BIOLOGICALLY APPROPRIATE ORIJEN IS UNIQUELY DIFFERENT FROM TODAY'S CONVENTIONAL DRY PET FOODS
Dogs and cats evolved as hunters — the structure of their teeth, jaws and digestive system scientifically classifies them as carnivores, adapted to a meat-based diet that's rich in animal protein and fat. Protein-rich, carbohydrate-limited and grain-free, ORIJEN features the highest fresh meat inclusions of any dry dog or cat food, at the same time excluding many conventional pet food ingredients — such as inappropriate high-glycemic cereal grains and vegetable proteins that simply are not present in the natural diet. To mirror the natural diet, ORIJEN also features a diversity of meats including fresh, free-run chicken and turkey, fresh whole eggs, fresh free-range red meats and fresh saltwater and freshwater fish — all in a Biologically Appropriate ratio of 80 percent meat, 20 percent fruits and vegetables, and zero grain (80.20.0).
A VARIETY OF FRESH LOCAL AND REGIONAL MEATS
Consider the variation in a wolf's diet: duck today, rabbit tomorrow, and salmon the next... this natural variety is lost in today's dry pet foods, which typically feature only a single meat source such as chicken or lamb. The truth is that a WIDE VARIETY of FRESH MEATS better matches the natural diet and a diversity of fresh meat proteins and fats is required for peak conditioning, while providing the big natural flavors that dogs and cats instinctively crave. Proteins from meat, poultry, eggs and fish contain all of the amino acids needed by dogs and cats, with each source of animal protein containing varying amino acid amounts. And because pet lovers want to know where the ingredients in their pets' food come from, we don't buy bulk commodity ingredients produced in distant places beyond the range of our quality control. Instead, we focus on ingredients that are sustainably raised within our region by people we know and trust.
MEAT CONCENTRATED and PROTEIN RICH
A common myth is that protein-rich foods may cause problems for your dog or cat. This myth has been roundly debunked by modern science. But given that meat-concentrated, protein-rich foods are not budget-friendly for conventional pet food makers, it's no surprise that this myth has been perpetuated. The truth is that dogs and cats are carnivores with an evolutionary adaptation for an almost exclusively meat-based diet. Any extra protein in the diet is naturally and efficiently metabolized for energy or removed from the body through the natural elimination process. To match the meat-eating anatomy of dogs and cats, ORIJEN features much higher meat inclusions (75-80%) than conventional pet foods (25-40%). These rich and varied meat ingredients produce a Biologically Appropriate protein level of 38% or greater, which reflects the natural diet. Want to learn more about protein in the diet of your dog or cat? We've assembled a variety of studies and papers to help expose the high-protein myth. We highly recommend the "Myths of High Protein" on our FAQs page as a first read.
GRAIN-FREE
Dogs and cats are evolved as meat-eats, so why do so many pet foods contain large amount of cereal grains? The answer is simple- economy and convenience. Dogs were eating meat and fat for thousands of years, and it has been less than a 100 years that they've been eating grains and starches. Grains first appeared in pet food about 70 years ago, when consumers were much less educated about pet nutrition than today and wanted the convenience of dog or cat food in a bag. Pet food manufacturers were able to reduce costs by using inexpensive calories from grains and grain byproducts. While grains such as rice or wheat provided low-cost calories, their high carbohydrate content and high-glycemic properties cause blood sugar swings and elevation, which leads to excess body fat, diabetes and a host of related health problems. The fact is that cats and dogs are simply not evolved to metabolize the large quantities of cereal grains found in today's conventional pet foods, and are designed to metabolize their energy from protein and fat.
CARBOHYDRATE LIMITED
As carnivores, dogs and cats are anatomically adapted to metabolize meat proteins and fats as energy sources — they have absolutely no carbohydrate requirement. Carbohydrates are 'empty calories' or simple sugars that provide little nutritional value beyond their controversial energy potential. As cats and dogs are able to get all of the glucose they need from protein and fat, carbohydrates are not needed in their diet. The Association of American Feed Control Officials' (AAFCO) 2009 Pet Food Nutrient Profiles show that dogs and cats do not require carbohydrates in their diets. And according to the National Research Council's Committee on Animal Nutrition (2006), "There appears to be no requirement for carbohydrates provided enough protein is given". As carbohydrate content is seldom claimed on dog and cat food packages, most pet lovers are unaware that their pet's food contains 40% to 50% of carbohydrates — which are inappropriate for dogs or cats and far removed from their natural diets. Rich in meat protein and free of cereal grains, ORIJEN carbohydrates are derived from fruits and vegetables and are limited to 20% - 25% to better match the natural diet.
Orijen Adult
Orijen 6-Fish
Orijen Regional Red
Orijen Puppy
Orijen Large Breed Puppy
Orijen Senior
