Orijen Small Breed
Orijen Small Breed scores 5/5 on Moesonson's label-based analysis. Its strongest factor is protein clarity (high — 100% of the recipe's protein panel is clearly named); its weakest is animal-protein content (strong — 95% of the weighted protein comes from animal sources).
Rating
Updated Jul 2026
How this score is made
This score isn’t a hand-wavy impression: it reads what the label actually prints — the ingredient list, guaranteed analysis and AAFCO adequacy statement — and runs it through the same algorithmic rubric as every other product. No brand pays for placement, and there are no affiliate links on reviewed products.
Is Orijen Small Breed dry dog food good?
Orijen Small Breed is a dry dog food rated 5 stars, with high ingredient transparency and strong animal protein content. The recipe lists most animal ingredients by name and features real muscle meat as a primary protein source. This recipe is free from Gluten grains, Grains (gluten-free), Dairy, Nuts, Red meat, Unknown Meal but contains Egg, Legumes, Poultry, Fish, Shellfish.
Allergy Highlights
Contains:
Free From:
Pros
- Uses clearly named animal protein sources for better transparency.
- Contains organ meats that provide natural vitamins and minerals.
- Includes plant ingredients that can provide fiber and natural antioxidants.
- Uses mainly organic mineral sources, which are typically better absorbed.
Nutrition Breakdown
| Protein | 44% |
|---|---|
| Fat | 21% |
| Est. Carbs | 21% |
| Fiber | 5% |
| Ash | 10% |
Moisture (12%) removed so you can compare foods fairly.
Dry matter basis = label value ÷ (100% − moisture%). Carbs estimated from remaining.
| Protein | 39% |
|---|---|
| Fat | 18% |
| Est. Carbs | 18% |
| Fiber | 4% |
| Moisture | 12% |
| Ash | 9% |
As-fed values are the raw percentages printed on the product label.
Tips
- Protein is Super High (44% dry matter) on our label-based comparison range. This can fit very active, working, or growing dogs, but dogs with kidney disease or other medical conditions need vet-guided diet targets.
- Fat is High (21% dry matter) on our label-based comparison range. It can support calorie needs for active or growing dogs, but portion control and pancreatitis history deserve extra attention.
Ingredients Analysis
42 of 42 matched
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1 Fresh Chicken
Animal ProteinDescription
The dominant animal protein source in pet foods. Other than protein, it is also high in iron, zinc, selenium, and B vitamins.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
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2 Raw Turkey
Animal ProteinDescription
Raw turkey meat, high in protein and B vitamins.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
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3 Raw Whole Herring
Animal ProteinDescription
A small silvery fish with low mercury, high in protein, vitamin D, selenium, and omega-3s.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
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4 Raw Turkey Liver
Animal ProteinDescription
Raw turkey liver, nutrient-dense and rich in vitamin A, B12, and iron.
Why Prefer?
Organ meats are highly nutritious, with quality protein and many important vitamins / minerals.
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5 Fresh Chicken Liver
Animal ProteinDescription
An excellent source of vitamin A, chromium, and copper.
Why Prefer?
Organ meats are highly nutritious, with quality protein and many important vitamins / minerals.
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6 Fresh Chicken Heart
Animal ProteinDescription
An excellent source of vitamin B9, iron, and zinc.
Why Prefer?
Organ meats are highly nutritious, with quality protein and many important vitamins / minerals.
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7 Fresh Eggs
Animal ProteinDescription
It contains almost every nutrient the body needs. It also has the highest biological value (protein absorption) among other animal proteins.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
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8 Dehydrated Chicken
Animal ProteinDescription
Dehydrated form of chicken. it is a meat concentrate that contains up to 4 times more protein than fresh chicken on dry matter basis.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
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9 Dehydrated Turkey
Animal ProteinDescription
A large bird looks similar to chicken, high in protein, and packed with vitamin B3, B6, B12, selenium, zinc, and phosphorus.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
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10 Dehydrated Herring
Animal ProteinDescription
A dehydrated form of herring, which contains up to 400% more protein than the fresh form. It is a small silvery fish with low content of mercury. It is high in protein, vitamin D, selenium, and omega 3s.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
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11 Dehydrated Chicken Liver
Animal ProteinDescription
A dehydrated form of chicken liver. Excellent source of vitamin A, chromium, and copper.
Why Prefer?
Organ meats are highly nutritious, with quality protein and many important vitamins / minerals.
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12 Dehydrated Egg
Animal ProteinDescription
Dehydrated whole egg, a concentrated source of high-quality protein and essential amino acids.
Why Prefer?
Eggs provide highly digestible complete protein with all essential amino acids.
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13 Whole Red Lentils
Carbs Plant ProteinDescription
A type of legume that is added to boost up the protein content and acts as an alternative carb. It contains around 27% protein.
Digestion Concern
Legume contains oligosaccharides, which is a 3 - 5 carbon short-chain sugar that are indigestible by dogs / cats.
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14 Whole Pinto Beans
Carbs Plant ProteinDescription
A type of legume that is added to boost up the protein content and acts as an alternative carb. It contains around 22% protein.
Digestion Concern
Legume contains oligosaccharides, which is a 3 - 5 carbon short-chain sugar that are indigestible by dogs / cats.
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15 Whole Green Lentils
Carbs Plant ProteinDescription
A type of legume that is added to boost up the protein content and acts as an alternative carb. It contains around 27% protein.
Digestion Concern
Legume contains oligosaccharides, which is a 3 - 5 carbon short-chain sugar that are indigestible by dogs / cats.
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16 Whole Peas
Carbs Plant ProteinDescription
A type of legume that is added to boost up the protein content and acts as an alternative carb. It contains around 22% protein.
Digestion Concern
Legume contains oligosaccharides, which is a 3 - 5 carbon short-chain sugar that are indigestible by dogs / cats.
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17 Pollock Oil
FatDescription
The oil extracted from pollock, as a quality animal fat source and a boost on the level of omega 3s of pet foods.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal fat with high digestibility and biological value.
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18 Pea Starch
Carbs Plant ProteinDescription
The starchy part of peas after protein is extracted for pea protein products. It mainly consists of carbs and around 13% plant-based protein.
Why Concerned?
A controversial filler with limited nutrition value to dogs / cats.
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19 Dried Kelp
CarbsDescription
An excellent source of various minerals including calcium, iron, magnesium. Rich in rare mineral iodine essential for healthy thyroid function.
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20 New Zealand Green Mussel
(Detected): New Zealand Green Mussels
Animal ProteinDescription
An excellent source of protein, vitamin A, B12, zinc, and iron.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
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21 Fresh Whole Pumpkin
CarbsDescription
An alternative high carbs filler with an excellent source of potassium, vitamin C, and beta carotene.
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22 Fresh Whole Butternut Squash
CarbsDescription
An alternative high carbs filler with an excellent source of potassium, vitamin C, and beta carotene.
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23 Fresh Whole Zucchini
CarbsDescription
A summer squash rich in vitamin A, antioxidants - carotenoids such as lutein, zeaxanthin, and beta-carotene.
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24 Fresh Whole Carrots
CarbsDescription
Fresh whole carrots, rich in alpha and beta-carotene, potassium, and vitamin B6.
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25 Fresh Whole Apples
CarbsDescription
Whole fresh apples, containing carbs and sugar with multiple antioxidants.
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26 Fresh Whole Pears
CarbsDescription
Fresh whole pears, a natural source of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
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27 Fresh Kale
CarbsDescription
A type of dark green leafy vegetables belongs to the cruciferous family. It is high in vitamin A, C, K, and other minerals, which is one of the most nutrient-dense food.
Digestion Concern
Contains isothiocyanates, a small molecule found in specific plants, which can cause mild to severe gastric irritation.
Uncertain/Risky
Contains calcium oxalate, which can cause health problems like kidney and bladder stone.
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28 Fresh Spinach
CarbsDescription
Nutrient-dense leafy greens, an excellent source of vitamin A, C, K1, B9, iron, and calcium.
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29 Fresh Beet Greens
CarbsDescription
The leafy part of a beet plant, packed with vitamins and minerals including vitamin K, copper, manganese, iron, and calcium.
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30 Whole Cranberries
CarbsDescription
High in vitamin C and antioxidants, it is also best known for fighting Urinary Tract Infections. While it could be true for humans, the effect on pets is yet to be confirmed by further research.
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31 Whole Blueberries
CarbsDescription
Superfood packed with antioxidants, a good source of vitamin C, K, and manganese.
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32 Chicory Root
CarbsDescription
Contains insulin, which is a prebiotic that promotes friendly bacteria in the gut and supports better digestion.
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33 Turmeric
CarbsDescription
Orange ginger-like plant often used in making curry. It contains curcumin, which is a strong antioxidant with anti-inflammatory effects. However, its color is the main purpose of adding it to pet foods.
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34 Milk Thistle
CarbsDescription
A herbal remedy often used to treat liver disorders. It has a high concentration of silymarin, which is a compound known to have antioxidant, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties.
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35 Burdock Root
CarbsDescription
A long brown vegetable root that is commonly used for cleansing and detox. Past Research study suggests that it can help remove toxins from the blood and improve circulation.
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36 Lavender
CarbsDescription
The purple flower famous for its fragrance and color. It provides a trace amount of minerals and is believed to have calming effects. However, the plant of lavender contains a compound called linalook, which is toxic to both cats and dogs. It could cause vomiting, reduced appetite, and nausea when a large quantity of lavender.
Why Concerned?
A controversial ingredient that might cause health issues, unnecessary for the risk.
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37 Marshmallow Root
CarbsDescription
A herb usually used as a remedy to treat skin, respiratory, and digestive issues. The healing power is mainly from the mucilage it contains.
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38 Rosehips
CarbsDescription
Small red seeds that are rich in antioxidants, including vitamin C, catechins, quercetin, and ellagic acid. These help the body to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress.
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39 Rosemary Extract
CarbsDescription
A common herb used for cooking, it is rich in antioxidants to fight off radical damages in the body.
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40 Zinc Proteinate
SupplementDescription
An organic form of zinc, which is vital in skin function and wound healing, cell replication, the structure and function of biological membranes. Compare to inorganic form, it has 5 - 15% more absorption rate to the body.
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41 Vitamin E
SupplementDescription
Supplement for vitamin E, which is an important antioxidant that protects oxidative damages on cellular membranes by free radicals. A deficiency will result in symptoms like anorexia, depression, and dermatitis.
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42 Enterococcus Faecium
ProbioticsDescription
A type of probiotics, good bacteria that promotes good digestion and overall health. E. faecium is uniquely able to survive the digestive process and grow, balancing the gut environment.
Tips
- Named animal proteins near the top: Fresh Chicken, Raw Turkey are listed early in the ingredient panel.
- Ingredients worth checking: Pea Starch, Lavender.
- Higher-caution ingredients: Fresh Kale have caution notes in the ingredient database.
- Possible digestion triggers: Whole Red Lentils, Whole Pinto Beans, Whole Green Lentils, and 2 more have digestion notes; watch tolerance if your pet has a sensitive stomach.
Protein Analysis
How this recipe earned its protein scores.
Protein Clarity
High- Named 100%
Strong clarity: 100% of Orijen Small Breed's animal-protein ingredients are clearly named (like chicken or salmon). Only 0% use vague terms such as "meat meal" and 0% are by-products. Named protein ingredients let you verify the source and check for allergens.
Contributing ingredients
Named
Animal Protein
High- Animal 95%
- Plant 5%
Meat-forward: 95% of the weighted protein in Orijen Small Breed comes from animal sources. Plant signals are modest (5% whole plants, 0% plant concentrates), so the protein profile leans on real meat.
Contributing ingredients
Animal
Plant
Orijen Small Breed dry dog food Review
Orijen Small Breed is a strong choice — rated 5 stars with high ingredient transparency and strong animal protein content. A confident pick when the ingredient panel matches your pet's needs.
Best for
- Owners who want clearly named protein sources
- Pets avoiding gluten grains
- Pets that thrive on muscle-meat protein
Avoid if
- Your pet is allergic to eggs
- You're avoiding legumes
Key takeaways
- Named animal proteins make up 100% of the recipe's protein panel — a clear sourcing win.
- Contains common allergens: Egg, Legumes, Poultry, Fish, Shellfish.
- On a dry-matter basis: 44% protein, 21% fat, 21% estimated carbohydrates.
- 95% of the weighted protein comes from animal sources.
- Free from Gluten grains, Grains (gluten-free), Dairy, Nuts, Red meat, Unknown Meal.
Frequently asked questions
Is Orijen Small Breed good for dogs?
Yes — Orijen Small Breed earns 5 out of 5 stars on Moesonson’s label-based analysis, combining high ingredient transparency with strong animal protein content. The score is computed from the printed ingredient list and guaranteed analysis rather than marketing claims — a confident pick when the label matches your dog’s needs.
Does Orijen Small Breed contain Dairy?
No — based on the printed ingredient list, Orijen Small Breed does not include Dairy or closely related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Dairy can typically avoid that trigger here. Recipes do get reformulated, though, so re-check the packaging before feeding — Moesonson’s reading reflects the label at analysis time.
Does Orijen Small Breed contain Egg?
Yes — according to the printed ingredient list, Orijen Small Breed contains Egg. Pets with a known Egg sensitivity should generally avoid this recipe, or check with a veterinarian first. Moesonson flags allergens directly from the label’s ingredient panel, so this reflects what the manufacturer actually declares.
Does Orijen Small Breed contain Legumes?
Yes — according to the printed ingredient list, Orijen Small Breed contains Legumes. Pets with a known Legumes sensitivity should generally avoid this recipe, or check with a veterinarian first. Moesonson flags allergens directly from the label’s ingredient panel, so this reflects what the manufacturer actually declares.
Does Orijen Small Breed contain Nuts?
No — based on the printed ingredient list, Orijen Small Breed does not include Nuts or closely related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Nuts can typically avoid that trigger here. Recipes do get reformulated, though, so re-check the packaging before feeding — Moesonson’s reading reflects the label at analysis time.
Is Orijen Small Breed grain-free?
Yes — Orijen Small Breed is grain-free according to its printed ingredient list: no gluten grains (like wheat) and no gluten-free grains (like rice or corn) appear in the recipe. That makes it a candidate for pets with diagnosed grain sensitivities, though grain-free offers no automatic benefit for pets without one.
What are the main protein sources in Orijen Small Breed?
The main animal proteins in Orijen Small Breed are Fresh Chicken, Raw Turkey, Raw Whole Herring. Each is named by species on the printed ingredient list — a protein-clarity strength in Moesonson’s scoring, because named sources let you verify what your dog is eating and avoid specific proteins when managing food allergies.
