Instinct vs Orijen
Instinct against Orijen, measured across 38 and 14 kibble recipes: 31.0% vs 38.9% protein and 32% vs 20% starch, as fed.
How They Differ
- Orijen runs higher in protein: 38.9% against 31.0% as fed, averaged across the kibble we review from each.
- Orijen is lower in starch, about 20% of the food as fed against 32%.
Side by Side
Protein and fat:
| Measure | Instinct | Orijen | Average kibble |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kibble recipes compared | 38 | 14 | 1,742 in total |
| Protein, as fed | 31.0%24.0% to 37.5% | 38.9%38.0% to 42.0% | 27.2% |
| Fat, as fed | 17.5%11.0% to 21.5% | 16.9%13.0% to 20.0% | 14.4% |
| 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. | 32%22% to 40% | 20%11% to 24% | 37% |
| Calories per cup | 463368 to 537 | 459401 to 494 | 398 |
| Meat, fish or egg listed first | 100% | 93% | |
| Grain-free recipes | 71% | 79% | |
| Most used proteins | Fish 79%, Chicken 74%, Turkey 58% | Fish 100%, Chicken 64%, Turkey 64% | |
| 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 | None2 older in the archive | None | |
| Made by | Agrolimen | 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. Everything is as fed, the way the bag prints it; the switch above the table shows protein and fat on a dry matter basis instead, which takes the water out so foods of different moisture compare evenly. Why we use 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.
Instinct Original Grain-Free Recipe with Real Salmon Dry Dog Food
Protein 38%
Fat 21%
Starch 22%
Orijen Amazing Grains, Regional Red Dry Dog Food
Protein 38%
Fat 18%
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.
- If you are cutting back on starch, Orijen starts lower.
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.
Instinct
No FDA recalls in our record for Instinct in the last five years.
Archive: 2 older recalls
Instinct®. Instinct® Raw Chicken Formula for dogs
Instinct® Raw. Pet food
Orijen
No FDA recalls in our record for Orijen in the last five years.
About the Brands
Instinct
Instinct is made by Nature's Variety, which does business as Instinct Pet Food and is headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri. The brand is known for raw pet food, including frozen raw meals, freeze-dried raw meals, raw toppers and kibble mixed with freeze-dried raw pieces, along with wet food for dogs and cats.
Based in St. Louis, Missouri, since 2002. Every Instinct 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 October 20, 2026.
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