Question about Orijen dry dog food.

Corn, wheat and soy are common allergens.  Beef too, for some reason.

Liv, I don't remember what breed your pup is and my eyes are too old to tell from your avatar.  I can't speak to THIS brand, but I do know that EVO isn't recommended for LARGE breed pups because of the calcium levels.  That in itself would preclude MY feeding it to any size pup.  But, that's me.

I've heard really good things about Orijen.

 Thanks for the information Glenda. Corn was the only one I could remember that causes allergies. My puppy is a Pomeranian, and she is 2lbs right now.

You're welcome.  I kinda LIKE getting questions that I actually know the answer to!

Hopefully some of the others will come along with opinons on the grainfree Orijen for pups.

From what these old eyes can see of the picture, she is ADORABLE!

Orijen makes a food just for puppies, so just guessing here, but I'd feel safe feeding such a product to a small-breed dog.  It gets more iffy when one is talking about feeding a giant breed puppy.

 Its what I would feed.  But you know that already. 

I've been feeding Orijen senior for about 3 months now and I'm very happy with the improvements in my senior dog's arthritis. I'm not a nutrition expert, but I've done a lot of research on foods, and decided this is the best approach for my dogs.

Dogs do not need grains for a balanced diet, these are often just used as fillers to keep dogs feeling "full". Foods that are very high in grains are also very high in carbohydrates, which often end up making dogs fat. Grain-free foods instead are usually high protein-low carb, so dogs build lean muscle instead of storing fat. Contrary to popular belief, high protein foods are not dangerous to healthy dogs, unless the dog has compromised kidneys already (and even this is disputed). In fact, senior dogs benefit from higher protein foods because an older dog's body is less proficient at turning protein into energy, so the higher amount of protein keeps the dog functioning at optimum levels. Personally I've seen a huge improvement in my senior's arthritis and mobility since the bump-up to higher protein (and his bloodwork has never looked better in his life).

 The issue with large-breed puppies is that too much calcium will cause them to grow too fast and their joints will suffer. The worst culprit is EVO because it has very high protein and calcium levels. Orijen puppy formula is at a safe level for puppies. The Orijen FAQs addresses this issue: http://www.championpetfoods.com/orijen/faq/#LBPuppy. I hope this helps.

DanielleNY

Foods that are very high in grains are also very high in carbohydrates, which often end up making dogs fat. Grain-free foods instead are usually high protein-low carb, so dogs build lean muscle instead of storing fat

I do feed mostly grain free to my dogs, but not to puppies, even my small Pugs. I had thought about feeding Orijen puppy to my puppies, but decided against it. I could be wrong, but grain free does not mean low carb. Most of these foods have potato, which is a high carb. I was looking at the WDJ new article on grain free foods, and most of them also say they are moderate to high in carbs. What has been making me think about this is my older Pug has had a few mast cell tumors, and I would like to feed her high protein, high fat, and low carbs, but now thinking some of the grain free foods still have too many carbs?

That's why I said "usually" . I think 17% carbs is about the lowest I've seen, and 45% is the highest I've seen (not grain free). You don't want to eliminate them completely, but there is definitely some room for comparison.  You also want to be careful about the fat content. Some dogs do not do well if it's too high or too low, and you'll see the difference in the poop.

DanielleNY

That's why I said "usually" . I think 17% carbs is about the lowest I've seen, and 45% is the highest I've seen (not grain free). You don't want to eliminate them completely, but there is definitely some room for comparison.  You also want to be careful about the fat content. Some dogs do not do well if it's too high or too low, and you'll see the difference in the poop.

Sorry, I missed your usually. I know for my dogs, if I go too high fat, they all get the runs, they do best on moderate fat. That is a big differance betweem 17 and 45% in carbs. my girl with the mast cell tumors is on Taste of the Wild Salmon now, and doing very well. I really liked Orijen senior for her, but will wait to feed it again until the day I can buy it locally . I guess I have been worried I was still fedding her too many carbs with the grain free kibbles, I feel better about that now.

 Thanks everyone for you opinions. Me and DH are going to pick up a bag tomorrow and see how she handles it. And thanks again Candace for suggesting it in the first place

One more thought, it usually takes about a month or two to see any sort of results in coat/ skin etc right? 

Liv

One more thought, it usually takes about a month or two to see any sort of results in coat/ skin etc right? 

Sometimes longer, sometimes shorter.  With a true elimination diet you have to switch for a full 12 weeks to be really sure, though some dogs show improvement in a day or two.  It really depends on the individual dog. 

 Ah, okay.

 
I'm actually excited to try this dog food, I've never heard of a dog food that has no grains in it before. But then again there is alot of dog related stuff I still have yet to hear about I'm sure.

Thanks again everyone! 

Liv

I'm actually excited to try this dog food

I know exactly how you feel   I get butterflies before i try a new  really wonderful food(Like orijen) on my guys  i get that excited!

Is your dog a fussy eater? One of my friends has a real picky dog and she's thinking of trying Orijen,i would be interested to hear if this food works for picky pooches.She wants some reassurance before she buys a bag.. 

Liv keep us updated once you get the food. 

 I somehow missed this, living under a rock as I do.  Ben loves his Orijen, and I love the results....good poops, VERY glossy fur, generally healthy and energetic.  Haven't had any trouble maintaining a good weight, and he's a very active dog.

Plus, he's nutty for fish, so he gets the fish formula.  He thinks it's the best thing since sliced bread.   I know that since he's a lab enthusiasm for food can be hard to judge, but there are foods he doesn't like..and foods he'll eat but not with such obvious joy as with the Orijen.