Acana vs Orijen: Which Dog Food is Better?

Acana and Orijen are produced by the Canadian company Champion PetFoods. Champion Petfoods has been making animal feed in its factory in Morinville since 1975. Over the years, Champion Petfoods has created unique values and quality standards.

The fundamental principle behind all the company’s products is that dogs are predatory animals that live in the conditions of a modern city. Global evolutionary changes in living organisms do not occur as quickly as human civilization develops. This means that domestic dogs still have needs similar to those of their wild ancestors. Acana and Orijen feed recreate the diet of wild relatives of domestic predators in their microelement composition. Thus, the diet should emulate what nature itself would offer.

All the stages of creating food for your pet occur within one company-from development and laboratory research to production at the factory. Every employee of Champion Petfoods shares its mission and values. Every package of food you buy in the store comes from the assembly line of one high-tech Canadian factory, NorthStar, which preserves the benefits of natural ingredients with the help of innovative technologies.

Champion Petfoods has won numerous awards at international competitions for food and animal products manufacturers. For example, the company is the winner of the GFSI Awards, recognized by the Global Food Safety Conference. Acana and Orijen have also been repeatedly recognized as the brand of the year in the category “pet products.”^[5]

As a vet, it is not always easy to find a high-quality commercial diet I would be happy to recommend to my clients. I am personally a big fan of both the Acana and Orijen brands and would be happy for my patients to be fed on these diets long-term.

I find the Orijen Original Dry Food particularly useful for whelping mothers due to its palatability and high-calorie content. It can also be used as the ‘starter food’ for weaning pups. Thus, it is a good option that can be given for the duration of a dog’s life.

While these foods are somewhat pricier than your average kibble, I believe they are worth paying extra for. Fuelling your dog with the right fuel day in and day out can help prevent disease and improve overall health.

DVM Linda Simon

Acana vs Orijen Dog Food Comparison

The products of these two brands enable dog owners to meet their pet’s biological needs. Orijen is a high-quality food for dogs with a high price point. However, the price/quality ratio of Acana feeds makes them available to a wide range of dog owners. We will tell you more about these feeds for those who have not yet decided on diet choices.

	Acana	Orijen
Primary Protein Source/ Primary Carbohydrate Source	Deboned Chicken/Whole Red Lentils	Deboned Lamb/Whole Red Lentils
First Five Ingredients Listed	Deboned Chicken, Deboned Turkey, Atlantic Flounder, Whole Eggs, Whole Atlantic Mackerel	Deboned Lamb, Deboned Duck, Eggs, Lamb Meal, Goat Meat
Protein	38% min	33% min
Fat	18% min	17% min
Fiber	4% max	6% max
Moisture (max.)	12% max	12% max

Assortment Purina vs Pedigree

Both Acana and Orijen are made with ‘biologically appropriate ingredients. This is a new class of dog food registered with the patent office. Every enlightened and experienced dog owner knows about classifying industrial feed from economy to holistic class. Each subsequent class is characterized by higher quality, lower consumption, and a higher price per hundred grams.

The predominance of protein and a low amount of fat and carbohydrates distinguish the feed class ‘Biological compliance’. No denatured and re-frozen meat; only fresh produce is on offer. Acana and Orijen feeds’ vitamin and mineral composition also corresponds to what predators should receive in an untouched wildlife ecosystem.

It is quite correct to say that ‘Biological Compliance’ is a higher class of feed than holistic, but it is better to say that this is a fundamentally different concept of creating products for animals. Food of the Biological Compliance class is created based on dogs’ natural needs; these are omnivorous animals whose digestion is radically different from that of humans.

The range of Acana dog food is very wide. The formulation and recipes selected in such a way that they can satisfy any dog and its owner. Acana for dogs contains 50 to 75 % meat. There are four Acana dog food lines:

1. The Acana Classics line consists of two feeds – Prairie Poultry with chicken and turkey and Wild Coast with three types of fish. These feeds contain 50% meat or fish ingredients and whole oats. This is a pared back, minimal ingredients dog food – half of the meat ingredients, some oats, vegetables, and fruits.
2. Acana Heritage – the most diverse line of them all. The age, weight, and activity of the animal are taken into account. Although all feeds’ meat base is the same-chicken, turkey, flounder and herring, the percentage of meat products and vegetable ingredients varies. The feeds are:

• Puppy Small Breed
• Puppy & Junior
• Puppy Large Breed-food for puppies of the small, medium, and large breeds
• Adult Small Breed
• Adult Large Breed
• Cobb Chicken food
• Greens. Universal food for dogs of all breeds.
• Acana Sport & Agility. Specialized food for dogs with increased physical activity including service, sled, and hunting dogs. The protein content of Acana Sport & Agility is 75%.
• Acana Light & Fit food. This is designed for sedentary and overweight dogs, with significantly reduced fat content.
• Acana Senior Dog. Aimed at older dogs.

3. Acana Regionals – A line containing three products with the ingredients selected according to the regional compatibility principle. This line contains up to 70% of fresh-frozen meat. It does not contain grains or high glycemic carbohydrates. Acana Wild Prairie contains chicken, turkey, and trout, walleye. Acana Grasslands is made with lamb, duck, fish, and turkey. Acana Pacifica is a fish-based food containing six species of fish. Which option an owner goes for depending on the individual food preferences of the pet as well as their medical and biological needs
4. Acana Singles – Exceptional high-quality mono-protein diets. They contain a single meat ingredient that provides 50% protein content. The range is designed for dogs with food intolerances, especially those with chicken and egg intolerance, and guarantees the absence of allergens. You can choose from four different protein sources: Grass-Fed LambYorkshire pork, Free-Run duck, Pacific Pilchard-sardine. ^[2]

READ MORE: How Long Can a Dog Go Without Eating?

Orijen for dogs contains up to 85% meat, two-thirds of it is added fresh. A variety of protein sources are used. Orijen for dogs includes a single line of feeds that can be selected depending on the age and physiological needs of the dog.

• Orijen Puppy and Orijen Puppy Large – Food for puppies (Small, Medium & Large).
• Orijen Original – Balanced in such a way that it is equally suitable for dogs of all breeds and ages.
• Orijen 6 Fish – Fish Based diet with six types of sea and lake fish
• Orijen Fit & Trim – Dog food for those with low activity which contains a reduced amount of fat and only low glycemic carbohydrates.
• Orijen Senior – Designed for those over 7 years of age. This option contains highly digestible protein to preserve muscle mass. There is also dried liver to increase palatability and stimulate appetite. Due to the reduced energy needs of older dogs, this diet has a reduced calorie content and glycemic index.

We should also mention the unique Orijen Adult Dog Freeze Dried food. This is freeze-dried feed, which means that the feed ingredients have not been subjected to the same processing that dry feed pellets are subjected to. The products are simply mixed, croquettes are formed from them, and moisture is removed from them using the Freeze-Drying technology. Exposure to low temperatures, lack of moisture, and reliable packaging keep the food fresh without preservatives and additional processing. This line contains up to 90% meat ingredients.^[3]

Product	Acana	Orijen
Dry dog food	42 recipes	9 recipes
Wet dog food
Treats for dogs	6 recipes	9 recipes

History

Champion PetFoods started working with pet food in 1975 at a small mill in northern Alberta. The founder of the company is Reinhard Otto Mühlenfeld. The mill produced quality feed for nearby farms. In addition, residents of the city bought veterinary products and pet food in a small retail store. 

In a small store, sales were so high that the company decided to offer one of the significant manufacturers its own recipe. But the manufacturer found the business too small and the recipe too complicated. Then the founders decided to expand the business on their own. Since then, Champion has developed into a highly qualified pet food manufacturer. Now the company’s products are represented in 40 countries around the world.^[1]

Acana  

The Acana brand is owned by Champion Pet Food , an independent Canadian pet food company. The history of the brand began in 1990. For the past 30 years, the brand has maintained high standards and occupies a leading position in the ratings. Thanks to its favorable location, the manufacturer has an excellent opportunity to produce biologically appropriate elite food of super-premium class for pets, which meets long-standing traditions and quality standards, containing only natural ingredients.

None of the stages of Acana feed production are outsourced. Everything from recipe development to packaging and shipping is carried out without the involvement of third-party forces. This circumstance guarantees the consistency of the quality of the feed. The plant where Acana feed is produced uses the most modern equipment; it is certified according to all international standards and has many awards in the field of technology.

Today, Acana feeds are known worldwide and enjoy the well-deserved trust of pet owners in 60 countries. And, undoubtedly, the key point of success is the high level of quality of Acana feed, which meets all the needs of animals of any breed and any age.

Orijen

Orijen brand is a well-known brand that specializes in the development and production of dry dog food. Today, the company has more than 30 years of experience in the international market and its products are popular in 50 countries worldwide. This result was made possible thanks to the company’s hard work, the desire to constantly improve their technologies and production methods, interaction, and exchange of experience with well-known brands.

The brand takes care of the health of its four-legged consumers. This leads to the huge popularity of the company’s products among pet owners. The manufacturer’s dry food products are the winners of various competitions. The quality is reflected by the abundance of positive and grateful reviews from numerous customers the company has received throughout the years.

Food Ingredients

For the production of feed, Acana and Orijen use the products of Canadian farms. Farm animals are kept on free range, in ecologically clean areas of the country. If the feed contains fish ingredients, the fish is caught in the waters of the northern seas and lakes in compliance with the safety protocol for the population size.

Such products are unique; each batch of meat, fish, eggs, and vegetables may differ slightly from the previous one, but the same high-quality standards are applied to each. Another important fact to note is that the ingredients used in the Acana and Orijen recipes are suitable for human consumption.^[4]

READ MORE: How Long Does it Take a Dog to Digest Food?

Acana  

The range of excellent products available makes choosing a diet for your pet a difficult task. Only fresh ingredients grown on organic farms are used to create these recipes. Each recipe contains meat as the first ingredient.

For example, the diet of Prairie Harvest and Prairie Feast Cat contains delicious chicken meat, Duck & Bartlett Pear is made with duck and pear while the Grass Fed Lamb option is packed with lamb meat, Pork & Butternut Squash. All foods are enriched with essential vitamins that promote good health and bolster the immunity of your four-legged friend. Acana contains 50% to 75% meat and fish ingredients.

According to customer reviews, the dry diet of this brand, in comparison with other products and when using the correct dosage – is the best food for their pets.

Orijen

Orijen brand dry food is a biologically appropriate food product. Therefore, the manufacturer focuses on the individual characteristics of dogs; their anatomical structure, health status and nutritional needs. The recipes meet the nutritional requirements for dogs of all ages and breeds. Orijen formulas contain significantly more meat and fish ingredients (from 85% to 90%) than Acana formulas.

Champion Pet Food, whose trademark is Orijen, is an independent feed company, it is not part of any international organisation. It produces and sells feed itself, thereby ensuring the quality of products and gaining more and more trust of pet owners and the love of pets themselves.

History of recalls

Acana  

The Acana brand has not recorded any product recalls.

Orijen

The Orijen brand has never recalled dog products from the US or Canadian markets.

Prices Comparison

Here we will present average price data that will help determine whether there is a significant difference between the two brands.

Acana  

Acana	Dry Dog Food
Per Pound	$2.40
Per Calorie	$0.0015

Orijen

Orijen	Dry Dog Food
Per Pound	$3.48
Per Calorie	$0.0019

As a result of price comparison Acana versus Orijen, we see that on average Acana feed is much cheaper. The price/quality ratio of Acana feeds makes them available to a wide range of dog owners.

Pros and Cons of Each Brand

Acana

Orijen

Guaranteed Analysis

Acana

Acana	Dry Dog Food
Crude Protein	35.4%
Crude Fat	18.9%
Crude Fiber	6.4%

Orijen

Orijen	Dry Dog Food
Crude Protein	42.8%
Crude Fat	23.5%
Crude Fiber	5.9%

The amount of protein in Orijen feeds includes from 38 to 42% of proteins, and in Acana feeds the level of protein content does not exceed 29-35%. Acana dry recipes contain 4.61% less fat than Orijen dry recipes on average. The amount of fiber is almost the same for the two brands.

Most Popular Dog Food Formulas Comparison

TOP Dog Foods of Orijen Company

Orijen USA Made Puppy Dog Food

High-protein grain-free food with different types of meat, fish, fruits, vegetables  for puppies. It contains a large amount of whole meat, nutritious liver, cartilage, fruits, vegetables, and fish in a ratio that corresponds to the pet’s natural diet.

The food consists of 80% free-range chicken, turkey, whole eggs, and wild-caught Canadian fish, which ensures a biologically appropriate protein level (40%). Designed to be compatible with the teeth, jaws, and digestive system of dogs, which are naturally adapted predators.

Key features:

• First 5 ingredients always fresh or raw.
• Made in the USA with the world’s finest ingredients.
• 85% quality poultry and fish ingredients.

Oijen Original Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

High-protein food with different types of meat and vegetables for dogs of all breeds and ages. Contains a large amount of exclusively whole meat, eggs, and fish. Fats in Orijen feeds are always only of animal origin; vegetable oils that are biologically inappropriate for dogs are never used.

It is a natural concentrated source of nutrients needed by the dog. The only additive in the feed is zinc. With a moderate content of fat (18%), carbohydrates (19%), ash, calcium and phosphorus.

Key features:

• Packed with protein from ingredients your dog is meant to eat.
• Coated with freeze-dried liver.
• Naturally Enhanced flavor and palatability.

Orijen Six Fish Dry Dog Food

This food contains 6 types of lake, river, ocean, and sea fish in a ratio that corresponds to the pet’s natural diet. In addition, the recipe is enriched with healthy Omega-3 acids (as much as 18% fish oil), which are essential for the immune and nervous systems of the dog as well as its skin and coat.

Provides natural sources of glucosamine and chondroitin, which help to maintain the health of the pet’s joints and reduce local inflammation. Instead of high-glycemic cereals, ORIJEN feed contains fruits and vegetables (as much as 15%). This recipe is rich in phytonutrients, B vitamins, and essential trace elements in bioavailable forms.

Key features:

• Veterinarian selected botanicals help support metabolism even in old age.
• Made with six types of wild-caught fish.
• Fifteen percent vegetables, fruits, and botanicals.

TOP Dog Foods of Acana Company

Acana Grain-Free Chicken Turkey Fish

This food with more protein and less carbohydrates than competitors is the closest to the natural diet of puppies. The ACANA PUPPY & JUNIOR diet is full of the best meat ingredients (70%). All these ingredients are recognized as suitable for human consumption.

The protein and fat rich ingredients of the feed (native Canadian free-range chickens, whole eggs, Pacific flounder, and herring) are delivered fresh and contain no preservatives.

Key features:

• Includes fresh vegetables & fruit.
• First two ingredients are fresh or raw chicken & turkey.
• Protein-rich, nutritious and delicious dog food.

Acana Regionals Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

Inspired by pastures and northern lakes, Acana Grasslands is made from unsurpassed ingredients grown and sourced in Western Canada, including fresh lamb meat, free-range duck and turkey, whole nest eggs, and whole northern pike caught in nature.

All of these ingredients are delivered each day fresh or raw in a ‘Whole Prey ratio’ to reflect the natural diet of the dogs. Rich in nutritious meat proteins, with fewer carbohydrates represented by low-glycemic vegetables and fruits, Acana Grasslands is suitable for  for dogs of all breeds and at all stages of life.

Key features:

• Nourishes dogs with ‘whole prey ratios’.
• Biologically appropriate diets as nature intended.
• High in protein & low in fat, preventing obesity.

Acana Grain-Free Red Meat

The food does not contain ‘fast’ carbohydrates like potatoes and tapioca (which release sugars quickly), instead, it contains meat proteins and low-glycemic fruits and vegetables, which are ideal for dogs that are no longer so active.

This food contains fresh meat, which is important for the natural diet of all dogs. There are no preservatives or colorants in the recipe. Premium ingredients come from a carefully selected group of farmers. The result is a protein-rich, nutritious and delicious dog food.

Key features:

• Includes fresh or raw vegetables & fruit.
• Coated with freeze-dried beef, pork, and lamb liver.
• Artificial colors, flavors or preservatives are never added

Final Word

Reviews from owners of animals eating Acana and Orijen are mostly positive. The owners note a good regular stool without an unpleasant smell, good quality of fur and good health of the pet. The kibble has a pleasant smell, consistency and does not leave a sticky feeling on hands or bowls. Problems with Acana and Orijen feed usually occur only with individual intolerance, or overfeeding of the animal. Each pack has recommendations for calculating the portion based on the weight of the animal.

The high quality of these feeds does not allow you to determine the winner because many thousands of dog owners are happy to buy and feed their pets options from each range! We read a huge number of reviews and could not choose the single best one. But one fact we can’t ignore is the price. Acana has a lower cost, which gives this brand an edge. However, as the old adage goes ‘You get what you pay for’.

The main differences between Acana and Orijen are:

Parameter	Acana	Orijen
Total meat content	50-70%	75-80%
Fresh meat content	15-30%	45-50%
Varieties of fresh meat	3-5	6-10
Protein content	27-35%	38-42%
Carbohydrate content	20-30%	12-18%

FAQ

Article Sources:

1. Champion Pet Foods. championpetfoods.com/en.
2. “Trusted by Pet Lovers Everywhere.” Acana, acana.com/en-US/acana-about-our_story.html.
3. “Nourish as nature intended.“ Orijen, orijen.ca/en-US/orijen-about-biologically_appropriate.html.
4. Ball, Ronald O., et al. “Nutritional Consequences of Interspecies Differences in Arginine and Lysine Metabolism.” The Journal of Nutrition. Oxford Academic, academic.oup.com/jn/article/137/6/1626S/4664931.
5. “12 Foods That Are Very High in Omega-3.” Healthline, 30 Sept. 2019, healthline.com/nutrition/12-omega-3-rich-foods.