Orijen
Kitten
Rating
Is Orijen Kitten dry cat food good?
Orijen Kitten 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, Red meat, Shellfish, Unknown Meal but contains Egg, 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.
Nutrition Breakdown
- Protein 44%
- Fat 22%
- Est. Carbs 20%
- 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 20%
- Est. Carbs 18%
- 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 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
39 of 39 matched
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1 Fresh 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 Raw Turkey
Animal ProteinDescription
Raw turkey meat, high in protein and B vitamins.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
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3 Raw Salmon
Animal ProteinDescription
A fresh form of salmon, one of the most nutrient-dense fish, high in protein, omega-3s, and B vitamins.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
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4 Raw Whole Herring
Animal ProteinDescription
A small silvery fish with low mercury, 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 Fresh Chicken Giblets
Animal ProteinDescription
Refer to multiple organs like the liver and kidney of chickens. Organs meat is high in protein and various vitamins / minerals.
Why Prefer?
Organ meats are highly nutritious, with quality protein and many important vitamins / minerals.
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6 Raw 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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7 Fresh 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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8 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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9 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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10 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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11 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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12 Dehydrated Egg
Animal ProteinDescription
Dehydrated whole egg, a concentrated source of high-quality protein and essential amino acids.
Why Prefer?
Eggs provide highly digestible complete protein with all essential amino acids.
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13 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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14 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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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 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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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 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 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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20 Pollock Oil
FatDescription
The oil extracted from pollock, as a quality animal fat source and a boost on the level of omega 3s of pet foods.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal fat with high digestibility and biological value.
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21 Whole Apples
CarbsDescription
Contains mainly carbs and sugar with multiple antioxidants to prevent radical damages by oxidative stress.
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22 Whole 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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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 Zucchini
CarbsDescription
A summer squash rich in vitamin A, antioxidants - carotenoids such as lutein, zeaxanthin, and beta-carotene.
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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 Fresh Pumpkin
CarbsDescription
An alternative high carbs filler with an excellent source of potassium, vitamin C, and beta carotene.
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27 Fresh Butternut Squash
CarbsDescription
An alternative high carbs filler with an excellent source of potassium, vitamin C, and beta carotene.
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28 Spinach
CarbsDescription
Nutrient-dense leafy greens, an excellent source of vitamin A, C, K1, B9, iron, and calcium.
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29 Mustard Greens
CarbsDescription
The leafy green from the mustard plant, an excellent source of vitamins C and K.
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30 Turnip Greens
CarbsDescription
Dark leafy greens of the top of turnip, it is packed with vitamin A and C.
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31 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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32 Whole Blueberries
CarbsDescription
Superfood packed with antioxidants, a good source of vitamin C, K, and manganese.
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33 Whole Saskatoon Berries
CarbsDescription
With a similar appearance as blueberries, it is a great source of vitamin A, B, C, along with a pack of antioxidants.
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34 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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35 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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36 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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37 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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38 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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39 Rosehips
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 Chicken, Raw Turkey are listed early in the ingredient panel.
- Ingredients worth checking: Lentil Fiber, Lavender.
- Possible digestion triggers: Whole Red Lentils, Whole Pinto Beans, Whole Green Lentils, 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 Kitten'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 Kitten 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 Kitten dry cat food Review
Orijen Kitten 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, Fish.
- On a dry-matter basis: 44% protein, 22% fat, 20% estimated carbohydrates.
- 94% of the weighted protein comes from animal sources.
- Free from Gluten grains, Grains (gluten-free), Dairy, Nuts, Red meat, Shellfish, Unknown Meal.
Frequently asked questions
Is Orijen Kitten good for cats?
Yes — rated 5 stars, with high ingredient transparency and strong animal protein content.
Does Orijen Kitten contain Dairy?
No — based on the ingredient list, Orijen Kitten doesn't include Dairy or related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Dairy can typically avoid this allergen here.
Does Orijen Kitten contain Egg?
Yes — based on the ingredient list, Orijen Kitten contains Egg, so pets sensitive to Egg should generally avoid this product or consult a vet first.
Does Orijen Kitten contain Legumes?
Yes — based on the ingredient list, Orijen Kitten contains Legumes, so pets sensitive to Legumes should generally avoid this product or consult a vet first.
Does Orijen Kitten contain Nuts?
No — based on the ingredient list, Orijen Kitten doesn't include Nuts or related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Nuts can typically avoid this allergen here.
Is Orijen Kitten grain-free?
Yes — there are no grains in this recipe.
What are the main protein sources in Orijen Kitten?
The top animal proteins are Fresh Chicken, Raw Turkey, Raw Salmon — clearly named, so you can verify the source.
