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Orijen vs Primal

Orijen vs. Primal

In this comparison article for Orijen vs Primal, we'll highlight the key differences between these two pet food brands. To properly compare Orijen and Primal, we'll use up-to-date nutritional and price information.

There are many factors to consider when choosing the best pet food brand for your pet. Factors such as ingredient quality, guaranteed analysis, product safety, brand history, and cost are among the most important factors to consider.

Throughout this Primal vs Orijen comparison, we've utilized average data to make general comparisons. If you'd like to see individual product reviews, visit our Orijen Review Page or Primal Review Page.

Guaranteed Analysis: Primal vs. Orijen

According to AAFCO, all pet food labels must provide a guaranteed analysis of nutrient content. The analysis must provide guaranteed minimum percentages of crude protein and crude fat, and maximum percentages of crude fiber and moisture.

All percentages used in this comparison are averages reported on a dry matter basis.

Orijen Dog Food vs. Primal Dog Food

Dry Dog FoodOrijenPrimal
Crude Protein42.9%48.0%
Crude Fat22.6%26.7%
Crude Fiber5.5%4.6%
Wet/Canned Dog FoodOrijenPrimal
Crude Protein57.4%49.5%
Crude Fat24.7%28.4%
Crude Fiber7.8%5.3%

Crude Protein Comparison For Dog Food

Protein is an extremely important part of your dog's diet. Without sufficient protein, dogs can develop a wide-range of serious health problems.

Our analysis shows that Primal guarantees 5.10% more protein than Orijen dry dog food recipes. In addition, Orijen wet dog foods also provide more protein than Primal wet foods.


Crude Fat Comparison For Dog Food

Fats are an absolutely vital component of a balanced canine diet. Not only do fats provide energy, but they also serve important roles in the normal development and function of your dog's body. For example, fats help dogs produce prostaglandins, which reduce inflammation among many other significant functions.

There is a relatively large difference between the fat content of Primal and Orijen. On average, Orijen dry dog food recipes contain 4.09% less fat than Primal recipes. For wet dog foods, Primal typically provides a little more fat (about 3.74% more).


Primal and Orijen both provide roughly the same amount of crude fiber. For wet dog foods, Orijen typically provides a little more fiber (about 2.55% more).

Orijen Cat Food vs. Primal Cat Food

Dry Cat FoodOrijenPrimal
Crude Protein44.8%50.1%
Crude Fat21.0%24.0%
Crude Fiber4.0%4.8%

Crude Protein Comparison For Cat Food

Protein is an extremely important part of your cat's diet. Without sufficient protein, cats can develop a wide-range of serious health problems.

Orijen dry recipes contain 5.39% less protein than Primal dry recipes. This difference in protein content is a notable difference between Primal and Orijen.


Crude Fat Comparison For Cat Food

There are many ways in which dietary fat contributes to the overall health of our feline friends. Here is a short list of benefits provided by fats (not exhaustive):

  • Fats help with the digestion and absorption of fat-soluble vitamins
  • Reduce inflammation associated with arthritis
  • Slow the growth of yeast infections
  • Prevent or reduce the likelihood of certain heart problems.
  • Aid in the development of the retina and visual cortex.

According to our data, Primal guarantees 3.08% more fat than Orijen. Although this difference is relatively small, it's still a notable difference.


There is a relatively insignificant difference between the crude fiber content of the two brands.

Orijen Pet Food Ingredients vs. Primal Pet Food Ingredients

In our option, both Orijen and Primal utilize high-quality ingredients. According to our records, neither brand uses any type of controversial ingredients or harmful ingredients.

Product Safety: Recall History of Orijen & Primal?

Orijen has been recalled once.

  • Nov. 22, 2008: irradiation treatment consequences

Primal has been recalled 2 times.

  • March 13, 2015: low thiamine level
  • Dec. 22, 2017: incorrect bone grind size

Price Comparison: Which Brand Is More Expensive?

Dry Dog FoodOrijenPrimal
Per Pound$12.58$45.57
Per Calorie$0.0060$0.0227
Dry Cat FoodOrijenPrimal
Per Pound$6.57$45.93
Per Calorie$0.0036$0.0230

The average cost-per-lb is heavily influenced by the varying amounts of moisture present in each brand's food products (wet vs. dry food, dry vs. freeze-dried food, etc). However, the average cost-per-kcal eliminates the influence of moisture. Therefore, the average cost-per-kcal is the better metric to consider.

If you'd like to calculate the average cost-per-day or cost-pet-year of feeding Orijen or Primal, input your pet's weight into our cost analyzer widget.

Averages price data can identify whether or not there exists a significant price difference between two brands. However, the actual price that you'll pay for Orijen or Primal will depend on your shopping habits.

Pet owners who use our price comparison feature typically save more than 25% off retail prices for Orijen and Primal. In addition, we currently have some great coupons for our readers.


Disclosure: PawDiet has an affiliate relationship with stores featured (or linked-to) in this article. We are compensated for referring customers. Thank you for shopping with our retail partners!

Where To Buy Orijen Pet Foods

You can purchase Orijen pet foods from the following stores:


38 Recipes In-Stock Today

38 Recipes In-Stock Today

23 Recipes In-Stock Today

27 Recipes In-Stock Today

Where To Buy Primal Pet Foods

You can purchase Primal pet food products from these retailers:


15 Recipes In-Stock Today

20 Recipes In-Stock Today

15 Recipes In-Stock Today

14 Recipes In-Stock Today

Type Of Pet Foods Available

ProductOrijenPrimal
Dry Dog Food14 RecipesNone
Wet Dog Food3 RecipesNone
Dog Treats13 Treats6 Treats
Dry Cat Food7 RecipesNone
Wet Cat FoodNoneNone
Cat Treats6 TreatsNone

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