9 Best Cat Foods From Acana

Acana Cat Food Evaluation

Who manufactures Acana and where is it manufactured?

Champion Petfoods, a Canadian pet food company, manufactures Acana. All of its meals are manufactured at its processing facility in Alberta; because that facility exclusively processes its own foods, there is no risk of contamination of the plant.

Which Cats Are Acana Best Suited For?

Acana, like other luxury feeds, is suitable for cats whose owners are willing to go to any length to ensure their happiness and health.

Its high-protein recipes are also beneficial for high-energy breeds or those who are trying to lose weight, as they will supply them with enough of energy without extending their waistlines.

Acana is based on the concept of “Biological Appropriateness.”

The prevailing concept behind this food is that your cat will thrive when fed a diet similar to what they would consume in the wild.

This distinguishes Acana from many other cat meals on the market. Whereas many foods only have one or two meat origins, Acana has at least six.

After all, most cats in the wild do not eat the same item every time; they eat everything they can capture, including birds, rodents, and so on.

Because wild cats do not consume fruits or vegetables, their diets are low in carbohydrates. Those foods, however, can provide crucial nutrients, which is why Acana includes them in small amounts.

Acana does not outsource any of its food processing operations

Acana produces all of its products in its own kitchen in Alberta. None of the production takes place in China or other foreign countries with possibly lax safety standards.

It also undertakes no additional manufacturing for other companies, so its food cannot become contaminated along the route. Of course, this does not ensure the food’s safety, but it is reassuring.

It only uses locally sourced fresh ingredients

The process by which a food is created is crucial, but it can only do so much if the ingredients are of poor quality to begin with.

Instead of employing the cheapest animal and plant sources possible, Acana purchases ingredients that are locally available in Canada.

Fortunately, their location in Alberta places them in the heart of an extraordinarily fertile farming and ranching region. It can choose from a wide range of high-quality meats, fruits, and vegetables, all of which find their way into its recipes.

Their variety is limited

Acana does not have as many recipes as some other brands because it is not as specialized. It only makes a few dry cat foods and doesn’t create any wet cat foods.

That’s not a major concern if you presume, as Acana does, that all of its basic selections are correctly calibrated to fulfill a cat’s dietary needs. After all, you don’t need additional options if one works better than the others.

However, if your cat doesn’t like one of its foods, you won’t have many options. Its food can also be difficult to find in supermarkets, so if you can’t find Acana on a regular basis, you may have to switch to another cuisine.

A Brief Examination of Acana Cat Food

Pros

• High protein content
• It makes use of a range of meat sources.
• Fresh, locally farmed ingredients are used.

Cons

• On the pricey side
• It may be difficult to locate
• There aren’t many possibilities.

History of Recalls

Acana has never been recalled, however its sister brand, Orijen, has. This is significant because the two brands use the same kitchen.

Orijen’s single recall occurred in 2008, when it recalled all of its cat food delivered to Australia.

However, there was nothing wrong with the food itself; it became contaminated because the Australian government required imported food to be treated with gamma radiation before being allowed into the nation.

This treatment decreased the vitamin A concentration while also releasing free radicals, which proved fatal for some cats. Orijen recalled the food out of prudence, even though it wasn’t their fault.

Apart from that one incidence, there haven’t been any others, so as long as you don’t put your cat food too close to your gamma radiation machine, you should be alright.

Reviews

Premium Dry Cat Food Acana Wild Atlantic
 

Acana Wild Atlantic, as the name suggests, is based on wild-caught fish. Inside, you’ll discover mackerel, herring, redfish, hake, and flounder.

This signifies that the diet contains a high concentration of omega fatty acids, which are essential for coat health, immune support, and brain function. It also contains a lot of lean protein (36% to be exact).

The kibble has a freeze-dried cod liver coating that makes it more appealing to cats. It does, however, impart a strong fish odor, so hold your nose before opening the bag.

It’s a grain-free formula that includes pumpkin, lentils, beans, and peas instead of maize. This helps your cat accept it while still giving fiber.

It’s also one of Acana’s most expensive formulations, but the increased nourishment makes the extra cost worthwhile.

Pros

• It makes use of a range of fresh seafood.
• High in omega fatty acids
• Coated in cod liver to enhance flavor
• Grain-free recipe

Cons

• Fish odor is really strong.
• One of its most expensive recipes

 

Meadowlands Premium Dry Cat Food by Acana
 

Acana Meadowlands is a more traditional cat food recipe that includes chicken, turkey, and trout rather than unusual fish. However, those components are common for a reason: they are beneficial to cats.

This recipe also includes multiple distinct “meals,” such as catfish meal and chicken meal.

Meals are mashed-up concoctions that include a variety of internal organs and bones, and they’re packed with important nutrients that aren’t present in other parts of the animal.

They also include non-mashed-up internal organs, such as turkey hearts and livers. Most cats adore these meats, which are not commonly found in low-cost meals.

The plant-based ingredients are also excellent, with collard greens, carrots, cranberries, and others appearing.

The recipe contains a lot of eggs, which offer protein but may cause stomach difficulties in some cats. Also, there’s more sugar than we’d want, but it’s still less than what you’d find in highly processed foods.

Pros

• Ingredients that most cats are familiar with are used.
• There are numerous internal organs inside.
• The majority of cats enjoy food.
• Plant components of high grade

Cons

• Eggs may induce intestinal problems.
• There is more sugar than we would want.

 

Acana Premium Dry Cat Food New Grasslands
 

Acana New Grasslands strikes a good balance between the two alternatives mentioned, combining typical ingredients like as chicken and turkey with more exotic ones such as duck and quail.

However, if your cat is used to eating whatever you can get at your local grocery store, the fact that it contains so many uncommon ingredients may be off-putting.

While wild cats may consume quail and duck, those foods may be unfamiliar to your pet, and they may reject them.

This recipe has more eggs than Acana’s Meadowlands choice, so cats with sensitive stomachs should avoid it. However, it contains more animal meals, ensuring that your cat receives all of the necessary internal organs.

Inside are whole pinto beans, entire green lentils, whole chickpeas, and lentil fiber, which should keep your cat regular. There’s also pollock oil in there for extra omega fatty acids.

If you want to broaden your cat’s horizons without sacrificing their nutritional needs, Acana New Grasslands is an excellent choice.

Pros

• Ingredients that are both unusual and traditional
• Pollock oil is included for omega fatty acids.
• There are plenty of animal meals within.
• It is high in fiber.

Cons

• A lot of eggs
• Some cats may dislike food.

 

Appalachian Ranch Cat Food by Acana Regionals
 

The principal protein sources in this dry cat food appear to be beef, beef liver, and beef tripe.

Meats from ranches, farms, and lakes in Kentucky and the Appalachian region are abundant in this dish. Every 12 pound package contains 9 pounds of animal components and is 75% meat.

Each bag contains 12 pound of beef, liver, and tripe, 1 pound of swine meat, liver, and kidney, 1 pound of lamb, liver, and tripe, 12 pound of American bison, and 12 pound of freshwater catfish.

Half of the animal ingredients are fresh or raw, and the other half are dehydrated meat meals or oils. The recipe comprises muscle meat, organs, and cartilage in WholePreyTM ratios that mimic the normal feline diet.

The list of ingredients begins with beef, pork, lamb, beef meal, lamb meal, and pork meal, followed by a few legumes.

Whole green peas, red lentils, pinto beans, chickpeas, and yellow peas are included in the dish.

It contains a few trace vegetables and fruits, such as pumpkin, butternut squash, kale, spinach, and turnip greens.

It includes herring oil, a species-appropriate source of omega-3 fatty acids, as well as probiotics, botanicals, and minerals.

Overall, this meat-based dish has a moderate protein content, a high fat content, and a moderate carbohydrate content. Each cup of Acana Regionals Appalachian Ranch cat food contains 454 calories.

Pros

• Animal-based components are abundant.
• WholePreyTM ratios of muscle meat, organs, and cartilage
• There are no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives in this product.

Cons

• Carbohydrate content is relatively high.

 

Dry Food ACANA First Feast Kitten Recipe
 

• Food Type: Dry
• Deboned chicken, chicken meal, herring meal, oatmeal, and whole peas are the first five ingredients.
• 36% protein minimum, 18% fat minimum, 4% fiber maximum, 10% moisture maximum
• Calories in a Cup: 439 kcal
• Price per pound or ounce: $3.80

Though all cats require a high-protein diet, it is especially critical for kittens during their growth and development.

This First Feast Kitten Recipe Dry Food contains 36% crude protein derived from at least four different animal sources: chicken, herring, turkey, and quail.

The first three ingredients in this kitten recipe are actual animal protein, which is always a good indication.

There are also animal fat sources, primarily pollock oil. Grain-free carbs come from entire foods including oatmeal, peas, and green lentils.

This formula contains chicken cartilage, liver, and heart, as well as whole cranberries and dried kelp, in addition to real meat and grain-free carbs.

The remaining components are chelated minerals, vitamin supplements, and probiotics. Overall, it appears that this is a high-quality recipe.

We appreciate the high meat content and good quality components. The only issue is that the supplement list is longer than we’d like to see.

 

ACANA Homestead Harvest includes free-range chicken and turkey dry food
 

• Food Type: Dry
• Deboned chicken, chicken meal, turkey meal, oatmeal, and whole peas are the first five ingredients.
• 3% protein minimum, 16% fat minimum, 4% fiber maximum, 10% moisture maximum
• Calories in one cup: 429 kcal
• $3.80 per pound or ounce

This Homestead Harvest meal is loaded with protein-rich fowl and is created with free-range chicken, turkey, and duck.

It promotes digestive, immune, heart, and eye health, as well as skin and coat health.

This recipe contains 65% small prey animal foods, which provide natural sources of necessary protein, vitamins, and minerals, as well as a delicious taste. C

hicken fat and pollock oil are the principal fat sources, with eggs serving as a protein supplement.

This recipe’s key carbohydrates are oatmeal, whole peas, and whole green lentils, with lentil fiber for digestive assistance. Whole cranberries and dry kelp are also available.

Chelated minerals and vitamin supplements aid in the maintenance of nutritional equilibrium.

This recipe also includes probiotics, which are a good addition, however there is little proof that probiotics added to pet food survive the cooking process.

 

Adult Dry Cat Food ACANA Indoor Entrée
 

• Food Type: Dry
• Deboned chicken, chicken meal, herring meal, oatmeal, and whole peas are the first five ingredients.
• Guaranteed Analysis: 36% protein minimum, 14% fat minimum, 6% fiber maximum, 10% moisture maximum
• Calories in a Cup: 414 kcal
• Price per pound or ounce: $3.80

This product’s ingredients list does not appear to alter considerably from the first formulation.

The first three components are deboned chicken, chicken meal, and herring meal, followed by oatmeal and whole peas. The crude protein composition of these two recipes is also the same.

The first departure from the norm is chicken fat, which is followed by ground miscanthus grass, deboned turkey, and deboned rabbit.

This Indoor Entrée dish is balanced with omega fatty acids to support healthy skin and coat.

It is also intended for weight loss, with balanced calories from protein and fat, as well as naturally occuring L-carnitine for weight maintenance.

High-quality animal protein is incorporated to help maintain lean muscle mass and develop strong bones.

Overall, this recipe has a lot of high-quality animal protein, and the carbohydrates are grain-free and easily digestible.

We enjoy the addition of organ meats and cartilage, but the list of synthetic additives is a little extensive.

What Other Users Have to Say

“Acana’s commitment to fresh, regional ingredients and high-meat recipes has helped make Acana one of the most frequently-recommended pet food brands on the market,” writes All About Cats.

“Overall, Acana Meadowlands is an above-average cat food, scoring 7 out of a possible 10 paws based on its nutritional analysis and ingredient list,” according to the Cat Food Database.

Amazon – As pet owners, we constantly double-check Amazon buyer reviews before making a purchase. These can be found by clicking here.

FAQs

What is the price of Acana Cat Food?

Acana is a reasonably priced cat food brand. Acana costs roughly $0.64 to $0.75 per day, according to the company’s feeding guidelines for an 11-pound cat.

Acana is priced similarly to Merrick Backcountry, Taste of the Wild, and Wellness CORE grain-free dry cat food.

When comparing Acana to its meatier and more expensive sibling, Orijen, it’s around 20% cheaper, saving you about $87 each year.

Is Acana a Good Investment?

Acana is one of the best brands of dry cat food on the market.

Acana stands out from other kibble brands due to its extremely high meat inclusions, usage of muscle meat, organs, and cartilage in WholePreyTM ratios, and comparatively low carbohydrate content.

However, Acana is not without problems. Acana does not yet have a Singles line for cats, despite offering a range of reduced ingredient foods for dogs.

Because of the brand’s emphasis on different meat proteins, it may be an unsuitable choice for cats with food sensitivities and allergies.

Champion Petfoods has experienced a flood of customer complaints since opening its DogStar kitchen in the United States.

These quality control flaws aren’t visible in every bag, and they don’t harm every cat, but they’re worth remembering when shopping for Acana cat food.

Where Can I Buy Acana Cat Food?

Acana is only available through independent pet specialty merchants and veterinary practices, both online and in-store. Acana is sold by both authorized and non-authorized dealers.

However, the firm states that approved shops offer greater customer service as well as the Champion Petfoods 100% satisfaction guarantee.

Chewy/PetSmart, Jet, Walmart, and eBay are examples of non-authorized dealers.

Conclusion

Acana Cat Food is a premium alternative for those who want to give their cats a diet that is similar to what they would consume in the wild.

The best cat foods from Acana have a lot of protein from different kinds of animal sources. This makes sure that your cat gets a wide range of essential nutrients and amino acids.

After researching and testing all of the above-mentioned products, BestForPets (bestforpets.org) believes that Premium Dry Cat Food Acana Wild Atlantic and Meadowlands Premium Dry Cat Food by Acana are the most reliable and well-known.

It is, however, a costly choice, and the company does not provide much variety. Nonetheless, you’re likely to find something in one of its recipes that works for both you and your cat.

If money is no object, there aren’t many foods better for your cat in its price range than Acana.

However, you may find a few that are more expensive and even healthier for your pet, so it’s up to you how much you’re ready to spend to provide the best nutritional support for your cat.