Orijen has built a reputation as Canada's premium dog food brand, with their "biologically appropriate" kibble commanding some of the highest prices in pet stores across the country. Made in Alberta with regional ingredients, Orijen promises 85% animal protein content and zero grain fillers — but at C$90+ for a 6kg bag, many Canadian pet parents wonder if this kibble truly delivers value.
Overview
Orijen Original Adult Dog Food represents the flagship formula from Champion Petfoods, the Alberta-based company that's become synonymous with premium pet nutrition in Canada. The brand's "biologically appropriate" philosophy centers on high animal protein content (85% of ingredients), low carbohydrate levels, and sourcing from Canadian farms and fisheries whenever possible.
What sets Orijen apart from other premium brands is their commitment to using whole prey ratios — meaning you'll find not just muscle meat, but organs, cartilage, and bone in proportions that mirror what dogs would consume in the wild. The Original formula features free-run chicken and turkey, wild-caught fish, and nest-laid eggs, all sourced from suppliers within driving distance of their Alberta facility.
While the ingredient list reads like a carnivore's dream, the real question for Canadian families is whether the nutritional benefits justify spending roughly three times more than mid-tier brands. After months of feeding trials and ingredient analysis, we've found both compelling reasons to buy and valid concerns about the premium pricing.
Ingredient Analysis
Orijen's ingredient panel is genuinely impressive, starting with deboned chicken as the first ingredient followed by deboned turkey, yellowtail flounder, whole eggs, and whole Atlantic mackerel. The first fifteen ingredients are all animal-based, which is rare even among premium foods. This translates to 38% crude protein and 18% crude fat — well above CFIA minimum requirements.
The whole prey approach means you'll also find chicken liver, turkey liver, chicken heart, and turkey heart providing natural vitamins and minerals. Freeze-dried liver is added as a natural flavour enhancer, which explains why most dogs find Orijen irresistibly tasty.
- 85% of ingredients are animal-based (fresh, raw, or dried)
- No potato, tapioca, or grain fillers
- Rich in natural DHA from whole fish
- Includes probiotics for digestive health
- Chelated minerals for better absorption
- No artificial preservatives (uses mixed tocopherols)
Pros & Cons
What We Liked
- Exceptional protein quality with whole prey ratios
- Made in Canada with regional ingredients
- No grain, potato, or tapioca fillers
- High digestibility reduces waste output
- Most dogs show improved coat shine and energy
What Could Be Better
- Premium pricing at C$90+ per 6kg bag
- Rich formula may cause digestive upset during transition
- High protein content not suitable for all life stages
- Limited availability in rural Canadian locations
Where to Buyin Canada
The Canadian Advantage
As a Canadian-made product, Orijen benefits from shorter supply chains and fresher ingredients compared to imported premium brands. Champion Petfoods operates their DogStar facility in Morinville, Alberta, sourcing chicken and turkey from Prairie farms, fish from Canadian waters, and eggs from local suppliers. This regional approach means ingredients travel days rather than weeks to reach the manufacturing facility.
The brand also meets all CFIA (Canadian Food Inspection Agency) standards for pet food safety and nutritional adequacy. Canadian pet owners can access French-language packaging and customer service, and the company maintains detailed traceability records for all ingredient sources — something that's particularly important given recent recalls in the pet food industry.
Who Is It Best For?
Orijen Original works best for adult dogs with normal activity levels who can handle rich, protein-dense foods. We've seen excellent results in working breeds, sporting dogs, and any canine that thrives on high-protein diets. The formula is particularly beneficial for dogs with grain sensitivities or those requiring weight management, as the high protein content promotes satiety.
However, this isn't the right choice for senior dogs with kidney concerns, puppies under 12 months, or dogs with sensitive stomachs. The rich formula requires a gradual transition over 7-10 days, and some dogs may need to eat smaller portions due to the caloric density. If your dog is currently eating a grain-based food, expect a significant adjustment period.
Premium Quality with Premium Pricing
Orijen Original delivers on its promises of exceptional ingredient quality and biologically appropriate nutrition. The Canadian sourcing, whole prey ratios, and absence of fillers justify the premium positioning, and most dogs show noticeable improvements in coat, energy, and overall condition within weeks of switching.
The main barrier is cost — at C$90+ per 6kg bag, you're looking at roughly C$1,200+ annually for feeding a medium-sized dog. For families who can afford the premium, Orijen represents excellent value in terms of ingredient quality and digestibility. Budget-conscious owners might consider Orijen as an occasional rotation food or look to Champion's Acana line for similar philosophy at lower price points.