Orijen
Red Meat Grain-Free Dog Dry Food
Rating
Is Orijen Red Meat Grain-Free Dog Dry Food dry dog food good?
Orijen Red Meat Grain-Free Dog Dry Food 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, Poultry, Shellfish, Unknown Meal but contains 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.
- Uses mainly organic mineral sources, which are typically better absorbed.
Ingredients Analysis
62 of 62 matched
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1 Deboned 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 Deboned 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 Deboned Goat
Animal ProteinDescription
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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4 Deboned Lamb
Animal ProteinDescription
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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5 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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6 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 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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8 Wild Boar Liver
Animal ProteinDescription
Known to have a high content of copper, phosphorus, and purines. Pets with kidney disease, uric acid stones should watch carefully with intake amount.
Why Prefer?
Organ meats are highly nutritious, with quality protein and many important vitamins / minerals.
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9 Deboned Mutton
Animal ProteinDescription
Mutton refers to adult sheep older than 1-year-old. It contains more fat as the animal becomes older. It is also a type of red meat, rich in protein, iron, zinc, and vitamin B12.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
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10 Beef Heart
Animal ProteinDescription
High in protein with unique nutrients, contains iron, phosphorus, selenium and zinc.
Why Prefer?
Organ meats are highly nutritious, with quality protein and many important vitamins / minerals.
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11 Whole Alaska Pollock
Animal ProteinDescription
Whole Alaska pollock fish, a lean white fish high in protein and low in fat.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality named animal protein with high digestibility.
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12 Deboned Pork
Animal ProteinDescription
A highly digestible and palatable protein source with an excellent amount of vitamin B1. Compared to beef and chicken, pork has the highest fat content.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
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13 Goat Meal
Animal ProteinDescription
A dehydrated form of goats, it is a meat concentrate that contains up to 4 times more protein than fresh goat on dry matter basis.
Why Prefer?
Organ meats are highly nutritious, with quality protein and many important vitamins / minerals.
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14 Wild Boar Meal
Animal ProteinDescription
Dehydrated form of wild boar meat, it contains up to 400% more protein than fresh boar. Unlike other farmed animals, it is wild-caught, 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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15 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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16 Herring 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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17 Whole 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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18 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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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 Beef Kidney
Animal ProteinDescription
High in protein, an excellent source of iron, selenium, and vitamin A.
Why Prefer?
Organ meats are highly nutritious, with quality protein and many important vitamins / minerals.
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21 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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22 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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23 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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24 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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25 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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26 Whole 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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27 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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28 Natural Pork flavor
(Detected): natural pork flavor
Food AdditiveDescription
A flavor made of pork parts, it is used to make pet food more tasty and palatable.
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29 Pork Kidney
Animal ProteinDescription
A great source of vitamin B3, B1, iron, and selenium.
Why Prefer?
Organ meats are highly nutritious, with quality protein and many important vitamins / minerals.
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30 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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31 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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32 Mutton Meal
Animal ProteinDescription
The dehydrated form of mutton, which refers to adult sheep older than 1-year-old. It contains more fat as the animal becomes older. It is also a type of red meat, rich in protein, iron, zinc, and vitamin B12.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
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33 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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34 Wild Boar Heart
Animal ProteinDescription
Rich in folate, iron, zinc, and selenium. It is also a great source of vitamins B2, B6, and B12
Why Prefer?
Organ meats are highly nutritious, with quality protein and many important vitamins / minerals.
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35 Whole Pumpkin
CarbsDescription
An alternative high carbs filler with an excellent source of potassium, vitamin C, and beta carotene.
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36 Whole Butternut Squash
CarbsDescription
An alternative high carbs filler with an excellent source of potassium, vitamin C, and beta carotene.
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37 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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38 Spinach
CarbsDescription
Nutrient-dense leafy greens, an excellent source of vitamin A, C, K1, B9, iron, and calcium.
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39 Mustard Greens
CarbsDescription
The leafy green from the mustard plant, an excellent source of vitamins C and K.
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40 Chinese Kale Leaves
OthersDescription
Leaves from Chinese kale (Gai Lan), rich in vitamins A, C, K, and calcium.
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41 Radish Greens
OthersDescription
The leafy tops of radish plants, rich in vitamins A, C, K, and calcium.
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42 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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43 Whole Apples
CarbsDescription
Contains mainly carbs and sugar with multiple antioxidants to prevent radical damages by oxidative stress.
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44 Whole Pears
CarbsDescription
A sugary fruit, a good source of vitamin C, folate, copper and potassium, along with polyphenol antioxidant.
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45 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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46 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.
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47 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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48 Freeze-dried 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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49 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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50 Pumpkin Seeds
Fat Plant ProteinDescription
The seed inside of a pumpkin, rich in potassium and linoleic acid. It contains around 18% of protein, and around 30% protein if it is dehulled.
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51 Sunflower Seeds
FatDescription
An excellent source of vitamin E and selenium, and various antioxidants such as phenolic acids and flavonoids.
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52 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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53 Mixed Tocopherols
Food AdditiveDescription
A mixture of different types of vitamin E, usually found in plant oils, seed and green vegetables. They are powerful antioxidants used as a natural preservative to slow down the spoilage of food.
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54 Chicory Root
CarbsDescription
Contains insulin, which is a prebiotic that promotes friendly bacteria in the gut and supports better digestion.
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55 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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56 Sarsaparilla Root
CarbsDescription
A tropical plant often used to treat joint problems like arthritis. It contains saponins, which are believed to help join / skin issues and kill bacteria.
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57 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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58 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.
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59 Juniper Berries
CarbsDescription
Berries in deep blue color, a good source of vitamin C and powerful plant compounds along with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
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60 Dried Lactobaccillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product
(Detected): dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product
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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61 Dried Bifidobacterium Animalis Fermentation Product
ProbioticsDescription
A type of probiotics, good bacteria that promotes good digestion and overall health.
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62 Dried Lactobacillus Casei Fermentation Product
ProbioticsDescription
A type of probiotics, good bacteria that promotes good digestion and overall health. L. casei are often used to prevent and treat diarrhea.
Tips
- Named animal proteins near the top: Deboned Beef, Deboned Wild Boar are listed early in the ingredient panel.
- Ingredients worth checking: Lentil Fiber.
- Higher-caution ingredients: Kale have caution notes in the ingredient database.
- Possible digestion triggers: Whole Green Peas, Whole Red Lentils, Whole Pinto Beans, and 6 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 Red Meat Grain-Free Dog Dry Food'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 Red Meat Grain-Free Dog Dry Food 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 Red Meat Grain-Free Dog Dry Food dry dog food Review
Orijen Red Meat Grain-Free Dog Dry Food 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, Red meat, Fish.
- 94% of the weighted protein comes from animal sources.
- Free from Gluten grains, Grains (gluten-free), Dairy, Egg, Nuts, Poultry, Shellfish, Unknown Meal.
- Overall rating: 5 stars, based on transparency, protein source, and macro balance.
Frequently asked questions
Is Orijen Red Meat Grain-Free Dog Dry Food good for dogs?
Yes — rated 5 stars, with high ingredient transparency and strong animal protein content.
Does Orijen Red Meat Grain-Free Dog Dry Food contain Dairy?
No — based on the ingredient list, Orijen Red Meat Grain-Free Dog Dry Food doesn't include Dairy or related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Dairy can typically avoid this allergen here.
Does Orijen Red Meat Grain-Free Dog Dry Food contain Egg?
No — based on the ingredient list, Orijen Red Meat Grain-Free Dog Dry Food doesn't include Egg or related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Egg can typically avoid this allergen here.
Does Orijen Red Meat Grain-Free Dog Dry Food contain Legumes?
Yes — based on the ingredient list, Orijen Red Meat Grain-Free Dog Dry Food contains Legumes, so pets sensitive to Legumes should generally avoid this product or consult a vet first.
Does Orijen Red Meat Grain-Free Dog Dry Food contain Nuts?
No — based on the ingredient list, Orijen Red Meat Grain-Free Dog Dry Food doesn't include Nuts or related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Nuts can typically avoid this allergen here.
Is Orijen Red Meat Grain-Free Dog Dry Food grain-free?
Yes — there are no grains in this recipe.
What are the main protein sources in Orijen Red Meat Grain-Free Dog Dry Food?
The top animal proteins are Deboned Beef, Deboned Wild Boar, Deboned Goat — clearly named, so you can verify the source.
