Orijen Cat Food Review

Nutrition Reviews October 24, 2021

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Orijen Cat Food Review

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Why Should You Trust This Review?

  • I’ve been a cat mom for 30 plus years
  • I have volunteered at cat shelters for over 15 years
  • I frequently confirm information with veterinarians
  • I did 12 hours of research on this cat food

About Orijen Cat Food

Orijen cat food is produced exclusively by Champion Pet Foods. Champions Pet Food is based in Canada, but they have recently expanded production to the United States, and their products are sold worldwide.

Orijen prides itself on the fact that it does not outsource any of its pet food production to third parties and maintains rigorous and thorough safety and quality standards. They are also an independent pet food producer that creates and packages all products at their facility in Alberta, Canada. This means that they have complete control over all the healthy ingredients that go into their nourishing and ‘biologically appropriate’ foods.

Orijen provides pets with nutrient-dense and biologically appropriate food that nourishes kittens to adult cats. Lines include Tundra, Regional Red, Cat & Kitten, and Fit & Trim.

Orijen Cat Food Sourcing And Manufacturing

Parent Company/ Owned by
Company Net Worth 2 Billion
Dry Food Manufactured Alberta, Canada
Wet Food Manufactured  N/A
Number of Recipes  6
FDA Approved Yes

Recall History

No Orijen pet food has ever been recalled in the United States or Canada to date.

In March 2018 a lawsuit was filed against Champion Pet Foods, the manufacturer of Orijen pet products. The lawsuit claims that Champion Pet Foods failed to disclose harmful levels of heavy metals and toxins such as Arsenic and Lead in their products.

Top 5 Recipes Reviewed And Analyzed

#1 Orijen Original Grain-free Dry Cat Food

Guaranteed Analysis

  • Crude Protein 40% Min
  • Crude Fat 20% Min
  • Crude Fiber 3% Max
  • Moisture 10% Max
  • Taurine 0.2% Min

Ingredients

Chicken, Turkey, Whole Mackerel, Turkey Giblets (Liver, Heart, Gizzard), Flounder, Chicken Liver, Whole Herring, Eggs, Dehydrated Chicken, Dehydrated Turkey, Dehydrated Mackerel, Dehydrated Chicken Liver, Dehydrated Egg, Chicken Fat, Whole Red Lentils, Whole Pinto Beans, Whole Peas, Whole Green Lentils, Whole Chickpeas, Natural Chicken Flavor, Whole Navy Beans, Pollock Oil, Lentil Fiber, Pea Starch, Chicken Heart, Choline Chloride, Dried Kelp, Mixed Tocopherols (Preservative), Vitamin E Supplement, Zinc Proteinate, Whole Cranberry, Whole Pumpkin, Whole Butternut Squash, Collard Greens, Whole Apples, Whole Pear, Freeze-Dried Chicken, Freeze-Dried Turkey, Copper Proteinate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Niacin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Dried Chicory Root, Turmeric, Sarsaparilla Root, Althea Root, Rosehips, Juniper Berries, Citric Acid (Preservative), Rosemary Extract, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Bifidobacterium Animalis Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Casei Fermentation Product.


To better understand the ORIJEN Original Grain-Free Dry Cat Food recipe, we analyzed the first 5 ingredients.

Chicken is a good source of protein, low in fat, low in sodium and is a low-carb food.

Turkey is a high quality protein full of nutrients and is highly digestible. It is low in calories and high in Selenium and Tryptophan both of which benefit the immune system.

Whole mackerel are loaded in vitamins and minerals, such as Vitamin D, Niacin, Phosphorus, and Vitamin B12. It helps improve brain and immune function, reduce inflammation, and lower your pet’s risk of developing diseases.

Turkey giblets are organs that are packed with moisture, healthy fats and makes food more palatable.

Flounder is an excellent source of Omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B12, and protein.


#2 Orijen Six Fish Grain-free Dry Cat Food

Guaranteed Analysis

  • Crude Protein 40% Min
  • Crude Fat 20% Min
  • Crude Fiber 3% Max
  • Moisture 10% Max
  • Taurine 0.2% Min

Ingredients

Whole Mackerel, Whole Herring, Flounder, Acadian Redfish, Monkfish, Whole Hake, Mackerel Meal, Herring Meal, Blue Whiting Meal, Pollock Oil, Whole Red Lentils, Whole Pinto Beans, Whitefish Meal, Pollock Meal, Whole Green Peas, Whole Green Lentils, Whole Navy Beans, Whole Chickpeas, Sunflower Oil, Pea Starch, Natural Fish Flavor, Safflower Oil, Lentil Fiber, Whole Yellow Peas, Choline Chloride, Vitamin E Supplement, Mixed Tocopherols (Preservative), Freeze-Dried Cod, Dried Kelp, Whole Pumpkin, Whole Butternut Squash, Collard Greens, Whole Apples, Whole Pears, Zinc Proteinate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Niacin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Folic Acid, Copper Proteinate, Dried Chicory Root, Turmeric, Sarsaparilla Root, Althea Root, Rosehips, Juniper Berries, Rosemary Extract, Citric Acid (Preservative), Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Bifidobacterium Animalis Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Casei Fermentation Product.


To get a better understanding of this ORIJEN Six Fish Grain-Free Dry Cat Food, we analyzed the first 5 ingredients.

Whole mackerel are loaded in vitamins and minerals, such as Vitamin D, Niacin, Phosphorus, and Vitamin B12. It helps improve brain and immune function, reduce inflammation, and lower your pet’s risk of developing diseases.

Whole herring is very rich in omega-3 fatty acids, has low-fat content, and is high protein levels.

Flounder is an excellent source of Omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B12, and protein.

Acadian redfish is a natural source of Omega-3 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat.

Monkfish is naturally rich in the prized EPA and DHA type of omega-3 fatty acids.


#3 Orijen Free Run Chicken & Turkey, & Wild Caught Salmon & Herring Grain-free Dry Kitten Food

Guaranteed Analysis

  • Crude Protein 40% Min
  • Crude Fat 20% Min
  • Crude Fiber 3% Max
  • Moisture 10% Max
  • Taurine 0.2% Min

Ingredients

Chicken, Turkey, Salmon, Whole Herring, Chicken Liver, Turkey Giblets (Liver, Heart, Gizzard), Whole Mackerel, Eggs, Dehydrated Chicken, Dehydrated Turkey, Dehydrated Herring, Dehydrated Chicken Liver, Dehydrated Egg, Whole Red Lentils, Whole Peas, Pollock Oil, Natural Chicken Flavor, Pea Starch, Chicken Fat, Whole Chickpeas, Whole Green Lentils, Whole Navy Beans, Whole Pinto Beans, Ground Miscanthus Grass, Chicken Hearts, Choline Chloride, Whole Cranberries, Dried Kelp, Mixed Tocopherols (Preservative), Whole Pumpkin, Whole Butternut Squash, Collard Greens, Whole Apples, Whole Pears, Zinc Proteinate, Freeze-Dried Chicken, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Niacin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Folic Acid, Copper Proteinate, Dried Chicory Root, Turmeric, Sarsaparilla Root, Althea Root, Rosehips, Juniper Berries, Rosemary Extract, Citric Acid (Preservative), Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Bifidobacterium Animalis Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Casei Fermentation Product


Here we analyzed the first five ingredients to get a better understanding of what is included in this ORIJEN Free Run Chicken & Turkey, & Wild Caught Salmon & Herring Grain-Free Dry Kitten Food.

Chicken is a good source of protein, low in fat, low in sodium and is a low-carb food.

Turkey is a high quality protein full of nutrients and is highly digestible. It is low in calories and high in Selenium and Tryptophan both of which benefit the immune system.

Salmon is the clean flesh of the fish without head or bones. It is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, protein and many essential vitamins.

Whole herring is very rich in omega-3 fatty acids, has low-fat content, and is high protein levels.

Chicken liver contains high amounts of premium protein, Vitamin A, Vitamin B, trace minerals and is an amazing source of omega 3 and six fatty acids.


#4 Orijen Tundra Grain-free Dry Cat Food

Guaranteed Analysis

  • Crude Protein 10.0% Min
  • Crude Fat 5% Min
  • Crude Fiber 1% Max
  • Moisture 78% Max
  • Taurine 0.1% Min

Ingredients

Duck, Whole Arctic Char, Steelhead Trout, Whole Pilchard, Venison, Pork Liver, Duck Liver, Eggs, Whitefish Meal, Blue Whiting Meal, Herring Meal, Duck Fat, Lamb Meal, Mutton Meal, Whole Green Lentils, Whole Chickpeas, Whole Peas, Lamb, Goat, Natural Fish Flavor, Lamb Liver, Lentil Fiber, Pea Starch, Whole Red Lentils, Whole Pinto Beans, Duck Meal, Mackerel Meal, Pollock Oil, Lamb Kidney, Pork Kidney, Lamb Tripe, Vitamin E Supplement, Zinc Proteinate, Mixed Tocopherols (Preservative), Dried Kelp, Whole Pumpkin, Whole Butternut Squash, Collard Greens, Whole Pears, Whole Apples, Freeze-Dried Goat, Freeze-Dried Venison, Dried Chicory Root, Turmeric, Sarsaparilla Root, Althea Root, Rosehips, Juniper Berries, Thiamine Mononitrate, Niacin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Citric Acid (Preservative), Rosemary Extract, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Bifidobacterium Animalis Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Casei Fermentation Product


To get a better understanding of this ORIJEN Tundra Grain-Free Dry Cat Food, we analyzed the first 5 ingredients.

Duck is basically all dark meat and it also contains a good amount of taurine. Duck is a protein with a good quality of fats and offers cardiovascular health benefits.

Whole artic char is an excellent source of healthy fats, called omega-3 fatty acids and protein. These fats help to keep the heart healthy and are good for brain development.

Steelhead trout is an excellent source of protein, niacin, vitamin B12, and omega 3 fatty acids. It assists in repairing damaged tissues.

Whole pilchard is an excellent source of vitamin D, essential for healthy bones, and vitamin B12 as well as calcium, iron and zinc.

Venison is a good source of protein but does not contain as much protein as other meats. It has the essential vitamins thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, and B6.


#5 Orijen Regional Red Grain-free Dry Cat Food

Guaranteed Analysis

  • Crude Protein 40% Min
  • Crude Fat 20% Min
  • Crude Fiber 3% Max
  • Moisture 10% Max
  • Taurine 0.02% Min

Ingredients

Beef, Pork, Whole Mackerel, Beef Liver, Wild Boar, Goat, Lamb, Lamb Liver, Beef Tripe, Wild Boar Liver, Mutton, Goat Meal, Beef Meal, Lamb Meal, Mackerel Meal, Beef Kidney, Mutton Meal, Whitefish Meal, Whole Red Lentils, Whole Pinto Beans, Beef Fat, Herring Meal, Natural Fish Flavor, Whole Peas, Whole Green Lentils, Whole Navy Beans, Whole Chickpeas, Pollock Oil, Pea Starch, Lentil Fiber, Pork Liver, Pork Kidney, Lamb Tripe, Lamb Kidney, Wild Boar Heart, Choline Chloride, Dried Kelp, Whole Pumpkin, Whole Butternut Squash, Collard Greens, Whole Apples, Whole Pears, Zinc Proteinate, Vitamin E Supplement, Mixed Tocopherols (Preservative), Freeze-Dried Beef, Freeze-Dried Lamb, Thiamine Mononitrate, Niacin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Dried Chicory Root, Turmeric, Sarsaparilla Root, Althea Root, Rosehips, Juniper Berries, Citric Acid (Preservative), Rosemary Extract, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Bifidobacterium Animalis Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Casei Fermentation Product


Here we analyzed the first five ingredients to get a better understanding of what is included in this ORIJEN Regional Red Grain-Free Dry Cat Food.

Beef contains several nutrients including the amino acid taurine, a fatty acid called arachidonic acid, and vitamin A. It is one of the most common food allergens for cats.

Pork is high in essential amino acids including taurine, a critical component to a carnivorous cat’s diet. Pork is a rich protein source, which provides the energy needed to fuel activity levels.

Whole mackerel are loaded in vitamins and minerals, such as Vitamin D, Niacin, Phosphorus, and Vitamin B12. It helps improve brain and immune function, reduce inflammation, and lower your pet’s risk of developing diseases.

Beef liver contains high amounts of protein, Vitamin A, Vitamin B, trace minerals and is an amazing source of omega 3 and six fatty acids.

Wild boar is a novel protein that is high in fat. It is also full of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.


Is Orijen Good Cat Food?

Looking at the ingredients, in most recipes, Orijen is high quality, above average, dry cat food. The carbohydrates are below average while the protein levels exceed other quality dry cat foods on the market today.

Orijen offers both grain and grain free recipes for your cat with several protein varieties including novel proteins. There are some recipes that do include chick peas, beans and lentils which are not necessary in a cats diet and are often used in replacement of grains. This would be Orijen’s one downfall as a whole, but most the cat food recipes list them further down the ingredient list.

Where Is Orijen Cat Food Sold?

Orijen cat foods are available in most pet store chains and pet food specialty stores, although recipes may vary. You can also purchase Orijen online through Chewy, Amazon and various pet food retailers.

Array

Amy is the founder of Cat Mania and a Certified NAVC Pet Nutritionist. She is the proud owner of two cats and a dog and her love for animals has led her to a successful career as a freelance writer specializing in pet care, nutrition, and product reviews.
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