Dog Food Top Value
ORIJEN Original Grain-Free High-Protein Dry Dog Food

ORIJEN Original Grain-Free High-Protein Dry Dog Food

By ORIJEN 9 reviews analyzed Updated Nov 2025 85% confidence
8.5 /10
Quality
9.0
Value
7.0
Design
8.0
Function
9.5
Durability
8.5

In a Nutshell

  • Excellent protein content and natural ingredients
  • Shiny coats and increased energy in dogs
  • Potential digestive issues and higher cost

Quick Verdict

ORIJEN Original is highly recommended for its premium ingredients and positive health effects on dogs. It is however pricey and may cause digestive issues for some dogs.

Quick Stats

Reviews Analyzed 9
Would Recommend 100%
Would Buy Again 100%
Avg Lifespan 12 months

Pet Compatibility

🐕 Dogs
Suitable
🐈 Cats
Caution

Critical Warnings

critical

Digestive issues and stool consistency problems

Prevention: Slow transition to the new food, monitoring health closely.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • High-Protein Content (3)

    The food has a high protein content, which is beneficial for dogs.

  • Natural Ingredients (3)

    The food is made with natural, high-quality ingredients.

  • Long Shelf Life of Dogs (2)

    The food is associated with healthy aging and prolonged life of dogs.

  • Improves Coat and Overall Health (2)

    The food improves the coat and overall health of dogs.

  • Eases Digestive System (2)

    The food is easily digestible and results in healthy stools.

  • Preferred by Dogs (2)

    Many dogs prefer this food over others and refuse to eat anything else once they try it.

  • Improvement from Other Foods (1)

    Dogs who were feeling unwell on other foods improved rapidly on this food.

Cons

  • High Cost (3) medium

    The food is expensive compared to other brands.

  • Digestive Issues (2) major

    Some dogs experienced digestive problems when transitioning to this food.

    Tip: Slow transition to the new food, mixing with other foods initially, and monitoring for digestive issues.

  • Fish Odor (1) minor

    The strong fish smell can be off-putting to some owners and dogs.

  • Stool Consistency (1) minor

    Some dogs no longer experience perfect stools, continuing issues.

Who Is This For?

Best For

  • Pet owners seeking high-quality, natural ingredients for their dogs — The food is made with high-quality, natural ingredients and is free from fillers and artificial additives.
  • Owners looking to improve their dog's coat and overall health — Many users reported significant improvements in their dogs' coats and overall health.
  • Dogs with specific dietary needs or sensitivities — The food is grain-free and free from common allergens, making it suitable for dogs with specific dietary needs.

Skip If

  • Pet owners on a tight budget — The food is more expensive than many other brands, making it less accessible for those on a tight budget.
  • Owners concerned about fish odors — The food has a noticeable fish odor, which may be off-putting to some owners and dogs.

Durability & Care

Expected Lifespan 3-6 months to 2+ years

Factors: Diet adequacy, Storage conditions (hot/cold, humidity, etc)

Cleaning Methods

Machine wash
Hand wash
Spot clean

Floor Compatibility

Hardwood
Tile
Carpet
Vinyl
Laminate

Rating Distribution

4.6
9 reviews
5★
89%
4★
11%
3★
0%
2★
0%
1★
11%
High-quality ingredients (3) Improved coat and health (2) High cost (3) Digestive issues (2) Fish odor (1)

Common Questions

Is this food suitable for medium to large dogs?

Yes, it is particularly beneficial for these dogs.

What makes this food different from regular kibble?

It contains high-quality proteins and natural ingredients without fillers.

How does this food affect the coat and health of dogs?

It significantly improves the coat and overall health, resulting in shinier fur and increased energy.

Is the transition to this food difficult?

Some dogs may experience digestive issues during the transition, but these can be managed with proper care.

What is the typical lifespan of a bag of this food?

It lasts for 3-6 months to 2+ years

Highlighted Reviews

— Aimee 1 found helpful

"I've used this brand now for 20 years for my dogs. It's the best brand there is (5 star rated) in terms of ingredients (just read the ingredient list vs. 'regular' kibble). A healthy mix of high-quality protein and vegetables with no filler and ingredients chosen to be suitable for dogs. I've fed..."

— Jennifer

"I really wanted this food to work for my dogs. I have 2 corgis and a border collie. Very active farm/ranch life. I'm on my third bag and they blow up in their crates and in the house. POOP EVERYWHERE. I slowly transitioned them from their previous food. Ive tried to mix it with raw food at a l..."

Bottom Line

ORIJEN Original is an exceptional dog food with high-quality ingredients. It's worth the premium price for the health benefits observed in dogs. However, be prepared for potential digestive issues during the transition period, and consider the higher cost.

8.5 /10
Excellent