Freeze-Dried Farm-Raised Beef Recipe Morsels Dog Food
Verified Jun 4, 2026
This is a high-protein, freeze-dried beef-based food for dogs that can be used as a complete meal, topper, or treat. It features beef, beef liver, tripe, and whole herring as key animal ingredients, with small amounts of pumpkin and organic vegetables and fruits. The recipe is very low in starch and sugars and includes added omega fatty acids and vitamins to provide complete and balanced nutrition for most life stages.
Nutritionally, this is a very dense, meat-forward freeze-dried diet suitable for most puppies and adult dogs, though it is not intended for large-breed puppies. The protein and fat levels are quite high, which can work well for active dogs or those needing calorie-dense meals in a smaller volume. Its low starch content and emphasis on animal ingredients make it appealing for dogs who do well on higher-protein, lower-carbohydrate diets.
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At a Glance
What "not formulated for" means
Life stages this food isn't certified complete and balanced for, based on its AAFCO statement.KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Very high animal-based protein (38% as-fed) from beef, beef organs, tripe, and whole herring, providing a rich amino acid profile.
- Low carbohydrate load with capped dietary starch (7%) and sugars (1%), which can be helpful for dogs that do better on lower-carb diets.
- Includes beneficial extras like omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, turmeric, kelp, and chicory root, which can support skin, coat, and digestive health.
- Complete and balanced to AAFCO standards for all life stages except large-breed puppy growth, giving flexibility to use as a meal, topper, or high-value treat.
Considerations
- Very calorie-dense (about 4,130 kcal/kg; 70 kcal per 1/4 cup), so portion sizes need to be carefully controlled, especially for smaller or less active dogs to avoid weight gain.
- High fat content (minimum 28% as-fed) may not be ideal for dogs with a history of pancreatitis or those who require lower-fat diets.
- Contains beef and fish, which are common food allergens for some dogs; not a good fit if your dog has known sensitivities to these proteins.
- Formulated by nutrient profiles rather than AAFCO feeding trials, so while it meets theoretical requirements, real-world digestibility hasn’t been formally trialed.
Full Ingredient List
Ingredients and analysis reflect manufacturer data at the time of our last update and can change without notice. Always check the actual product packaging before feeding.
Ingredient filtering helps identify compatible options but is not a substitute for a veterinary elimination diet.
Top 5 Ingredients Explained
01
Beef
Beef is commonly used in dog and cat foods as a primary animal protein and palatability enhancer, supplying high-quality essential amino acids, B vitamins, iron, and zinc that support muscle maintenance and overall health. Owners should note beef can be calorie- and fat-dense and is a relatively common allergen, and raw or improperly handled beef carries microbial risks, so formulation, fat content, and sourcing/processing are important considerations.
02
Beef Liver
Beef liver is an organ meat commonly used in dog and cat foods and treats as a highly palatable, protein-rich, nutrient-dense ingredient that provides concentrated, bioavailable vitamins (especially vitamin A and B12), heme iron, copper, and essential amino acids. While it supports blood health and overall nutrition, beef liver should be fed in moderation because excess vitamin A can cause toxicity, its richness may upset sensitive stomachs or contribute to pancreatitis in predisposed pets, and proper sourcing/processing is important to minimize contaminant or bacterial risks.
03
Herring
Herring is commonly used as a high-quality, palatable fish protein and oil source in dog and cat foods, supplying digestible protein along with beneficial long-chain omega-3s (EPA/DHA), vitamin D, B vitamins and trace minerals. It can support skin, coat and joint health, but may be an allergen for some pets and raw fish can contain thiaminase (typically destroyed by commercial cooking); owners should also consider fat content for pancreatitis-prone animals and look for responsibly sourced, low-contaminant products.
04
Pumpkin
Pumpkin is used in pet foods primarily as a fiber-rich carbohydrate and moisture source that can help regulate digestion and firm up loose stools or add bulk for softer stools, and it provides beta-carotene (vitamin A precursor) plus small amounts of vitamins and minerals for dogs and cats. It is safe and beneficial when plain cooked or canned (not spiced or sweetened pie filling), should be fed in moderation as a supplement rather than a primary food, and introduced gradually since large amounts can cause gastrointestinal upset or interfere with absorption of some medications.
05
Natural Fish Flavor
Natural fish flavor is used in pet foods primarily to enhance palatability and encourage eating rather than as a significant source of nutrients. Because it is derived from fish, it may contain trace marine compounds but generally provides little protein or omega‑3s and can be a concern for pets with fish allergies or owners sensitive to strong food odors.
Nutritional Breakdown
How to read As Fed versus Dry Matter
As fed shows the numbers straight off the label, water included. Dry matter removes the water so you can compare a wet food and a dry food fairly.What is calorie density
How many calories the food packs per unit. Denser foods mean smaller portions for the same calories.Product Details & Brand
Product Specs
AAFCO Nutritional Adequacy
What is AAFCO
Association of American Feed Control Officials. It sets the nutritional
adequacy standards US pet foods are measured against.
What is AAFCO
Association of American Feed Control Officials. It sets the nutritional adequacy standards US pet foods are measured against.Brand
ACANA offers high-protein dog and cat foods made from fresh regional ingredients. The brand focuses on biologically appropriate nutrition with recipes inspired by nature, often containing various ratios of meat, fish, and poultry along with fruits and vegetables. Positioned as a premium choice, ACANA targets pet owners seeking high-quality, grain-free or limited-ingredient diets.
Visit AcanaManufacturer
Champion Petfoods maintains full control over its manufacturing through its own award-winning kitchens — NorthStar in Alberta, Canada, and DogStar in Kentucky, USA. The company implements strict quality control, adheres to HACCP and FDA manufacturing standards, and monitors safety through both internal testing and third-party audits.
Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.
Recall History
Acana Freeze-Dried Farm-Raised Beef Recipe Morsels Dog Food has no recalls since 2014.
Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily
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Frequently Asked Questions
Has Acana ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for Acana. We monitor the FDA Pet Food Recall Database daily.
How does KibbleLab rate foods?
Our scores are based on ingredient composition, nutritional profile, AAFCO compliance, and health considerations. We don't penalize by-products, grains, or synthetic preservatives. Brands cannot pay for higher scores.
Is KibbleLab a substitute for veterinary advice?
No. KibbleLab provides data-driven food analysis, not medical advice. Always consult your veterinarian before making dietary changes, especially for pets with health conditions.
KibbleLab provides informational content only. This is not veterinary advice. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before changing your pet's diet.
KibbleLab may earn affiliate commissions through product links. No one can pay for a higher score, or to change what we recommend for your pet.
Product data sourced from manufacturer websites, AAFCO statements, and FDA recall database. Last verified dates reflect our most recent data check.
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