Orijen Dry Dog Food Small Breed Recipe Review
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Review of Orijen Dry Dog Food Small Breed 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 Small Breed 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 Small Breed Recipe, we'll examine all 54 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Dehydrated turkey is a lean and easily digestible protein source that promotes muscle growth and overall health in dogs.
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.
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.
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.
Dehydrated egg is a nutrient-rich, easily digestible protein source that provides essential vitamins and minerals for your dog's health.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Whole peas are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. They can support digestive health and provide necessary nutrients for your dog.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Chicken Heart is rich in taurine and other essential nutrients that support your dog's heart health.
New Zealand green mussel is a natural source of glucosamine and chondroitin, which support joint health and mobility in dogs.
Vitamin E supplement is an essential nutrient that helps support your dog's immune system, skin health, and overall wellness.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Dried kelp is a natural source of essential minerals and trace elements, which help support your dog's thyroid function and overall health.
Zinc proteinate is a highly absorbable form of zinc. It helps support a healthy immune system, skin, and coat in dogs.
Mixed tocopherols are natural antioxidants used to preserve the freshness of dog food, ensuring your pet receives the highest quality nutrients possible.
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.
Niacin, also known as Vitamin B3, is essential for a dog's metabolism and energy production, and supports healthy skin and coat.
Thiamine mononitrate is a form of vitamin B1 that helps support your dog's nervous system function, energy metabolism, and overall health.
Calcium pantothenate is a source of pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) that helps support your dog's energy metabolism and nervous system function.
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.
Riboflavin, also known as Vitamin B2, is essential for energy production, cell function, and fat metabolism in your dog's body.
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.
Vitamin B12 Supplement is an essential vitamin that helps support brain function and the formation of red blood cells.
Copper Proteinate is a chelated form of copper that's easier for dogs to absorb, aiding in red blood cell formation and iron absorption.
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.
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.
Turmeric is a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant spice that can help support your dog's joint health, immune system, and overall well-being.
Sarsaparilla root is used in herbal medicine and may have anti-inflammatory and liver-protecting effects.
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.
Rose hip is rich in antioxidants, especially vitamin C, and can support joint health in dogs.
Juniper berry is a natural source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, supporting a healthy immune system and overall wellbeing in dogs.
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.
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% in the Orijen Dry Dog Food Small Breed Recipe is quite high, indicating a protein-rich diet. This value is likely contributed to by the first several ingredients listed, which are all animal-based proteins: turkey, chicken, turkey giblets (liver, heart, gizzard), whole herring, and salmon. The dehydrated forms of turkey, chicken, sardine, and chicken liver further concentrate the protein content. Eggs are also a high-quality protein source that would contribute to this percentage.
Crude fat minimum of 18.00% is also a reflection of the high animal content in this food. The fat content is primarily coming from the turkey, chicken, whole herring, salmon, and particularly the chicken fat which is listed explicitly. Pollock oil, which is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, also contributes to the overall fat content. The inclusion of salmon and herring, which are fatty fish, is also a significant contributor to the fat percentage.
The crude fiber maximum of 4.00% indicates the amount of indigestible plant material in the food, which aids in digestive health. The fiber is likely derived from the plant-based ingredients such as whole red lentils, whole pinto beans, whole navy beans, whole green lentils, whole chickpeas, dried apple pomace, whole peas, and the various whole fruits and vegetables like pumpkin, butternut squash, and collard greens. These ingredients provide the necessary fiber to ensure a balanced diet and support the digestive system.
The caloric content of 3940.00 kcal/kg is a measure of the energy provided by the food. This is influenced by the protein and fat content, as both are calorie-dense nutrients. The high-calorie count is consistent with the high levels of animal-based proteins and fats, which are more energy-dense than carbohydrates or fibers. The caloric density makes this food particularly suitable for small breeds, which often have higher metabolic rates and energy needs compared to larger breeds.
Review of Affordability
According to our data, Orijen Dry Dog Food Small Breed Recipe costs approximately $6.28 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your dog.
| Adult Weight | Puppy | Adult |
|---|---|---|
| 5 lbs | $21.84 | $34.13 |
| 10 lbs | $36.73 | $57.39 |
| 15 lbs | $49.79 | $77.79 |
| 20 lbs | $61.78 | $96.53 |
| 30 lbs | $83.73 | $130.83 |
Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.
Summary of Customer Reviews
Customers who have switched their dogs to Orijen Dry Dog Food Small Breed Recipe have noticed a marked preference in their pets for this food over other brands. Many have observed that their dogs not only enjoy the taste but also consume their meals eagerly and completely, leaving nothing behind in their bowls. The transition from other brands to Orijen has been smooth for most, with dogs picking out Orijen pieces over their old food.
Owners of small breeds, particularly Pomeranians, have praised the food for its high-quality ingredients and nutritional content, which includes no fillers or unnecessary additives. The food's appropriateness for small breeds has been highlighted, with the kibble size being perfect for their little companions. Positive changes in the dogs' health and energy levels have been attributed to the food's wholesome recipe.
Several pet parents have reported improvements in their dogs' coat quality and overall health after switching to Orijen. They've also appreciated the food's lower sodium content, which has helped reduce tear stains in breeds prone to them. Despite some concerns about the strong smell of the kibble, most find it a minor issue given their dogs' enjoyment and the food's health benefits.
While some dogs with sensitive stomachs or specific health conditions may not have responded well to the food, the majority of customer reviews are overwhelmingly positive. Many have become loyal to the brand due to the success they've seen with their pets. The food's affordability, despite its premium quality, has also been a point of satisfaction for dog owners.
In cases where dogs have been picky eaters, Orijen has often come out as the preferred choice, with even the most discerning pets showing enthusiasm for their meals. The brand has been recommended by dog owners for its focus on providing high-quality, nutritious food that appeals to small breeds with various dietary needs.
