Singles Duck & Pear Recipe Dry Dog Food
Verified May 19, 2026
This is a high-protein, grain-free dry food using duck as its single animal protein source, with chickpeas, lentils, sweet potato, and pears providing carbohydrates and fiber. It’s designed for dogs of most ages and sizes (but not growing large-breed puppies) who may do well on a limited-ingredient formula, with added omega fatty acids and probiotics to support skin, coat, and digestive health.
Nutritionally, this is a well-designed, higher-protein kibble that suits many dogs needing a single animal protein, such as those with suspected sensitivities to more common meats. The duck-based formula with moderate starch and added omega-3s and probiotics makes it a solid option for most small- and medium-breed dogs and adult large-breed dogs. It is not appropriate for large-breed puppies because the mineral balance is not tailored for their growth needs.
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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
- Duck, duck meal, and duck liver provide concentrated, highly digestible animal protein at a robust 31% protein level for a dry food.
- Carbohydrates are relatively moderate, with dietary starch capped at 18%, which helps keep the formula more protein-focused.
- Includes added EPA and DHA, plus omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which support skin, coat, and overall health.
- Contains added probiotics and chicory root, which can help support a healthy gut microbiome in many dogs.
Considerations
- This recipe is not suitable for large-breed puppies, so growing dogs expected to reach 70 lb or more should be on a different formula.
- Duck is still a common animal protein, so dogs with known poultry allergies would need a different protein source.
- Legumes like chickpeas and lentils are key carbohydrate sources; for dogs with heart concerns, discuss any legume-heavy diet with your veterinarian.
- At 17% fat, this food may be too rich for dogs who need a lower-fat diet due to pancreatitis or other medical issues.
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
Duck is used in pet food primarily as a flavorful animal protein and fat source, commonly included in limited-ingredient or novel-protein formulas for dogs and cats. It supplies high-quality amino acids and energy and can help pets with sensitivities to common proteins, but it is relatively rich in fat (so may be unsuitable for low‑fat or pancreatitis-prone animals), can still trigger allergies in some pets, and requires proper cooking/processing and handling to avoid bacterial contamination.
02
Duck
Duck is used in pet food primarily as a flavorful animal protein and fat source, commonly included in limited-ingredient or novel-protein formulas for dogs and cats. It supplies high-quality amino acids and energy and can help pets with sensitivities to common proteins, but it is relatively rich in fat (so may be unsuitable for low‑fat or pancreatitis-prone animals), can still trigger allergies in some pets, and requires proper cooking/processing and handling to avoid bacterial contamination.
03
Duck Liver
Duck liver is an organ meat used in pet foods and treats as a concentrated protein and highly palatable micronutrient source, supplying bioavailable vitamins (notably vitamin A and B12), iron, and copper for both dogs and cats. It is nutrient-dense and beneficial in moderation but should be included as part of a balanced formula because excessive liver can lead to hypervitaminosis A and mineral imbalances, and it should be properly processed to minimize pathogen risk.
04
Sweet Potato
Sweet potato is used in pet foods as a digestible carbohydrate and source of soluble fiber, vitamins (notably beta‑carotene), minerals and antioxidants, often helping with stool quality and serving as a binder or energy ingredient. It is generally well tolerated by dogs and can support gut health, but because cats poorly convert beta‑carotene to vitamin A and require preformed vitamin A from animal sources, sweet potato is not a substitute for meat-based nutrients; its relatively high carbohydrate content also means portion control is advised for overweight or diabetic pets and it should be cooked for best digestibility.
05
Chickpea
Chickpeas are a legume commonly used in pet foods as a plant-based protein, source of digestible carbohydrates, and supply of soluble and insoluble fiber that helps with stool quality and satiety. They can be a useful ingredient for dogs but are not a complete protein for obligate carnivores like cats and may cause gas or digestive upset if underprocessed; additionally, high inclusion of legumes in some grain‑free diets has been discussed as a potential factor in canine dilated cardiomyopathy so diets should be balanced and any concerns discussed with your veterinarian.
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 Singles Duck & Pear 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.