Save up to 35% on your next cat food order

Acana vs Orijen Cat Food: Our Detailed comparison in 2021

 * This post contains affiliate links and we will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on our links.

Acana vs Orijen Cat Food

This is our in-depth comparison of Acana Vs Orijen Cat Food.

As a cat owner, it is your job to offer the best possible care for your feline companions. They have a plethora of requirements, not the least of which is the appropriate food that you must provide. The food preferences of cats vary, and depending on their size and age, they may require more assistance with their meals.[1] It is critical to take the time to conduct research in order to find the one that best suits their preferences and requirements.

Acana and Orijen are two well-known premium brands. These two brands are similar, which makes sense given that they are both manufactured by the same company.

They use nearly identical ingredients in nearly identical amounts and are governed by nearly identical nutritional philosophy.

For a better understanding of the differences between Acana and Orijen cat food, it is best to swiftly discuss and compare their respective products.

About Acana: a Short Background and Info:

The goal of Acana, a Canadian-owned company, is to produce “biologically suitable” pet diets for dogs and cats. That means, each of its food is created to closely resemble the type of diet that your cat would consume in the wild, with an emphasis on using clean, natural products whenever possible.

The fact that all of Acana’s products contain at least 75% animal sources makes the company one of the highest-protein cat foods available on the market. It also incorporates at least six different types of meat into each recipe, recognizing that cats did not evolve to eat the same animal at every meal.

Who owns Acana?

Acana is owned by Champion Petfoods, a company situated in the Canadian province of Alberta. The company manufactures all of its food in Canada, using only the freshest ingredients purchased from local suppliers.

What types of Food Acana Makes?

The company manufactures dry kibble for cats of all ages and stages of life, from kittens to senior ones. All of its recipes are extraordinarily high in protein and low in carbs, and it places a strong focus on using as many different kinds of meat as possible in its preparation.

Acana does not yet offer any canned or wet foods, as these items must be properly cooked prior to consumption. The majority of Acana’s meats are either fresh or raw, which the company feels that it helps to preserve the nutrients contained therein.

All of its food products adhere to the company’s “biologically suitable ” philosophy. However, a few recipes do incorporate a small number of high-quality grains, which are not included in the majority of the recipes listed here.

What Are Acana’s  Ingredients?

Read the label of any Acana product and you’ll notice that meat constitutes the majority of the food.

These meats range from common ingredients in cat food, such as chicken and turkey, to more exotic ingredients , such as duck and quail, which are not commonly seen in cat food.

Almost all of Acana’s recipes feature fish of some type , and most of them include multiple different types of fish.

These are also not low-quality fish; there are high-quality species such as haddock, halibut, flounder, and mackerel among them.

All of Acana’s fruits and vegetables are of exceptionally high quality, and the company’s recipes do not contain any corn, wheat, or soy.

Instead, it makes use of ingredients such as cranberries, spinach, carrots, and other vegetables.

However, because cats are carnivores, Acana acknowledges that the number of fruits and vegetables that your cat need is at best minimal. If you look at the ingredients list, you’ll normally find them near the bottom of the list.

Who is the targeted customers for Acana?

Acana is a high-end brand aimed at cat owners who are willing to go to any length to ensure that their cats remain healthy.

The fact that it is not a cheap food, and that it is not carried in many stores, means that it might be difficult to find.

Fortunately, the majority of Acana’s customers are pretty well-informed about their cat’s nutritional requirements, which the company relies on. And unless you believe that your cat should be fed a diet that is just as diverse as your own, this is not the food for you. Acana understands that cats are carnivores, and their foods should be customised to meet their needs.

Given the fact that Acana exclusively produces dry kibble, and also doesn’t have recipes specifically formulated for senior cats, their food is not the best choice for cats who have damaged teeth or gum disease.

However,  Acana food may have a positive effect on your cat teeth as the crunchy kibble can assist in cleaning cats’ teeth, which can prevent dental problems from occurring in the first place.

Popular Acana Cat Food Recipes

ACANA Regionals Wild Atlantic Dry Cat Food

Acana Wild Atlantic is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a food that’s high in omega fatty acids. Several wild-caught fish, such as redfish, hake, and herring, are used in its preparation, each of which is extremely high in antioxidants and beneficial to the body.

Consequently, it is a fantastic choice for younger cats since it has all of the nutrients necessary for strengthening brain function, boosting immune response, and ensuring that they have proper eyesight as they develop. Also this product is high in lean protein (36 percent), which means that it should help your cat grow into a healthy and robust adult.

This is also a fantastic product to consider if you want to assist your cat in losing weight, as it is high in protein. It has the potential to be easily digestible and would promote a healthier digestive tract as well as an improved immune system.

It does, however, have a very strong fish odor, which you are unlikely to find as pleasant as your cat will find it to be.

Acana Grasslands for Cats

If you’re looking for a meal that you can provide to your cat over a long period of time, this may be the best option.

The Acana Grasslands for All Life Stages is well-known for serving and utilizing fresh products such as duck, grass-fed lamb, whole eggs, and freshwater fish.

These ideal ingredients would provide your cat with daily raw protein while also assisting them in avoiding a variety of disorders.

The company claims that all of its food are prepared with the freshest ingredients.

It comprises 75 percent of various types of meat and 25 percent of vegetables, fruits, and other plants, making it a comprehensive and balanced meal for your cat.

In this product, you will not find additives to be concerned about, and there would also be no potatoes, cereals, or gluten.

Aside from that, there are additional supplements added, such as copper, zinc, and choline. All of this would provide your cat with the necessary nutrition that they require.

It is completely safe and is advised for cats of all ages, including kittens and pregnant cats.

However, some cats may find it unappealing food and will turn up their noses at it.

Acana Regionals Meadowland for Cats

In order to provide your cat with enough protein and essential amino acids, Acana Meadowlands incorporates chicken, turkey, and trout as its protein sources.

All of those components are also favorites of most cats, so it’s probable that your cat will gobble up this treat.

In addition to using lean cuts of meat, this food makes use of a variety of animal byproducts. All of the ground-up bone and internal organs that your cat doesn’t normally get from commercial diets, and which are a vital component of any cat’s natural diet, are provided to him in this way.

However, Because of the large number of additional components, this is not suggested if your cat is prone to allergies. although, it can be generally considered as a safe food for cats who have high levels of energy and are quite active in their daily activities.

Also, Due to the fact that it is something new for them to experience, its flavor may be delicious for cats.

About  Orijen: a Short Background and Info:

Many cat owners who want to address the needs of their sensitive kitties choose Orijen Cat Food as their preferred choice. In the event that your cat has a food sensitivity of any kind, Orijen would offer a specific meal that you could consider trying out.

They are developing customized meals to meet the specific nutritional requirements of your cat. This is the primary reason why they have earned the trust of so many customers over the course of their 25-year history.

It is their goal to ensure that your cats receive the optimum amount of nutrients from their formulations and recipes by adhering to a scientifically appropriate mindset. They are dedicated to provide the best possible formula and only use the freshest ingredients available. The fresh organs, meat and other sources of protein that they use are sufficient for cats to maintain their normal lifestyles as well as their nutritional requirements.

Who owns Orijen?

Orijen Brand is owned by Champion Petfoods Company , which is still in operation to our present day . Their stores are available in more than 70 countries around the world. A variety of products are available for both dogs and cats.

All of their meals are prepared in an exclusive kitchen in the province of Alberta. And although they are situated in Oakville, Ontario, their freeze-dried products are produced at a different facility there as well.

What Kinds of Ingredients Does Orijen Use?

Orijen incorporates the same ingredients as Acana does: fresh, locally sourced meats and plants grown in Alberta’s fertile agricultural and ranch regions.

There are not a significant difference in ingredient quality between the two foods, but orijen often incorporate more high-quality ingredients than Acana.

 What Kind of Food Orijen Makes?

Orijen, like Acana, solely produces high-protein kibble and does not offer wet foods. They have kibbles for every stage of life, as well as a couple dry kibble for specific diets like a grain-free or healthy weight formula.

Acana and Orijen’s recipes differ, although they all appear to be based on the same concept. Acana, for example, offers a line called “Bountiful Catch,” while Orijen has one called “Six Fish,” both of which are seafood-based and use at least six different varieties of fish.

We don’t know for sure, but it’s possible that the kitchen prepares each recipe in the same manner and merely alters the amount of meat used for each.

Who is the targeted customers for Acana?

Orijen’s target demographic is similar to Acana’s: consumers who want the best for their cat at any expense.

To be honest, we don’t understand why anyone would choose Acana over Orijen. It’s a little less expensive, but it’s still really expensive, so it doesn’t seem like many people in this price range would consider a few additional dollars a dealbreaker.

Popular Orijen Cat Food Recipes

Orijen High-Protein, Grain-Free Dry Cat & Kitten Food

It’s Orijen’s most basic formula, and it’s a terrific place to start for anyone interested in switching their cat over to Orijen food. It is also appropriate for cats of all ages and phases of life.

Despite the fact that it is a basic kibble, it contains a variety of ingredients that are not commonly seen in cat meals, such as turkey cartilage and ground chicken bones. This provides your cat with essential nutrients that are typically lacking in other meals.

Because it contains turkey, chicken, and fish, most cats will gobble it up without a second thought. Keep an eye on how they react to it, though, because the eggs contained within it may cause gastrointestinal discomfort.

Orijen High-Protein, Grain-Free Regional Red Dry Cat Food

A range of exotic red meats, such as goat, boar, and bison, are included in the Orijen Regional Red recipe. Most cats will never get the opportunity to hunt a bison, so this should be a thrilling experience for your cat.

It also makes use of the majority of the internal organs from those animals, ensuring that your cat receives all of the essential amino acids that those organs provide.

Dietary fiber, omega fatty acids, and a delightful fish flavor are all provided by freeze-dried cod liver oil, which is coated on the kibble.

But you should know that it is the only source of omega fatty acids in this recipe, so if your cats need more omega fatty acid, you may want to consider feeding your cat a recipe that contains more fish.

Are you looking for a high-quality meal for your cats? This is something that the Orijen original cat food can assist you with! There are a large number of people who are suggesting this food because of the high quality and outcomes it may provide for their cats. You will not be wasting your money because your cats will absolutely adore the taste of this.

It was developed in order to provide a variety of components important for your cat’s diet. They make use of ingredients that are sourced locally, such as turkey, free-range chicken, fish from local rivers, and whole eggs, among other things. It can be a high-protein food that is densely packed with nutrients to keep your kitties healthy.

The ingredients are assured to be fresh, and the dish is delectable enough to pique the interest of your feline companions.

Orijen High-Protein, Grain-Free Six Fish Dry Cat Food

You should start with a kibble that contains a high concentration of fish to ensure that your cat is getting the most omega fatty acids possible. Orijen Six Fish happens to offer several different versions that are perfect for your cat’s needs.

However, because that is the only form of meat available, your cat will not be able to consume any poultry or red meat. Even though this isn’t a significant concern, it does cause it to fall down a notch in comparison to some of Orijen’s more balanced offerings.

Nonetheless, Orijen makes up for it in part by stuffing the dish with high-quality fruits and vegetables such as carrots, apples, and pumpkin seeds, among others.

Acana and Orijen Recall history

Because both products are produced in the same kitchen, it stands to reason that their recall histories would be identical. In this particular instance, there has only been a single event involving either product.

When Orijen had to recall cat meals it had delivered to Australia after several cats grew ill or died after eating them in 2008, the company was criticized. However, after additional research, it was discovered that the problem was not related to the food at all.

At the time, the Australian government mandated that imported pet meals be subjected to gamma radiation in order to eliminate any microorganisms present. As a result of the radiation, the amount of vitamin A in the meal decreased, and free radicals were released, which proved to be a dangerous combination.

It appears as though these two brands’ food are among the safest food on the market today, given that the lone recall involving each brand was caused by an event beyond their control.

Acana vs Orijen Cat food: Head to Head Battle

There will almost certainly be more resemblance than distinctions in any comparison between the two brands. For the purposes of determining a winner, we placed the two Brands against one another in a number of categories.

Ingredients

When it comes to creating their formulations, both Acana and Orijen employ the exact same ingredients. The fact that their products are made using ingredients that are local to the Alberta region of Canada makes sense.

The most noticeable difference is that Orijen appears to contain a higher concentration of those components than Acana ( especially true for meat ingredients). It is entirely up to you whether or not this is significant.

Price

Both feeds are incredibly expensive, and they are consistently ranked among the most expensive cat foods available. Orijen, on the other hand, is a touch more expensive than Acana.

There’s a solid explanation for this, though. It contains more meat, and meat is by far the most important factor influencing the price of cat food. As a result, while you will pay more for Orijen, there is a considerable possibility that you will find it to be well worth it.

After all, no one who purchases Acana is going to be a savvy consumer in the first place.

Overall

It’s practically impossible to distinguish between these two brands. Orijen is unquestionably a step up in quality, but it is also a step up in price – it is that simple.

Are you prepared to spend a few extra dollars to get a little more meat on your cats’ plate? When picking between Orijen and Acana, this is pretty much the only question you have to answer.

Overall Winner

Orijen and Acana are two of the best high-protein cat foods on the market. Both products are manufactured by the same company, and they both adhere to the same principle of feeding your pet based on what they would consume in the wild.

Orijen is slightly more expensive than the other two options, although both are fairly pricey.

It also has more meat on the inside, which, in our judgment, makes the price totally worth it.

If you like to feed your cat wet food, you’ll have to go elsewhere because neither brand offers canned meals.

Their kibbles, on the other hand, include all of the nutrients that your cat requires to be healthy, so supplementing them with wet food is unlikely to be necessary.

Anyone with the means to spend money on a high-end meal like Acana can probably afford to spend a little more money on the slightly better Orijen, therefore we see no reason not to suggest it here.

Picture of JOHN JOSEPH

JOHN JOSEPH

John Joseph is a nutritionist, Cat lover who is passionate about helping fellow Cat lovers to learn about feline nutrition. His aim is to raise awareness among cat's parents about what is the nutritional requirements of their furry friend in different conditions and circumstances.

Save up to 35% on your next cat food order!

We have partnered  with Chewy.com to offer the best deal on wide array of high quality cat food products to our visitors. click the button below which will take you to their exclusive discount page.