Rating
Type
Hot Extruded / Dry
Grain
Grain Free
Origin
United States
Recipes
9
Is Orijen USA Dry Dog Food Good?
Orijen USA 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 Original (US Version)
1️⃣Deboned Chicken 🍚Carbs：23% 5
Orijen Puppy (US Version)
1️⃣Deboned Chicken 🍚Carbs：18% 5
Orijen Puppy Large (US Version)
1️⃣Deboned Chicken 🍚Carbs：23% 5
Orijen Regional Red (US Version)
1️⃣Deboned Beef 🍚Carbs：23% 5
Orijen Senior (US Version)
1️⃣Deboned Chicken 🍚Carbs：22% 5
Orijen Six Fish (US Version)
1️⃣Whole Atlantic Mackerel 🍚Carbs：23% 5
Orijen Small Breed (US Version)
1️⃣Deboned Turkey 🍚Carbs：23% 5
Orijen Tundra (US Version)
1️⃣Deboned Goat 🍚Carbs：19% 5
Orijen fit & trim (US Version)
1️⃣Deboned Chicken 🍚Carbs：19% 5
Tips
Recipes have similar ratings. This means they are quite similar.
Recipe to review
To rate Orijen USA 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 (US 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 (US Version)
Protein
38%
Fat
18%
Fiber
4%
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% | 23% | |
| Fiber | Less than 5% | 4.6% |
Ingredients Overview
50 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
7 units
⁉ Uncertain
0 units
Organic Minerals Seems to Include
Probiotics Seems to Include
Prefer
Concerned
Notice
Neutral
Click an ingredient to see the detail
Deboned 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
Deboned 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
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
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
Whole Atlantic 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
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
Turkey Liver
Animal Protein A great source of vitamin A, riboflavin, folate, vitamin B12, iron, and selenium.
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
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
Turkey Heart
Animal Protein A great source of riboflavin, vitamin B12, iron, zinc, and selenium.
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 Atlantic 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
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
Whole Dehydrated 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
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 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.
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
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.
Prefer A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Chicken Kidney
Animal Protein An excellent source of vitamin A, B, and iron.
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 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 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
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
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
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
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
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
Ground Chicken Bone
Animal Protein The ground bone meal of chicken, it is rich in calcium and phosphorous.
Prefer A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Chicken Cartilage
Animal Protein The gummy chewy part connects the bones, contains a high amount of glucosamine which is important for joints health.
Prefer A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Turkey Cartilage
Animal Protein The gummy chewy part connects the bones, contains a high amount of glucosamine which is important for joints health.
Prefer A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
♨
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
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
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 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).
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
Freeze-dried Chicken Liver
Animal Protein A dehydrated form of chicken livers by "cold" drying instead of "heat" drying. This method retains more nutrition value of the ingredient, but it costs up to 5 times more than the conventional drying process.
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 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
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
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
D-calcium Pantothenate
Supplement An organic form of calcium, it is essential in the formation of bones / teeth and different cellular functions. 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
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
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
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 1 Concerned and 0 Notice ingredients from Orijen Original (US Version). Check from the above list to view the details.
Concerned
- Lentil Fiber
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 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 USA 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 9 recipes, the group has an average of 44% protein, 19% fat and 21% carbohydrate.
（Protein and Fat: Prefer Higher丨Carbs: Prefer Lower）
- Protein is 14 (%) higher than ideal
- Fat is 4 (%) higher than ideal
- Carbs is -7 (%) less than ideal
What does it mean?
Overall,Orijen USA 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 USA Dry Dog Food is a pet food line with a 5 star rating.
Do we recommend Orijen USA 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.
「Chief of Food」Fat Hill
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!"
