Orijen Dry Cat Food Guardian 8 Recipe Review
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Review of Orijen Dry Cat Food Guardian 8 Recipe
According to our data, this Orijen recipe provides complete & balanced nutrition for the maintenance of adult cats. In other words, this formula is AAFCO approved.
Orijen Dry Cat Food Guardian 8 Recipe is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Cat Food Nutrient Profiles for the maintenance of adult cats.
Review of Ingredients
In our review of Orijen Dry Cat Food Guardian 8 Recipe, we'll examine all 56 ingredients and highlight the nutritional contribution of each ingredient.
While the first few ingredients typically dominate the recipe's composition, ingredients in small quantities can still have a meaningful impact on the overall nutritional profile of the recipe.
Chicken is a high-quality source of lean protein, providing essential amino acids for muscle growth, healthy skin, and coat, and supporting your cat's overall well-being.
Salmon is a high-quality source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which support your cat's muscle development, healthy skin and coat, and overall well-being.
Turkey is a lean, highly digestible protein source that provides essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals for your cat's overall health and well-being.
Whole Herring is a nutrient-dense fish that provides high-quality protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which support your cat's overall health, skin, and coat. It is also a natural source of essential vitamins and minerals.
Chicken Liver is a nutrient-dense organ meat that provides essential vitamins, minerals, and amino acids for your cat's overall health. This unique ingredient supports muscle growth, healthy skin and coat, and proper immune function.
Dehydrated Chicken is a high-quality source of protein that helps support your cat's muscle development and overall health. It provides essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals to help maintain your cat's overall health and vitality.
Dehydrated turkey is a lean source of high-quality protein that helps support your cat's muscle growth and maintenance.
Dehydrated Sardine is a high-quality source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which support a healthy skin and coat, as well as cognitive function in cats.
Dehydrated Chicken Liver is a highly palatable, nutrient-rich source of protein, vitamins, and minerals that support your cat's overall health and well-being.
Dehydrated egg is a high-quality source of protein and provides essential amino acids your cat needs.
Whole Red Lentil is a nutrient-dense legume that provides essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber for your cat's overall health. This ingredient also contains protein, offering additional support for muscle growth and maintenance.
Whole Pinto Beans are an excellent source of plant-based protein, fiber, and essential nutrients for your cat. They provide a steady source of energy, support healthy digestion, and contribute to maintaining a strong immune system.
Turkey Liver is a nutrient-rich organ meat that provides an excellent source of protein, vitamins, and minerals to support your cat's overall health and well-being.
Turkey Heart is a nutrient-dense organ meat that provides essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals, promoting your cat's overall health and well-being.
Turkey Gizzard is a nutrient-dense organ meat providing high-quality protein and essential nutrients like iron and zinc, supporting your cat's overall health.
Egg is a high-quality protein source that provides essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals for your cat's overall health. It supports strong muscles, a healthy immune system, and proper growth and development.
Rabbit is a lean and nutrient-dense protein source that supports your cat's muscle development and overall health, while providing a delicious taste they'll love.
Pollock oil is a rich source of Omega-3 fatty acids, which can help promote a shiny coat, healthy skin, and overall wellness in cats.
Whole Green Lentil is a nutritious ingredient in cat food that provides essential nutrients, including protein, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals. These nutrients contribute to your cat's overall health and well-being, supporting a healthy immune system, digestion, and weight management.
Whole Navy Bean is a natural source of fiber and essential nutrients, such as protein and complex carbohydrates, that contribute to your cat's overall health and vitality.
Whole Chickpea is a great source of protein, fiber, and essential nutrients like iron and B-vitamins, promoting digestive health and muscle development.
Whole peas are a source of plant-based protein and provide dietary fiber, supporting digestive health in your cat.
Ground Miscanthus Grass is a natural, fiber-rich ingredient that can support healthy digestion and promote regular bowel movements in cats. It is also a sustainable and eco-friendly option for pet food production.
Natural Chicken Flavor is a natural flavoring that enhances the taste of your cat's food, making it more palatable and enjoyable. It ensures that your cat receives a delicious and satisfying meal every time.
Chicken Fat is a high-quality source of essential fatty acids, such as omega-6, which support healthy skin and coat, as well as overall health and immune system function.
Chicken Heart is a rich source of protein, taurine, and essential nutrients for your cat's heart health and overall well-being.
Whole cranberries are used in cat food for their natural antioxidant properties and potential to support urinary tract health.
Choline chloride is an essential nutrient that aids in maintaining cellular function and overall health in cats.
Dried kelp is a natural source of essential vitamins, minerals, and trace elements that can help support your cat's immune system, thyroid function, and overall well-being.
Mixed Tocopherols are a type of vitamin E used as a natural preservative in cat food to maintain freshness and prolong shelf life.
Whole Pumpkin is a nutritious and fiber-rich ingredient that can support a cat's digestive health by helping to maintain regular bowel movements and minimize hairball formation.
Whole Butternut Squash is a nutrient-rich vegetable providing vitamins, minerals, and fiber for your cat's digestive health.
Collard Green is a nutrient-rich leafy green that provides cats with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants for optimal health and well-being.
Whole apple provides dietary fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants, supporting a healthy immune system.
Whole Pear is a natural source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals that helps support your cat's digestive health and overall well-being.
Zinc proteinate is a chelated form of zinc that is easier for cats to absorb, promoting skin and coat health, and aiding in immune function.
Vitamin E Supplement is an essential nutrient that plays a vital role in supporting your cat's immune system, skin health, and overall well-being. It also acts as a powerful antioxidant, protecting your cat's cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Dried chicory root is a natural source of inulin, a type of prebiotic fiber that promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut, aiding digestion and enhancing nutrient absorption.
Hydrolyzed Yeast is a highly digestible source of protein and amino acids that can support your cat's muscle development and overall health. It also contains beneficial nutrients, such as B vitamins and minerals, that contribute to a well-rounded diet.
Dried Brewers Yeast is a rich source of B-vitamins, amino acids, and minerals that support your cat's overall health. It also helps maintain a healthy skin and coat, as well as promoting a strong immune system.
Thiamine mononitrate is a source of Vitamin B1, essential for energy metabolism and nervous system function in cats.
Riboflavin (vitamin B2) is essential for your cat's growth and overall health, as it helps support energy production and the maintenance of a healthy coat and skin.
Niacin, also known as vitamin B3, is an essential nutrient that aids in energy metabolism and supports your cat's nervous system, skin, and coat health.
Calcium pantothenate is a form of vitamin B5, which is essential for energy production, metabolism, and supporting your cat's overall health.
Pyridoxine hydrochloride, also known as Vitamin B6, plays a vital role in your cat's metabolism, immune system function, and nerve health, ensuring their overall well-being.
Folic Acid is a B vitamin that is essential for your cat's health. It plays a crucial role in DNA synthesis, cell division, and the production of red blood cells. A deficiency in folic acid can lead to anemia and other health problems, making it an important ingredient in cat food.
A vitamin B12 supplement is an essential nutrient for your cat, supporting their nervous system, brain function, and red blood cell production.
Copper Proteinate is an easily absorbed form of copper that supports your cat's immune system, red blood cell formation, and connective tissue health.
Dried Bacillus coagulans fermentation product is a type of probiotic that can help maintain a healthy digestive system in your cat.
Turmeric is a natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant that may help support your cat's immune system and overall health.
Sarsaparilla Root is often used in traditional medicine for its potential anti-inflammatory properties.
Althea Root, also known as marshmallow root, is a natural ingredient used in cat food for its soothing properties. It can help support a healthy gastrointestinal system by providing mucilage, which forms a protective layer on the lining of the stomach and intestines, reducing inflammation and promoting overall digestive health.
Rose hip is rich in vitamin C and can support immune system health in cats.
Juniper Berry is a natural ingredient with antioxidant properties, helping to protect your cat's cells from damage caused by free radicals. It also has antimicrobial properties, which may support urinary tract health. However, only small amounts should be included in your cat's diet, as excessive amounts could lead to irritation.
Citric acid is a natural preservative that helps maintain the freshness and quality of your cat's food while also providing a tangy flavor that can stimulate your cat's appetite.
Rosemary Extract is a natural antioxidant and preservative that helps maintain the freshness and quality of your cat's food while also providing potential anti-inflammatory benefits.
Review of Guaranteed Analysis
Crude Protein (min) of 40.00%: The high protein content is primarily contributed by the first several ingredients listed, which include chicken, salmon, turkey, whole herring, chicken liver, dehydrated chicken, dehydrated turkey, dehydrated sardine, and dehydrated chicken liver. These animal-based ingredients are rich in protein, which is essential for a cat's muscle development and overall health. Dehydrated meats typically have a higher protein concentration because the moisture has been removed, making them a potent source of protein.
Crude Fat (min) of 18.00%: The fat content in this pet food is likely coming from the salmon, chicken fat, and pollock oil. Fats are crucial for a cat's diet as they provide energy and help in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. Chicken fat is a high-quality source of essential fatty acids, while salmon and pollock oil are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for skin and coat health.
Crude Fiber (max) of 4.00%: The fiber in the food is a bit lower, reflecting a diet that is more similar to a cat's natural carnivorous diet. However, fiber sources include ingredients like whole red lentils, whole pinto beans, whole green lentils, whole navy beans, whole chickpeas, whole peas, and ground miscanthus grass. These plant-based ingredients contribute to the dietary fiber content which aids in digestion and helps maintain a healthy gut.
Calories of 3980.00 per kg: The calorie content is a measure of the energy provided by the food. High-protein and fat ingredients like chicken, salmon, and chicken fat are calorie-dense, contributing to the overall caloric value of the food. This high energy content is suitable for active cats and helps to meet their metabolic needs.
Review of Affordability
According to our data, Orijen Dry Cat Food Guardian 8 Recipe costs approximately $6.71 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your cat.
| Adult Weight | Adult |
|---|---|
| 5 lbs | $36.14 |
| 10 lbs | $60.77 |
| 15 lbs | $82.37 |
| 20 lbs | $102.21 |
| 30 lbs | $138.53 |
| 40 lbs | $171.89 |
| 50 lbs | $203.20 |
| 60 lbs | $232.98 |
| 70 lbs | $261.53 |
| 80 lbs | $289.08 |
| 90 lbs | $315.78 |
| 100 lbs | $341.74 |
Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.
Summary of Customer Reviews
Customers who have switched to Orijen Dry Cat Food Guardian 8 Recipe have reported positive outcomes, such as a decrease in vomiting and improved litter box experiences. They appreciate the high-quality ingredients and the noticeable health benefits, such as better coat condition and overall happiness in their cats. Some customers have remarked on the higher price point but feel that the benefits to their cats' health make the investment worthwhile.
Cats transitioning to this food have shown enthusiasm, with some customers noting their pets' eagerness to eat and improved digestion. The food appears to be palatable to cats, with even picky eaters taking to it quickly. The inclusion of fresh or raw animal protein as the first ingredients is highly praised, and many have observed their cats waiting eagerly for mealtime.
A few customers have reported their cats needed time to adjust to the new food, with some instances of vomiting. However, these cases seem to be isolated, and many other reviews suggest that the food is generally well-received and beneficial for cats with various dietary needs, from kittens to seniors. Despite the occasional packaging issues and the desire for more resealable options for larger bags, the overall sentiment is that Orijen Dry Cat Food Guardian 8 Recipe is a high-quality choice for feline nutrition.
