![Taste of the Wild vs. Acana: Who Wins? [2023]](https://iheartdogs.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/great-dane-3387239_1280-1.jpg "Taste of the Wild vs. Acana: Who Wins? [2023]")
Taste of the Wild and Acana Dog Food are prominent brands in the pet nutrition industry, each boasting unique qualities and benefits. This article dives into a comprehensive comparison of the two, focusing on ingredients, ingredient quality, protein content, price & value, and recall history to provide a clear perspective for pet owners.
Taste of the Wild Vs. Acana: An In-Depth Ingredient Comparison
Taste of the Wild Ingredients: Pros:
- Variety of Protein Sources: Taste of the Wild often features novel proteins like bison, venison, salmon, and wildfowl, providing variety and catering to dogs with allergies to common proteins.
- Grain-Free Options: This brand offers several grain-free formulas, beneficial for dogs with grain sensitivities.
- Fruit and Vegetable Inclusions: Many recipes contain blueberries, raspberries, and tomatoes, which are high in antioxidants, aiding in immune health.
- Digestive Health Support: Prebiotic fibers and species-specific probiotics are commonly found in their recipes, supporting digestive health.
Taste of the Wild Ingredients: Cons:
- Contains Legumes: Some recipes contain legumes, which, though high in protein and fiber, have been a controversial topic due to potential taurine deficiency concerns in certain breeds.
- Inclusion of Potato: Some of their formulas have potatoes, which are higher in glycemic index compared to other vegetables.
Acana Ingredients: Pros:
- Biologically Appropriate: Acana’s philosophy revolves around “biologically appropriate” diets, meaning the ingredients are fresh, regional, and mimic what a dog might eat in the wild.
- High Meat Inclusion: Typically, Acana dog food has a higher meat inclusion rate compared to many other brands, ensuring a protein-rich diet.
- Locally-Sourced Ingredients: Acana prioritizes sourcing ingredients from local suppliers, ensuring freshness and reducing the environmental impact of transportation.
- Diverse Protein Offerings: From lamb to duck to fish, Acana offers a diverse range of proteins, allowing owners to rotate diets or cater to specific protein preferences.
Acana Ingredients:Cons:
- Potential for Richness: With the high meat content, some dogs might find Acana foods richer and may need a transition period or might experience digestive upset.
- Cost: Given the quality and high meat inclusion, Acana tends to be on the pricier side, which might not be suitable for all budgets.
- Legume Inclusion: Like Taste of the Wild, Acana also includes legumes in their ingredients, which can be a concern for specific breeds or dogs prone to heart issues.
Shared Characteristics:
- Transparency: Both brands are transparent about their ingredient sources, ensuring pet owners can make informed choices.
- Natural Preservatives: Neither brand uses artificial preservatives, opting for natural alternatives like tocopherols (vitamin E).
Ingredient Quality and Freshness: Both Taste of the Wild and Acana prioritize ingredient quality and freshness. Taste of the Wild sources ingredients globally but ensures they meet stringent quality standards. In contrast, Acana uses locally-sourced ingredients, emphasizing the use of fresh and raw meat.
Protein Content: Taste of the Wild’s protein content typically ranges from 25% to 32%, depending on the formula. This is relatively high and caters to the dietary needs of most dogs. Acana, on the other hand, features an even higher protein content, with many formulas exceeding 35%. This aligns with Acana’s “biologically appropriate” philosophy.
Carbohydrates and Fillers: Taste of the Wild uses complex carbohydrates like sweet potatoes and peas, which provide essential nutrients and energy. Acana, while also using some legumes, often incorporates a variety of squash and pumpkins to diversify the carbohydrate sources.
Supplemental Additions: Both brands add vital supplements like Omega fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. Acana, due to its high meat content, naturally has a higher Omega-3 and Omega-6 levels, primarily if fish-based formulas are chosen.
Compare Pricing & Discounts: Taste of the Wild vs. Acana
Recalls & Lawsuits: Taste of the Wild Vs. Acana
When it comes to dog food, the safety of the product is paramount. Both Taste of the Wild and Acana have faced recalls and lawsuits, which are critical to consider for informed decision-making.
Taste of the Wild Recalls & Lawsuits:
In 2012, Taste of the Wild was part of a voluntary recall due to potential salmonella contamination. Several dog food brands produced at the Diamond Pet Foods facility, including Taste of the Wild, were affected. No illnesses were reported in connection to the Taste of the Wild products, and the company took swift action to correct the issue.
Acana Recalls & Lawsuits:
To date, Acana has not had any recalls in the U.S. However, it’s always advisable for consumers to stay updated with the FDA or the brand’s website for any future recalls.
Acana Recalls & Lawsuits:
Taste of the Wild: In 2018, a lawsuit was filed against Diamond Pet Foods (the makers of Taste of the Wild) alleging the presence of pesticides, heavy metals, and BPA in their dog food. However, it’s essential to note that the lawsuit didn’t claim the levels were harmful, only that they were present. The lawsuit also cited that the brand misled consumers by not disclosing these substances on their labels.
Acana: Champion Petfoods, the makers of Acana (and Orijen), faced a lawsuit in 2018. The lawsuit claimed that their dog foods contained levels of arsenic, mercury, lead, cadmium, and BPA, while also alleging the company failed to disclose these substances. Similar to the Taste of the Wild lawsuit, it did not claim that the levels of these substances were harmful. Champion Petfoods stood by the quality of their products, emphasizing that the substances mentioned are naturally occurring and found throughout the environment.
It’s crucial to understand that finding trace amounts of heavy metals or other substances in dog food doesn’t necessarily mean it’s unsafe. Many of these elements are naturally occurring and can be found in the environment, including in the soil where ingredients are grown. The key is the amount — trace levels are generally considered safe, while higher amounts could be of concern.
In evaluating recalls and lawsuits, it’s essential not just to consider the presence of an incident but how the company responded. Effective responses to recalls show a company’s commitment to safety and transparency. With lawsuits, while they can bring important issues to light, they don’t always equate to a proven problem. It’s the outcome or resolution of these lawsuits and the company’s actions following them that provide a more comprehensive picture of their dedication to quality and safety.
While past incidents should be part of the decision-making process, they should be considered alongside other factors like ingredient quality, nutritional value, and overall company transparency. As always, it’s advisable for dog owners to stay updated with their preferred brand’s latest information and to consult with their veterinarians about the best dietary choices for their pets.
