiber 5%
- Moisture 12%
- Ash 10%
As-fed values are the raw percentages printed on the product label.
Tips
- Protein is High (35% dry matter) on our label-based comparison range. For many healthy dogs, this can support muscle maintenance, though dogs with kidney disease or other medical conditions should follow vet-guided diet targets.
- Fat is High (19% dry matter) on our label-based comparison range. It can support calorie needs for active or growing dogs, but portion control and pancreatitis history deserve extra attention.
Ingredients Analysis
38 of 38 matched
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1 Lamb
Animal ProteinDescription
A type of red meat, high in protein and rich in iron, zinc, and vitamin B12.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
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2 Lamb Meal
Animal ProteinDescription
A dehydrated form of lamb, a meat concentrate that contains up to 400% more protein than the fresh form. It is a type of red meat, high in protein and rich in iron, zinc, and vitamin B12.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
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3 Lamb Liver
Animal ProteinDescription
Organ meats of lamb. It is a significant source of vitamin A, B12, and copper.
Why Prefer?
Organ meats are highly nutritious, with quality protein and many important vitamins / minerals.
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4 Sweet Potato
CarbsDescription
An alternative high carbs filler with an excellent amount of vitamin A, C, B6.
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5 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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6 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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7 Whole 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 Lentil Fiber
CarbsDescription
The fiber extracted from lentils after removing the starch. It is mainly insoluble fiber.
Why Concerned?
A controversial filler with limited nutrition value to dogs / cats.
Digestion Concern
Legumes contain oligosaccharides, which are short-chain sugars of 3-5 carbons and cannot be digested by dogs/cats.
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9 Whole Apples
CarbsDescription
Contains mainly carbs and sugar with multiple antioxidants to prevent radical damages by oxidative stress.
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10 Sunflower Oil
FatDescription
The oil derived from sunflower seeds, high in either omega 6 and 9 fats, low in saturated fat and is packed with natural anti-oxidant vitamin E.
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11 Natural Lamb Flavor
Food AdditiveDescription
A flavor made of lamb parts, it is used to make pet food more tasty and palatable.
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12 Lamb Tripe
Animal ProteinDescription
The edible muscle lining of the lamb's stomach. It is high in protein, vitamin B12, also a great source of selenium, zinc, and phosphorus.
Why Prefer?
Organ meats are highly nutritious, with quality protein and many important vitamins / minerals.
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13 Whole Pumpkin
CarbsDescription
An alternative high carbs filler with an excellent source of potassium, vitamin C, and beta carotene.
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14 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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15 Salt
OthersDescription
Mainly added to enhance the flavor, might cause kidney and blood pressure issues in a larger dose. High-quality pet foods should get a sufficient amount from raw meat, additional salt is not necessary.
Why Concerned?
A controversial ingredient that might cause health issues, unnecessary for the risk.
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16 Choline Chloride
SupplementDescription
Vital molecule for various functions in the body, lack of choline can result in weight loss, vomiting, and fatty liver.
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17 Taurine
SupplementDescription
An essential amino acid (building blocks of protein) to maintain a healthy brain and heart functions.
Why Prefer?
A safe supplement to improve the completeness of essential amino acids profile (the building block of protein).
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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 Zinc Proteinate
SupplementDescription
An organic form of zinc, which is vital in skin function and wound healing, cell replication, the structure and function of biological membranes. Compare to inorganic form, it has 5 - 15% more absorption rate to the body.
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20 Vitamin E Supplement
SupplementDescription
Supplement for vitamin E, which is an important antioxidant that protects oxidative damages on cellular membranes by free radicals. A deficiency will result in symptoms like anorexia, depression, and dermatitis.
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21 Mixed Tocopherols
Food AdditiveDescription
A mixture of different types of vitamin E, usually found in plant oils, seed and green vegetables. They are powerful antioxidants used as a natural preservative to slow down the spoilage of food.
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22 Selenium Yeast
Plant Protein ConcentrateDescription
Made from fungus and often used to make beer, a rich source of minerals such as selenium. B-complex vitamins, and chromium. It contains around 40% protein.
Why Concerned?
A controversial ingredient, some believe it can support the immune system, while others say it can be linked to allergies and bloating. However, no scientific research can provide a concrete conclusion.
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23 Niacin
SupplementDescription
Known as vitamin B3, essential to maintain healthy GI tracts, skin/coat, and nervous system.
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24 Thiamine Mononitrate
SupplementDescription
An organic form of thiamine, has 5 - 15% more absorption rate than the inorganic form. It is important for energy production and glucose metabolism.
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25 Calcium Pantothenate
SupplementDescription
An organic form of calcium, it is essential in the formation of bones / teeth and different cellular functions. Compare to inorganic form, it has 5 - 15% more absorption rate to the body.
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26 Pyridoxine Hydrochloride
SupplementDescription
A synthetical supplement of vitamin B6, which is an essential element for nearly every part of metabolism.
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27 Riboflavin
SupplementDescription
A synthetic supplement for vitamin B2. which is vital for the body's metabolism and health.
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28 Folic Acid
SupplementDescription
A synthetic form of folate, which is also known as vitamin B9. It plays an important role to support the body's functions, such as cell growth.
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29 Vitamin B12 Supplement
SupplementDescription
Supplement for vitamin B12, which is vital for carbon transfer and propionate metabolism. A deficiency will result in symptoms similar to gastrointestinal disorders, such as diarrhea and weight loss.
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30 Copper Proteinate
SupplementDescription
An organic form of copper, which is important for the production of blood cells, hair coat color pigmentation, and maintaining the nervous system. Compare to inorganic form, it has 5 - 15% more absorption rate to the body.
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31 Freeze-Dried Lamb
Animal ProteinDescription
Freeze-dried lamb, a concentrated protein source preserving nutrients from fresh lamb.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
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32 Dried Chicory Root
CarbsDescription
Contains insulin, which is a prebiotic that promotes friendly bacteria in the gut and supports better digestion.
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33 Turmeric
CarbsDescription
Orange ginger-like plant often used in making curry. It contains curcumin, which is a strong antioxidant with anti-inflammatory effects. However, its color is the main purpose of adding it to pet foods.
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34 Citric Acid
Food AdditiveDescription
A common additive used for fat preservation. It is commonly found in citrus fruit like lemons and limes.
Why Concerned?
A food additive that might cause health issues.
Digestion Concern
Research suggests that dogs consumed dry foods containing citric acid as a preservative have a 200% increased risk for gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloating). However, more research is required to make a solid conclusion.
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35 Rosemary Extract
CarbsDescription
A common herb used for cooking, it is rich in antioxidants to fight off radical damages in the body.
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36 Dried Lactobaccillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product
(Detected): dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product
ProbioticsDescription
A type of probiotics, good bacteria that promotes good digestion and overall health. L. acidophilus produces lactic acid, which is believed to help prevent bad bacterias from growing in the intestines.
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37 Dried Bifidobacterium Animalis Fermentation Product
ProbioticsDescription
A type of probiotics, good bacteria that promotes good digestion and overall health.
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38 Dried Lactobacillus Casei Fermentation Product
ProbioticsDescription
A type of probiotics, good bacteria that promotes good digestion and overall health. L. casei are often used to prevent and treat diarrhea.
Tips
- Named animal proteins near the top: Lamb, Lamb Meal are listed early in the ingredient panel.
- Plant protein signal: Whole Chickpeas, Whole Lentils may raise the listed protein percentage without meaning there is more meat.
- Ingredients worth checking: Fish Oil, Lentil Fiber, Salt.
- Possible digestion triggers: Whole Chickpeas, Whole Lentils, Lentil Fiber, 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 Limited Ingredient Diet Lamb & Apple Recipe'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 12%
- Auxiliary 1%
Meat-forward: 87% of the weighted protein in ACANA Limited Ingredient Diet Lamb & Apple Recipe comes from animal sources. Plant signals are modest (12% whole plants, 0% plant concentrates), so the protein profile leans on real meat.
Contributing ingredients
Animal
Plant
Auxiliary
ACANA Limited Ingredient Diet Lamb & Apple Recipe dry dog food Review
ACANA Limited Ingredient Diet Lamb & Apple Recipe 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 avoiding gluten grains
- Pets that thrive on muscle-meat protein
Avoid if
- 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: Legumes, Red meat, Fish.
- On a dry-matter basis: 35% protein, 19% fat, 28% estimated carbohydrates.
- 87% of the weighted protein comes from animal sources.
- Free from Gluten grains, Grains (gluten-free), Dairy, Egg, Nuts, Poultry, Shellfish, Unknown Meal.
Frequently asked questions
Is ACANA Limited Ingredient Diet Lamb & Apple Recipe good for dogs?
Yes — rated 4.5 stars, with high ingredient transparency and strong animal protein content.
Does ACANA Limited Ingredient Diet Lamb & Apple Recipe contain Dairy?
No — based on the ingredient list, ACANA Limited Ingredient Diet Lamb & Apple Recipe doesn't include Dairy or related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Dairy can typically avoid this allergen here.
Does ACANA Limited Ingredient Diet Lamb & Apple Recipe contain Egg?
No — based on the ingredient list, ACANA Limited Ingredient Diet Lamb & Apple Recipe doesn't include Egg or related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Egg can typically avoid this allergen here.
Does ACANA Limited Ingredient Diet Lamb & Apple Recipe contain Legumes?
Yes — based on the ingredient list, ACANA Limited Ingredient Diet Lamb & Apple Recipe contains Legumes, so pets sensitive to Legumes should generally avoid this product or consult a vet first.
Does ACANA Limited Ingredient Diet Lamb & Apple Recipe contain Nuts?
No — based on the ingredient list, ACANA Limited Ingredient Diet Lamb & Apple Recipe doesn't include Nuts or related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Nuts can typically avoid this allergen here.
Is ACANA Limited Ingredient Diet Lamb & Apple Recipe grain-free?
Yes — there are no grains in this recipe.
What are the main protein sources in ACANA Limited Ingredient Diet Lamb & Apple Recipe?
The top animal proteins are Lamb, Lamb Meal, Lamb Liver — clearly named, so you can verify the source.
