Red Meat Recipe Dry Dog Food
Verified Jun 15, 2026
A high-protein, grain-free dry dog food designed for puppies and adult dogs of all sizes, including large breeds. It features beef, pork, beef meal, and lamb as main animal protein sources, with lentils, peas, and beans supplying carbohydrates and fiber. The recipe also includes added fish oil, probiotics, taurine, and a variety of fruits and vegetables for additional nutrients and digestive support.
Nutritionally, this is a rich, meat-forward kibble with solid protein and fat levels that can suit many healthy, active dogs, including large-breed puppies. It includes omega-3s, taurine, and probiotics, which are nice additions. However, it is a legume-heavy, grain-free formula, so I would be cautious using it as the sole long-term diet in breeds with any concern for heart disease until we know more from ongoing research.
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
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Beef and pork, plus meat meals and organs, provide varied and nutrient-dense animal protein sources.
- Protein and fat levels are appropriate for most active dogs and meet AAFCO all-life-stage standards, including large-breed growth.
- Fish oil, EPA/DHA, and a defined omega-3 and omega-6 content support skin, coat, and overall health needs.
- Added taurine and probiotic cultures offer extra support for heart and digestive health in many dogs.
Considerations
- This is a grain-free, legume-heavy recipe with multiple lentils, beans, and peas high in the list, which raises current DCM-related concerns in some dogs.
- Dogs with beef, pork, lamb, or fish allergies will not do well on this formula due to the mix of animal proteins.
- The relatively high fiber level may cause gas or loose stools in some dogs, especially during a quick transition.
- Formulation-based AAFCO compliance means the recipe has not been through formal feeding trials to confirm digestibility in real dogs.
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
Pork
Pork is used in pet foods primarily as a high-quality animal protein and flavor enhancer, supplying essential amino acids, B vitamins (especially B12 and niacin), iron and zinc, plus fat for calorie-dense energy; it can be suitable for both dogs and cats when balanced in a complete diet. Because pork can be relatively high in fat, it may be inappropriate for pets requiring low‑fat diets or those prone to pancreatitis, some animals may have sensitivities to pork, and raw or undercooked pork can carry parasites or pathogens so it should be properly processed or cooked.
03
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.
04
Red Lentil
Red lentils are a plant-based source of digestible protein, complex carbohydrates, and soluble and insoluble fiber that are used in pet foods to boost protein and fiber content and provide micronutrients such as folate and iron. They can support digestive health and weight management, but are lower in some essential amino acids compared with animal proteins, may contain antinutrients that are reduced by cooking/processing, and because high-legume diets have been scrutinized in relation to diet-associated dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs and lack certain nutrients (e.g., taurine) important for cats, they should be included only as part of a complete, balanced formulation.
05
Pinto Bean
Pinto beans are a plant-based source of digestible carbohydrate, fiber and modest protein commonly used in dog foods and some cat formulations to add bulk, texture and plant protein. They provide soluble and insoluble fiber and micronutrients such as folate and potassium, but their protein is lower-quality for obligate carnivores, can cause gas or digestive upset if not properly cooked/processed, and their carbohydrate content should be considered for pets with weight or blood sugar issues.
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 Red Meat Recipe Dry 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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