Our verdict
Is ACANA Classic Red Meat a good dog food?
We score it 63/100 (Average). This reflects the ingredient quality, composition and label transparency of the recipe as declared on the label.
Complete extruded dry food for dogs of all life stages, with beef, lamb and pearled barley as the main ingredients.
50% of this recipe has no printed percentage. Estimated shares are model estimates, not label facts.
Who is this food for?
Suits
- Labelled by the manufacturer for all lifestages
- Doesn't list chicken, turkey, venison, duck as ingredients
Consider something else if:
- Your dog avoids beef: the label lists beef
- Your dog avoids lamb: the label lists lamb
- Your dog avoids fish: the label lists fish oil
- Your dog avoids pork: the label lists dehydrated pork protein
- Your dog avoids grain: the label lists pearled barley
- You want a single-protein recipe: this one lists more than one animal protein
These points are derived from declared ingredients and analysis, not a substitute for veterinary advice. If your dog has a diagnosed condition, food choice is a medical nutrition decision: speak to your vet. Find foods that fit your dog.
Nutrition and feedingProtein 27% · Fat 16%
Typical analysis (as fed)
| Nutrient | As fed |
|---|---|
| Protein | 27% |
| Fat | 16% |
| Fibre | 5% |
| Ash | 8% |
| Moisture | 12% |
| Omega-3 fatty acids | 0.30% |
| Omega-6 fatty acids | 2.20% |
| Calcium | 1.60% |
| Phosphorus | 1.10% |
Energy: 342.5 kcal/100g
Additives & feeding info
Feeding and storage
Storage
Once opened, you can safely store ACANA food in its packaging by rolling the top of the bag down after each use. If you live in a humid climate, consider using an airtight container and simply put the entire bag of food in the container. Remember to wash your storage bin whenever you change out your bag of food to ensure that food build-up does not occur. Also remember to keep the lot number handy. You can find this information, as well as the Best Before date, on the back of the package near the top. Refrigeration of ACANA is not required. Rather than a garage with large temperature fluctuations, the best storage is in your home in a cool, dry place at room temperature.
Additives declared on the label
Nutritional additives
3a890 Choline chloride (choline): 700 mg; 3a370 Taurine: 400 mg; 3b612 Zinc: 88 mg; 3b407 Copper: 5.5 mg; 3a821 Vitamin B1: 100 mg; 3a825i Vitamin B2: 20 mg; 3a314 Niacin: 200 mg; 3a841 Calcium-D-pantothenate: 60 mg; 3a831 Vitamin B6: 35 mg; 3a316 Folic Acid: 7 mg; 3a835 Vitamin B12: 0.2 mg; 3a672a Vitamin A: 7500 IU; 3a671 Vitamin D3: 1000 IU; 3a700 Vitamin E: 375 IU; 3a300 Ascorbic acid: 0.15 mg
Technological additives
1b306(i) Tocopherol extract from vegetable oils: 110mg; 1a330 citric acid: 40 mg; Rosemary extract: 75 mg; 4b1707 Enterococcus faecium DSM 10663/NCIMB 10415: 1×109 CFU
Ingredients (34)50% of the recipe is estimated
Estimated composition
- meat 41.0%
- veg 36.8%
- oil 9.0%
- carb 6.8%
- fibre 2.2%
- supplement 2.1%
- additive 2.1%
| # | As declared | Matched | Label reading | Declared % | Est. % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Raw beef (16%) | Beef | meat · medium | 16 | 16.0 |
| 2 | lamb meal (15%) | Lamb | meat · medium | 15 | 15.0 |
| 3 | pearled barley | Pearled Barley | carb · medium | - | 2.4 |
| 4 | whole peas | Peas | veg · good | - | 2.3 |
| 5 | oat groats | Oat Groats | carb · good | - | 2.3 |
| 6 | pork fat (8%) | Pork Fat | oil · medium | 8 | 8.0 |
| 7 | pork meal (8%) | Dehydrated Pork Protein | meat · good | 8 | 8.0 |
| 8 | whole oats | Oat Groats | carb · good | - | 2.2 |
| 9 | chickpea fibre | Chickpea Fibre | fibre · good | - | 2.2 |
| 10 | raw pork (2%) | Pork | meat · medium | 2 | 2.0 |
| 11 | fish oil (1%) | Fish Oil | oil · good | 1 | 1.0 |
| 12 | potassium chloride | Potassium Chloride | supplement · medium | - | 2.1 |
| 13 | dried kelp | Kelp | veg · good | - | 2.1 |
| 14 | salt | Salt | additive · poor | - | 2.1 |
| 15 | dried chicory root | Chicory root | veg · good | - | 2.0 |
| 16 | fresh whole pumpkin | Pumpkin | veg · good | - | 2.0 |
| 17 | fresh whole butternut squash | Butternut Squash | veg · good | - | 1.9 |
| 18 | fresh whole carrots | Carrots | veg · good | - | 1.9 |
| 19 | fresh whole apples | Apples | veg · good | - | 1.8 |
| 20 | fresh whole pears | Pears | veg · good | - | 1.8 |
| 21 | fresh whole zucchini | Courgette | veg · good | - | 1.8 |
| 22 | fresh kale | Kale | veg · good | - | 1.7 |
| 23 | fresh spinach | Spinach | veg · good | - | 1.7 |
| 24 | fresh turnip greens | Turnip | veg · good | - | 1.6 |
| 25 | fresh beet greens | Fresh Beet Greens | veg · good | - | 1.6 |
| 26 | whole cranberries | Cranberries | veg · good | - | 1.6 |
| 27 | whole blueberries | Blueberries | veg · good | - | 1.5 |
| 28 | whole saskatoon berries | Whole Saskatoon Berries | veg · good | - | 1.5 |
| 29 | turmeric | Turmeric | veg · good | - | 1.4 |
| 30 | milk thistle | Milk Thistle | veg · good | - | 1.4 |
| 31 | burdock root | Burdock Root | veg · good | - | 1.3 |
| 32 | lavender | Lavender | veg · good | - | 1.3 |
| 33 | marshmallow root | Marshmallow Root | veg · good | - | 1.3 |
| 34 | rosehips | Rose Hip | veg · good | - | 1.2 |
- 1. Raw beef (16%)16% declared16.0% estimated
- 2. lamb meal (15%)15% declared15.0% estimated
- 3. pearled barley2.4% estimated
- 4. whole peas2.3% estimated
- 5. oat groats2.3% estimated
- 6. pork fat (8%)8% declared8.0% estimated
- 7. pork meal (8%)8% declared8.0% estimated
- 8. whole oats2.2% estimated
- 9. chickpea fibre2.2% estimated
- 10. raw pork (2%)2% declared2.0% estimated
- 11. fish oil (1%)1% declared1.0% estimated
- 12. potassium chloride2.1% estimated
- 13. dried kelp2.1% estimated
- 14. salt2.1% estimated
- 15. dried chicory root2.0% estimated
- 16. fresh whole pumpkin2.0% estimated
- 17. fresh whole butternut squash1.9% estimated
- 18. fresh whole carrots1.9% estimated
- 19. fresh whole apples1.8% estimated
- 20. fresh whole pears1.8% estimated
- 21. fresh whole zucchini1.8% estimated
- 22. fresh kale1.7% estimated
- 23. fresh spinach1.7% estimated
- 24. fresh turnip greens1.6% estimated
- 25. fresh beet greens1.6% estimated
- 26. whole cranberries1.6% estimated
- 27. whole blueberries1.5% estimated
- 28. whole saskatoon berries1.5% estimated
- 29. turmeric1.4% estimated
- 30. milk thistle1.4% estimated
- 31. burdock root1.3% estimated
- 32. lavender1.3% estimated
- 33. marshmallow root1.3% estimated
- 34. rosehips1.2% estimated
Trust and sourceNo recalls recorded in our database · checked 2026-09-13
Brand and contact: ACANA
- Phone
- 01737 767679
- Address
- Bern Pet Foods Ltd. Bancroft Place 10 Bancroft Road Reigate, Surrey RH2 7RP UK
- Contact page
- www.acanapetfoods.co.uk
Trust and provenance
- Recall history
- No recalls recorded in our database
- Label data last checked
- 2026-09-13
- Scored with
- Model v3 (methodology)
- Product page
- www.acanapetfoods.co.uk
Recall history is presentation-only and never affects the score. Dates are when we recorded the data, not when the manufacturer last changed the recipe.
Brand and retailer reviews
External platform ratings are not scores for this individual recipe.
Trustpilot: - · 1 reviews
Spotted a mistake in this listing? Report it here and we'll take a look.
Score details and methodologyCalculations, history and evidence
Recipe: how the 1-100 score is calculated
Why this score?
This recipe achieves an overall score of 63 out of 100 based on several key factors. The meat content contributed +4.4 points, while the overall quality of the ingredient list added +5.5 points. However, the processing format reduced the score by -6.7 points, and ingredients without printed percentages resulted in a deduction of -5.3 points.
Scored with model v3 on 2026-10-25. Each component is the feature value for this product multiplied by the model's published coefficient.
| Component | Input | Coefficient | Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base score | - | 30.909 | +30.91 |
| Average ingredient quality | 0.6 | 9.191 | +5.49 |
| Meat share of dry matter | 46.3% | 0.096 | +4.45 |
| Carb share of dry matter | 10.7% | -0.115 | -1.23 |
| Oil share of dry matter | 15.7% | -0.092 | -1.45 |
| Vegetable share of dry matter | 17.1% | -0.005 | -0.09 |
| Additive share of dry matter | 3.3% | 0.163 | +0.53 |
| Supplement share of dry matter | 3.5% | -0.012 | -0.04 |
| Recipe graded poor | 2.1% | -0.065 | -0.13 |
| Number of poor ingredients | 1 | -0.876 | -0.88 |
| Largest single poor ingredient | 2.1% | 0.060 | +0.12 |
| Undeclared quantities | 50.0% | -0.106 | -5.28 |
| Complete diet | yes | 2.294 | +2.29 |
| High meat (30%+ of dry matter) | yes | 0.707 | +0.71 |
| Additive penalty | -2.51 | 0.222 | -0.56 |
| Processing multiplier | 0.98 | 33.786 | +33.11 |
| Processing: Dry Extruded | yes | -6.713 | -6.71 |
Show all 40 components
| Component | Input | Coefficient | Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base score | - | 30.909 | +30.91 |
| Average ingredient quality | 0.6 | 9.191 | +5.49 |
| Meat share of dry matter | 46.3% | 0.096 | +4.45 |
| Carb share of dry matter | 10.7% | -0.115 | -1.23 |
| Oil share of dry matter | 15.7% | -0.092 | -1.45 |
| Vegetable share of dry matter | 17.1% | -0.005 | -0.09 |
| Additive share of dry matter | 3.3% | 0.163 | +0.53 |
| Supplement share of dry matter | 3.5% | -0.012 | -0.04 |
| Other share of dry matter | 0.0% | -0.375 | +0.00 |
| Unrecognised share of dry matter | 0.0% | -0.027 | +0.00 |
| Recipe graded poor | 2.1% | -0.065 | -0.13 |
| Poor-quality meat in recipe | 0.0% | -0.179 | +0.00 |
| Number of poor ingredients | 1 | -0.876 | -0.88 |
| Largest single poor ingredient | 2.1% | 0.060 | +0.12 |
| Undeclared quantities | 50.0% | -0.106 | -5.28 |
| Prints ingredient percentages | no | 0.000 | +0.00 |
| Complete diet | yes | 2.294 | +2.29 |
| Frozen or chilled fresh | no | 0.000 | +0.00 |
| High meat (30%+ of dry matter) | yes | 0.707 | +0.71 |
| Low meat (under 10% of dry matter) | no | -3.158 | +0.00 |
| High carb and low meat | no | -1.180 | +0.00 |
| Meat share × printed percentages | 0.0 | 0.000 | +0.00 |
| Meat share × fresh | 0.0 | 0.000 | +0.00 |
| Fresh × high meat | 0.0 | 11.084 | +0.00 |
| Additive penalty | -2.51 | 0.222 | -0.56 |
| Processing multiplier | 0.98 | 33.786 | +33.11 |
| Processing: Raw | no | -0.054 | +0.00 |
| Processing: Fresh Chilled | no | -2.354 | +0.00 |
| Processing: Fresh Frozen | no | -2.354 | +0.00 |
| Processing: Fresh Refrigerated | no | 0.000 | +0.00 |
| Processing: Fresh Shelf | no | -0.672 | +0.00 |
| Processing: Dry Freeze Dried | no | 6.629 | +0.00 |
| Processing: Dry Air Dried | no | 6.331 | +0.00 |
| Processing: Dry Cold Pressed | no | -6.713 | +0.00 |
| Processing: Dry Baked | no | -6.713 | +0.00 |
| Processing: Dry Extruded | yes | -6.713 | -6.71 |
| Processing: Dry Semi Moist | no | -6.174 | +0.00 |
| Processing: Dry Muesli | no | -10.146 | +0.00 |
| Processing: Wet Pate | no | -0.672 | +0.00 |
| Processing: Wet Chunks | no | -0.672 | +0.00 |
- Processing-type offset
- +0.02
- Additives declared on label
- +2 transparency bonus
- Subtotal
- 63.3
- Final score
- 63/100
Contributions are rounded to two decimals, so they may not sum exactly to the subtotal. The full coefficient table is published on the methodology page.
Score history across model versions
The score shown above is always computed with the latest published model. Earlier scores are kept for the record and are never edited or deleted; a scoring change ships as a new model version with a public write-up on the methodology page.
Nutritional: declared analysis vs reference ranges
How the declared analysis compares with FEDIAF reference ranges for adult dogs. The label prints as-fed values; we convert to a dry-matter basis before scoring, and the bands are dry-matter ranges. Scores rise to 100 at the band midpoint: the reference is adequacy, not maximisation. Nutrients with a published upper limit taper again above it; fat is policed through calorie density rather than a direct penalty.
| Nutrient | As fed (label) | Dry matter (scored) | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Protein | 27 | 30.7 (band 18 to 40%) | 100 |
| Fat | 16 | 18.2 (band 5.5 to 20%) | 100 |
| Fibre | 5 | 5.7 (band 0.5 to 5%) | 100 |
| Calcium | 1.6 | 1.8 (band 0.5 to 2.5%) | 100 |
| Phosphorus | 1.1 | 1.3 (band 0.4 to 1.6%) | 100 |
| Calcium:phosphorus ratio | 1.5 | 1.5 (band 1 to 2%) | 97.3 |
| Omega fatty acids (omega-6 and omega-3) | - | - | 100 |
| Energy (kcal/100g) | 342.5 | 389.2 | 100 |
Omega fatty acids (omega-6 and omega-3): scored as the mean of its declared components (omega-6 100). The FEDIAF minimum for omega-6 is linoleic acid specifically.
Scored over 8 declared nutrients (combined weight 100); undeclared nutrients do not affect the score.
Declared fortification: 15 nutritional additives on the label
- 3a890 Choline chloride (choline): 700 mg
- 3a370 Taurine: 400 mg
- 3b612 Zinc: 88 mg
- 3b407 Copper: 5.5 mg
- 3a821 Vitamin B1: 100 mg
- 3a825i Vitamin B2: 20 mg
- 3a314 Niacin: 200 mg
- 3a841 Calcium-D-pantothenate: 60 mg
- 3a831 Vitamin B6: 35 mg
- 3a316 Folic Acid: 7 mg
- 3a835 Vitamin B12: 0.2 mg
- 3a672a Vitamin A: 7500 IU
- 3a671 Vitamin D3: 1000 IU
- 3a700 Vitamin E: 375 IU
- 3a300 Ascorbic acid: 0.15 mg
High confidence: full analysis plus minerals or omegas and declared energy.
This measures agreement with published reference ranges, not suitability for an individual dog. For medical conditions, follow veterinary guidance.
Transparency: what the label discloses
How much the manufacturer discloses, measured against the FEDIAF Code of Good Labelling Practice and Regulation 767/2009. Mandatory items dominate the weighting.
| Item | Points |
|---|---|
| Ingredient list on the label (mandatory) | 10/10 |
| Printed percentages on the label (50% of the recipe mass) (voluntary) | 10/20 |
| Analytical constituents declared (mandatory) | 15/15 |
| Additives declared (mandatory) | 10/10 |
| Energy value declared (voluntary) | 5/5 |
| Complete/complementary designation (mandatory) | 5/5 |
| Feeding guidance given (mandatory) - not on file | 0/10 |
| Manufacturer identity and address (mandatory) | 10/10 |
| Country of manufacture stated (voluntary) | 10/10 |
| Batch and date labelling (mandatory) | 5/5 |
Capped at 60: mandatory items missing (Feeding guidance given).
Safety: recall history
Recall and safety-notice history, time-decayed. This dimension is shown alongside the score and never feeds the headline number.
No recalls recorded in our database.
See all current recalls we track.
Evidence: what the brand claims, and what supports it
The claims made on the pack and product page, checked against the declared label. We record claims as stated; "consistent" means our stored label data supports the claim, "contradicted" means it conflicts with it. Functional claims are recorded but never scored.
Claims on file; none we can check against the label
| Claim | Type | Check | Substantiation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Includes antioxidants from fruit & vegetables as well as vitamin C to help support immune function (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Prebiotics & fibre to help support healthy digestion (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil to help support healthy skin & coat (on page) | Functional | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| 1st ingredient is raw beef (on page) | Content | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
| Crafted with 50% quality animal ingredients balanced with 50% wholesome grains, vegetables, fruit, botanicals and nutrients (on page) | Content | not checkable | Manufacturer assertion |
The full scoring method is published. See the methodology for exactly how the headline score and each dimension are calculated.
Alternatives to Classic Red Meat
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