Problems with Orijen Dog Food: What Every Dog Owner Should Know

When it comes to top-shelf kibble, this brand has been a go-to for folks seeking quality, nutrient-rich options for their four-legged companions. But over time, a few red flags and grumbles have surfaced—sparking some hesitation and second thoughts among those who care deeply about what goes in the bowl.

If you’re a pup parent trying to figure out what’s really going on with that popular kibble brand, you’re in the right spot. In this piece, we’re diving into real user feedback, ingredient debates, possible wellness concerns, and everything in between—so you can make the best decision for your four-legged buddy.

1. Orijen’s Brand Image: Premium but Controversial?

It’s known for packing a protein punch, skipping grains, and using fresh, regional ingredients. The brand promotes itself as top-tier—but that “premium” label doesn’t mean it’s without problems.

Several owners and animal nutrition specialists have voiced concerns over the years, from unexpected formula tweaks to possible adverse reactions. While many four-legged companions seem to do just fine with Orijen, others have experienced issues—and that’s something worth paying attention to.

2. Frequent Formula Changes

One of the biggest complaints about it is the frequent changes to the recipe.

What’s the issue?

Some owners have noticed the company occasionally tweaks the recipe without making it clear on the label. Companions who previously thrived on it may suddenly start having trouble after opening a fresh bag.

Common symptoms after a formula change:

Sometimes, after opening a fresh bag from a familiar label, things don’t go as smoothly as expected. Even though the packaging might look the same, what’s inside could have gone through a slight adjustment—maybe a new blend, sourcing change, or preparation tweak. For the one who eats it every day, even the smallest shift can throw things out of balance.

Here’s what many caretakers have observed:

• Throwing Up Shortly After Eating:
  One of the earliest signs that something isn’t settling well. If the bowl is emptied but then promptly brought back up, it may be a signal that the body isn’t responding well to the current batch.

• Loose or Messy Bathroom Visits:
  Instead of well-formed waste, there’s an increase in watery or soft output. This often means the internal system is working overtime to adjust to something unfamiliar or too rich.

• Redness or Itching on the Skin:
  When the outer layer starts showing signs like dry patches, hot spots, or persistent scratching, it might be linked to something newly introduced in the diet. It’s a physical cue that should be taken seriously.

• Turning Away from the Bowl:
  One day, there’s excitement at feeding time. The next, there’s hesitation—or outright refusal. If enthusiasm for mealtime disappears suddenly, it could point to changes that don’t sit right internally or simply don’t appeal anymore.

• General Discomfort After Eating:
  Some animals become withdrawn, restless, or act uneasy following their regular feeding routine. This might include whining, pacing, or lying in unusual positions—signs that the body is trying to deal with internal distress.

These symptoms often show up when the animal’s digestive system reacts poorly to a new ingredient or shift in the recipe.

3. Too Much Protein for Some Dogs

Some meals in this product line come packed with a dense concentration of nutrients—sometimes exceeding 38% in concentrated nourishment.

At first glance, that might sound like a great fit, especially for animals that are constantly on the move, participating in training, or maintaining an athletic lifestyle. However, not every furry friend is chasing balls all day or running trails. For those living a calmer, mostly indoor routine, such a nutrient-dense blend might be more than they need.

What can happen when the nutritional load is too high:

Meals that are packed with protein can seem like a great fit—especially for those with active routines or working breeds. However, this high concentration isn’t always a perfect match for every four-legged friend. In fact, when the daily routine involves more lounging than running, such nutrient density can do more harm than good.

For example, older animals may experience added strain on their kidneys when consistently fed diets rich in protein. Others may start dealing with loose or watery waste, especially if their system isn’t built to process such intensity.

Additionally, those that don’t burn off calories through daily exercise might start gaining weight quickly, leading to joint stress and reduced mobility. Some may also become unusually energetic or restless, which can be overwhelming for both them and their families.

Ultimately, a protein-packed recipe might be overkill for the average couch-loving companion. It’s best to match the nutritional profile with actual lifestyle needs to avoid unnecessary complications.

4. Digestive Issues Reported by Users

Digestive troubles are among the most common complaints people have about this brand.

Common Signs of Internal Discomfort:

Many animal lovers report recurring signs such as excessive gas, swelling in the belly, ongoing loose output, and frequent regurgitation. The consistency of bathroom habits may vary widely—sometimes unusually soft, other times unpredictable.

These symptoms often appear after introducing a new type of nourishment, particularly when it’s added to the routine too quickly. Even with a gradual introduction over several days, some four-legged family members continue to struggle. This can lead to frustration and concern as the cause isn’t always immediately clear, and finding the right match may take several attempts and a lot of patience.

5. The Grain-Free Controversy

It is primarily grain-free, which has become both a selling point and a concern.

Why it matters:

The FDA has been investigating a possible link between grain-free diets and canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). While it hasn’t been proven to cause DCM, it has come up in discussions and reports related to grain-free concerns.

The Ongoing Heart Health Conversation

There’s been a growing conversation in recent years about how certain ingredient exclusions might relate to heart function in canines—specifically regarding a condition called dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). While this nutritional concern is still being studied, some professionals in the animal wellness field urge caution when feeding options that completely eliminate traditional grains, unless there’s a specific medical justification.

Although the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not made any conclusive rulings or mandated any product withdrawals based on these concerns, this particular line of meals remains frequently mentioned in ongoing discussions about diet-linked cardiac wellness in dogs.

The dialogue continues, and while no official bans or mandates have been placed, many caretakers and experts alike are watching closely for further updates and scientific findings.

6. High Price with No Guarantee of Results

Among the options available in the pet aisle, this one consistently sits at the top in terms of price. It’s often marketed as a high-tier solution meant to deliver exceptional benefits for your four-legged family member. Naturally, when someone invests this much, they expect dependable performance and a smooth experience every time the bag is opened.

However, that expectation doesn’t always match reality. While some households report positive observations—such as a shinier coat or increased enthusiasm during mealtime—others are left feeling frustrated. Despite careful feeding routines, they’ve observed unusual behaviors, lack of interest during feeding time, and increased visits to their local animal clinic. In some cases, bags remain untouched or partially used, leading to waste that stings even more considering the amount paid.

The unpredictability of how it works for different breeds and life stages is one of the biggest concerns. Not every animal responds the same way, and even those who once accepted it eagerly may grow disinterested with a new batch. When families are spending premium dollars, they’re not just paying for what’s inside the bag—they’re buying into peace of mind, consistency, and trust.

In short, while the marketing makes big promises, the real-world experience varies widely. For something at this price point, most would expect a lot more reliability and fewer unwelcome surprises.

7. Palatability Issues

One of the more frustrating experiences for those who care for animals is when a furry friend suddenly loses interest in their regular bowlful—especially when nothing appears to have changed on the surface. What was once eagerly devoured now sits untouched, causing confusion and concern.

This shift in enthusiasm can catch many off guard. It’s not uncommon to hear reports of animals giving their meal a quick sniff, only to wander off uninterested. In other cases, they may outright refuse to eat from a fresh supply that looks identical to the last one.

Often, this disinterest coincides with trying out a new variety or purchasing a new batch that, while seemingly the same on the label, carries subtle differences in aroma, texture, or richness. Even the smallest shift in production can be enough to throw off those with more particular preferences.

For some, this change in behavior is immediate. Others gradually become less enthusiastic over time—eating less and less until they begin to avoid the dish altogether. This can lead to wasted bowls, added stress, and concern about whether the current option is truly suitable for them.

The challenge intensifies when caregivers have invested in what’s considered a premium offering—expecting consistent results, only to find themselves in a frustrating cycle of trial and error. Repeated attempts to reintroduce the same variety may fail, prompting many to explore different options entirely.

In short, if your four-legged friend starts skipping meals or shows sudden disinterest after what seemed to be a reliable option, you’re not alone. This kind of feeding behavior has become a common point of discussion among those aiming to provide high-quality nourishment—and finding it harder than expected to keep their companion satisfied.

8. Transitioning Can Be Tricky

Due to its rich, dense formula, switching to this brand from another can be tough on their system.

Many users report digestive issues even when transitioning slowly over 7–10 days.

Pets with delicate digestion or past issues tolerating certain meals may have a tough time adjusting. This often turns into a frustrating—and pricey—game of trial and error.

9. Ingredient Sourcing and Manufacturing Concerns

They once had an outstanding reputation for sourcing ingredients in Canada and preparing meals at their NorthStar kitchen. However, after opening a facility in Kentucky, some customers noticed a decline in quality.

Complaints since the U.S. move:

• Poor digestibility

• Changes in kibble appearance and smell

• More reports of food intolerance

• Differences in ingredient lists

While Champion Petfoods (the parent company) claims the U.S. facility maintains high standards, many owners’ feedback tells a different story.

10. No Veterinary Diet Line

Unlike some top-tier options on the market, this particular offering does not include formulas that are developed specifically for individuals facing chronic wellness concerns or needing targeted nutritional adjustments.

For those dealing with challenges like organ strain, mobility limitations, or complex dietary triggers, finding something tailored to those needs is crucial. Unfortunately, this option doesn’t cater to such requirements. There are no blends tailored for joint support, lower-fat needs, or controlled nutrient levels often necessary for long-term wellness plans.

This makes it a less ideal pick for households where individualized meals are a priority due to prior health history, aging-related demands, or ongoing nutritional monitoring. In such cases, alternatives that are developed with therapeutic intent or tested through clinical trials may offer more confidence and direction.

11. No Third-Party Feeding Trials

While Orijen touts “biologically appropriate” formulas, it doesn’t participate in AAFCO feeding trials, which many vets consider a gold standard for pet nutrition.

Why this matters:

• Feeding trials prove a formula isn’t just balanced on paper—it actually performs well when put to the test in real life.

• Without them, there’s less evidence the food performs well over time.

12. Customer Service Woes

Many users have voiced frustration with the brand’s customer support.

Common issues:

• Lack of timely response

• No refunds for opened food

• No clear answers about formula changes

• Vague responses about ingredient sourcing

For a premium brand, poor communication can be a real letdown—especially when you’re trying to resolve a health concern or food issue.

13. Lawsuits and Legal Issues

This manufacturer has been the focus of several legal disputes over the years, including high-profile class action filings.

Main concerns raised include:

• Allegations regarding the presence of heavy metals and potentially harmful substances in their product line

• Claims that promotional materials may have misrepresented what was actually included in each batch

• Ongoing debates about the overall quality and sourcing methods used during production

Although these legal actions haven’t led to any final judgments or forced product removals, the situation did create uncertainty among those who were previously confident in the company’s reputation. Public trust took a noticeable hit, and discussions about safety and transparency became more prominent in online forums and community reviews.

For those paying close attention to what goes into their animal companion’s bowl, this history of courtroom attention has made them more cautious.

14. Food Recalls: Past and Present

So far, there hasn’t been a widespread safety withdrawal in the United States tied to this producer, which many view as a positive sign.

That said, hesitation still lingers among animal lovers. Concerns continue due to:

• Ongoing discussions linking certain ingredient exclusions to heart-related conditions

• Production facility shifts that raised questions about consistency

• Legal matters that have brought the company into the spotlight

While a clean withdrawal record speaks well of oversight efforts, it’s just one piece of the bigger puzzle. How a company maintains quality and responds to concerns says just as much—if not more—than whether or not it’s ever pulled a batch from shelves.

15. Small Breeds and Puppies May Struggle

Some formulas are just too rich for small dogs or puppies.

Reported issues:

• Small breeds often leave their bowls untouched.

• Richness causing tummy upsets

• Large kibble size hard for puppies to chew

While they offer formulas for younger ones, these may still be too rich for those with sensitive stomachs.

16. Mixed Reviews from Vets

Veterinarians have mixed opinions about this brand. Some appreciate the high-quality protein and whole ingredients it offers. Others express concerns about:

• Lack of AAFCO feeding trials

• Elevated protein levels can be challenging for senior pets.

• Grain-free DCM links

It’s always smart to check with your veterinarian—especially if your pet has any medical issues.

17. Limited Availability in Some Areas

It’s not available at every store, and some varieties can be tough to find nearby.

This limited availability can be frustrating when you run low or want to skip waiting for a shipment.

18. Potential Allergen Triggers

Even though they avoid common fillers, some of their formulas include ingredients that can trigger allergies.

Examples:

• Eggs

• Lentils

• Chicken or fish proteins

• Peas (linked to DCM and sensitivities)

If your pet has allergies, always check the ingredient list carefully.

19. Confusing Labeling

Some users find the labeling and marketing language around it to be a bit too technical or confusing.

Phrases like “WholePrey ratios” or “biologically appropriate” may sound impressive—but don’t clearly explain what’s inside or how it benefits them.

20. Bottom Line: Is Orijen the Right Choice?

It might be a fantastic choice for some—especially those who are active with strong digestion and no sensitivities. But for many others, it can cause issues ranging from minor stomach upset to more serious complications.

When to avoid Orijen:

• Your pet has a sensitive digestive system

• You want a grain-inclusive diet

• You need vet-recommended or special formulas

• You’re budget-conscious

• Your pup is a picky eater

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to what you feed your furry companion. This brand has its loyal fans and vocal critics—and both sides have valid points.

If you’re thinking about trying it, start with a small amount, watch your buddy closely, and check in with your veterinarian. And remember: just because it’s premium doesn’t mean it’s perfect.