Why I Switched to ORIJEN Original—And Will Never Look Back

Why I Switched to ORIJEN Original—And Will Never Look Back

When Bella, our spirited five-year-old Labrador mix, hit her second adulthood, she seemed fine—until she didn’t. A faded coat. Occasional tummy troubles. A slowdown in afternoon fetch sessions. It wasn’t dramatic, but it was enough to make me question: was her food holding her back?

That’s when I discovered ORIJEN Original, a biologically appropriate, grain-free kibble with an astonishing 85% fresh or raw animal ingredients. Designed to mimic the natural diet of dogs, it promised muscle-building protein, nutrient-dense organs, and digestive fiber from WholePrey, all without empty fillers.

Over the year that followed, feeding Bella ORIJEN wasn’t just about nutrition—it became a turning point. Her energy returned. Her coat gleamed. Her digestion was smoother. And she looked like the dog I fell in love with again.

Here’s a full account of why ORIJEN Original stands out, and why more pet owners trust it to fuel a thriving, healthy dog.

1. What Is ORIJEN Original?

ORIJEN Original is a grain-free dry dog food made by Champion Petfoods, designed to feed dogs “as nature intended.” It contains 85% animal-based ingredients—such as fresh chicken, turkey, salmon, and whole herring—including organs and cartilage, and no grains, pea, potato, or lentil fillers. The formula supports dogs of all life stages, with complete nutrition from protein to omega fatty acids and fiber 


2. Ingredient Powerhouse

🐔 First Five Ingredients:

Chicken, turkey, salmon, whole herring, and chicken liver—each fresh or raw, prioritized in the first five slots—a hallmark of quality feeding

🍖 WholePrey Philosophy:

Including muscle, organ, bone, and cartilage replicates ancestral canine diets and provides natural vitamins, minerals, glucosamine, and taurine—no need for synthetic fillers.

🧪 Nutritional Analytics:

With mid-to-high 30s percent protein (around 38–42%), nearly 20% fat, and low carbohydrate content, ORIJEN scores among the top-tier formulas in protein-driven nutrition. Dog Food Advisor rates it five stars.

🌿 Grain-Free, But Talk of Legumes:

While labeled grain-free, ORIJEN does not have legumes and potatoes completely, it purely relies on animal ingredients and limited non-grain fiber sources.


3. First 2 Weeks: Bella’s Transition

Following ORIJEN’s gradual transition plan (start 25% new kibble mixed with old, then increasing over 7–10 days), Bella swapped over smoothly. No diarrhea, no upset bellies—just steady adjustment.

By Day 7:

  • She seemed more satisfied after meals

  • Appetite remained strong

  • Bright-eyed, not sluggish

By Day 14:

  • Her stools were visibly firmer and smaller

  • Energetic bursts returned on morning walks

  • Coat looked livelier—less dull and shedding reduced

These changes echoed high ratings from users on sites like Chewy and Reddit.

4. Month 1–2: The “Wow” Moments Begin

Over weeks 3–4:

  • Bella’s lean muscle tone visibly improved

  • Joints felt more robust (we tested soft play jumps)

  • Her digestive consistency was reliable—even after weekend treats

By Month 2:

  • She chased squirrels like she did as a pup

  • Vet commented on her improved coat gloss, alertness, and lean body weight

  • Meal prep became easier—no supplements were needed


5. Full Benefits Breakdown

✔ Protein & Muscle Health

85% animal protein (first five real meat ingredients) supports lean mass and metabolic vitality—with little filler.

✔ Fatty Acids for Skin & Coat

Salmon and herring supply DHA and EPA, important for reduced shedding and silky fur

✔ Fiber & Digestive Support

WholePrey plus prebiotics like inulin, and quinoa support balanced digestion and reduced stool volume.

✔ Joint & Cellular Support

Organs and cartilage provide natural glucosamine and chondroitin sources. Omega-3s support inflammation control.

6. The Taste Test—Palatability Matters

Bella is not picky, but ORIJEN kibble’s rich aroma and crunchy texture made it a hit. She eats enthusiastically, tail wagging before every bowl. And for dogs that previously hesitated at their food, first bites often changed into enthusiastic licks and looks for more.


7. Safety, Recalls & Brand Trust

Champion Petfoods—ORIJEN’s parent—has maintained a stellar record. No recalls for ORIJEN through mid-2025. Users on Dog Food Advisor praise its ingredient transparency and quality control 

A Redditor noted:

“Orijen is expensive… tends to be too high in protein… some diets upset stools”

But those concerns typically focus on legume-heavy grain-free diets—not WholePrey heavy, meat-first formulations like ORIJEN.



8. Who Should Consider ORIJEN Original?

  • Dog parents seeking high-meat diets for lean muscle and natural nutrition

  • Pets with mild digestive sensitivity, since low-carb, low-legume profile

  • Active, working, or high-energy dogs needing premium protein

  • Owners prioritizing ingredient transparency and food design based on canine biology

9. Cautions & Considerations

  • High protein may be too rich for sedentary or older dogs without vet guidance

  • Price premium: It costs more than average kibble

  • Transitioning is essential; full switch too fast might upset digestion

  • Grain-free debate: while ORIJEN avoids legume fillers, some vets still prefer grain-inclusive diets due to DCM concerns.


10. Bella’s Lifelong Journey Continued

ORIJEN remains the core of Bella’s diet. We occasionally rotate wet meals or fresh food, but her staple kibble is this. I no longer worry about coat dullness, inconsistent stools, or midday fatigue—it’s returned energy, bright eyes, and pristine health markers during annual vet visits.

11. What Vets Say About Orijen

Veterinary guidance frequently highlights ORIJEN’s biologically appropriate WholePrey philosophy, rich omega fatty acids, and animal-centric protein content as ideal for lean mass maintenance and digestive health Read Post.


12. Final Thoughts: Is ORIJEN Original Worth It?

If your dog’s health, vitality, and energy matter as much to you as it does to Bella and me, then this food merits serious consideration.

Yes—it’s premium but the payoff is visible: lean, strong, happy dogs. Recurring vet praise. Balanced digestion. Natural movement. That’s worth the price.

ORIJEN Original is honest food—it looks like what a dog should eat. No hidden fillers, no mystery meals. Just real nutrition designed for real dogs.

Because every dog deserves to thrive—not just survive

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