Dog food "Akana": composition, types, advantages and disadvantages

These days, holistic dog food has become widespread. This is ready-made food, developed taking into account all age, physiological and psychological characteristics of animals. The products of this group fully meet the pet's needs for nutrients. Acana dog food belongs to the holistic class. Dry granules contain only fresh and natural products. What types of ready-made Akana food can be found in pet stores? And how to choose the right food, taking into account the age and breed of the animal? We will answer these questions in the article.

Features of the food

The manufacturer of Acana dog food is the Canadian company Champion Petfoods. This company produces high quality pet food. This food can completely replace natural protein foods, since it is made from fresh meat. During the production process, the product is steamed at low temperature, which helps preserve vitamins and beneficial minerals.

Champion Petfoods specialists constantly consult with veterinarians and dog handlers. They develop food taking into account all the characteristics of the animal’s body and behavior. Acana brand products are high in protein, which serves as a source of energy for dogs.

Brand Description

Akana belongs to holisticists - this is the most useful and best class. It has been produced since 1975; scientists and veterinarians took part in its development. Through joint efforts, dry dog ​​food was produced. Its quality is confirmed by many awards from American and Canadian independent associations.

15 types are produced. Even humans can eat the food without harm to their health. The main ingredient is meat. Pet owners claim that the food is perfectly balanced and meets all requirements. The company produces food for dogs of small and large breeds of different ages. They also make food for cats, even of such unique species as the Maine Coon.

Champion Petfoods not only sells, but is also a manufacturer. Therefore, the entire process is controlled - from preparation to packaging. Pets do not need additional feeding. The food is made from high-quality and fresh raw materials by steaming in rooms where the temperature is specially reduced. This technology helps preserve all useful substances.

There is no rice in the composition, so there is no danger of increased blood sugar, heart disease, or excess weight. But there is 6% fiber necessary to normalize digestion.

Compound

The products contain only high quality and fresh ingredients. Akana dog food includes the following products:

1. Meat. This is the main component of the feed. Meat serves as a source of protein and B vitamins. When preparing ready-made food for dogs, the product is not pre-frozen. The meat used is lamb, elk, wild boar, as well as pork. Some types of food also add offal and cartilage, which are rich in vitamins and minerals.
2. Fish. It is a source of proteins, healthy fatty acids and vitamin B12. The food is made from fillets of pike perch, pike, whitefish, perch, flounder, and salmon.
3. Poultry and eggs. These products are included in dietary brands of food. Prepared dog food may contain chicken, quail, duck or turkey. These ingredients are low in calories and high in protein. When raising poultry, hormonal drugs and antibiotics are not used.
4. Vegetables and fruits. These ingredients are a source of vitamins, carbohydrates and fiber. The recipe for each type of food contains at least 20% fruits and vegetables: carrots, apples, pumpkins, pears, etc.
5. Herbs. Herbal ingredients are necessary for the dog's body to cleanse harmful substances and improve digestion. Different types of food contain phytocomponents such as chamomile, mint, algae, lemon balm, and chicory.

Acana dog food does not contain white rice, corn or wheat. Vegetables and fruits are used as an alternative source of carbohydrates. The products also do not contain synthetic additives: dyes, preservatives, odor and taste enhancers.

Is this product a healthy food for your pets?

To answer this question, it is worth analyzing the composition of the feed. Let's consider the most common Adult Small Breed option for adult pets weighing no more than 9 kg:

1. Chicken meal, chopped oats, boneless chicken, potatoes, peas. Flour is a meat concentrate. There is more protein in it than in poultry. Oats contain a lot of fiber and vitamins. After processing, chicken loses three-quarters of its weight, so there is not much of it in the composition. Potatoes become a low-carb food through processing. Peas contain high-quality carbohydrates and fiber.
2. The minor ingredients are flounder, chicken fat, alfalfa extract and eggs. The ingredients cause mixed reactions among experts. Alfalfa is high in vegetable protein and is often added to livestock feed. It does not pose any danger; small quantities provide benefits. Fish contains polyunsaturated fatty acids.
3. There are no dyes.
4. The presence of preservatives and flavorings is not indicated.
5. No by-products.

The food contains 32 percent protein, 30% carbohydrates, 19% fat, 4% fiber. At the end there is crushed chicory root. It contains a large amount of inulin, which is a source of dietary fiber and a prebiotic. There is some selenium yeast. This is a natural supplement with anti-cancer effects. Overall the composition is good, the food is a healthy diet for dogs.

Minuses

Champion Petfield produces only dry food. Acana brand canned food is not produced. However, many dogs love to eat wet food. Getting your pet used to eating dry kibble can take some time.

As already mentioned, Akana dog food does not contain flavor or odor enhancers. This can be attributed to the advantages of the food, since synthetic additives often cause allergies in animals. However, the dog may at first be reluctant to eat food that does not have a strong aroma. If previously the pet ate only natural food, then it is recommended to add dry granules to its usual food, gradually increasing their quantity. Over time, the animal will be able to completely switch to ready-made food.

The disadvantages of Acana dog food include its high cost. It is not available to all pet owners. However, it should be remembered that this food belongs to the holistic class. Its price is average for high-quality products in this group.

History of the manufacturing company

In 1985, Reinhard Muehlenfeld transformed his family's farm-sourced pet food company into Champion Petfoods. It was decided that the suppliers would remain the same, and the food would be similar in composition to the food that cats and dogs could obtain in natural conditions.

Champion Petfoods classifies its products in a new class: “Acana” is the so-called “biologically appropriate” food. Experts consider them to be “holistic” food. Since the late 2000s, Akana diets can also be purchased in Russia.

Classic

The Acana Classics series is a universal food that is suitable for animals of different ages and breeds. They contain at least 50% meat components, and vegetables, fruits and ground oats enriched with glucose are used as a source of carbohydrates.

The classic series includes two types of food:

1. Acana Prairie Poultry. This is a ready-made meal based on tender lamb meat. It is a healthy source of protein. Lamb very rarely causes allergies in dogs and is easily digestible.
2. Acana Wild Coast. It contains Pacific fish: herring, flounder, hake. It is mined in the waters surrounding Vancouver Island. This region is considered ecologically clean.

Should I add food to my puppies' diet?

There are different options for the size of growing pets:

• Small breeds. The food contains a lot of proteins and few carbohydrates. There are no grains that negatively affect intestinal function. But there are fruits and vegetables.
• Average. No corn, wheat, gluten, but poultry, fruits, vegetables, oats.
• Large ones. There are more fruits and vegetables than in the food of other breeds. Food with fish, poultry, and other healthy ingredients.

The foods listed above contain everything a pet’s growing body needs. They can be safely added to the diet. Akana helps puppies to be healthy, achieve good coat condition and musculoskeletal system.

Hypoallergenic

The Acana Singles series of products is produced for dogs prone to allergic reactions. Cereals, tapioca and potatoes are excluded from the hypoallergenic ready-made food recipe. The food in this series contains only dietary types of meat.

The following types of products are produced:

1. Acana Lamb & Okanagan Apple. This is a food based on lamb meat, apples, vegetables and medicinal herbs.
2. Acana Duck & Bartlett Pear. Duck meat is used as a source of protein. The food also contains vegetables, pears and phytocomponents.
3. Acana Pork & Butternut Squash. The food contains selected varieties of pork, pumpkin and healthy herbs.

The above foods are suitable for dogs of all breeds and ages. They are primarily intended for animals with food allergies.

Husky behavior and character

Despite their modest size and cute face, these are far from lap dogs. According to one version, huskies appeared as a result of crossing domestic dogs with wolves, which largely explains their independent character and love of open spaces. If you take a representative of this breed to a city apartment, be prepared to keep him busy with frequent and long walks. A bored husky that does not receive adequate physical exercise can cause considerable damage to a home and drive all its neighbors crazy with its howling. If you pay enough attention to walking and training this dog, it will surprise you with its discipline and easy-going nature.

Huskies are accustomed to living in packs, so for the most part they get along well with children and other pets. However, if you are getting a dog for a child, be prepared to help him with walking, especially at the leash training stage. Huskies, as a sledding breed, tend to pull on the leash. In addition, they are hyperactive and freedom-loving, which often leads to escapes.

Grain-free

A distinctive feature of the Acana Regionals food series is the complete absence of grains in the products. Grains are quite high in calories, but they are poorly digested by dogs. The high energy value of the feed is achieved due to the content of meat and fruit and vegetable mixture. The concentration of carbohydrates is significantly reduced.

This series is represented by the following types of products:

1. Acana Grasslands. The food has a high content of phytocomponents. Protein sources include chicken, duck, turkey, lamb, and pike. In addition, the product contains eggs.
2. Acana Pacifica. The food contains about 60% fillets of herring, sardine, hake, flounder and sea bass. This allows you to saturate the body with calories due to the high concentration of fatty acids and proteins in fish products.
3. Acana Wild Prairie. The product contains chicken and turkey meat, as well as lake fish (pike perch, trout) and eggs.

Grain-free food can be given to puppies aged 1.5 months and older dogs.

Feeding table

The dosage depends on the weight, age, and activity of the pet. There should be several meals:

• 1.5-2 months – 6 times a day;
• 2-3 months – 5 appointments;
• 4-5 months – 4 times;
• after 6 months – 3 times;
• after 12 – 2 times (in the morning and in the evening).

Consider, for example, a table for calculating food for puppies:

When the puppy grows up, he eats according to the rules of feeding for adults.

High protein

The Acana Heritage series is represented by a large variety of feeds. These products are characterized by a high protein content (up to 60 - 75%). The recipe was developed taking into account the age characteristics and dimensions of the animal.

This line produces special Akana food for puppies. They contain all the beneficial substances necessary for a growing body. The choice of product depends on the breed and expected weight of the pet as an adult. The following types of ready-made food for puppies are produced:

1. Acana Puppy Small Breed. The food is intended for young dogs of small breeds, which in adulthood gain weight no more than 9 kg.
2. Acana Puppy & Junior. The product formula is designed for puppies of medium-sized breeds. The estimated weight of an adult dog is from 9 to 25 kg.
3. Acana Puppy Large Breed. This type of prepared food is suitable for large and giant breed puppies. As adults, such dogs reach a body weight of more than 25 kg. The food has a large amount of protein, which is necessary for the growth of large puppies.

The above types of food can be given to animals aged 1.5 months. The required daily amount of food (depending on the puppy’s weight) is indicated on the packaging.

This series also includes food for adult animals. They are divided into the following varieties:

1. Acana Adult Small Breed. This is ready-made food for adult pets whose weight does not exceed 9 kg. Akana food for small breed dogs contains chicken, flounder, eggs, vegetables and fruits. This dietary composition allows miniature animals to maintain a stable weight and not gain excess body weight.
2. Acana Adult Large Breed. The food is intended for large adult animals weighing more than 25 kg. It also contains chicken, flounder and eggs, but the protein concentration in the product is increased.
3. Acana Cobb Chicken & Greens. This is a universal food that is suitable for adult animals of both large and small breeds.

The series also includes special types of ready-made food for adult dogs:

1. Acana Ligft & Fit. This type of food is intended for obese animals. The product is created using a special formula and contains few calories and fat. This composition allows dogs to lose excess weight.
2. Acana Senior Dog. The product is designed for feeding older pets (over 7 years old). At this age, many dogs begin to develop age-related changes in their joints. The feed contains by-products and cartilage. These ingredients contain beneficial substances that have a beneficial effect on bone health.
3. Acana Sport & Agility. The food formula is designed for mobile and active animals. This product is suitable for dogs participating in sports competitions. Such pets need increased nutrition, as they expend a lot of energy. The protein content in dry granules is increased to 75%. This food is not recommended for sedentary dogs, as it contains a lot of calories and can lead to excess weight.

What breeds is Akana food suitable for?

If the dog is a mongrel and its size is not larger than average, then it does not require specialized nutrition. The body independently produces the required amount of energy to maintain its tone.

This does not mean at all that such pets cannot eat premium food, because they are also susceptible to diseases. Therefore, for average dogs there are many types with different tastes, for example, lamb and apple. Dogs such as French bulldog, sharpei, and shepherd can eat food containing lamb and others included in this group.

Representatives of small breeds, such as mini Spitz, Chihuahua, spend a large amount of energy. They need sufficient levels of protein to tire them out. It is also important to monitor the dimensions of your pets and calculate the norm per kg of dog weight. Therefore, special food has been developed for them. For large breeds, nutrition has been created taking into account their characteristics.

You cannot be guided only by reviews when choosing. Each pet is special, even dogs from the same breed can react individually to food. You should be careful and watch your pets.

Akana has received high praise among many hosts. It is suitable for almost all pets. Owners of dogs with allergies especially praise it. Although the cost of such food cannot be called low, it corresponds to the quality.

Experts' opinion

Veterinarians speak positively about this line of food. Experts believe that this product provides the animals with nutrients and calories. The dog can be completely switched to Acana brand food. At the same time, the animal will receive everything it needs for health, activity and normal functioning.

Veterinarians are challenging the popular belief that high protein foods cause obesity. Dogs are carnivores by nature, and they need meat food. Excess weight is caused by eating low-quality protein feeds, which mainly use bones and offal as a source of protein. Food made from fresh meat is considered more dietary and cannot lead to weight gain.

Veterinarians speak positively about Akana food for small breed dogs. Experts note that this ready-made food does not require additional vitamin and mineral supplements. The food contains enough protein, which small dogs need for mobility and activity. Moreover, the product practically does not contain heavy carbohydrates, which often provoke the development of diabetes and obesity.

The best food for adult Chihuahuas

Age is the most important indicator of what food to feed a Chihuahua. An adult pet of moderate activity needs an average of 80-90 kcal per kilogram of weight per day. High meat content with appropriate calorie content was demonstrated by 4 nominees, which received high marks from experts and buyers.

Royal Canin Chihuahua Adult

Everyday super-premium food in the form of croquettes from the famous French brand Royal Canin. Designed specifically for small pets under 6 years of age, puppies over 8 months, older Chihuahuas after 7 years.

It is a balanced composition of wheat and rice, meat and dried poultry proteins, additives, minerals and vitamins. Since dogs have problematic jaws, the kibbles are made in a convenient shape, their texture cleans, preventing tartar. The energy value is 392.8 kcal/100 g.

After consumption, the volume of the animal’s stool decreases and the odor is weakened. The coat becomes smooth, shiny and does not fall out. For convenience, packaging made of solid polyethylene is packaged in 0.5/1.5/3 kg and comes with detailed information about the composition and dosage.

Advantages:

• Croquettes with a jaw-friendly shape;
• For daily use;
• Prevention of tartar;
• No age restrictions;
• Balanced composition;
• Reducing the smell of discharge.

Flaws:

• Allergic reaction to some components;
• Store in a sealed bag.

If you previously bought another food, you need to switch to Royal Canin gradually, mixing it with your previous diet over 7-8 days. Then every 2 days add a larger portion, completely switching to a new regime. The product may ventilate.

Zoogourmand for active animals, veal

Dry food from the Russian brand “Zoogurman” for adult active medium-small Chihuahuas. After prolonged use, bones and muscles are strengthened, and the supply of vitality increases. Age indication: 1-6 years.

The composition contains processed veal meat, cereals that provide easy digestibility, brewer's yeast for immunity, and Yucca Schidigera, which reduces the unpleasant odor of discharge. Added rose hips, which improve the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. Nutritional value per 100 g 412 kcal.

The vitamin-mineral complex helps maintain normal weight and reduces the incidence of various diseases. Packaging made of dense polyethylene is packaged in 1.2 or 10 kg, there is a detailed description of the composition and recommended portions.

Advantages:

• For active dogs;
• Balanced composition;
• Reducing the incidence of diseases;
• Easy to digest;
• Strong muscles, bones;
• Inexpensive.

Flaws:

• There is no small packaging for beginners;
• Package without zip fastener.

Feeding is recommended in the walking field. If the pet is picky in this matter, soaking dry food with water is allowed. The smell of the granules is moderate, to the liking of animals. The formula is enriched with minerals.

Golosi Country All Breeds

The rural diet from the Italian brand “Golosi” is suitable for adult pets from 1 to 6 years old, regardless of body weight. Available in beef, chicken and turkey flavors. Premium quality keeps your dog fit.

Naturalness and balanced composition, hypoallergenicity are the main qualities of the product. Ingredients: chicken, turkey, beef + grains, oils, fats, yeast, vitamin complex. To maintain the elasticity of joints and ligaments, chondroprotectors have been added: chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine. Without GMOs, soy and preservatives.

The granules contain beet pulp, which promotes proper digestion speed. The structure prevents the formation of plaque, which ensures proper oral hygiene. Packaging in 3/12/20 kg bags.

Advantages:

• Meat, vegetables, vitamins;
• Easy to digest;
• Hypoallergenic;
• Getting rid of dental plaque;
• Taste qualities;
• Inexpensive.

Flaws:

• No packaging up to 1 kg;
• Storage under special conditions.

This type of nutrition requires the dog to constantly have something to drink. Otherwise, the lack of fluid can cause problems in the body. Storage does not tolerate moisture and requires sealing. The recommended rate is 100-175 g of granules per 5-10 kg of weight.

Grandorf rabbit, lamb

Dietary food for daily consumption by small adult breeds from the Belgian brand “Grandorf”. Available in different flavors: lamb, rabbit. In terms of price category – holistic class. Age indication: 1-6 years.

The high content of healthy fats (about 15%), proteins (27%), amino acids and vitamins provides the animal with the necessary energy. The product contains 65% turkey + brown rice. Live probiotics support intestinal microflora, improve digestion and absorption of nutrients.

Natural ingredients prevent allergies and food intolerances, thereby ensuring immune health. The granules remove plaque from teeth. There are no by-products, flavors, soy, dyes, or GMOs. Packaging: 1/3 kg paper bag.

Advantages:

• Hypoallergenic;
• Dietary holistic;
• High meat content;
• Presence of probiotics;
• Convenient packaging;
• Taste qualities.

Flaws:

• Price;
• Increased nutritional value.

It is necessary to avoid overeating due to high calorie content. The daily dosage is indicated on the pack - 2 times a day with a break of 12 hours. Storage in an airtight container that does not allow oxygen or sunlight to pass through.

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Positive reviews

Reviews from dog owners about this brand of food are mostly positive. Dog breeders report that after switching their animals to feeding with Acana products, their pets became more active and playful. Their appearance and digestion improved. There were no cases of food allergies. The granules do not have a strong odor. However, dogs readily eat them, since dry food emits a faint aroma of fresh meat.

Dog breeders also speak positively about the Akana line of food for puppies of different breeds. Owners report that they previously fed their pets cheap, ready-made food. The puppies ate such food in huge quantities, but at the same time their coat condition worsened and diarrhea often occurred. The transition to feeding with Akana series products led to an improvement in the condition of the hair. The cubs began to get sick less often, and their bowel movements returned to normal. Akana food is consumed much more economically than cheap types of dog food. After all, for complete saturation, an animal requires a relatively small amount of pellets with fresh meat and fish.

What veterinarians say

Reviews from doctors about Acana food are mostly positive. Many owners, due to the high amount and content of protein in the food, consider it harmful. This is wrong. Such a myth is beneficial to manufacturers of cheap types of dog food, because the low price of the product does not allow adding natural ingredients to the composition and producing them without preservatives. Such food is less healthy than Acana, which is suitable for regular consumption and makes the dog healthy.

This brand is suitable for feeding small breeds of pets. The owner may not even feed the dog additional mineral and vitamin complexes. The food contains few carbohydrates, so the dog does not gain weight and remains in good shape. The consumption of such food is small. No more than two kilograms of food are consumed per month for two dogs. But veterinarians also say that allergies can occur to some species.

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Negative reviews

Negative reviews about food are quite rare. Owners of older dogs are reporting symptoms of gastrointestinal distress in their pets after switching to new brands of food. Shortly after eating, the animals experienced vomiting and diarrhea.

These cases are most often associated with older dogs being switched to high protein foods. This became the cause of dyspeptic disorders. It is important to remember that as dogs age, their activity level decreases and their need for protein decreases. Their stomach cannot handle large amounts of protein. Old animals should choose special food (for example, Acana Senior Dog) intended for feeding older animals.

Acana Regionals and Singles lines for Yorkies

Active Yorkshire terriers who spend a lot of time outdoors and walk for a long time need even more “meat” food, since it is animal proteins and fats that are the source of energy for carnivores. The Regionals line, with its 70% meat ingredients, gives you the opportunity to choose from three foods - chicken and turkey, lamb and duck, as well as various types of fish.

Well, if your Yorkshire Terrier has problems with tolerating certain types of animal protein, then you should look at the Singles line - in many ways, unique food containing only one type of meat. However, this does not mean at all that your dog will receive some kind of depleted, “diet” food.