- Last Updated on: February 5, 2020
Do you support the belief that your pup’s nutrition has the strongest impact on his general well-being? How much attention and time do you dedicate to choosing the right type of food?
These are some of the questions pet owners usually face when it comes to their pet’s diet.
This review takes a closer look at Orijen dog food, highlighting some basic facts about this brand. Moreover, it offers a summary of users’ reviews, trying to help you make a decision more easily.
So, let us start by listing a few facts about Champion Petfoods LP, the company producing this line of food products. Founded in 1975 in Edmonton, Canada, it aims to produce a range of quality food formulas and maintain its status among customers.
Orijen dry dog food formulas encompass eight different dry food recipes, all produced in accordance with the AAFCO standards, including the following nutrient profiles: Growth, Maintenance, All Life Stages, Supplemental or Unspecified.
Should Orijen be your number one choice? We will try to help you make up your mind.
6 Orijen Dog Food Reviews
IMAGE | PRODUCT | INGREDIENTS | |
---|---|---|---|
A | Original A | ✓ Deboned chicken ✓ Deboned turkey ✓ Whole eggs ✓ Whole Atlantic mackerel ✓ Atlantic Flounder | Check Price |
A | Six Fish A | ✓ Whole Atlantic mackerel ✓ Atlantic monkfish ✓ Whole Atlantic herring ✓ Flounder ✓ Acadian redfish | Check Price |
A | Puppy A | ✓ Deboned chicken ✓ Whole Atlantic mackerel ✓ Whole Eggs ✓ Deboned turkey ✓ Flounder | Check Price |
A | Regional Red A | ✓ Deboned beef ✓ Deboned goat ✓ Deboned wild boar ✓ Lamb liver ✓ Deboned lamb | Check Price |
M | Senior M | ✓ Deboned chicken ✓ Whole Atlantic mackerel ✓ Whole eggs ✓ Deboned turkey ✓ Atlantic flounder | Check Price |
M | Fit & Trim M | ✓ Deboned chicken ✓ Turkey Liver ✓ Chicken Liver ✓ Whole eggs ✓ Cod Liver | Check Price |
Original - Grain-Free Dog Food For All Life Stages
First Five Ingredients:
- Deboned chicken
- Deboned turkey
- Whole eggs
- Whole Atlantic mackerel
- Atlantic Flounder
This nutrient-rich blend results from the belief that dogs benefit the most from the type of diet closest to that they would have in nature.
It revolves around real animal protein, as the essential nutrient in the canine diet. 85% of the protein in this mixture comes from fresh and raw ingredients. They include cage-free chicken and turkey, Atlantic flounder and whole mackerel, as well as eggs.
As we can see, the first five ingredients in Orijen Original are of animal origin, supplying high levels of protein. Additionally, fresh fruits and veggies provide a number of other significant nutrients. This formula is grain-free, which is important for pups suffering from allergies and other sensitivities. It excludes plant protein-concentrates, too.
There is no doubt – by going for this outstanding formula, you can count on nothing but the best.
View more best rated dog food formulas here.
Six Fish - For Picky Eaters
First Five Ingredients:
- Whole Atlantic mackerel
- Atlantic monkfish
- Whole Atlantic herring
- Flounder
- Acadian redfish
This one of a kind dry formula uses six different types of wild-caught Atlantic fish. It serves as an abundant source of useful protein. It helps your furry friend stay healthy and develop a strong, lean body.
The use of fish in the canine diet is seen as beneficial for several reasons. Not only do they provide the necessary protein for your pup’s muscle and energy, but they serve as the best source of Omega Fatty Acids. Two-thirds of fish in this blend is used raw or fresh, whereas the last third undergoes a gradual process of drying at 200⁰C to produce a protein-rich concentrate.
Six Fish Dry Food Formula is extremely tasty, and dogs enjoy eating it. It rules out the use of grains and plant protein-concentrates.
If you want your pal to stay healthy and full of energy, this delicious quality formula is certainly the right pick.
Puppy - Ideal for Sensitive Stomach
First Five Ingredients:
- Deboned chicken
- Whole Atlantic mackerel
- Whole Eggs
- Deboned turkey
- Flounder
This blend, abundant in animal protein, supports the healthy growth and development of your puppy. It caters to the biological needs of puppies and helps them grow to become healthy and fit, keeping in mind their increased activity and energy requirements.
It is based on meat ingredients, to ensure sufficient levels of protein. Addition of vegetables and fruits contribute other useful nutrients for your pup’s wellbeing on the holistic level.
The manufacturers of this formula make use of free-running chicken and turkey, eggs and fish living in the wild. All these have proved to be excellent sources of vital nutrients for developing, activity-driven puppies.
It contains no grains, making it suitable for oversensitive baby dogs.
For any owner who wants to provide their growing puppy with a top-quality formula, Orijen Puppy will make an excellent choice.
Regional Red - Nutrient-Dense Recipe
First Five Ingredients:
- Deboned beef
- Deboned goat
- Deboned wild boar
- Lamb liver
- Deboned lamb
Based on red meat, this delicious food formula provides a nutrient-rich diet for canines. It follows the same principle of offering dogs the type of nutrition they would have in nature. It revolves around animal protein and limits the levels of carbohydrates – another positive feature in canine foods.
The range of meat ingredients in Orijen Regional Red is varied. It includes farm-raised beef, bison, wild boar, Yorkshire pork and grass-fed lamb. They account for a total of 85% of all ingredients. Additional necessary nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants come from fresh fruits, botanicals, and veggies.
No grains find there place in this quality blend. It also excludes plant protein concentrates.
Aiming to cater to the needs of your furry friend effectively, this formula definitely makes a secure step towards your canine’s health, strength, and overall contentment.
Senior - Support Lean Muscle Mass
First Five Ingredients:
- Deboned chicken
- Whole Atlantic mackerel
- Whole eggs
- Deboned turkey
- Atlantic flounder
Dietary needs of your furry friend change with age and Orijen Senior dry dog food offers the type of nutrition ideal for senior canines. It supports the strong body, muscle mass, and healthy weight, by supplying sufficient amounts of quality protein.
Meat ingredients make up 85% of all components included in this blend. They are supported by the addition of fruits and vegetables, for a well-rounded content of necessary nutrients.
Cartilage and bone are significant ingredients too, supporting the joint health and mobility in older pups. This is a very important feature of the Senior formula.
Fresh or raw proteins, mainly used in this food, ensure a savory taste, the favorite with dogs. It includes no grains.
Having struck the right balance of vital nutrients, this great formula will improve the quality of life of your senior pal on multiple levels.
Fit & Trim - For Healthy Joints
First Five Ingredients:
- Deboned chicken
- Turkey Liver
- Chicken Liver
- Whole eggs
- Cod Liver
Maintaining high levels of energy in active pups is not always easy. Orijen Fit & Tim dry dog food combines the top-quality ingredients in appropriate amounts to achieve this goal. It insists on high levels of animal protein, to ensure the strong body and a substantial source of energy. At the same time, it limits the levels of carbs and excessive calorie intake.
Animal protein in this formula originates from cage-free poultry, eggs, and wild-caught fish. This blend includes enough soluble fibers to support easy digestion. These come from healthy apples, pumpkin, and squash. Cartilage and bone ingredients keep your active pup’s joints healthy and highly mobile.
Orijen Fit and Trim rules out the use of grains and animal protein concentrates.
An active pup is definitely a happy one. So make sure to help it thrive by choosing this premium quality formula for your athletic pal.
Why Consumers Love It
In this section, we will provide a summary of positive comments made by pet owners who chose Orijen as the ideal diet for their canines.
- It contains high levels of animal protein
- The ingredients are of top quality and come from reliable suppliers
- It limits the use of carbohydrates, unlike many commercial foods
- Orijen formulas are grain-free
- There are no high-glycemic fillers
- It provides a reliable and clear breakdown of nutrients
- It supplies high levels of energy, due to high contents of protein
- These formulas improve the quality of coat and skin in pups
- They are appetizing and dogs love their taste, great choice for picky eaters.
Negative Feedback From Buyers
The reasons why pet owners sometimes complain about Orijen dry dog food products are the following:
- Some dogs developed loose stools and vomiting after trying some products from this brand
- Switching to these formulas resulted in diarrhea in some pups, persisting for a while
- The price range of these products is higher than many other commercial foods
- Some dogs do not digest them easily
Nutrition Content Percentage
Protein
Orijen Original is taken as a representative of the brand, and here we provide a more detailed nutrient profile for this recipe. With 43% of protein, it belongs to the group of foods which are above the average when talking about this nutrient. The greatest deal of it comes from meat ingredients ( 85%), whereas the rest originates from added vegetable components.
Fat
With 21% of fat on dry matter basis, Orijen Original provides a substantial amount of this important nutrient. Fats fuel your pup with the energy necessary for daily activities and exercise. Animal fats used in this formula are considered to be a healthy ingredient, important for proper body functions and energy levels in canines.
Carbohydrates
Unlike many commercial food formulas, levels of carbs are kept lower in Orijen Original. They are well below the average if compared to numerous food formulas available on the market. The contents of carbs, as a simple source of energy, amount to 28%, supporting the belief that adult dogs do not require high levels of this nutrient to stay healthy and have enough energy.
Protein
43%
Fat
21%
Carbs
28%
Orijen Original Dog Food Ingredients
Chicken
Chicken is a quality ingredient present in many canine food blends. It is rich in protein and thus beneficial for maintaining a healthy, muscular body and sufficient energy levels. Chicken used in these recipes is of high quality, cage-free, and farm-raised.
It should be noted that unprocessed, fresh chicken features a high level of moisture, reaching up to 73%. After processing, in the final product, its content may be notably lower.
Turkey
Another type of poultry used in this recipe is turkey meat. It is considered to be a beneficial component in the diet of puppies for its high levels of protein. It maintains the body in a healthy condition, helping to build strong muscle.
This brand uses quality turkey meat in its recipes. We should remember that the levels of moisture in raw meat are the same as is the case with chicken.
Mackerel
Listed among the top five ingredients in this mixture, mackerel brings about several benefits. It is a quality ingredient in canine formulas. This salt-water fish contributes both high levels of protein and Omega 3 Fatty Acids. Both of these help your pup stay strong and healthy, with the silky looking coat and skin.
Flounder
Orijen Original includes flounder in its selection of animal ingredients. It is a marine type of fish, known for several positive features. It is abundant in protein, necessary for dogs to thrive. Additionally, it supplies Omega 3 Fatty Acids, extremely beneficial for dogs.
Whole Eggs
Eggs provide several important nutritive elements, amino-acids being the most essential ones. Moreover, this easily-digestible nutrient contains vitamins A and B12, Selenium, Iron and Fatty Acids. This is why many dog food formulas include eggs in their lists of ingredients.
Organ Meats
Organ meats used in this recipe include chicken and turkey liver and heart. These are considered to be quality, nutrient-rich components. The contents of water in raw products is high, and the total amount of meat content is considerably reduced after processing.
Legumes
Several ingredients, present in much smaller amounts, belong to the family of legumes. They can contribute as much as 25% of the total protein. Some of these include green peas, chickpeas, red and green lentils, as well as pinto and navy beans.
Dehydrated Meat
Dehydrated meat in the Original recipe includes dehydrated mackerel, turkey and chicken. Dehydrated meats are much higher in protein levels, and are considered as protein-concentrates. We should mention that they preserve a lot of beneficial qualities, as they do not get exposed to high temperatures like meals.
Lentil Fiber
Lentil fiber is listed as an ingredient in this blend. It supplies the combination of both insoluble and soluble fibers of lentil origin. These sustain easy digestion of various ingredients.
Chicory Root
We should also mention the use of chicory root in this canine formula. It is abundant in inulin, a component serving as the source of soluble dietary fiber. At the same time, it is a powerful prebiotic, supporting the growth of useful bacteria cultures in the GI system.
Mineral
The role of minerals in canine nutrition is great, as they support metabolism and bolster immunity. This food blend enlists one type of mineral among its ingredients, although we can assume that the rest of the ingredients supply an adequate mineral complex.
Orijen Recall History
Our research did not result in any matches regarding the possible recalls of this brand up to this date.
A couple of minor issues with Champion Pet Foods products were recorded in the past, but the company resolved them almost immediately.
We should mention that the two cases of allegations regarding the safety of dog food products were rejected as meritless. This was in March and April 2018 and was related to the presence of dangerous substances in food formulas.
Conclusion
There is a number of factors involved in trying to determine the quality of a certain dog food formula. These range from the quality of ingredients, their ratio, safety standards, and last but not least – the reputation of the manufacturers.
By taking a closer look at the line of products from the Orijen dry dog food brand, we have tried to draw a few basic conclusions. These turned out to be mainly positive, ranking the brand very high on the list of available commercial foods.
This was primarily due to its excellent balance of vital nutrients and the use of top-quality ingredients benefitting pups greatly. Our conclusions were only strengthened by a large number of positive comments made by users.
Despite some individual negative remarks made by individual users, we believe this canine food brand definitely deserves your attention.
Orijen insists on quality and ranks well above the average. We believe it is likely to live up to your high expectations and provide the best nutrition to your furry friend.
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