Orijen, a well-known pet food brand, claims to provide unique foods made from fresh local ingredients. With numerous industry awards and an international reputation, it’s easy to wonder if Orijen cat food truly lives up to the hype. In this article, we’ll delve into the brand’s offerings and evaluate its suitability for your feline companion.
The Cats.com Standard—Rating Orijen on What Matters
To assess Orijen cat food, we’ve reviewed the brand based on species-appropriateness, product variety, price, ingredient quality, customer experience, and recall history. After careful evaluation, Orijen receives a 38 out of 60 rating or a C+ grade, according to our Cats.com standard.
About Orijen
Orijen is the flagship brand of Champion Petfoods, the first and largest pet food manufacturer in Canada. Founded in 1985 by Reinhard Mühlenfeld, the company prides itself on offering a new class of food designed to nourish dogs and cats according to their evolutionary adaptation to a diet rich in fresh meat and protein.
Sourcing and Manufacturing
Orijen sources ingredients from carefully-vetted farms and ranches near their manufacturing facilities in Alberta, Canada, and Auburn, Kentucky. Both facilities are custom-built and hold internationally recognized certifications for food safety and quality. Orijen works exclusively with their own kitchens and does not outsource production.
Recall History
Orijen cat food has only been recalled once. In 2008, all Orijen cat food sold in Australia was recalled due to safety concerns caused by mandatory gamma irradiation treatment. This treatment, required by Australian food import regulations at the time, compromised the food’s safety and depleted its nutritional value, making cats ill. However, Orijen has made necessary changes since then to prevent such issues from occurring again.
What Kind of Cat Food Does Orijen Offer?
Orijen offers a variety of dry foods, wet foods, and treats for cats. Their formulas consist of high levels of animal ingredients, with dry foods made of up to 90% animal meat and wet foods even higher at around 95%. Orijen prioritizes using fresh or raw animal ingredients as the first five ingredients in each diet. They also include low-glycemic fruits, vegetables, and other additives to ensure nutritional completeness.
What Do Customers Think About Orijen Cat Food?
Customer reviews about Orijen cat food have been mixed. While the brand had received consistently positive reviews when exclusively manufactured in Canada, the opening of their facility in Kentucky led to a decline in quality, according to some loyal customers. Complaints range from inconsistent food quality to strange odors and feline illnesses. It’s important to note that most reviews focus on Orijen’s dry food products, as the wet food line was launched more recently.
How Much Does Orijen Cat Food Cost?
Orijen dry cat food varieties typically cost around $0.30 to $0.35 per ounce. Based on the company’s feeding recommendations for an average 11-lb cat, the daily cost would be approximately $0.91. Pricing for Orijen wet foods is not currently available but is expected to be in a similar range to other high-quality wet food brands.
Overall Verdict
Orijen cat food stands out for its whole-prey-inspired variety of fresh muscle meat, organs, and bones. The brand’s emphasis on low carbohydrate content and the integrity of their sourcing is commendable. However, it’s important to consider the recent manufacturing changes that have led to customer dissatisfaction, particularly in the United States, Central America, and South America.
While Orijen’s wet and dry food products are among the best on the market, it’s crucial to weigh the potential drawbacks. Recent reformulations and manufacturing changes may have impacted the quality of Orijen cat food. If your cat has allergies or food sensitivities, the brand’s focus on multiple animal species in each recipe may not make it the ideal choice.
Where to Buy Orijen Cat Food?
Orijen cat food is primarily sold in independent pet specialty retailers. You can also find their dry food formulas through online marketplaces like Amazon and Chewy. As for their wet food line, it is gradually becoming available in stores and is expected to be available online soon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why was Orijen cat food recalled in Australia?
A: Orijen cat food was recalled in Australia in 2008 due to safety concerns caused by mandatory gamma irradiation treatment, which compromised the food’s safety and nutritional value.
Q: What are the main ingredients in Orijen cat food?
A: Orijen cat food contains high levels of animal ingredients, including fresh or raw muscle meat, organs, bones, and cartilage. They also include low-glycemic fruits, vegetables, and other additives.
Q: Are there any concerns about Orijen cat food?
A: Recent manufacturing changes have led to customer dissatisfaction, particularly in the United States, Central America, and South America. It’s important to consider potential issues such as inconsistent food quality and strange odors.
Q: Can I find Orijen wet cat food online?
A: At the time of writing, Orijen’s wet cat food line is not yet available online. However, it is expected to be accessible through trusted online retailers in the near future.
Conclusion
Orijen cat food offers unique formulas that prioritize high-quality animal ingredients and low carbohydrate content. While the brand has received accolades and recognition, recent manufacturing changes have led to mixed customer reviews. It’s essential to carefully evaluate your cat’s specific needs and consider potential drawbacks before deciding if Orijen is the right choice for your feline companion.
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