DETAILED DESCRIPTION

What It Is

Acana Adult Small Breed is a grain-free dry dog food formulated specifically for the nutritional needs and physical characteristics of adult small and toy breed dogs. Made by Champion Pet Foods under Acana’s Biologically Appropriate philosophy, this recipe delivers 60% quality animal ingredients — fresh chicken, chicken meal, turkey meal, chicken giblets, eggs, raw hake, fish oil, and herring meal — in WholePrey ratios of meat, organs, and bone. It is balanced with 40% whole legumes, fresh vegetables, fruits, and botanicals. The kibble is sized specifically for smaller mouths, shaped for easier chewing, and freeze-dried liver coated for a flavour intensity that small breed dogs find consistently irresistible. It is formulated for adult maintenance and carries no grain, no soy, no corn, no wheat, and no artificial additives.

Who It Is For

Acana Adult Small Breed is designed for adult dogs of small and toy breeds — those expected to weigh under 10 kg as adults. This includes breeds common in Indian households such as Shih Tzus, Lhasa Apsos, Pugs, Pomeranians, Dachshunds, Chihuahuas, Maltese, Toy Poodles, Miniature Schnauzers, Bichon Frisés, Cocker Spaniels (where adult weight falls in the small range), and similarly sized mixed breeds. It is equally relevant for multi-pet households where all dogs are small breed adults, and for dog parents who have been feeding standard adult formulas to their small breeds and want a nutritionally purpose-built upgrade — particularly if they have noticed dental sensitivity, coat thinning, digestive irregularity, or low energy in their dogs.

Why It Is Better

Most small breed dog foods in India — including many marketed as premium — are built on rice or corn bases with modest protein percentages that fail to meet the genuine metabolic demands of small dogs. Small breeds have significantly faster metabolisms than large breeds, burning more calories per kilogram of body weight and placing a higher daily demand on protein, fat, and micronutrient supply relative to their size. Feeding them a standard adult formula is a nutritional compromise that accumulates over time.

Acana Adult Small Breed addresses this with a purpose-built calorie density: at 3510 kcal/kg and 41% of metabolisable energy from fat, this recipe reflects the higher energy-to-size ratio that small breeds require. Fresh chicken at 14% and chicken meal at 14% deliver a strong combined protein base — the dual inclusion ensuring both nutritional completeness from fresh meat and concentrated protein density from the meal. Turkey meal at 6.5% adds a second quality poultry protein. Fresh chicken giblets (liver, heart) at 4% contribute naturally occurring iron, Vitamin A, and B12 in bioavailable WholePrey form. Raw hake at 4% and herring meal at 3% bring fish protein alongside fish oil at 4% — delivering EPA and DHA at levels that maintain the silky, soft coat quality that small breed owners care about deeply and that fades quickly on grain-heavy, low-Omega-3 diets. Glucosamine at 1400mg/kg and chondroitin sulphate at 900mg/kg from naturally occurring sources provide joint support that is especially relevant for small breeds with long adult lifespans and a predisposition to patellar luxation. The full botanical blend — turmeric, milk thistle, burdock root, lavender, marshmallow root, and rosehips — delivers anti-inflammatory and adaptogenic plant support that most small breed formulas entirely omit. Prebiotic chicory root maintains the gut microbiome health that small breeds, with their famously sensitive digestive systems, depend on.

When to Use It

Feed Acana Adult Small Breed as the daily staple for small and toy breed adult dogs. It can be served dry or lightly moistened with warm water — moistening is particularly helpful for dogs with dental sensitivity or those transitioning from wet food. For small breed senior dogs, this formula continues to be appropriate as it is an adult maintenance recipe that works well for the full adult lifespan of small breeds. It pairs well in rotation with other Acana single-protein formulas for dog parents who prefer dietary variety.

COMPOSITION & GUARANTEED ANALYSIS

Key Ingredients (Global Formulation Reference): Fresh Chicken (14%), Chicken Meal (14%), Whole Red Lentils, Whole Green Peas, Whole Chickpeas, Turkey Meal (6.5%), Chicken Fat (6%), Fresh Chicken Giblets (Liver, Heart) (4%), Fresh Egg (4%), Raw Hake (4%), Fish Oil (4%), Herring Meal (3%), Whole Green Lentils, Whole Yellow Peas, Lentil Fibre, Pea Starch, Raw Turkey Liver (0.5%), Salt, Dried Kelp, Fresh Whole Pumpkin, Fresh Whole Butternut Squash, Fresh Whole Carrots, Fresh Whole Apples, Fresh Whole Pears, Fresh Whole Zucchini, Dried Chicory Root, Fresh Kale, Fresh Spinach, Fresh Turnip Greens, Fresh Beet Greens, Whole Cranberries, Whole Blueberries, Whole Saskatoon Berries, Turmeric, Milk Thistle, Burdock Root, Lavender, Marshmallow Root, Rosehips, Zinc Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Mixed Tocopherols (Natural Preservative), Rosemary Extract, B-Complex Vitamins, Vitamin A, Vitamin D3, Vitamin E.

Note: Formulation may vary slightly by region and pack size. Always refer to the label on the product received.

Guaranteed Analysis (Approximate): Crude Protein: Min. 31% Crude Fat: Min. 17% Crude Fibre: Max. 5% Crude Ash: Max. 7% Moisture: Max. 12% Calcium: Min. 1.4% Phosphorus: Min. 1.1% DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid): Min. 0.3% EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid): Min. 0.3% Omega-6 Fatty Acids: Min. 2.6% Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Min. 1% Glucosamine: Min. 1400 mg/kg Chondroitin Sulphate: Min. 900 mg/kg Linoleic Acid: Min. 2.4% Carbohydrate (NFE): Approx. 28% Metabolisable Energy: Approx. 3510 kcal/kg (approx. 421 kcal per cup) Calorie Distribution: ~31% Protein | ~28% Carbohydrates | ~41% Fat

KEY BENEFITS

• Purpose-Built Calorie Density for Small Breed Metabolism – At 3510 kcal/kg and 41% of energy from fat, this recipe reflects the genuinely higher energy-per-kilogram demand of small breed dogs — a nutritional requirement that standard adult formulas consistently underserve.
• 60% Quality Animal Ingredients in WholePrey Ratios – Fresh chicken, chicken meal, turkey meal, giblets, eggs, raw hake, and herring meal deliver dense, complete protein and natural micronutrients matched to a small breed dog’s daily needs.
• Glucosamine at 1400mg/kg and Chondroitin at 900mg/kg – Naturally occurring from whole-food sources, these joint support compounds actively protect cartilage and joint integrity in small breeds throughout their longer adult lifespans.
• Fish Oil at 4% for Coat and Skin Quality – A notably higher fish oil inclusion than most small breed formulas, delivering EPA and DHA that maintain the silky, soft coat quality small breed owners observe and value — and that visibly deteriorates on low-Omega-3 diets.
• WholePrey Organs for Natural Micronutrition – Chicken giblets (liver, heart) and turkey liver provide Vitamin A, B12, iron, and zinc in bioavailable whole-food form, reducing reliance on synthetic supplementation and supporting energy levels and immune health in small dogs.
• Kibble Sized and Shaped for Small Mouths – The kibble is specifically designed for smaller jaws and smaller teeth, making mealtimes safer and more comfortable — reducing the dental stress and choking risk that standard-sized kibble can cause for toy and small breeds.
• Prebiotic, Botanical, and Freeze-Dried Liver Support – Chicory root prebiotic, the full botanical blend, and freeze-dried liver coating combine to support digestive health, anti-inflammatory function, and consistent palatability even for notoriously picky small breed eaters.

FEEDING GUIDE

Serve twice daily. Always keep fresh, clean water available. Small breed dogs can have sensitive digestive systems — begin at the lower end of the range and adjust upward based on body condition, activity level, and appetite response. Monitor weight monthly; small breed dogs can gain and lose weight more quickly than larger dogs.

General Daily Amounts (approximate, use a standard 250ml measuring cup):

2 kg dog → 30–40g per day 3 kg dog → 40–55g per day 5 kg dog → 62–80g per day 7 kg dog → 82–105g per day 10 kg dog → 110–140g per day

Less active or weight-prone small dogs: Feed toward the lower end of the range Active small dogs with lean build: Feed toward the higher end

Transition Tip: Transition gradually over 7 days, beginning with 25% Acana Adult Small Breed mixed into your dog’s current food. Small breeds can be particularly resistant to food changes — lightly moistening with warm water during the first few days significantly improves initial acceptance and helps with hydration, which small dogs on dry food often need additional support with.

Storage: Seal the bag tightly after each use. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. An airtight storage container is recommended in India’s humid climate to preserve kibble freshness and freeze-dried liver coating quality.