Orijen Original
Orijen Original 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 Original dry dog food good?
Orijen Original is a dry dog 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, Shellfish, Unknown Meal but contains Egg, Legumes, Poultry, 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.
- Uses mainly organic mineral sources, which are typically better absorbed.
Nutrition Breakdown
| Protein | 43% |
|---|---|
| Fat | 21% |
| Est. Carbs | 19% |
| Fiber | 7% |
| Ash | 10% |
Moisture (12%) removed so you can compare foods fairly.
Dry matter basis = label value ÷ (100% − moisture%). Carbs estimated from remaining.
| Protein | 38% |
|---|---|
| Fat | 18% |
| Est. Carbs | 17% |
| Fiber | 6% |
| Moisture | 12% |
| Ash | 9% |
As-fed values are the raw percentages printed on the product label.
Tips
- Protein is Super High (43% dry matter) on our label-based comparison range. This can fit very active, working, or growing dogs, but dogs with kidney disease or other medical conditions need vet-guided diet targets.
- Fat is High (21% dry matter) on our label-based comparison range. It can support calorie needs for active or growing dogs, but portion control and pancreatitis history deserve extra attention.
Ingredients Analysis
51 of 51 matched
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1 Fresh Chicken Meat
Animal ProteinDescription
The dominant animal protein source in pet foods. Other than protein, it is also high in iron, zinc, selenium, and B vitamins.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
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2 Frozen Turkey Meat
Animal ProteinDescription
Flash-frozen turkey meat preserving nutritional value and freshness.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
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3 Fresh Chicken Liver
(Detected): fresh chicken livers
Animal ProteinDescription
An excellent source of vitamin A, chromium, and copper.
Why Prefer?
Organ meats are highly nutritious, with quality protein and many important vitamins / minerals.
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4 Whole Herring
Animal ProteinDescription
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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5 Whole Hake
Animal ProteinDescription
A mild white fish, high in protein and low in fat, a good source of B vitamins and selenium.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
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6 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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7 Frozen Turkey Livers
Animal ProteinDescription
Flash-frozen turkey livers, an excellent source of vitamin A, B12, and iron.
Why Prefer?
Organ meats are highly nutritious, with quality protein and many important vitamins / minerals.
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8 Chicken Meat Meal
Animal ProteinDescription
A dehydrated form of chicken, it is a meat concentrate that contains up to 4 times more protein than fresh chicken on dry matter basis.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
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9 Turkey Meat Meal
Animal ProteinDescription
A concentrated protein source from turkey, containing up to 300% more protein than fresh meat.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
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10 Mackerel Fish Meal
Animal ProteinDescription
A concentrated protein source made from mackerel, rich in omega-3s and vitamin B12.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
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11 Sardine Fish Meal
Animal ProteinDescription
A concentrated protein source made from sardines, high in omega-3 fatty acids and calcium.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
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12 Herring Fish Meal
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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13 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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14 Green 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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15 Chicken Fat
FatDescription
The fatty layer separated during the cooking process, with a high level of omega 6, It is more preferable by dogs and cats over other types of fats.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal fat with high digestibility and biological value.
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16 Pea Fiber
CarbsDescription
Produced by separating the starch of peas from fiber, consists mainly of insoluble fiber, contains around 6 - 12% protein.
Why Concerned?
A controversial filler with limited nutrition value to dogs / cats.
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 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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18 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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19 Pinto Common Beans
Carbs Plant ProteinDescription
Pinto beans, a legume high in fiber, protein, and B vitamins.
Why Concerned?
A controversial filler with limited nutrition value to 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 Navy Common Beans
Carbs Plant ProteinDescription
Navy beans, a small white legume high in fiber and protein.
Why Concerned?
A controversial filler with limited nutrition value to dogs / cats.
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22 Fish Oil
FatDescription
Oil derived from fish, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, DHA, and EPA.
Why Concerned?
A high-quality animal fat with high digestibility and biological value.
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23 Alfalfa Pellets
Carbs Plant ProteinDescription
Compressed alfalfa in pellet form, high in fiber and plant protein.
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24 Fresh Chicken Heart
(Detected): fresh chicken hearts
Animal ProteinDescription
An excellent source of vitamin B9, iron, and zinc.
Why Prefer?
Organ meats are highly nutritious, with quality protein and many important vitamins / minerals.
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25 Dried Sea Kelp
CarbsDescription
Dried kelp from the sea, rich in iodine and minerals.
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26 Pumpkin
CarbsDescription
An alternative high carbs filler with an excellent source of potassium, vitamin C, and beta carotene.
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27 Butternut Squash
CarbsDescription
An alternative high carbs filler with an excellent source of potassium, vitamin C, and beta carotene.
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28 Zucchini
CarbsDescription
A summer squash rich in vitamin A, antioxidants - carotenoids such as lutein, zeaxanthin, and beta-carotene.
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29 Dried Chopped Carrots
CarbsDescription
Dried and chopped carrots providing fiber, beta-carotene, and vitamins.
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30 Apples
CarbsDescription
Contains mainly carbs and sugar with multiple antioxidants to prevent radical damages by oxidative stress.
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31 Pears
CarbsDescription
A sugary fruit, a good source of vitamin C, folate, copper and potassium, along with polyphenol antioxidant.
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32 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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33 Spinach
CarbsDescription
Nutrient-dense leafy greens, an excellent source of vitamin A, C, K1, B9, iron, and calcium.
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34 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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35 Turnip Greens
CarbsDescription
Dark leafy greens of the top of turnip, it is packed with vitamin A and C.
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36 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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37 Blueberries
CarbsDescription
Superfood packed with antioxidants, a good source of vitamin C, K, and manganese.
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38 Saskatoon Berries
CarbsDescription
A native North American berry rich in antioxidants, fiber, and manganese.
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39 Freeze-Dried Beef Meat
Animal ProteinDescription
Freeze-dried beef, a concentrated protein source preserving nutrients from fresh beef.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
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40 Freeze-Dried Goat Meat
Animal ProteinDescription
Freeze-dried goat meat, a lean and concentrated protein source.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
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41 Freeze-Dried Lamb Meat
Animal ProteinDescription
Freeze-dried lamb meat, a concentrated protein source preserving nutrients.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
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42 Zinc Proteinate
SupplementDescription
An organic form of zinc, which is vital in skin function and wound healing, cell replication, the structure and function of biological membranes. Compare to inorganic form, it has 5 - 15% more absorption rate to the body.
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43 Natural Vitamin E
SupplementDescription
Naturally sourced vitamin E (d-alpha-tocopherol) used as an antioxidant.
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44 Dl-alpha Tocopherol Acetate
(Detected): dl-alpha-tocopherol acetate
SupplementDescription
Supplement for vitamin E, which is an important antioxidant that protects oxidative damages on cellular membranes by free radicals. A deficiency will result in symptoms like anorexia, depression, and dermatitis.
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45 Vitamin A Acetate
SupplementDescription
Supplement of vitamin A, it is essential for healthy skin, normal vision, and immune function.
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46 Vitamin D3
SupplementDescription
Supplement for vitamin D3 (animal-derived), which is essential for calcium homeostasis - to maintain a constant concentration of calcium. A deficiency will result in osteopenia (lower bone mass).
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47 Thiamine Mononitrate
SupplementDescription
An organic form of thiamine, has 5 - 15% more absorption rate than the inorganic form. It is important for energy production and glucose metabolism.
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48 Copper Proteinate
SupplementDescription
An organic form of copper, which is important for the production of blood cells, hair coat color pigmentation, and maintaining the nervous system. Compare to inorganic form, it has 5 - 15% more absorption rate to the body.
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49 Rosemary Extract
CarbsDescription
A common herb used for cooking, it is rich in antioxidants to fight off radical damages in the body.
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50 Citric Acid
Food AdditiveDescription
A common additive used for fat preservation. It is commonly found in citrus fruit like lemons and limes.
Why Concerned?
A food additive that might cause health issues.
Digestion Concern
Research suggests that dogs consumed dry foods containing citric acid as a preservative have a 200% increased risk for gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloating). However, more research is required to make a solid conclusion.
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51 Enterococcus Faecium
ProbioticsDescription
A type of probiotics, good bacteria that promotes good digestion and overall health. E. faecium is uniquely able to survive the digestive process and grow, balancing the gut environment.
Tips
- Named animal proteins near the top: Fresh Chicken Meat, Frozen Turkey Meat are listed early in the ingredient panel.
- Ingredients worth checking: Pea Fiber, Pinto Common Beans, Navy Common Beans.
- Higher-caution ingredients: Kale have caution notes in the ingredient database.
- Possible digestion triggers: Red Lentils, Green Peas, Pea Fiber, and 5 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 Original'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 Original 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 Original dry dog food Review
Orijen Original 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, Poultry, Red meat, Fish.
- On a dry-matter basis: 43% protein, 21% fat, 19% estimated carbohydrates.
- 93% of the weighted protein comes from animal sources.
- Free from Gluten grains, Grains (gluten-free), Dairy, Nuts, Shellfish, Unknown Meal.
Frequently asked questions
Is Orijen Original good for dogs?
Yes — Orijen Original 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 dog’s needs.
Does Orijen Original contain Dairy?
No — based on the printed ingredient list, Orijen Original 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 Original contain Egg?
Yes — according to the printed ingredient list, Orijen Original 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 Original contain Legumes?
Yes — according to the printed ingredient list, Orijen Original 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 Original contain Nuts?
No — based on the printed ingredient list, Orijen Original 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 Original grain-free?
Yes — Orijen Original 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 Original?
The main animal proteins in Orijen Original are Fresh Chicken Meat, Frozen Turkey Meat, Fresh Chicken Liver. 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 dog is eating and avoid specific proteins when managing food allergies.
