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ORIJEN

Six Fish

CatDry

Rating

★︎★︎★︎★︎★︎ 5.0 / 5
Protein Clarity

Protein Clarity

This measures how clearly the protein sources are identified on the label. "High" means ingredients like "chicken" or "salmon" are listed by name, so you know exactly what your pet is eating. "Low" means vague terms like "meat meal" or "animal by-products" are used, making it harder to know what's really inside.

Why does clarity matter?

According to AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials), pet food labels must follow specific naming standards. When a product uses a named protein like "chicken" it must contain at least 25% of that ingredient. Vague terms like "meat by-products" have no such minimum and can include lower-quality parts from any animal source — making it impossible to know what your pet is actually eating or to identify allergens.

High
Animal Protein

Animal Protein

This estimates how meat-forward the protein sources are from the ingredient label. Named animal proteins count strongly, plant protein concentrates count strongly against the score, and whole plant ingredients with some protein count more lightly. A "High" score means the recipe appears mainly animal-protein led. A "Low" score means the label shows a stronger reliance on plant protein signals.

This is an ingredient-label heuristic, not an exact lab measurement of protein grams.

Why does animal protein matter?

1. Contains irreplaceable essential nutrients Taurine and Arginine — which cats need to stay healthy — are only found in meat. Plants contain none at all.

2. Plant proteins are poorly utilized by the body Even though plant proteins (like corn gluten meal) may show 92.9–96% apparent digestibility, that does not mean high bioavailability. They lack adequate Lysine (only 1.7% vs. the ideal 6–7%) and contain phytic acid that blocks mineral absorption.

High

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:

LegumesFish

Free From:

Gluten grainsGrains (gluten-free)DairyEggNutsPoultryRed meatShellfishUnknown Meal

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.

    Understanding High Protein (40% - 50% Dry Matter)

    Protein-Forward Profile This bucket suggests the food is protein-forward for the selected species. The cat threshold is intentionally higher than the dog threshold because cats generally need more protein than dogs.

    Check Species and Life Stage Growing, pregnant, nursing, senior, or medically managed pets can have different targets. The adequacy statement and your vet's advice matter more than this bucket alone.

  • 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.

    Understanding High Fat (16% – 22% Dry Matter)

    Higher Calorie Density This range can support pets with higher energy needs, but it can also make overfeeding easier. Portion size, total calories, and body condition matter.

    Pancreatitis and Digestive History For dogs with pancreatitis history, fat level is often reviewed carefully. For cats, fat is only one part of the decision. Use this as a flag for vet-guided review, not as an automatic rejection.

Ingredients Analysis

38 of 38 matched

  • 1 Raw Whole Mackerel
    Animal Protein

    Description

    Raw whole mackerel, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and vitamin D.

    Why Prefer?

    A high-quality named animal protein with high digestibility.

  • 2 Raw Whole Herring
    Animal Protein

    Description

    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.

  • 3 Raw Monkfish
    Animal Protein

    Description

    Raw monkfish meat, a lean protein source.

  • 4 Raw Whole Redfish
    Animal Protein

    Description

    Raw whole redfish including bones and organs.

  • 5 Dehydrated Blue Whiting
    Animal Protein

    Description

    A small deep-sea fish from the cod family, high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids.

    Why Prefer?

    A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.

  • 6 Pollock Oil
    Fat

    Description

    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.

  • 7 Dehydrated Monkfish
    Animal Protein

    Description

    Dehydrated monkfish, a concentrated lean fish protein source.

  • 8 Dehydrated Sardine
    Animal Protein

    Description

    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.

  • 9 Dehydrated Herring
    Animal Protein

    Description

    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.

  • 10 Whole Peas
    Carbs Plant Protein

    Description

    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.

  • 11 Whole Green Lentils
    Carbs Plant Protein

    Description

    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.

  • 12 Whole Chickpeas
    Carbs Plant Protein

    Description

    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.

  • 13 Whole Red Lentils
    Carbs Plant Protein

    Description

    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.

  • 14 Whole Pinto Beans
    Carbs Plant Protein

    Description

    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.

  • 15 Raw Hake
    Animal Protein

    Description

    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.

  • 16 Raw Whole Sole
    Animal Protein

    Description

    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.

  • 17 Dehydrated Hake
    Animal Protein

    Description

    Dehydrated hake, a mild white fish concentrated protein source.

    Why Prefer?

    A high-quality named animal protein with high digestibility.

  • 18 Raw Whole Rockfish
    Animal Protein

    Description

    Raw whole rockfish, high in protein and low in fat, a good source of selenium.

    Why Prefer?

    A high-quality named animal protein with high digestibility.

  • 19 Raw Whole Flounder
    Animal Protein

    Description

    Raw whole flounder, a lean fish protein source.

  • 20 Raw Whole Silver Hake
    Animal Protein

    Description

    Raw whole silver hake, a lean fish protein source.

  • 21 Whole Apples
    Carbs

    Description

    Contains mainly carbs and sugar with multiple antioxidants to prevent radical damages by oxidative stress.

  • 22 Whole Pears
    Carbs

    Description

    A sugary fruit, a good source of vitamin C, folate, copper and potassium, along with polyphenol antioxidant.

  • 23 Fresh Whole Pumpkin
    Carbs

    Description

    An alternative high carbs filler with an excellent source of potassium, vitamin C, and beta carotene.

  • 24 Fresh Whole Butternut Squash
    Carbs

    Description

    An alternative high carbs filler with an excellent source of potassium, vitamin C, and beta carotene.

  • 25 Fresh Zucchini
    Carbs

    Description

    Fresh zucchini, low in calories with vitamin C, potassium, and manganese.

  • 26 Fresh Carrots
    Carbs

    Description

    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).

  • 27 Fresh Spinach
    Carbs

    Description

    Nutrient-dense leafy greens, an excellent source of vitamin A, C, K1, B9, iron, and calcium.

  • 28 Fresh Beet Greens
    Carbs

    Description

    The leafy part of a beet plant, packed with vitamins and minerals including vitamin K, copper, manganese, iron, and calcium.

  • 29 Fresh Turnip Greens
    Carbs

    Description

    Dark leafy greens of the top of turnip, it is packed with vitamin A and C.

  • 30 Whole Cranberries
    Carbs

    Description

    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.

  • 31 Whole Blueberries
    Carbs

    Description

    Superfood packed with antioxidants, a good source of vitamin C, K, and manganese.

  • 32 Whole Saskatoon Berries
    Carbs

    Description

    With a similar appearance as blueberries, it is a great source of vitamin A, B, C, along with a pack of antioxidants.

  • 33 Turmeric
    Carbs

    Description

    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.

  • 34 Milk Thistle
    Carbs

    Description

    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.

  • 35 Burdock Root
    Carbs

    Description

    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.

  • 36 Lavender
    Carbs

    Description

    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.

  • 37 Marshmallow Root
    Carbs

    Description

    A herb usually used as a remedy to treat skin, respiratory, and digestive issues. The healing power is mainly from the mucilage it contains.

  • 38 Rosehips
    Carbs

    Description

    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: Raw Whole Mackerel, Raw Whole Herring are listed early in the ingredient panel.
  • Plant protein is worth closer review for cats: Whole Peas may raise the listed protein percentage without meaning there is more meat.
  • Ingredients worth checking: Lavender.
  • Possible digestion triggers: Whole Peas, Whole Green Lentils, Whole Chickpeas, and 2 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
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

Raw Whole Mackerel Raw Whole Herring Raw Monkfish Raw Whole Redfish Dehydrated Blue Whiting Dehydrated Monkfish Dehydrated Sardine Dehydrated Herring Raw Hake Raw Whole Sole Dehydrated Hake Raw Whole Rockfish Raw Whole Flounder Raw Whole Silver Hake

Animal Protein

High
High
  • Animal 94%
  • Plant 6%

Meat-forward: 94% of the weighted protein in ORIJEN Six Fish 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

Raw Whole Mackerel Raw Whole Herring Raw Monkfish Raw Whole Redfish Dehydrated Blue Whiting Dehydrated Monkfish Dehydrated Sardine Dehydrated Herring Raw Hake Raw Whole Sole Dehydrated Hake Raw Whole Rockfish Raw Whole Flounder Raw Whole Silver Hake

Plant

Whole Peas Whole Green Lentils Whole Chickpeas Whole Red Lentils Whole Pinto Beans

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.
  • 94% 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 — rated 5 stars, with high ingredient transparency and strong animal protein content.

Does ORIJEN Six Fish contain Dairy?

No — based on the ingredient list, ORIJEN Six Fish doesn't include Dairy or related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Dairy can typically avoid this allergen here.

Does ORIJEN Six Fish contain Egg?

No — based on the ingredient list, ORIJEN Six Fish doesn't include Egg or related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Egg can typically avoid this allergen here.

Does ORIJEN Six Fish contain Legumes?

Yes — based on the ingredient list, ORIJEN Six Fish contains Legumes, so pets sensitive to Legumes should generally avoid this product or consult a vet first.

Does ORIJEN Six Fish contain Nuts?

No — based on the ingredient list, ORIJEN Six Fish doesn't include Nuts or related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Nuts can typically avoid this allergen here.

Is ORIJEN Six Fish grain-free?

Yes — there are no grains in this recipe.

What are the main protein sources in ORIJEN Six Fish?

The top animal proteins are Raw Whole Mackerel, Raw Whole Herring, Raw Monkfish — clearly named, so you can verify the source.

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