I had to switch Jordan from Orijen to Acana because she seems to have a fish allergy. Never noticed a difference in her water intake. There were times throughout the first year when I got concerned because I thought she was more lethargic , but I think they were just growth spurts and she was always fine within a couple of days.

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(dealing with a separate sodium issue related to beach water).... If the food like Acana doesn't specify sodium on the bag, how do we find out? Is there added salt to the food? What is considered a high amount?

Could be a bunch of reasons why the pup is drinking more, including too much protein, sodium and high phosphorous.

Orijen's phosphorous levels are too high in my opinion for a puppy or young dog. They are very close to the AAFCO maximum.

You could try GO! Duck or GO! Salmon formula by Petcurean if you are looking for a novel and single protein source. They are not grain free, but the grain sources are novel as well (Oats, quinoa and kamut). I've been feeding my guy with dietary sensitivities the salmon for a number of years now with great success.

When I switched to grain free they drank a lot more water than usual i was told its because with higher protein kibble their kidneys are working faster thus making them thirsty, it should subside though, this is what my breeder told me for what it's worth, I didn't feel comfortable with her reason why drinking so much water so I didn't go the grain free route.

Since I started on Acana Pacifica, I've been following threads on dogfoodadvisor. Someone claims that Canada does not have much of petfood regulation/safety. Anyone know anything about this?

That is true. It is also true that many of the protein ingredients used in Canada are imported from the US. Most of the protein content in Orijen and Acana actually is US-Sourced.

That is not what is stated on their website. Can you furnish any proof of this?

Of course, why would they admit that on the website when the whole marketing angle is to make you believe that everything is from small farmers. After the cat deaths in Australia seized documents confirmed that Griffin Industries in Kentucky supplies the chicken meal. There is also a signed letter from Bonnie at Champion floating around on the web confirming this.

There is also a press release about the source of the fish used. It is actually fish by-products that prior to being purchased by Champion were disposed of.

If you do a Google search on any of these points you will find it.

I wasn't able to find any credible sources. I am interested in hearing more about this, do you happen to have any links?