DogRanking US › Dog food › Orijen Original
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 |
ℹ️ This rating is for a specific flavour variant. Brands often sell the same line in several flavours (salmon, lamb, chicken…), each with a different recipe, nutrient profile and allergens - and therefore a different score. Always check the exact variant you are buying.
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).
What dog parents say
DogRanking score
5 / 5 🐾
by our methodology · 4 pillars, 100 pts
Community rating
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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.