Orijen Canada Dry Dog Food is a premium pet food line with a 5-star rating — among the top 7% of all the products we review.
They seem to be high in protein and low in carbs, contain mainly named animal products as main ingredients and a lot of meat. We strongly recommend this!
What We like
Super High Protein — over 40%!
Low Carbs — Less than 28%
Consists Mostly Good Quality Ingredients
No Plant Protein in Top Ingredients
Use Organic Minerals to Improve Absorption
Aid Digestion with Probiotics
No Potential Allergens like Corn, Soy, Gluten, and Dairy products
No Chemicals or Suspicious Ingredients
What We Concern
Include Ingredients that might be Related to Poor Digestion
「Chief of Food」Fat Hill
Recipes Rating
Recipes could have different ingredients in the same product line. We rate each recipe and list them from higest to lowest ratings.
Higher protein and lower carbs recipes are rated higher
Recipe and 1st Ingredient
Rating
Grain Free
Orijen Fit & Trim (Canada Version)
1️⃣Fresh Chicken Meat🍚Carbs:19%
5
Orijen Original (Canada Version)
1️⃣Fresh Chicken Meat🍚Carbs:21%
5
Orijen Puppy (Canada Version)
1️⃣Fresh Chicken Meat🍚Carbs:23%
5
Orijen Regional Red (Canada Version)
1️⃣Fresh Ranch-raised Beef Meat🍚Carbs:21%
5
Orijen Senior (Canada Version)
1️⃣Fresh Chicken Meat🍚Carbs:22%
5
Orijen Six Fish (Canada Version)
1️⃣Fresh Whole Pacific Pilchard🍚Carbs:22%
5
Orijen Small Breed (Canada Version)
1️⃣Fresh Turkey Meat🍚Carbs:22%
5
Orijen Tundra (Canada Version)
1️⃣Goat🍚Carbs:18%
5
Tips
Recipes have similar ratings. This means they are quite similar.
Recipe to review
To rate Orijen Canada Dry Dog Food, we will take one representative recipe to evaluate the nutrition, ingredients and meat content of this product line.
We have chosen Orijen Original (Canada Version).
Nutrition Label
Pet food show guaranteed analysis on their labels. It includes moisture and does not reflect the level of carbs — which we prefer lower for dogs and as low as possible for cats.
From the label of Orijen Original (Canada Version)
Protein
38%
Fat
18%
Fiber
5%
Carbs
?%
Calculate the dry value (no moisture) on a dry matter basis will help us to estimate the carbs level and other nutrition without water — so we can get a better idea about the ratio.
(We think the ideal nutrition profile would be Protein > Fat > Carbs)
Nutrition
Our Ideal
Dry Value
Like?
Protein
30% or more
43%
Fat
15% or more
21%
Carbs
Less than 28%
21%
Fiber
Less than 5%
5.7%
Join our discussion group with other pet owners
We answer and discuss any questions about cats and dogs, food selection, other pet owners will share their experience too!
52 ingredients are listed on the label. We research their quality to pet and use our best judgement to group them in the proportion of Prefer, Concerned, and Notice ingredients in the bar chart.
♨ Allergen
0 units
🌋 Indigest
9 units
⁉ Uncertain
0 units
Organic Minerals Seems to Include
Probiotics Seems to Include
Prefer
Concerned
Notice
Neutral
Click an ingredient to see the detail
Fresh Chicken Meat
Animal Protein
The dominant animal protein source in pet foods. Other than protein, it is also high in iron, zinc, selenium, and B vitamins.
PreferA high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Fresh Turkey Meat
Animal Protein
A large bird looks similar to chicken, high in protein, and packed with vitamin B3, B6, B12, selenium, zinc, and phosphorus.
PreferA high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Fresh Cage-free Eggs
Animal Protein
It contains almost every nutrient the body needs. It also has the highest biological value (protein absorption) among other animal proteins.
PreferA high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Fresh Chicken Liver
Animal Protein
An excellent source of vitamin A, chromium, and copper.
PreferOrgan meats are highly nutritious, with quality protein and many important vitamins / minerals.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Fresh Whole Herring
Animal Protein
A small silvery fish with low content of mercury. It is high in protein, vitamin D, selenium, and omega 3s.
PreferA high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Fresh Whole Flounder
Animal Protein
A flatfish lives in the deep-sea. It is a quality animal protein source with a low level of fat. It provides a range of vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C, calcium, and iron.
PreferA high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Fresh Turkey Liver
Animal Protein
A great source of vitamin A, riboflavin, folate, vitamin B12, iron, and selenium.
PreferOrgan meats are highly nutritious, with quality protein and many important vitamins / minerals.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Fresh Chicken Necks
Animal Protein
The dominant animal protein source in pet foods. Other than protein, it is also high in iron, zinc, selenium, and B vitamins.
PreferA high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Fresh Chicken Heart
Animal Protein
An excellent source of vitamin B9, iron, and zinc.
PreferOrgan meats are highly nutritious, with quality protein and many important vitamins / minerals.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Fresh Turkey Heart
Animal Protein
A great source of riboflavin, vitamin B12, iron, zinc, and selenium.
PreferOrgan meats are highly nutritious, with quality protein and many important vitamins / minerals.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Chicken Dehydrated
Animal Protein
Dehydrated form of chicken. it is a meat concentrate that contains up to 4 times more protein than fresh chicken on dry matter basis.
PreferA high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Turkey Dehydrated
Animal Protein
A large bird looks similar to chicken, high in protein, and packed with vitamin B3, B6, B12, selenium, zinc, and phosphorus.
PreferA high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Whole Mackerel
Animal Protein
Greenish-blue back silverfish, high in protein, vitamin B12, and selenium. It is also an excellent source of omega 3s, similar to salmon.
PreferA high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Whole Sardine
Animal Protein
Small fishes that are high in protein, omega 3s, and low in mercury.
PreferA high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Whole Herring
Animal Protein
A small silvery fish with low content of mercury. It is high in protein, vitamin D, selenium, and omega 3s.
PreferA high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Whole Red Lentils
Carbs, Plant Protein
🌋
A type of legume that is added to boost up the protein content and acts as an alternative carb. It contains around 27% protein.
NeutralAn acceptable filler with higher nutrition value compared to rice, corn, and wheat.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestLegume contains oligosaccharides, which is a 3 - 5 carbon short-chain sugar that are indigestible by dogs / cats.
⁉
UncertainN/A
Whole Green Lentils
Carbs, Plant Protein
🌋
A type of legume that is added to boost up the protein content and acts as an alternative carb. It contains around 27% protein.
NeutralAn acceptable filler with higher nutrition value compared to rice, corn, and wheat.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestLegume contains oligosaccharides, which is a 3 - 5 carbon short-chain sugar that are indigestible by dogs / cats.
⁉
UncertainN/A
Whole Green Peas
Carbs, Plant Protein
🌋
A type of legume that is added to boost up the protein content and acts as an alternative carb. It contains around 22% protein.
NeutralAn acceptable filler with higher nutrition value compared to rice, corn, and wheat.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestLegume contains oligosaccharides, which is a 3 - 5 carbon short-chain sugar that are indigestible by dogs / cats.
⁉
UncertainN/A
Lentil Fiber
Carbs
🌋
The fiber extracted from lentils after removing the starch. It is mainly insoluble fiber.
ConcernedA controversial filler with limited nutrition value to dogs / cats.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestLegumes contain oligosaccharides, which are short-chain sugars of 3-5 carbons and cannot be digested by dogs/cats.
⁉
UncertainN/A
Whole Chickpeas
Carbs, Plant Protein
🌋
Also known as garbanzo beans, a type of legume that is added to boost up the protein content and acts as an alternative carb. It contains around 20% protein.
NeutralAn acceptable filler with higher nutrition value compared to rice, corn, and wheat.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestLegume contains oligosaccharides, which is a 3 - 5 carbon short-chain sugar that are indigestible by dogs / cats.
⁉
UncertainN/A
Whole Yellow Peas
Carbs, Plant Protein
🌋
A type of legume that is added to boost up the protein content and acts as an alternative carb. It contains around 22% protein.
NeutralAn acceptable filler with higher nutrition value compared to rice, corn, and wheat.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestLegume contains oligosaccharides, which is a 3 - 5 carbon short-chain sugar that are indigestible by dogs / cats.
⁉
UncertainN/A
Whole Pinto Beans
Carbs, Plant Protein
🌋
A type of legume that is added to boost up the protein content and acts as an alternative carb. It contains around 22% protein.
NeutralAn acceptable filler with higher nutrition value compared to rice, corn, and wheat.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestLegume contains oligosaccharides, which is a 3 - 5 carbon short-chain sugar that are indigestible by dogs / cats.
⁉
UncertainN/A
Whole Navy Beans
Carbs, Plant Protein
🌋
A type of legume that is added to boost up the protein content and acts as an alternative carbs. It contains around 20% protein.
NeutralAn acceptable filler with higher nutrition value compared to rice, corn, and wheat.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestLegume contains oligosaccharides, which is a 3 - 5 carbon short-chain sugar that are indigestible by dogs / cats.
⁉
UncertainN/A
Herring Oil
Fat
The fish oil extracted from herring. It is an excellent source of omega 3s, DHA, and EPA, which help reduce inflammation in the body.
PreferA high-quality animal fat with high digestibility and biological value.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Chicken Fat
Fat
The fatty layer separated during the cooking process, with a high level of omega 6, It is more preferable by dogs and cats over other types of fats.
PreferA high-quality animal fat with high digestibility and biological value.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Chicken Cartilage
Animal Protein
The gummy chewy part connects the bones, contains a high amount of glucosamine which is important for joints health.
PreferA high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Chicken Liver
Animal Protein
An excellent source of vitamin A, chromium, and copper.
PreferOrgan meats are highly nutritious, with quality protein and many important vitamins / minerals.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Turkey Liver
Animal Protein
A great source of vitamin A, riboflavin, folate, vitamin B12, iron, and selenium.
PreferOrgan meats are highly nutritious, with quality protein and many important vitamins / minerals.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Fresh Whole Pumpkin
Carbs
An alternative high carbs filler with an excellent source of potassium, vitamin C, and beta carotene.
NeutralAn acceptable filler with higher nutrition value compared to rice, corn, and wheat.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Fresh Whole Butternut Squash
Carbs
An alternative high carbs filler with an excellent source of potassium, vitamin C, and beta carotene.
NeutralAn acceptable filler with higher nutrition value compared to rice, corn, and wheat.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Fresh Whole Zucchini
Carbs
A summer squash rich in vitamin A, antioxidants - carotenoids such as lutein, zeaxanthin, and beta-carotene.
NeutralAn acceptable ingredient as a source of vitamins and minerals.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Fresh Whole Parsnips
Carbs
A green leaf-like vegetable, a great source of vitamin C, K, and folate.
NeutralVegetables are fair source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Fresh Carrots
Carbs
Well known for its alpha and beta-carotene content, also rich in potassium and vitamin B6. Most pet foods use it as a minor ingredient (include 0.1% to 3% of the total composition).
NeutralVegetables are fair source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Fresh Whole Red Delicious Apples
Carbs
Contains mainly carbs and sugar with multiple antioxidants to prevent radical damages by oxidative stress.
NeutralFruit is an acceptable source of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Fresh Whole Bartlett Pears
Carbs
A sugary fruit, a good source of vitamin C, folate, copper and potassium, along with polyphenol antioxidant.
NeutralFruit is an acceptable source of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Fresh Kale
Carbs
🌋
A type of dark green leafy vegetables belongs to the cruciferous family. It is high in vitamin A, C, K, and other minerals, which is one of the most nutrient-dense food.
NeutralVegetables are fair source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestContains isothiocyanates, a small molecule found in specific plants, which can cause mild to severe gastric irritation.
⁉
UncertainContains calcium oxalate, which can cause health problems like kidney and bladder stone.
Fresh Spinach
Carbs
Nutrient-dense leafy greens, an excellent source of vitamin A, C, K1, B9, iron, and calcium.
NeutralVegetables are fair source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Fresh Beet Greens
Carbs
The leafy part of a beet plant, packed with vitamins and minerals including vitamin K, copper, manganese, iron, and calcium.
NeutralVegetables are fair source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Fresh Turnip Greens
Carbs
Dark leafy greens of the top of turnip, it is packed with vitamin A and C.
NeutralVegetables are fair source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Brown Kelp
Carbs
An excellent source of various minerals including calcium, iron, magnesium. Rich in rare mineral iodine essential for healthy thyroid function.
NeutralAn acceptable ingredient as a source of vitamins and minerals.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Whole Cranberries
Carbs
High in vitamin C and antioxidants, it is also best known for fighting Urinary Tract Infections. While it could be true for humans, the effect on pets is yet to be confirmed by further research.
NeutralFruit is an acceptable source of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Whole Blueberries
Carbs
Superfood packed with antioxidants, a good source of vitamin C, K, and manganese.
NeutralFruit is an acceptable source of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Whole Saskatoon Berries
Carbs
With a similar appearance as blueberries, it is a great source of vitamin A, B, C, along with a pack of antioxidants.
NeutralFruit is an acceptable source of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Chicory Root
Carbs
Contains insulin, which is a prebiotic that promotes friendly bacteria in the gut and supports better digestion.
NeutralA harmless plant with potential health benefits.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Turmeric Root
Carbs
Orange ginger-like plant often used in making curry. It contains curcumin, which is a strong antioxidant with anti-inflammatory effects. However, its color is the main purpose of adding it to pet foods.
NeutralA harmless plant with potential health benefits.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Milk Thistle
Carbs
A herbal remedy often used to treat liver disorders. It has a high concentration of silymarin, which is a compound known to have antioxidant, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties.
NeutralA harmless herb with potential health benefits.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Burdock Root
Carbs
A long brown vegetable root that is commonly used for cleansing and detox. Past Research study suggests that it can help remove toxins from the blood and improve circulation.
NeutralVegetables are fair source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Lavender
Carbs
The purple flower famous for its fragrance and color. It provides a trace amount of minerals and is believed to have calming effects. However, the plant of lavender contains a compound called linalook, which is toxic to both cats and dogs. It could cause vomiting, reduced appetite, and nausea when a large quantity of lavender.
ConcernedA controversial ingredient that might cause health issues, unnecessary for the risk.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Marshmallow Root
Carbs
A herb usually used as a remedy to treat skin, respiratory, and digestive issues. The healing power is mainly from the mucilage it contains.
NeutralA harmless herb with potential health benefits.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Rosehips
Carbs
Small red seeds that are rich in antioxidants, including vitamin C, catechins, quercetin, and ellagic acid. These help the body to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress.
NeutralA harmless seed with potential health benefits.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Zinc Chelate
Supplement
An organic form of zinc, which is vital in skin function and wound healing, cell replication, the structure and function of biological membranes. Compare to inorganic form, it has 5 - 15% more absorption rate to the body.
NeutralA safe supplement for additional minerals.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Enterococcus Faecium
Probiotics
A type of probiotics, good bacteria that promotes good digestion and overall health. E. faecium is uniquely able to survive the digestive process and grow, balancing the gut environment.
NeutralA safe supplement for probiotics, which may improve digestive health.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Tips
I quite like the overall ingredients from this recipe.
There are 2 Concerned and 0 Notice ingredients from Orijen Original (Canada Version). Check from the above list to view the details.
Concerned
Lentil Fiber
Lavender
Estimated Meat Content
Some pet food uses high plant protein ingredients to boost up the overall protein level — to make it looks like it includes a lot of meat, which is more appealing for customers.
Therefore, protein level itself cannot tell the quality and how much animal ingredients (more digestible than plants) is in the pet food.
Check if protein is overrated by plant protein boost up
Count of Plant Protein
0 / 7 (0%)
in top 7 ingredients
Protein Level
43%
in dry matter
By looking at the plant protein in top ingredients and compare with the total protein level, we will try to estimate how much animal ingredients is used in the pet food as Meat Content.
Meat Content
Based on my "godly" guess, the meat content might be High !
It looks like it is made of primarily animal ingredients, and most protein should come from animal sources. Your furbabies will love it just like me!
Orijen Canada Dry Dog Food Product Line Review
To make a conclusion about the whole product line, we will consider all recipes and their average nutrition ratio.
Recipes Average Compares to Ideal Level
In the total of 8 recipes, the group has an average of 44% protein, 20% fat and 21% carbohydrate.
(Protein and Fat: Prefer Higher丨Carbs: Prefer Lower)
Protein is 14 (%) higher than ideal
Fat is 5 (%) higher than ideal
Carbs is -7 (%) less than ideal
What does it mean?
Overall,Orijen Canada Dry Dog Food has a better nutrition ratio compared to our preferred level.
Conclusion
Throughout the review, we have 3 major opinons about this pet food line:
High protein low carbs
Major ingredients from animals
Contains a lot of meat
Based on these, we can conclude Orijen Canada Dry Dog Food is a pet food line with a 5 star rating.
Do we recommend Orijen Canada Dry Dog Food ?
It is a top quality premium pet food that we strongly recommend!
The review is entirely our own view and opinon. It is for informational reference only and not a purchase advice.
Has an unusual obsession with the taste and ingredients of food, over 5+ years experience in professional eating. As the Chief of Food, he will tell you the truth about food.
"Stay Hungry, Stay Foolish, and Stay Hungry again!"