Champion Pet Foods: 40 Years of Pet Nutrition

Founded in a small town in Alberta, Canada, Champion has grown to be a key player in the premium pet food industry with products sold in over 90 countries. By focusing exclusively on crafting premium pet food, Champion perfects recipes and innovates new, quality foods that help pets thrive for a lifetime.  Champion has been making pet foods since 1985 or for 40 years this year! The name- ACANA, the original brand comes from where it all started – Alberta, Canada.  

One of the standout qualities of Champion Pet Foods is its uncompromising approach to ingredient quality. They are deeply committed to sourcing fresh, high-quality ingredients from trusted local farmers and suppliers. Champion’s pet foods are made with regional ingredients, meaning the company works directly with local farmers, ranchers, and fishermen to ensure that every ingredient used is not only fresh but responsibly sourced.

They pride themselves on using fresh or raw ingredients, minimizing the need for preservatives and ensuring that the nutrients in each recipe are as close to their natural state as possible. The pet foods are produced in their own facilities in Alberta, Canada, and Kentucky, USA, with strict quality control processes to guarantee the safety and consistency of every bag.

Champion Pet Foods is not only committed to pet health, but also to sustainability and ethical practices. The company works to minimize its environmental impact by using eco-friendly packaging and reducing food waste in its production processes. Their facilities are powered by green energy, and they aim to maintain a low carbon footprint by sourcing ingredients locally, which also supports regional farmers and reduces transportation emissions.

Additionally, Champion Pet Foods places a strong emphasis on animal welfare. They ensure that the animals used in their recipes are ethically raised, free of hormones and antibiotics, and treated humanely.

The Orijen and Acana Brands: A Deeper Look

Champion Pet Foods offers two main lines of products: Orijen and Acana. While both brands emphasize high-quality, protein-rich ingredients, they have different approaches to meet various pet needs. While there are many differences between ACANA and ORIJEN, both diets reflect their belief in creating Biologically Appropriate foods from the world’s best ingredients. 

 

Acana: A Nutritious and Balanced Option

The first two or more ingredients in every Acana recipe are animal ingredients. Their recipes are also balanced with fruit, vegetables and botanicals. ACANA also offers limited ingredient options for dogs with allergies or sensitivities, and grain-inclusive options! 

 

Acana Singles + Healthy Grains
Acana Singles + Healthy Grains offers limited-ingredient recipes that focus on single animal protein sources, making them ideal for pets with food sensitivities or allergies. Each formula includes wholesome grains like oatmeal and pumpkin for added fiber and digestive support, alongside nutrient-dense ingredients for overall health and well-being.

Acana High-Protein, Whole Prey
Acana High-Protein, Whole Prey is a line inspired by the diet of wild ancestors, featuring high-quality animal proteins such as chicken, turkey, and fish. These recipes are designed to reflect a biologically appropriate diet, offering a rich mix of poultry, meat, organs, and cartilage to support your pet’s natural nutritional needs.

Acana Regionals
Acana Regionals focuses on providing pet food made with regional ingredients sourced from specific North American regions. The recipes are rich in fresh, local ingredients such as free-run poultry, wild-caught fish, and farm-fresh produce, designed to reflect the diverse landscapes and ecosystems of Canada and the United States.

Acana Classics
Acana Classics features traditional, high-quality ingredients, focusing on the goodness of poultry, red meat, and fish. This line provides a balanced and nutritious formula using high amounts of protein and fresh ingredients to support your pet’s energy levels, muscle maintenance, and overall health.

Orijen: Peak Nutrition for Active Pets

 

Orijen represents the fullest expression of the Biologically Appropriate philosophy. Recipes feature 85%-95% premium animal ingredients, with the first 5 or more being animal ingredients. With high meat inclusions from fresh or raw meat, poultry, fish and produce, Orijen’s “Biologically Appropriate” claim is about ensuring that the food meets the needs of pets by providing them with the necessary nutrients they would find in their natural prey. Each recipe includes a mix of wholeprey™ ratios, such as organs, cartilage, and bone, which are rich in vitamins and minerals.

Orijen Original
Orijen Original is a biologically appropriate formula made with fresh, free-run chicken and turkey, wild-caught fish, and cage-free eggs. It’s designed to provide a high-protein, nutrient-rich diet for dogs, mimicking the natural diet of their ancestors with a focus on premium animal ingredients.

Orijen Regional Red
Orijen Regional Red features a blend of premium animal ingredients such as free-run wild boar, grass-fed beef, and cage-free turkey. This formula is ideal for dogs with higher protein needs, offering a rich, varied source of animal-based nutrition to promote lean muscle mass and overall vitality.

Orijen Tundra
Orijen Tundra is made with a diverse array of wild-caught and grass-fed animal ingredients, including Arctic char, venison, and bison. It’s specially crafted to provide a high-protein, grain-free diet, supporting your dog’s strength and energy with the essence of the wild.

Orijen Six Fish
Orijen Six Fish is packed with a variety of wild-caught fish species like salmon, flounder, and mackerel. This fish-focused recipe provides an excellent source of Omega-3 fatty acids, promoting healthy skin, coat, and overall well-being.

Champion Pet Foods is setting the standard for pet nutrition with a focus on fresh, biologically appropriate food made from regionally sourced ingredients. With brands like Orijen and Acana, they continue to provide pets with the best possible nutrition, supporting not just their health but their overall well-being.

As pet owners become more discerning about what they feed their furry companions, Champion Pet Foods stands out as a company that values transparency, quality, and sustainability. Whether you’re looking for a high-protein diet for your active dog or a balanced, nutritious meal for your cat, Champion’s commitment to excellence ensures that their food can meet the diverse needs of pets everywhere.