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ACANA Red Meat Grain-Free Dry Dog Food, 13-lb bag
ACANA

Red Meat Grain-Free Dry Dog Food, 13-lb bag

Evidence Fair
AAFCO compliance inferred from product name
dry $4.15/lb

ACANA Red Meat Grain-Free Dry Dog Food, 13-lb bag earns a Sniff Score of 74/100 (B) with Fair evidence. 1 controversial ingredient flagged. Strong protein profile with beef as the primary ingredient, delivering high biological value..

Graded by The Sniff System

Why this score

Strong protein profile with beef as the primary ingredient, delivering high biological value.

PQI

Quality fat sources: named fat with marine oil (EPA and DHA source).

FQI

AAFCO feeding trial substantiation for not stated.

ACF

Contains high legume stacking. Multiple pulse-family ingredients in top 15. Mitigated by taurine supplementation or organ meat (natural taurine precursor) in top 10..

CIP
Guaranteed analysis
Dry-matter protein: 33%
Protein
29%
min (as fed)
Fat
17%
min (as fed)
Fiber
6%
max (as fed)
Moisture
12%
max
Ingredients

Read why each ingredient is good or bad for dogs.

50 total
Good Neutral Watch Flagged
  1. 1
    beef

    Real meat. Dense in protein and iron. Some dogs are sensitive to it, but for most it's an excellent base.

  2. 2
    pork

    Real meat. Dense protein and fat, though less common in dog food than chicken or beef.

  3. 3
    beef meal

    Beef cooked down to a dry concentrate. More protein per pound than fresh beef.

  4. 4
    red lentils

    Same concern as other lentils. Affordable plant protein, part of the legume stack the FDA examined. See why →

  5. 5
    pinto beans
  6. 6
    green peas

    Same as peas. Useful in small amounts. The concern is when pulses dominate the top of the ingredient list. See why →

  7. 7
    pork meal

    Pork cooked into a dry concentrate. Per pound, more protein than fresh pork.

  8. 8
    beef fat

    Real animal fat, a clean energy source. Stable on the shelf without synthetic preservatives.

  9. 9
    lentils

    Same concern as peas. Affordable plant protein, but when they pile up in the top 5 ingredients, it's a flag. See why →

  10. 10
    chickpeas

    Also called garbanzo beans. Affordable plant protein source, part of the legume stack the FDA examined in its heart-disease investigation. See why →

  11. 11
    peas

    Cheap protein bulk. Fine in small amounts, but when peas stack with lentils and chickpeas in the top ingredients, it's the pattern the FDA flagged in its heart-disease investigation. See why →

  12. 12
    lamb

    Real meat. Often used for dogs with chicken or beef sensitivities. Slightly higher fat content than chicken.

  13. 13
    fish oil

    Concentrated omega-3s. The reason 'EPA' and 'DHA' get to show up on the bag.

  14. 14
    lentil fiber
  15. 15
    natural pork flavor
  16. 16
    pea starch

    Refined starch from peas, mostly carbs after the protein is removed. Counts toward the legume stack the FDA examined.

  17. 17
    beef tripe

    Stomach lining. Strong-smelling but nutrient-dense, with natural digestive enzymes.

  18. 18
    beef liver

    Organ meat. Among the most nutrient-dense ingredients available, rich in B vitamins, iron, and vitamin A.

  19. 19
    beef kidney

    Organ meat. Dense in B vitamins, iron, and trace minerals. Among the most nutritious ingredients on any label.

  20. 20
    pork liver

    Organ meat. Dense in B vitamins, iron, and vitamin A. Among the most nutritious ingredients on any label.

  21. 21
    pork kidney
  22. 22
    salt

    Sodium chloride. Required at small doses for normal physiology. Not a quality concern in standard amounts.

  23. 23
    vitamin e supplement

    Required nutrient and a natural antioxidant. Often pulls double duty as a preservative.

  24. 24
    dried kelp

    Natural source of iodine and trace minerals. A common premium-brand inclusion.

  25. 25
    pumpkin

    Soluble fiber that supports stool quality. Mild and well-tolerated.

Showing first 25 of 50. Position 1-5 has the largest weight in the recipe.

21 of 25 ingredients have a curated note. Coverage grows over time.