Classics Pate Fish Recipe Wet Dog Food
Verified Jun 17, 2026
This is a canned fish-based pate for adult dogs, using catfish and pork (including pork liver) as key protein sources, with added vegetables, oats, barley, and chickpeas for fiber and carbohydrates. The formula is complete and balanced for adult maintenance and includes fish oil and sunflower oil to supply omega fatty acids, plus added vitamins and minerals. Its soft texture and high moisture make it suitable as a full meal or as a topper to add palatability and hydration to dry food.
Overall, this is a high-quality wet food option for healthy adult dogs, with named fish and pork ingredients providing the main protein. The calorie density is typical for a pate-style canned food, and the added fish and plant oils contribute omega fatty acids that support skin, coat, and overall health. It should suit most adult dogs well, but it does contain common allergen proteins and uses chickpeas among the carbohydrate sources, which some owners of dogs with heart concerns may want to discuss with their vet.
The KibbleLab Score (1–10) is assessed from publicly available product data. Our evaluation is science-based, not marketing-based.
KibbleLab may earn an affiliate commission when you buy through a link. No one can pay for a higher score, or to change what we recommend for your pet.
At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Named animal proteins (catfish, pork, pork liver) at the top of the ingredient list provide good-quality, highly digestible protein for adult dogs.
- Complete and balanced to AAFCO standards for adult maintenance, so it can be fed as a sole diet for adult dogs.
- Includes fish oil and sunflower oil, supplying omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which support skin and coat health; omega levels are specifically guaranteed.
- Wet pate format offers high moisture content, which can help with hydration and is often appealing for dogs that are picky or have dental issues.
Considerations
- Contains fish and pork, which can be problematic if your dog has known protein allergies to these ingredients.
- Includes chickpeas along with oats and barley; while this is not a grain-free diet, some owners of breeds with known heart disease risks may wish to be cautious with legume-containing formulas and consult their veterinarian.
- Protein level (8% as-fed in a high-moisture food) is appropriate for many adult dogs, but very high-energy or working dogs may need a higher-protein overall feeding plan when calories are adjusted.
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
Catfish
Catfish is used in pet foods as a digestible animal protein and source of omega‑3 fatty acids, supporting muscle maintenance and skin/coat health in both dogs and cats. It can enhance palatability and provide lean protein but may trigger fish allergies in some animals or present contaminant risks depending on source (e.g., mercury or PCBs), and cat diets should still be formulated or supplemented to ensure adequate taurine and complete nutrition.
02
Pork Bone Broth
Pork bone broth is used as a flavorful palatant and hydration aid in pet foods and toppers, contributing gelatin, collagen-derived amino acids, and trace minerals that can support joint and gut health and make food more appealing to dogs and cats. Owners should note broths may be high in sodium or fat and sometimes contain toxic seasonings (e.g., onion, garlic, xylitol) or bone fragments, so choose low‑salt, properly strained products and treat broth as a supplement rather than a complete diet.
03
Herring Broth
Herring broth is used primarily as a flavorful, palatability-enhancing liquid or meal topper in dog and cat foods, adding moisture and a mild source of fish-derived protein, minerals (such as iodine) and omega‑3 fatty acids. While it can improve acceptance and hydration, caregivers should watch for added salt, fat or preservatives, consider fish allergies or conditions like pancreatitis, and choose high-quality, low-salt preparations to avoid spoilage or excessive additives.
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
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.
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 Classics Pate Fish Recipe Wet Dog Food has no recalls since 2014.
Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily
Sign up for the full picture
Feeding Calculator
Personalized portion sizes based on your pet's weight, age, and activity level.
Get started
Post your dog's report card and challenge friends to check their food.
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.
Continue with Google
Continue with Facebook