Freeze-Dried Patties Free-Run Chicken Recipe
Verified Jun 11, 2026
A high-protein, freeze-dried raw-style dog food made primarily from chicken (including organ meats and ground bone) with added whole herring. It’s balanced with low-starch vegetables and fruits like pumpkin, butternut squash, carrots, and pears, making it suitable as a complete meal or a topper for dogs of all ages, including large-breed puppies. The formula is rich in fat and includes omega fatty acids and added vitamins and minerals for comprehensive nutrition.
This is a nutrient-dense, meat-forward freeze-dried diet that can work well for dogs who do best on high-protein, higher-fat foods, and for owners who want many of the attributes of raw feeding in a more convenient format. It’s complete and balanced for all life stages, including large-breed growth, which is a higher nutritional bar to meet. It’s best suited to healthy, active dogs and those who tolerate chicken well, and can also be used in smaller amounts as a very palatable topper for kibble.
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At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Very high animal content (90% animal ingredients) with chicken, organ meats, and whole herring providing concentrated, high-quality protein and essential amino acids.
- Complete and balanced to AAFCO standards for all life stages, including large-breed puppies, indicating careful attention to key nutrients like calcium and phosphorus.
- Low dietary starch (max 8%) and sugars (max 1%), with carbs coming from nutrient-dense vegetables and fruits rather than heavy grain or legume use.
- Includes omega-3s (EPA and DHA), chicory root (a prebiotic fiber), kelp, and turmeric, which can support overall skin, coat, and digestive health when part of a balanced diet.
Considerations
- Very high fat (minimum 28% as-fed in a low-moisture product) makes this quite calorie-dense, so portion control is important and it may not be ideal for dogs needing a lower-fat diet or those prone to pancreatitis.
- Chicken is the main protein source in several forms, so this food is not appropriate for dogs with chicken allergies or sensitivities.
- Freeze-dried foods are less bulky but extremely energy-dense; overfeeding is easy if patties are not carefully measured, especially when using it as a topper alongside another diet.
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
Chicken
Chicken is a common animal-based protein in dog and cat foods, supplying essential amino acids, B vitamins, and energy-dense fats that support muscle maintenance, growth, and overall health; for cats it also contributes toward dietary taurine but must be present in sufficient amounts or provided via supplementation. It is prized for its digestibility and palatability, though some pets develop sensitivities or allergies to chicken, and nutritional value and safety depend on ingredient quality and processing—raw chicken carries pathogen risks and whole bones can pose choking or GI hazards.
02
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.
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 Chicken Flavor
Natural Chicken Flavor is used primarily as a palatability enhancer in dog and cat foods to improve aroma and taste and is not a meaningful source of protein, vitamins, or other nutrients. While generally considered safe, the flavoring is a concentrated extract or hydrolysate derived from chicken that may trigger reactions in animals with chicken allergies and does not guarantee whole‑meat content or higher nutritional quality.
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 Patties Free-Run Chicken Recipe 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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