ORIJEN Grain Free High Protein Dry Cat Food Original Recipe - 7 lb Bag

In this review of ORIJEN Original Recipe dry cat food, the bottom line is simple: this is for cat owners who want a biologically appropriate, meat-rich diet that closely mirrors what cats evolved to eat. The reviewer found the single biggest reason to buy is the high inclusion of fresh or raw animal ingredients and the WholePrey approach, which together deliver concentrated protein, natural vitamins and minerals, and a freeze-dried coating for raw flavor that encourages eatability.

Key Features

• High animal content: Made with 90 percent animal ingredients, the formula supplies concentrated protein and nutrient-dense parts of prey to support muscle maintenance and overall vitality.
• First five ingredients: Fresh or raw free-run chicken and turkey, whole mackerel, turkey giblets and flounder provide varied sources of amino acids, Omega fatty acids and natural vitamins.
• Grain free recipe: The absence of grains makes this suitable for cats needing a grain-free diet and helps reduce fillers that offer little nutritional value.
• Freeze-dried coated kibble: A burst of raw flavor from the freeze-dried coating increases palatability and helps picky cats accept the kibble.
• Supports health functions: Contains probiotics, Omega fatty acids and taurine to help digestion, skin and coat condition, and heart health across life stages.

Who It's For

This food is best for owners who prioritize a high-protein, biologically appropriate diet for adult cats and kittens alike, and for those whose pets benefit from a variety of real animal proteins rather than plant-heavy formulas. It is especially suited to cats that thrive on meat-forward recipes or need nutrient-dense feeding for active lifestyles.

Owners who need a budget or weight-control specific formula, or who prefer novel-protein limited-ingredient diets for elimination testing, may want to compare alternatives. Those sensitive to strong fishy aromas should sample a small bag first, as customer opinions vary on the smell and some pets are more selective about scent.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Very high proportion of fresh or raw animal ingredients for authentic nutrition.
• WholePrey parts and varied proteins support shiny coat, skin health and heart support via taurine and Omegas.
• Freeze-dried coating improves palatability for many picky eaters.

Cons

• Perceived value varies among owners, with some noting a higher price point than basic formulas.
• Some users report a distinct smell that may be off-putting to sensitive noses.

Specifications

Our Verdict

ORIJEN Original is a strong choice for owners seeking a biologically appropriate, high-protein dry food that uses varied fresh and raw animal ingredients to support digestion, skin and coat condition, and heart health. While price and aroma may be considerations for some households, the nutritional profile and WholePrey approach make it worthwhile for cats that respond well to meat-rich diets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this food suitable for kittens?
Yes. The formula is labeled for cats of all life stages and supplies high protein and taurine to support growing kittens.

Does it contain grains?
No. This is a grain free dry cat food designed to provide nutrition without grain-based fillers.

Will picky cats eat it?
The freeze-dried coating adds raw flavor that improves palatability for many picky eaters, though individual reactions vary.