Rating
Type
Hot Extruded / Dry
Grain
Grain Free
Origin
United States
Recipes
7
Is Orijen Dry Cat Food Good?
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% |
Ingredients Overview
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.
Prefer A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/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.
Prefer A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/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.
Prefer A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/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.
Prefer Organ meats are highly nutritious, with quality protein and many important vitamins / minerals.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/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.
Prefer A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Chicken Liver
Animal Protein An excellent source of vitamin A, chromium, and copper.
Prefer Organ meats are highly nutritious, with quality protein and many important vitamins / minerals.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/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.
Prefer A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/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.
Prefer A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/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.
Prefer A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/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.
Prefer A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/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.
Prefer A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Dehydrated Chicken Liver
Animal Protein A dehydrated form of chicken liver. Excellent source of vitamin A, chromium, and copper.
Prefer Organ meats are highly nutritious, with quality protein and many important vitamins / minerals.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/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.
Prefer A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/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.
Prefer A high-quality animal fat with high digestibility and biological value.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/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.
Neutral An acceptable filler with higher nutrition value compared to rice, corn, and wheat.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest Legume contains oligosaccharides, which is a 3 - 5 carbon short-chain sugar that are indigestible by dogs / cats.
⁉
Uncertain N/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.
Neutral An acceptable filler with higher nutrition value compared to rice, corn, and wheat.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest Legume contains oligosaccharides, which is a 3 - 5 carbon short-chain sugar that are indigestible by dogs / cats.
⁉
Uncertain N/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.
Neutral An acceptable filler with higher nutrition value compared to rice, corn, and wheat.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest Legume contains oligosaccharides, which is a 3 - 5 carbon short-chain sugar that are indigestible by dogs / cats.
⁉
Uncertain N/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.
Neutral An acceptable filler with higher nutrition value compared to rice, corn, and wheat.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest Legume contains oligosaccharides, which is a 3 - 5 carbon short-chain sugar that are indigestible by dogs / cats.
⁉
Uncertain N/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.
Neutral An acceptable filler with higher nutrition value compared to rice, corn, and wheat.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest Legume contains oligosaccharides, which is a 3 - 5 carbon short-chain sugar that are indigestible by dogs / cats.
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Natural Chicken Flavor
Food Additive The flavor made of chicken parts, it is used to make pet food more tasty and palatable.
Neutral A safe flavor enhancer to improve the taste.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/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.
Neutral An acceptable filler with higher nutrition value compared to rice, corn, and wheat.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest Legume contains oligosaccharides, which is a 3 - 5 carbon short-chain sugar that are indigestible by dogs / cats.
⁉
Uncertain N/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.
Prefer A high-quality animal fat with high digestibility and biological value.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Lentil Fiber
Carbs 🌋
The fiber extracted from lentils after removing the starch. It is mainly insoluble fiber.
Concerned A controversial filler with limited nutrition value to dogs / cats.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest Legumes contain oligosaccharides, which are short-chain sugars of 3-5 carbons and cannot be digested by dogs/cats.
⁉
Uncertain N/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.
Concerned A controversial filler with limited nutrition value to dogs / cats.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Chicken Heart
Animal Protein An excellent source of vitamin B9, iron, and zinc.
Prefer Organ meats are highly nutritious, with quality protein and many important vitamins / minerals.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Choline Chloride
Supplement Vital molecule for various functions in the body, lack of choline can result in weight loss, vomiting, and fatty liver.
Neutral A safe supplement for potential health benefits.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Dried Kelp
Carbs An excellent source of various minerals including calcium, iron, magnesium. Rich in rare mineral iodine essential for healthy thyroid function.
Neutral An acceptable ingredient as a source of vitamins and minerals.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/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.
Neutral A harmless food additive.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/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.
Neutral A safe supplement for additional vitamins.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/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.
Neutral A safe supplement for additional minerals.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/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.
Neutral Fruit is an acceptable source of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Whole Pumpkin
Carbs An alternative high carbs filler with an excellent source of potassium, vitamin C, and beta carotene.
Neutral An acceptable filler with higher nutrition value compared to rice, corn, and wheat.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Whole Butternut Squash
Carbs An alternative high carbs filler with an excellent source of potassium, vitamin C, and beta carotene.
Neutral An acceptable filler with higher nutrition value compared to rice, corn, and wheat.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/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.
Neutral Vegetables are fair source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Whole Apples
Carbs Contains mainly carbs and sugar with multiple antioxidants to prevent radical damages by oxidative stress.
Neutral Fruit is an acceptable source of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Whole Pears
Carbs A sugary fruit, a good source of vitamin C, folate, copper and potassium, along with polyphenol antioxidant.
Neutral Fruit is an acceptable source of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/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.
Neutral A safe supplement for additional minerals.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/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.
Neutral A safe supplement for additional minerals.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Niacin
Supplement Known as vitamin B3, essential to maintain healthy GI tracts, skin/coat, and nervous system.
Neutral A safe supplement for additional vitamins.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Pyridoxine Hydrochloride
Supplement A synthetical supplement of vitamin B6, which is an essential element for nearly every part of metabolism.
Neutral A safe supplement for additional vitamins.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Dried Chicory Root
Carbs Contains insulin, which is a prebiotic that promotes friendly bacteria in the gut and supports better digestion.
Neutral A harmless plant with potential health benefits.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/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.
Neutral A harmless plant with potential health benefits.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/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.
Neutral Fruit is an acceptable source of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Althea Root
Carbs Known as marshmallow root, a perennial herb used to treat digestive, respiratory and skin problems for humans.
Neutral A harmless herb with potential health benefits.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/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.
Neutral A harmless seed with potential health benefits.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/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.
Neutral Fruit is an acceptable source of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Citric Acid
Food Additive 🌋
A common additive used for fat preservation. It is commonly found in citrus fruit like lemons and limes.
Concerned A food additive that might cause health issues.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest Research 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.
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Rosemary Extract
Carbs A common herb used for cooking, it is rich in antioxidants to fight off radical damages in the body.
Neutral A harmless herb with potential health benefits.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Dried Lactobaccillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product
Probiotics 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.
Neutral A safe supplement for probiotics, which may improve digestive health.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Dried Bifidobacterium Animalis Fermentation Product
Probiotics A type of probiotics, good bacteria that promotes good digestion and overall health.
Neutral A safe supplement for probiotics, which may improve digestive health.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/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.
Neutral A safe supplement for probiotics, which may improve digestive health.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/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 matterBy 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.
「Chief of Cook」Donky
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.
2022-01-01
貓咪喜歡吃，沒有過敏反應～
不太清楚是因為貓糧，好像眼淚變多點了
2021-12-31
貓貓好鍾意食，轉其他糧唔食，係要食呢隻
暫時都冇咩缺點😂
