ACANA
Singles Free-Run Duck Recipe
Rating
Is ACANA Singles Free-Run Duck Recipe dry dog food good?
ACANA Singles Free-Run Duck Recipe is a dry dog food rated 4 stars, with high ingredient transparency and moderate animal protein content. The recipe lists most animal ingredients by name and features real muscle meat as a primary protein source. However, most minerals are supplied in inorganic forms that may be less well absorbed. This recipe is free from Gluten grains, Grains (gluten-free), Dairy, Egg, Nuts, Red meat, Fish, Shellfish, Unknown Meal but contains Legumes, Poultry.
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.
Cons
- Relies mostly on inorganic mineral supplements, which may be less bioavailable.
Nutrition Breakdown
- Protein 35%
- Fat 17%
- Est. Carbs 34%
- Fiber 6%
- Ash 9%
Moisture (12%) removed so you can compare foods fairly.
Dry matter basis = label value ÷ (100% − moisture%). Carbs estimated from remaining.
- Protein 31%
- Fat 15%
- Est. Carbs 30%
- Fiber 5%
- Moisture 12%
- Ash 8%
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 (17% 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
44 of 44 matched
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1 Raw Duck
Animal ProteinDescription
Raw duck meat, a source of protein and healthy fats.
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2 Duck Meal
Animal ProteinDescription
A novel animal protein source in pet foods. Other than protein, it is also rich in vitamin B3, B2, selenium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, and copper.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
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3 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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4 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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5 Raw Duck Liver
Animal ProteinDescription
Raw duck liver, rich in iron, vitamin A, and B vitamins.
Why Prefer?
A nutrient-dense organ meat.
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6 Duck Fat
FatDescription
The fatty layer separated during the cooking process. It is a quality animal fat source with a high level of omega 6s.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal fat with high digestibility and biological value.
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7 Fresh Pears
CarbsDescription
Fresh pears providing fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants.
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8 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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9 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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10 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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11 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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12 Lentil Fibre
CarbsDescription
Fiber extracted from lentils, used as a dietary fiber source.
Why Concerned?
A named legume fiber source.
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13 Algae
Plant ProteinDescription
An excellent source of various minerals including calcium, iron, magnesium. Rich in rare mineral iodine essential for healthy thyroid function.
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14 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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15 Fresh Whole Pumpkin
CarbsDescription
An alternative high carbs filler with an excellent source of potassium, vitamin C, and beta carotene.
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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 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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18 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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19 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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20 Whole Blueberries
CarbsDescription
Superfood packed with antioxidants, a good source of vitamin C, K, and manganese.
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21 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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22 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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23 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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24 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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25 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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26 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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27 Tocopherol Extracts
Food AdditiveDescription
Natural vitamin E extracts used as antioxidant preservatives.
Why Prefer?
Natural tocopherols are a preferred antioxidant preservative over artificial alternatives.
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28 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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29 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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30 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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31 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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32 Zinc
SupplementDescription
An inorganic form of zinc, which is vital in skin function and wound healing, cell replication, the structure and function of biological membranes. Compare to organic form, it has 5 - 15% less absorption rate to the body.
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33 Copper
SupplementDescription
An inorganic form of copper, which is important for the production of blood cells, hair coat color pigmentation, and maintaining the nervous system. Compare to organic form, it has 5 - 15% less absorption rate to the body.
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34 Vitamin B1
SupplementDescription
Supplement for vitamin B1, which is important for energy production and glucose metabolism.
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35 Vitamin B2
SupplementDescription
Supplement for vitamin B2, which is vital for breaking down food and absorbing nutrients. A deficiency will result in symptoms like anorexia and weight loss.
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36 Niacin
SupplementDescription
Known as vitamin B3, essential to maintain healthy GI tracts, skin/coat, and nervous system.
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37 Calcium-d-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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38 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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39 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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40 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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41 Vitamin A
SupplementDescription
Supplement of vitamin A, it is essential for healthy skin, normal vision, and immune function.
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42 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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43 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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44 Enterococcus Faecium
ProbioticsDescription
A type of probiotics, good bacteria that promotes good digestion and overall health. E. faecium is uniquely able to survive the digestive process and grow, balancing the gut environment.
Tips
- Named animal proteins near the top: Raw Duck, Duck Meal are listed early in the ingredient panel.
- Plant protein signal: Whole Green Peas, Whole Red Lentils, Whole Chickpeas may raise the listed protein percentage without meaning there is more meat.
- Ingredients worth checking: Pea Starch, Lentil Fibre, Salt.
- Possible digestion triggers: Whole Green Peas, 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 Singles Free-Run Duck 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
Moderate- Animal 70%
- Plant 30%
Mixed protein sources in ACANA Singles Free-Run Duck Recipe: 70% animal, 30% whole plants, and 0% plant-protein concentrates. The recipe combines meat with notable plant-protein signals.
Contributing ingredients
Animal
Plant
ACANA Singles Free-Run Duck Recipe dry dog food Review
ACANA Singles Free-Run Duck Recipe is a strong choice — rated 4 stars with high ingredient transparency and moderate 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
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, Poultry.
- On a dry-matter basis: 35% protein, 17% fat, 34% estimated carbohydrates.
- 70% of the weighted protein comes from animal sources.
- Free from Gluten grains, Grains (gluten-free), Dairy, Egg, Nuts, Red meat, Fish, Shellfish, Unknown Meal.
Frequently asked questions
Is ACANA Singles Free-Run Duck Recipe good for dogs?
Yes — rated 4 stars, with high ingredient transparency and moderate animal protein content.
Does ACANA Singles Free-Run Duck Recipe contain Dairy?
No — based on the ingredient list, ACANA Singles Free-Run Duck Recipe doesn't include Dairy or related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Dairy can typically avoid this allergen here.
Does ACANA Singles Free-Run Duck Recipe contain Egg?
No — based on the ingredient list, ACANA Singles Free-Run Duck Recipe doesn't include Egg or related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Egg can typically avoid this allergen here.
Does ACANA Singles Free-Run Duck Recipe contain Legumes?
Yes — based on the ingredient list, ACANA Singles Free-Run Duck Recipe contains Legumes, so pets sensitive to Legumes should generally avoid this product or consult a vet first.
Does ACANA Singles Free-Run Duck Recipe contain Nuts?
No — based on the ingredient list, ACANA Singles Free-Run Duck Recipe doesn't include Nuts or related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Nuts can typically avoid this allergen here.
Is ACANA Singles Free-Run Duck Recipe grain-free?
Yes — there are no grains in this recipe.
What are the main protein sources in ACANA Singles Free-Run Duck Recipe?
The top animal proteins are Raw Duck, Duck Meal, Raw Duck Liver — clearly named, so you can verify the source.
