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Wholesome Grains Duck & Pumpkin Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food
Verified Jun 9, 2026
This is a limited-ingredient, grain-inclusive dry food for dogs that uses duck as its single animal protein source. It pairs duck and duck meal with oats, sorghum, and pumpkin, providing moderate protein and fat along with added omega-3s, taurine, and probiotics. It’s designed for dogs of most ages and sizes, including those with some food sensitivities who do better on a simpler ingredient list and a non-chicken protein source.
Nutritionally, this is a high-quality, limited-ingredient dry food with duck as the only animal protein, which can be helpful for many dogs with suspected food sensitivities to more common proteins like chicken or beef. The protein and fat levels are appropriate for most active adult dogs and many growing dogs, and the inclusion of wholesome grains, pumpkin, omega-3s, taurine, and probiotics makes it a well-rounded option. It is not appropriate for large-breed puppies, and very sensitive dogs may still react if they’re broadly poultry-allergic.
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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 and duck meal are the main animal ingredients, giving a clearly identified, single protein source that often works well for dogs who don’t tolerate chicken or beef.
- Includes wholesome grains (oats, sorghum) and pumpkin, providing digestible carbohydrates and fiber rather than relying on legumes or potatoes as primary carbs.
- Solid nutrient profile for a dry food, with 27% protein and 17% fat, plus added omega-3s (EPA/DHA), taurine, glucosamine, and probiotics to support overall health, joints, and digestion.
- Formulated to be complete and balanced under AAFCO for all life stages except large-breed puppy growth, so it can cover most dogs’ basic nutritional needs when fed as the main diet.
Considerations
- Not suitable for large-breed puppies (expected adult weight 70 lb or more), as indicated by the AAFCO statement; those dogs should be on a formula specifically designed for large-breed growth.
- Although it’s labeled limited ingredient, it still contains several grains and fiber sources, so it may not be appropriate as an elimination diet for diagnosing food allergies.
- Duck is still poultry, so dogs with a known poultry allergy may not tolerate this formula.
- Calcium and phosphorus levels (1.8% and 1.3% min) are on the higher side for very low-activity or senior dogs, so those dogs may do better on a diet formulated specifically for their life stage and activity level.
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
Oat Groat
Oat groats are the whole, minimally processed oat kernels (hull removed) used in pet foods as a source of complex carbohydrates, soluble fiber (including beneficial beta‑glucans), and modest amounts of protein, B vitamins, and minerals. They provide digestible energy and can support gastrointestinal health and weight management when cooked or processed for improved digestibility, but should be used in moderation—especially in cat diets and in pets with grain sensitivities or carbohydrate‑restricted conditions such as diabetes.
04
Sorghum
Sorghum is a cereal grain commonly used in pet foods as a source of complex carbohydrates, dietary fiber and modest plant protein, often chosen as a gluten‑free alternative to wheat or corn. It can provide fermentable fiber and antioxidant compounds that may support digestion and glycemic control, but is generally less digestible than some grains unless properly processed and certain tannin‑rich varieties can reduce nutrient availability, so quality sourcing and appropriate formulation are important—particularly for cats, whose diets should remain primarily animal‑based.
05
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.
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 Wholesome Grains Duck & Pumpkin Limited Ingredient 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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