Orijen dog food

We all want the best for our dogs, right? One of the most important factors affecting a pet's health and well-being is their nutrition—and there can be no compromise. If you love your dog, you'll strive to provide them with a well-balanced diet.

Today, the industry offers a wide variety of prepared pet foods, among which Orijen dog food holds a special place. These dry foods, originally from Canada, are, according to the advertising brochures, made exclusively from meat and meat ingredients, with the addition of fruits and vegetables, as well as herbs and special additives. All of this, in theory, should provide your pet with complete nutrition without the hassle of preparing natural food or worrying about vitamin and mineral content, according to the manufacturer. Whether this is actually true, and whether the food meets all the manufacturer's claims, will be determined by a detailed analysis of the food.

Manufacturer of Orijen food

All foods under the Orijen brand, as well as Acana, are produced by the Canadian company Champion Petfoods, located on the picturesque prairies of the province of Alberta.

The company was founded in 1985, and in just over 30 years of operation, its diets have become firmly established in the pet products market. The key principle followed by the manufacturers is biological appropriateness. This means that all Orijen dog food contains only the ingredients that the species would eat in the wild.

The company's main claim to fame is its carbohydrate content of no more than 15%, meaning its food contains virtually no grains, if any. This is important, as dogs aren't naturally bread-eaters, but are meant to eat meat and by-products. Another key feature of Orijen food is that all ingredients are sourced from nearby farms. This means the meat and other ingredients are not frozen or otherwise processed. All ingredients are approved for human consumption by a special committee.

Thus, the developers of Orijen nutrition claim that their food can compete with the best nutritional products, both natural and industrially produced. Whether this is true or just empty rhetoric remains to be seen.

Orijen dog food range

Due to the fact that the raw materials are of very good quality, and any food is quite capable of satisfying all the dog's needs, the Champion Petfoods company did not develop a wide range of names, but produces only 6 varieties of dry food, each of which repeats the composition of the other, and differs only in the method of kibble preparation.

The entire list of rations is as follows:

• Puppy – for puppies of all dog breeds;
• Large Puppy – for puppies of large breeds (takes into account the needs of large breeds);
• Six Fish – food for dogs based on 6 types of fish;
• Adult – for adult individuals of all breeds;
• Senior – for older pets of any breed;
• Adult (lyophilized) – food produced using a special technology that allows preserving the maximum amount of useful elements of the original raw material.

That's the entire range of dog food. However, the official Origin dog food website does contain information about new products in development. These include Tundra and Regional Red—new food options with updated recipes. An update to the entire dry food line listed above is also coming soon.

The dog food line doesn't include food for dogs with special conditions or veterinary diets, but that's apparently not the manufacturer's intention. These guys' goal is to create first-class pet food, not to overstuff their product line. And we think they're doing a fantastic job.

But rather than take the manufacturer's word for it, let's delve into the nutritional list of Orijen dog food and learn about its formula. This way, we can see firsthand what the food is actually made of and appreciate its benefits for our pets.

Orijen dog food composition

We decided that Orijen Adult Dog food was the perfect choice for a detailed analysis of its ingredients—it's the most versatile diet suitable for all adult pets of any breed. Like all our other dog food options, this food is available in five sizes: 0.34 kg, 2.27 kg, as well as larger packs of 6.8 kg, 13 kg, and the largest bag—18 kg. Thanks to the smaller packs available, you can evaluate how your pet will like the new food—there's no need to buy a large bag right away.

So, let's move on to nutrients. The first 5-7 components usually indicate what the food actually consists of (they make up the lion's share of the finished product's weight). In this food, they are:

• Fresh chicken meat (22%);
• Dried chicken meat (15%);
• Fresh chicken liver (4%);
• Fresh herring (4%);
• Fresh turkey meat (4%);
• Dried turkey meat (4%);
• Fresh turkey liver (3%).

As we can see, all of these ingredients are excellent, something not every super-premium food can boast. Let's take a look at what else is listed. Next, it lists 3% fresh eggs, 3% fresh pike perch fillet, 3% fresh salmon, and 3% chicken heart. These ingredients are followed by 3% chicken cartilage, 3% each of dried herring and dried salmon. The final animal ingredient listed is 3% chicken liver oil.

After all these delicious treats, all the plant-based ingredients are listed: red and green lentils, green peas, sun-dried alfalfa, pea fiber, yams, and whole peas. Next come pumpkin, parsnips, carrots and spinach, and red apples. Closer to the bottom are Bartlett pears, blueberries, lingonberries, dried seaweed, angelica and licorice roots, calendula flowers, fenugreek, and fennel. And finally, at the very end, are mint, dandelion, thyme, chamomile, and rosemary. Finally, vitamin and mineral supplements.

What can I say? The ingredients in Orijen dog food are quite good. And that's putting it mildly! The food is completely grain-free and contains a variety of animal-based ingredients that every dog ​​needs. We're also pleased to see that it includes fruits, berries, and herbs, which provide a wealth of beneficial nutrients for your pet.

Another important point is the quality of the raw materials – the company insists that all poultry is free-range, all livestock is raised exclusively on environmentally friendly feed and water, and all fish is caught exclusively off the coast of Canada and therefore not even frozen. If you believe all this (and we, in particular, have no reason to doubt it), it becomes clear why Orijen food has earned a reputation worldwide.

But let's not get distracted and take a look at the guaranteed analysis of this nutrition:

• Protein: 38%;
• Fats: 18%;
• Ash content: 8%;
• Moisture: 10%;
• Fiber: 5%;
• Calcium: 1.6%;
• Phosphorus: 1%;
• Omega-6: 3%;
• Omega-3: 1.1%.

Here, frankly, everything is perfect. The high animal protein content can support high energy expenditure in even the most active dogs, and all the additional nutrients eliminate the need for supplements.

To clear up any doubts, let's take a closer look at each nutrient.

Squirrels

There are 13 (!) ingredients listed as sources of animal protein. If you add up the percentages of all of them, you get about 70-80% meat and fish content. This is a lot, and, in principle, a good thing. Dogs are carnivores, and eating meat is their natural instinct. This product also includes fish, meat, and high-quality by-products. This will easily provide your dog with the protein it needs.

In addition, vegetable protein is found in large quantities in peas, which occupy as many as 3 positions in the composition of various types.

In terms of composition and protein content, this food deserves an “excellent” rating, and nothing less.

Fats

This food lists chicken liver oil and raw chicken liver, which are very rich in fat, as sources of lipids. Fish and meat also contain fat, increasing the fat content of the finished food. The manufacturer specifically emphasizes that the formula does not contain vegetable fats. The argument is simple: vegetable fat is practically useless and is poorly absorbed by a dog's body. High-quality animal fat, on the other hand, is almost completely digestible and contains a wealth of beneficial Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids.

We also give the food a plus for the content and origin of fats!

Carbohydrates

According to the manufacturer's core principles, Orijen dog food is grain-free, the main source of carbohydrates in other foods. This is simply explained: dogs cannot naturally obtain wheat or corn, and therefore should not include them in their diet.

When it comes to cheaper foods containing soy, wheat, rice, or corn, it's safe to say that high levels of these ingredients can lead to obesity. Therefore, Orijen guarantees the absence of gluten allergies and weight problems in dogs prone to obesity.

The necessary portion of carbohydrates is provided by their normal content in meat, berries and fruits.

Other ingredients

I would like to say a few words about the other components of the feed.

• Chicken cartilage is a high-quality source of chondroitin, the building block of all cartilage and joints in the body. Thanks to this by-product, there's no need to supplement your dog's diet or worry about joint deterioration with age.
• Green lentils are a healthy source of iron and fiber, which helps with digestion.
• Red lentils also contain a high percentage of iron and plant protein.
• Alfalfa is an important source of fiber and plant protein. Its numerous vitamins and minerals make it a valuable component of animal feed.
• Yams are a potato-like vegetable that contains a lot of vitamins, fiber, and potassium. They are also added to feed as a source of manganese.
• Peas (in all forms) are a plant-based protein and a storehouse of minerals. Sometimes, too much is added to boost protein levels. But Orijen dog food is different.
• Pumpkin is a valuable source of beta-carotene, as well as many other vitamins and microelements. Pumpkin fiber is gentle and suitable for dogs with sensitive digestion.
• Parsnips are a source of fiber and vegetable proteins.
• Spinach – contains a lot of antioxidants and also promotes proper digestion in dogs.
• Carrots – contain a lot of fiber and beta-carotene (which is converted into vitamin A).
• Apples and pears contain vitamins and minerals, particularly iron. They also contain a fair amount of antioxidants.
• Seaweed is a useful source of iodine and vitamins.
• Blueberries and lingonberries contain vitamins.
• Fenugreek, calendula, fennel, mint, chamomile, dandelion and thyme are herbs that contain vitamins and minerals.
• Rosemary is a source of natural preservative that keeps food fresh for a long time.

Thanks to such a wide range of ingredients, as well as the high meat content, we consider this food a high-quality, complete nutrition for all dog breeds, and give it a high rating. Furthermore, the food is completely free of chemical additives, preservatives, colorings, and flavorings, which is definitely a plus!

Orijen dog food reviews

Despite the relatively high price and limited selection of diets, this brand's food has won many fans among breeders in our country. And it's clear they leave numerous reviews on specialized forums. We analyzed many of them and selected the most glowing reviews of Orijen dog food.

Maxim, Vetra's husky breeder:

"My Veterok has been feeding Orijen since he was a puppy; it was recommended to us at the kennel where we bought the puppy. He's always happy, energetic, and full of energy and health. It's a bit pricey, but I'm willing to spend anything for my beloved dog."

Oksana, owner of a French bulldog:

“I wanted to try giving Bona instead of the piano A dog owner friend recommended Orijen. I read the ingredients, listened to the advice, and bought a small pack. My dog ​​started getting diarrhea, and the vet said he wasn't suited to a food with such a high protein content. Unfortunately, we were forced to switch back to Royal with wheat.

Elena, spaniel breeder:

"After the surgery, the doctor recommended Orijen to us for a speedy recovery. The food is expensive, but it's worth it – the dog was back on her feet and recovering in just a month. Thanks to the good food and care – that's what our vet told us."

Among the many reviews, there are some that don't praise the abundance of meat in the food, but instead find arguments in favor of adding more grains, thereby reducing the burden on the dog's kidneys. This opinion is partially valid, but it's important to remember that the problem isn't the food, but the pet's kidney problems. This means that such opinions are more subjective than reflective of the real situation.

Regarding veterinarian reviews, we found that doctors generally agree: the food is good and suitable for all dogs without kidney or liver problems. Due to its high protein content, Orijen dog food may aggravate the condition, so it's best to consult a veterinarian before changing the diet.

The price of Orijen dog food

Despite its many advantages, including its excellent composition and high meat content, Orijen dog food has one significant drawback: its cost. Orijen dog food, which could bankrupt many breeders, is more expensive than many super-premium foods. However, its quality, in some respects, is significantly higher.

We looked at the prices of this brand's food in various retail chains and online stores and calculated the average price for Orijen Adult Dog food:

• 0.34 kg – from 370 rubles,
• 2.27 kg – from 1800 rub.,
• 6.8 kg – from 3970 rub.,
• 17 kg – from 8600 rub.

The other five foods from this manufacturer cost approximately the same as the food we have listed, so for a general idea of ​​the cost of any of the diets, you can use these values.

As you can see, the food isn't cheap, but for your money you'll get the most beneficial and nutritious diet possible, ensuring your dog gets all the nutrients it needs from its food.

We hope you find our article helpful when choosing food for your dog!

Read also:

• Hypoallergenic dog foods: rating
• Chicken allergy in dogs
• Nutram dog food