Secrets of choosing the right Acana food for kittens and cats

What will you learn from the article?

1. Types of cat food Acana (Acana) Advantages of Acana cat food:
2. Disadvantages of Acana cat food:

Are you still wondering what to feed your furry pet? Have you decided to try feeding your pet ready-made food and don’t know where to start? Start by reading this article about modern Acan cat food and reviews from veterinarians. Perhaps it will be useful for you.

The brand is well-known and has proven itself in the market of ready-made animal feed. They have been produced in Canada for over 25 years. All ingredients for this type of food are also produced, grown and caught there. And the “premium class” prefix itself speaks for itself: no preservatives, dyes or cheaper raw materials (gluten, low-quality fats, corn flour, offal, ground bones, etc.).

And another good news is the complete absence of a grain component in the food of this line. To obtain the required carbohydrates, a special variety of potato is used. Akana food contains 50-65% meat (or fish) and 35% fruits and vegetables. There's even Colombian cranberry to help reduce urine acidity. Is this the animal care you've been looking for?

The company also produces another food under the brand name Orijen.

Composition of Akana food

For normal functioning, the cat's body requires different animal proteins and fats.

Akana cat food has a high percentage of protein and a low amount of carbohydrates, which is an ideal option for your favorite animals.

All Akana cat foods are grain-free. The source of carbohydrates in Akana food is a special type of potato (reddish).

Akana includes meat from chicken, duck, lamb, various fish (whitefish, pike perch), and eggs.

The product is of the highest quality and includes about 65% meat components.

Akan also includes:

• fresh vegetables and fruits (apples, cranberries), which is aimed at reducing the pH of urine in order to normalize the acidity of urine, avoiding problems with the urinary tract;
• seaweed, which activates metabolism, enriches the body with phytonutrients and vitamins - antioxidants;
• raspberry leaves and marigolds, toning and nourishing the digestive tract.

Akana contains only natural and fresh ingredients, taking into account the characteristics of the body of pets.

Some cats need a transition period to get used to grain-free foods.

Akana food has specific characteristics:

1. All products included in Akana cat food are never frozen. The owner can rest assured that no preservatives have been added to the cat’s favorite food.
2. Acana contains Omega-3 fatty acids, which is obtained from fresh fish. The component helps maintain immunity and shine of the coat.
3. Akan contains meat that is considered fit for human consumption.
4. Acana is grain-free and has a non-hazardous level of magnesium. Acana cat food is free of corn, wheat and gluten. Also, the food does not contain bad oil or meat with elevated levels of hormones. Akana food taken by a cat will bring pleasure to the pet and will benefit her.

ACANA and ORIJEN food - questions and answers.

You can read the entire article in full or go to the section you are interested in by clicking on its title in the table of contents.

1. What is the difference between ACANA and ORIJEN food?

2. What class do ACANA and ORIJEN foods belong to?

3. Why do ACANA and ORIJEN contain so much protein? Is this harmful to my pet?

4. How to properly store dry food?

5. How to determine the expiration date of dry food?

6. What kind of packaging should it be: vacuum or non-vacuum?

7. What are the basic tips for feeding dry food?

8. How to determine the daily feeding rate for ACANA and ORIJEN food?

9. My pet is losing weight/getting fat – what should I do?

10. How to switch from another food to ACANA and ORIJEN?

11. Is it possible to alternate different foods?

12. Is it possible to resort to a mixed type of feeding (give additional canned food, treats, food from the table)?

13. Can I use treats when feeding dry food?

14. Is it possible to feed pets “table food”?

15. How to accustom a puppy/kitten to dry food?

16. My puppy/kitten has difficulty chewing hard food granules - what should I do?

17. Why are there differences in the appearance of food pellets?

18. Fresh and raw meat in food - what is the difference?

19. Are ACANA and ORIJEN foods suitable for my spayed/neutered cat?

20. What food is suitable for dogs with food allergies?

21. What food is suitable for dogs with sensitive digestion?

22. Loose stools after feeding. What to do?

23. Do I need to give vitamins or special nutritional supplements in addition to Acana and Orijen dry foods?

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1.What is the difference between ACANA and ORIJEN food?

The main differences are listed below:

2.What class do ACANA and ORIJEN foods belong to?

Currently, there is a spontaneously developed system for classifying industrially produced pet food. It does not have precise, legislative or scientifically developed standards, and conditionally divides feed into three groups according to the quality of raw materials used, processing and meeting the nutritional needs of the animal: “economy”, “premium” and “super premium”. In the “super-premium” group, “holistic” food is additionally distinguished as the best in the “super-premium” class. Many experts classify Acana and Orijen food as such, but this is incorrect. The Canadian manufacturing company Champion Petfoods itself classifies its Acana and Orijen products as a new patented class - biologically appropriate nutrition. And this is exactly how these foods should be classified.

They are distinguished by their high meat content and the use of a variety of animal protein sources. Most meat ingredients enter production fresh or raw. All this brings Acana and Orijen food closer to the nutrition of carnivores in the wild, increases the biological value of the food and allows you to minimize the amount of carbohydrates that are not typical for the diet of carnivores, because they receive vital energy from animal protein and fat.

3. Why do ACANA and ORIJEN contain so much protein? Is this harmful to my pet?

Because there are many myths about high protein foods, this is probably the most common question people ask our customer service team about. Numerous studies conducted and published over the past 15 years have debunked the high protein myth (often propagated by multinationals and marketing companies that still produce low protein grain-based foods). The truth is simple - high protein foods are biologically appropriate for dogs and cats of all breeds. As close as possible in composition to the natural diet, and also created taking into account the anatomical structure and physiological characteristics of dogs and cats, high-protein low-carbohydrate food better ensures the optimal level of health and well-being of animals.

Note: Read more about this here .

4.How to properly store dry food?

Ideally, food should be stored indoors in a hermetically sealed container (tank or box with a lid) made of inert material, such as food-grade plastic. The food can also be stored in its original packaging as the top edge of the bag can be rolled up tightly to ensure a sealed seal once opened. Freezing of food is not required. Ideal storage is at room temperature 20-25 degrees Celsius. Long-term storage at higher temperatures increases oxidation and shortens shelf life. Exposure to light also promotes oxidation, so the product should be stored in a cool, dark place.

5.How to determine the expiration date of dry food?

The expiration date (EX...) is indicated on the back of the package at the top. Date format on packaging: day/month/year. The shelf life from the date of production and packaging of the food is 18 months. After this date, subject to proper storage conditions, the product remains safe for consumption, but some indicators of the guaranteed analysis may not correspond to those declared, for example, vitamins. The manufacturer recommends using an opened package within 3-4 months.

*Click on the image to enlarge it

6.What kind of packaging should it be: vacuum or non-vacuum?

Champion Petfoods, the company that makes Acana and Orijen food, does not have vacuum packaging! The bags can be dense, as if compressed, or they can have some air inside - this does not affect the quality of the feed in any way! The appearance of the package depends on atmospheric pressure, ambient temperature, as well as the volume of air inside the package that was naturally introduced during the packaging process. This issue is commented on in detail in the letter below:

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*Click on the image to enlarge it

7.What are the basic tips for feeding dry food?

We recommend feeding animals twice a day. Simply divide the daily feed intake into two doses with an interval between feedings of 8-12 hours. It is very important to follow the daily feeding rate indicated by the manufacturer on the food packaging. But since each animal is individual and has its own characteristics, portion sizes may need to be adjusted to maintain optimal weight. Carefully monitor the physical condition of your dog or cat. If your pet looks too thin, increase the daily amount slightly. If it becomes increasingly difficult to feel your pet’s ribs, the daily portion should be slightly reduced. Obesity at any age can cause serious illness. Despite the fact that dogs or cats, when begging for food, can quite convincingly demonstrate that they are hungry, it is best to be guided not by your feeling of pity, but by the “shapes” and weight of your pet. A chubby pet may be cute, but this condition is extremely dangerous for its health. Excess weight can be a sign of obesity or diabetes, and can also have a negative impact on the musculoskeletal system and heart function. If you are at a loss and don’t know how to determine the right portion, just call or write to us!

It is also important to remember to drink. Your pet's body is approximately 70% water, which is vital for cell function. In fact, water is more important to your dog or cat than any other nutrient. In hot weather, as well as in case of illness, especially diarrhea, the importance of water increases many times over. Therefore, make sure that your pet always has access to clean and fresh water; it needs to be changed at least 1-2 times a day.

8.How to determine the daily feeding rate for ACANA and ORIJEN food?

To determine the daily feeding rate, use a special table printed on the back of the food bag. The second way to find the table: open the detailed description of the food on our website, where at the very bottom of the page you can find it and calculate the feeding rate depending on the parameters of your pet. Pay attention to the peculiarities of feeding pregnant and lactating bitches, as well as puppies and kittens (information is indicated below the table).

Because each animal is unique, feeding standards may vary. Use this table as a guide. Monitor your pet's weight and adjust the dosage to determine the optimal value (described in more detail in the previous paragraph).

9.My pet is losing weight/getting fat – what should I do?

In most cases, this is due to incorrect dosage when feeding, that is, your pet does not finish eating, or vice versa. The solution is to determine the optimal daily feeding rate specifically for your animal. And this can only be done experimentally: if you notice that your pet is gaining excess weight (visually or according to data for its breed), then reduce the daily norm; if it does not eat enough and, even more so, loses weight, then increase the feeding norm. Next, keep an eye on the balance, i.e. your pet was well-fed, but did not gain excess weight or lose weight. As mentioned earlier, the daily feeding rates indicated by the manufacturer for each food are only an approximate average statistical guide, a kind of starting point for selecting an individual dosage.

10.How to switch from another food to ACANA and ORIJEN?

Animals are often fed the same food. This means that a sudden change in food can cause digestive problems associated with the digestive system adapting to the new ingredients. Therefore, it is important to introduce new food into the diet gradually. This approach will give your dog or cat time and opportunity to get used to the new food, and will also minimize possible digestive problems. If you are switching to ACANA and ORIJEN food from another brand, start with a ratio of 25% new food + 75% old food. Over the next three to five days, gradually change the feed ratio per portion, i.e. Gradually increase the amount of new food and decrease the amount of old food. At the end of this process, your pet will be completely switched to the new food. If you are transferring, for example, from one type of ACANA to another, then this can be done immediately, without any preliminary preparations.

11.Is it possible to alternate different foods?

Dogs and cats may have their own characteristics and preferences in choosing food, but, unlike people, they do not need a variety of diet. Therefore, there is no need to change food if your pet eats well, is active and has no health problems. However, sometimes we cannot buy the usual type of food on time and are forced to look for its analogues. There is no point in looking for analogues among other brands, because... not one of them matches the composition of Acana and Orijen. For both dogs and cats, it is better to choose a replacement within the same brand and line (series) of food. If you are switching your pet to food from another line, this should be done gradually, increasing the proportion of the new formula in relation to the old one. A sudden change in diet can lead to digestive upset, since the composition of the formulas, for example, in the ACANA Classics and Singles lines for dogs is significantly different. It is also not recommended to change your diet more often than once every 3-4 months.

12.Is it possible to resort to mixed feeding?

We do not recommend mixed food for pets. The fact is that the composition of any dry food is balanced, and you know for sure that your pet receives all the necessary nutrients, vitamins and microelements in the right proportion. With mixed feeding (dry food + canned food or + treats or + table food) this balance may be disrupted. You should resort to mixed feeding only when your pet categorically refuses to eat exclusively dry food, loses weight, and therefore requires additional feeding.

13.Can I use treats when feeding dry food?

As mentioned in the previous paragraph, feeding only dry food is optimal for the digestion of pets. But if you want to reward your pet during training or simply pamper it with a “yummy” treat, then it is better to do this with the help of special treats. To avoid digestive problems, use the same brand of treats as dry food. ACANA and ORIJEN also have a wide range of treats:

ACANA treats for dogs >>>

ORIJEN treats for dogs >>>

ORIJEN treats for cats >>>

14.Is it possible to feed pets “table food”?

Since this issue requires detailed analysis, we recommend reading the following article >>>

15.How to accustom a puppy/kitten to dry food?

After milk feeding, it can be difficult for puppies and kittens to immediately switch to dry food. In addition, chewing hard granules also causes them some difficulty at first. Usually in such cases they resort to soaking dry food in water. This softens the hard kibble and also enhances the smell of the food, making it more attractive to your little pet. They do it this way: pour a pre-measured amount of food into a bowl, pour warm water (about 30-35 grams) for 10-15 minutes, but no more, since with prolonged soaking the food will turn into “porridge”. Then the water is drained and the food is ready to eat. An important point: soaking is used only at the initial stage of “accustoming” to dry food. In the future, this procedure should be abandoned, since chewing hard food granules is useful, as it is an additional prevention against dental plaque and tartar.

16.My puppy/kitten has difficulty chewing hard food granules – what should I do?

See answer in paragraph 15.

17.Why are there differences in the appearance of food pellets?

The color and size of granules in Acana and Orijen feeds is determined by production technology. This food is a low carb, high protein product made from fresh Canadian ingredients. This composition determines slight differences in the size, color and shape of feed granules, because half of the meat included in the feed is added during extrusion in the form of fresh minced meat. To explain these differences, it would be appropriate to compare pet food with regular patties. The version that you buy in the store is always the same - in shape, size, and consistency, but your own creation will be unique every time. Exactly identical granules can be seen in feeds, the production of which is based on the use of processed dried raw materials in the form of flour, so the mixture entering the extruder is always homogeneous, and the granules are standard. In the production of biologically appropriate feeds, fresh meat and fish in different batches, while always of high quality, may have some differences, which is the reason for the difference in granules that you see in the packaging. These differences further confirm the high quality of Acana and Orijen feeds.

18.Fresh and raw meat in food - what is the difference?

Fresh and raw meat are not the same thing. These two concepts are of key importance to Champion Petfoods, the manufacturer of Acana and Orijen feeds, which uses only fresh meat in its production. Let's clarify what these concepts mean.

Raw meat could be frozen and then thawed, and even preserved with chemicals. Fresh meat excludes freezing and does not contain preservatives. Unlike most commercial pet foods, Acana and Orijen use fresh Canadian meat the day it enters the factory. It is clear that by using fresh meat, Champion Petfoods can guarantee the exceptional quality of the food produced.

19.Are ACANA and ORIJEN foods suitable for my spayed/neutered cat?

When choosing the type of food, it is important to know that sterilized animals are overly predisposed to urolithiasis. Any Acana or Orijen food is suitable for neutered animals because they contain strictly controlled levels of magnesium and phosphorus, thus helping to prevent the development of urolithiasis. Medicinal herbs and cranberries present in Acana and Orijen feeds are also beneficial for the prevention of urolithiasis in castrates. The question is also often asked: will a high protein content in food lead to the development of KSD? The answer is NO! Since the amount of protein in the feed is in no way related to the occurrence and development of urolithiasis. Another problem associated with sterilization is obesity. Not all animals are predisposed to this, but for many this issue is very relevant. Champion Petfoods makes biologically appropriate, low-carbohydrate foods that will help keep your pet at an optimal weight while following the feeding guidelines indicated on the food package.

20.What food is suitable for dogs with food allergies?

To answer this question, you must first find out what exactly (which product or ingredient) is the source of the food allergy. To do this, you need to take the appropriate tests at a veterinary clinic and, based on them, get advice from a specialist. Next, a diet is selected that excludes the “dangerous” ingredient. This is the fastest and most correct method, which in most cases will help relieve your pet from suffering. Another option is to select a diet by excluding different types of consumed ingredients. In this case, you and your pet will have to be patient, because sometimes this process drags on for months... But there is good news that will help narrow down the search for a suitable diet: as a rule, in most pets an allergic reaction is caused by chicken protein, namely chicken meat /chicken, offal based on it and chicken egg. Therefore, the basis of the so-called hypoallergenic foods includes lamb meat or various types of fish, which are extremely rarely a source of food allergies. When selecting food, it is always important to remember that each animal is unique and may have its own individual reactions to a particular type of food. And this can often only be determined experimentally.

21.Which food is suitable for dogs with sensitive digestion?

In an effort to take into account all the characteristics of our pets, Champion Petfoods has developed a line of food for dogs with sensitive digestion - this is the Acana “Singles” series. The peculiarity of this line is that the feed contains only one source of protein (50% of the composition) and one source of carbohydrates (another 50%), which greatly facilitates the process of digestion and absorption of feed ingredients. Also excluded from the composition are the components that most often cause allergies: chicken meat, eggs and dairy products. These foods also do not contain wheat, corn or other grains that are “harmful” to dogs. The Acana “Singles” series includes the following foods:

ACANA GRASS-FED LAMB (ACANA LAMB) - hypoallergenic dry food for dogs of all breeds and ages

ACANA FREE-RUN DUCK - dry food for dogs of all breeds and ages

ACANA YORKSHIRE PORK – dry food for dogs of all breeds and ages

ACANA PACIFIC PILCHARD (ACANA SARDINE) – hypoallergenic dry food for dogs of all breeds and ages

22. Loose stools after feeding. What to do?

If an animal has loose stools, it is necessary to first check the dosage: copious, poorly formed stools can be observed with overfeeding. It is also necessary to analyze the diet and exclude all foods and additives from it, except food and water. If this does not change the situation, then your pet has an individual intolerance to some of the components of the food, in which case it is recommended to contact a veterinarian or nutritionist - a specialist will help you determine which ingredient needs to be excluded from the diet and recommend a new food.

23. Do I need to give vitamins or special nutritional supplements in addition to ACANA and ORIJEN dry food?

As has already been said many times, the composition of Acana and Orijen food is carefully balanced and contains all the nutrients, vitamins and microelements necessary for your pet, so there is no strict need to give anything additional.
The exception is those cases when supplements are necessary for medical reasons and are prescribed by a veterinarian based on the results of the examination. Return to top

Existing Akana range

There are various types of food on the market. Taking into account the nutritional needs and preferences of these capricious household members, Champion Petfoods produces certain types of Akana food. Acana cat food is also recognized throughout the world due to its wide range of choices.

These types are popular and in demand:

1. Wild Prairies. Includes a large percentage of chicken and eggs.
2. Pacific . One granule of this Akana food contains 65% fish. Fish-rich food is supplemented with vegetables and fruits, berries, and several types of herbs.
3. Meadows . Consists of 65% meat components.

Akana cat food does not have a separate type for sterilized animals. However, there is Akana food designed for cats and kittens of all breeds and ages, with a recommendation for sterilized animals. It is not recommended to feed a cat immediately after sterilization. This will take about 6 months to stabilize the hormonal balance.

Akana grain-free food

Cat food containing grains can cause obesity and diabetes. The cat's body is adapted to break down glucose from the protein present.

Akana food absolutely does not contain grains.

Dry food

This type of food consumed by a cat becomes a reason for drinking plenty of water, which provides good drainage for the kidneys, warning against possible manifestations of urolithiasis in four-legged pets.

This type of food is especially useful for castrated and sterilized cats.

Akana dry food is enriched with fatty acids and taurine. These elements are necessary for the normal development of the animal.

Benefits of Acana feed

Holistic food is at the highest level of quality, so its benefits are obvious.

Among the advantages of Akana brand products it is worth noting:

1. Balance. The food fully satisfies the nutritional ingredients needs of domestic cats. Akana products are suitable for the main diet, without the need for complementary feeding.
2. Natural ingredients. There are no artificial additives in the food, and all components undergo appropriate quality control.
3. The level of carbohydrates does not exceed the norm. This is extremely important for pets with low activity. Excessive levels of carbohydrates increase blood sugar, which can lead to obesity. Akana food prevents excess weight in pets.
4. Feed isolation is low. This approach allows you to saturate your food with the necessary phosphorus and calcium, while maintaining the natural taste of the product.
5. Due to the high protein content, the cat consumes less food. Compared to higher carbohydrate foods, the protein portion is significantly smaller.
6. Cat food is suitable for all age groups.
7. Mineral component. Useful ingredients allow you to avoid adding complementary foods to your pet’s diet.
8. No by-products, unlike cheap products.

Rules for feeding cats

According to veterinarians' recommendations, it is best to feed furry pets in the morning, afternoon and evening. In order for the food taken by the cat to be digested normally, the feeding period needs to be calculated from 8 to 12 hours.

The owner chooses the portions, matching the quantity with the weight of the animal. Overfeeding your pet is unacceptable; you must monitor its physical fitness, and if signs of obesity are detected, limit the portions of food.

There should be drinking water next to the food. It is important to ensure your cat is drinking enough water every day, especially in hot weather and when the cat is unwell. The water must be clean and fresh and changed daily.

An important advantage of Akana food is its hypoallergenicity.

Acana contains a probiotic, freeze-dried bacteria to stabilize and regenerate the microflora of the stomach and intestines.

Advantages and disadvantages

The main advantages of Akana food and their difference from premium and super-premium brands:

• the food is produced and packaged in a single factory owned by the brand owners - this is a guarantee of quality control at all stages of the production cycle;
• Cheap ingredients are not used in production;
• All raw materials are local, caught and grown in Canada. Supplies of raw materials for feed to the factory are made fresh daily, which makes it possible to do without intermediate freezing and preservation;
• Akana cat food was developed taking into account the recommendations of veterinarians, biologists and professional breeders.

The disadvantages of the brand include:

• a small range of dry cat food, which is fully compensated by its rich composition;
• the food line does not include wet food or canned food;
• the company does not produce medicinal food;
• high price.

Acana cost and where to buy

Acana cat food has different prices depending on the weight of the package:

• 0.34 kg - costs about 350 rubles;
• 2.27 kg - 1700 rubles;
• 6.8 kg - 4000 rubles.

Acana differs from other foods in its richness and nutritional value. Thanks to natural ingredients, the animal consumes food in moderation, which allows you to feed your pet tasty, economically and beneficially for him.

Akana cat food can be purchased at pet stores. You can also order it online, in online pet stores.

There is an official website, by registering on which you can organize joint purchases, which allows you to quickly and economically resolve the issue of purchasing the right type of Akana food for cats.

Prices

Are you already thinking about buying a bag of Akana food to try, pampering your cat and leaving your own review? Be prepared to pay the following amount for it:

• for 340 g – within 359 rubles in Moscow (160 hryvnia in Kyiv);
• for 1.8 kg – in the range of 1524-1782 rubles (850-920 UAH);
• for 5.4 kg – in the range of 3032-3754 rubles (1860-2065 UAH).

Buy Acana food on the Dogeat website.

If you already have experience feeding your pet with Acana food, we will be grateful for your feedback. If you have any questions, ask, we will be happy to answer them.

Veterinarians' opinion on Akana food

Product manufacturers took into account the instructions of veterinarians when creating this wonderful food. Thanks to this, food was obtained for cats of all breeds and ages.

Veterinarians believe that the use of this food, rich in minerals and vitamins, eliminates the need for additional tablets.

Experts emphasize another specific feature of the food, which makes it a leader among other products of the same purpose - Akana is low-calorie, easily digestible, and is not stored in the body as fat.

Veterinarians advise feeding furry pets this food from an early age. After all, at this age you can’t experiment with nutrition. You should not change food in adulthood unless there is a need for it due to the cat’s health.

Reviews of Akana for kittens and pregnant cats

Ulyana: “We feed our Scottish kitten Akana with chicken. Yes, it’s not the cheapest food, but we decided not to experiment and buy what the veterinarians advise. The kitten eats well, is active, and stools every hour.”

Mark: “Our Siamese was on Royal Canin before pregnancy. When the cat became pregnant, she began to lose weight dramatically. After reading veterinarian reviews online, we decided to buy Acana and were not disappointed. The cat quickly returned to normal. Now we have two wonderful kids growing up.”