Instinct vs Acana
Instinct against Acana, measured across 38 and 18 kibble recipes: 34.3% vs 34.1% protein on a dry matter basis, and 32% vs 29% starch.
How They Differ
- Protein is close: 34.3% for Instinct and 34.1% for Acana on a dry matter basis.
- Starch is similar, about 32% for Instinct and 29% for Acana as fed.
- Instinct is more calorie dense, 463 kcal per cup on average against 385, so its portions run smaller for the same dog.
Side by Side
| Measure | Instinct | Acana | Average kibble |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kibble recipes compared | 38 | 18 | 1,601 in total |
| Protein, dry matter | 34.3%26.7% to 41.7% | 34.1%30.7% to 37.5% | 30.4% |
| Fat, dry matter | 19.3%12.1% to 23.9% | 19.0%11.4% to 21.6% | 16.0% |
| Starch, as fedEstimated, not measured. It is what is left of the guaranteed analysis once protein, fat, fiber and moisture are taken out, with ash assumed at 6%. That leftover is mostly starch but also carries sugars and the fiber a crude-fiber test misses, so read it as a close estimate rather than an exact figure. Measured as fed, the same basis as the bag. | 32%22% to 40% | 29%19% to 32% | 37% |
| Calories per cup | 463368 to 537 | 385344 to 413 | 398 |
| Meat, fish or egg listed first | 100% | 100% | |
| Grain-free recipes | 71% | 67% | |
| Most used proteins | Fish 79%, Chicken 74%, Turkey 58% | Fish 56%, Chicken 33%, Egg 33% | |
| Recipes with corn, wheat, soy | Corn 0%, Wheat 0%, Soy 0% | Corn 0%, Wheat 0%, Soy 0% | |
| By-products | 0% | 0% | |
| FDA recalls, last 5 years | None2 older in the archive | None | |
| Made by | Agrolimen | Champion Petfoods |
Brand figures are averages over every kibble recipe we review from that brand, with the lowest and highest recipe underneath. Freeze-dried, frozen, wet food and toppers are left out so the numbers compare like with like, and so are prescription diets, which are fed for a medical condition on a vet's advice. Protein and fat are on a dry matter basis, starch and calories as fed.
The Closest Matching Recipes
Brand averages hide the recipe you would actually buy. These are the pairs that come closest on protein, fat and starch, preferring recipes built on the same main protein, which is where a like-for-like choice gets made.
Instinct Raw Boost Grain-Free Recipe with Real Beef for Small Breed Dogs Dry Dog Food
Protein 35%
Fat 20%
Starch 30%
Acana Singles Limited Ingredient Diet Beef & Pumpkin Recipe Dry Dog Food
Protein 35%
Fat 19%
Starch 29%
Compare these two in full
Which Fits Your Dog
- For a dog that gains weight easily, Acana is less calorie dense, so a normal-looking portion carries fewer calories.
- The brands overlap more than the averages suggest: Instinct runs from 27% to 42% protein and Acana from 31% to 38%, so the right recipe matters more than the name on the bag.
Recall History
FDA recall notices from the last five years that name the brand or its maker. Older notices sit in each brand's archive below: still on the record, but not counted, since a recall that old says more about how a company used to run than how it runs now.
Instinct
No FDA recalls in our record for Instinct in the last five years.
Archive: 2 older recalls
Instinct®. Instinct® Raw Chicken Formula for dogs
Instinct® Raw. Pet food
Acana
No FDA recalls in our record for Acana in the last five years.
About the Brands
Instinct
Instinct is made by Nature's Variety, which does business as Instinct Pet Food and is headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri. The brand is known for raw pet food, including frozen raw meals, freeze-dried raw meals, raw toppers and kibble mixed with freeze-dried raw pieces, along with wet food for dogs and cats.
Based in St. Louis, Missouri, since 2002. Every Instinct food we review
Acana
ACANA is a dry and wet dog and cat food brand made by Champion Petfoods, which also makes ORIJEN. Champion has been part of Mars Petcare since 2023 and operates as an independent business unit within Mars Pet Nutrition. The company says ACANA recipes contain at least 50% premium animal ingredients and no added soy, corn, tapioca or wheat.
Based in Edmonton, Alberta. Every Acana food we review
More Brand Comparisons
How we compare: every figure comes from the guaranteed analysis and ingredient list of recipes we review, not from the brands' own claims. Starch is our estimate, since no manufacturer prints it. Figures refreshed October 10, 2026.
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