ACANA is a premium pet food brand of Canadian origin that produces nutritionally focused food and treats for dogs and cats. The brand is distinguished by recipes that prioritise animal-derived protein, fresh or raw ingredients, and the combination of meat, poultry, or fish with fruits, vegetables, and botanicals. ACANA is manufactured by Champion Petfoods, which has produced both ACANA and its sister brand ORIJEN since 1985. Since 2023, Champion Petfoods has operated as an independent business unit within Mars Petcare.1

Champion Petfoods states that its foods are sold in more than 90 countries. ACANA identifies the agricultural region of Alberta as the inspiration for both its name and its origins.2

Origins in Alberta

The history of ACANA is intrinsically linked to Champion Petfoods, a Canadian pet food company founded in Alberta in 1985. Champion originally built its business on the production of premium dog and cat foods, eventually establishing two primary brands: ACANA and ORIJEN.

The name ACANA was inspired by the agricultural lands of Alberta, Canada, reflecting the brand’s Canadian heritage and its emphasis on regionally sourced agricultural ingredients.2

Development of the brand

ACANA developed its identity around the principle that pet food should contain substantial amounts of animal ingredients rather than relying heavily on inexpensive carbohydrate-based fillers. This product philosophy became associated with what Champion terms “Biologically Appropriate” nutrition, a concept designed around the nutritional characteristics of dogs and cats as carnivorous or omnivorous companion animals.

Over time, ACANA expanded from its Canadian base into international markets, becoming one of Champion Petfoods’ principal global brands.

Acquisition by Mars

A significant shift in ACANA’s corporate history occurred in 2022 when Mars Petcare announced an agreement to acquire Champion Petfoods from an investor group led by Bedford Capital and the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan.3

The acquisition was finalised on 28 February 2023. Mars stated that Champion Petfoods would continue to operate as an independent business unit within Mars Pet Nutrition.4 Consequently, the corporate structure flows from Mars, Incorporated to Mars Petcare, then to Champion Petfoods, and finally to the ACANA and ORIJEN brands. Importantly, ACANA did not become a generic Mars pet food brand; it remains part of the Champion Petfoods portfolio and retains its distinct market positioning.

The name ACANA is derived directly from the brand’s Alberta roots. ACANA states that its name was inspired by the farmlands of Alberta, Canada.5 This connection to Canadian agriculture is a central component of the brand’s identity, with marketing materials frequently emphasising farmers, ranchers, and fishers as key sources of its ingredients.

ACANA’s core philosophy centres on animal-focused nutrition, carefully selected ingredients, and nutritional balance. Rather than presenting pet food merely as a source of calories, the brand emphasises the nutritional value and origin of individual ingredients.

Current messaging focuses on the concept “Go Beyond The 1st Ingredient™”, encouraging consumers to evaluate the entire recipe rather than judging a food solely by the first item listed on the ingredient panel.6 ACANA states that its recipes generally combine:

• Animal-based ingredients
• Fresh or raw meat, poultry, or fish
• Fruits
• Vegetables
• Botanicals
• Added vitamins and minerals
• Natural preservatives
• Probiotics (in applicable recipes)

The brand indicates that its recipes contain at least 50% animal ingredients, though the exact percentage varies by product and formulation. Ingredient transparency materials describe ranges of approximately 50–85% quality animal ingredients, depending on the specific recipe and calculation method used.7

A primary differentiator for ACANA is its focus on animal ingredients. The company states that it works with a curated network of farmers, ranchers, and fishers, utilising ingredients such as poultry, beef, lamb, bison, pork, eggs, and fish across various recipes.8

ACANA distinguishes between fresh and raw ingredients in its formulations:

• Fresh ingredients are refrigerated as the primary method of preservation.
• Raw ingredients are frozen at peak freshness before being incorporated into recipes.

The brand also promotes a “whole food” approach, combining animal proteins with fruits, vegetables, and botanicals.

ACANA’s current brand materials state that recipes are made without artificial flavours or colours added in its kitchens. Furthermore, the company states that it does not add soy, corn, tapioca, or wheat to its recipes during manufacturing.

It is important to note that these statements describe ACANA’s formulation and manufacturing practices rather than indicating that every product is grain-free. ACANA currently offers several nutritional lines, including no-grain-added recipes, wholesome grain recipes, and Singles recipes designed for dogs with specific dietary sensitivities.9

ACANA’s portfolio is primarily divided into dog and cat nutrition.

Dog Food

ACANA offers food intended for various life stages and nutritional requirements, including:

• Puppies
• Adult dogs
• Senior dogs
• Different breed sizes
• Different activity levels
• Dogs with particular dietary sensitivities
• Grain-inclusive options
• Grain-free or no-grain-added options
• Limited-ingredient-style recipes

The exact product lineup differs between countries.

Cat Food

ACANA produces cat foods for kittens, adult cats, and senior cats. These recipes similarly emphasise animal-derived protein and nutrients.10

Treats

The brand also sells treats for both dogs and cats, extending its ingredient-focused positioning into supplementary products.

Manufacturing is integral to ACANA’s identity, as Champion Petfoods emphasises control over production and ingredient handling. ACANA states that its dry foods are crafted in its own facilities, including kitchens in Edmonton, Alberta, and Auburn, Kentucky.11

The company emphasises traceability, stating that its kitchens use track-and-trace systems to monitor ingredients throughout the production process.12 However, manufacturing arrangements can vary by product, format, and market. For example, ACANA’s FAQ notes that while dry and freeze-dried foods are made by Champion Petfoods, canned foods are produced by a specialised partner under Champion’s oversight.13

ACANA is frequently discussed alongside ORIJEN, as both brands belong to Champion Petfoods. However, they occupy distinct positions within the portfolio.

Champion describes ORIJEN recipes as containing up to approximately 90% animal ingredients, whereas ACANA recipes generally use a lower proportion and balance animal ingredients with fruits, vegetables, and botanicals.14 In essence, ACANA serves as the more broadly accessible premium brand in Champion’s portfolio, while ORIJEN occupies the more intensely animal-protein-focused segment.

ACANA is positioned firmly within the premium pet food segment rather than competing primarily on price. Its marketing emphasises ingredient quality, animal protein, sourcing, nutritional formulation, food safety, traceability, fresh or raw ingredients, and specialised recipes.15

Champion describes itself as a premium pet food manufacturer, and ACANA uses the term “premium” extensively in its brand positioning. This strategy targets pet owners willing to invest more in food in exchange for specific ingredient and formulation characteristics.

Although ACANA began as a Canadian brand, it has developed a substantial international presence. Champion Petfoods states that ACANA and ORIJEN products are sold in more than 90 countries.16

The brand maintains dedicated regional websites and product portfolios for different markets. Consequently, an ACANA product available in Canada may not have the exact same formulation or product name as one sold in the Philippines, the United States, Europe, or elsewhere. When evaluating individual ACANA foods, the country of sale, exact recipe, and current ingredient panel are often more relevant than the brand name alone.

As of 2026, the corporate relationship is structured as follows: Mars, Incorporated oversees Mars Petcare / Mars Pet Nutrition, which includes Champion Petfoods as an independent business unit managing ACANA and ORIJEN.

Mars completed its acquisition of Champion Petfoods in February 2023, stating that Champion would remain an independent business unit within Mars Pet Nutrition.17 This acquisition strengthened Mars’s presence in the premium and natural pet food segment while providing Champion with access to Mars’s global infrastructure.

ACANA’s identity is characterised by several recurring themes:

• Canadian Heritage: The brand emphasises its Alberta origins and Canadian agricultural roots.
• Animal-First Ingredients: Meat, poultry, and fish are central to its recipes.
• Whole-Food Ingredients: Fruits, vegetables, and botanicals complement animal ingredients.
• Nutrition Science: Champion states that its foods are developed by animal food scientists, nutritionists, and veterinarians, including professionals with veterinary and PhD-level credentials.
• Ingredient Transparency: The company publishes information regarding sourcing and ingredient categories, emphasising traceability.
• Species- and Life-Stage-Specific Nutrition: ACANA produces separate diets for dogs and cats, with recipes targeted at different life stages and nutritional needs.

When evaluating ACANA, it is necessary to distinguish brand claims from independent conclusions. While ACANA has developed a strong reputation among premium pet food consumers, marketing claims such as “biologically appropriate,” ingredient quality, and nutritional superiority should not automatically be interpreted as proof that every recipe is objectively superior for every animal.

Pet food is best evaluated according to the specific recipe, nutritional adequacy, ingredient profile, manufacturing standards, and the individual animal’s needs. Public disputes and criticism regarding Champion Petfoods’ marketing and formulation practices have occurred over the years. Therefore, terms such as “premium,” “biologically appropriate,” or “best ingredients” are best understood as brand positioning unless independently substantiated. For any individual dog or cat, a high price point or premium marketing does not inherently establish a diet as optimal.

ACANA is defined by several key characteristics:

1. Canadian Origin: Born from Champion Petfoods in Alberta.
2. Premium Positioning: Designed for consumers seeking higher-end pet nutrition.
3. High Animal-Ingredient Emphasis: Recipes generally feature substantial quantities of meat, poultry, or fish.
4. Fresh/Raw Ingredient Concept: Extensive use of fresh or raw animal ingredients in formulations.
5. Whole-Food Approach: Combination of animal ingredients with fruits, vegetables, and botanicals.
6. Multiple Nutritional Philosophies: Portfolio includes grain-inclusive and other specialised formulations alongside grain-free options.
7. Global Reach: Distributed internationally in more than 90 countries through Champion Petfoods.
8. Mars Ownership: Part of Mars Petcare since 2023.18

ACANA is a Canadian-origin premium pet food brand created within Champion Petfoods, a company founded in Alberta in 1985. The brand specialises in dog and cat foods emphasising animal-derived protein, fresh or raw ingredients, and combinations of meat, poultry, or fish with fruits, vegetables, and botanicals. Its name reflects its Alberta agricultural roots, while its modern identity centres on ingredient quality, nutritional formulation, and traceability. ACANA has grown into an international brand sold in more than 90 countries. In 2023, its parent company, Champion Petfoods, was acquired by Mars Petcare and became an independent business unit within Mars Pet Nutrition. Today, ACANA and ORIJEN remain Champion Petfoods’ two principal brands.19

1. Our ACANA Story | Award-Winning Dog Food & Cat Food
2. Cat & Dog Food, Nutrition & Lifestyle FAQs | ACANA® USA
3. Mars Petcare to Acquire Champion Petfoods, Maker of ORIJEN and ACANA | Mars Global
4. ACANA®’S COMMITMENT TO GO BEYOND THE 1st INGREDIENT™ | Award-Winning Dog Food & Cat Food
5. Ingredient Transparency: Dog & Cat Food Ingredients | ACANA™
6. ACANA™’S PHILOSOPHY | Award-Winning Dog Food & Cat Food
7. ACANA | Premium Pet Food for Dogs & Cats
8. Premium & Nutritious Dog & Cat Food | ACANA CANADA
9. ORIJEN y ACANA LLEGAN A TODO MÉXICO: CHAMPION PETFOODS FORTALECE SU PRESENCIA REGIONAL | Mars México
10. ACANA™ Pet Food Team Announces Nationwide Kitten-Cuddler Promotion and Underscores Need for Shelter Support During ‘Kitten Season’
11. ACANA® Canada launches three premium, nutritious and flavourful foods and treats for dogs.
12. ACANA® Launches High-Protein Biscuits and Freeze-Dried Food, offering pet lovers convenient new ways to treat and feed their dogs
13. Champion Petfoods Expands Its Biologically Appropriate Lineup of ACANA Singles and Regionals Dog Foods
14. Our ACANA Story | Award-Winning Dog Food & Cat Food
15. Our Story: Award-Winning Premium Dog & Cat Food | ACANA™ USA
16. ACANA | Premium Pet Food for Dogs & Cats
17. Stubbornly Good
18. How Do We Go Above and Beyond With ACANA Pet Food?
19. Our ACANA™ Story | Award-Winning Dog Food & Cat Food