Acana

Introduction

Acana is a pet food brand founded by Champion Petfoods in 1985, based in Alberta, Canada. The company was established by a group of passionate dog and cat lovers who aimed to create high-quality, biologically appropriate foods for pets. With their roots in the pet food industry, the founders focused on crafting recipes that honor the natural diets of animals, promoting health and vitality in pets. Over the years, Acana has developed a reputation for using premium ingredients sourced from local farms, emphasizing freshness and sustainability in their products.

The philosophy of Acana revolves around a commitment to nourishing pets as carnivores. This concept emphasizes the use of high-quality meats, fresh fruits, and vegetables, combined in a way that reflects a pet's ancestral diet. The brand believes in the importance of whole prey animal ratios in their formulas, which means including not just meat, but also organs and cartilage, providing a more complete and nutritious option for pets. This dedication to natural ingredients serves as a cornerstone of their approach to pet food, fostering a bond between pets and their owners through shared values of health and well-being.

What sets Acana apart from other pet food brands is their unwavering focus on quality control and ingredient transparency. Each batch of food is produced in their own kitchens, allowing for full oversight of the sourcing and production processes. This level of integrity ensures that pet owners can trust the food they are providing to their furry companions. Acana's commitment to using local ingredients, along with their innovative recipes, showcases their desire to promote a better lifestyle for pets while aligning with the values of today's health-conscious consumers.

Signature Products

Acana's products reflect the brand's mission to nourish pets with food that mirrors their natural diets. Each offering is crafted with care and precision, ensuring pets receive the essential nutrition they need.

• Regionals : A line of recipes that showcases regional ingredients, ensuring pets receive fresh and locally sourced meats, fruits, and vegetables.
• Singles + Wholesome Grains : Formulated for pets with food sensitivities, these recipes use a single animal protein and include wholesome grains for a balanced diet.
• Heritage Meats : Combines fresh, high-quality meats from farm-raised animals, offering a taste and nutritional profile reminiscent of a pet's evolutionary diet.

Materials and Ingredients Used by Acana

• Citric Acid: This ingredient is a natural preservative and is often used to enhance the flavor of food. In Acana products, it helps in maintaining freshness and also acts as an antioxidant, contributing to the overall quality and taste of the food.
• Kelp: Kelp is a type of seaweed rich in minerals and vitamins. It is used in Acana recipes as a source of essential nutrients that support overall health, aiding in digestion while providing trace elements necessary for bodily functions.
• Oat: Oats are a source of dietary fiber and complex carbohydrates. In Acana products, oats are included as an ingredient to offer sustained energy and to promote digestive health, contributing to a balanced nutrition profile.
• Potassium Chloride: This is a mineral salt often used to provide potassium, which is important for maintaining electrolyte balance and proper muscle function. Acana incorporates potassium chloride to ensure that their recipes support overall health and hydration.
• Pumpkin: Pumpkin is a nutritious ingredient that is high in fiber and beneficial vitamins, particularly vitamin A. In Acana foods, pumpkin is used for its wholesome qualities that promote digestive health and contribute to a balanced diet.
• Rosemary: Rosemary is an aromatic herb that not only adds flavor but also has antioxidant properties. In Acana products, it's often used for its natural preservative qualities, helping to maintain the freshness of the food while enhancing taste.
• Salt: Salt is commonly used to enhance flavor and is essential for various bodily functions. In Acana's recipes, it serves to balance the flavors of the ingredients while providing necessary minerals.
• Turmeric: Turmeric is a spice known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. In Acana products, it is included for its health benefits as well as its vibrant color, adding both nutritional value and visual appeal.
• Zinc: Zinc is a vital mineral that plays a crucial role in immune function and skin health. Acana incorporates zinc in their formulations to support overall health and well-being through balanced nutrition.

Things to Keep in Mind When Buying From Acana

Agricultural Runoff:

Agricultural runoff is a significant issue associated with the production of citric acid and pumpkin. The production of citric acid often relies on crops such as cassava or corn, for which the use of fertilizers can lead to runoff into local water supplies, causing eutrophication. This process depletes oxygen in water bodies, adversely affecting aquatic life. Similar issues arise with pumpkin farming, especially when large monocultures are employed that necessitate extensive fertilizer usage.

Energy-Intensive Production:

The manufacturing process for ingredients like citric acid and zinc is notably energy-intensive. Manufacturing citric acid predominantly involves fermentation that requires maintaining specific temperatures, significantly contributing to greenhouse gas emissions if non-renewable energy sources are used. Similarly, the processing of zinc from its ore is energy-consuming, involving smelting that releases significant CO2.

Transportation Emissions:

The transportation of lightweight, bulky ingredients such as pumpkin and salt can generate high emissions. Pumpkins, which are typically grown in regions far from their consumption areas, require refrigerated transport, further adding to the carbon footprint. Salt is often sourced globally, and its movement requires considerable logistical efforts, leading to substantial carbon emissions from transportation.

Oceanic Habitat Disruption:

The harvesting of kelp, primarily from coastal waters, can lead to habitat disruption for numerous marine species. Overharvesting and poor management practices in regions like California have led to the disturbance of oceanic ecosystems where kelp acts as a foundational species, providing habitat and food for marine life.

Mining Impacts:

Both potassium chloride and zinc production involve mining, which presents significant sustainability challenges. Potassium chloride mining can lead to the destruction of local habitats and water pollution, as seen in some massive potash deposits in Canada. Similarly, zinc mining often results in soil and water contamination due to the release of heavy metals and tailings, as documented in mining regions in China.

Pesticide Use:

Oat, pumpkin, rosemary, and turmeric production frequently involve pesticide usage to maximize yield. These pesticides can have adverse environmental effects by leaching into water supplies, threatening biodiversity by killing non-target species, and contributing to soil degradation. Pesticide use also poses health risks to farmworkers, particularly in developing countries with less strict regulations.

Deforestation:

Turmeric production can drive deforestation, especially when expanding agricultural land into tropical forest regions in India. This deforestation contributes to biodiversity loss and increased carbon emissions, exacerbating climate change. Similarly, the expansion of oat farming has been linked to deforestation as forests are cleared for farmland.

Social Labor Issues:

Turmeric farming in India and other parts of South Asia often involves smallholder farms where labor is neither fairly paid nor fairly treated. Workers might face harsh conditions with minimum wage and little job security, revealing significant social sustainability issues within spice supply chains.

These sustainability and environmental issues are intricately linked to Acana's supply chain. Examining and understanding these challenges is crucial for developing sustainable practices that minimize environmental impact and promote social responsibility.