Acana vs Orijen
Acana against Orijen, measured across 18 and 12 kibble recipes: 34.1% vs 44.0% protein on a dry matter basis, 29% vs 19% starch, and 0 vs 0 FDA recalls in the last five years.
Acana and Orijen are both made by Champion Petfoods, so this is a choice between two ranges from one company rather than between two companies. The differences below are in the recipes, not the kitchen.
How They Differ
- Orijen runs higher in protein: 44.0% against 34.1% on a dry matter basis, averaged across the kibble we review from each.
- Orijen is lower in starch, about 19% of the food as fed against 29%.
- Orijen is more calorie dense, 459 kcal per cup on average against 385, so its portions run smaller for the same dog.
- Orijen leans grain-free: 92% of its kibble recipes against 67%.
Side by Side
| Measure | Acana | Orijen | Average kibble |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kibble recipes compared | 18 | 12 | 1,540 in total |
| Protein, dry matter | 34.1%30.7% to 37.5% | 44.0%43.2% to 47.7% | 30.4% |
| Fat, dry matter | 19.0%11.4% to 21.6% | 19.6%14.8% to 22.7% | 16.0% |
| Starch, as fedEstimated, not measured. It is what is left of the guaranteed analysis once protein, fat, fiber and moisture are taken out, with ash assumed at 6%. That leftover is mostly starch but also carries sugars and the fiber a crude-fiber test misses, so read it as a close estimate rather than an exact figure. Measured as fed, the same basis as the bag. | 29%19% to 32% | 19%11% to 22% | 37% |
| Calories per cup | 385344 to 413 | 459401 to 494 | 398 |
| Meat, fish or egg listed first | 100% | 92% | |
| Grain-free recipes | 67% | 92% | |
| Most used proteins | Fish 56%, Chicken 33%, Egg 33% | Fish 100%, Chicken 58%, Turkey 58% | |
| Recipes with corn, wheat, soy | Corn 0%, Wheat 0%, Soy 0% | Corn 0%, Wheat 0%, Soy 0% | |
| By-products | 0% | 0% | |
| FDA recalls, last 5 years | None | None | |
| Made by | Champion Petfoods | Champion Petfoods |
Brand figures are averages over every kibble recipe we review from that brand, with the lowest and highest recipe underneath. Freeze-dried, frozen, wet food and toppers are left out so the numbers compare like with like, and so are prescription diets, which are fed for a medical condition on a vet's advice. Protein and fat are on a dry matter basis, starch and calories as fed.
The Closest Matching Recipes
Brand averages hide the recipe you would actually buy. These are the pairs that come closest on protein, fat and starch, preferring recipes built on the same main protein, which is where a like-for-like choice gets made.
Acana Highest Protein Appalachian Ranch Recipe Dry Dog Food
Protein 38%
Fat 19%
Starch 26%
Orijen Amazing Grains, Regional Red Dry Dog Food
Protein 43%
Fat 21%
Starch 22%
Compare these two in full
Which Fits Your Dog
- For an active or working dog, or one that needs to hold muscle, Orijen puts more protein in each bowl.
- For a dog that gains weight easily, Acana is less calorie dense, so a normal-looking portion carries fewer calories.
- If you are cutting back on starch, Orijen starts lower.
- If your vet has suggested a grain-inclusive diet, Acana has more of those recipes to choose from.
Recall History
FDA recall notices from the last five years that name the brand or its maker. Older notices sit in each brand's archive below: still on the record, but not counted, since a recall that old says more about how a company used to run than how it runs now.
Acana
No FDA recalls for Acana in the last five years.
Orijen
No FDA recalls for Orijen in the last five years.
About the Brands
Acana
ACANA is a dry and wet dog and cat food brand made by Champion Petfoods, which also makes ORIJEN. Champion has been part of Mars Petcare since 2023 and operates as an independent business unit within Mars Pet Nutrition. The company says ACANA recipes contain at least 50% premium animal ingredients and no added soy, corn, tapioca or wheat.
Based in Edmonton, Alberta. Every Acana food we review
Orijen
Orijen is a premium dog and cat food brand made by Champion Petfoods, which also makes Acana. The brand is known for high-protein recipes, and the company says its foods are built around WholePrey ingredients such as meat, organs and bone.
Based in Edmonton, Alberta, since 2005. Every Orijen food we review
More Brand Comparisons
How we compare: every figure comes from the guaranteed analysis and ingredient list of recipes we review, not from the brands' own claims. Starch is our estimate, since no manufacturer prints it. Figures refreshed September 29, 2026.