Orijen Dry Dog Food Original Recipe Review

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Review of Orijen Dry Dog Food Original Recipe

According to our data, this Orijen recipe provides complete & balanced nutrition for all life stages. In other words, this formula is AAFCO approved.

Orijen Dry Dog Food Original Recipe is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages.

Review of Ingredients

In our review of Orijen Dry Dog Food Original Recipe, we'll examine all 53 ingredients and highlight the nutritional contribution of each ingredient.

While the first few ingredients typically dominate the recipe's composition, ingredients in small quantities can still have a meaningful impact on the overall nutritional profile of the recipe.

  1. Chicken is a lean, easily digestible source of protein that provides essential nutrients for your dog's growth and maintenance. It's also a great source of vitamins and minerals to support overall health.

  2. Turkey is a lean protein source that can help build and maintain muscle mass in dogs. It is also rich in essential nutrients like vitamin B6 and niacin.

  3. Salmon is an excellent source of high-quality protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential vitamins and minerals that support your dog's immune system, brain function, and skin and coat health.

  4. Whole herring is an excellent source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential nutrients that support your dog's skin and coat health, heart function, and overall well-being.

  5. Chicken liver is a nutrient-rich organ meat that provides your dog with protein, fat, and vitamin A. It's also a great source of iron, copper, niacin, zinc, and phosphorus.

  6. Dehydrated chicken is a high-quality source of protein, essential for your dog's muscle development, immune system support, and overall health. The dehydration process ensures the preservation of nutrients while making it a convenient and lightweight ingredient for dog food.

  7. Dehydrated turkey is a lean and easily digestible protein source that promotes muscle growth and overall health in dogs.

  8. Dehydrated Chicken Liver is a nutrient-dense ingredient that provides a wealth of vitamins and minerals, including iron and vitamin A, supporting a dog's immune system and vision.

  9. Dehydrated egg is a nutrient-rich, easily digestible protein source that provides essential vitamins and minerals for your dog's health.

  10. Dehydrated sardine provides a high-quality protein source, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which helps support your dog's skin and coat health, cognitive function, and joint health.

  11. Chicken fat is a highly palatable source of energy, providing essential fatty acids for a healthy skin and coat, as well as supporting your dog's immune system.

  12. Whole red lentils are a great source of plant-based protein, fiber, and essential nutrients for dogs, promoting a healthy digestive system and supporting overall health.

  13. Whole pinto beans are a great source of plant-based protein and fiber, promoting healthy digestion and weight management in dogs. They also contain essential vitamins and minerals that support overall health.

  14. Whole navy beans are a natural source of fiber, protein, and essential nutrients. They support healthy digestion, provide energy, and contribute to your dog's overall well-being.

  15. Whole green lentil is a nutrient-dense legume that provides a valuable source of plant-based protein, dietary fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals for your dog. Green lentils are low in fat and have a low glycemic index, making them a suitable choice for dogs with diabetes or weight management needs. They also contribute to a healthy digestive system and support overall health.

  16. Whole chickpeas are a great source of protein and fiber in dog food. They are also packed with essential nutrients like folate and iron, contributing to a balanced diet.

  17. Whole peas are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. They can support digestive health and provide necessary nutrients for your dog.

  18. Turkey liver is a nutrient-dense ingredient, rich in essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin A, iron, and B vitamins, which support overall health in dogs.

  19. Turkey heart is an excellent source of high-quality protein, vitamins, and minerals. It contains essential amino acids, vitamin B, and iron, all of which contribute to your dog's muscle development, energy levels, and overall health.

  20. Turkey gizzard is a nutrient-dense organ meat that provides a high-quality source of protein and essential nutrients, such as iron and zinc. It supports your dog's overall health, including muscle development, immune function, and energy levels.

  21. Egg is a highly digestible protein source that provides essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals to support your dog's muscle growth, coat health, and overall wellness.

  22. Natural chicken flavor is a dog food ingredient used to enhance the taste and aroma of the product, making it more appealing to your pet. It is derived from real chicken and does not contain any artificial additives or chemicals. This natural flavoring helps encourage your dog to eat and enjoy their meals.

  23. Dried apple pomace is a natural source of dietary fiber, antioxidants, and essential nutrients for dogs. It supports digestive health, immune function, and overall well-being.

  24. Pollock oil is a fantastic source of Omega-3 fatty acids which are essential for your dog's skin and coat health, as well as their overall brain function.

  25. Chicken Heart is rich in taurine and other essential nutrients that support your dog's heart health.

  26. Vitamin E supplement is an essential nutrient that helps support your dog's immune system, skin health, and overall wellness.

  27. Whole pumpkin is a healthy, low-calorie ingredient that is rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It can help support healthy digestion, maintain a healthy weight, and contribute to overall well-being in your dog.

  28. Whole butternut squash is a nutritious and easily digestible vegetable that provides essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber for your dog's diet. It can help support a healthy digestive system and promote overall well-being.

  29. Collard green is a leafy green vegetable rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making it a great addition to your dog's diet. It supports healthy digestion, immunity, and overall wellness in dogs.

  30. Whole apple is a natural source of dietary fiber, antioxidants, and essential vitamins, which can support your dog's digestive health and overall well-being.

  31. Whole pear is a natural source of dietary fiber, which supports healthy digestion and bowel movements. Pears are also rich in vitamins and antioxidants that contribute to your dog's overall health and well-being.

  32. Whole cranberry is packed with antioxidants and is known for its benefits in urinary health. It can help in maintaining a balanced urinary pH in dogs.

  33. Dried kelp is a natural source of essential minerals and trace elements, which help support your dog's thyroid function and overall health.

  34. While salt is a necessary component of a dog's diet, providing essential minerals such as sodium and chloride for proper cellular function, it should be provided in moderation to avoid health issues like hypertension or kidney damage.

  35. Zinc proteinate is a highly absorbable form of zinc. It helps support a healthy immune system, skin, and coat in dogs.

  36. Mixed tocopherols are natural antioxidants used to preserve the freshness of dog food, ensuring your pet receives the highest quality nutrients possible.

  37. Niacin, also known as Vitamin B3, is essential for a dog's metabolism and energy production, and supports healthy skin and coat.

  38. Thiamine mononitrate is a form of vitamin B1 that helps support your dog's nervous system function, energy metabolism, and overall health.

  39. Calcium pantothenate is a source of pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) that helps support your dog's energy metabolism and nervous system function.

  40. Pyridoxine hydrochloride is a source of vitamin B6, which is essential for your dog's nervous system function, immune health, and red blood cell production.

  41. Riboflavin, also known as Vitamin B2, is essential for energy production, cell function, and fat metabolism in your dog's body.

  42. Folic acid is a crucial B-vitamin that aids in the synthesis of DNA and supports healthy cell growth. It's essential for maintaining your dog's overall health, particularly during periods of rapid growth.

  43. Vitamin B12 Supplement is an essential vitamin that helps support brain function and the formation of red blood cells.

  44. Copper Proteinate is a chelated form of copper that's easier for dogs to absorb, aiding in red blood cell formation and iron absorption.

  45. Dried Bacillus coagulans fermentation product is a probiotic ingredient that supports your dog's digestive and immune health. This beneficial bacteria can help maintain a healthy balance of microflora in your pet's gastrointestinal tract, promoting regular digestion and overall wellbeing.

  46. Dried chicory root is a natural prebiotic fiber that can help promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria and support your dog's digestive health. It also contains inulin, which can help maintain healthy blood sugar levels and support overall immune system function.

  47. Turmeric is a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant spice that can help support your dog's joint health, immune system, and overall well-being.

  48. Sarsaparilla root is used in herbal medicine and may have anti-inflammatory and liver-protecting effects.

  49. Althea root, also known as marshmallow root, has been used traditionally to soothe and coat the digestive tract. It may help support healthy digestion and reduce inflammation in your dog's gastrointestinal system.

  50. Rose hip is rich in antioxidants, especially vitamin C, and can support joint health in dogs.

  51. Juniper berry is a natural source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, supporting a healthy immune system and overall wellbeing in dogs.

  52. Citric acid is a natural preservative that helps maintain the freshness and quality of dog food. It also acts as an antioxidant, which can help protect your dog's cells from damage caused by free radicals.

  53. Rosemary extract is a natural antioxidant that can help protect your dog's body from the harmful effects of free radicals. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can support your dog's overall health and well-being, particularly in regard to joint health.

Review of Guaranteed Analysis

The Crude Protein minimum of 38.00% is quite high compared to many dog foods, reflecting a high content of animal-based ingredients. The primary contributors to this value are the first listed ingredients: chicken, turkey, salmon, whole herring, chicken liver, dehydrated chicken, dehydrated turkey, dehydrated chicken liver, dehydrated egg, and dehydrated sardine. These are all high-protein sources. The lentils, beans, peas and chickpeas also contribute to the protein content, albeit to a lesser extent than the animal-based ingredients.

The Crude Fat minimum of 18.00% is contributed by the animal-based ingredients, particularly those that are high in fat like chicken fat, salmon, and pollock oil. This value is also bolstered by the vitamin E supplement and mixed tocopherols, both of which are forms of fat-soluble vitamins.

The Crude Fiber maximum of 4.00% is primarily contributed by the plant-based ingredients in the recipe. This includes the whole red lentils, whole pinto beans, whole navy beans, whole green lentils, whole chickpeas, whole peas, dried apple pomace, whole pumpkin, whole butternut squash, collard greens, whole apples, whole pears, whole cranberries, dried kelp, dried chicory root, and other plant-based ingredients. These ingredients are all sources of dietary fiber.

The Caloric Content of 3940.00 kcal per kg is derived from all the ingredients, as they all contribute to the total caloric value. However, the main contributors are likely the high-protein and high-fat ingredients, as protein and fats are more calorie-dense than carbohydrates (which provide dietary fiber).

Review of Affordability

According to our data, Orijen Dry Dog Food Original Recipe costs approximately $4.30 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your dog.

Adult WeightPuppyAdult
5 lbs $14.97$23.40
10 lbs $25.18$39.35
15 lbs $34.13$53.33
20 lbs $42.35$66.18
30 lbs $57.40$89.69
40 lbs $71.23$111.29
50 lbs $84.20$131.57
60 lbs $96.54$150.85
70 lbs $108.37$169.33
80 lbs $119.79$187.17
90 lbs $130.85$204.46
100 lbs $141.61$221.27

Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.

Summary of Customer Reviews

Many customers have praised Orijen Dry Dog Food Original Recipe for its high-quality ingredients and the positive effects it has on their dogs' health. Several reviewers noted that their dogs, even the picky eaters, love the taste of this food. Some customers have observed improvements in their dogs' coat condition, energy levels, and overall health after switching to this food.

However, there were a few negative reviews, mainly due to the food causing digestive issues in some dogs. A few customers reported that their dogs experienced diarrhea after transitioning to this food. It's important to remember that every dog is different and what works well for one might not work for another. Transitioning to a new food should be done gradually to avoid upsetting the dog's stomach.

A few customers also mentioned that the formula seems to have changed recently, which has led to some dogs not enjoying the food as much as before. Some customers have expressed concerns about the company being acquired by a major corporation and the potential impact on the quality of the food.

Despite these concerns, the majority of reviews were positive, with many customers stating that they would continue to purchase Orijen due to its high-quality ingredients and the positive impact it has had on their dogs' health.

Some customers did comment on the price, noting that it is more expensive than other brands, but they felt it was worth it due to the quality of the product. Others mentioned that because the food is so nutrient-rich, they found they didn't need to feed their dog as much, which helped offset the cost.

In conclusion, while there were some negative reviews, the majority of customers were happy with Orijen Dry Dog Food Original Recipe and would recommend it to others.