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ORIJEN Cat & Kitten Grain-Free Dry Food Review

AC
By Alex Carter, Lead Analyst Updated February 2026
4.9/5 ★★★★

The Bottom Line

Highly Recommended

ORIJEN Cat & Kitten is simply the best dry cat food we've reviewed. All five first ingredients are fresh, named animal proteins — an achievement no other brand matches. The 40% protein and WholePrey philosophy make it biologically appropriate for cats. The price reflects the quality.

Score Breakdown

5.0
Ingredient Quality
5.0
Protein Content
4.5
Additive Safety
5.0
Brand Transparency
4.5
Recall History

First 5 Ingredients

The first five ingredients make up the bulk of the food. Ideally, a named whole meat should be #1.

#1
Fresh whole chicken
Excellent
#2
Fresh whole turkey
Excellent
#3
Fresh chicken liver
Excellent
#4
Fresh whole herring
Excellent
#5
Fresh whole eggs
Excellent

Pros & Cons

PROS

  • All 5 first ingredients are fresh animal proteins
  • 40% protein — best in class
  • Biologically appropriate philosophy
  • Suitable for all life stages including kittens

CONS

  • Very premium pricing
  • High calorie density — watch portions
  • Not ideal for cats needing weight management

Nutrition Data

NUTRIENT VALUE ASSESSMENT
Crude Protein (min) 40% Excellent
Crude Fat (min) 20% High
Crude Fiber (max) 3.0% Adequate
Calories 416 kcal/cup Moderate

Where to Buy

As an affiliate, we earn from qualifying purchases. This doesn't affect our ratings. Prices may vary.

Approx. $5.99/lb Dry food pricing

Frequently Asked Questions

Is ORIJEN Cat & Kitten Grain-Free Dry Food good for cats?

With a score of 4.9/5, ORIJEN Cat & Kitten Grain-Free Dry Food is rated "Excellent" in our analysis. ORIJEN Cat & Kitten is simply the best dry cat food we've reviewed.

What is the first ingredient in ORIJEN Cat & Kitten Grain-Free Dry Food?

The first ingredient is Fresh whole chicken, which we rate as "Excellent". This is a quality protein source.

How much protein does ORIJEN Cat & Kitten Grain-Free Dry Food have?

ORIJEN Cat & Kitten Grain-Free Dry Food has a minimum crude protein content of 40%. This is a good protein level for adult cats.

Has ORIJEN Cat & Kitten Grain-Free Dry Food been recalled?

ORIJEN has a clean recall record for this product line. Visit our Recall Alerts page for the latest FDA recall information.

How much ORIJEN Cat & Kitten Grain-Free Dry Food should I feed my cat?

Feeding amounts depend on your cat's weight, age, and activity level. At 416 kcal/cup, a typical 10-pound indoor cat needs about 0.5-0.7 cups per day. Use our Cat Food Calculator for a personalized recommendation.

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