Orijen Adult Formula

*Est. $40 per 15.4 lb. bag

Reviewed

August 2010

Premium dry dog food

Pros

Very high protein content
High-quality carb sources
No low-value fillers

Cons

Hard to find
Expensive
High protein level might not be suitable for all dogs

Where to Buy

for $49.00

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Experts say Orijen is as good as dry dog food gets. Orijen has great meat content, with deboned chicken, chicken meal and turkey meal listed as the first three ingredients, and lots of other named meats and meat meals listed just a little further down. Carbohydrates -- needed in a dogs' diets, most experts say -- comes from high-quality sources such as russet potatoes. All ingredients are of very high quality, and meats and other proteins are certified as fit for human consumption by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (the company is based in Canada). The food is grain free, and natural preservatives rather than controversial ones like ethoxyquin are used.

The biggest negatives we've seen are that Orijen is harder to find than some other quality foods and that it's relatively expensive. Natural Balance Ultra Premium dog food (*Est. $30 per 15 lb. bag) is another high-quality food that avoids the use of byproducts, artificial preservatives and other controversial ingredients. Meat content is high, and although grains are used, they are high quality grains like brown rice, oatmeal and barley rather than poorer quality ones like wheat, corn or soy.

Experts say that although palatability is important, the true gauge in judging dog foods is the quality of the ingredients used. You can find good discussions of ingredients at a number of sites, including DogFoodAnalysis.com, PetFoodRatings.net and DogFoodAdvisor.com. PetsumerReport.com also rates Orijen, but its findings are only available to paid subscribers. Whole Dog Journal establishes criteria for "approved" foods and publishes a subscribers-only list of those that qualify.

Where To Buy

Orijen Grain-Free Adult Dry Dog Food, 15.4lb

(71 reviews)
7 New from $37.99

In Stock.

Our Sources

1. DogFoodAnalysis.com

Dog foods here are evaluated according to contents listed on the label and rated from 1 to 6 stars. Orijen earns the site's highest rating and is called outstanding.

Review: Champion Pet Foods Orijen Adult, Editors of DogFoodAnalysis.com, July 12, 2009

2. PetFoodRatings.net

This site also does a good job in evaluating dog food ingredients. Although not as many foods are covered as at DogFoodAnalysis.com, the author's sometimes personal interjections are interesting to read. Orijen is top-rated here, with Christopher Eng adding, "There is absolutely nothing you can fault this food for."

Review: Dog Food Reviews, Christopher Eng

3. DogFoodAdvisor.com

Though Mike Sagman specifically evaluates a different variety (Orijen Six Fish), he says his comments apply to other varieties, including Orijen Adult. He discusses ingredients and how well the food meets the nutritional needs of a dog. Sagman enthusiastically recommends the dog food, adding that "If Orijen is within your budget, it's definitely worth the price."

Review: Orijen Dog Food Adult (Dry), Mike Sagman, Jan. 24, 2010

4. PetsumerReport.comDetails/Subscribe

PetsumerReport.com puts dog foods like Orijen Adult Dog Food under the microscope, discussing the ingredient line up, the inclusion of controversial ingredients and more. Pluses and minuses are listed, and a rating is provided. However, all of that is available only to subscribers.

Review: Orijen Adult Dog Food Dry, Susan Thixton

5. Whole Dog JournalDetails/Subscribe

Whole Dog Journal clearly outlines criteria for what it considers to be superior dog food and publishes annually updated lists of the dog foods, including dry dog foods, that qualify. The article is available only to subscribers, however.

Review: Whole Dog Journal's 2010 Dry Dog Food Review, Nancy Kerns, February 2010

6. RateItAll.com

More than 300 owner reviews give Orijen a high average score. Though most posters are pleased, some warn that the high protein content may be too rich for some dogs.

Review: Orijen Reviews, Contributors to RateItAll.com

7. ZooToo.com

There aren't a huge number of reviews at Zootoo.com for Orijen Adult dog food, but of the more than 25 posted, the overwhelming majority are glowing.

Review: Orijen Adult Dog Food Review, Contributors to Zootoo.com

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