Orijen builds its dry food the way a raw feeder would: 85–90% animal ingredients, two-thirds of them fresh or raw, and a biologically-appropriate claim backed by its own Alberta kitchens. It is the protein ceiling of the mainstream retail market — and priced accordingly.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Animal ingredients | 85% (Original), including fresh chicken, turkey, fish, organs |
| Protein / Fat | 38% protein, 18% fat (Original) |
| Carbohydrate share | About 22% — the lowest in mainstream kibble |
| WholePrey ratios | Muscle meat, organs, and cartilage mirror prey anatomy |
| Typical street price | $95–115 for a 25 lb bag |
What 85% animal ingredients changes
Most kibbles are 50–60% carbohydrate by dry matter; Orijen flips that. The practical effects: smaller feeding volumes (a 60 lb dog eats roughly 2½ cups versus 3½ of a standard formula), stool volume drops noticeably, and coat quality improves within a month for many dogs because organ meat delivers pre-formed vitamin A and copper in biologically useful ratios. Our ingredient files break down why organ inclusions matter more than the protein percentage itself.
Cost, availability and who should pass
At $4+ per pound, Orijen costs roughly double the premium average — about $3.20–4.50/day for a 40 lb dog. Dogs with sensitive stomachs sometimes need a 10–14 day transition (our 7-day schedule helps) because the fat and protein load exceeds what under-fed guts expect. Puppies should stick to Orijen’s Large-Breed Puppy formula: the adult lines run too calorie-dense and calcium-variable for growing giants. Champion Petfoods’ regional kitchens (Kentucky facility since 2021) have stabilized supply after the 2019–20 shortages.
FAQ
Is Orijen worth the price?
For high-drive dogs and owners prioritizing ingredient quality, yes — no mainstream brand matches its animal-ingredient share. For a sedentary family pet, the marginal benefit rarely justifies double the cost.
Why did Orijen sales drop in the US?
The 2019 “pull from US market” episode involved the old Edmonton formulations; current US-sold bags are made in Auburn, Kentucky, with sourcing tuned to North American suppliers.
Related reading: Orijen Original review · Orijen Six Fish review · Ingredient encyclopedia · Life-stage feeding guides