Orijen Dog Food Reviews 2024: The Biologically Appropriate Nutrition

Heard about Orijen pet food? I bet you did that is why you are here. If you are looking for Orijen Dog Food Reviews, then you have come to the right place. Read on.

When you look at a bag of Orijen dog food you will see the words “biologically appropriate” in big, bold letters. This is the hallmark of the company's brand and a description of their nutritional philosophy.

In their own words, they describe “biologically appropriate” pet food as meeting five key principles: rich in meat, meat freshness, meat diversity, reduced glycemic load, and fresh fruits and vegetables.

Orijen also adheres to a “whole prey” philosophy which incorporates all of the richly nourishing meats, organs, cartilage, and marrow in authentic ratios inspired by the natural diet of wild dogs and cats.

Simply put, their products are meat-rich and carbohydrate-limited, made with the freshest regional ingredients available and manufactured to the highest standards for quality and safety.

You can feel good about feeding your dog any one of Orijen’s biologically appropriate diets.

Manufacturer Information

The Orijen brand is made by Champion Petfoods – this is the same company that produces the Acana brand of pet foods.

Champion Petfoods is based in Canada, though they operate manufacturing facilities in the United States as well. Champion Petfood products are sold throughout Canada and the United States as well as more than 70 other countries worldwide.

Made in the USA?

The Orijen brand is based in Canada, so that is where many of their products are made. Champion Petfoods recently opened a new manufacturing facility in Kentucky, however, so some of their products are made in these facilities instead.

If you check the label for Orijen products, you will find one of two statements: “Made in our Canadian kitchens” or “Made in our Kentucky kitchens”. Their Canadian kitchens can be found in the NorthStar manufacturing facility in Canada or in the new Dogstar facility in Kentucky.

Orijen Dog Food Reviews

When you look at the label for a bag of Orijen dog food, you may be surprised at the number of different meats used in each formula.

All of their recipes are biologically appropriate which means that they are designed to mimic the natural evolutionary diet of wild wolves – a carnivorous diet comprised primarily of animal ingredients.

Orijen’s products adhere to a whole prey ratio of fresh meats, organs, cartilage, and raw bone to deliver the nutrients your dog requires without the need for excessive supplementation.

All of their products are protein-rich and carbohydrate-limited which also makes them highly palatable, easily digestible, and nutritionally complete. Simply put, Orijen products are the best of the best.

 

Lifestage Recipes

1. Puppy Formula

First 5 ingredients:  Chicken, Turkey, Turkey Giblets (Liver, Heart, Gizzard), Flounder, Whole Mackerel

Rating: 5/5 stars

Guaranteed Analysis:

This puppy recipe is biologically appropriate for all breeds, focusing on high-quality animal proteins that make up 85% of the formula. Deboned chicken, turkey, and organ meats, such as liver and hearts, provide essential nutrients for growing puppies, contributing to a protein content of 38%. The inclusion of organ meats aligns with Orijen’s whole prey philosophy, delivering vital fats, vitamins, and minerals.

Legumes like beans and chickpeas offer natural carbohydrates and fiber, while chicken fat and pollock oil supply DHA and EPA, promoting brain, eye, and cognitive development.

It also contains glucosamine and chondroitin to support joint health during rapid growth phases, particularly in breeds prone to hip dysplasia.

The addition of probiotics helps with digestion and strengthens the immune system. This nutrient-rich formula is one of the few on the market with such a high concentration of animal proteins, and the freeze-dried meat coating makes it irresistible to puppies. Overall, this recipe provides excellent nutrition for developing pups.

2. Puppy Large

First 5 ingredients: Chicken, Turkey, Flounder, Whole Mackerel, Chicken Liver

Rating: 5/5 stars

Guaranteed Analysis:

Large breed puppies have unique needs that are different from small or medium breed ones. This recipe is specifically formulated to meet those requirements.

It is crafted with free-run chicken, turkey, cage-free eggs, and wild-caught fish, using a whole prey approach that includes nutrient-rich animal parts.

The formula features an 85% meat to 15% vegetable and fruit ratio, with 21 animal proteins, including deboned chicken as the first ingredient, contributing to a high 38% crude protein content.

The inclusion of legumes like pinto beans, lentils, and peas adds fiber, vitamins, and minerals, though their amount is minimal compared to the meat content.

It is designed to support large breed puppies' growth, with extra glucosamine for joint health. The freeze-dried liver coating enhances flavor, making it appealing to picky eaters, while probiotics support digestion and nutrient absorption.

Overall, this recipe is nutrient-dense, rich in animal proteins, and ideal for large breed puppies.

3. Senior

First 5 ingredients: Chicken, Turkey, Flounder, Whole Mackerel, Turkey Giblets (Liver, Heart, Gizzard)

Rating: 5/5 stars

Guaranteed Analysis:

Orijen Senior is thoughtfully crafted and designed for aging canines of all breed sizes.

It, like all Orijen recipes, feature a wholeprey approach that can be extremely beneficial for senior dogs who are often picky with their food. The meat-packed diet is further enhanced with freeze-dried liver coating that can entice even the most finicky canine.

Featuring a high-protein blend of fresh or raw chicken, turkey, eggs, mackerel, and herring, making up the first 15 ingredients and contributing to its 38% natural protein content.

Instead of typical grain-free carbohydrates like potatoes, it uses legumes such as lentils, pinto beans, and peas, which offer more protein, fat, and fiber while helping maintain lean muscle mass.

Designed for senior dogs, the recipe includes DHA and EPA to support cognitive function and higher fiber content to prevent constipation.

And because the older dogs get, the more brittle their bones are, there is chondroitin and glucosamine to the rescue. The chondroitin content, in particular, is at a very high level to reduce pain and inflammation from our pets’ joints.

Adult Recipes

1. Original Recipe

First 5 ingredients: Chicken, Turkey, Flounder, Whole Mackerel, Chicken Liver

Rating: 5/5 stars

Guaranteed Analysis:

This is a biologically appropriate dog food designed for all life stages. It features a protein-rich blend with 85% animal ingredients, including free-run chicken and turkey, wild-caught fish, and nest-laid eggs.

The recipe contains a wide variety of meat-based ingredients like organs and cartilage, offering natural flavor and nutrition.

Carbohydrates come from legumes such as peas, beans, and lentils, which are gluten-free and highly digestible. The formula also provides healthy fats from chicken fat and herring oil, promoting skin and coat health.

With a high protein content (38%) and a balanced fat level (18%), the food is packed with essential nutrients, including omega fatty acids, chelated minerals, and probiotics for digestion.

Overall, this grain-free recipe delivers superior nutrition with minimal reliance on synthetic supplements, making it an excellent choice for dogs at any life stage.

2. Regional Red

First 5 ingredients: Beef, Wild Boar, Goat, Lamb, Lamb Liver

Rating: 5/5 stars

Guaranteed Analysis:

This kibble brings dogs all the goodness of red meat in many different forms. It features ranch-raised beef, grass-fed lamb, wild boar, and boer goat. Pork also makes an appearance here as well mackerel, herring, and pollock.

It is packed with a remarkable 29 animal ingredients, including muscle meat, organs, and bones, all designed to mimic a dog's natural prey diet. The Wholeprey approach provides a rich source of essential nutrients without relying on synthetic vitamins or minerals.

With 38% crude protein, the diet is ideal for active, performance, and older dogs, promoting muscle development and overall health. It’s also grain-free, gluten-free, and chicken-free, making it suitable for dogs with certain dietary restrictions.

The fat content from organ meats and Alaskan Pollock oil ensures a balanced supply of omega fatty acids for cognitive function, immune support, and skin and coat health.

In addition to its diverse animal proteins, the recipe includes superfoods like apples, kale, and spinach, enhancing the nutritional value. Overall, it’s a highly nutritious and balanced formula that caters to the comprehensive needs of dogs, providing exceptional nourishment.

3. Fit & Trim

First 5 ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Liver, Turkey Giblets (Liver, Heart, Gizzard), Turkey, Cod

Rating: 5/5 stars

Guaranteed Analysis:

This one is designed for pups who need to maintain a healthy weight. It’s a carefully crafted formula to promote weight loss and the development of lean muscle mass in adult dogs of all breed sizes.

This recipe is designed to help overweight dogs maintain a lean body mass while shedding extra fat, thanks to its high protein content of 42%. The first 15 ingredients, starting with deboned chicken, include a mix of poultry and fish products, along with bone, cartilage, and liver for added nutrients.

The use of fresh, raw, and dehydrated meats mimics a dog's ancestral diet, providing essential nutrients naturally found in organs and bones. The recipe also includes legumes like lentils, beans, and peas as healthy carbohydrate sources, offering more fat, fiber, and protein compared to potatoes.

It is crafted to reduce calorie intake while providing the necessary nutrients for weight loss and maintaining optimal health. With high levels of chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine for joint support, and L-carnitine for weight management and energy, this recipe is ideal for dogs needing to shed extra pounds while staying healthy.

4. Six Fish

First 5 ingredients: Whole Mackerel, Whole Herring, Monkfish, Acadian Redfish, Flounder

Rating: 5/5 stars

Guaranteed Analysis:

Dogs that are bored of the usual meat ingredients will get their fill from this fish-filled recipe. This one contains a diverse selection of the sea’s bounty, namely mackerel, herring, monkfish, redfish, flounder, and hake.

These six provide the bulk of the animal protein, although there are additional fish species, such as cod, pollock, and whiting, further down the list.

It rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, specifically DHA and EPA, making it highly beneficial for brain, heart, lung, and circulatory health. These unsaturated fats also help reduce inflammation and pain, particularly in dogs with arthritis.

Like other Orijen formulas, this recipe is primarily meat-based, featuring several animal proteins before introducing vegetables. It uses lentils, beans, and peas as healthy carbohydrate and fiber sources, offering more protein and fiber compared to potatoes.

Omega-6s from sunflower and safflower oil complement the Omega-3s from pollock oil, supporting brain, skin, and immune function. Additionally, herbs like sarsaparilla root, turmeric, and chicory root are included for their health benefits, such as improving urinary health and providing prebiotics.

The recipe also targets joint health with chondroitin and glucosamine, while probiotics aid digestion. With its high Omega-3 content and variety of fish, this balanced meal is excellent for adult dogs, supporting various health conditions.

5. Tundra

First 5 ingredients: Lamb, Venison, Duck, Whole Arctic Char, Whole Pilchard

Rating: 4.5/5 stars

Guaranteed Analysis:

This is a protein-packed, biologically-appropriate dog food that features fresh or raw Boer goat, grass-fed mutton, venison, duck, Arctic char, and more.

With 17 meat and fish ingredients before any vegetables, it caters to dogs craving a meat-rich diet. The inclusion of wild boar and fatty fish adds essential omega fatty acids.

This recipe is ideal for active or working dogs due to its high protein content, which helps build lean muscles and provides energy. Legumes, fruits, and leafy greens offer natural sources of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, with no synthetic nutrients used. Carbohydrates from legumes provide energy, but in balanced quantities, ensuring the recipe isn’t carb-heavy.

With 460 kcal per cup, it is calorie-dense, suitable for dogs needing to gain or maintain weight, but may be too rich for less active dogs. Overall, this kibble offers a balanced, protein-rich meal that is both nutritious and tasty.

6. Small Breed

First 5 ingredients:

Rating: 5/5 stars

Guaranteed Analysis:

Little dogs may be small, but their appetites can be large. The brand takes into account all the dietary requirements that are unique to small breeds to craft this protein-powered meal designed for little mouths.

Packaged in smaller kibbles, it maintains its signature high-nutrition profile with 85% fish and poultry, and 15% other ingredients. The recipe starts with 15 animal protein sources, including eggs, chicken, various fish, turkey, and organ meats, many of which are fresh or raw to maximize nutrient content. Dehydrated ingredients also contribute to nutrient retention without compromising quality.

Chicken fat, pollock oil, and organ meats provide essential fats, necessary for energy, healthy skin, and insulation. The recipe adheres to Orijen’s wholeprey approach, using all parts of the animal to mimic a natural diet and provide complete nutrition without synthetic additives.

The formula includes herbs like chicory root, turmeric, rosemary, and sarsaparilla for added health benefits. Specifically designed for small breeds, it offers a high-density nutrient profile to match their higher metabolism and energy needs, ensuring they receive the necessary nutrients in smaller quantities. All in all, it’s a well-balanced, nutrient-rich option tailored for the unique needs of small dogs.

Ingredient Sourcing

The Orijen brand is very serious about using the freshest ingredients available. They define fresh as, “never frozen and containing no preservatives”. This description applies primarily to their meat ingredients, though they also use an assortment of fresh fruits, vegetables, and botanicals in their recipes.

Not only are their ingredients the freshest around, but their poultry, fish, eggs, red meats, and game are all table-quality and fit for human consumption, according to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.

They source their ingredients locally and regionally whenever possible and all fresh meats travel from farm to kitchen in just 3 days and are made into Orijen pet food in 2 days. Some examples of their regionally sourced ingredients include angus beef and bison from Kentucky; fresh-caught fish from New England; fresh lamb from Alberta, and more.

Orijen promises that they do not source any of their ingredients from China.

Recall History

Orijen owns and operates all of their own manufacturing facilities – they do not outsource their production like many pet food companies do. In addition to using only the freshest ingredients available, Champion Petfoods holds themselves to the highest standards for quality and safety when it comes to the manufacture of their products.

All ingredients are tested prior to use and their quality assurance systems go all the way down the ladder to their suppliers. As careful as they are about the production of their foods, there has been one recall in brand history but it only affected products made in Australia. Here are the details of that recall:

• In November 2008, the company issued an alert about Orijen cat foods produced in Australia causing some cats to fall ill due to problems with mandatory gamma irradiation.

How expensive is their food?

The Orijen is a very high-quality brand which makes it one of the more expensive foods on the market. Just keep in mind that you get what you pay for and, with Orijen dog food products, you are getting the best.

Prices vary from one recipe to another, but generally a 28.6-pound bag of Orijen dry food will cost you between $75 and $135. For a 16-ounce bag of freeze-dried food you will pay $30 to $40 and 3.5-ounce bags of freeze-dried treats cost about $15.

 

List of their product line

The Orijen brand offers a fairly limited selection of products when compared to many other brands. Although their product offerings may not be very extensive, you can account on the fact that each and every recipe delivers the highest quality nutrition possible.

They offer only biologically appropriate diets which are formulated to mimic the natural evolutionary diet of wild wolves – that means that they are rich in protein and low in carbohydrates. In terms of the types of products they have to offer, they currently sell seven recipes for dry food and three recipes for freeze-dried food as well as an assortment of freeze-dried dog treats.

Dry Products

The Orijen brand offers an assortment of award-winning and biologically appropriate dry foods for dogs in all life stages. Each recipe starts with a premium-quality protein and is supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables for a healthy, balanced recipe.

Their dry foods do not include any high-glycemic carbohydrates or vegetable proteins and they include a very limited list of synthetic supplements. Here is a list of their dry recipes:

Dry Recipes:

• Puppy Recipe
• Puppy Large Recipe
• Original Recipe
• Six Fish Recipe
• Regional Red Recipe
• Tundra Recipe
• Senior Dog Recipe

Freeze-Dried Products

The Orijen brand is unique from other brands in that they do not offer canned food products. They do, however, offer something even better – freeze-dried foods. There are three recipes to choose from and they are all biologically appropriate and made with high inclusions of fresh, regional meats. Here is a list of freeze-dried recipes:

Freeze-Dried Recipes:

• Adult Dog Recipe
• Regional Red Recipe
• Tundra Recipe

Treats

In addition to an assortment of dry food and freeze-dried foods, the Orijen brand also offers a selection of freeze-dried dog treats. These are all protein-rich made with 100% natural meats, fish, or poultry -nothing else. Here is a list of freeze-dried dog treats:

Treats:

• Original Treats
• Tundra Treats
• Regional Red Treats
• Angus Beef Treats
• Alberta Lamb Treats
• Alberta Bison Treats
• Free-Run Duck Treats
• Wild Boar Treats

Is Orijen best dog food?

For a brand that offers dog food designed to suit your dog's natural biological needs, our top choice is Orijen. Orijen dog foods are rich in meat and proteins. Each product contains up to 90% meat, which is is more than three times the amount used in conventional dog food.

Has Orijen dog food ever been recalled?

Inspired by a natural diet of whole prey animals, Orijen features unmatched and unique inclusions of meat, naturally providing everything your dog or cat needs to thrive. No Orijen pet food has ever been recalled in the United States or Canada.

Is Orijen better than Royal Canin?

Our analysis shows that Orijen guarantees 5.11% more fat than Royal Canin dry cat food recipes. If you look at the average percentages of crude fiber, you'll notice that Royal Canin typically guarantees 2.74% more fiber. This is a fairly small difference between Royal Canin and Orijen, but still worth mentioning.

Which is better Orijen or Acana?

If you've been paying attention, it's clear that Orijen foods are a slightly better quality that Acana. For instance, Orijen foods contain more meat, more of which is fresh. But, Acana is more affordable than Orijen, meaning there may be some owners who can't stretch to Orijen but can afford Acana.