ACANA is a Canadian-origin premium pet food brand that produces nutritionally focused food and treats for dogs and cats. The brand is distinguished by recipes that emphasise animal-derived protein, fresh or raw ingredients, and combinations 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 producing 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 focus 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 completed 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 places ACANA under Champion Petfoods, which sits within Mars Petcare and ultimately Mars, Incorporated. Despite this ownership change, ACANA did not become a generic Mars pet food brand; it remains part of the Champion Petfoods portfolio and retains its distinct market positioning.

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

Current messaging centres 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 and probiotics where applicable.

The brand asserts that its recipes contain at least 50% animal ingredients, although 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 key 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 manufacturing process:

• Fresh ingredients are refrigerated as the primary preservation method.
• 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. The company also states that it does not add soy, corn, tapioca or wheat to its recipes during production.5

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 different life stages and nutritional requirements, including formulas for puppies, adult dogs and senior dogs. The range addresses different breed sizes, activity levels and dietary sensitivities, with options spanning grain-inclusive, grain-free and limited-ingredient styles. The exact product lineup differs between countries.13

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

Manufacturing is central 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, 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. 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 the portfolio, while ORIJEN occupies the intensely animal-protein-focused segment.

ACANA is positioned firmly in the premium pet food segment rather than competing primarily on price. Its marketing emphasises ingredient quality, animal protein, sourcing, nutritional formulation, food safety, traceability and the use of fresh or raw ingredients.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 pay a higher price point 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 Singapore, Europe or North America. When evaluating individual products, the country of sale, specific recipe and current ingredient panel are more relevant indicators 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. Champion Petfoods manages both ACANA and ORIJEN.

Mars completed its acquisition of Champion Petfoods in February 2023, allowing Champion to retain operational independence while accessing Mars’s global infrastructure.17

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 recipes.
• Whole-food ingredients: Fruits, vegetables and botanicals complement animal ingredients.
• Nutrition science: Champion states that foods are developed by animal food scientists, nutritionists and veterinarians, including professionals with PhD-level credentials.
• Ingredient transparency: The company publishes information regarding sourcing and ingredient categories.
• Species-specific nutrition: Separate diets are produced for dogs and cats, with recipes targeted at different life stages.

While ACANA has established a strong reputation among premium pet food consumers, marketing claims such as “biologically appropriate” or assertions of nutritional superiority should be understood as brand positioning unless independently substantiated. Pet food suitability is ultimately determined by 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, descriptors such as “premium” or “best ingredients” reflect the brand’s market positioning. For any individual dog or cat, a higher price point or premium marketing does not inherently establish a diet as optimal.

ACANA is defined by several distinguishing features:

1. Canadian origin: Established by Champion Petfoods in Alberta.
2. Premium positioning: Designed for consumers seeking higher-end pet nutrition.
3. High animal-ingredient emphasis: Recipes feature substantial quantities of meat, poultry or fish.
4. Fresh/raw ingredient concept: Extensive use of fresh or raw animal ingredients.
5. Whole-food approach: Combination of animal ingredients with fruits, vegetables and botanicals.
6. Multiple nutritional philosophies: Portfolio includes grain-inclusive and specialised formulations alongside grain-free options.
7. Global reach: Distributed internationally in more than 90 countries.
8. Mars ownership: Part of Mars Petcare via Champion Petfoods 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