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Review · Dog food · dry
Orijen Original — review & rating
Is Orijen Original a good choice?
The highest-meat mainstream kibble in the US: 85% animal ingredients, all named, with fresh and raw inclusions. Legumes appear mid-list (DCM context applies for predisposed breeds). Since the Mars acquisition the manufacturer pillar benefits from corporate QC infrastructure.
Nutrition (dry-matter basis)
| Parameter | Value | Threshold / context |
|---|---|---|
| Food format | dry | formats compared on a dry-matter basis |
| Protein | 42.2% DM | FEDIAF/AAFCO min 22,5–25% |
| Fat | 20% DM | min 8,5% |
| Energy | 394 kcal ME/100 g | — |
| Cost per 1,000 kcal | ~$2 | the only fair measure across dry, wet and fresh formats |
Score across 4 pillars
| Pillar | Score | Max |
|---|---|---|
| A · Recipe & protein quality | 34 | 35 |
| B · Compliance (FEDIAF/AAFCO) | 22 | 25 |
| C · Manufacturer credibility (WSAVA) | 21 | 25 |
| D · Additives & processing | 13 | 15 |
Pros
- 42% protein DM from named animal sources
- WholePrey inclusions (organs, cartilage)
- Mars-level quality control since acquisition
- Legumes present in the recipe (DCM context)
- High energy density — easy to overfeed without measuring
- Premium price
📋 Hands-on test pending — this rating is based on label analysis and public manufacturer data (that is always how we score; a hands-on test adds photos, our own measurements and Bekon’s verdict, but never changes the score).
Frequently asked questions
Is Orijen safe given the FDA DCM investigation?
The FDA never established causality and stopped updates in 2022. Orijen contains legumes mid-recipe; for Dobermanns, Great Danes, Boxers and Goldens we suggest discussing grain-free choices with your veterinarian.
Where to buy
The links above are affiliate links — we earn a commission at no extra cost to you. The rating was finalised before we checked where the product can be bought.