Bringing a new pet into your home is very exciting but where do you start? Read our advice on how to create a pet-friendly home that works for everyone in the household.

How to Create a Pet-Friendly Home

The first thing to consider is the type of pet that would fit into your household and lifestyle. What type of home do you have? Are you very active and love spending time outdoors? Or are you more likely to spend time around the house? Consider the time and financial commitments of your desired pet.

A key aspect of your home to look at before welcoming your new family member are spaces within the home for the pet. For example, where will they sleep? eat? play? go to the toilet? You may also think about areas for storage of essential items like food. There is no hard rule that you must have a certain type of home to accommodate a pet, however you should consider whether the type of pet you are thinking about will suit the home that you have.

The Blue Cross recommends a ‘family’ meeting before adding a new member to your household to agree on basic principles – who is responsible for feeding, exercise, maintaining medical appointments, cleaning, training and play. What pet would best fit with all members?

Tips for Designing a Pet-Friendly Home

Create a cosy safe space, whether you choose to use a bed, crate or allow free access to a comfy sofa, ensure your pet has a relaxing space in your home. You could try placing your cat’s bed in sunny location like a windowsill. Cats often prefer a quiet place to retreat from household noise to relax during the day so consider placing your cat’s bed in a room that is a little quieter.

You should also consider the entry and exit from the home for exercise or toileting. Will you have a cat flap, or will they be a house cat? For dogs you will also want to think about how secure your fencing is for outside spaces.

Must-Have Items for a Pet-Friendly Space

The budget for creating a pet-friendly space in your home can be as little or large as you decide! For cats and dogs, puppies or kittens there are several essentials they will need:

• Food and water bowls
• A comfortable bed
• Good quality food – try our wholesome ACANA recipes!

You could also think about additional items such as toys, suitable grooming brushes and for cats a litter tray. For dogs you will need a collar or harness with ID tag and a lead.

It is also a legal requirement for dogs and cats to be microchipped in the UK. Ensure the information is up to date so that your new pet is registered to you with the correct contact information.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Pet-Proofing

If you already have one pet and are thinking about adding another, we often overlook the initial safety proofing of our home. For instance, puppies and kittens like to explore the world with their mouths and are much more likely to pick up or chew items that an adult cat or dog may have learned not to. We recommend checking fences and points of entry and exit to your property to ensure that they are secure and there are no small holes a little one may escape. If you are rehoming an older cat or dog, they may have their own likes and dislikes which differ from your current pet.

Creating a welcoming pet-friendly space for your new family member within your home can be a wonderful experience and as your bond grows and your pet ages you are sure to find new ways to accommodate your canine companion or feline friend.

Signs Your Dog May Be Allergic to Chicken

As in humans, allergies or sensitivities in dogs can present in many different ways. Symptoms may include itchy, red or inflamed skin or gastrointestinal problems such as vomiting, diarrhoea and gas. Some less obvious signs are reoccurring ear infections, excessive paw licking and poor coat quality. Identifying the cause of these symptoms can be a difficult process and we would recommend that you consult with your trusted vet.

 Why Choose Dog Food Without Chicken?

Dogs may be sensitive to many different ingredients as well as environmental factors but one that can be hard to avoid is chicken. If you are concerned that your dog may be sensitive and have ruled out other medical issues with your vet, one option is to try an elimination diet. This is a short-term eating plan for your dog, removing certain foods to identify potential triggers for adverse reactions of symptoms.

Best Protein Alternatives for Dogs

When looking for an alternative food as part of an elimination diet for the clearest results, it is best to choose a novel protein that your dog does not normally eat. For example, if your dog is normally fed a diet with the main protein source of chicken you could select a lamb or pork recipe to trial – ensuring the that the new food does not include chicken ingredients.

ACANA Singles recipes with 50% quality animal ingredients are rich in protein from a single animal source and balanced with 50% vegetables, fruit and nutrients, such as fresh apples and fresh whole pumpkin to support healthy digestion. Making them great for choosy dogs or dogs with food sensitivities.

How To Identify Dog Foods Without Chicken

All dog food packaging should show the composition of the food, stated in descending order of the ingredients. However sometimes it can be hard to identify whether chicken is included in a recipe or not. Some dog foods may use terms like ‘meat or animal derivatives’, ‘meat meals’ or ‘poultry proteins’ which do not specify if they contain chicken or not. The best option is to choose a food which clearly states all the ingredients by name in the recipe. If you are not sure what a term means, or maybe if that could include chicken, it is best to avoid as part of an elimination diet for the best result. For example, here is the recipe for ACANA Singles Grass-Fed Lamb dog food which shows each of the ingredients clearly:

Raw lamb (21%), lamb meal (19%), whole green peas, whole red lentils, raw lamb liver (8%), canola oil, fresh apples (4%), whole chickpeas, whole green lentils, whole yellow peas, lentil fibre, pea starch, sunflower oil, algae (source of EPA and DHA), raw lamb tripe (1%), raw lamb kidney (1%), fresh whole butternut squash, fresh whole pumpkin, dried kelp, salt, dried chicory root, whole cranberries, whole blueberries, turmeric, milk thistle, burdock root, lavender, marshmallow root, rosehips.

It is also important to ensure that for the period of the elimination diet you do not feed any additional treats or food that may contain the ingredient you are looking to avoid. Ideally for this period you would use a portion of the selected recipe of kibble to use in the place of treats.

Tips for Transitioning Your Dog’s Diet

For some dogs with allergies or sensitivities transitioning to a new food may take longer. In these cases you may want to start the transition with much smaller amount of the new food. For example, 10% of the total daily food intake of new food and 90% old food, gradually transitioning over at least 10-14 days.

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Categories: ACANA Singles, Dog Food

ACANA Grass-Fed Lamb Dog Food

£23.99 – £94.99Price range: £23.99 through £94.99

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Categories: ACANA Singles, Dog Food

ACANA Free-Run Duck Dog Food

£26.99 – £99.99Price range: £26.99 through £99.99

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Categories: ACANA Singles, Dog Food

ACANA Yorkshire Pork Dog Food

£22.99 – £86.99Price range: £22.99 through £86.99

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November is a time of year when many people will be celebrating with an evening of fireworks.

While most annual events can be celebrated with pets, cats and dogs don’t respond well to large groups of people and the lights and noise of fireworks. To ensure pets are safe and as comfortable as possible during the festivities, we have put together some tips and tricks to help owners care for their furry friends.

Ensure Your Pet’s Identification Is Up to Date

One of the easiest things owners can do in advance of big events is make sure their pets have identification tags with current information in case they get lost.

It’s also a good idea to double check that microchip information is up-to-date. Also, be sure to have several current photos of your pet so you can share what they look like with others, should you need help finding them.

Create a Pet-Safe Zone

For owners, creating a space where their pet feels safe and comfortable not only helps the animals to relax during high stress events, but allows them to rest easy, since they know where their pets are.

In advance of the event, make sure any outside fencing will keep the pets contained and plan to keep doors and windows in the home securely closed. If your dog or cat has a favourite space, like a room or crate, that’s a good place to keep them during fireworks or other loud celebrations—it will help calm them to be in a place they’re familiar with.

Keep a Nervous Pet Engaged

Owners staying home for the night with a nervous pet while neighbours are loudly celebrating can still have a great time by engaging with their animal in enrichment activities and toys.

If your pet is particularly anxious and enrichment activities don’t help, consult with a trusted veterinarian, as they may have other suggestions. Everyone should have a good time enjoying the season, and that includes cats and dogs. By taking safety steps and finding ways to engage them during the fireworks and loud events, owners can ensure their animals have a positive experience.

Get to know one of our ACANA ambassadors as they share their favourite moments and the food they choose for all their adventures.

Name of owner:  West Midlands Fire Service

Handler: Kate Murphy

Name of pet: Luna

Age of pet: 5 years old

Social Media: @wmfs_usar_dog

Location: West Midlands

Favourite memory so far with your pet?

Ah… there are too many! A big standout though is the day of our licensing as a USAR canine team. I was so nervous for our assessment and Luna came out with an expression which said “Chill out, I’ve got this!!”. She was absolutely fantastic and I was brimming with pride and gratitude for her. I still am everyday to be honest!

What are your pet’s favourite games?

Hide and seek…. although she always gets to be the seeker! Luna loves searching for anything; toys, people and even lost property! Tug comes a close second though which gives my shoulders a good workout at the same time!

What would be your pet’s perfect day?

Luna loves a beach day…. an early start for a run along the shore, a game of hide and seek in the dunes, lots of splashing and swimming in the sea, finished off with a bowl of ACANA at dinner time and all the cuddles is her idea of heaven!

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Categories: ACANA Dog, Dog Food

ACANA Sport & Agility Dog Food

£76.99

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Luna is fuelled with ACANA Sport and Agility, thoughtfully crafted to nurture your dog with protein and calories to help meet your active dog’s needs. Made with 75%¹ quality animal ingredients like fresh chicken and raw hake balanced with 25%¹ fruit and vegetables²      

^{1Approximate and derived from the unprocessed state of the ingredients. 2We also add essential vitamins and minerals, natural preservatives and probiotics}

Get to know one of our ACANA ambassadors as they share their favourite moments and the food they choose for all their adventures.

Name of Owner: Emma & Julian

Name of Pet: Buzz, Posy & Cole

Age of Pet: Buzz is 5 years old & Posy and Cole are 4.

Social Media: @buzzandposy

Location: Bedfordshire, England

Favourite memory so far with your pet?

I don’t think we could beat the feeling of bringing them home as kittens. These are forever our favourite memories because they brought so much joy into our home as soon as they arrived.

What are your pet’s favourite games?

We usually make a fun game out of changing the bed sheets. Cole also loves to try and catch our feet under the bedcovers and Buzz enjoys playing catch with his silver crinkly balls (he’s a pro). Posy’s favourite game is wrestling with her brothers, but she doesn’t like it when she loses. She’s so sassy!

What would be your pet’s perfect day?

A sunny day in our back garden with us. They love to play with catnip bubbles, bowls of water filled with toy fish, and if it’s really nice we let them have their dinner outside on the patio. They love it!

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Categories: ACANA Highest Protein Cat Food, Cat Food

ACANA Indoor Cat Food

£26.99 – £47.99Price range: £26.99 through £47.99

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Buzz, Posy and Cole enjoy their ACANA Highest Protein Indoor Cat recipe for all their indoor adventures and playtime.

ACANA™ Highest Protein1 Indoor Cat recipe is our first no added grains2 recipe for indoor cats! Rich with fresh chicken, raw salmon and trout, this premium recipe is crafted with 75% animal ingredients3 to satisfy your indoor feline’s craving for more protein.

To meet the needs of your indoor cat, it helps support three unique health benefits, including balanced protein and fat to help them maintain a healthy weight. A blend of fibre helps support hairball control. Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids help support a healthy skin and a shiny coat.

1Compared to ACANA™ Indoor Entrée Cat recipe. 2Produced in a facility that also processes grains 3Approximate and derived from the unprocessed state of the ingredients. Our fresh ingredients use refrigeration as the sole method of preservation and our raw ingredients are frozen at their peak freshness.

As a kitten owner, you are probably wondering when the best time to transition to an adult food is. It’s important not to switch too early or too late, so when exactly is the happy medium?

Understanding a Kitten’s Nutritional Needs

Kitten and adult foods differ; kittens grow rapidly and therefore require more calories to support that growth. Protein is crucial in their diet, as amino acids are the building blocks for muscle and tissue. For example, taurine is one of the most important amino acids and is vital for your kitten’s brain, heart, and vision. Essential fatty acids are very important for energy – which your playful kitten is most certainly going to need! Kittens also require more calcium than adult cats, as their skeletal system is growing and developing. Of course, a wide range of nutrients such as vitamin A, vitamin B, thiamin, and niacin are also necessary for your kitten’s development.

When Can a Kitten Start Eating Adult Food?

Most cats are fully grown by around 12 months of age. The growth phase has ended around this time and they will no longer require extra calories and energy. This is the best time to start transitioning to an adult ACANA recipe.

Some larger breeds, such as Maine Coons, may not reach maturity until around 18 months of age. If you aren’t sure if your cat has reached its adult weight, consult your trusted vet for advice.

Signs Your Kitten Is Ready for Adult Food

As your kitten matures, its growth will slow down. You will notice your kitten’s weight begins to plateau and they may seem less hungry than before. As they mature, they require less energy and therefore may not need as much food to satisfy them. These are signs that the transition to adult food is near.

How to Transition from Kitten to Adult Food

To avoid digestive upset and to allow your cat to adjust to their new adult food, a gradual transition over around 7 days is important. Start with 75% of their ACANA kitten formula mixed with 25% of the new adult formula. Over the course of the week, slowly increase the percentage of new food and decrease the old food. By the end of the week, as long as you are not observing anything abnormal (loose stool, vomiting, excessive itching, etc.), you should be feeding full portions of the adult recipe.

Risks of Switching Too Early or Too Late

Changing too early, while your kitten is still growing, can deprive your kitten of the necessary protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals required for growth. These nutrients are essential for the growth and development of your kitten’s organs and body systems, such as the brain, heart, eyes, liver, and kidneys.

On the other hand, staying on a kitten recipe after the growth phase has ended can lead to unwanted weight gain. As kitten foods have a higher fat and caloric content, once your cat has finished growing, these excess calories will be stored as fat. Overweight kitties are more at risk for serious health concerns such as heart disease and diabetes. Keeping your cat’s weight within a healthy range is very important – especially so early in your cat’s life.

Choosing the Best Adult Food for Your Cat

It is important that your cat’s adult food contains a high percentage of quality animal ingredients, including fresh meat. For the smoothest transition, it is usually best to choose an adult food that most closely resembles the kitten recipe you were feeding.

For example, the ACANA Homestead Harvest recipe would be the best choice for cats that were previously enjoying the ACANA First Feast formula. For kittens that were fed the ACANA Kitten recipe, we would recommend feeding ACANA Wild Prairie as an adult.

Throughout your cat’s life, you may want to try out various ACANA recipes. This is called Rotational Feeding and is a great way to offer your cat a variety of proteins and fats. Check out our FAQ’s page for more information on how to rotate between our recipes.

Caring for an indoor cat is a rewarding experience, but it does come with unique challenges. Without the natural stimulation and space that outdoor cats have, indoor cats rely on their human companions for everything—from entertainment to exercise, and, of course, food. Ensuring your indoor cat remains healthy, happy, and well-adjusted requires a little extra effort and consideration. Below are some essential tips and advice to help you care for your indoor cat.

Why Indoor Cat Care is Different

Indoor cats face a different set of challenges compared to outdoor cats. While they are protected from outdoor dangers such as traffic, predators, and disease, they lack the natural stimulation provided by exploring the outdoors. This means they may experience boredom, anxiety, and potentially even obesity if their environment doesn’t meet all of their physical and mental needs.

Indoor cats tend to be less active and have fewer opportunities to engage in natural hunting and climbing activities. To combat these challenges, it’s important to create an enriching environment for your cat inside your home. This includes setting up spaces for climbing, play, and exploration.

How to Take Care of an Indoor Cat’s Diet & Nutrition

Diet is an essential part of keeping an indoor cat healthy. As they are less active than outdoor cats, they may require fewer calories to maintain a healthy weight. Overfeeding can lead to obesity, which is a common issue for indoor cats. It’s vital to select a high-quality, balanced diet designed for indoor cats to help manage their weight and nutritional needs.

ACANA Cat food offers premium, protein-rich options for indoor cats. ACANA Indoor Entrée Cat Food is formulated to meet the specific needs of less active indoor cats. Crafted with 65%* quality animal ingredients including fresh chicken, raw turkey and raw whole herring, this nutrient-dense recipe helps support key health benefits for your indoor cat, including weight management, hairball control, and digestive health.

For a grain-free option, consider ACANA™ Highest Protein¹ Indoor Cat. Made with fresh chicken, raw salmon, and trout, this recipe features 75%* animal ingredients to satisfy your cat’s protein needs. It supports healthy weight, hairball control, and a shiny coat with Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids.

You may also want to consider a cat water fountain to encourage more hydration, as cats tend to drink less from a bowl. A hydrated cat is less prone to urinary tract issues.

Keeping Your Indoor Cat Active & Entertained

Keeping an indoor cat mentally and physically stimulated is crucial. Without outdoor exploration, indoor cats can quickly become bored or even depressed. Creating a dynamic environment with climbing spaces, scratching posts, and a variety of toys can help satisfy your cat’s natural instincts.

Invest in interactive toys that allow your cat to “hunt” and “play.” Feather wands, and puzzle feeders are all great ways to keep your cat active and engaged. You can also rotate toys to keep things interesting and introduce new activities regularly. Consider placing a cat perch near a window so your cat can watch birds or squirrels outside.

Regular playtime not only prevents boredom but also helps keep your cat physically fit and helps prevent obesity.

Litter Box Setup & Hygiene Tips

A clean litter box is a must for indoor cats. Cats are fastidious about their hygiene, and a dirty litter box can cause them to avoid it, leading to accidents around the house. Ensure to scoop the litter box daily and change the litter regularly. Be sure to place the litter box in a quiet, accessible location away from your cat’s food and water bowls. If you have multiple indoor cats, ensure they each have their own litter tray placed in areas away from each other.

The type of litter can also affect your cat’s experience. Some cats prefer clumping clay litter such as Intersand OdourLock, while others may favour different textures like corn or wood-based litters. You may need to experiment with different types to find what works best for your cat.

Indoor Cat Grooming & Health Care

While indoor cats generally require less grooming than outdoor cats (as they are exposed to less dirt and debris), they still need brushing regularly. Brushing your cat a few times a week helps reduce shedding and hairballs. For long-haired cats, more frequent grooming is necessary to prevent tangles and matting.

Proper nail maintenance is also essential for their health. Indoor cats, unlike outdoor ones, may not naturally wear down their claws, leading to overgrowth. Overgrown nails can curl into the paws, causing pain, infections, and the risk of injury from getting caught in carpets or furniture. Regularly check their claws to see if they’re becoming too long or are starting to curl. If your cat’s claws are scratching furniture or causing discomfort, it’s a sign that a trim is needed. Some cats may require more frequent trims, while others may need less, so it’s best to monitor them regularly and seek expert help if needed.

Indoor cats can be prone to weight gain, so make sure you adjust their diet and encourage exercise to keep them fit. Regular veterinary check-ups are also important to monitor their health, keep vaccinations up to date, and screen for common indoor cat ailments like dental disease or urinary tract issues.

By keeping an eye on their diet, exercise, and well-being, you’ll help them thrive and enjoy a long, happy life indoors.

*Approximate and derived from the unprocessed state of the ingredients.
¹Compared to ACANA™ Indoor Entrée Cat recipe.

Get to know one of our ACANA ambassadors as they share their favourite moments and the food they choose for all their adventures.

Name of Owner: Chloe

Name of Pet: Button

Age of Pet: 1 year & 6 months

Social Media: button.boops

Location: West Midlands, England

Favourite memory so far with your pet?

Our trip to Newquay in Cornwall, when we walked along the cliff edge looking down the beach. Watching the waves was so calming, with the sun and gentle wind! Button kept a look out for the birds of course.

What are your pet’s favourite games?

He loves to play “find it” when we scatter his food in long grass or hide a toy/dummy. A very useful game for spaniel owners!

What would be your pet’s perfect day?

ACANA breakfast at 7-8am, then going back to bed for a lie in and cuddles until 12pm. The area we live in has lovely nature reserves, usually with loads of trees, little streams, fields to play fetch in and designated paths. There are also many hills to go up, we particularly love Malvern Hills! Going for a sunset walk during the winter was our favourite on short winter days. However, me and Button would prefer for it to be summer all year round! To finish the walk, we would find a pub to have a drink and some food, including treats for Button. Dinner is usually at 5.30pm which we will make sure we are home for. For the rest of the day, being at home with all his family keeps him happy. Having cuddles in our beds is a must before he goes to his own!

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Categories: ACANA Highest Protein, Dog Food

ACANA Wild Prairie Dog Food

£21.99 – £83.99Price range: £21.99 through £83.99

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Button loves his ACANA Highest Protein Wild Prairie food to keep him energised for all his adventures. The first three ingredients are fresh or raw chicken and turkey, making this recipe nutrient-dense and a delicious meal suitable for all life stages.*

*ACANA Wild Prairie Dog is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by FEDIAF for All Life Stages, except for growth of Great Dane puppies prior to 14 weeks.

As an owner, ensuring your puppy receives the right nutrition is important for their growth and development. Puppies have different dietary needs compared to adult dogs, which is why feeding them a puppy specific diet will support their overall health. If your puppy occasionally helps themselves to your older dog’s food, this should be discouraged. Switching suddenly from one food to another is likely to cause digestive upset in the short-term. In the long-term, feeding an adult dog food could lead to nutritional deficiencies. Read on to learn more.

Key Differences Between Puppy Food and Adult Dog Food

There are key nutritional differences between puppy and adult food. Puppy food is formulated with ingredients that help nurture your puppy’s growth and development.

Puppy specific recipes are generally higher in calories as puppies have more energy at this life stage, usually running around and investigating their new home! In addition to higher calories, puppy diets are also formulated with the correct balance of protein, omega-rich fats and mineral content that help support muscle, bone and brain development, which are all essential nutrients.

Maintenance dog food is formulated for adult dogs once they have reached maturity and have stopped their bone growth stage. Adult food will not have the right balance of calories and nutrients for puppies. Likewise, feeding an adult dog puppy food is not appropriate and could lead to unwanted weight gain due to higher fat and calorie content.

When choosing a food for your puppy, check the manufacturers label for the FEDIAF Nutrient Profiles to ensure it is suited to your dog’s life-stage and size. For example, our ACANA Puppy Recipe is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the FEDIAF Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for growth except for growth of Great Dane puppies prior to 14 weeks.

Why Puppies Need Specialised Nutrition

A puppy’s growth phase is one of the most important stages of their life, as well as learning social skills and being exposed to new and exciting things in the world, ensuring the right nutrition from day one can help them grow into healthy adults.

Balancing the right amounts of protein, calories, and nutrients in their food is critical, which is why puppy food is formulated for their specialised needs.

Large and giant puppies, require a diet that supports their slow and steady development. Protein helps to support muscle mass, a calorie limited formula can support healthy weight combined with specific ratios of calcium and phosphorus to help reduce stress on developing bones and joints.

How to Choose the Best Food for Your Puppy

A growing puppy has different dietary needs to an adult dog, so picking a food that is formulated for puppies is a good starting point.

There are different factors to consider when choosing the right food for your puppy including ingredient quality and nutrients that are necessary for growth.

It is important to look for a food with quality ingredients like fresh or raw meat, poultry or fish balanced with whole vegetables and fruit. Make sure it is a complete food to ensure your puppy is getting all essential nutrients from their food. Consider the kibble size, smaller mouths may prefer a small bite.

ACANA Puppy recipes are made with 70%¹ quality animal ingredients like fresh Chicken and raw Hake, balanced with 30%¹ fruits and vegetables², like fresh whole pumpkin, greens, apples and pears. These recipes provide the nutrition and animal protein your puppy needs to thrive from when they are first introduced to kibble until they reach adulthood.

^{1Approximate and derived from the unprocessed state of the ingredients.}

^{2We also add essential vitamins and minerals, natural preservatives and probiotics}

^{Our included fresh ingredients use refrigeration as the sole method of preservation and our included raw ingredients are frozen at their peak freshness.}

When Can Puppies Transition to Adult Dog Food?

Each puppy will develop at different rates. Small breeds tend to grow rapidly, reaching maturity around 10-12 months old. Large and giant pups take much longer to mature and can be on a puppy food typically until 16 – 24 months old.

The ACANA Puppy range includes three recipes specifically formulated for puppies from small to large breeds. Always make sure to read the feeding guide to ensure your puppy is being fed the right amount for their weight and age.

Once puppies finish growing, they will be ready to move onto their adult maintenance food. Transitioning to adult food should be a slow process, allowing 7-10 days to complete the switch. Start by mixing 25% of the new food with 75% of the old food. Then, gradually increase the new food until it makes up 100% of their meals. Always monitor your dog’s stools and slow the transition if needed.

Generally, when moving from puppy – adult food sticking to the same animal proteins will make for a smoother transition. However, every puppy is unique. If you need help choosing a recipe for your puppies’ specific requirements, please feel free to contact us.

As a dog owner, ensuring your dog’s health and wellbeing is always a priority. Dogs, just like humans, can experience digestive issues and choosing correct dog food for sensitive stomachs could make all the difference to your cherished furry friend.

In this blog, we’ll explore some of the common ingredients to avoid in dog foods, and how to select the right food for your dog. We’ll then cover how to transition your dog to a new diet and how rotational feeding may also be beneficial.

Common Ingredients to Avoid in Dog Food

The most common ingredients to avoid in dog food are related to animal proteins such as chicken or beef. Some non-animal ingredients like grains or soy can be a common cause of diet sensitives for dogs too. Dogs simply digest animal proteins better than grains, as carbohydrates are non-essential nutrients for dogs.

It’s important to know that dogs can develop food sensitives or allergies at any age. Whether you suspect a food sensitivity or allergy, sourcing a recipe to avoid these ingredients can be tricky. This is where a limited ingredient diet without grain and a single, novel animal protein may work well as an elimination diet.

Recommending ACANA Singles

Our ACANA Singles range is crafted with three limited ingredient recipes, making them great alternatives for dogs that are picky eaters or have dietary sensitives. This range stands by the philosophy that limited ingredients shouldn’t mean less meat! These recipes are made without grain or potato ingredients and include:

• ACANA Yorkshire Pork is loaded with 50% pork ingredients. It’s an easily digestible source of animal protein and complemented with fresh butternut squash for digestive health.
• ACANA Grass-Fed Lamb is packed with protein-rich, raw lamb and fibre rich fruits and vegetables to support healthy digestion.
• ACANA Free-Run Duck is loaded with 50% quality duck ingredients in WholePrey ratios of meat, organs, and cartilage. It’s complemented with delicious Bartlett pears, and pumpkin for digestive health.

How to Transition Your Dog to a New Diet Safely

Dogs are often fed the same food for a long period of time, which means a sudden food change can make it difficult for their digestive systems to adapt.

When looking to switch to a dog food for a sensitive stomach, it’s important to introduce your new dog food gradually. Going slow will give your furry friend time to adjust to their new food and will help to reduce the chances of digestive upset.

Start by mixing 25% new food with old food. Slowly increase the new food proportionately over the next 10-14 days until you are feeding 100% new food.

For dogs that are more sensitive to change, you may want to start out with an even smaller amount of the new food. For example, 10% of the total daily food intake of new food and 90% old food.

Consider Feeding a Rotational Diet

Aside from keeping meal times interesting, providing a diet varied in animal proteins is considered a more natural way of feeding. This can be achieved by feeding a rotational diet.

The ACANA Singles line contains three Limited Ingredient recipes – Grass-Fed Lamb, Free-Run Duck, and Yorkshire Pork. This allows you to introduce one new animal protein to your dog’s diet at a time. Please remember, every dog is unique and how they take to a new diet will be unique to them.

If you do want to try rotational feeding, do not transition too abruptly. Start by replacing 50% of the old food with the new recipe and gradually increase the amount over time.

Need More Advice on Dog Food for Sensitive Stomachs?

If you are looking to transition to ACANA but want more advice to help find the perfect recipe for your dog, please reach out to them on either 01737 767679 or CustomerCare@BernPetFoods.co.uk.