Choosing the right food for your canine companion is one of the most crucial decisions a pet owner can make. The Orijen Six Fish recipe stands out in the crowded market, offering a Biologically Appropriate diet rich in whole animal ingredients. This review delves into the specifics of this high-quality kibble, examining its ingredients, nutritional profile, and feeding guidelines to help you determine if it’s the ideal choice for your dog. For those exploring other options, understanding comprehensive reviews like this can also shed light on what to look for in Acana dog food reviews Canada.
Understanding Orijen’s Philosophy
ORIJEN is a product of Champion Pet Foods, a Canadian company dedicated to crafting pet diets that closely mimic what animals would consume in the wild. Their philosophy centers around the “whole prey” model, incorporating muscle meat, organ meat, and bone. This approach ensures a rich source of naturally occurring amino acids, vitamins, and minerals, minimizing the need for synthetic supplements. Orijen emphasizes fresh, regionally sourced ingredients, delivered to their kitchens within two days of harvest and free from preservatives. The ORIJEN Six Fish recipe, like other Orijen dog foods, boasts an impressive 85% meat content, complemented by 15% fruits, vegetables, and botanicals, making it one of the most meat-dense kibbles available. This makes it an excellent choice for owners who occasionally supplement raw or fresh food diets with high-quality kibble.
Key Ingredients and Nutritional Benefits
The ORIJEN Six Fish recipe features a diverse array of fresh or raw, wild-caught whole fish, including mackerel, herring, monkfish, Acadian redfish, flounder, and hake. This variety ensures a broad spectrum of essential nutrients. The food is also enriched with whole prey animal components, providing the most nutrient-dense and succulent parts of the prey to meet a dog’s nutritional requirements.
Product Highlights:
- Supports Immune Health: A robust immune system is vital for overall well-being.
- Supports Skin & Coat Health: Essential fatty acids contribute to a shiny coat and healthy skin.
- Supports Digestive Health: Easily digestible ingredients and beneficial bacteria aid in nutrient absorption and gut health.
Ingredients List:
Whole herring, salmon, monkfish, Acadian redfish, flounder, whole hake, sardine meal, herring meal, blue whiting meal, pollock meal, whole red lentils, whole pinto beans, whole green lentils, dehydrated salmon, sunflower oil, whole navy beans, whole peas, natural fish flavor, dried apple pomace, herring oil, safflower oil, vitamin E supplement, mixed tocopherols (preservative), whole pumpkin, whole butternut squash, collard greens, whole apples, whole pears, dried kelp, zinc proteinate, niacin, thiamine mononitrate, calcium pantothenate, pyridoxine hydrochloride, riboflavin, folic acid, vitamin B12 supplement, copper proteinate, dried Bacillus coagulans fermentation product, dried chicory root, turmeric, sarsaparilla root, althea root, rosehips, juniper berries, citric acid (preservative), rosemary extract.
Guaranteed Analysis:
- Crude Protein (Min.): 40%
- Crude Fat (Min.): 16%
- Crude Fiber (Max.): 4%
- Moisture (Max.): 12%
- Dietary Starch (Max.): 18%
- Sugars (Max.): 1.3%
- DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid) (Min.): 0.7%
- EPA (Eicosapentaenoic acid) (Min.): 0.4%
- Calcium (Min.): 1.6%
- Phosphorus (Min.): 1.3%
- Vitamin E (Min.): 750 IU/kg
- Omega-6 fatty acids (Min.): 2.1%
- Omega-3 fatty acids (Min.): 1.8%
- Glucosamine (Min.): 300 mg/kg
- Total Microorganisms (Min.): 100 Million CFU/lb
The calorie content is 3760 kcal ME/kg, with approximately 451 kcal ME per 8 oz cup.
Feeding Guidelines and Transitioning
ORIJEN Six Fish is formulated for puppies, adult dogs, and senior dogs. The feeding instructions are provided in cups per day based on the dog’s weight and activity level. It’s crucial to adjust these recommendations according to your dog’s individual age, energy, and activity level, always ensuring fresh water is available.
When transitioning your dog to ORIJEN Six Fish from their current food, a gradual approach over one to two weeks is recommended to prevent digestive upset. Start with a 75% old food to 25% new food ratio, then move to a 50:50 mix, followed by 25% old food to 75% new food, before finally switching entirely to the new kibble. This careful transition helps your dog’s digestive system adapt smoothly. For additional insights into high-protein options, Ol Roy High Protein Dog Food review might offer comparative perspectives.
Safe Handling and Storage
Store ORIJEN Six Fish in a sealed bag in a cool, dry place to maintain freshness. It is important to wash hands, bowls, and serving utensils with soap and hot water after serving. If water has been added to the product, discard any unused portion after 2 hours.
Conclusion
The ORIJEN Six Fish dog food offers a premium, protein-rich diet designed to meet the ancestral needs of dogs. Its commitment to whole prey ingredients, diverse fish sources, and a high meat-to-vegetable ratio makes it a compelling option for owners seeking optimal nutrition. By understanding the detailed ingredients and following the provided feeding and transition guidelines, you can confidently provide your dog with a healthy and beneficial meal. Consider exploring reviews for other brands like 4health grain free dog food reviews to make the most informed decision for your pet’s dietary needs.
