Orijen Dry Cat 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 Cook」Donky
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
Fit & Trim
1️⃣Chicken🍚Carbs:24%
5
Guardian 8 Formula
1️⃣Chicken🍚Carbs:22%
5
Kitten Formula
1️⃣Chicken🍚Carbs:21%
5
Original Cat
1️⃣Chicken🍚Carbs:21%
5
Regional Red
1️⃣Beef🍚Carbs:21%
5
Six Fish
1️⃣Mackerel🍚Carbs:21%
5
Tundra
1️⃣Duck🍚Carbs:21%
5
Tips
Recipes have similar ratings. This means they are quite similar.
Recipe to review
To rate Orijen Dry Cat Food, we will take one representative recipe to evaluate the nutrition, ingredients and meat content of this product line.
We have chosen Original Cat.
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 Original Cat
Protein
40%
Fat
20%
Fiber
3%
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
33% or more
44%
Fat
15% or more
22%
Carbs
Less than 25%
21%
Fiber
Less than 5%
3.3%
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!
51 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
Chicken
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
Turkey
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
Turkey Giblets
Animal Protein
Refer to multiple organs like the liver and kidney of turkey. Organs meat is high in protein and various vitamins / minerals.
PreferOrgan meats are highly nutritious, with quality protein and many important vitamins / minerals.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
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
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
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
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
Dehydrated Chicken
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
Dehydrated Turkey
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
Dehydrated Mackerel
Animal Protein
A dehydrated form of mackerel, a meat concentrate contains up to 400% more protein than the fresh form. It is a 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
Dehydrated Chicken Liver
Animal Protein
A dehydrated form of chicken liver. 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
Dried Egg
Animal Protein
A dehydrated form of eggs, 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
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
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 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 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 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 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
Natural Chicken Flavor
Food Additive
The flavor made of chicken parts, it is used to make pet food more tasty and palatable.
NeutralA safe flavor enhancer to improve the taste.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
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
Pollock Oil
Fat
The oil extracted from pollock, as a quality animal fat source and a boost on the level of omega 3s of pet foods.
PreferA high-quality animal fat with high digestibility and biological value.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
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
Pea Starch
Carbs, Plant Protein
🌋
The starchy part of peas after protein is extracted for pea protein products. It mainly consists of carbs and around 13% plant-based protein.
ConcernedA controversial filler with limited nutrition value to dogs / cats.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
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
Choline Chloride
Supplement
Vital molecule for various functions in the body, lack of choline can result in weight loss, vomiting, and fatty liver.
NeutralA safe supplement for potential health benefits.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Dried 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
Mixed Tocopherols
Food Additive
A mixture of different types of vitamin E, usually found in plant oils, seed and green vegetables. They are powerful antioxidants used as a natural preservative to slow down the spoilage of food.
NeutralA harmless food additive.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Vitamin E Supplement
Supplement
Supplement for vitamin E, which is an important antioxidant that protects oxidative damages on cellular membranes by free radicals. A deficiency will result in symptoms like anorexia, depression, and dermatitis.
NeutralA safe supplement for additional vitamins.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Zinc Proteinate
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
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 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
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
Collard Greens
Carbs
A type of dark leafy greens that are commonly used in the salad for humans. It is completely safe for pets and serves as a rich source of vitamin K and folate.
NeutralVegetables are fair source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Whole 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
Whole 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
Copper Proteinate
Supplement
An organic form of copper, which is important for the production of blood cells, hair coat color pigmentation, and maintaining the nervous system. 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
Thiamine Mononitrate
Supplement
An organic form of thiamine, has 5 - 15% more absorption rate than the inorganic form. It is important for energy production and glucose metabolism.
NeutralA safe supplement for additional minerals.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Niacin
Supplement
Known as vitamin B3, essential to maintain healthy GI tracts, skin/coat, and nervous system.
NeutralA safe supplement for additional vitamins.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Pyridoxine Hydrochloride
Supplement
A synthetical supplement of vitamin B6, which is an essential element for nearly every part of metabolism.
NeutralA safe supplement for additional vitamins.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Dried 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
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
Sarsaparilla Root
Carbs
A tropical plant often used to treat joint problems like arthritis. It contains saponins, which are believed to help join / skin issues and kill bacteria.
NeutralFruit is an acceptable source of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Althea Root
Carbs
Known as marshmallow root, a perennial herb used to treat digestive, respiratory and skin problems for humans.
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
Juniper Berries
Carbs
Berries in deep blue color, a good source of vitamin C and powerful plant compounds along with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
NeutralFruit is an acceptable source of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Citric Acid
Food Additive
🌋
A common additive used for fat preservation. It is commonly found in citrus fruit like lemons and limes.
ConcernedA food additive that might cause health issues.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestResearch suggests that dogs consumed dry foods containing citric acid as a preservative have a 200% increased risk for gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloating). However, more research is required to make a solid conclusion.
⁉
UncertainN/A
Rosemary Extract
Carbs
A common herb used for cooking, it is rich in antioxidants to fight off radical damages in the body.
NeutralA harmless herb with potential health benefits.
A type of probiotics, good bacteria that promotes good digestion and overall health. L. acidophilus produces lactic acid, which is believed to help prevent bad bacterias from growing in the intestines.
NeutralA safe supplement for probiotics, which may improve digestive health.
A type of probiotics, good bacteria that promotes good digestion and overall health.
NeutralA safe supplement for probiotics, which may improve digestive health.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Dried Lactobacillus Casei Fermentation Product
Probiotics
A type of probiotics, good bacteria that promotes good digestion and overall health. L. casei are often used to prevent and treat diarrhea.
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 3 Concerned and 0 Notice ingredients from Original Cat. Check from the above list to view the details.
Concerned
Lentil Fiber
Pea Starch
Citric Acid
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
44%
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 Dry Cat 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 7 recipes, the group has an average of 45% protein, 21% fat and 22% carbohydrate.
(Protein and Fat: Prefer Higher丨Carbs: Prefer Lower)
Protein is 12 (%) higher than ideal
Fat is 6 (%) higher than ideal
Carbs is -3 (%) less than ideal
What does it mean?
Overall,Orijen Dry Cat 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 Dry Cat Food is a pet food line with a 5 star rating.
Do we recommend Orijen Dry Cat 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.
Abandoned in a cardboard box after birth. She is always starved wandering on the street. After she grew up, she wants to cook all the yummy food for every homeless in the world.