ORIJEN · REVIEW
Orijen Original Cat
Orijen Original Cat scores 4.0/5 for ingredient quality — a dry food cat food with 40% protein targeting adult cats.
Very Good
MiauMiau AI score · 4.0/5
AI ANALYSIS
What MiauMiau's AI actually sees
The first three ingredients are fresh whole meats (chicken, turkey, herring), achieving top-tier ingredient quality. However, the dry matter protein is 44.4% and estimated carbs are 21.1%, with a heavy inclusion of legumes (peas, lentils, chickpeas) that contributes to the moderate carbohydrate level without reaching best-in-class obligate carnivore standards.
According to MiauMiau's analysis of over 5,000+ dry food products, Orijen Original Cat scores above the dry food average.
Analyzed by MiauMiau's Nutritional AI · June 2026
This analysis is generated from ingredient and compositional data. It is not veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian for health decisions.
Score breakdown
HOW IT COMPARES
Orijen Original Cat vs. the category
Compared to the average dry food across 5,000+ products in our database.
Category avg: 2.8/5
Scores 1.2 points above the average dry food
OUR ASSESSMENT
What we like vs. what to watch
What we like
- High-quality ingredients with named protein sources
- Clean formula with no controversial additives
- Grain-free formula
- Nutritionally complete — suitable as a sole diet
- Named animal protein as the primary ingredient
WHO IT'S FOR
Is this right for your cat?
Best for
INGREDIENTS
What's actually in the bag
Top ingredients
- 01Fresh chicken meat (20%)
- 02raw turkey meat (10%)
- 03raw whole herring (9%)
- 04fresh chicken offal (liver
- 05heart) (6%)
Ingredients are listed by weight. The first ingredients make up the majority of the formula.
NUTRITION
The numbers
Guaranteed analysis
Dry matter basis
Dry matter basis removes water content for accurate comparison between wet and dry foods.
FULL LABEL
Every ingredient
Fresh chicken meat (20%), raw turkey meat (10%), raw whole herring (9%), fresh chicken offal (liver, heart) (6%), raw whole pike (5%), raw turkey liver (5%), fresh eggs (5%), dried chicken protein (4%), dried turkey protein (4%), dried mackerel protein (4%), dried sardine protein (4%), dried herring protein (4%), chicken fat (4%), whole red lentils, whole peas, whole green lentils, whole chickpeas, lentil fibers, whole pinto beans, pea starch, whole white beans, pollock oil (1%), dried seaweed, fresh whole garden pumpkin, fresh whole butternut squash, fresh whole zucchini, fresh whole carrots, fresh whole apples, fresh whole pears, dried chicory root, fresh kale, fresh spinach, fresh beet leaves, fresh radish leaves, whole cranberries, whole blueberries, whole saskatoon berries, turmeric, milk thistle, burdock root, lavender, marshmallow root, rosehip. ADDITIVES (per kg): Technological additives: Tocopherol extract from vegetable oils: 121 mg, citric acid: 40 mg. Sensory additives: Rosemary extract: 80 mg. Nutritional additives: 3a890 Choline chloride (Choline): 1190 mg, 3b606 (Zinc): 105 mg, 3b406 (Copper): 11 mg, 3a821 Vitamin B1: 12.5 mg, 3a825i Vitamin B2: 10 mg, 3a314 Vitamin B3: 50 mg, 3a841 Vitamin B5: 8 mg, 3a831 Vitamin B6: 6.5 mg, 3a316 Vitamin B9: 0.75 mg, 3a880 Vitamin B7: 0.13 mg, Vitamin B12: 0.1 mg, 3a710 Vitamin K3: 0.5 mg, 3a672a Vitamin A: 3750 IU, 3a671 Vitamin D3: 500 IU, 3a700 Vitamin E: 290 IU, 3a300 Vitamin C: 12.5 IU. Zootechnical additives: 4b1707 Enterococcus faecium NCIMB 10415 1x10^9 CFU
FAQ
Questions worth answering
Is Orijen Original Cat good for cats?
According to MiauMiau's AI analysis, Orijen Original Cat is a high-quality dry food with a quality score of 4.0 out of 5. The first three ingredients are fresh whole meats (chicken, turkey, herring), achieving top-tier ingredient quality. However, the dry matter protein is 44.4% and estimated carbs are 21.1%, with a heavy inclusion of legumes (peas, lentils, chickpeas) that contributes to the moderate carbohydrate level without reaching best-in-class obligate carnivore standards.
What is the protein content of Orijen Original Cat?
Orijen Original Cat contains 40% protein as listed on the label. On a dry matter basis, that's 44.44% protein. Dry matter basis is the fairest way to compare protein between wet and dry foods because it removes water content from the equation.
Is Orijen Original Cat grain-free?
Yes, Orijen Original Cat is grain-free. It does not contain wheat, corn, rice, or other grain ingredients. This can be beneficial for cats with grain sensitivities, though most healthy cats tolerate grains without issues.
How does Orijen Original Cat compare to other dry food?
According to MiauMiau's database of over 5,000+ cat food products, Orijen Original Cat scores 1.2 points above the average dry food quality score of 2.8. MiauMiau's AI evaluates ingredient quality, protein adequacy, filler content, and additive safety to generate each score.
Is Orijen Original Cat suitable for kittens or senior cats?
Orijen Original Cat is formulated for adult cats. If you have a kitten or a senior cat, look for formulas specifically designed for their life stage.
What are the main ingredients in Orijen Original Cat?
The top 5 ingredients in Orijen Original Cat are: Fresh chicken meat (20%), raw turkey meat (10%), raw whole herring (9%), fresh chicken offal (liver, heart) (6%). The first ingredient is a named animal protein (Fresh chicken meat (20%)), which is a positive sign of quality. The remaining top ingredients are raw turkey meat (10%), raw whole herring (9%), fresh chicken offal (liver, heart) (6%). Ingredient order indicates proportion by weight, so the first ingredients make up the bulk of the formula.
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