Orijen Six Fish
Orijen Six Fish 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 — 93% 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 Six Fish dry cat food good?
Orijen Six Fish 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, Egg, Nuts, Poultry, Red meat, Shellfish, Unknown Meal but contains Legumes, Fish.
Allergy Highlights
Contains:
Free From:
Pros
- Uses clearly named animal protein sources for better transparency.
- Includes plant ingredients that can provide fiber and natural antioxidants.
Nutrition Breakdown
| Protein | 44% |
|---|---|
| Fat | 21% |
| Est. Carbs | 21% |
| Fiber | 3% |
| Ash | 10% |
Moisture (10%) removed so you can compare foods fairly.
Dry matter basis = label value ÷ (100% − moisture%). Carbs estimated from remaining.
| Protein | 40% |
|---|---|
| Fat | 19% |
| Est. Carbs | 19% |
| Fiber | 3% |
| Moisture | 10% |
| Ash | 9% |
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 High (21% dry matter) on our label-based comparison range. It can raise calorie density, so watch body condition and seek vet input for cats with pancreatitis or digestive disease.
Ingredients Analysis
41 of 41 matched
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1 Whole Sardine
Animal ProteinDescription
Small fishes that are high in protein, omega 3s, and low in mercury.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
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2 Whole Mackerel
Animal ProteinDescription
Greenish-blue back silverfish, high in protein, vitamin B12, and selenium. It is also an excellent source of omega 3s, similar to salmon.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
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3 Whole Anchovy
Animal ProteinDescription
Small whole fish providing complete nutrition including protein, omega-3s, and calcium.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
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4 Flounder
Animal ProteinDescription
A flatfish lives in the deep-sea. It is a quality animal protein source with a low level of fat. It provides a range of vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C, calcium, and iron.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
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5 Whole Grouper
Animal ProteinDescription
A large reef fish, high in protein and low in fat, a good source of selenium, vitamin D, and B vitamins.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
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6 Whole Sole
Animal ProteinDescription
A type of flatfish that lives close to the ocean floor, low in fat and mercury, a good source of selenium, vitamin B12, and phosphorus.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
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7 Dehydrated Mackerel
Animal ProteinDescription
A dehydrated form of mackerel, a meat concentrate contains up to 400% more protein than the fresh form. It is a greenish-blue back silverfish, high in protein, vitamin B12, and selenium. It is also an excellent source of omega 3s, similar to salmon.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
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8 Dehydrated Herring
Animal ProteinDescription
A dehydrated form of herring, which contains up to 400% more protein than the fresh form. It is a small silvery fish with low content of mercury. It is high in protein, vitamin D, selenium, and omega 3s.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
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9 Dehydrated Blue Cod
Animal ProteinDescription
A dehydrated form of blue cod, a white fish high in protein and low in fat.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
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10 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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11 Dehydrated White Salmon
Animal ProteinDescription
A dehydrated form of white salmon, a concentrated protein source rich in omega-3s.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
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12 Dehydrated Sardine
Animal ProteinDescription
Small fishes that are high in protein, omega 3s, and low in mercury.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
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13 Sunflower Seed Oil
FatDescription
Oil from sunflower seeds, rich in vitamin E and linoleic acid.
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14 Whole 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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15 Whole 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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16 Whole 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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17 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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18 Whole 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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19 Whole 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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20 Pea Starch
Carbs Plant ProteinDescription
The starchy part of peas after protein is extracted for pea protein products. It mainly consists of carbs and around 13% plant-based protein.
Why Concerned?
A controversial filler with limited nutrition value to dogs / cats.
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21 Dried 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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22 Pumpkin
CarbsDescription
An alternative high carbs filler with an excellent source of potassium, vitamin C, and beta carotene.
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23 Winter Squash
CarbsDescription
A variety of squash, a good source of potassium, vitamin A, and fiber.
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24 Zucchini
CarbsDescription
A summer squash rich in vitamin A, antioxidants - carotenoids such as lutein, zeaxanthin, and beta-carotene.
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25 Carrot
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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26 Apple
CarbsDescription
Contains mainly carbs and sugar with multiple antioxidants to prevent radical damages by oxidative stress.
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27 Pear
CarbsDescription
A sugary fruit, a good source of vitamin C, folate, copper and potassium, along with polyphenol antioxidant.
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28 Dried Chicory Root
CarbsDescription
Contains insulin, which is a prebiotic that promotes friendly bacteria in the gut and supports better digestion.
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29 Kale
CarbsDescription
A type of dark green leafy vegetables belongs to the cruciferous family. It is high in vitamin A, C, K, and other minerals, which is one of the most nutrient-dense food.
Digestion Concern
Contains isothiocyanates, a small molecule found in specific plants, which can cause mild to severe gastric irritation.
Uncertain/Risky
Contains calcium oxalate, which can cause health problems like kidney and bladder stone.
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30 Spinach
CarbsDescription
Nutrient-dense leafy greens, an excellent source of vitamin A, C, K1, B9, iron, and calcium.
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31 Beet Greens
CarbsDescription
The leafy part of a beet plant, packed with vitamins and minerals including vitamin K, copper, manganese, iron, and calcium.
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32 Romaine Lettuce
CarbsDescription
A variety of lettuce, providing vitamin K, vitamin A, and folate.
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33 Cranberry
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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34 Blueberry
CarbsDescription
Superfood packed with antioxidants, a good source of vitamin C, K, and manganese.
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35 Saskatoon Berries
CarbsDescription
A native North American berry rich in antioxidants, fiber, and manganese.
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36 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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37 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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38 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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39 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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40 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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41 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: Whole Sardine, Whole Mackerel are listed early in the ingredient panel.
- Ingredients worth checking: Lentil Fiber, Pea Starch, Lavender.
- Higher-caution ingredients: Kale have caution notes in the ingredient database.
- Possible digestion triggers: Whole Red Lentils, Whole Green Lentils, Whole Peas, and 4 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 Six Fish'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 93%
- Plant 7%
Meat-forward: 93% of the weighted protein in Orijen Six Fish comes from animal sources. Plant signals are modest (7% whole plants, 0% plant concentrates), so the protein profile leans on real meat.
Contributing ingredients
Animal
Plant
Orijen Six Fish dry cat food Review
Orijen Six Fish 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
- 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: Legumes, Fish.
- On a dry-matter basis: 44% protein, 21% fat, 21% estimated carbohydrates.
- 93% of the weighted protein comes from animal sources.
- Free from Gluten grains, Grains (gluten-free), Dairy, Egg, Nuts, Poultry, Red meat, Shellfish, Unknown Meal.
Frequently asked questions
Is Orijen Six Fish good for cats?
Yes — Orijen Six Fish 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 Six Fish contain Dairy?
No — based on the printed ingredient list, Orijen Six Fish 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 Six Fish contain Egg?
No — based on the printed ingredient list, Orijen Six Fish does not include Egg or closely related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Egg 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 Six Fish contain Legumes?
Yes — according to the printed ingredient list, Orijen Six Fish 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 Six Fish contain Nuts?
No — based on the printed ingredient list, Orijen Six Fish 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 Six Fish grain-free?
Yes — Orijen Six Fish 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 Six Fish?
The main animal proteins in Orijen Six Fish are Whole Sardine, Whole Mackerel, Whole Anchovy. 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.
