Let’s Talk About Orijen Dog Food—What’s the Hype?

People are talking about Orijen dog food, and now we’re going to see what the hype is all about!

Orijen dog food has a reputation that spans more than 30 years. They use fresh ingredients that are never frozen, so they support smaller businesses such as farmers and ranchers. Their food is said to mirror the dogs’ ancestral diet, which is why it’s called biologically appropriate.

This brand has received many awards for its top-quality dog food products. You’ll find plenty of positive comments about its ingredients on the Internet. Thousands of people vouch for the Orijen dog food products, but how can you know if they will suit your beloved pooch?

How We Evaluated Orijen Dog Food

The value of a product brand is reflected in its impact on customers and their loyalty. This evaluation’s primary goals are to investigate how the consumers see Orijen dog food brand and test its food quality. The Alpha Paw team loves to be meticulous and provide you with only true and verified facts.

We look behind the brand’s marketing strategies and focus on the service. But we never work alone. Our research is always supported by a group of people with plenty of experience in the field.
For this topic, we decided to seek help from:

1. Veterinary nutritionists
2. Dog owners
3. Dog lovers community

Our veterinary nutritionists have years of experience in testing different dog food brands. These experts came across many top-quality dog recipes in their practice. They have also seen many products with great advertisement strategies, which later turned out to be harmful to dogs. We wanted to pick their brains and check which category Orijen dog food belongs to.

Dog owners are always a great source of information as they give us an insight into specific dog reactions. These dog parents own different dog breeds with various health issues. If a certain brand provokes adverse responses to their beloved pets, we are informed about it.

Finally, the dog lover community is always there to give us additional info we use to round off the evaluation. The members of this community warned us that these formulas are costly, but there is a good reason for that. We’ll come to that soon.

And don’t forget, we are not paid to advertise or badmouth any food company. Our greatest interest is to help you find the best recipe for your hairy companion so that they can thrive and be healthy. This evaluation is the fruit of our thorough research.

Let’s Learn about Orijen Diet Dog Food 

The name of the brand stems from the Latin word origin, which refers to the roots. Orijen strives to make natural food products that follow the dog’s evolution. It uses fresh and often local ingredients that meet all your dog’s nutritional needs.

Although dogs are often associated with their closest relatives—wolves—the nutrition of these two species has changed a lot throughout the centuries. While the howl-at-the-moon species has remained carnivorous, dogs’ requirements are both meat and plant-based.

Orijen dog food believes that dogs are mostly carnivorous animals, and they put the focus on dogs’ need for meat. This brand’s recipes are similar to the food that our dogs can find and eat in nature.

Orijen dog food is one of the most popular brands today. Their popularity stems from their satisfied customers whose trust they have earned. They pride themselves on using the food that’s biologically appropriate for dogs. 

Most of their recipes are made for all life stages. This means you can feed your pup with their formulas, the moment they start munching on kibble. Another great advantage of this is that you can apply a method of rotational feeding once your pooch gets used to the Orijen diet. Nobody loves to eat the same food day in and day out. Plus, your pup will be less likely to miss out on any useful ingredient.

If you’re looking for an Orijen store in your surroundings, you can find it with the help of their online store locator.

What Can You Find in Orijen Dog Food

This brand is famous for its meat-based products, but how much meat are we talking about here? In comparison to other popular dog food products, Orijen uses large quantities of meat in their recipes, which is, in a way, their hallmark. Each formula contains 85%–90% meat. 

The formula also contains 2/3rds of raw or fresh meat. If you decide to get your pup used to raw food, make sure you choose the one that contains top-quality ingredients. Canines need 37 vital nutrients to meet all their dietary requirements, which is sometimes challenging to manage with raw dog food.

At least six different meats are found in each Orijen product. In this case, we like to say—the more, the merrier. Meat contains protein, and dogs are naturally equipped to digest large quantities of meat. However, canines also require plant-based nutrients, which they can find in vegetables and fruits. Also, meat doesn’t contain enough calcium, but it can be compensated by eating bones in raw food—whole or ground. You can find a quality source of calcium in:

• Chicken wings
• Chicken legs
• Lamb ribs
• Chicken, turkey, lamb, or goat necks

Due to high-meat content, energy source mostly comes from protein and less from carbs. If your pooch gets too many carbohydrates, they will be more prone to gaining weight. Although many people claim that a high-protein diet is not beneficial for senior dogs, it’s not harmful. If the diet has more protein, it contains fewer carbs. Our grandpa doggos surely shouldn’t gain weight, so be careful with their carb intake.

This brand uses organ meats, such as:

• Liver
• Kidney
• Tripe

These organs are rich in minerals—magnesium, iodine, copper, and iron, as well as vitamins—E, D, A, and K. Orijen uses WholePray ratios of raw organs, muscle meat, and cartilage.

Proteins also come from fish and eggs. Fish provides your pup with amino acids that promote healthy skin and coat. Eggs are a high-quality protein source, too.

Transition to Orijen Dog Food

Orijen food recipes are different from commercial dog food products. Their food is mostly meat-based, and the transition from regular food to their formulas can be a massive change for your pup.

Switching your dog to a new recipe is more complex than just filling their bowls with food. Introducing the new diet slowly will reduce the risk of digestive system problems. Patience is the key. The sudden transition can make their tummy hurt and change their discharge.

Start by giving your furry friend 25% of new food and 75% of the food they are used to. Over the next two weeks, slowly increase the intake of new food. If you find that they are having issues, either slow down the process even more or take your beastie to the vet.

When you start the transition, choose an Orijen recipe that has the same meat-type as the food you have been feeding them before shifting.

Meat as the Main Protein Source In Orijen Dog Food

While meat is a great protein source, you can’t say that the product is safe until you find the one that contains real meat. Lots of food companies praise their formulas as part of their marketing strategy, although the food they make does not provide your dog with everything the pooch needs. Always check out the ingredient list before putting the product in your shopping cart. If you’re not sure about the amount of protein you should feed your dog, consult your vet.

Meat that you can find in high-quality formulas is:

1. Chicken
2. Beef
3. Turkey
4. Duck

Meat by-products consist of slaughterhouse waste. They do have some protein, but your pooch will find it very difficult to digest. Meat by-products typically contain:

• Horns
• Claws
• Feathers
• Hooves
• Hair
• Beaks

You should always strive for recipes that contain real meat, such as Orijen. Meat-quality is essential for this brand, and you can sleep tight, knowing that it’s biologically appropriate for your hairy friend.

Orijen Dog Food Price

This brand belongs to the list of the most expensive ones on the market. If you look at the list of ingredients, you’ll understand why. Orijen uses high-quality ingredients, and it’s rich in top-quality protein, too.

Its price depends on the package you’re purchasing. The formulas come in sizes of 12-ounce, 4.5-pound, 13-pound, and 25 pounds bags.

The brand also offers nine different treats that come in 1.5-ounce and 3.25-ounce bags.

Orijen Dog Food—Our Favourite Picks

The brand has only eight dry dog food formulas. Even though they are excellent recipes for your pup, there aren’t many options here for picky dogs. Despite that, Orijen dog food boasts top-quality ingredients that you should consider giving to your hairy one. 

Below, you’ll find our favorite products with their nutritional information. Take a look if there’s anything your pooch would like to munch on.

Alpha Paw Picks	Brand	Rating
Best overall	Orijen Original	4.9
First runner-up	Orijen Puppy	4.9
Second runner-up	Orijen Senior	4.8

Orijen Original

 

Source: orijen dog food

Orijen Original is a formula made with cage-free chicken, turkey, fish, and eggs, which are the primary sources of protein. These premium ingredients will keep your dog healthy. The taste and nutrients correspond to your pooch’s nature.

This particular Orijen dog food is a high-quality dry dog food. It posts a very satisfactory nutrient profile and its recipe claims an above average amount of protein and fat, which makes it suitable for dogs of all activity levels. Yes, even active dogs are suitable for this recipe! 

It is made with high-quality meat ingredients, such as chicken and turkey, which are protein-rich substances and provides an excellent amount of vitamins and minerals that your dogs need! It includes some fish too that adds extra protein, as well as vital fatty acids. 

Aside from meat-based ingredients, the Orijen Naturals includes healthy vegetables like beans and peas. These are high-quality sources of carbohydrates and offer fiber that promotes healthy digestion. 

After a short period of eating this recipe, your dog may show some changes in their behavior. They can become more energetic, and their coat may become shinier and nicer. These healthy, natural ingredients will reduce the risk of allergies and sensitivities.  It’s not pleasant only for your buddy’s nose, but for yours as well! You will also notice that a little beastie has a fresher breath. And you no longer need to use supplements or extra vitamins. It’s all there in the package.

However, keep in mind that this Orijen dog food contains a wide range of ingredients so it might not be suitable for dogs with allergies or a sensitive stomach. 

Guaranteed Analysis
Crude Protein	38.0% min
Fat Content	18.0% min
Crude ash	9.0% max
Crude Fiber	5.0% max
Moisture	12.0% max
Calcium	1.4% min
Phosphorus	1.1% min
*Omega 3 Fatty Acids (min)	1.0% min
*Omega 6 Fatty Acids (min)	3.0% min
DHA (docosahexaenoic acid)	0.3% min
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)	0.2% min
Glucosamine* (min.)	1400 mg/kg
Chondroitin sulfate* (min.)	1200 mg/kg

Ingredients:

Fresh chicken meat (13%), fresh turkey meat (7%), fresh cage-free eggs (7%), fresh chicken liver (6%), fresh whole herring (6%), fresh whole flounder (5%), fresh turkey liver (5%), fresh chicken necks (4%), fresh beet greens, fresh turnip greens, fresh chicken heart (4%), fresh turkey heart (4%), whole navy beans, herring oil (1%), chicken (dehydrated, 4%), turkey (dehydrated, 4%), whole mackerel (dehydrated, 4%), whole sardine (dehydrated, 4%), whole herring (dehydrated, 4%), whole red lentils, whole green lentils, whole green peas, lentil fibre, whole chickpeas, whole yellow peas, whole pinto beans, milk thistle, burdock root, lavender, marshmallow root, rosehips, chicken fat (1%), chicken cartilage (1%), chicken liver (freeze-dried), turkey liver (freeze-dried), fresh whole pumpkin, fresh whole butternut squash, fresh whole zucchini, fresh whole parsnips, fresh carrots, fresh whole Red Delicious apples, fresh whole Bartlett pears, fresh kale, fresh spinach, brown kelp, whole cranberries, whole blueberries, whole Saskatoon berries, chicory root, turmeric root. ADDITIVES (per kg): Nutritional additives: Zinc chelate: 100 mg. Enterococcus faecium. NCIMB10415: 600×10^6 CFU.

Source: orijen dog food

Orijen Puppy

Puppies are energetic little creatures that jump around all day long. They need nutrition that can follow their restlessness. Orijen Puppy is a perfect formula for your growing baby. It’s full of high-quality protein that comes from wild-caught fish and free-run chicken and turkey. It is made from 38% pure protein and is designed to help rapid growing puppies grow into a healthy and strong adult dog. 

Orijen Puppy is a grain-free and gluten-free dog food so it is ideal for puppies with sensitive stomachs and grain allergies. 

To know more about Orijen Puppy, here is the ingredient breakdown that’ll tell you what your dog is ingesting. 

This particular Orijen dog food contains boneless chicken and chicken meal, which are good sources of animal protein. As mentioned, Orijen uses free-run chickens in their dog recipes, this means that it is hormone- and antibiotic-free. Chicken meal is more highly-concentrated since it’s been cooked to remove moisture and is a welcomed addition to this recipe.  

Other significant ingredients are chicken liver that gives protein but is more jam packed with vital vitamins and minerals, like vitamin A, D, B, iron, phosphorus, and folic acid and whole herring for boosting the health of its nervous system and heart.

The product improves your puppy pup’s stool and is excellent for their digestion. It’s suitable for hairy cuties with sensitive tummies. Plenty of Omega 3 and Omega 6 acids promote your baby’s coat and skin, letting them strut in every walk.

The formula doesn’t contain any:

1. Artificial colors
2. Artificial flavors
3. Artificial preservatives

Guaranteed Analysis
Crude Protein	38.0% min
Fat Content	20.0% min
Crude ash	5.0% max
Crude Fiber	5.0% max
Moisture	12.0% max
Calcium	1.4% min
Phosphorus	1.1% min
*Omega 3 Fatty Acids (min)	1.1% min
*Omega 6 Fatty Acids (min)	3.0% min
DHA (docosahexaenoic acid)	0.35% min
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)	0.25% min
Glucosamine* (min.)	1500 mg/kg
Chondroitin sulfate* (min.)	1200 mg/kg

Ingredients:

Fresh chicken meat (11%), fresh turkey meat (7%), fresh cage-free eggs (6%), fresh whole herring (6%), fresh chicken liver (5%), fresh whole flounder (5%), fresh turkey liver (5%), fresh chicken heart (4%), fresh turkey heart (4%), fresh chicken necks (4%), whole herring (dehydrated, 4%), chicken fat (4%), herring oil (2%), chicken (dehydrated, 4%), turkey (dehydrated, 4%), whole mackerel (dehydrated, 4%), whole sardine (dehydrated, 4%), whole red lentils, whole green peas, whole green lentils, whole chickpeas, lavender, marshmallow root, rosehips, whole yellow peas, lentil fibre, whole cranberries, whole blueberries, whole Saskatoon berries, whole pinto beans, whole navy beans, chicken bone and cartilage (1%), chicken liver (freeze-dried), turkey liver (freeze-dried), fresh whole pumpkin, fresh whole butternut squash, fresh whole zucchini, fresh whole parsnips, fresh carrots, fresh whole Red Delicious apples, fresh whole Bartlett pears, fresh kale, fresh spinach, fresh beet greens, fresh turnip greens, brown kelp, chicory root, turmeric root, milk thistle, burdock root. ADDITIVES (per kg): Nutritional additives: Zinc chelate: 100 mg. Enterococcus faecium. NCIMB 10415: 600×10^6 CFU.

Orijen Senior

Source: orijen dog food

Orijen Senior is made especially for our grandpa and grandma doggos. It contains less fat content compared to its other products, to protect our senior citizens from putting on too much weight. Fresh chicken liver provides them with protein, zinc, folate, and iron. 

It’s high-quality dry dog food and its nutrient profile states it is substantially above average, this means this particular Orijen dog food  contains above average amount of protein and fat. Its protein content, in particular, is higher compared to other dry dog food. 

Its ingredients only contain high-quality poultry and fish substances, such as chicken, turkey, and flounder. In addition, chicken meal and turkey meal are excellent and concentrated sources of protein and contain three to four times as much protein. It also contains whole herring which promotes healthy skin, coat, nervous system and heart due to its omega-3 content. 

Aside from these, Orijen senior also contains a wide range of legumes, fruits and vegetables that provides a good amount of carbohydrates and fiber that promotes healthy digestion. 

In case your dog has dry skin, you need to give them amino acids, of which this product has plenty. Aside from that, due to its abundant supply of fatty acids like Omega-3 and Omega-6, DHA and EPA, it also promotes brain and eye development, making your senior dog stay sharp and smart even at an older age. 

This grain-free recipe is excellent for senior dogs who have sensitive tummies. In some cases, dog owners reported that eating this formula helped their canines reduce vomiting and severe constipation. This biologically appropriate dog food offers them flavors that they’ll love. 

Guaranteed Analysis
Crude Protein	38.0% min
Fat Content	15.0% min
Crude ash	8.0% max
Crude Fiber	8.0% max
Moisture	12.0% max
Calcium	1.3% min
Phosphorus	1.1% min
*Omega 3 Fatty Acids (min)	0.9% min
*Omega 6 Fatty Acids (min)	2.3% min
DHA (docosahexaenoic acid)	0.3% min
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)	0.2% min
Glucosamine* (min.)	1400 mg/kg
Chondroitin sulfate* (min.)	1200 mg/kg

Ingredients:

Fresh chicken meat (13%), fresh cage-free eggs (7%), fresh turkey meat (7%), fresh whole herring (7%), fresh chicken liver (6%), fresh whole flounder (4%), fresh turkey liver (4%), fresh chicken necks (4%), fresh chicken heart (4%), fresh turkey heart (4%), chicken (dehydrated, 4%), turkey (dehydrated, 4%), whole mackerel (dehydrated, 4%), whole pinto beans, fresh chicken cartilage (1%), whole Saskatoon berries, whole sardine (dehydrated, 4%), whole herring (dehydrated, 4%), whole red lentils, fresh kale, fresh spinach, whole green lentils, fresh whole green peas, lentil fibre, fresh whole chickpeas, fresh whole yellow peas, whole navy beans, herring oil (1%), chicken fat (1%), fresh turkey cartilage (1%), chicken liver (freeze-dried), turkey liver (freeze-dried), fresh whole pumpkin, fresh whole butternut squash, fresh whole zucchini, fresh whole parsnips, fresh carrots, fresh whole Red Delicious apples, burdock root, lavender, marshmallow root, rosehips fresh whole Bartlett pears, fresh beet greens, fresh turnip greens, brown kelp, whole cranberries, whole blueberries, chicory root, turmeric root, milk thistle. ADDITIVES (per kg): Nutritional additives: Zinc chelate: 100 mg. Zootechnical additives: Enterococcus faecium NCIMB 10415: 600×10^6 CFU.

Let’s Wrap It up

In case your pup isn’t a picky eater, Orijen dog food is an excellent choice for their diet. It has formulas for puppies, adults, and senior dogs. Their recipes are made of high-quality, palatable ingredients, rich in protein, mostly from meat. 

If your dog is used to different nutrition, make sure you make a gradual transition to Orien formulas. Their recipes mostly consist of raw food, and your pooch will need some time to get used to it.

Final Thoughts

In case you consider Orijen formulas too big a change in your pup’s diet and want to continue your quest for perfect food, we have some suggestions. Take a look at our list of best large breed dry dog food—perhaps you’ll find something in there.

Steer clear of the worst dry dog food brands. If you are looking for canned food, scan through the best-canned dog food on the market. The dog parents searching for something that will improve your canine’s dental health should check out the top 10 best dog dental chews.

References

1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orijen
2. Tjernsbekk, M. T., et al. “Raw Mechanically Separated Chicken Meat and Salmon Protein Hydrolysate as Protein Sources in Extruded Dog Food: Effect on Protein and Amino Acid Digestibility.” Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition, vol. 101, no. 5, 2017, doi:10.1111/jpn.12608.
3. Robertson, Debora. Bone appétit: 50 Clean Recipes for Healthier, Happier Dogs. Harper Design, 2019.