Orijen Dog Food Review 2022: Prices, Quality, Nutrients

Cage-free poultry, nest-laid eggs, wild-caught fish, and ranch-raised meats are words that would make any dog and dog owner’s heart beat faster. Imagine how many wet kisses and loving licks they’ll get from their canine companions if that were the kind of ingredients in their food. Read on and let Dog Food Care tell you about the ORIJEN range of dog food made according to the Wholeprey method. 

Unlike many dog food manufacturers who settle for the discarded meat parts unsuitable for humans, Orijen uses 85% to 95% fresh whole meats in their recipes. Orijen’s final kibble contains between 38% and 42% animal protein, and it is significantly higher than other commercial dog foods because Orijen uses the Wholeprey method.

Whether you have a puppy, teenager, adult, or senior dog of any breed to keep healthy, Origen will have a suitable diet with fresh meat and high-quality fruit, vegetables, and botanicals. Despite dogs having been domesticated for centuries, they still crave meat. Orijen aims to produce dog foods that will allow dog parents the confidence to know that they are feeding their precious pets the best dog food available.

Orijen owners and workers see themselves as pioneers of award-winning modern evolutionary foods. The Business Insider awarded ORIJEN “Best Dog Food Overall” in 2020 and 2021. They produce award-winning foods in state-of-the-art kitchens based on recipes formulated by nutritionists and a veterinarian dedicated to providing food for optimal canine health. The proof of Orijen’s commitment to top quality is that none of their products have been recalled.

What are the Sub-brands of the ORIJEN Dog Food Brand?

Please note that all prices quoted are as of May 31, 2022.

Orijen has one primary range and five sub-brands as listed below.

Is ORIJEN a Complete and Balanced Dog Food

Choosing the best food for your furry family member is a challenge and not a job to do without doing your research. Even though Orijen is a top-rated company that produces high-quality foods, it is not necessarily the right choice for everyone. Can you trust the manufacturer’s claim that the dog food is “Complete and Balanced?” 

For any dog food to be marketed as “Complete and Balanced,“ it must meet the nutritional standards established by AAFCO. AAFCO is an acronym for the Association of American Feed Control Officials, a non-profit organization that sets standards for pet foods in the United States.

These nutritional adequacy standards are defined by two nutrient profiles based on a dog’s stage of life.

• Adult maintenance
• Growth and reproduction

If you see  “(dog food name) is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO (Dog) Food Nutrient Profiles for (life stage)” on a dog food label, it verifies that the dog food meets AAFCO’s nutrient profiles. However, there is no law making such testing, analysis, or inclusion on dog food labels compulsory in the US. 

Below is a table showing the AAFCO analysis and rating for the ORIJEN Grain-Free recipes. It is a helpful tool for choosing quality dog food. Remember, no dog food can possibly be appropriate for every life stage, lifestyle, or health condition. So, pick wisely. And when in doubt, consult a veterinarian for help.

What are the Nutritional Profiles of the Different ORIJEN Dog Foods Recipes?

A parent is a parent, is a parent. When it comes to nourishment, doggy dads and moms typically regard the health of their human and canine children with equal concern. You make sure your body is nourished with the best ingredients, and because you love your dogs, you also want the very best for them. Invest in the good times with your pet by feeding them nutritious food that helps them reach their full potential. Dog Food Care will help you look at Orijen as an option to keep your dogs healthy as they go through the different life stages. 

1. ORIJEN Grain-Free Puppy Dog Food

All puppies do best on a diet rich in protein and fat from quality animal ingredients to support healthy development. ORIJEN Puppy recipe is packed with 85% quality animal ingredients like fresh or raw free-run chicken and turkey, wild-caught fish, and cage-free eggs.

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With rich inclusions of Wholeprey animals, Orijen dog food is made with the most nutrient-dense, succulent parts of the prey to deliver the nutrition dogs need. The result is a diet for your canine companion that is beyond comparison. Although designed for small breed puppies, the AAFCO also approved this recipe for dogs of all life stages on a maintenance diet.

Below is information about the ingredients and nutritional profile of the ORIJEN Puppy recipe.

2. ORIJEN Grain-Free Large Puppy Dog Food

Provide your growing puppy with peak nourishment from ORIJEN Puppy Large Grain-Free Dry Puppy Food.

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Large breed puppies are those whose adult weight will be 70-lb or more. These puppies typically do well on a biologically appropriate diet packed with protein and fat from various animal ingredients. This kibble features fresh or raw free-run chicken and turkey, wild-caught or sustainably farmed fish, and cage-free eggs. This recipe is different from the ORIJEN Puppy formula because it is formulated to ensure joint and bone health when fully grown.

The large puppy recipe is crafted with the most nutrient-dense and succulent parts of the prey,  also made with Wholeprey animal ingredients, including organs and bone, delivering 85% quality animal ingredients. And this dry puppy food is freeze-dried coated for the raw flavor dogs crave.

Below is information about the ingredients and nutritional profile of the ORIJEN Large Puppy recipe.

3. ORIJEN Grain-Free Small Breed Dog Food

Your small-breed dog has particular nutritional needs and requires a Biologically Appropriate diet to thrive.

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The ORIJEN Small Breed diet is made specifically for smaller dogs, with a unique kibble shape that is easier for small mouths to eat. The formula is loaded with 85% premium animal ingredients, including poultry and fish, for a strong source of essential protein, vitamins, and minerals. The protein-rich recipe supports the higher energy needs of small breed dogs, and the balanced nutrition helps them maintain a healthy weight.

Below is information about the ingredients and nutritional profile of the ORIJEN Small Breed Recipe.

4. ORIJEN Grain-Free Original Dog Food

ORIJEN Original is ideal for families with several dogs of different sizes and life stages.

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However, this product’s protein level is high enough to make it ideal for very active dogs. The recipe contains the nutrients necessary for dogs of all life stages, except puppies, who need specific nutrients to ensure healthy growth and proper development of bones and joints to prevent problems as they go through the various life stages. Puppies also require smaller kibble for easy eating with baby teeth and small mouths.

Dogs are ancestral carnivores, so their Biologically Appropriate diet is rich and varied in whole animal ingredients. ORIJEN Original recipe is packed with 85% quality animal ingredients, fresh or raw like free-run chicken and turkey, and wild-caught fish. With rich inclusions of Wholeprey animals, Original dog food is made with the most nutrient-dense, succulent parts of the prey to deliver the nutrition dogs require. The result is a diet for your canine companion that is beyond comparison.

Below is information about the ingredients and nutritional profile of the ORIJEN Original recipe.

5. ORIJEN Grain-Free Senior Dog Food

Aches and pains are part of aging for people and their canine companions.

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You can ease the aging process for your senior sidekick with peak nourishment from ORIJEN Senior Grain-Free Dry Dog Food. Your dog is an ancestral carnivore, which means he thrives on a biologically appropriate diet packed with different types of whole animal ingredients. This tasty kibble is specially formulated to support lean muscle mass and weight maintenance in senior dogs. 

This Orijen formula is crafted with the most nutrient-dense and succulent parts of the prey and made with Wholeprey animal ingredients, including organs and bone, delivering 85% quality animal ingredients. And this dog food is freeze-dried coated for the wag-worthy raw flavor dogs love.

Below is information about the ingredients and nutritional profile of the ORIJEN Original recipe.

6. ORIJEN Grain-Free Fit & Trim Dog Food

ORIJEN Fit & Trim is graded as a maintenance dog food for dogs of all life stages, and one can say it is essential for highly active dogs.

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Dogs are ancestral carnivores, so their Biologically Appropriate diet is rich and varied in whole animal ingredients. ORIJEN Fit & Trim recipe is optimized to support lean muscle mass and is specifically designed to promote peak physical conditioning. With rich inclusions of Wholeprey animals, Orijen dog food is made with the most nutrient-dense, succulent parts of the prey to deliver the nutrition dogs need. This formula can assist in weight loss and weight maintenance.

Below is information about the ingredients and nutritional profile of the ORIJEN Fit & Trim recipe.

7. ORIJEN Grain-Free Six Fish Dog Food

Is your canine companion one who is sensitive to meat-based dog foods?

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ORIJEN Six Fish is the answer because this Biologically Appropriate formula is rich and varied in whole animal ingredients. ORIJEN Six Fish recipe is made with various succulent fish, including fresh or raw wild-caught whole mackerel, whole herring, monkfish, Acadian redfish, flounder, and whole hake. With rich inclusions of Wholeprey animals, Orijen dog food is made with the most nutrient-dense, succulent parts of the prey to deliver the nutrition dogs need. ORIJEN is also good for dogs who are prone to heart diseases and need to strengthen their immune system since its omega fatty acids level is higher than the other recipes.

Below is information about the ingredients and nutritional profile of the ORIJEN Six Fish recipe.

8. ORIJEN Grain-Free Regional Red Dog Food

ORIJEN Regional Red Dog Food is the recipe with the highest cost because it contains more expensive beef instead of chicken, and that means it is also suitable for dogs with chicken allergies.

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Dogs are ancestral carnivores, so their Biologically Appropriate diet is rich and varied in whole animal ingredients. This recipe is ideal for dogs who really love meat because the ORIJEN Regional Red recipe is packed with 85% quality animal ingredients like fresh or raw ranch-raised beef, wild boar, Boer goat, grass-fed lamb, and wild-caught mackerel. With rich inclusions of Wholeprey animals, ORIJEN dog food is made with the most nutrient-dense, succulent parts of the prey to deliver the nutrition dogs need. The result is a diet for your canine companion that is beyond comparison.

Below is information about the ingredients and nutritional profile of the ORIJEN Regional Red recipe.

9. ORIJEN Grain-Free Tundra Dog Food

Provide your canine companion with peak nourishment from ORIJEN Tundra Grain-Free Dry Dog Food.

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Your dog is an ancestral carnivore, which means he thrives on a biologically appropriate diet that’s packed with different types of whole animal ingredients. This tasty kibble features fresh or raw grass-fed lamb, ranch-raised venison, duck, fish, Boer goat, and pork. Crafted with the most nutrient-dense and succulent parts of the prey, this recipe is also made with Wholeprey animal ingredients, including organs and bone, delivering 85% quality animal ingredients. And this dog food is coated with freeze-dried liver for the raw flavor dogs love. ORIJEN Tundra does not contain chicken, making it suitable for dogs prone to allergic reactions.

Below is information about the ingredients and nutritional profile of the ORIJEN Tundra recipe.

ORIJEN Range of Dog Food with Amazing Grains

Grain-Free Dog Food is not ideal for all dogs, and only those diagnosed with grain allergies should eat grain-free diets – if advised by a vet. Ancient grains are considered superfoods for dogs, offering various benefits because they are not refined like white rice and wheat. 

The milling process removes the nutritional value like vitamins, minerals, and fiber, essential for your dog’s overall health. Whole grains improve digestion, and they’re packed with fiber and prebiotics to help dogs with food sensitivities. Furthermore, ancient grains are easier to digest and assist with maintaining a dog’s weight.

Some examples of the different types of ancient grains used in dog food include the following: 

• Amaranth
• Barley
• Brown Rice
• Flaxseed
• Oats—Groats and whole
• Millet
• Quinoa
• Rye
• Sorghum
• Whole Wheat

When whole grains are included in a complete and balanced diet, they will give your dog energy and provide essential nutrients like B-vitamins, essential fatty acids, protein, fiber, magnesium, and potassium.

ORIJEN’s Amazing Grain dog foods have similar premium animal ingredients to ORIJEN grain-free recipes, but whole grains are added.

Below is a list of the ORIJEN Amazing Grain recipes and their ancient grains.

ORIJEN Range of Grain-Free Freeze-Dried Dog Food

ORIJEN Original Freeze-Dried Food is loaded with 90% free-run chicken and turkey, wild-caught herring, flounder, and cage-free eggs. All delivered to Orijen’s kitchen raw from trusted suppliers. By using the meat, organs, cartilage, and edible bone, ORIJEN foods provide your dog with a Biologically Appropriate diet with 40% protein, giving them everything they need to stay healthy and feel their best while offering a taste they crave.

Freeze-dried animal ingredients provide your dog with a rich, concentrated source of protein and nutrients, just like a raw diet – but in a convenient, dry form. It can be served as a meal or as toppers on your dog’s normal kibble. See details of the range below.

ORIJEN Freeze-Dried Treats – Grain-Free

ORIJEN Freeze-Dried Treats are crafted with the same quality ingredients that make up Orijen’s trusted foods. The recipes are listed below.

ORIJEN Grain-Free High-Protein Biscuits

ORIJEN High-Protein Biscuits for dogs are bursting with animal protein in the FIRST 3 ingredients and succulent Wholeprey ingredients like muscle meat, organs, and bone. With 90% of protein from animal ingredients, High-Protein Biscuits include over 2x more protein than the leading dog biscuit, making them an excellent energy source for your dog. 

Treat your dog to the energy-giving benefits of ORIJEN High-Protein Biscuits for pinnacle moments and peak nutrition. They are made in the USA with the world’s finest ingredients and no artificial preservatives added in the Orijen kitchen.

Each biscuit contains 17 calories. 

Below is the list of ORIJEN High-Protein Biscuits recipes.

ORIJEN Wet Dog Food

A recent addition to the Orijen sub-brands is a canned range of wet dog food. The canned food recipes contain fresh or raw animal ingredients and succulent Wholeprey ingredients like organs and bone to add a source of essential vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. Feed your canine companions these wet dog food recipes to add moisture and nourishment to their diet, or add it on top of ORIJEN kibble for a nutritious addition at mealtime. 

Below is information about the Orijen wet food recipes, sold in 12.8-oz cans.

Who Owns ORIJEN Dog Food?

German-born Reinhard Muhlenfeld founded the family business ORIJEN Dog Food in Alberta, Canada, in 1975. ORIJEN, like Acana, is owned by Champion Petfoods. The company has grown and expanded to additional facilities in Kentucky, US, with a state-of-the-art kitchen with more than 25,000 square feet of cold storage. This is where they house frozen and fresh ingredients until they are batched into Orijen kibble.

Orijen’s products are sold in 70 countries worldwide, with dog food for sale in the United States manufactured in the DogStar Kitchen in Auburn, Kentucky, USA. The Orijen foods for marketing in Canada, Europe, and parts of Asia are made in the Northstar Kitchen in Morinville, Alberta, Canada.

Champion Petfoods USA’s annual revenue is between $100 and $500 million. The company prides itself on creating biologically appropriate foods from pasture-raised or wild-caught whole protein sources, including gizzards, organ meats, and other protein sources that carnivores typically eat in the wild. 

Their ever-expanding range has made Orijen one of the World’s Most Awarded Dog Foods. From their Grain-Free Kibble range of nine recipes, Orijen’s range now includes the Amazing Grains range of kibble with ancient whole grains, Freeze-Dried Dog Food/Toppers, Freeze-Dried Treats, High-Protein Biscuits, and a wet dog food range of canned Pate and several Stew recipes with shredded meat.

What is the Nutritional Profile of ORIJEN Dog Foods?

The ORIJEN grain-free dry dog food range of products features average metabolizable energy of 453 k/cal per 8-oz cup. 

The average calorie-weighted analysis shows the protein content of 44%, the carbohydrate level of 18%, and fat, 45%.

The guaranteed analysis shows averages of Crude Protein – 39% min, Crude Fat – 17% min, and Crude Fiber – 5% max.

The ORIJEN Grain-Free range of Dry Dog Food contains above-average protein and fat, with below-average carbohydrates. It is undoubtedly dog food with abundant meat, reflected in the higher than average prices. However, the 5-Star rating indicates that Orijen is a top-quality dog food, justifying the high retail prices.

What are the Feeding Guidelines of ORIJEN Dog Food?

ORIJEN Grain-Free Dry Dog Food can be served dry or lightly moistened, and you can also add any of the Freeze-Dried Orijen Toppers or Canned Stews. To help maintain freshness, Orijen recommends sealing the bag tightly and storing it in a cool, dry location. The recipes are mostly suitable for all life stages and all breeds. Therefore, you might need the following guidelines when deciding on your dog’s daily amount of kibble.

Growing puppies require more food than adult dogs.

• From age 1½ to 3 months old, feed puppies twice the adult amount.
• From 3 to 6 months, feed puppies 1½ times the adult amount.
• Between 6 and 12 months, feed puppies 1¼ times the adult amount.
• Dogs 12 months and older should get the adult amount of kibble.
• Females in gestation should have 25% to 50% more food than adults.
• Mama dogs can be allowed free feeding during the lactation period.

Transition to ORIJEN:

When switching diets, it’s important to transition your dog or puppy, as it takes time for the digestive system to adapt to the richer nutrient levels in Orijen. Over a 5 to 7-day period, gradually mix in Orijen, increasing the amount each day so that by day seven, you are feeding 100% Orijen. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your veterinarian for guidance if you are unsure about how much food to feed your canine companion.

What is the Nutritional Value of Carbohydrates in ORIJEN Dog Food?

The carbohydrates in ORIJEN dog foods serve as a primary fuel source and are a dog’s main source of glucose (energy). Carbs are not essential to a dog’s diet; however, they are associated with essential vitamins, minerals, and plant-based nutrients.

Meat contains virtually no carbohydrates, but organ meats are an exception, such as the tripe, liver, and kidneys Orijen adds, containing about 5% carbs. In addition to the high-quality animal ingredients packed into their diets, ORIJEN diets are also loaded with high-quality fruit, vegetables, and botanicals. Fruit has natural sugars that add to your dog’s daily carb count, and it also has vitamins and minerals your dog needs, making it one of the healthiest sources of carbs you can feed your dog.

What is the Nutritional Value of Proteins in ORIJEN Dog Food?

Protein produces energy and supplies your dog’s body with what it needs to create a solid structure (skin, muscles, and bones). The pup’s body cannot store protein, requiring a constant supply. Proteins are made up of amino acids; your dog needs 22 amino acids to produce the proteins necessary to survive. A dog’s body can naturally make about half of those amino acids, but the rest comes from your dog’s daily food.

As the name hints, essential amino acids are essential to your dog’s health but are sourced from food. Both the amount and the ratio of essential amino acids are critical. Orijen Dog Food ensures your dog’s body is fueled with enough protein each day because the first five ingredients are natural, high-quality proteins. 

The type of protein, fish, meat, or poultry, is up to your dog’s taste preferences and any other specific dietary needs the protein source may provide. And rest assured, combinations of real meat, fish, and poultry are always the primary building blocks of ORIJEN Dog Foods.

What is the Nutritional Value of Fat in ORIJEN Dog Food?

Fats protect your dog’s internal organs, regulate body temperature, and promote a healthy nervous system. However, not all fats are good for your dog, but Orijen carefully considers the fat’s source, quality, and quantity when formulating ORIJEN Dog Food.

Dogs require specific fatty acids that their bodies cannot produce naturally. These fats are called essential fatty acids, Omega-3 and Omega-6.

Omega-6 fatty acids are required for reproduction, growth, immune function, and skin and coat health. Dogs also require the Omega-6 fatty acid linoleic acid in their diet, thus making it an essential fatty acid for dogs.

Since Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of fat, they serve as a source of calories for your dog. Growing puppies require a dietary source of the Omega-3 fatty acid DHA to help support the proper development and function of the brain, the central nervous tissue, and vision.

Dog Food Care’s Choice of Best ORIJEN Dog Foods

• Best Overall: ORIJEN Original

ORIJEN Original meets our quality, versatility, and cost standards and is deserving of Dog Food Care’s Best Overall recommendation.

The AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles ORIJEN Original Dog Food for All Life Stages, including the growth of large size dogs because it meets the required nutritional levels. This recipe is ideal for families with several dogs of different breeds and life stages.

Orijen dog food is an expensive choice, making it difficult for multi-dog families to afford it, had they needed a different recipe for each breed and life stage. The Original recipe’s price is lower than or similar to most other Orijen options.

ORIJEN Original is a formula made with cage-free chicken, turkey, fish, and eggs, the primary protein sources. These premium ingredients will keep your dog healthy, whether he is a couch potato or your jogging companion. 

This particular Orijen dog food is high-quality dry dog food. It posts an excellent nutrient profile, and its recipe claims an above-average amount of protein and fat, making it suitable for dogs of all activity levels. Yes, this is an appropriate choice, even for active dogs.

Along with the high-quality protein-rich meat ingredients, such as chicken, turkey, and fish, come healthy vegetables like beans, peas, pumpkin, and carrots, and fresh fruit like Red Delicious apples, whole Bartlett pears, cranberries, blueberries, and more. These are high-quality sources of carbohydrates and offer fiber that promotes healthy digestion.

Soon after changing your dog’s diet to Orijen, you might notice daddy’s dog has more energy, a shinier coat, and an overall healthier disposition. You won’t need to avoid his bad breath, and he’ll soon be less gassy. Orijen’s healthy, natural ingredients will reduce the risk of allergies and sensitivities. However, dogs with chicken allergies might do better on ORIJEN Regional Red, which has no chicken.

• Best for Seniors: ORIJEN Senior

ORIJEN Fit & Trim is crafted with 85% premium animal ingredients, including poultry and fish, for a strong source of essential protein, vitamins, and minerals. The AAFCO grades ORIJEN Fit & Trim as an adult maintenance diet. This dog food is formulated to maintain lean muscle mass and optimize physical conditioning. This recipe is suitable for all breeds and can keep your precious Stump-nosed Pug and your mostly lazy Labrador from gaining weight.

Dogs love the taste of ORIJEN Fit & Trim, and it’s good to use it as training treats to avoid getting your pup used to high-calorie treats. For slightly overweight dogs, the Orijen Fit & Trim recipe is designed to provide ample nutrition while limiting the number of calories and fat your dog eats. 

It’s formulated to keep your dog fit and active, with a higher protein content of 42%, a higher fiber level of 8%, and reduced-fat content of 13% than the Orijen Original.

Although most ORIJEN formulas are suitable for all life stages, some are also suitable for specific purposes.

• Maintenance: According to AAFCO, the Senior recipe and ORIJEN Fit & Trim are good for health and weight maintenance.
• Performance: ORIJEN Tundra and Six Fish recipes are suitable for high performance.
• High-Energy: ORIJEN Regional Red and Tundra are the highest in energy-providing proteins.
• Premium Adult: ORIJEN Tundra and Original are both premium Adult diets. ORIJEN Small Breed is perfect with small-sized kibble for the mouths of adult small breeds like Yorkies or Chihuahuas.
• Pregnant and Lactating Mama dogs: ORIJEN Puppy is formulated to provide for their nutritional needs during that time.

Best for Weight Management: ORIJEN Fit & Trim

ORIJEN Fit & Trim is crafted with 85% premium animal ingredients, including poultry and fish, for a strong source of essential protein, vitamins, and minerals. The AAFCO grades ORIJEN Fit & Trim as an adult maintenance diet. This dog food is formulated to maintain lean muscle mass and optimize physical conditioning. This recipe is suitable for all breeds and can keep your precious Stump-nosed Pug and your mostly lazy Labrador from gaining weight.

Dogs love the taste of ORIJEN Fit & Trim, and it’s good to use it as training treats to avoid getting your pup used to high-calorie treats. For slightly overweight dogs, the Orijen Fit & Trim recipe is designed to provide ample nutrition while limiting the number of calories and fat your dog eats. 

It’s formulated to keep your dog fit and active, with a higher protein content of 42%, a higher fiber level of 8%, and reduced-fat content of 13% than the Orijen Original.

Although most ORIJEN formulas are suitable for all life stages, some are also suitable for specific purposes.

• Maintenance: According to AAFCO, the Senior recipe and ORIJEN Fit & Trim are good for health and weight maintenance.
• Performance: ORIJEN Tundra and Six Fish recipes are suitable for high performance.
• High-Energy: ORIJEN Regional Red and ORIJEN Original are the highest in energy-providing proteins.
• Premium Adult: ORIJEN Tundra and ORIJEN Original are both premium Adult diets. ORIJEN Small Breed is perfect with small-sized kibble for the mouths of adult small breeds like Yorkies or Chihuahuas.

What is the quality of ingredients in ORIJEN Dog Food?

ORIJEN dog food is made from only the finest ingredients, and every step of formulating each diet is monitored and controlled from start to finish. Ingredients are selected to be nutritious and nourishing, so your dog thrives, and all the ingredients are fresh and raw.

What do fresh and raw mean? Every bag of ORIJEN food is packed with fresh or raw ingredients to ensure the highest nutritional value and flavor, requiring less supplementation in the various diets.

• Fresh: ORIJEN’s fresh ingredients use refrigeration as the sole preservation method.
• Raw: The raw ingredients are frozen at the peak of freshness to preserve nutrients.
• Fact: ORIJEN has over 25,000 square feet of cold storage in their Kentucky Kitchen to house the fresh and frozen ingredients before being batched into ORIJEN kibble.

All ORIJEN recipes are made up of 85% to 95% Premium Animal Ingredients.

• Ranch-Raised Meat: The beef, bison, and lamb come from animals typically raised on ranches where they are cared for by farmers who ensure they receive the appropriate nutrition. ORIJEN’s premium meats are high in protein and are a natural source of essential nutrients your pet requires.
• Free-Run Chicken and Turkey: ORIJEN’s poultry is not housed in cages and can move in a barn without outdoor access. They are free from the threat of predators and have access to clean, fresh water, and feed 100% of the time. The premium poultry used in ORIJEN dog food is packed with the animal protein your dog needs.
• Cage-Free Eggs: ORIJEN’s cage-free eggs come from hens raised in a barn. The hens can walk around the hen house, perch on roosts, and lay eggs in nests. These high-quality eggs provide a great source of protein for dogs because they include essential amino acids dogs require.
• Wild-Caught or Responsibly Farm-Raised Fish: ORIJEN works diligently to build partnerships with fisheries worldwide to provide a high-quality, nutrient-rich array of fish. It includes both wild-caught and responsibly farm-raised fish. The primary focus is to procure fish that add essential proteins and healthy fats for balanced nutrition in every recipe crafted for your pet.
• Fruit, Vegetables & Botanicals: Besides the high-quality animal ingredients packed into ORIJEN’s diets, they also contain 15% of high-quality fruit, vegetables, and botanicals sourced from trusted partners. These ingredients are added for your pet’s health, providing valuable nutrient sources, and Orijen also adds essential vitamins and minerals, natural preservatives, and probiotics.

ORIJEN Dog Food Ingredients are fresh, passed fit for human consumption, and are preservative-free.

The company says their foods are as free as possible of ethoxyquin, a preservative often used in fish meal. When food has fresher, more carefully raised ingredients, you’ll pay more – which explains the high prices of Orijen dog foods. They set the standard for making pet foods – with lots of protein, fewer carbs, no preservatives, or anything artificial, and everything in the ingredient list named and identified.

Furthermore, Orijen uses chelated minerals. The minerals added to the food are organic mineral complexes that bond with the amino acids in proteins, so they are easier for dogs to digest. It’s more expensive for companies to use chelated minerals, so this is something you generally see in better dog foods.

What are the Customer Reviews for ORIJEN Dog Food Brand?

Customer reviews are essential as a tool when considering a change in your dog’s diet. Even though ORIJEN Petfood is one of the most awarded dog food brands worldwide, it helps to see what other dog owners think. Amazon customer reviews of Orijen’s range of grain-free dog food show the results in the table below.

How does Dog Food Care Rate ORIJEN Dog Food?

After looking at all aspects of ORIJEN dog food, Dog Food Care can confidently recommend it to all dog owners. While most recipes are suitable for all life stages, some special needs are addressed.

Dogs with grain and gluten allergies are safe because Orijen’s primary dry dog food range and the more limited freeze-dried formulas are grain-free.

However, grains play an important role in dogs’ dietary needs, and ORIJEN has a range of kibble with ancient whole grains. They call this range “Amazing Grains.”

Owners of dogs with chicken sensitivities have two alternatives they can choose – Six Fish and Regional Red which contains no chicken products.

ORIJEN dog foods specialize in nutrient-rich formulas with 85% to 95% animal proteins, fat, fiber, and probiotics to support dog growth, energy, and digestive health. The Orijen label offers healthy options for all dog breeds and all life stages to provide nutrition based on activity levels, metabolism, and overall health.

Dog Food Care enthusiastically rate the ORIJEN dog food brand at 4.7 to 5 stars for using animal meat as the dominant source of protein for their product lines. Furthermore, grain-inclusive recipes, ORIJEN Amazing Grains, are exceptional as alternatives to grain-free formulas.

Is ORIJEN Dog Food good for a dog’s skin?

Yes, ORIJEN dog foods all have added Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, which your furry friend needs to keep his skin healthy and his hair shiny.

Is ORIJEN Dog Food good for dogs with itchy skin problems?

Yes, if your dog’s itchy skin is food-related, all nine ORIJEN Grain-Free recipes will be good choices to get your precious pup’s skin back to normal and keep it healthy.

Is ORIJEN Dog food good for puppies?

Yes, whether you have a small or large breed puppy, there’s a suitable option. ORIJEN Puppy is formulated for puppies of small breed dogs, and ORIJEN Puppy Large is the best choice to ensure the healthy growth of your large breed.

Is ORIJEN Dog food good for older dogs?

Yes, Orijen formulated a kibble recipe specifically for the changed nutritional needs of your older dogs as they experience their golden years. ORIJEN Senior is designed with limited fat and fewer calories to prevent weight gain and maintenance of healthy weight. ORIJEN Senior also meets the AAFCO nutrient requirements for adult maintenance.

Is ORIJEN Dog Food healthy for dog growth?

Yes, all Orijen formulas, adult and puppy recipes, have added docosahexaenoic acid. It is more commonly referred to as DHA, an essential omega-3 fatty acid. DHA is obtained from salmon oil, and it assists with brain and vision development. DHA also supports the growth of puppies, and best of all, DHA can also be passed through the milk of lactating female dogs.

Is ORIJEN Dog Food expensive?

Yes, Orijen is expensive, but not without reason. Remember that you should always go for the highest quality dog food you can afford, even if it’s a little pricey. Dog food without quality ingredients could lead to health conditions and upset your dog’s stomach or cause even more severe health problems. A high-quality dog food could help you save big on your veterinarian bills eventually and ensure your dog has excellent overall health.

Is ORIJEN Dog Food AAFCO approved?

Yes, all the Orijen dog food formulas are approved as meeting the nutritional guidelines set out by AAFCO (The Association of American Feed Control Officials).

Is ORIJEN Dog Food grain-free?

Orijen’s primary range is grain-free, with carbs from non-grain sources like beans, lentils, fruit, and vegetables.

What are the Fermentation Products in ORIJEN Dog Foods?

Fermentation supports healthy immune function by increasing the B-vitamins, digestive enzymes, antioxidants, and lactic acid that fight off harmful bacteria. It’s also the ultimate source of probiotics. Various natural fermentation products feature reasonably low-down on the ingredient lists of ORIJEN dog foods. They include dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, dried Bifidobacterium animalis fermentation product, and dried Lactobacillus casei fermentation product.

Do ORIJEN Dog Foods contain Chelated Minerals?

Chelated minerals are chemically bonded to a protein or amino acid. Typically, this chemical bond enhances the absorption of the mineral, making it readily available when your dog needs it. Chelated minerals such as iron, chromium, and selenium absorb faster than non-chelated forms of the same minerals. All ORIJEN dog food recipes contain chelated minerals. These minerals are easier to absorb as they have been chemically attached to protein.

Is ORIJEN Dog Food a high-energy dog food?

Yes, although none of the ORIJEN kibble products are specifically formulated for high-energy canines, the ORIJEN Regional Red and ORIJEN Tundra contain 85% premium animal ingredients for high-performance dogs.

Is ORIJEN Dog food produced in the USA?

Yes, Orijen dog food products sold in the United States are made in the DogStar Kitchen in Auburn, Kentucky, USA. In contrast, the Orijen foods sold in Canada, Europe, and parts of Asia are made in the Northstar Kitchen in Morinville, Alberta, Canada.

Where to buy ORIJEN Dog Food products in the USA?

ORIJEN consistently monitors and tests the raw materials, production environment, processes, and finished products. Their manufacturing processes adhere to stringent and scientifically advanced food safety protocols to ensure the best nutrition for pets and great value to dog owners. For this reason, ORIJEN has a network of vetted authorized retailers who share their commitment to providing products of the same quality as when they left the factory. 

Online retailers like Chewy and Amazon offer dog owners subscription services by which dog owners can place repeat orders for scheduled monthly or weekly deliveries.

Below is a list of official online suppliers of Orijen dog food.

• Amazon 
• Chewy
• Pet Supplies Plus
• Only Natural Pet
• NaturalPawz
• Kriser’s
• K9Cuisine
• Hollywood Feed
• Chuck & Don’s
• PetStuff

How is the ORIJEN Dog Food shipment speed?

The speed of Orijen shipments for orders placed online depends on the locations of both the buyer and the retailer. Each supplier has its own delivery schedules, methods, and other logistic arrangements. The average waiting time from Chewy and Amazon is typically between one and three days.