If you're a pet parent who prioritizes quality, you likely know all about Orijen. The brand is famous for its "biologically appropriate" philosophy, packing its recipes with high-quality, fresh, and regional ingredients that mimic a natural diet. It's the goal for many who want their pets to thrive on high-protein, grain-free food.
But whether you're looking for a different price point, a specific formula for a sensitive pet, or just want to explore great alternatives with a similar commitment to nutrition, there are plenty of other incredible brands out there. Here are 23 standout pet food brands that Orijen fans should have on their radar.
As Orijen's sibling brand, Acana shares the same biologically appropriate philosophy, using fresh, regional ingredients from Canada. Their formulas are rich in meat and protein but are often available at a slightly lower price point, generally ranging from $40-$70 for a 25-pound bag. This makes it a fantastic choice for pet owners who want top-tier nutrition that's a little more wallet-friendly without compromising on quality or ingredient transparency.
Shop now at acana.com
Blue Buffalo's Wilderness line is designed to reflect an ancestral diet, offering high-protein and grain-free formulas filled with real meat, fruits, and veggies. It's more widely available and typically more affordable than Orijen, with bags priced between $30-$60. The brand focuses on natural ingredients fortified with essential vitamins and minerals, perfect for pet parents who want a reliable, quality food they can easily find at most pet stores.
Shop now at bluebuffalo.com
Known for its protein-rich recipes and unique flavor combinations, Taste of the Wild draws inspiration from a pet's natural diet. You'll find formulas featuring ingredients like roasted venison, smoked salmon, and wild boar. With prices around $40-$70, it strikes a great balance between quality and cost. If your pet is a picky eater or you just want to add some exciting new flavors to their bowl, this brand is an excellent alternative.
Shop now at tasteofthewildpetfood.com
Wellness CORE is a premium, grain-free line that puts protein first. Its recipes are packed with real meats and nutrient-dense superfoods, along with probiotics to support gut health. Priced similarly to Orijen at about $50-$80 a bag, it's geared toward pet owners who take a holistic approach to their pet's health and wellness, focusing on everything from digestion to a shiny coat.
Shop now at wellnesspetfood.com
Hailing from New Zealand, Ziwi Peak offers air-dried raw and wet foods that are about as close to a natural diet as you can get. Their recipes feature incredibly high levels of meat, organs, and bone, all ethically sourced and minimally processed to preserve nutrients. While it sits at a higher price point (often above $60), it’s perfect for pet parents committed to a raw or raw-alternative diet without the mess of home preparation.
Shop now at ziwipeak.com
Farmina's Natural & Delicious (N&D) line combines high-quality, ethically sourced ingredients with scientific research to create balanced pet food. With formulas featuring ancestral grains, pumpkin, or grain-free options, their protein-rich recipes are priced similarly to Orijen ($45-$75). This Italian brand is ideal for those who appreciate science-backed nutrition that still feels wholesome and natural.
Shop now at farmina.com
If your pet has a sensitive stomach, Canidae PURE is your go-to. This line focuses on limited-ingredient, grain-free diets that are gentle on the digestive system without skimping on quality nutrition. Made with just 7-10 key ingredients, it makes pinpointing dietary triggers much easier. Prices are very approachable at around $30-$60, offering a premium solution for pets with allergies or sensitivities.
Shop now at canidae.com
Nulo is a strong competitor that emphasizes high-protein formulas, low-glycemic ingredients, and guaranteed probiotics for digestive support. Their Freestyle line often features unique proteins like turkey, cod, and duck, keeping mealtime interesting. Priced around $40-$70, Nulo appeals to owners of active pets who want to support lean muscle mass and healthy energy levels.
Shop now at nulo.com
For pet parents who care deeply about sustainability and transparent sourcing, Open Farm is a game-changer. They use certified humanely raised meats and non-GMO produce, and you can even trace the origin of every ingredient in your bag. With pricing comparable to Orijen ($50-$80), it’s the perfect brand for ethically minded consumers who want to feed their pet a high-quality, clean diet.
Shop now at openfarmpet.com
As its name suggests, Holistic Select's primary focus is on digestive health. Their recipes include prebiotics, probiotics, natural fiber, and digestive enzymes to help your pet get the most from their food. Offering both grain-free and grain-inclusive options, it’s a more budget-friendly brand at $25-$50, making it a stellar choice for owners looking for functional nutrition that supports a healthy gut.
Shop now at holisticselect.com
Merrick offers a wide variety of Texas-made, grain-free recipes that always start with deboned meat as the first ingredient. Their formulas often include high levels of omega fatty acids for a healthy coat and real whole foods like sweet potatoes and blueberries. Priced affordably at $30-$60, it's a trusted brand for consistent quality and great taste.
Shop now at merrickpetcare.com
Primal specializes in raw nutrition, offering frozen and freeze-dried formulas that mimic a true ancestral diet. Made with sustainably sourced, human-grade ingredients like organic produce and antibiotic-free meats, this brand is an excellent choice for pet parents committed to raw feeding. The pricing is premium (often over $60), but it delivers top-tier, minimally processed nutrition.
Shop now at primalpetfoods.com
Another leader in the raw food space, Stella & Chewy's focuses on freeze-dried and frozen raw meals, toppers, and nutrient-dense kibble. Their recipes are protein-rich and feature responsibly sourced, grass-fed, cage-free, or wild-caught proteins. Like Primal and Ziwi Peak, it comes at a premium price point but is perfect for pet owners looking to incorporate the benefits of raw food into their pet's diet, either as a full meal or a mixer.
Shop now at stellaandchewys.com
Earthborn Holistic is a budget-friendly option ($25-$50) that still delivers high-quality, natural ingredients in both grain-free and grain-inclusive formulas. They prioritize holistic nutrition with a balance of wholesome proteins, fruits, and vegetables. They also stand out for their commitment to sustainability, with recyclable packaging and eco-conscious practices.
Shop now at earthbornholistic.com
Fromm is a fifth-generation family-owned brand with a reputation for consistency and craftsmanship. They offer a huge variety of recipes - including their popular Four-Star line, which allows for rotational feeding - in both grain-free and grain-inclusive options. Priced between $40-$70, Fromm is for the pet owner who values tradition and trust, delivering artisanal quality in every bag.
Shop now at frommfamily.com
Can't decide between kibble and raw? Instinct Raw Boost offers the best of both worlds. Their formulas combine high-protein kibble with bits of freeze-dried raw meat mixed in, providing a nutrient-rich boost pets love. It’s an easy and affordable way ($40-$70) to introduce raw ingredients into your pet's diet without a full commitment, boosting palatability and nutritional value.
Shop now at instinctpetfood.com
Nutro focuses on clean, simple nutrition with its non-GMO philosophy. The Ultra line features a "superfood medley" with a trio of lean proteins like chicken, lamb, and salmon. It's a highly accessible brand in terms of both price ($30-$50) and availability, making it a reliable and trustworthy choice for pet owners seeking clean formulas without artificial additives.
Shop now at nutro.com
Made for active and working dogs, Victor has a cult following for its nutrient-dense formulas that promote stamina and muscle development. Every kibble formula includes their VPRO Blend, a mix of prebiotics, probiotics, and minerals for digestive and immune health. Priced affordably from $30-$60, it's the ideal food for high-energy dogs that need fuel for their performance.
Shop now at victorpetfood.com
If you're looking for Orijen-level quality on a strict budget, A Pup's Choice is worth checking out. This brand delivers natural, grain-free recipes with real meat at a very competitive price point of around $20-$40 per bag. Their straightforward approach focuses on essential high-quality ingredients, making premium nutrition more accessible for everyone.
Shop now at apupschoice.com
A pioneer in the raw food game, Steve’s Real Food offers unprocessed, whole-food diets made with human-grade, sustainably sourced ingredients. Their formulas often include unique superfoods like raw goat milk and coconut oil to support overall wellness. With pricing ranging from $60-$90, it's a top-tier brand for pet owners dedicated to a truly natural and ancestral eating plan.
Shop now at stevesrealfood.com
Petcurean's GO! SOLUTIONS line is crafted by a team of nutritionists to solve specific dietary issues, from food sensitivities to weight control. These high-protein, nutrient-dense recipes are made with premium-quality meats and veggies. Priced from $30-$50, it's a great choice for pets with particular needs or owners who want a nutritionist-formulated diet.
Shop now at petcurean.com
Another popular line from Victor, Select Gold, features high-protein, grain-free formulas aimed at active pets. Recipes often center on premium proteins like beef, chicken, or fish to support lean muscle and sustained energy. It sits at a similar budget-friendly price point of $30-$55, offering exceptional value for pets who live an energetic lifestyle.
Shop now at victorpetfood.com/products/all-products
For the ultimate customizable diet, fresh food services like The Farmer's Dog or Ollie are unbeatable. These companies deliver pre-portioned, human-grade meals tailored to your pet's specific needs right to your door. While the pricing is higher (often calculated per day), they offer unparalleled quality, freshness, and convenience, making them a fantastic modern alternative to Orijen's philosophy of using fresh, superior ingredients.
Shop now at thefarmersdog.com
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