Orijen Regional Red
Orijen Regional Red scores 5/5 on Moesonson's label-based analysis. Its strongest factor is protein clarity (high — 100% of the recipe's protein panel is clearly named); its weakest is animal-protein content (strong — 95% of the weighted protein comes from animal sources).
Rating
Updated Mar 2026
How this score is made
This score isn’t a hand-wavy impression: it reads what the label actually prints — the ingredient list, guaranteed analysis and AAFCO adequacy statement — and runs it through the same algorithmic rubric as every other product. No brand pays for placement, and there are no affiliate links on reviewed products.
Is Orijen Regional Red dry cat food good?
Orijen Regional Red is a dry cat food rated 5 stars, with high ingredient transparency and strong animal protein content. The recipe lists most animal ingredients by name and features real muscle meat as a primary protein source. This recipe is free from Gluten grains, Grains (gluten-free), Dairy, Nuts, Poultry, Shellfish, Unknown Meal but contains Egg, Legumes, Red meat, Fish.
Allergy Highlights
Contains:
Free From:
Pros
- Uses clearly named animal protein sources for better transparency.
- Contains organ meats that provide natural vitamins and minerals.
- Includes plant ingredients that can provide fiber and natural antioxidants.
Nutrition Breakdown
| Protein | 44% |
|---|---|
| Fat | 22% |
| Est. Carbs | 19% |
| Fiber | 3% |
| Ash | 11% |
Moisture (10%) removed so you can compare foods fairly.
Dry matter basis = label value ÷ (100% − moisture%). Carbs estimated from remaining.
| Protein | 40% |
|---|---|
| Fat | 20% |
| Est. Carbs | 18% |
| Fiber | 3% |
| Moisture | 10% |
| Ash | 10% |
As-fed values are the raw percentages printed on the product label.
Tips
- Protein is High (44% dry matter) on our label-based comparison range. This is generally more aligned with cats' higher protein needs than lower-protein recipes, assuming the food is complete for the cat's life stage.
- Fat is Super High (22% dry matter) on our label-based comparison range. This is very energy-dense; cats with pancreatitis, digestive disease, or weight concerns need case-specific veterinary guidance.
Ingredients Analysis
56 of 56 matched
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1 Fresh Angus Beef
Animal ProteinDescription
Excellent source of protein, vitamin B12, zinc, iron. However, red meat contains a higher level of cholesterol which is related to several health issues like heart disease.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
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2 Fresh Wild Boar
Animal ProteinDescription
Unlike other farmed animals, it is wild-caught pig, rather lean and low in cholesterol, high in protein, a good source of monounsaturated fats and zinc.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
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3 Fresh Bison
Animal ProteinDescription
Rich source of B vitamins, iron, selenium, and zinc. It is a sustainable and novel protein source recently found in pet foods.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
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4 Fresh Romney Lamb
Animal ProteinDescription
Premium lamb from Romney breed, high in protein, iron, zinc, and B vitamins.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
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5 Fresh Yorkshire Pork
Animal ProteinDescription
Sometimes referred as "higher-class" of pork, which is leaner than normal pork. It is a highly digestible and palatable protein source with an excellent amount of vitamin B1.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
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6 Fresh Beef Liver
Animal ProteinDescription
One of the best-concentrated sources of vitamin A compared to any other food. It also includes a high amount of folate and vitamin B12. The liver only fillers toxins out and it does not store them, which most people misunderstand.
Why Prefer?
Organ meats are highly nutritious, with quality protein and many important vitamins / minerals.
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7 Fresh Pork Liver
Animal ProteinDescription
One of the most nutrient-dense organs, an excellent source of vitamin A and copper.
Why Prefer?
Organ meats are highly nutritious, with quality protein and many important vitamins / minerals.
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8 Fresh Lamb Liver
Animal ProteinDescription
Organ meats of lamb. It is a significant source of vitamin A, B12, and copper.
Why Prefer?
Organ meats are highly nutritious, with quality protein and many important vitamins / minerals.
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9 Fresh Beef Tripe
Animal ProteinDescription
The stomach lining of beef, high in protein, contains selenium, zinc, calcium, and phosphorus.
Why Prefer?
Organ meats are highly nutritious, with quality protein and many important vitamins / minerals.
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10 Fresh Whole Sardines
Animal ProteinDescription
Fresh whole sardines, high in protein, omega-3s, and calcium from bones.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
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11 Fresh Whole Eggs
Animal ProteinDescription
It contains almost every nutrient the body needs. It also has the highest biological value (protein absorption) among other animal proteins.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
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12 Lamb Meal
Animal ProteinDescription
A dehydrated form of lamb, a meat concentrate that contains up to 400% more protein than the fresh form. It is a type of red meat, high in protein and rich in iron, zinc, and vitamin B12.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
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13 Beef Meal
Animal ProteinDescription
Dehydrated form of beef, it is a meat concentrate that contains up to 4 times more protein than fresh beef on a dry matter basis.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
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14 Dehydrated Whole Herring
Animal ProteinDescription
Dehydrated whole herring providing concentrated protein, omega-3s, and vitamin D.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
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15 Dehydrated Whole Sardines
Animal ProteinDescription
Dehydrated whole sardines providing concentrated protein, omega-3s, and calcium from bones.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
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16 Dehydrated Lamb
Animal ProteinDescription
A dehydrated form of lamb, a meat concentrate that contains up to 400% more protein than the fresh form. It is a type of red meat, high in protein and rich in iron, zinc, and vitamin B12.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
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17 Beef Fat
FatDescription
The layer of fatty acid at the top similar to the one you see while cooking a beef soup. It is one of the quality animal-based fat sources with higher omega 6s.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal fat with high digestibility and biological value.
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18 Pork Fat
FatDescription
The fatty layer separated during the cooking process. It is a quality animal fat source with a higher level of omega 6s.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal fat with high digestibility and biological value.
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19 Red Lentils
Carbs Plant ProteinDescription
A type of legume that is added to boost up the protein content and acts as an alternative carb. It contains around 27% protein.
Digestion Concern
Legume contains oligosaccharides, which is a 3 - 5 carbon short-chain sugar that are indigestible by dogs / cats.
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20 Green Lentils
Carbs Plant ProteinDescription
A type of legume that is added to boost up the protein content and acts as an alternative carb. It contains around 27% protein.
Digestion Concern
Legume contains oligosaccharides, which is a 3 - 5 carbon short-chain sugar that are indigestible by dogs / cats.
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21 Lentil Fiber
CarbsDescription
The fiber extracted from lentils after removing the starch. It is mainly insoluble fiber.
Why Concerned?
A controversial filler with limited nutrition value to dogs / cats.
Digestion Concern
Legumes contain oligosaccharides, which are short-chain sugars of 3-5 carbons and cannot be digested by dogs/cats.
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22 Chickpeas
Carbs Plant ProteinDescription
Also known as garbanzo beans, a type of legume that is added to boost up the protein content and acts as an alternative carb. It contains around 20% protein.
Digestion Concern
Legume contains oligosaccharides, which is a 3 - 5 carbon short-chain sugar that are indigestible by dogs / cats.
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23 Yellow Peas
Carbs Plant ProteinDescription
A type of legume that is added to boost up the protein content and acts as an alternative carb. It contains around 22% protein.
Digestion Concern
Legume contains oligosaccharides, which is a 3 - 5 carbon short-chain sugar that are indigestible by dogs / cats.
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24 Pinto Beans
Carbs Plant ProteinDescription
A type of legume that is added to boost up the protein content and acts as an alternative carb. It contains around 22% protein.
Digestion Concern
Legume contains oligosaccharides, which is a 3 - 5 carbon short-chain sugar that are indigestible by dogs / cats.
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25 Fresh Pork Liver
Animal ProteinDescription
One of the most nutrient-dense organs, an excellent source of vitamin A and copper.
Why Prefer?
Organ meats are highly nutritious, with quality protein and many important vitamins / minerals.
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26 Fresh Lamb Liver
Animal ProteinDescription
Organ meats of lamb. It is a significant source of vitamin A, B12, and copper.
Why Prefer?
Organ meats are highly nutritious, with quality protein and many important vitamins / minerals.
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27 Dehydrated Alaska Cod
Animal ProteinDescription
A dehydrated form of Alaska cod, high in protein and omega-3s.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
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28 Herring Oil
FatDescription
The fish oil extracted from herring. It is an excellent source of omega 3s, DHA, and EPA, which help reduce inflammation in the body.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal fat with high digestibility and biological value.
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29 Lamb Liver
Animal ProteinDescription
Organ meats of lamb. It is a significant source of vitamin A, B12, and copper.
Why Prefer?
Organ meats are highly nutritious, with quality protein and many important vitamins / minerals.
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30 Dehydrated Beef Cartilage
Animal ProteinDescription
Dehydrated beef cartilage providing natural glucosamine and chondroitin for joint support.
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31 Alfalfa
Carbs Plant ProteinDescription
Typically used in horse feed, high in fiber, and contains around 20% plant protein.
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32 Freeze-dried Beef Liver
Animal ProteinDescription
One of the best-concentrated sources of vitamin A compared to any other food. It also includes a high amount of folate and vitamin B12. The liver only fillers toxins out and it does not store them, which most people misunderstand.
Why Prefer?
Organ meats are highly nutritious, with quality protein and many important vitamins / minerals.
-
33 Freeze-dried Beef Tripe
Animal ProteinDescription
The stomach lining of beef, high in protein, contains selenium, zinc, calcium, and phosphorus.
Why Prefer?
Organ meats are highly nutritious, with quality protein and many important vitamins / minerals.
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34 Freeze-dried Lamb Tripe
Animal ProteinDescription
The edible muscle lining of the lamb's stomach. It is high in protein, vitamin B12, also a great source of selenium, zinc, and phosphorus.
Why Prefer?
Organ meats are highly nutritious, with quality protein and many important vitamins / minerals.
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35 Fresh Pumpkin
CarbsDescription
An alternative high carbs filler with an excellent source of potassium, vitamin C, and beta carotene.
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36 Fresh Squash
CarbsDescription
Fresh squash, a source of potassium, vitamin C, and beta-carotene.
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37 Fresh Zucchini
CarbsDescription
Fresh zucchini, low in calories with vitamin C, potassium, and manganese.
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38 Fresh Parsnips
CarbsDescription
A green leaf-like vegetable, a great source of vitamin C, K, and folate.
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39 Fresh Carrots
CarbsDescription
Well known for its alpha and beta-carotene content, also rich in potassium and vitamin B6. Most pet foods use it as a minor ingredient (include 0.1% to 3% of the total composition).
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40 Fresh Apples
CarbsDescription
Fresh apples providing carbs, fiber, and antioxidants.
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41 Fresh Bartlett Pears
CarbsDescription
A sugary fruit, a good source of vitamin C, folate, copper and potassium, along with polyphenol antioxidant.
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42 Fresh Cranberries
CarbsDescription
High in vitamin C and antioxidants, it is also best known for fighting Urinary Tract Infections. While it could be true for humans, the effect on pets is yet to be confirmed by further research.
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43 Fresh Spinach
CarbsDescription
Nutrient-dense leafy greens, an excellent source of vitamin A, C, K1, B9, iron, and calcium.
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44 Fresh Beets
CarbsDescription
Fresh beets, high in fiber, folate, manganese, and potassium.
Why Concerned?
Controversial - Some say it is a good dietary fiber source, some believe it is just an inexpensive filler.
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45 Fresh Turnip Greens
CarbsDescription
Dark leafy greens of the top of turnip, it is packed with vitamin A and C.
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46 Kelp
CarbsDescription
An excellent source of various minerals including calcium, iron, magnesium. Rich in rare mineral iodine essential for healthy thyroid function.
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47 Cranberries
CarbsDescription
High in vitamin C and antioxidants, it is also best known for fighting Urinary Tract Infections. While it could be true for humans, the effect on pets is yet to be confirmed by further research.
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48 Blueberries
CarbsDescription
Superfood packed with antioxidants, a good source of vitamin C, K, and manganese.
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49 Saskatoon Berries
CarbsDescription
A native North American berry rich in antioxidants, fiber, and manganese.
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50 Chicory Root
CarbsDescription
Contains insulin, which is a prebiotic that promotes friendly bacteria in the gut and supports better digestion.
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51 Turmeric
CarbsDescription
Orange ginger-like plant often used in making curry. It contains curcumin, which is a strong antioxidant with anti-inflammatory effects. However, its color is the main purpose of adding it to pet foods.
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52 Milk Thistle
CarbsDescription
A herbal remedy often used to treat liver disorders. It has a high concentration of silymarin, which is a compound known to have antioxidant, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties.
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53 Burdock Root
CarbsDescription
A long brown vegetable root that is commonly used for cleansing and detox. Past Research study suggests that it can help remove toxins from the blood and improve circulation.
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54 Lavender
CarbsDescription
The purple flower famous for its fragrance and color. It provides a trace amount of minerals and is believed to have calming effects. However, the plant of lavender contains a compound called linalook, which is toxic to both cats and dogs. It could cause vomiting, reduced appetite, and nausea when a large quantity of lavender.
Why Concerned?
A controversial ingredient that might cause health issues, unnecessary for the risk.
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55 Marshmallow Root
CarbsDescription
A herb usually used as a remedy to treat skin, respiratory, and digestive issues. The healing power is mainly from the mucilage it contains.
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56 Rose Hips
CarbsDescription
Small red seeds that are rich in antioxidants, including vitamin C, catechins, quercetin, and ellagic acid. These help the body to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress.
Tips
- Named animal proteins near the top: Fresh Angus Beef, Fresh Wild Boar are listed early in the ingredient panel.
- Ingredients worth checking: Lentil Fiber, Fresh Beets, Lavender.
- Possible digestion triggers: Red Lentils, Green Lentils, Lentil Fiber, and 3 more have digestion notes; watch tolerance if your pet has a sensitive stomach.
Protein Analysis
How this recipe earned its protein scores.
Protein Clarity
High- Named 100%
Strong clarity: 100% of Orijen Regional Red's animal-protein ingredients are clearly named (like chicken or salmon). Only 0% use vague terms such as "meat meal" and 0% are by-products. Named protein ingredients let you verify the source and check for allergens.
Contributing ingredients
Named
Animal Protein
High- Animal 95%
- Plant 5%
Meat-forward: 95% of the weighted protein in Orijen Regional Red comes from animal sources. Plant signals are modest (5% whole plants, 0% plant concentrates), so the protein profile leans on real meat.
Contributing ingredients
Animal
Plant
Orijen Regional Red dry cat food Review
Orijen Regional Red is a strong choice — rated 5 stars with high ingredient transparency and strong animal protein content. A confident pick when the ingredient panel matches your pet's needs.
Best for
- Owners who want clearly named protein sources
- Pets avoiding gluten grains
- Pets that thrive on muscle-meat protein
Avoid if
- Your pet is allergic to eggs
- You're avoiding legumes
Key takeaways
- Named animal proteins make up 100% of the recipe's protein panel — a clear sourcing win.
- Contains common allergens: Egg, Legumes, Red meat, Fish.
- On a dry-matter basis: 44% protein, 22% fat, 19% estimated carbohydrates.
- 95% of the weighted protein comes from animal sources.
- Free from Gluten grains, Grains (gluten-free), Dairy, Nuts, Poultry, Shellfish, Unknown Meal.
Frequently asked questions
Is Orijen Regional Red good for cats?
Yes — Orijen Regional Red earns 5 out of 5 stars on Moesonson’s label-based analysis, combining high ingredient transparency with strong animal protein content. The score is computed from the printed ingredient list and guaranteed analysis rather than marketing claims — a confident pick when the label matches your cat’s needs.
Does Orijen Regional Red contain Dairy?
No — based on the printed ingredient list, Orijen Regional Red does not include Dairy or closely related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Dairy can typically avoid that trigger here. Recipes do get reformulated, though, so re-check the packaging before feeding — Moesonson’s reading reflects the label at analysis time.
Does Orijen Regional Red contain Egg?
Yes — according to the printed ingredient list, Orijen Regional Red contains Egg. Pets with a known Egg sensitivity should generally avoid this recipe, or check with a veterinarian first. Moesonson flags allergens directly from the label’s ingredient panel, so this reflects what the manufacturer actually declares.
Does Orijen Regional Red contain Legumes?
Yes — according to the printed ingredient list, Orijen Regional Red contains Legumes. Pets with a known Legumes sensitivity should generally avoid this recipe, or check with a veterinarian first. Moesonson flags allergens directly from the label’s ingredient panel, so this reflects what the manufacturer actually declares.
Does Orijen Regional Red contain Nuts?
No — based on the printed ingredient list, Orijen Regional Red does not include Nuts or closely related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Nuts can typically avoid that trigger here. Recipes do get reformulated, though, so re-check the packaging before feeding — Moesonson’s reading reflects the label at analysis time.
Is Orijen Regional Red grain-free?
Yes — Orijen Regional Red is grain-free according to its printed ingredient list: no gluten grains (like wheat) and no gluten-free grains (like rice or corn) appear in the recipe. That makes it a candidate for pets with diagnosed grain sensitivities, though grain-free offers no automatic benefit for pets without one.
What are the main protein sources in Orijen Regional Red?
The main animal proteins in Orijen Regional Red are Fresh Angus Beef, Fresh Wild Boar, Fresh Bison. Each is named by species on the printed ingredient list — a protein-clarity strength in Moesonson’s scoring, because named sources let you verify what your cat is eating and avoid specific proteins when managing food allergies.
