For years, I’ve been on a quest to find the perfect dry cat food for my feline companions. Like many cat owners, I want nothing but the best for their health and happiness. While the price of premium cat food can sometimes be a concern, especially when considering options like Merrick Before Grain, I’ve ultimately stuck with Orijen Cat Food. Why? Because the visible vitality and contentment of my cats speak volumes. In this review, I’ll delve into why I believe Orijen stands out as one of the best dry cat foods available.
Ingredient Quality: A Cut Above
One of the first things that struck me about Orijen cat food is its exceptional ingredient list. In a market saturated with fillers and questionable additives, Orijen takes a different approach. They prioritize high-quality, whole ingredients. While some debate whether a simpler meat composition is better, I believe the variety of meats in Orijen enhances both the taste and the nutritional profile. This food aligns perfectly with my personal criteria for excellent dry cat food:
- Grain-Free: Cats are obligate carnivores, and Orijen recognizes this with a grain-free formula.
- No Artificial Additives: You won’t find artificial flavors or preservatives listed, which is a huge plus for health-conscious pet owners.
- No Potentially Harmful Ingredients: Orijen avoids ingredients that could be detrimental to feline health.
- Meat-Centric Formula: True to a cat’s natural diet, meat is prominently featured as the first several ingredients.
To bind the kibble, Orijen uses lentils, which appear further down the ingredient list, indicating a lower percentage compared to the meat content. The inclusion of five different “whole” meat sources is remarkable. “Whole food” signifies minimal processing, preserving more natural nutrients – exactly what we want for our cats.
Taste and Palatability: Empty Bowls Every Time
Taste is paramount, even with the healthiest food. I was genuinely surprised when I first introduced Orijen cat food to my cats. They chose it over wet food, a behavior I’d only previously witnessed with Acana Regionals Meadowland. This speaks volumes about Orijen’s palatability. Since switching to Orijen Cat and Kitten, meal times have been effortless. Their bowls are consistently emptied, and my cats always seem satisfied after eating. I can honestly say there’s nothing negative to report regarding taste – my cats clearly love it.
Health Benefits: Thriving Felines
Orijen has been the cornerstone of my cats’ diet since they transitioned from kitten milk to solid food. Even as tiny kittens, I would soften the kibble to make it easier for them to eat. I take immense pride in my cats’ health, energy, and beautiful condition, and I firmly believe Orijen cat food plays a significant role in their well-being. Even after years of feeding them Orijen Cat and Kitten, their enthusiasm for mealtime hasn’t waned. Following the feeding guidelines on the packaging has ensured they maintain healthy weights throughout their lives. The only time they experienced weight gain was during a five-week stay with a friend who, bless their heart, overfed them! This experience reinforced the importance of adhering to recommended feeding portions.
Value for Money: Investing in Quality
In the premium dry cat food category, Orijen sits in the mid-price range. While it’s not the cheapest option, the superior quality justifies the cost. While Merrick Before Grain might offer slightly better value in terms of price per bag, I truly believe that with Orijen cat food, you get what you pay for – exceptional quality ingredients and noticeable health benefits for your cat. It’s an investment in their long-term well-being.
Availability and Recipe Concerns: Addressing the US Issue
Regarding availability, it’s generally widely accessible. However, it’s important to address a concern that has surfaced in online reviews, particularly concerning a recipe change in the United States. Many US-based cat owners have reported digestive issues and a reluctance from their cats to eat the newer US-formulated Orijen Cat and Kitten. A quick glance at recent online reviews will confirm these concerns. Fortunately, the Orijen Cat and Kitten available in the UK, linked in this review, does not appear to be affected by this recipe change. Reports suggest that Orijen produced in Canada has also maintained its original formula. My links should direct you to the closest retailer based on your location, allowing you to check the origin of your Orijen cat food and potentially avoid the US batch if you are concerned.
Final Verdict: My Highest Recommendation
Orijen cat food is, without a doubt, my favorite dry cat food on the market. It has effectively resolved any digestive sensitivities my cats previously had and has profoundly contributed to their overall health and happiness throughout their lives. Perhaps I am biased due to my positive experiences, but I would never consistently feed my cats something I didn’t wholeheartedly believe was beneficial for them. I wholeheartedly recommend Orijen Cat and Kitten to any cat owner seeking a top-tier, health-promoting dry food for their beloved felines.
