Acana cat food - composition features, customer reviews, analogues and prices

Digestibility by the body

The ingredients in wet food are contained in a form that is more natural for digestion than in dry food. And the dogs themselves prefer canned food. Studies of luxury brands have shown that liquid foods are digestible

body by 75-95%,
dry
- by 65-85.

Benefit for health

It is believed that hard granules are good at cleaning dogs' teeth from plaque. In fact, this only applies to their contacting surface, and from the sides you will still have to remove dirt with a brush.

Harmful additives

Wet food contains much less preservatives, flavors and synthetic dyes.

Storage

In this regard, dry food has a clear advantage. An open package lasts a long time (if you follow the rules indicated on the package), and the granules can remain in the bowl for several days. And an opened can of canned food will not last long even in the refrigerator. In the cup, in a matter of hours, harmful microorganisms will begin to develop in the mass, and the pet will be poisoned.

Benefit

Canned food is more expensive and costs more per serving. The difference is not significant if the dog is small, but providing expensive food to a large breed is problematic.

Orijen

I have two cats. Let me be clear: I highly recommend Orijen dry food and do not recommend Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets Obesity Management dry food.

On Veterinary Diets, both cats were constantly vomiting and asking for more food because they apparently weren't getting enough. The fur became dull and shaggy. And veterinarians even recommended this food.

As soon as the cats were switched to Orijen, everyone stopped vomiting, their fur quickly improved and became velvety, and the tangles disappeared. Cats eat less food. A 1.8 kg bag lasts two cats about three weeks, if not more.

Feed classes

Dog food of different brands differs markedly in price. This variation is explained by differences in composition, production technology, and compliance with quality standards. The table shows brief characteristics of the three types of feed.

If you compare the composition, the difference is obvious. Eating economy class food will only satisfy your dog's hunger. Premium will not harm an adult, but it is not advisable to give it to puppies. Elite super-premium products will satisfy most of the needs of the animal’s body, and holistic products are so natural that their composition will be beneficial even for humans.

The higher the quality of the food, the higher its calorie content. So, a large dog will need half a kilo of cheap food or 300 g of expensive food to keep it full.

Pronature Holistic

Holistic class food called Pronature Holistic was developed and produced in Canada using a unique formula. They are ideal for complete nutrition for any dog. Reviews from numerous breeders have proven that Pronature Holistic food has a beneficial effect on the health of the pet. It also provides the pet with a good mood and fills it with cheerfulness and energy. This dog food ranks well in the food ratings.

Compound

Thanks to the optimal composition for dogs, Pronature Holistic food is easily digestible and has good taste. If desired, even a person can eat it. Pronature Holistic contains high-quality meat (chicken, turkey, duck), fish fillet, brown rice, healthy herbs, vitamin-rich fruits and vegetables.

Product line

Pronature Holistic offers its consumers 5 types of food. “Chicken with sweet potatoes” contains honey, rich in vitamins, which has a beneficial effect on the animal’s immunity. And carob improves the functioning of the digestive system. The food is intended for puppies.

“Atlantic Salmon and Rice”, in addition to the products indicated in the name, contains avocado, which ensures the proper functioning of the cardiovascular system and helps control weight. “Turkey with Chicken” contains cinnamon and ginger, natural antioxidants. These foods are made for adult dogs and for older dogs.

Types of feed

Dog food is not just a nutritious mass sealed in a package, but a healthy and completely balanced food. There are 3 types of product:

• Standard.
  These are foods for everyday consumption that owners choose based on the age, size or breed of the dog.
• Specialized.
  They are intended for feeding sterilized animals or those prone to allergies, weight gain, etc.
• Medicinal (super premium class).
  They are used when a disease occurs or is threatened, for prevention. These foods are given to dogs in courses and only on the recommendation of a veterinarian.

Manufacturers always indicate the type of nutrition on the packaging, along with tips for use, which means you need to carefully read the label before purchasing. This is especially true for medicinal products.

Dry food rating 2022

The most popular group is granulated (dry) dog food. The top 10 titles include:

• Acana
  is a holistic provider from Canada. The uniqueness of the brand is that production is carried out using steam at low temperatures, which allows preserving the valuable qualities of the products. All of the company's products contain a lot of protein (up to 85%) and various additives. The range includes a series of foods, taking into account the dogs’ age, size and allergies. The price of an economical package for 11.4 kg ranges from 4,800 to 6,500 rubles, depending on the type.
• Piccolo
  are English-made holistic products designed for small breeds of dogs. These are hypoallergenic products that are as healthy and safe as possible for pets. They do not contain grain; its alternatives are vegetables, herbs, and algae. Protein content – ​​from 60 to 75%. The price is quite high - about 3 thousand 500 rubles. for 4 kg.
• Orijen
  is a Canadian holistic product produced based on the principle of matching diet and animal species. The food contains no more than 15% carbohydrates (after all, dogs are predators); there is practically no grain. The freshest products are used, without freezing or long-term storage. There are several types in the line: for different ages and breeds of dogs. The price of a package for 11.4 kg is 6,200 rubles.
• Wolfsblut
  is a super-premium English food. Grain-free, hypoallergenic granules contain a lot of meat, as well as vegetables and other healthy additives. This brand has a wide range and a large selection. The average price of a 15 kg package is 7 thousand rubles.
• Farmina (Italy)
  – a range of feeds of any class (from economy to holistic). Each of them occupies one of the leading positions in its segment. Manufacturers strive to bring the nutritional composition as close as possible to the natural, natural one, so it contains about 70% protein. The company develops many varieties for all dogs. The price for holistic treatments ranges from 5,500 to 8 thousand rubles. for 12 kg (depending on the type).
• Pronature Holistic
  is a Canadian holistic provider of very high quality. It contains healthy meats, vegetables, fruits, and herbs. The ingredients are thoroughly tested and the most modern equipment is used. The main varieties are intended for all ages, but there are also universal ones. A package (13.6 kg) will cost 6,200-8,300 rubles.
• Applaws
  is a UK based holistic specialist. Contains up to 75% meat and fish and several types of vegetables. A special feature is the high content of spices and plant extracts. The entire line includes probiotics. There are no grain crops at all. The price is relatively low - 3,400-3,800 for 7.5 kg.
• Duke's Farm
  is an English super premium dog food. The main component of the product is meat, followed by easily digestible carbohydrates (cereals, vegetables, berries). Price for 12 kg is about 6 thousand rubles.
• Savarra
  is an English holistic and super premium food. The company's assortment is modest, but the quality of production is at the highest level. Meat content – ​​from 63 to 80%. Cereals predominate among plant components. Price – 5,200-8,200 rubles.
• Now Fresh
  is a holistic provider from Canada. These are grain-free foods with a high protein content. The brand is popular, you can buy it in any specialized store. The line is very extensive. The product is relatively inexpensive and very high quality. The price for a pack of 11.3 kg starts from 4,400 rubles.

Now fresh

Dry food of the highest class Now fresh or NOW Natural holistic is included in the top ten in the rating of dry dog ​​food. Its recipe was invented by the Canadian company, which has been developing and producing animal feed since 1999. Now fresh fully lives up to its name - every granule of this nutrition seems to have just come off the assembly line. The food is so fresh that manufacturers compare it to cooked food from the human table.

Compound

Now fresh food does not contain a single gram of cereal fillers. It is this component that usually causes allergies in dogs. With Now fresh she has nothing to fear: instead of grains, completely different components are used in the production of food. These are berries, vegetables, herbs, fruits, which, by the way, are mostly powerful natural antioxidants.

Now fresh also contains tender meat without bones and other low-quality ingredients - turkey or duck, and maybe salmon. Now fresh is the optimal ratio of fats and proteins that a dog needs. This product also contains useful prebiotics and enzymes necessary for the proper functioning of the stomach. Vegetable oils in Now fresh are an excellent source of vitamins and fats your pet needs.

The average protein content in Now fresh food is 24%, fat – about 18%, fiber – 3%. Calcium and phosphorus - 1.2 and 0.8% each, respectively.

Product line

Now fresh or Now Natural holistic food is divided into three categories: for all breeds, for small and large varieties of dogs. They are also divided by age: separate meals are provided for puppies and older pets.

Puppy Recipe Now fresh is designed specifically for canine babies of any breed. Contains tender salmon fillet, duck and turkey meat. It is impossible to detect anything other than natural ingredients in it. These are potatoes, dried eggs, tomatoes, apples and other vegetables, berries and fruits. And, of course, Now Natural holistic also has a ton of vitamins that your puppy needs.

Adult Recipe is designed for adult pets and is made from turkey, duck and vegetables, as well as Colombian salmon. Suitable for adult pets regardless of their breed. It contains essential oils for wool, as well as antioxidants needed to maintain immunity. But Grain Free Red Meat, also invented for dogs of any breed, is made from venison and young lamb meat.

For dogs with digestive problems, the gentle Grain Free Fish, which contains salmon, herring and trout, is suitable. And Senior with duck, turkey and vegetables will help owners control their pet’s weight.

Rating of wet dog food

Many dog ​​owners prefer canned food. They consider them the most delicious, since pets eat such food much more readily than dry foods in granules.

Best wet food:

• Belcando
  is holistic, mainly made from chicken meat (up to 80%). The composition includes other varieties, offal, vegetables, berries, rice, pasta. The main advantages are hypoallergenicity and variety of tastes. Price – 300 rub. for 800 g.
• BarkingHeads
  is holistic and contains 75% fish or meat. The remaining components are algae, vegetables and herbs. The brand produces a wide range of food of all categories. Price – 120 rub. for 100 g.
• Hill's idealbalance
  – premium food for adult dogs. The proportion of protein and fat is relatively small. The series includes only 2 types of product (with chicken and turkey, for dogs with allergies). Price for a 360 g jar – 230 rubles.
• Eagle Pack holistic
  - holistic products with a predominance of fresh meat. The manufacturer was the first in the world to produce soy-free food. A unique dietary supplement consisting of plant extracts is added to the products. Cost for 374 g – 160 rubles.
• Innova EVO
  is an American made holistic product. The company produces food according to ancient recipes using the latest technologies. There are both universal lines and ones designed for different breeds, as well as curative ones for a wide range of diseases. The content of meat and fish of several types is from 50% and above. Price for 374 g – 220 rub.

Savarra

Savarra's holistic dog food is produced in the UK by a company that believes in responsible dog food production. Food recipes were developed with the participation of experienced veterinarians, breeders and nutritionists. The brand's goal is to create the best food for pets. And they succeeded - dog food ratings cannot be deceiving, because the food is in good standing.

Compound

A distinctive feature of Savarra food is its complete hypoallergenicity. You will not find low-quality ingredients or dangerous components in any packaging. The food does not contain dyes or flavors.

The basis of Savarra diets is fresh turkey, lamb or duck meat. And hypoallergenic rice is the cereal base of the food. Manufacturers have not forgotten about useful substances. Dogs get the vitamins and minerals they need for health from seaweed, berries and vegetables. Thanks to the use of Savarra food, your pets' coat will be shiny and glossy, and their internal organs will function properly.

Product line

The Savarra food range includes food for both puppies and adult dogs. They are divided into food for large and small pets, as well as for pets of all breeds. There are 6 types of food in total.

Food for dogs of different ages

At each life stage, animals have different nutritional needs due to physiological changes. Therefore, it is important to give preference to products specially developed by the best manufacturers.

For puppies

List of foods intended for growing canine bodies.

• Acana Heritage Pappy /Canada / 5,300/11.4
• Orijen PUPPY /Canada/ 6,300/11.4
• Belcando PUPPY /Germany/ 6 550/15

For adults

Between the ages of 1 and 6 years, dogs are in their prime. However, taking care of your health is important at any time, so nutrition should remain nutritious.

• Acana Grass-Fed Lamb Dog All Breeds, holistic /Canada/ 5,800
• Orijen Original Dog, holistic /Canada /6 200
• Now Fresh ADULT DOG ALL BREEDS, superpremium / USA / 4,500

Dangerous ingredients in feed

Manufacturers are required to indicate on the packaging a detailed list of components included in the product. Unfortunately, not all substances listed on the label are safe for pets.

Description of the most harmful additives:

• Butylated hydroanisole (BHA, BHA, Butylated Hydroxyanisole, E 320). Synthetic antioxidant, feed preservative. Dangerous for the kidneys and liver, causes allergies.
• Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT, Butylated Hydroxytolune). Causes the same harm as BHA.
• Digest. This flavoring additive is made by hydrolysis from inedible parts of animals (feathers, wool, hooves, etc.). The ingredient is produced from any remains, including those of animals that died for an unknown reason.
• Yeast. They are used in cheap feeds to enhance taste and add volume, but have no nutritional value and are an allergen.
• Bird or animal fat (tallow). Its quality is not controlled.
• Corn flour. Its composition is poorly digested by the gastrointestinal tract of dogs.
• Metabisulfite sodium is a harmful preservative. Negatively affects the dog's nervous system.
• Milk serum. Strong allergen. Contains poorly digestible lactose.
• Sodium monoglutamate (MSG) is a flavor enhancer for dog food.
• Monosodium phosphate, E339. Often causes diarrhea.
• Propylene glycol. Harmful for animals prone to diabetes. Fish and its by-products, unless the label states that it is not intended for human food. Otherwise, the product contains the dangerous preservative Ethoxyquin (ethoxyquin).
• Carbohydrate sucrose. It causes diarrhea, and with regular consumption, the development of diabetes.
• Beet cake, pulp and other sugar varieties.
• Soy and soy products. This protein is poorly digested and even causes bloating in the dog’s gastrointestinal tract, which means its content should be minimal.
• Meat by-products (animal meal, bones, offal, giblets, etc.) These leftovers are often poorly cleaned of contaminants, chemicals, hormones, and even barbiturates.
• Plant by-products (starch, grain flour, etc.) are not always well digested by dogs and may contain toxins.
• Potassium chloride (Potassium chloride, E 508). Leads to gastrointestinal disorders.
• Ethylene glycol, preservative and sweetener. A source of unnecessary calories leading to excess weight. Lethal in large doses.
• Ethoxyquin. It is carcinogenic and therefore prohibited in the food industry.

Unscrupulous manufacturers do not always write the full composition of food ingredients, which means it is necessary to monitor the dog’s body’s reaction.

Not only dangerous additives can cause harm to your pet, but also useful ones if he has an individual intolerance to them.

Acana

Dry food Acana of the “holistic” class, which conquers the top of the ratings, was developed in Canada by specialists from Champion PetFoods. The basis of the dog's diet as a predator is fresh meat, and it is this that is the basis for the production of Acana food. Of course, food is cooked during production, but food for animals is cooked only by steaming.

Acana was first introduced to consumers in 1975, and its proud history has continued ever since. Breeders and veterinarians around the world give positive reviews to this dog food.

Compound

Acana foods are distinguished by a high content of natural ingredients, which allows them to compete with other rated foods. The following products are used in the production of high-end dog food:

• fresh meat of duck, turkey, chicken;
• meat fillet of farm animals (lamb);
• fish fillet (Pacific perch, flounder, salmon, herring, etc.);
• chicken eggs;
• fruits, berries and vegetables (apples, sunflowers, potatoes, etc.).

This brand of food contains no grain fillers, artificial colors or preservatives. And the source of vitamins for your pet is at least 20% of fresh plant ingredients in any type of food. Dry food from Acana contains a lot of proteins, fiber for digestion, and minerals.

Nettle, burdock, peppermint, and calendula are used as useful additives in the production of feed. Not only are they a source of vitamins, but they themselves have a positive effect on the dog’s internal organs. All about Acana food is in the next video.

Product line

The Acana food line is quite extensive and rich. Even an inexperienced dog breeder will not have difficulty choosing the best food for a particular pet.

The Acana Regionals series includes Pacifica fish food, Grasslands with medicinal herbs and Wild Prairie based on turkey and chicken. Each of them is perfect for feeding dogs of all breeds and ages.

The “Acana Singles” series is represented by such varieties as “Pork & Butternut Squash”, “Lamb & Okanagan Apple”, etc. Each of these foods is the best diet for pets with allergies and dogs with digestive disorders.

Acana Heritage food is a specially developed diet for dogs of different ages and parameters. And if “Cobb Chicken & Greens” is suitable for all breeds, then “Adult Large Breed” is for the giants of the dog world. And for miniature dogs, the “Adult Small Breed” diet was invented. Nutrition has also been developed for puppies, young dogs and elderly pets.

The benefits and harms of industrial feed

Any ready-made food from stores is made under the influence of temperature and pressure, so the lion's share of natural ingredients loses their original benefits. Some proteins, carbohydrates, and fats take on an indigestible form. Therefore, it is advisable to include home-cooked food in a dog’s healthy diet. Causes:

• Finished products contain a high content of nutrients, but are far from a complete complex of vitamins and microelements that the body needs. Synthetic minerals are added to them, and they are absorbed worse than natural ones.
• Any industrial feed includes at least a small proportion of undesirable ingredients (chemical additives and fillers, waste, sugar, inedible components, etc.).

Super premium class and holistic specialists are the best in this regard, but in other cases it is necessary to diversify your pet’s diet with natural products and self-prepared food.

Buyers judge the composition by the labels on the packaging, so we can only hope for the integrity of the manufacturer. You shouldn’t choose food solely based on reviews from other owners, but it’s still worth listening to the opinions of experienced people.