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 — 94% 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, Egg, Nuts, Red meat, Shellfish, Unknown Meal but contains Legumes, Poultry, 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 | 22% |
| Fiber | 6% |
| Ash | 9% |
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 | 19% |
| Fiber | 5% |
| Moisture | 12% |
| Ash | 8% |
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
31 of 31 matched
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1 Chicken
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 Turkey
Animal ProteinDescription
A large bird looks similar to chicken, high in protein, and packed with vitamin B3, B6, B12, selenium, zinc, and phosphorus.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
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3 Salmon
Animal ProteinDescription
One of the most nutrient-dense fish, high in protein, packed with omega 3s, B vitamins, and it is a good source of potassium selenium, and antioxidants.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
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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 Chicken Liver
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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6 Dehydrated Chicken
Animal ProteinDescription
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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7 Dehydrated Turkey
Animal ProteinDescription
A large bird looks similar to chicken, high in protein, and packed with vitamin B3, B6, B12, selenium, zinc, and phosphorus.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
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8 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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9 Dehydrated Chicken Liver
Animal ProteinDescription
A dehydrated form of chicken liver. 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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10 Dehydrated Turkey Liver
Animal ProteinDescription
A great source of vitamin A, riboflavin, folate, vitamin B12, iron, and selenium.
Why Prefer?
Organ meats are highly nutritious, with quality protein and many important vitamins / minerals.
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11 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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12 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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13 Whole Navy Beans
Carbs Plant ProteinDescription
A type of legume that is added to boost up the protein content and acts as an alternative carbs. 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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14 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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15 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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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 Dried Apple Pomace
CarbsDescription
It is usually the finely ground remnants byproduct of making apple juice. It mainly serves as a source of fiber in pet food.
Why Concerned?
Fruit is an acceptable source of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
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18 Turkey Fat
FatDescription
The fatty layer separated during the cooking process. It is a quality animal fat source with a high level of omega 6s.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal fat with high digestibility and biological value.
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19 Whole Pumpkin
CarbsDescription
An alternative high carbs filler with an excellent source of potassium, vitamin C, and beta carotene.
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20 Whole Butternut Squash
CarbsDescription
An alternative high carbs filler with an excellent source of potassium, vitamin C, and beta carotene.
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21 Collard Greens
CarbsDescription
A type of dark leafy greens that are commonly used in the salad for humans. It is completely safe for pets and serves as a rich source of vitamin K and folate.
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22 Whole Apples
CarbsDescription
Contains mainly carbs and sugar with multiple antioxidants to prevent radical damages by oxidative stress.
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23 Whole Pears
CarbsDescription
A sugary fruit, a good source of vitamin C, folate, copper and potassium, along with polyphenol antioxidant.
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24 Whole 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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25 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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26 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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27 Choline Chloride
SupplementDescription
Vital molecule for various functions in the body, lack of choline can result in weight loss, vomiting, and fatty liver.
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28 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.
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29 Lactobacillus Acidophilus
ProbioticsDescription
A type of probiotics, good bacteria that promotes good digestion and overall health. L. acidophilus produces lactic acid, which is believed to help prevent bad bacterias from growing in the intestines.
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30 Bifidobacterium Animalis
ProbioticsDescription
A probiotic bacteria that supports digestive health.
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31 Lactobacillus Reuteri
ProbioticsDescription
A type of probiotics, good bacteria that promotes good digestion and overall health. L. reuteri could help to prevent pathogenic microbes from growing by producing antimicrobial molecules like organic acids and ethanol.
Tips
- Named animal proteins near the top: Chicken, Turkey are listed early in the ingredient panel.
- Ingredients worth checking: Dried Apple Pomace.
- Possible digestion triggers: Whole Red Lentils, Whole Pinto Beans, Whole Navy Beans, 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 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 94%
- Plant 6%
Meat-forward: 94% of the weighted protein in Orijen Original comes from animal sources. Plant signals are modest (6% 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
- 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, Poultry, Fish.
- On a dry-matter basis: 43% protein, 21% fat, 22% estimated carbohydrates.
- 94% of the weighted protein comes from animal sources.
- Free from Gluten grains, Grains (gluten-free), Dairy, Egg, Nuts, Red meat, 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?
No — based on the printed ingredient list, Orijen Original 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 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 Chicken, Turkey, Salmon. 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.
