Orijen Dog & Cat Food, Biologically Appropriate Food Explored
Every pet owner wants to feed their furry companions the very best diet possible. When you look at the natural history of domestic dogs and cats, it is clear that they evolved as hunters.
Their digestive systems are specifically designed to process a diet that is rich in fresh meat and high in protein. Orijen understands this natural biology perfectly.
They have created a premium range of biologically appropriate pet food that mirrors the quantity, freshness, and variety of meats that dogs and cats are naturally evolved to eat.
Available at Pets and Friends, this exceptional brand provides a diet that truly nourishes your pet from the inside out, helping them to thrive and live their healthiest life alongside you.
The philosophy behind biologically appropriate pet food
The core philosophy of this brand revolves around feeding your pet exactly what their body naturally needs. Modern domestic dogs and cats still share their anatomy with their wild ancestors.
They have sharp teeth for tearing meat and a short digestive tract designed for processing animal proteins. A biologically appropriate diet respects this anatomy by packing every bag with an incredibly high percentage of meat, poultry, and fish.
Instead of filling their recipes with cheap carbohydrates or artificial bulking agents, Orijen uses nutrient-dense animal ingredients. This approach ensures your pet receives a complete and balanced meal that fully supports their natural energy levels and overall well-being.
High quality fresh and regional ingredients
The quality of any pet food is entirely dependent on the quality of its ingredients. Orijen takes immense pride in sourcing the finest regional ingredients for its recipes. They use fresh, free-run poultry, wild-caught fish, and responsibly farmed meats.
Many of these ingredients are delivered to their kitchens fresh or raw, meaning they retain their natural juices and essential nutrients. This unwavering commitment to fresh ingredients means that the food not only smells incredibly appealing to your pet but also delivers maximum nutritional value.
When you pour a bowl of this premium kibble, you know you are providing a meal made from ingredients you can genuinely trust.
Dry dog food tailored to every life stage
A growing puppy requires completely different nutrition compared to a mature adult dog or a slower senior companion. Orijen offers specific recipes tailored to every single life stage. Their puppy formula is packed with the specific proteins and fats needed to support rapid muscle growth and healthy brain development.
As your dog matures, the adult recipes provide the perfect balance of energy to fuel their daily adventures. When your dog reaches their golden years, the senior recipe offers a highly digestible meal with carefully balanced calories to help them maintain a healthy weight and support their ageing joints without losing any muscle mass.
Supporting small breeds and specific dietary needs
Small breed dogs might be tiny, but they burn a lot of energy and have incredibly fast metabolisms.
Furthermore, they often struggle to chew standard-sized kibble comfortably. The small-breed recipe is crafted with a much smaller biscuit size, making it incredibly easy for tiny mouths to pick up and chew.
For dogs that need to lose a little bit of weight, the Fit and Trim recipe offers a brilliant solution. It is packed with lean protein but has limited carbohydrates to support healthy weight loss without leaving your dog feeling hungry.
They also offer diverse protein options like Regional Red and Six Fish, which are perfect for dogs that might be fussy or have sensitivities to common meats like chicken.
Premium cat food for the obligate carnivore
Cats are obligate carnivores. This means their bodies absolutely require meat to survive and function properly. They cannot digest plant-based proteins effectively. Orijen cat food is designed with this strict biological rule in mind.
Their feline recipes feature an incredibly high meat inclusion, often reaching up to 85% animal ingredients. Whether you have a playful kitten or a mature cat, these recipes provide the vital amino acids, such as taurine, that are crucial for their heart health and sharp vision.
The Guardian 8 recipe goes even further, offering targeted support for eight common feline health concerns, including digestion, immunity, and healthy joints.
Rich meat inclusions and whole prey ratios
In the wild, an animal does not just eat the muscle meat of their prey. They consume the organs, cartilage, and bone, all of which provide a natural source of essential vitamins and minerals. Orijen mimics this natural diet by using whole prey ratios in its recipes.
By incorporating nutrient-rich liver, tripe, and cartilage alongside fresh muscle meat, they dramatically reduce the need for artificial supplements. Your pet gets their vital nutrients in their most natural and highly digestible form.
This whole prey approach guarantees that every single bite is packed with wholesome goodness for your pet.
Grain free nutrition for healthy digestion
Many commercial pet foods rely heavily on grains like wheat, corn, or rice to bind their kibble together. However, a high-carbohydrate diet is not naturally suited to dogs or cats and can often lead to digestive issues, excessive wind, or itchy skin.
Orijen recipes are completely grain-free. Instead of using cheap grains, they use small amounts of fresh vegetables, fruits, and botanicals. These natural ingredients provide a slow and steady release of energy and are packed with healthy fibre to keep your pet regular and support a highly robust digestive system.
Storing your dry food correctly to maintain freshness
Because this premium kibble is packed with fresh meat inclusions and natural oils, it is very important to store it correctly. To keep the food tasting delicious and protect its delicate nutrients, you should always store it in a cool, dry place.
It is best to store the kibble in its original bag, placed tightly inside an airtight plastic or metal storage container. Keeping the food away from direct sunlight and heat ensures it stays perfectly fresh from the first bowl to the very last scoop.
How to transition your pet to a new diet
When you decide to upgrade your pet to a biologically appropriate diet, you must introduce the new food slowly. The high meat content is incredibly rich, and a sudden change can easily cause a temporary upset stomach. We highly recommend a transition period of about 10 to 14 days.
Start by mixing just a small handful of the new kibble into their old food. Every two days, simply increase the ratio of the new food while reducing the old food. Taking your time allows the natural bacteria in their digestive system to adjust comfortably to a richer, meat-heavy diet.
Shopping for your premium pet food online
Finding high-quality nutrition for your pet should be simple and stress-free. At Pets and Friends, we stock a comprehensive range of Orijen products for both dogs and cats.
You can browse the different flavours, life stages, and bag sizes directly on our website. We offer fast delivery to bring these heavy bags straight to your front door, saving you the hassle of carrying them from a physical shop.
You can even set up a regular subscription to ensure you never run out of your pet's favourite meals, making premium pet care easier than ever before.
Who Are We - More About Pets & Friends?
We are not just a simple online pet food and pet product retailer. Oh no, there is way more to us than that.
For instance, here you have:
Find Expert Pet Advice at Your Local Pets & Friends Shop
While we love seeing you online, you can also pop into one of our nearly 20 Pets & Friends physical shops around the UK for a proper look around.
With a retail heritage dating back to 1974, we have shops across the Midlands, in Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, and South Yorkshire.
Our local pet shops are also packed with all the goodies you see here and more.
Plus, our friendly team is always on hand for a chat, and you can use our free weighing scales or book your dog in for a groom at many of our locations.
Who Are Pets & Friends?
Pets & Friends is also more than just a pet shop; we're a community of pet lovers, backed by the experience of our parent company, Pet Store Retail, a family-run business that's been around for donkey's years.
Our whole approach is actually built on providing you with friendly, down-to-earth advice to help you give your pet the best life possible.
Furthermore, we believe that every pet is a friend, and as their owner, you're a friend of ours too. We're passionate about what we do, and we're here to help you every step of the way.
Here to Help, However You Shop
So, whether you're shopping with us online or visiting a store, our customer service team is always ready to lend a hand.
Online, you can easily track your delivery or get in touch about returns.
In-store, our expert team can offer brilliant, practical guidance on everything from finding the right food for a sensitive tummy to fitting your dog with the perfect harness. Feel free to consult our team any time – no question is too silly.
That’s why we’ve put together a huge selection of high-quality dry dog food, making it easy for you to choose the perfect bag of kibble that your dog will love, and that will love them back.
We're also properly trained and genuinely love pets, so no question is too silly. So much so that we are committed to making sure you and your pet have a happy experience with us every single time.
