Manufacturer information
Acana is a company that produces luxury cat food. The products are created in the small town of Marineville (Canada) by Champion PetFoods.
The history of the brand begins in 1975. A Canadian farmer named Muhlenfeld and his family owned a small pet store that sold mainly veterinary drugs. Gradually, the family began making food for cats and dogs at home. The products became in demand among the residents of the town, and Muhlenfeld decided to open a feed production. The man approached one of the leading companies producing cat food with his findings, but the management ignored his proposal.
At the same time, the residents of Marineville still bought food from natural raw materials well. This convinced Muhlenfeld that his thoughts were right to open his own industrial production. Despite the need for large investments, the family gradually managed to start producing food.
The company operates in Canada and is increasingly gaining momentum. Today, Champion PetFoods is considered one of the most progressive.
Feed class and composition
Many cat owners are confident that the Acana food class is Premium. But the company’s official website classifies its products as holistic, a new class of food. In other words, such a product includes only natural ingredients:
- meat (beef, veal, lamb, rabbit);
- poultry meat;
- sea and freshwater fish;
- offal;
- vegetables are sources of fiber and carbohydrates;
- fruits and berries (help normalize the acidity of urine, reduce the risk of developing genitourinary diseases);
- seaweed (has a beneficial effect on digestion);
- medicinal herbs (promote the removal of bile, give the pet vigor).
Acana dry food is considered hypoallergenic and causes virtually no reactions in cats. Moreover, the components in the product help remove toxins from the animal’s intestines, reduce the pH of urine, and also improve digestion, since the food contains phytocomponents. The product is well absorbed and helps keep your pet's coat and skin in perfect condition.
Types of cat food Acana (Akana)
The private company producing this food is called Champion Petfoods and it supplies Acana food to almost fifty countries around the globe.
On the Russian-language official website of Akana (www.acana.ru) a lot has been written about the philosophy and mission of the brand, but briefly about the brand we can say – the spool is small, but expensive. Acana cat food is available only in dry form, and there are only a few types themselves and they all have standard packaging of 0.34 kg, 2.27 kg, 6.8 kg.
It will be interesting:
- how to feed a fold-eared kitten;
- feeding a Siamese kitten;
- feeding a Persian kitten.
Video about the production of Akana and Orijen feeds
But, like any ready-made food for pets, this brand of food has its advantages and disadvantages. Let's look at them. So.
Advantages of Akana cat food:
- absolutely ready and balanced food;
- high quality and only fresh ingredients;
- suitable for cats of all ages and breeds;
- moderate price among premium food;
- There are hypoallergenic food options;
- easy to store and transport, you can stock up on Akana food for future use.
Disadvantages of Acana cat food:
- You should always wash it down with plenty of water, like any dry food;
- not available in canned form.
If your cat is cheerful, playful, full of energy, his fur is shiny, and there is no specific pungent odor from his mouth or from his litter box, you can be congratulated on the fact that the food was chosen correctly. But if there are any doubts, a trip to the vet can dispel them. Get your furry friend tested to be sure.
Product range
The basic range of the Acana brand consists of three types of dry food:
- Grasslands.
- Pacifica.
- Wild Prairie.
Name | Compound | Packaging volume |
Acana Grasslands |
|
|
Acana Pacifica |
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Acana Wild Prairie |
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On a note. The Asana company produces exclusively dry food for cats.
Many owners are interested in the question of whether Acana brand products are suitable for castrated and sterilized cats.
Veterinarian's opinion. Absolutely all Acana foods are low-carbohydrate, and therefore are a good prevention of obesity, which is often found in castrated and sterilized cats. For this reason, any of the types of food can be used to feed animals that are deprived of the opportunity to give birth.
The owner can only choose any formula, based on the tastes of his pet.
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:
- Acana Puppy Small Breed. The food is intended for young dogs of small breeds, which in adulthood gain weight no more than 9 kg.
- 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.
- 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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Treats for cats
Acana also produces Origin brand products. This series offers special high-calorie treats for cats. There are 5 flavor compositions in total: Original, Wild Boar Cat treats Romney, Lamb, Fd Six Fish, Tundra.
The treats are sold in small 35 g packages because the contents of the bags are high in calories and nutrition. The treat is added to the animal’s main diet in small portions - no more than 10% of the total daily food intake.
Many consumers consider the Origin brand to be a kind of offshoot of Acana food. However, in reality this is not entirely true. In the vastness of Russia, the Canadian enterprise Champion PetFoods is represented by Acana, which offers both products. But, in fact, these are different foods, although they are made by the same manufacturer. Origin for cats is available in several types of food:
- Cat & Kitten
- Fit & Trim
- Six Fish
- Tundra
The main difference between Origin and Acana itself is the composition of both products. The Origin line includes more carbohydrates, proteins and fresh meat.
Veterinarian advice. Many owners, comparing both products, come to the conclusion that Origin is better. However, making a choice between products from the same manufacturer is impractical. The lifestyle of each specific cat is different (different appetite, activity, etc.). Some animals need more fresh meat, others prefer the smell and taste of fish, and some even like fattier foods. Therefore, you should choose food for your pet taking into account its taste needs.
General characteristics of the feed
Pet stores offer different types of food for cats; the variety of brands is confusing, making it difficult for owners to choose. There are different animals, young and older, some of them are sick and need a special diet. It is difficult to make a choice without the help of a consultant. There are cases where cats have become allergic even to properly selected products. In order to keep your cat happy and healthy, you need to understand what she needs.
Despite the fact that pets have been tamed since time immemorial, they have retained all the habits of a predator and, accordingly, are adapted primarily to a meat diet. When choosing food, breeders pay attention to the percentage of natural protein components.
Also read the article about the proper diet of cats.
Akan diets include many fresh meat and fish products. Raw materials are processed in such a way as to preserve all the beneficial substances needed by animals. A distinctive feature of the feed is the environmental friendliness of the components; all of them are grown on farms and fields adjacent to the enterprise. Refusal of chemical ingredients and meat by-products makes the food attractive to breeders and healthy for pets.
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.
Budget alternatives to Acana food
On the one hand, there is nothing reprehensible in the owner’s desire to choose cheaper food, because Acana is not the cheapest delicacy. However, you should not choose analogues of this food from economy-class products - there are obvious differences in quality. And even if the owner is satisfied with the composition of cheap food, it is unknown how the cat’s body will accept such a replacement.
When choosing a budget alternative to Acana food, it is useful to familiarize yourself with the food rating:
Name | Class | Compound | Type of feed | Price |
Pro Plan | Premium |
|
| from 290 rubles per 0.5 kg. |
Pro Nature | Premium |
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| from 800 rubles for 1.5 kg. |
Hill's (Science Plan) | Super premium |
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| from 270 rubles per 0.5 kg. |
Innova Evo | Holistic |
|
| from 995 rubles for 1.5 kg. |
Eagle Pack Holistic | Holistic |
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| from 360 rubles per 0.5 kg. |
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.
Advantages and disadvantages
Some features of Canadian products will help the owner make the final choice in favor of Acana or other cat food.
Advantages:
- The main source of proteins is offal and high-quality meat.
- No allergens (corn, wheat).
- The food is enriched with useful microelements. Thus, the owner will not have to buy additional vitamin and mineral complexes.
- Wide selection - you can find products for small and large breeds of cats.
- The food is made exclusively from fresh ingredients.
- Acana products are suitable for a complete pet diet. In other words, food can replace absolutely all food products.
- Does not contain preservatives, dyes or harmful additives.
However, Acana food also has disadvantages:
- high price;
- lack of a line of canned food and wet food.
Advice. Since Acana offers the consumer exclusively dry food, it is very important that the animal consumes a sufficient amount of liquid per day.
Reviews from veterinarians
Ekaterina, 47 years old, Dolgoprudny
I recommend purchasing Akana food to almost all animal owners. Other options should only be considered if specific diseases are present. The product prevents the development of urolithiasis and a number of other pathologies. Berries and fruits in the composition help establish the optimal level of acidity in the body. The food does not contain harmful additives such as salt, artificial flavors, preservatives and dyes. After switching to these products, cat owners are less likely to contact us due to problems with the health of their pets.
Nikolay, 54 years old, Ishimbay
I prefer natural feeding, but if the owners cannot cook for the pet, I advise you to buy only Akan products. A significant advantage is the absence of grains. The proportion of herbal ingredients is set taking into account the natural needs of cats. The food does not contain components that most often cause allergies. These are corn, wheat and rice. The diet is as close to optimal as possible. 75% of the composition is occupied by meat products.
Valeria, 52 years old, Orsk
I can’t recommend Akana food to everyone because of the high price. However, if possible, I strongly recommend purchasing only grain-free, holistic products for your cat. Budget products are not suitable for constant feeding of pets and can only be used as a temporary alternative, because they contain too little meat.
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 and disadvantages
In the process of quality analysis, reviews of nurseries and individuals who use feed on an ongoing basis were studied.
The vast majority of breeders considered the following positive characteristics:
- natural ingredients without additives or dyes;
- lack of recyclable materials, bone meal, etc.;
- carbohydrate content at a minimum level;
- the most complete complex of vitamins;
- the presence of fruits and vegetables, as well as useful plants;
- hypoallergenic.
The disadvantages are unanimously indicated:
- high price;
- at first, cats refuse to eat, since the usual, but extremely harmful, flavors and appetite stimulants are missing;
- small selection of dry food;
- lack of wet and medicinal products.