Orijen Original Wins
Winner
Orijen Original Grain-Free High-Protein dry dog food bag

Orijen Original

8.9

Owners who want the absolute best ingredient quality regardless of cost

VS
Canidae PURE Grain-Free Salmon and Sweet Potato dry dog food bag

Canidae PURE Salmon & Sweet Potato

7.8

Dogs with food sensitivities who need a limited-ingredient diet with a novel protein

David Nakamura
David Nakamura

Score Comparison

Criteria
Orijen Original
Canidae PURE Salmon & Sweet Potato
Overall Score
8.9
7.8
Ingredient Quality
9.5
8.0
Nutritional Profile
9.5
7.5
Safety Record
10.0
8.5
Ingredient Transparency
9.5
8.0
Value Per Serving
5.5
7.0
Palatability & Acceptance
9.0
8.0

Pricing & Features

Specification
Orijen Original
Canidae PURE Salmon & Sweet Potato
Price
$2.13/day
$1.59/day
Package Price
$100 for 47 days
$70 for 44 days

Making Your Decision

Orijen Original logo

When to Choose Orijen Original

Owners who want the absolute best ingredient quality regardless of cost

Orijen is widely considered the gold standard of commercial dog food. 85% animal ingredients, WholePrey ratios with organs and cartilage, zero recalls ever. The ingredient list reads like a butcher shop menu. The only real barriers are the ~$2.13/day price and the grain-free DCM concern.

Strengths

  • Zero recalls in brand history — impeccable safety record alongside sister brand ACANA
  • 85% animal ingredients from fresh/raw free-run chicken, turkey, and wild-caught fish
  • WholePrey ratios include organs and cartilage — mimics natural ancestral diet

Limitations

  • Most expensive option at ~$2.13/day — ultra-premium pricing
  • Very high protein content (38%+) may be too rich for sedentary dogs
  • Grain-free formula subject to FDA DCM investigation concerns
Canidae PURE Salmon & Sweet Potato logo

When to Choose Canidae PURE Salmon & Sweet Potato

Dogs with food sensitivities who need a limited-ingredient diet with a novel protein

Canidae PURE takes a less-is-more approach with just 8 key ingredients. Real salmon first provides excellent omega-3s for coat and skin health. The limited ingredient design is ideal for dogs with sensitivities. Clean safety record and no artificial anything. A solid choice for sensitive stomachs.

Strengths

  • Limited ingredient formula with just 8 key ingredients — ideal for sensitive dogs
  • Real salmon as the #1 protein source provides omega-3 fatty acids for coat health
  • No corn, wheat, soy, or artificial additives — clean and simple formula

Limitations

  • Limited ingredient approach means less nutritional diversity than multi-protein formulas
  • Grain-free formula falls under FDA DCM investigation concerns
  • Salmon-based formulas tend to have stronger odor than chicken-based options

Ready to Get Started?

Orijen Original Grain-Free High-Protein dry dog food bag

Orijen Original

Score: 8.9
Canidae PURE Grain-Free Salmon and Sweet Potato dry dog food bag

Canidae PURE Salmon & Sweet Potato

Score: 7.8