ACANA
Pacifica Highest Protein All Life Stages
Rating
Is ACANA Pacifica Highest Protein All Life Stages dry cat food good?
ACANA Pacifica Highest Protein All Life Stages 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, Grains (gluten-free), Dairy, Egg, Nuts, Poultry, Red meat, Shellfish, Unknown Meal but contains Legumes, Fish.
Allergy Highlights
Contains:
Free From:
Pros
- Uses clearly named animal protein sources for better transparency.
- Includes plant ingredients that can provide fiber and natural antioxidants.
- Uses mainly organic mineral sources, which are typically better absorbed.
Nutrition Breakdown
- Protein 41%
- Fat 20%
- Est. Carbs 26%
- Fiber 3%
- Ash 10%
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 23%
- Fiber 3%
- Moisture 10%
- Ash 9%
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
46 of 51 matched
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1 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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2 Raw Whole Mackerel
Animal ProteinDescription
Raw whole mackerel, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and vitamin D.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality named animal protein with high digestibility.
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3 Raw Whole Hake
Animal ProteinDescription
A mild white fish, high in protein and low in fat, a good source of B vitamins and selenium.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
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4 Dehydrated Herring
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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5 Dehydrated Blue Whiting
Animal ProteinDescription
A small deep-sea fish from the cod family, high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
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6 Dehydrated Mackerel
Animal ProteinDescription
A dehydrated form of mackerel, a meat concentrate contains up to 400% more protein than the fresh form. It is a greenish-blue back silverfish, high in protein, vitamin B12, and selenium. It is also an excellent source of omega 3s, similar to salmon.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
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7 Whole Pinto Beans
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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8 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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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 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.
- 11 Raw Wild-Caught Flounder
No match found in database
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12 Herring Oil
FatDescription
The fish oil extracted from herring. It is an excellent source of omega 3s, DHA, and EPA, which help reduce inflammation in the body.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal fat with high digestibility and biological value.
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13 Algal Oil
FatDescription
Oil extracted from algae, a sustainable source of DHA and EPA omega-3 fatty acids.
Why Prefer?
A sustainable plant-based source of omega-3 fatty acids.
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14 Whole Green 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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15 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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16 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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17 Fresh Whole Pumpkin
CarbsDescription
An alternative high carbs filler with an excellent source of potassium, vitamin C, and beta carotene.
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18 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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19 Fresh Whole Zucchini
CarbsDescription
A summer squash rich in vitamin A, antioxidants - carotenoids such as lutein, zeaxanthin, and beta-carotene.
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20 Fresh Whole Carrots
CarbsDescription
Fresh whole carrots, rich in alpha and beta-carotene, potassium, and vitamin B6.
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21 Fresh Whole Apples
CarbsDescription
Whole fresh apples, containing carbs and sugar with multiple antioxidants.
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22 Fresh Whole Pears
CarbsDescription
Fresh whole pears, a natural source of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
- 23 Fresh Whole Spinach
No match found in database
- 24 Fresh Whole Kale
No match found in database
- 25 Fresh Whole Turnip Greens
No match found in database
- 26 Fresh Whole Beet Greens
No match found in database
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27 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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28 Whole Blueberries
CarbsDescription
Superfood packed with antioxidants, a good source of vitamin C, K, and manganese.
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29 Whole Saskatoon Berries
CarbsDescription
With a similar appearance as blueberries, it is a great source of vitamin A, B, C, along with a pack of antioxidants.
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30 Turmeric Root
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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31 Milk Thistle
CarbsDescription
A herbal remedy often used to treat liver disorders. It has a high concentration of silymarin, which is a compound known to have antioxidant, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties.
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32 Burdock Root
CarbsDescription
A long brown vegetable root that is commonly used for cleansing and detox. Past Research study suggests that it can help remove toxins from the blood and improve circulation.
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33 Lavender
CarbsDescription
The purple flower famous for its fragrance and color. It provides a trace amount of minerals and is believed to have calming effects. However, the plant of lavender contains a compound called linalook, which is toxic to both cats and dogs. It could cause vomiting, reduced appetite, and nausea when a large quantity of lavender.
Why Concerned?
A controversial ingredient that might cause health issues, unnecessary for the risk.
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34 Marshmallow Root
CarbsDescription
A herb usually used as a remedy to treat skin, respiratory, and digestive issues. The healing power is mainly from the mucilage it contains.
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35 Rosehips
CarbsDescription
Small red seeds that are rich in antioxidants, including vitamin C, catechins, quercetin, and ellagic acid. These help the body to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress.
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36 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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37 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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38 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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39 Thiamine
SupplementDescription
A supplement for vitamin B1, which is important for energy production and glucose metabolism.
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40 Riboflavin
SupplementDescription
A synthetic supplement for vitamin B2. which is vital for the body's metabolism and health.
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41 Niacin
SupplementDescription
Known as vitamin B3, essential to maintain healthy GI tracts, skin/coat, and nervous system.
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42 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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43 Vitamin B6
SupplementDescription
Supplement for vitamin B6, which is vital for producing glucose, red blood cells, and synthesis of niacin, taurine, dopamine. A deficiency will result in symptoms like anemia, seizures, and heart-related issues.
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44 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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45 Biotin
SupplementDescription
A water-soluble vitamin B that is important for maintaining healthy skin, coat, and nails.
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46 Vitamin B12
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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47 Vitamin A
SupplementDescription
Supplement of vitamin A, it is essential for healthy skin, normal vision, and immune function.
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48 Vitamin D3
SupplementDescription
Supplement for vitamin D3 (animal-derived), which is essential for calcium homeostasis - to maintain a constant concentration of calcium. A deficiency will result in osteopenia (lower bone mass).
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49 Vitamin E
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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50 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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51 Rosemary Extract
CarbsDescription
A common herb used for cooking, it is rich in antioxidants to fight off radical damages in the body.
Tips
- Named animal proteins near the top: Raw Whole Herring, Raw Whole Mackerel are listed early in the ingredient panel.
- Plant protein is worth closer review for cats: Whole Pinto Beans, Whole Red Lentils, Whole Chickpeas may raise the listed protein percentage without meaning there is more meat.
- Ingredients worth checking: Lentil Fiber, Lavender.
- Possible digestion triggers: Whole Pinto Beans, Whole Red Lentils, Whole Chickpeas, and 3 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 Pacifica Highest Protein All Life Stages'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 89%
- Plant 11%
Meat-forward: 89% of the weighted protein in ACANA Pacifica Highest Protein All Life Stages comes from animal sources. Plant signals are modest (11% whole plants, 0% plant concentrates), so the protein profile leans on real meat.
Contributing ingredients
Animal
Plant
ACANA Pacifica Highest Protein All Life Stages dry cat food Review
ACANA Pacifica Highest Protein All Life Stages 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, Fish.
- On a dry-matter basis: 41% protein, 20% fat, 26% estimated carbohydrates.
- 89% of the weighted protein comes from animal sources.
- Free from Gluten grains, Grains (gluten-free), Dairy, Egg, Nuts, Poultry, Red meat, Shellfish, Unknown Meal.
Frequently asked questions
Is ACANA Pacifica Highest Protein All Life Stages good for cats?
Yes — rated 4.5 stars, with high ingredient transparency and strong animal protein content.
Does ACANA Pacifica Highest Protein All Life Stages contain Dairy?
No — based on the ingredient list, ACANA Pacifica Highest Protein All Life Stages doesn't include Dairy or related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Dairy can typically avoid this allergen here.
Does ACANA Pacifica Highest Protein All Life Stages contain Egg?
No — based on the ingredient list, ACANA Pacifica Highest Protein All Life Stages doesn't include Egg or related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Egg can typically avoid this allergen here.
Does ACANA Pacifica Highest Protein All Life Stages contain Legumes?
Yes — based on the ingredient list, ACANA Pacifica Highest Protein All Life Stages contains Legumes, so pets sensitive to Legumes should generally avoid this product or consult a vet first.
Does ACANA Pacifica Highest Protein All Life Stages contain Nuts?
No — based on the ingredient list, ACANA Pacifica Highest Protein All Life Stages doesn't include Nuts or related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Nuts can typically avoid this allergen here.
Is ACANA Pacifica Highest Protein All Life Stages grain-free?
Yes — there are no grains in this recipe.
What are the main protein sources in ACANA Pacifica Highest Protein All Life Stages?
The top animal proteins are Raw Whole Herring, Raw Whole Mackerel, Raw Whole Hake — clearly named, so you can verify the source.
