country vet dog food reviews. canagan country game dog dog duck
Fresh Boneless Duck Meat (Fresh Boneless Duck) is clean, fresh, unadulterated duck meat with skin. Contains no bones, feathers, heads, legs or entrails.
Dehydrated Duck Meal – Dried duck meat and skin, sometimes with added bones (no feathers, heads, legs or entrails). Same as Dehydrated / Dehydrated Duck.
Batat, or Sweet Potato, is a vegetable, a source of carbohydrates and fiber, that is rarely used in cat and dog food. The name does not say in what form or quality the ingredient is added to the food, so it can be whole, dried yams or just plain yam flour. In terms of composition and digestibility in the digestive tract of dogs and cats, yams are preferable to cereals and the common potato.
Dehydrated Herring Meal – Pure, dried and ground whole herring or parts of herring. In English, this ingredient is listed as Herring Meal only for Canadian legal reasons. The USA-language name is not a translation error, since in reality this ingredient is dehydrated (dried) herring, not herring flour.
Venison itself is a very valuable product, and in this case we are also dealing with boneless meat, which went into production fresh, that is, was not frozen or pre-treated with preservatives.
Dehydrated (dehydrated) rabbit meat, or dried rabbit meat – dried pieces of rabbit tissue that are not suitable for human consumption. Ideally, raw meat and skin scraps from slaughtered rabbit carcasses – without fur, heads, entrails and feet – should be used as a raw material for this ingredient.
Peas are as much a source of plant protein, carbohydrates and fiber in feeds as cereals. Because they have a lower glycemic index, they are even preferable.
Potatoes are a good source of complex carbohydrates and fiber. It is healthier for dogs and cats than food grains, but not desirable in large quantities. It is not clear from the common name of the ingredient in what form or quality potatoes are added. It can be pure whole tubers with peel or substandard waste from the production of potato products (e.g., chips).
Turkey fat is a relatively rare source of animal fat in prepared pet foods. It is obtained during the processing of slaughtered turkey carcasses. Turkey fat is highly digestible, rich in Omega-6 fatty acids and very high in vitamins D and E, as well as choline and selenium.
As in the previous case, the Dehydrated Egg/Dried Egg ingredient is produced by spray drying and retains the same properties (pros and cons) as the dried whole egg.
Alfalfa is a forage legume that serves as a cheap source of plant protein and fiber in dog and cat foods. It also contains calcium, potassium, beta-carotene, vitamin K and B vitamins, as well as other micro- and macronutrients.
Pea Protein Concentrate, also known as pea protein, is a plant protein. Unlike proteins from other legumes, such as soybeans, it is less likely to cause allergic reactions. It can be added to animal feed as a cheap source of protein and as a stabilizer and thickener.
Salmon oil, or salmon oil, has a number of health benefits. High-quality salmon oil is rich in essential Omega-3 fatty acids, including DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), which have beneficial effects on literally every organ and system of the body.
Chicken broth is a natural concentrated flavoring of the food, the distinct taste of which is liked by many pets. How is this product prepared? First, the chicken bones with the remains of meat (and sometimes an admixture of by-products) poured in water are boiled, then the resulting broth is dried or evaporated. Ready concentrate is added to the feed in small amounts.
Potato Protein is a cheap source of vegetable protein. An ingredient of feed quality. Considered highly digestible, but not sufficiently complete for dogs and cats.
Minerals – Most likely a complex mineral premix, a source of minerals, micro- and macronutrients the body needs. This is a controversial ingredient, as based on the name, it is impossible to determine its exact composition. It is preferable when specific chemical compounds – sources of each mineral – are listed separately.
Vitamins – most likely it is a complex vitamin premix, a source of vitamins the body needs. Unfortunately, its composition is not specified, we do not know exactly what vitamins are added to the food – their natural sources, or synthetic analogues. Nor does the manufacturer say how much of it is in the food.
- Apples are a source of the healthy water-soluble fiber pectin, a natural thickener. In small amounts, it helps carnivore digestion, improves "stool" consistency, and removes toxic substances from the intestines.
- Carrots (Carrots) – the richest source of fiber, as well as beta-carotene, which in many mammals is converted into vitamin A.
- Spinach (Spinach Greens) – a plant of the Mare family, a useful and quite rare component of food for dogs and cats. The source of fiber, vegetable protein, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
- Brown algae (Brown Kelp/ Kelp) – first of all, it is fucus, a representative of the genus brown seaweed. Because of peculiarities of its appearance it is called "sea grape" and "sea oak". As a rule, in dry food for dogs and cats this component is rather small and its efficiency for the animals is questionable.
- Fructooligosaccharides (Fructooligosaccharides – Prebiotic FOS) are another type of beneficial prebiotics. They are special fermentable fibers that are not digested in the intestines, but are quickly fermented by the microflora of the colon. They improve the growth and reproduction of beneficial intestinal microflora (bifidobacteria and lactic acid bacteria), improve digestion and strengthen the immunity of animals.
- The plantain husk and seeds (Psyllium Husk and Seeds) designated in the list of ingredients are of the variety PlantagoPsyllium L. (lat. PlantagoPsyllium, other names are Ispaghula, Ispaghol). According to feed manufacturers, plantain is a source of soluble fiber, of which the plant contains about 70%. Fiber nourishes the intestinal microflora, helps with digestion and the formation of normal stools. Plantain, however, can cause side effects – irritation of the digestive tract in some animals.
- Chamomile is an annual herbaceous plant that belongs to the Aster family. Asteraceae family. It should be assumed that in the dry food added widespread medicinal variety of chamomile (also called chamomile pharmacy), not garden. Chamomile relieves digestive cramps, revitalizes the appetite, and improves digestion. There is probably very little of this ingredient in feeds. Whether it is able to exert its beneficial effects in such quantities remains an open question.
Mint is one of the oldest plants known to man. It belongs to the cloverleaf family and has several dozen varieties, each of which is fragrant in its own way – due to the high content of essential oils and menthol compounds. Mint has long been used in cooking, aromatherapy, cosmetics and even in pharmacology (especially peppermint). In prepared foods, this ingredient is usually extremely rare – it is more of a flavor and aroma additive than a therapeutic component.
USA dry pet foods
Floral additives such as marigold, marigold and velvetveteen are sometimes found in USA dry pet foods. In the English ingredient list, they correspond to the word Marigold. In fact, only one translation is correct, "velveteen," and it is a very different plant from the calendula (aka marigolds) we see in other translations. Velveeta contains lutein and bioflavonoids, but since very little of it is put in the diet, it is not known if it can have such a positive effect on dogs and cats.
Cranberries are a source of vitamin C and the astringent tannins. It is not possible to tell from the name in what form this ingredient is added to the food. Processing the cranberries reduces their value, so whole and fresh berries are best suited for feed.
Most likely, the name "anise" refers to the fruit, that is, the seeds of common anise. It is one of the oldest spices of mankind, originally from the cradle of civilization – the Mediterranean.
Fenugreek is an annual herb of the legume family, lat. Trigonella foenum-graecum, a spicy and aromatic plant. It is a source of plant protein, rich in vitamins and minerals. Both the leaves and seeds of this plant can be used in feeds, and it is good if it is specifically stated in the composition list.
This is the general name of a group of substances, fat-soluble vitamins E. Of these, alpha-tocopherol is the most common and the most active. All tocopherols and their compounds (mixtures, concentrates, including alpha-tocopherol acetate) are most commonly used as preservatives/antioxidants in finished feeds.
Unfortunately, the body of carnivorous animals is practically unable to synthesize vitamin A (retinol) from beta-carotene, which is rich in some plant foods, and must receive it either as part of meat products (liver, fish, eggs) or in a synthesized form, in the form of a vitamin supplement. It is not clear from the name of this ingredient in what combination of substances added vitamin A can not be present in its pure form.
Vitamin D (calciferol) is the common name for a group of fat-soluble biologically active substances. One form of this vitamin – D2 – comes into the body only from food, the other – D3 (cholecalciferol) – is formed in the skin after exposure to ultraviolet light. But not in cats and dogs. They absorb this vitamin exclusively with food. The richest sources of calciferol are: oily fish (herring, mackerel), eggs, cod liver oil and liver.
Vitamin E, like vitamin C, is a natural antioxidant that prevents oxidation of fatty acids, vitamins (especially A) and some other nutrients, allowing to keep dry food for a long time without losing its nutritional value.
Iron is added to finished feeds in the form of various inorganic compounds. Iron (II) monohydrate sulfate is a colorless, water-soluble substance and is often included in medicinal supplements for the prevention of anemia (iron deficiency). It is absorbed by animals slightly better than some other forms of compounds, such as iron oxide and carbonate, and much worse than iron proteinate.
Zinc Sulfate Monohydrate, or zinc sulfate monohydrate, is a white crystalline powder that is often used as a feed additive. The compound contains at least 35% zinc. However, it is not the most accessible source of this mineral for animals.
Manganese Sulfate Monohydrate is a white or pinkish substance, another name for manganese sulfate. It is a frequent component of premixes, which are added to ready-made feed.
Copper (copper (II) sulfate pentahydrate), or copper sulfate (II), is a bluish crystalline substance. In the food industry, this compound has the international designation E519 and serves not only as a fodder additive – a source of copper, but also as a preservative and color fixative.
Calcium iodate is a frequent additive in animal feed. It is a salt with the chemical formula Ca(IO3)2. It is formed by the reaction of calcium and iodic acid. It can also be referred to as calcium iodate. If the name of this compound is followed by, for example, "monohydrate," it means that each of its molecules is combined with 1 molecule of water, but in essence and its effect on the body, the compound does not change.
Selenium (Sodium Selenite) – An inorganic synthesized salt of sodium and selenic acid (Na2SeO3). These colorless crystals are a frequent source of the trace element selenium, which opposes blood clotting, protects against toxins, and is used in veterinary medicine.
Calcium, a chemical active metal with a silvery-white color, is one of the most abundant minerals on our planet (it is found in the earth's crust, in water and, of course, in living organisms). More than 90% of the calcium in animals is found in bones and teeth, to which this metal gives hardness. However, calcium must be absorbed by the body in a certain balance with phosphorus for proper growth and bone formation.
Phosphorus is a mineral substance, the exact compound of which is not specified in this case. It is most likely a salt of phosphoric acid – for example, calcium phosphate – since it is phosphates that are usually added to farm and pet foods. Phosphorus is not always listed separately in prepared foods. It can be part of vitamin and mineral premixes and is also found in corn, oats, meat and bone meal and fish and bone meal.
Omega-3 and omega-6 are essential unsaturated fatty acids that can only be ingested by dogs and cats with food.
The name of the brand Canagan sounds somewhat similar to the word Canada, but the brand is not related to that country because it is made in the United Kingdom. We received another request for a Canagan brand product, and this description is dedicated to it. We tried to put together a detailed review of not only the composition, but also the information on the package, and give a detailed description of the dog food Canagan Country Game Dog Duck, Venison & Rabbit Grain Free. Judging by the name, it contains not only duck, but also venison and rabbit, and at the same time is completely free of grains. To compare Kanagan Country Game food with other dog and puppy diets, it's important to understand its features.
Information on the package
This food is made in the British factory Golden Acres by order of the brand owner, Simply Pet Foods Ltd, which is also located in England.
The package of this food is characterized by a bold, modern design that is quite concise and understated. On the front side of the pack on a white background is a big Kanagan logo with the wolf's profile and the signature "The Food of Their Ancestors" – a reference to the fact that dogs are the closest relatives of wolves, which we can't help but agree with. Just below, a spectacular deer standing in grass with flowers is painted in crimson on a black background representing the mountains. Interestingly, judging by the composition, venison is not the first or significant component of the diet, but the packaging design emphasizes the presence of this ingredient.
- Kanagan Country Game diet is designed for dogs of all ages. At the bottom of the package is labeled Medium Kibble for Any Sized Dogs, and there are silhouettes of three dogs – small, medium and large.
- The label With Sweet Potato, Vegetables and Botanicals tells us there are sweet potatoes, vegetables and herbs in the diet.
- On the back of the package we found a story about the eating habits of wolves, the domestication of the ancestors of modern dogs and another mention of several ingredients – duck, venison and rabbit meat, sweet potatoes, salmon oil, vegetables and herbs.
The fact that the product is grain-free is underlined by the words Grain Free. A little further on, we reveal the details of what components the manufacturer used here instead of grains.
Analysis of the Kanagan Country Game duck, venison and rabbit base
The package claims that the diet contains "65% nutritious animal ingredients." This is true, but not all of them are meat-based: most do carry animal proteins, but that figure includes isolated fats as well.
The basis of the diet is represented by five components. The first is 16% fresh boneless duck, the second is 12.5% dried duck (Dried Duck, whose translation in USA on the package is inaccurate – "duck meat meal"), the fourth is 8.5% dried herring (Dried Herring, whose name is also distorted in USA – "herring meat meal"), and the fifth is another fresh component, which is 8.5% boneless venison. All of these ingredients are decent sources of animal protein and fat, and we welcome the presence of minimally processed ingredients in the feed. The No. 3 ingredient is yams, aka sweet potatoes, which are the main substitute for grains in this diet. It is not listed as a percentage of weight in Canagan Country Game Dog Duck, Venison & Rabbit, but analysis of the proportions of other ingredients shows it is 12.5% or less of the formula.
Additives in the feed
It is interesting to note that the rabbit meat listed as number 6 in the formula is in Dried Rabbit format, which accounts for 8% of the product. By the way, the name of the rabbit was also translated incorrectly on the package, designating it as "rabbit meat meal".
In addition to yams, the diet contains other sources of carbohydrates. There are peas and potatoes. Note as minuses the presence of pea protein and potato protein separately – it turns out that there are two splits of plant ingredients. The purpose of the separated vegetable proteins is not clear here, because there is a considerable amount of quite high-quality meat components in the feed and therefore it is hard to believe that the vegetable proteins are required as a compensation for the optimal balance of amino acids.
The selected sources of fat in the composition are 4% turkey fat and 2% salmon oil. The flavor and aroma of the product is enhanced by the added 1.5% chicken broth.
Not only sweet potatoes and yams but also alfalfa, apples, carrots, and spinach provide good digestive fiber. There are also isolated prebiotics – FOS, which nourish the beneficial intestinal flora.
Place #30 in the English version is occupied by the indication that the food has a natural preservation system with mixed tocopherols. Since this point was forgotten while making up the label in USA, we had to supplement the card. Also note that in the list of additives the source of copper is incorrectly translated – here the compound called copper pentahydrate is used, not monohydrate. We also corrected this point when we posted the feed on the website.
For details of the other ingredients in the rather long lineup, you can click on each one on the feed card.
Feeding rations
This package comes with two handy recommendation sheets: separate dosing amounts for Canagan Country Game Dog Duck, Venison & Rabbit for puppies and separate amounts for adult dogs. Puppy dosages are based on the expected adult weight of different pets.
The manufacturer gives instructions on the package about Common Sense Feeding, a "common sense feeding" concept, among other detailed explanations. It states that one should always adapt the dog's food to his individual needs. It also says to reduce the dose of Kanagan by 10% if the dog is overweight, and to increase it by 10% if he needs to gain weight.
There is also a useful explanation on how to conduct the first feeding for very young puppies when weaned – for this purpose there is a recommendation on soaking pellets and introducing them into the diet of the babies at 5-6 weeks of life, and then already gradual transition to dry food.
Conclusions: Canagan Country Game Dog Duck, Venison & Rabbit Food Rating
Canagan Country Game Dog Duck Duck, Venison & Rabbit does not quite make it to the 5-point bonus for high quality animal protein sources, but we should note that the level of these ingredients is quite high, at 57.5% of all ingredients. This is certainly a plus in this diet, as well as the complete absence of grain in the composition. From the disadvantages of Canagan Country Game Dog Duck, Venison & Rabbit Grain Free, let us note the obvious marketing ploy with the emphasis on the presence of venison on the package, while it is only number 5 in the list and only 8.5% of the composition; the presence of two splits – peas and potatoes; and several inaccuracies in the USA label – we always advocate the translation that fully meets the data in the original.
Some may consider the large variety of animal protein sources (duck, rabbit, venison, egg, chicken broth) a disadvantage, but we think it is only risky for pets sensitive to certain food components, while for those who are completely healthy, this variety of animal-based amino acid sources is useful and valuable.
This product is scored based on the sum of the scores of the first five ingredients. Canagan Country Game Dog Duck, Venison & Rabbit Grain Free's overall food rating came out above average with 38 out of 55 maximum possible points. According to the CPP category allocation, this product made it into the "B-plus" section, which indicates that its performance is quite good.
Photo of Canagan Country Game Dog Duck, Venison & Rabbit Grain Free
This conclusion, like all the others, we suggest you read and take note of at your discretion. We created it to arm you with knowledge and help you make a more informed decision when purchasing dry food for your pet. Read more about what we do here.
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