Freeze-Dried Free-Run Duck Recipe Morsels Dog Food
Verified May 21, 2026
This is a high-protein, freeze-dried dog food made primarily from duck with ground bone, turkey, chicken liver, and whole herring, designed for dogs of all life stages (except large-breed puppies). It offers a very low-carbohydrate profile with added omega-3s, pumpkin, and organic vegetables, and can be fed as a complete diet, topper, or treat. The freeze-dried format keeps the food lightweight and shelf-stable while preserving much of the raw ingredient character.
Nutritionally, this is a rich, meat-focused freeze-dried option that suits most puppies and adult dogs who do well on higher protein and fat diets. It uses multiple animal protein sources, including duck, turkey, chicken organs, and fish, along with some thoughtfully chosen vegetables and added omega-3s. It is complete and balanced by AAFCO formulation for all life stages except large-breed growth, making it appropriate as a main food, topper, or high-value treat for most dogs without specific medical needs.
The KibbleLab Score (1–10) is assessed from publicly available product data. Our evaluation is science-based, not marketing-based.
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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 protein (44%) and substantial fat (23%), with duck, turkey, chicken organs, and whole herring providing varied, nutrient-dense animal sources.
- Low carbohydrate content overall, with limited plant ingredients like pumpkin, organic squash, carrots, and pears for added fiber and phytonutrients.
- Includes omega-3 fatty acids (EPA, DHA, and total omega-3 guarantee) and omega-6s, which can support skin, coat, and overall health.
- AAFCO complete and balanced for all life stages except large-breed growth, so it can be used as a sole diet for most dogs, plus flexible use as topper or treats.
Considerations
- Contains multiple common allergens (duck, turkey, chicken, fish), so it is not a good fit for dogs needing a limited-ingredient or single-protein diet for allergy management.
- The protein and fat levels are quite high, which may be too rich for some dogs with sensitive digestion or those who require a lower-fat diet as directed by a veterinarian.
- As an energy-dense, freeze-dried food (about 3,950 kcal/kg), portion sizes are small; overfeeding can happen easily if measuring is not precise.
- Not appropriate as a complete diet for large-breed puppies, as specified by the AAFCO statement.
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
Duck With Ground Bone
Duck with ground bone is used primarily as a palatable animal protein source in pet foods, with the ground bone providing bioavailable calcium and phosphorus and contributing to texture and caloric density. It can be a useful novel protein for dogs and cats, but formulators must balance mineral ratios and fat content—excess bone can disrupt calcium:phosphorus balance (important for growing animals and pets with renal disease) and owners should choose products from reputable manufacturers to ensure safe processing and minimize contamination risk.
02
Turkey with Ground Bone
Turkey with ground bone is used in pet food as a combined animal protein and mineral source, providing meat-based essential amino acids along with concentrated calcium and phosphorus from the bone. It can be a nutritious choice for dogs and cats when properly balanced, but high bone content raises ash and mineral levels so formulations must be monitored to avoid calcium/phosphorus imbalances or digestive issues, and sourcing/processing should control microbial risk and allergen considerations.
03
Chicken Liver
Chicken liver is a nutrient-dense organ meat commonly used in pet foods and treats as a highly palatable protein source and flavor enhancer, providing concentrated vitamins (especially vitamin A and B-complex), iron, and copper that support energy metabolism, red blood cell formation, and skin/coat health in both dogs and cats. Because it is so rich, liver should be fed in moderation—excessive intake can cause vitamin A toxicity, and its high fat content and risk of bacterial contamination mean it should be properly sourced or cooked and limited for pets with pancreatitis or specific dietary restrictions.
04
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.
05
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.
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 Free-Run Duck 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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