When it comes to choosing the right food for your canine companion, the options can be overwhelming. Among the premium brands available, Orijen stands out, often sparking the question: Is Orijen A Good Dog Food? Manufactured in-house in both Canada and the US, Orijen has positioned itself as a top-tier pet food provider, offering a range of products primarily focused on ultra-processed kibble, alongside freeze-dried and canned lines, totaling 22 different recipes.
Orijen prides itself on delivering premium nutrition, and in many respects, it surpasses numerous other dog food brands on the market. One of the most notable aspects of Orijen’s formulations is their approach to vitamin and mineral supplementation. Unlike many kibbles that rely heavily on vitamin premixes, Orijen foods generally contain fewer added minerals. This is complemented by a formulation philosophy that emphasizes high protein and low carbohydrate content, a desirable nutritional profile for many dog owners seeking to mimic a more natural canine diet. Furthermore, Orijen incorporates probiotics into their recipes, guaranteeing a minimum amount to support digestive health.
Alt: Close-up shot of Orijen dog food kibble, highlighting high-quality meat and vegetable ingredients, emphasizing Orijen’s commitment to natural and premium components for canine nutrition.
In terms of ingredient quality and safety, Orijen often receives favorable comparisons to its sister brand, ACANA. However, it’s worth noting that “natural flavor” is a frequently listed ingredient in Orijen foods. Additionally, some ingredients known to have high pesticide levels are present, although they are typically not found within the top 5 ingredients listed on the product label. Considering these factors, Orijen dry dog foods are generally categorized as a moderate risk food, whereas their canned and freeze-dried product lines are considered to be low risk options.
Analyzing the 2023 Update: Has Orijen Changed?
The pet food industry is dynamic, and changes in ownership can sometimes lead to alterations in recipes and ingredient standards. Following a change in ownership, and in response to ongoing consumer scrutiny, a thorough comparison was conducted in October 2023, analyzing the ingredients used in Orijen foods against data from 2021. This review aimed to identify any shifts in formulation.
The analysis revealed minimal changes across two key product lines: Orijen Originals Dry and Orijen Freeze Dried. However, even subtle modifications can impact the overall nutritional profile and rating of a dog food.
Orijen Originals Dry Food Adjustments:
The Orijen Original Dry food line experienced the addition of as many as eight vitamins across its eight dry recipes. Notably, among these added vitamins were B5 and B6, which are typically abundant in meat and organ tissues – ingredients already prominently featured in Orijen’s recipes. Despite the rich inclusion of animal, poultry, and fish proteins and organs, these vitamin additions led to a slight decrease in the average score, from 6.9 to 6.4 out of 10. It’s important to note that the Guaranteed Analysis, along with the protein and carbohydrate levels, remained consistent. The ingredient list continues to prioritize meat, poultry, fish, and organs as the first 10-12 ingredients, followed by legumes, mirroring the previous formulations.
Alt: A vibrant bag of Orijen Original dog food, showcasing the brand logo and highlighting the recipe’s focus on whole prey ingredients and high protein content for optimal canine health.
Orijen Freeze Dried Food Modifications:
Similarly, the Orijen Freeze Dried line saw the addition of five vitamins to its three recipes. This addition resulted in a deduction of points due to exceeding the threshold for added vitamins or minerals, causing the average score to slightly decrease from 9.2 to 8.8 out of 10. As with the dry food, vitamins B5 and B6 were among those added, despite the significant presence of meat and organ ingredients. The average protein content of these freeze-dried recipes remained stable at 38%, while the average carbohydrate content saw a minor increase to 12% (up from 10%). This carbohydrate level is still considered acceptable for freeze-dried dog food. The ingredient list maintained its emphasis on meat, poultry, fish, and organs as the initial 10-14 ingredients, followed by produce, consistent with previous formulations.
Alt: Display of Orijen freeze-dried dog food nuggets in a bowl, emphasizing the natural texture and high-quality, minimally processed ingredients ideal for a nutritious and palatable canine diet.
Conclusion: Is Orijen Still a Good Choice?
Despite minor recipe adjustments and slight score reductions in certain lines, Orijen continues to be a high-quality dog food brand. It maintains its commitment to high protein, low carbohydrate recipes with a strong emphasis on meat-based ingredients. While the addition of vitamins B5 and B6 in some formulas is noteworthy, potentially suggesting a slight shift in formulation philosophy or ingredient sourcing, Orijen still stands out for its ingredient quality and nutritional profile compared to many other kibble options. For dog owners seeking a premium, meat-rich food with fewer synthetic additives than many conventional brands, Orijen remains a good choice, particularly the canned and freeze-dried lines which are considered low risk. However, as with any dog food, it’s always recommended to monitor your dog’s individual response to the food and consult with your veterinarian to ensure it meets their specific dietary needs.
