We’ve partnered with ACANA™ to help you decode what’s really inside your dog’s bowl.
The dog food shopping category is a sensory overload of claims like “natural,” “ancestral,” “premium,” “human-grade,” and “organic” – the list goes on.
But for most dog parents, the real stress starts when you flip the bag around. Grains, proteins, carbs, fats, vitamins, minerals. Macronutrients and micronutrients. Chicken, lamb, fish, beef, duck. Again… the list goes on!
What’s most important for your dog’s health is not the marketing claims alone, but paying close attention to the ingredient list, the nutrition panel, and the brand’s overall approach to formulation and transparency. Let’s dive in.
1. How to understand ingredients
The ingredient list is one of the most helpful ways to understand what your dog is eating.
Following the primary protein, you should see high-quality carbohydrates (such as lentils or pumpkin), followed by specific fats (such as chicken fat or fish oil), and finally a "premix" of essential vitamins and minerals.
An ingredient list that uses clearly named, recognisable ingredients can help pet parents better understand what is included in the recipe. Less specific terms may provide less transparency for those who value knowing the source of their dog’s nutrients.
Here’s one example of a nutritionally-balanced ingredient list – just wholesome ingredients in an ideal order.
2. What is a ‘Guaranteed Analysis’?
The Guaranteed Analysis is the "Nutrition Facts" box. It provides the minimum percentages of crude protein and fat, and the maximum percentages of fibre and moisture. While it doesn’t describe ingredient quality, it does help indicate the food's nutrient profile.
Higher-quality foods will often go above and beyond the bare minimum requirements. For instance, brands like ACANA that voluntarily list extra "Guaranteed" levels of Omega-3 fatty acids for coat shine or probiotics for gut health, which can provide further insight into what the recipe contains.
Other key terms to know:
- Crude Protein (Min): Indicates the minimum level of protein in the food, essential for muscle maintenance and a key energy source.
- Crude Fat (Min): Indicates the minimum fat content, which supports energy needs and skin and coat health.
- Crude Fibre (Max): Higher values may reflect a greater proportion of fibre-containing ingredients.
3. What is AAFCO?
AAFCO, the Association of American Feed Control Officials, is a US-based organisation that sets nutrient profiles for “complete and balanced” pet food. Seeing an AAFCO statement on a bag, whether for a puppy or a senior, is your guarantee that the food meets the essential nutrient requirements for that life stage.
When a food carries an AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement, it indicates that the recipe has been formulated to meet recognised nutrient requirements for a specific life stage.
This means the diet is considered:
- Complete: It contains all essential nutrients required for daily nutrition.
- Balanced: Those nutrients are present in appropriate ratios.
Both budget and premium foods can meet these nutrient standards to be “AAFCO compliant”. Differences between products are often found in ingredient selection, sourcing, and formulation philosophy, and quality-focused brands like ACANA™ use these standards as a starting point.
4. Real meat versus meat meal
You might be confused about "meals." When you see real meat (like "chicken"), it means it was included in its natural state, which is highly digestible and flavourful. Meat meal (like "chicken meal") has been cooked and dried to remove moisture, creating a very concentrated protein source.
Both forms can play a role in a balanced diet. What matters most is clear labelling, with the animal source specifically named. For example, “lamb meal” clearly identifies the protein source, whereas vague terms like “meat meal” provide less information.
5. Cereals and simple carbohydrates
Carbohydrates provide energy for dogs, and the source and proportion can vary between recipes.
Simple carbohydrate-based cereals such as rice, wheat, and tapioca are commonly used, while other brands, like ACANA®, focus on more complex carbohydrate sources, such as vegetables, legumes and fruits.
Some pet parents prefer foods that focus on a lower proportion of cereals or simple carbohydrates, or that use a variety of plant ingredients. Looking at the full ingredient list can help you understand how carbohydrates are being used in a particular recipe.
6. The ACANA™ difference
If you’re looking for a place to start, ACANA™ makes the choice simple, ticking every box.
✔ The "first two” rule
Every recipe is crafted with fresh or raw animal protein as the first two ingredients, ensuring your pet gets high-quality, digestible protein right from the start.
✔ 60/40/0 meat math
Using a clear 60/40/0 philosophy, recipes consist of 60% high-quality animal ingredients, 40% farm-inspired fruits and vegetables, and 0% grains or cheap fillers.
✔ Ingredient transparency
You’ll only ever see specifically named ingredients, like grass-fed lamb, free-run poultry, or wild-caught fish – never mystery "meat meals" or "animal fats."
✔ Go Beyond the 1st Ingredient™
While all recipes are AAFCO complete and balanced, they go further by including extras like probiotics and Omega fatty acids to help your pet live their fullest life.
Want to see the difference that wholesome food can make for your dog or cat?
Explore the full ACANA™ range today – new to Petstock!
Shop top ACANA™ dog food products
Where can I buy ACANA dog food in Australia?
You can buy ACANA dog food and cat food exclusively at Petstock in Australia. Shop in-store or order online with ease. Get free standard delivery on orders over $25 (available for most major metropolitan regions). Or order online and pick up from your local Petstock store in as little as 15 minutes.