Review of ORIJEN Original Dry Dog Food
ORIJEN Original Dry Dog Food is a premium, grain-free dog food tailored for all life stages, designed to provide optimal nutrition for your beloved canine companion. Manufactured by Champion Petfoods in the USA, ORIJEN has established a reputation for producing high-quality pet food that prioritizes fresh and raw ingredients. This review will delve into various aspects of ORIJEN Original Dry Dog Food, including its ingredients, nutritional value, pricing, and overall performance, culminating in a detailed rating.
Overview of ORIJEN Original Dry Dog Food
Product Specifications
- Item Weight: 23.5 lb
- Manufacturer: Champion Petfoods
- Country of Origin: USA
- Item Model Number: F1B100133K10700
- First Available: March 15, 2019
- Dimensions: 25 x 15.16 x 4.04 inches (package), 28.4 x 15 x 4.5 inches (product)
- Brand Name: ORIJEN
- Target Audience: Dogs of all breeds and sizes
- Style: Grain-Free Food
- Specific Uses: Immune support, digestion, skin and coat health
Ingredients and Nutritional Value
Quality Ingredients
One of the standout features of ORIJEN Original Dry Dog Food is its focus on high-quality, fresh ingredients. The food contains an impressive 85% animal protein, derived from whole prey sources, including chicken, turkey, salmon, whole herring, and chicken liver. These ingredients not only provide a rich source of protein but also supply essential vitamins and minerals vital for your dog’s overall health.
WholePrey Ingredients
ORIJEN takes a holistic approach to nutrition by incorporating WholePrey ingredients, which include not only muscle meat but also organs and bones. This combination ensures that dogs receive a balanced diet that closely mimics their natural eating habits. The first five ingredients are all animal-based, which is a significant advantage over many other commercial dog foods that often rely on fillers.
Nutrient-Dense Formula
The formula is designed to support various aspects of canine health, including immune function, digestion, and skin and coat condition. With such a nutrient-dense profile, it’s no surprise that pet owners have reported positive changes in their dogs’ health after switching to ORIJEN.
Performance and User Experience
Positive Dog Reactions
From our research, one common theme among pet owners is that dogs love the taste of ORIJEN Original Dry Dog Food. Many owners have reported that their pets eagerly consume this kibble, which is a testament to the quality of the ingredients used.
Health Improvements
A significant number of users have noted health improvements in their dogs after making the switch to ORIJEN. Issues like skin rashes, digestive problems, and general lethargy have reportedly diminished. For owners of dogs with grain sensitivities, ORIJEN’s grain-free formula has been especially beneficial.
Dietary Diversity
Some pet owners opt to rotate different flavors of ORIJEN to provide dietary diversity, which is recommended by veterinarians. This strategy helps prevent food sensitivities and keeps dogs engaged with their meals.
Pricing and Value for Money
Cost Analysis
At around $4.00 per pound, ORIJEN Original Dry Dog Food is indeed on the higher end of the pricing spectrum. However, when compared to other pet foods on the market that often contain low-quality ingredients or fillers, the cost becomes more justified. The premium ingredients and nutritional benefits offer significant value, especially for pet owners who prioritize their dog’s health.
Packaging and Freshness
One concern noted by some users is the shelf life of the product. With reports of the product expiring within a month, some pet owners find it challenging to use up the food before it goes stale. A more extended shelf life could improve customer satisfaction, particularly given the premium pricing.
Summary of Customer Feedback
Pros
- High-quality, human-grade ingredients
- Significant health improvements reported
- Dogs love the taste
- Supports various health aspects (immune, digestion, skin and coat)
Cons
- Higher price point compared to other brands
- Short shelf life for larger packages
Overall Rating
Considering all the discussed aspects—ingredients, nutritional value, user experience, pricing, and overall performance—ORIJEN Original Dry Dog Food earns a commendable rating.
Overall Rating: 4.5 out of 5
In conclusion, ORIJEN Original Dry Dog Food is an exceptional choice for dog owners seeking a high-quality, grain-free diet for their pets. The emphasis on fresh, raw ingredients and the formulation designed to meet the nutritional needs of dogs at all life stages is commendable. While the price may be a deterrent for some, the benefits it offers to canine health and the overwhelmingly positive feedback from pet owners make it a worthy investment for your furry friend.
Amazon Customer –
I really like the product; the package arrived perfectly!
Manuela –
My 15-year-old puppy loved them!
L. Booth –
Orijen is arguably the most reputable dry dog food available to the average consumer in the US. There have even been reports of counterfeit bags being imported from Asia, which is concerning since Orijen is only produced in North America. It’s crucial for me to know that I’m sourcing this food responsibly for my dogs.
Is it affordable? Absolutely not. As I write this, it costs around $4.00 per pound, which initially surprised me. However, when I compared its ingredients to other pet foods, it became clear why it’s priced that way. The primary components are wild meats, fish, and poultry – not by-products, but meats fit for human consumption. These meats are processed to the right weight and size, then blended with grasses and other plant foods, representing 20-25% of the formula, mimicking the natural diet of dogs. With 80% of the kibble being high-quality, human-grade meat, I find the price to be reasonable.
My journey with Orijen began when I noticed my dogs were ignoring their regular food. They would nibble at kibble and lick canned food but showed little interest in actually eating it. After trying several “premium” and “super premium” brands with little success, I started researching dog food and came across two intriguing options: Orijen Dog Foods and raw diets for dogs.
I discovered that many of the dry and canned foods I had been feeding my dogs were primarily starchy carbohydrates rather than protein-rich. Even the “grain-free” options were often loaded with potatoes or other starchy ingredients that dogs struggle to digest. It seemed these commercial foods were modeled after the Standard American Diet rather than the natural diets of carnivores.
Carnivores typically consume a significant amount of meat along with other parts of their prey, like fur and bones. Orijen does an excellent job of replicating this natural balance in their formulation, which contributes to the higher cost compared to standard pet foods. Yet, the quality is far superior to most commercial, premium, and super-premium brands. Now, my dogs are enthusiastic eaters. I’ve even used the kibble as a training treat, and they absolutely love it!
To preserve the food’s quality, I open the bag and fill quart-sized vacuum bags, resealing them to keep the extra food fresh. This process can be a bit time-consuming and costly, but I believe in maintaining the quality for the premium price I’m paying. From a 25-pound bag, I typically get about 15 vacuum-sealed bags and only open one when I need more dry food. I store the rest in a cool, dark place until needed. I primarily use Orijen to supplement the raw diet I prepare for my dogs, giving them one pound of raw food along with Orijen to meet the calorie levels suggested by my veterinarian.
I might be a bit obsessive about my dogs’ food, but ensuring their ongoing health and well-being is my top priority.
Yessica –
I love that I can order my dog’s favorite food from the comfort of my home!
Food, Glorious Food! –
My dogs absolutely adore this kibble! They are nearing 3 and 4 years old now. One of them has a sensitivity to grains and used to suffer from constant rashes and itchy skin until I switched to this diet. Since making the change, they haven’t experienced a single day of being ill, no stomach issues, and no skin rashes whatsoever. I also had concerns about them being a bit overweight, but I didn’t want to cut back on their portions because they were always so hungry. I rotate them through different flavors, as my vet advised against relying on just one protein source to avoid food sensitivities or boredom.
I previously purchased Orijen Arcana but stopped because of its lower protein content. I also provide my dogs with fresh produce daily, including raw chopped vegetables and small amounts of fruit (always ensuring they’re safe for dogs), so they don’t require the higher percentage of dried fruits and vegetables found in Arcana kibble.
To enhance their meals, I mix this kibble with Primal raw frozen nuggets for fresh meat with each meal, and they enjoy a raw meaty bone weekly (I buy these from Pet Club). I feel uneasy about feeding them only dry kibble, as it’s similar to us eating protein bars for every meal. I believe that both dogs and humans need fresh, raw ingredients.
Additionally, I give them a spoonful of lactose-free plain yogurt with one meal daily. One of my rescue dogs came to me with a yeast infection due to a poor diet from a disreputable “rescue” organization. Our vet prescribed probiotics and recommended yogurt to help treat the infection. Both dogs loved it, so I continued the routine. The probiotics and calcium are beneficial, and if I run out, they sit by their bowls waiting for it!
For treats, I opt for Canidae Grain Free dog treats, which are low-calorie, small, and chewy, making them easy to carry without crumbling during walks or training sessions.
It took considerable time to figure out the best diet for my dogs. While I’m not an expert, they’re thriving on their food, and my vet confirms they are in perfect health and at an ideal weight. Perhaps my experience can assist someone else in crafting a complete diet for their dog.
Here’s what I feed them twice a day:
Every dog is different, but my 18lb dog (who was slightly overweight at 21lbs before this diet) gets:
In the morning, I mix in a spoonful of plain lactose-free yogurt, and in the evening, I substitute it with about 1/4 cup of produce. I generally mix two items, such as chopped green beans, cucumber, broccoli, carrots, cooked squash (using canned organic, unsweetened), red, yellow, or green peppers, a bit of romaine or other leafy greens, and occasionally blueberries, apple, orange, pineapple, or melon.
My 11lb dog receives the same diet but with slightly less than half the kibble of the 18lb dog at each meal. Once a week, I replace their dinner with a raw meaty or marrow bone, which keeps them occupied for hours and helps clean their teeth.
I hope this information helps someone out there. If you found it useful, please click “helpful,” as I invest a lot of time in my reviews to assist others and I believe in supporting great products! I’m more than happy to answer any questions. I couldn’t be more satisfied with the quality of this kibble.
Diane –
The product expires in a month. My dog won’t finish it in that time, so I either have to throw it away or give it to him expired. Given the high cost, I would have preferred a fresher product.
Food, Glorious Food! –
We purchased this to provide our dog with a healthier, higher-quality food, and she loves it.