ACANA
Puppy Recipe
Rating
Is ACANA Puppy Recipe dry dog food good?
ACANA Puppy 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, Nuts, Red meat, Shellfish, Unknown Meal but contains 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.
- Uses mainly organic mineral sources, which are typically better absorbed.
Nutrition Breakdown
- Protein 35%
- Fat 22%
- Est. Carbs 30%
- Fiber 6%
- Ash 8%
Moisture (12%) removed so you can compare foods fairly.
Dry matter basis = label value ÷ (100% − moisture%). Carbs estimated from remaining.
- Protein 31%
- Fat 19%
- Est. Carbs 26%
- Fiber 5%
- Moisture 12%
- Ash 7%
Ash value not listed on label; 7% used as a standard estimate.
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 (22% 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
47 of 47 matched
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1 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 Turkey
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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3 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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4 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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5 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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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 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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8 Flounder
Animal ProteinDescription
A flatfish lives in the deep-sea. It is a quality animal protein source with a low level of fat. It provides a range of vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C, calcium, and iron.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
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9 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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10 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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11 Whole Yellow 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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12 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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13 Chicken Broth
Animal ProteinDescription
The soup produced by cooking chicken bones, parts, or meat. It is high in glycine which claims to detoxify the liver and prevent leaky gut. There is a lack of evidence to show the benefits to pets.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
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14 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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15 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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16 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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17 Pea Starch
Carbs Plant ProteinDescription
The starchy part of peas after protein is extracted for pea protein products. It mainly consists of carbs and around 13% plant-based protein.
Why Concerned?
A controversial filler with limited nutrition value to dogs / cats.
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18 Natural Chicken Flavor
Food AdditiveDescription
The flavor made of chicken parts, it is used to make pet food more tasty and palatable.
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19 Chicken Liver
Animal ProteinDescription
An excellent source of vitamin A, chromium, and copper.
Why Prefer?
Organ meats are highly nutritious, with quality protein and many important vitamins / minerals.
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20 Chicken Heart
Animal ProteinDescription
An excellent source of vitamin B9, iron, and zinc.
Why Prefer?
Organ meats are highly nutritious, with quality protein and many important vitamins / minerals.
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21 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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22 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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23 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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24 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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25 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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26 Whole Pumpkin
CarbsDescription
An alternative high carbs filler with an excellent source of potassium, vitamin C, and beta carotene.
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27 Collard Greens
CarbsDescription
A type of dark leafy greens that are commonly used in the salad for humans. It is completely safe for pets and serves as a rich source of vitamin K and folate.
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28 Whole Apples
CarbsDescription
Contains mainly carbs and sugar with multiple antioxidants to prevent radical damages by oxidative stress.
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29 Whole Pears
CarbsDescription
A sugary fruit, a good source of vitamin C, folate, copper and potassium, along with polyphenol antioxidant.
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30 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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31 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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32 Freeze-dried Chicken
Animal ProteinDescription
Dehydrated form of chicken by "cold" drying instead of "heat" drying. This method retains more nutrition value of the ingredient, but it costs up to 5 times more than the conventional drying process.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
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33 Freeze Dried Turkey
(Detected): freeze-dried turkey
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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34 Riboflavin
SupplementDescription
A synthetic supplement for vitamin B2. which is vital for the body's metabolism and health.
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35 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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36 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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37 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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38 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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39 Sarsaparilla Root
CarbsDescription
A tropical plant often used to treat joint problems like arthritis. It contains saponins, which are believed to help join / skin issues and kill bacteria.
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40 Althea Root
CarbsDescription
Known as marshmallow root, a perennial herb used to treat digestive, respiratory and skin problems for humans.
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41 Rose Hips
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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42 Juniper Berries
CarbsDescription
Berries in deep blue color, a good source of vitamin C and powerful plant compounds along with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
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43 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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44 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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45 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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46 Dried Bifidobacterium Animalis Fermentation Product
ProbioticsDescription
A type of probiotics, good bacteria that promotes good digestion and overall health.
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47 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: Chicken, Turkey are listed early in the ingredient panel.
- Plant protein signal: Whole Green Peas, Whole Red Lentils may raise the listed protein percentage without meaning there is more meat.
- Ingredients worth checking: Fish Oil, Lentil Fiber, Pea Starch.
- Possible digestion triggers: Whole Green Peas, Whole Red Lentils, Whole Yellow Peas, and 5 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 Puppy 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 84%
- Plant 16%
Meat-forward: 84% of the weighted protein in ACANA Puppy Recipe comes from animal sources. Plant signals are modest (16% whole plants, 0% plant concentrates), so the protein profile leans on real meat.
Contributing ingredients
Animal
Plant
ACANA Puppy Recipe dry dog food Review
ACANA Puppy 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
- 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: Egg, Legumes, Poultry, Fish.
- On a dry-matter basis: 35% protein, 22% fat, 30% estimated carbohydrates.
- 84% of the weighted protein comes from animal sources.
- Free from Gluten grains, Grains (gluten-free), Dairy, Nuts, Red meat, Shellfish, Unknown Meal.
Frequently asked questions
Is ACANA Puppy Recipe good for dogs?
Yes — rated 4.5 stars, with high ingredient transparency and strong animal protein content.
Does ACANA Puppy Recipe contain Dairy?
No — based on the ingredient list, ACANA Puppy Recipe doesn't include Dairy or related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Dairy can typically avoid this allergen here.
Does ACANA Puppy Recipe contain Egg?
Yes — based on the ingredient list, ACANA Puppy Recipe contains Egg, so pets sensitive to Egg should generally avoid this product or consult a vet first.
Does ACANA Puppy Recipe contain Legumes?
Yes — based on the ingredient list, ACANA Puppy Recipe contains Legumes, so pets sensitive to Legumes should generally avoid this product or consult a vet first.
Does ACANA Puppy Recipe contain Nuts?
No — based on the ingredient list, ACANA Puppy Recipe doesn't include Nuts or related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Nuts can typically avoid this allergen here.
Is ACANA Puppy Recipe grain-free?
Yes — there are no grains in this recipe.
What are the main protein sources in ACANA Puppy Recipe?
The top animal proteins are Chicken, Turkey, Chicken Meal — clearly named, so you can verify the source.
