Canadian-made Acana food appeared on the Russian market relatively recently, but has already gained well-deserved popularity among cat owners and veterinary specialists. The company's concept is to create a new standard for biologically appropriate feed (Biologically Appropriate). Should it be given to cats?
Acana high-protein dry cat food is produced in Canada at the company's own plant from fresh meat and fish without the use of grains. All products used in production are suitable for human consumption.
The recipe was developed taking into account the feeding habits of predators. The composition is based on natural protein ingredients. According to experts, Akana belongs to the highest class of food - holistic.
ACANA cat food review
Today, the owner of an animal, coming to the store to buy a treat for his friend, will be able to enjoy a wide range of products: wet and dry food, vitamins, and other goods, the quality of which can be either economy class or extra-premium. But at the same time, pet food can be of good quality at a low price, and by paying a large amount you can easily purchase a product that is not suitable for your cat. Of course, in matters of animal nutrition, it is impossible to find a middle ground when you are satisfied with both price and quality, to each his own. But sometimes everything depends not only on the cat’s taste preferences, its state of health, but also on the capabilities of the owner’s wallet. Veterinarians often advise purchasing food that contains more meat ingredients, less grains and various additives. Naturally, the higher the quality level of a product, the higher its price. Interestingly, on television you most often hear about economy-class food; by the way, these are the products most often found on store shelves. But there are other cat foods of high quality and equally high prices. Are they always beneficial for the animal? Let's look at one of these cat foods called ACANA, whose manufacturers proudly call their product holistic (from “holistic” - i.e. holistic) or an extra-premium product. Using ACANA dry food for cats as an example, let’s figure out what is being offered to our beloved Murzik at a high price – a quality product or more promises. The ACANA brand of pet food is produced by the Canadian company Champion Petfoods. The buyer is presented with dry food for cats and dogs.
What class does it belong to?
The Acana pet food brand produces premium products . Their kitchen, located in Kentucky, spans approximately 85 acres of farmland and has won numerous awards. It was its own production facilities, independent cultivation and selection of raw materials that helped the company reach this level. In terms of the ingredients they use, Acana develops its own unique recipes, centered on using the freshest regional ingredients.
Composition of cat food "ACANA"
Champion Petfoods adheres to the philosophy that domestic cats are still carnivores, and carnivores should eat meat. Therefore, in their feed they included only meat (lamb, duck, turkey, chicken, lamb), eggs, fruits (apples), berries (blueberries, cranberries, currants) and vegetables (pumpkin, carrots, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, turnips) ). It is noteworthy that all ACANA dry cat food contains marine and freshwater fish (perch, herring, pike perch, flounder, salmon). It also contains medicinal herbs and plants such as peppermint, chamomile, licorice, lavender, calendula, rosemary and others. Organic brown algae added. As you can see, no corn, no other grains, no flavoring additives are present. In addition, the company that produces this food claims that all ingredients that make up the food are environmentally friendly. The meat contained in the product comes from local Canadian farms. The fish is caught in the cleanest local lakes. Thus, the manufacturer avoids questionable ingredients in the preparation of his food. And domestic cats, in whose veins the blood of a predator flows, can enjoy food containing natural meat.
three types of ACANA dry food for cats
: GRASSLANDS for cats, WILD PRAIRIE for cats, PACIFICA for cats. There is no division by age category - this is a complete food for adult cats and kittens. There are also no special foods available for cats with health problems.
For example, in a product called ACANA GRASSLANDS for cats, the manufacturer indicated the ingredients on the packaging: lamb meat (12%), dehydrated lamb meat (11%), dehydrated salmon meat (10%), potatoes, dehydrated herring meat (8%) , dehydrated chicken (7%), peas, sweet potatoes, duck meat (4%), salmon oil (4%), chicken fat (3%), boneless pike perch (2%), chicken liver (2%), eggs (1%), brown algae, vegetables, fruits, berries, herbs, lactobacilli, vitamins and minerals.
The manufacturer of ACANA food warns cat owners that before consuming this product as food, they should carefully read the recommendations, based on the age and weight of the animal, the amount of dry food for consumption varies. Moreover, the number of servings and their size are significantly lower than if you feed the cat with other foods that contain grains and chemical additives. This is due to the fact that the basis of this food is natural meat, and not by-products or, in general, additives with the smell and taste of meat. The cat's body is saturated faster, the cat receives the necessary vitamins and minerals.
Feeding recommendations
The optimal feeding regime for the animal is 2 times a day with an interval between meals of 8-12 hours. If the cat previously ate a product of a different brand, then the new food is introduced into the menu carefully. The transition process usually takes 2 weeks. During this period, food is mixed with the usual food in small quantities, gradually increasing the dosage.
The approximate standards that must be followed when organizing the animal’s diet are indicated by the manufacturer on the product packaging. However, each pet is individual, so the dosage may be adjusted.
- MMM tasty…
For pregnant cats, the amount of food is increased by 25% of the daily requirement, and during the lactation period the product should be freely available. There should always be a bowl of clean water next to the food, which needs to be changed daily.
Cons of Acana cat food
But negative aspects of ACANA food can also be found. One of the things that can put a buyer off is the high cost of such food. Despite the fact that the manufacturer uses only high-quality components in production, not every owner will be able to purchase such a product due to the established price for ACANA food. In addition, this dry treat for cats is not sold everywhere. The official website of the ACANA feed manufacturer lists the addresses of online stores, but it can hardly be found in regular large markets. So if the cat’s owner does not live in a large city, then it will most likely be impossible to find such food.
Champion Petfoods is grain-free, but this is not universally welcomed by cat owners and veterinarians. Potatoes used in ACANA food are considered by many to be more harmful than rice.
Champion Petfoods produces food for dogs and cats, but unlike dry food intended for dogs, the range of products for cats is very small - only three types to choose from.
By the way, even the use of high-quality meat ingredients in production does not guarantee that your animal will become a fan of ACANA food. Many owners admit that the cat simply did not eat it. Some people didn’t like the smell, others the taste of the usual domestic food is closer to home than the Canadian high-quality product.
How much does it cost and where to buy
Original Acana food can only be purchased in specialized stores. Such products are rarely found in supermarkets and pet stores. The most convenient way to order food is from online stores. The price is determined by the class of the product, as well as all the advantages described above.
The approximate cost on online shopping sites is as follows:
- 340 g – 360 rub.
- 1.8 kg – 1,900 rub.
- 5.4 kg – 3,600 rub.
Acana and Orijen are two lines of cat food from a popular Canadian manufacturer. The latter uses only fresh ingredients of natural origin in the process of creating treats for cats. This approach, by the way, in some cases can play a cruel joke on the owner. After all, some cats, accustomed to artificial ingredients in some foods, may flatly refuse to switch to natural Acana.
Advantages of ACANA cat food
The undoubted advantage of this dry food is its high quality. The composition contains meat and fish, the percentage of their total content is quite large (up to 80% of meat ingredients in the composition). In addition, grain crops are replaced with vegetables and fruits, so there are fewer carbohydrates and much more vitamins (when compared with other feeds, where the main composition is corn, rice, poultry meal and offal). What is very important is that this product does not contain additives to enhance taste and smell.
ACANA food is balanced, well absorbed by the body, the owner of the animal does not have to purchase special vitamins and supplements. Probably, one of the positive aspects of purchasing this food is that the cat will satisfy its hunger with a small amount of the product, and will receive enough nutrients.
Feeding standards for kittens, castrated cats and pregnant cats
Since the Acana brand does not produce wet food, but only dry food, feeding such a product requires strict dosage. You should also take into account the individual characteristics of the cat.
The diet of adults includes breakfast and dinner.
Table “Dosage of Acana food for animals of different weights”
| Animal weight (kg) | Feed rate (g/day) |
| 2 | 40 |
| 3 | 45 |
| 4 | 60 |
| 5 | 75 |
| 6 | 80 |
| 8 | 90 |
| 10 | 120 |
Pregnant cats need to add 1⁄4 of food to the daily dose.
For neutered cats, the daily food intake should be slightly less than that indicated in the table. After all, spayed and neutered cats gain weight faster.
Kittens under 4 months of age are given 60 g per kilogram of weight daily. Number of meals - 3-4. For babies up to one year old, Acana kitten food is given at the rate of 30 g per kilogram of weight. From the age of one year, kittens are fed according to adult dosages.
Reviews of Acana cat food
Tatyana writes a negative review about Akana cat food
: “I have had a mongrel kitten named Barsik for 5 years now. I try to consult with a veterinarian when it comes to important moments in a cat’s life. So, the previous food often made him sick. The doctor gave out a whole list to choose from, which food you can buy for the cat. I studied the composition of all the proposed ones at home, and AKANA impressed everyone the most. I bought it and was only in one of the pet stores. I read everything that was indicated on the package and began to give it little by little, mixing ACANA into the old familiar food. The cat sniffed for a long time, and then completely moved away from the bowl and did not eat at all. I thought for a long time, what is the reason? The composition is good, it costs a lot, the doctor recommended it, but the cat doesn’t want to eat it. I think it was the smell; the combination of the smell of fish and the smell of lamb made the food completely unusual. None of the food I bought had this smell. That's not so bad. On the third day, the cat seemed to eat the treat, and most of the portion. But by evening, vomiting and loose stools began. I had to call the vet. She said ACANA is sometimes not suitable for cats because of the herbs it contains, which often cause digestive problems. Next was a visit to the veterinary clinic, they gave me IVs. The doctor said that the cat could have died. Despite the composition, unfortunately, I do not advise you to purchase it.”
Elena left a positive review on one of the sites about Akana cat food
: “My cat is now 3.5 years old. I've been using only ACANA for a year now and I'm very pleased. The cat is cheerful, her fur is shiny. Appetite is good. I order several packages at once so that I don’t have to buy other foods that contain only the name of the meat. It is very convenient in the sense that the cat receives all the vitamins and nutrients, its appearance speaks about this. Our favorite is PACIFICA. During the entire time we have been eating it, there has not been a single case of a cat suffering from indigestion. The price, of course, is rather high, but it’s worth it...”
Basic Analysis
- Protein - 37%;
- Fat - 20%;
- Raw ash – 7.5%;
- Crude fiber – 3%;
- Humidity – 10%;
- Calcium / phosphorus - 1.5% / 1.1%;
- Magnesium – 0.1%;
- Taurine – 0.15%;
- Omega-6 / Omega-3 fatty acids – 2.0% / 2.2%;
- DHA / EPA – 1.0% / 0.8%.
Guaranteed Analysis
| Crude Protein (min.) | 37 % |
| Crude fat (min.) | 20 % |
| Raw ash (min.) | 7.5 % |
| Crude fiber (max) | 3 % |
| Humidity (max) | 10 % |
| Calcium (min.) | 1.5 % |
| Phosphorus (min.) | 1.1 % |
| Magnesium (max) | 0.1 % |
| Taurine (min.) | 0.15 % |
| Omega-6 fatty acids (min.) | 2 % |
| Omega-3 fatty acids (min.) | 2.2 % |
| DHA (min.) | 1 % |
| EGC (min.) | 0.8 % |
Vitamins and minerals
| Vitamin A | 30 KIU/kg |
| Vitamin D3 | 3,000 IU/kg |
| Vitamin E | 150 IU/kg |
| Vitamin B1 (Thiamin) | 20 mg/kg |
| Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) | 20 mg/kg |
| Vitamin B3 (Niacin) | 100 mg/kg |
| Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid) | 15 mg/kg |
| Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) | 15 mg/kg |
| Vitamin K | 1.50 mg/kg |
| Vitamin B12 | 0.20 mg/kg |
| Folic acid | 2.00 mg/kg |
| Kholin | 3,000 mg/kg |
| Sodium | 0.50 % |
| Chloride | 0.80 % |
| Potassium | 0.84 % |
| Magnesium | 0.10 % |
| Iron | 105 mg/kg |
| Zinc | 150 mg/kg |
| Copper | 23 mg/kg |
| Manganese | 12 mg/kg |
| Iodine | 2.80 mg/kg |
| Selenium | 1.00 mg/kg |
Amino acids
| Lysine | 2.86 % |
| Threonine | 1.59 % |
| Methionine | 1.00 % |
| Isolycin | 1.56 % |
| Litsin | 2.77 % |
| Valin | 1.85 % |
| Arginine | 2.53 % |
| Phenylalanine | 1.57 % |
| Histidine | 0.81 % |
| Tryptophan | 0.42 % |
| Cystine | 0.36 % |
Herbal Ingredients
| Chicory root | 400 mg/kg |
| Turmeric | 100 mg/kg |
| Milk thistle | 100 mg/kg |
| Burdock root | 100 mg/kg |
| Lavender | 100 mg/kg |
| Marshmallow root | 100 mg/kg |
| Dog-rose fruit | 100 mg/kg |
Is it worth purchasing ACANA cat food?
As you can see, all food, even the cheapest, even the most expensive, cannot fully satisfy all the needs of the buyer and his beloved furry household. It would seem that ACANA has meat, vegetables, and berries. There are prebiotics, but no harmful additives. But it’s probably impossible to definitively answer whether it’s worth buying or not. It’s strange, but only by trial and error can you determine whether ACANA food is suitable for a cat or not. It is worth noting that there are no products that are categorically harmful to cats, and each cat may have its own allergy or intolerance to one or another component. Definitely, ACANA is a high-quality and good food; the manufacturer approached the issue of preparing this food with all responsibility. So it’s probably worth a try for your cat. Due to the fact that this food differs from many well-known foods that are present on store shelves, it is worth consulting with your doctor and carefully reading the composition and recommendations for use.
Assortment on the market
The company produces 3 types of food: fish, lamb and chicken. The variety is due to the possible presence of allergies in pets to certain types of meat. The company does not produce special products for sterilized or neutered cats, since the composition of the food is universal. The diet can be used for most diseases, since the granules contain many vitamin supplements and help restore damaged tissue.
How to feed
The Akana feeding regimen is described on the product packaging. The standard for adult cats is three feedings a day. Each feline's appetite is unique, but free consumption should not be allowed. Cats are prone to overeating. Therefore, you must read the instructions carefully. You should not give your cat more food than indicated in the instructions.
Kittens are fed dry food from the age of five weeks. You can start training earlier, taking into account the fact that they have milk teeth that are not capable of chewing solid food. Therefore, the granules are diluted with warm water. The approximate norm for giving dry food to a baby over a month old is 60 g/kg. The needs of a kitten and an adult animal in the quantity and ratio of nutrients are not the same.
Kittens from five weeks willingly eat dry food
Kittens from five weeks willingly eat dry food
The requirements for baby food are higher, and it costs more. An attempt to save money by feeding a baby with feed intended for adult animals can lead to illness. If a mature cat eats kitten food, the harm will only be to the owner's pocket. It must be borne in mind that dry food contains about 10% moisture, so fresh water in unlimited quantities should be placed next to the food bowl.
The frequency of giving food depends most on age. If for a kitten it is necessary to organize 5-6 meals a day, then for adult animals they are limited to 2-3 feedings.
The amount of food for sexually mature individuals is calculated using a special formula, and approximate values are given on the food bag. Normalization is carried out according to the table data:
Feeding standards for cats
Feeding rates depend not only on the weight of the cat, but also on the purpose of the food. So, to reduce body weight, feeding cats lighter than 5 kg with Acana product is not recommended. The amount of food for obese cats is reduced by 20–30% compared to the diet of a healthy animal. A nutrition program for seniors has been developed. Old cats of large breeds do not have their food reduced. Small elderly felines are fed in limited amounts compared to young individuals.
Akana dry food can be fed to sterilized animalsAkana dry food can be fed to sterilized animals six months after surgery. At first they receive different food.
