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Trying to pick between Fromm vs. Orijen Dog Food? You’re not alone. Both are powerhouse brands with loyal followings, but they take very different approaches to canine nutrition.
Table of Contents
Fromm is one of America’s oldest family-run pet food companies, famous for small-batch quality and wholesome recipes. Orijen, meanwhile, is known for meat-rich, biologically appropriate meals that mimic what dogs would eat in the wild.
We compare recalls, ingredients, and formulas so you can find the best fit for your pup — because the right diet means more energy, a shinier coat, and a longer, happier life.
| Best For Puppies | Best For Adults | Best For Seniors |
|---|---|---|
 |  |  |
| Orijen Puppy | Orijen Original | Fromm Senior |
| View on Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon |
| Read Review | Read Review | Read Review |
Brand Backstory: Family Tradition vs. Wild Nutrition
A company’s origin story says a lot about its philosophy — whether it’s generations of craftsmanship or cutting-edge science. Let’s take a closer look.
Fromm
Founded in 1904 in Wisconsin, Fromm Family Foods has been crafting pet food for nearly a century. What started out as a dream to breed and farm the most beautiful Silver Foxes the world had ever seen soon developed into a tradition of research and development of animal health and nutrition products.
In the 1930s, Fromm developed the first canine distemper vaccine after much research into vaccinations for their farmed foxes. Then, by 1949, they had produced their first premium dry dog food that cooked meat and grains together to produce a high-quality kibble.
The company remains family-owned and operated, now in its fifth generation — a rarity in the modern pet food world.
The brand offers several product lines:
- Fromm Gold: Balanced, life-stage formulas with chicken, duck, or salmon.
- Fromm Four-Star Nutritionals: Gourmet rotation diets featuring unique proteins like duck, venison, or whitefish.
- Fromm Family Classics: Affordable, traditional recipes with wholesome grains.
- Fromm Pâté: Grain-free wet foods made with real meats and broth.
Fromm’s old-school quality control and focus on trusted sourcing have made it a favorite for pet parents seeking consistent, small-batch reliability over mass production.
Orijen
Orijen takes a very different approach, aiming to replicate what dogs would eat in nature.
Manufactured by Champion Petfoods in Canada and the U.S., Orijen has become synonymous with “biologically appropriate nutrition.” For over 30 years, the brand has built its recipes around three pillars:
- Biologically appropriate: Diets rich in meat, organs, and bone.
- Regionally sourced ingredients: From trusted North American farms and fisheries.
- In-house kitchens: Strict control from start to finish.
Orijen’s focus on meat-heavy, high-protein recipes appeals to pet owners who want a premium, minimally processed, grain-free or ancient-grain diet for their dogs.
Recalls & Reputation: How Safe Are They?
Dog food recalls happen occasionally, but how brands handle them reveals a lot about their transparency and standards.
Fromm
Fromm’s recall history is limited, which shows this brand’s solid reputation for safety and transparency:
- March 2016 – Voluntary recall of select canned dog foods due to elevated vitamin D levels. No pet illnesses were reported.
- October 2021 – Voluntary recall of several canned entrées for potentially elevated vitamin D. Again, no illnesses were reported.
Given its long history, Fromm’s recall record is relatively clean. Their small-batch production and ownership of all manufacturing facilities allow for strict quality oversight.
Orijen
Orijen stands out for having no official recalls in its history. However, the brand faced a 2018 class-action lawsuit regarding heavy metal content and BPA levels. The case was dismissed after independent lab tests confirmed levels were within safe limits.
Both brands take ingredient sourcing and safety seriously, but Orijen edges slightly ahead with its perfect recall record.
What’s Really In The Bowl? Ingredients Compared
Here’s where the two brands diverge. Fromm emphasizes balanced, wholesome nutrition; Orijen packs in meat and protein.
Fromm: Balanced Nutrition, Wisconsin Style
Fromm’s philosophy centers on moderation and balance, combining high-quality animal protein with digestible grains, veggies, and fruits.
Key nutritional features include:
- Moderate protein (22–28%) from chicken, duck, salmon, or lamb
- Wholesome grains like barley, oatmeal, and brown rice (some grain-free options in Four-Star)
- Probiotics for digestion and salmon oil for skin and coat
- Locally sourced produce such as carrots, sweet potatoes, and apples
- No corn, wheat, or soy in most lines
Fromm recipes are cooked in small batches to maintain quality control. While protein levels aren’t as high as Orijen’s, Fromm offers more balanced energy levels, which are ideal for family dogs and moderate activity levels.
Orijen: Meat-Rich, Wild-Inspired Recipes
Orijen focuses on animal protein dominance, with recipes built on fresh and freeze-dried raw meat.
Their dry food averages 38–40% protein, and about 85% of ingredients come from animal sources — including free-run chicken, turkey, fish, and eggs.
Other highlights:
- Grain-free or ancient-grain recipes (oats, quinoa, millet)
- Probiotics and prebiotics for gut health
- Omega-3s from fish oil for coat health
- Superfood whole fruits and vegetables like pumpkin, spinach, and blueberries
- No fillers, by-products, or artificial preservatives
The result? One of the most nutrient-dense and protein-rich kibbles available today.
Orijen vs Fromm: Quick Ingredient Comparison
| Feature | Fromm | Orijen |
|---|---|---|
| Philosophy | Balanced, family-crafted nutrition | Biologically appropriate, meat-rich diets |
| Protein % (avg.) | 22–28% | ~38–40% |
| Main Ingredients | Chicken, duck, salmon, wholesome grains | Chicken, turkey, fish, organ meats, eggs |
| Fruits & Veggies | Sweet potato, apple, carrot | Pumpkin, blueberries, spinach |
| Grains | Barley, oatmeal, brown rice (grain-inclusive) | Grain-free or ancient grains (oats, quinoa, millet) |
| Digestive Support | Probiotics & prebiotics | Probiotics & botanicals |
| Skin & Coat | Salmon oil, flaxseed | Fish oil, herring oil |
| Best For | Balanced, everyday nutrition for all life stages | High-protein diets for active or working dogs |
Range Of Formulas: Variety vs. Focus
Dogs have different nutritional needs that change with their life stage, breed size, and specific health concerns.
- Life Stage Needs: Formulas for puppies, adults, and seniors are carefully balanced with the right mix of protein, fat, fiber, and essential nutrients to promote growth, sustain energy, and support aging.
- Breed Size Options: Smaller breeds benefit from tiny, calorie-dense kibbles made for fast metabolisms, while large-breed dogs thrive on recipes that focus on joint support, steady growth, and controlled calories.
- Special Diets: Many lines also include blends for sensitive stomachs, skin health, mobility, or weight control, tackling the most common canine wellness challenges.
So, how do Orijen vs Fromm measure up when it comes to variety?
Fromm’s variety has a slight edge on quantity, while Orijen’s focus wins on intensity.
Fromm offers over 70 dry recipes across its four lines — Gold, Four-Star, Classic, and Heartland Grain-Free — plus dozens of canned entrées and pâtés. Each line caters to a different lifestyle, protein preference, or price point.
Orijen, meanwhile, offers about 20 dry foods and 10 wet stews, focusing on biologically appropriate blends with clean, premium ingredients.
Both brands provide puppy, adult, and senior formulas, plus grain-free and grain-inclusive options.
To see which brand is the best fit for your pup, let’s break it down by life stage.
Puppy Formulas Comparison
The puppy stage, lasting anywhere from 12 to 18 months (depending on breed), is when every bite counts. The right diet builds the foundation for strong bones, healthy organs, and lifelong vitality.
Growing pups thrive on high-protein meals that power muscle development, plus DHA and omega fatty acids to nurture brain and vision health during these crucial early months.
Fromm
Fromm takes a balanced, small-batch approach to puppy nutrition, combining high-quality meats, digestible grains, and added nutrients for healthy development.
- 5+ puppy formulas across Gold, Heartland Gold, and Four-Star lines
- Gold Puppy & Large Breed Puppy – grain-inclusive, chicken-based recipes for steady growth
- Heartland Gold Puppy – grain-free, red-meat formula made with beef, pork, and lentils
- Four-Star Nutritionals – all-life-stage rotation diets like Salmon Tunalini or Duck À La Veg, suitable for growing pups
- Balanced protein (~26%) for healthy muscle and bone growth
- DHA from salmon oil to support brain and eye development
- Probiotics and wholesome grains (barley, oatmeal, brown rice) for easy digestion
Each recipe is cooked in small batches in Wisconsin, ensuring consistency, freshness, and family-crafted quality you can trust.
Orijen
Orijen takes a meat-first, biologically appropriate approach to puppy nutrition, crafting some of the most protein-rich, nutrient-dense formulas on the market.
- 5 puppy recipes, including regular, large breed, and small breed formulas
- 1 puppy pâté made with fresh meats and broth
- 85% premium animal ingredients from free-run chicken, turkey, cage-free eggs, and wild-caught fish
- Fresh fruits & vegetables like apples, pumpkin, and spinach for natural vitamins and antioxidants
- Probiotics for gut health and omega-3 fatty acids to support brain and eye development
- Available in grain-free and grain-inclusive (ancient grain) lines using oats, quinoa, and millet
Every recipe is designed to mirror a dog’s ancestral diet, offering exceptional quality and protein power for growing pups.
Winner: Orijen
While Fromm delivers thoughtful, balanced puppy recipes with trusted small-batch quality, Orijen takes the lead for sheer nutritional intensity. Its high-protein, meat-first formulas packed with fresh ingredients, DHA, and natural probiotics give young dogs an incredible head start in life.
Puppy Formula Top Pick: Orijen Grain-Free Puppy Food Review
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Orijen’s Original Puppy recipe stands out as one of the most protein-packed choices you can buy, crafted to mirror the kind of whole-prey diet a young dog would naturally eat in the wild. With 85% premium animal ingredients, including free-run chicken, turkey, organ meats, cage-free eggs, and wild-caught fish, every bite fuels healthy growth and strong muscle development.
The grain-free formula is rounded out with lentils, chickpeas, and a blend of fresh produce like pumpkin, collard greens, and cranberries for natural fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins. Designed for fast-growing pups, it delivers both energy and nourishment without relying on fillers or artificial additives.
Key Features
- First 10 ingredients are fresh or raw animal proteins
- Grain-free and packed with nutrient-rich fruits and veggies
- Prebiotics and probiotics support healthy digestion
- Omega-3 fatty acids promote brain, skin, and coat health
- No corn, wheat, gluten, or soy
- No artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives
- 475 kcal per cup
- 38% protein, 20% fat, 6% fiber
Price
- Starts at $34.99 (4.5-lb bag)
Adult Formulas Comparison
Once dogs reach adulthood, their nutritional focus shifts from growth to maintenance, muscle tone, and long-term vitality. The right adult diet provides steady energy, lean protein, and targeted nutrients to support digestion, immunity, and coat health.
Fromm
Fromm’s adult lineup offers exceptional variety, appealing to pet parents who value customization and flavor rotation.
- Gold Adult & Large Breed Adult: Grain-inclusive, chicken-based recipes for everyday health and balanced nutrition.
- Four-Star Nutritionals: Gourmet, rotational diets like Duck & Sweet Potato, Surf & Turf, and Chicken À La Veg designed for variety without digestive upset.
- Classic Adult: A budget-friendly, traditional option featuring whole grains and chicken.
- Heartland Gold Adult: Grain-free red-meat formula crafted with beef, pork, and lentils.
- Protein averages 24–27%, with added probiotics, flaxseed, and salmon oil for digestion and skin health.
Every bag is small-batch produced in Wisconsin, maintaining the brand’s hallmark consistency and quality.
Orijen
Orijen keeps things simpler but delivers unmatched protein intensity and freshness.
- 10 adult dry recipes, including Original, Six Fish, Regional Red, and Fit & Trim.
- Grain-free and ancient-grain options using oats, quinoa, and millet for slow-burning energy.
- Two-thirds fresh or raw meat from free-run chicken, turkey, and wild-caught fish.
- Probiotics and botanicals aid digestion, while omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil promote skin and coat health.
- Protein levels hover around 38–40%, ideal for active or athletic dogs.
Each recipe reflects a whole-prey philosophy, delivering muscle, organ, and bone nutrients closer to what dogs would eat naturally.
Winner: Orijen
Fromm shines for its variety and family-crafted reliability, but Orijen dominates in nutrient density. Its meat-rich, high-protein recipes provide superior support for lean muscle, endurance, and overall vitality, especially for active adult dogs who thrive on biologically appropriate nutrition.
Adult Formula Top Pick: Orijen Original High-Protein Adult Food Review
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Orijen Original is crafted to fuel adult dogs with a biologically appropriate, meat-first formula. The first five ingredients — fresh chicken, turkey, salmon, whole herring, and chicken liver — deliver exceptional flavor and 38% protein to maintain muscle tone and energy.
This grain-free blend also features fruits, vegetables, and botanicals like pumpkin, spinach, and blueberries for natural fiber and antioxidants. Prebiotics and probiotics support gut health, while omega-3 fatty acids promote a glossy coat and healthy skin.
With no corn, wheat, soy, or synthetic fillers, Orijen remains one of the cleanest and most nutrient-dense kibbles for adult dogs.
Key Features
- First five ingredients are fresh animal proteins
- Grain-free recipe packed with whole produce and herbs
- Prebiotics and probiotics for digestion
- Omega-3s for skin and coat health
- No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
- 473 kcal per cup
- 38% protein, 18% fat, 4% fiber
Price
- Starts at $34.99 (4.5-lb bag)
Senior Formulas Comparison
As dogs enter their golden years, their nutritional priorities shift toward joint support, mobility, and maintaining a healthy weight without sacrificing energy or muscle tone. The best senior diets balance moderate protein, fewer calories, and targeted nutrients to support aging bodies and minds.
Fromm
Fromm takes senior nutrition seriously, offering several recipes designed to help older dogs stay active and comfortable.
- Fromm Gold Senior: A grain-inclusive recipe with chicken, brown rice, and eggs for digestible protein.
- Four-Star Senior Gold: Ideal for rotating flavors without upsetting digestion.
- Classic Mature Adult: Traditional blend for older dogs needing lighter calories.
- L-carnitine supports metabolism and healthy weight, while glucosamine and chondroitin aid joint health.
- Omega-6 fatty acids and probiotics keep coats shiny and digestion steady.
- Moderate protein (~22%) and calories (~350 kcal/cup) help prevent unwanted weight gain.
Every recipe is made in small batches, reflecting Fromm’s careful, hands-on production style that’s ideal for aging pups with sensitive stomachs.
Orijen
Orijen’s approach to senior dogs mirrors its core philosophy — high protein, whole-prey nutrition, even in later life.
- 1 main senior formula, plus several all-life-stage options suitable for older dogs.
- 38% protein from fresh chicken, turkey, wild-caught fish, and eggs helps preserve lean muscle.
- Includes antioxidant-rich produce like pumpkin, kale, and spinach to support immunity.
- Omega-3 fatty acids nourish joints, skin, and coat.
- Probiotics and natural botanicals promote digestive and cognitive health.
While nutrient-rich, Orijen Senior may be too calorie-dense for less active seniors or those needing weight control.
Winner: Fromm
Fromm earns the win for its senior lineup that’s both practical and gentle. With moderate calories, joint-supporting nutrients, and breed-size options, it’s better suited for the average aging dog, especially those slowing down or managing weight. Orijen’s protein power is impressive, but Fromm’s tailored balance is easier for most seniors to thrive on.
Senior Formula Top Pick: Fromm Gold Reduced Activity & Senior Review
Fromm Gold Senior is a thoughtfully balanced recipe formulated to meet the needs of older dogs. Using chicken, whole eggs, and cheese as primary proteins, this grain-inclusive formula provides digestible energy without excess calories.
It includes L-tryptophan to boost metabolism, glucosamine and chondroitin for joint support, and probiotics for digestive health. The addition of salmon oil and flaxseed helps maintain healthy skin and a shiny coat. At 368 kcal per cup, it supports lean body condition and steady vitality in aging pups.
Key Features
- Chicken-based, grain-inclusive formula
- Moderate protein for lean muscle maintenance
- L-tryptophan aids metabolism
- Glucosamine & chondroitin support joint health
- Salmon oil and flaxseed for skin & coat nourishment
- Probiotics promote digestion
- 368 kcal per cup
- 23% protein, 11% fat, 5.5% fiber
Price
- Starts at $19.99 (5-lb bag)
Wet Food Comparison
Wet food can be a great way to add variety, boost hydration, or entice picky eaters. Both Fromm and Orijen offer high-quality canned meals, but their approaches differ in texture, flavor range, and ingredient focus.
Fromm
Fromm brings its small-batch philosophy to its canned recipes, offering a wide variety of pâtés and stews made with real meats and wholesome ingredients.
- Over 20 canned entrées across the Gold, Four-Star, and Pâté lines
- Protein options include chicken, duck, beef, pork, and salmon
- Grain-free and grain-inclusive choices for sensitive stomachs
- Natural broth base adds flavor and moisture
- Omega-rich salmon oil for skin and coat health
- No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
Each recipe is slow-cooked for flavor and digestibility, making Fromm’s wet foods a hit with finicky eaters and dogs needing softer textures.
Orijen
Orijen’s canned and stew-style meals stay true to the brand’s whole-prey philosophy, emphasizing fresh, high-quality animal ingredients.
- Around 10 wet food options, including stews and pâtés
- Up to 95% animal ingredients in every recipe
- Grain-free formulas with chicken, turkey, beef, and fish
- Fresh vegetables and fruits like carrots, spinach, and pumpkin for natural nutrients
- Rich in omega-3s from fish and organ meats for skin and joint health
- Cooked gently to retain nutrients and enhance palatability
While Orijen’s canned meals are premium in quality, the selection is limited and tends to cost more per serving.
Winner: Fromm
Orijen’s stews are exceptional, but Fromm wins this round for its broader variety, price accessibility, and gentle recipes that suit a wider range of dogs. Its mix of grain-free and grain-inclusive options — all made with real broth and natural ingredients — makes it a go-to choice for everyday feeding or tasty toppers.
Wet Food Formula Top Pick: Fromm Chicken & Duck Pâté Review
Fromm Chicken & Duck Pâté offers a flavorful, nutrient-rich meal made with real poultry and wholesome produce. This grain-free recipe blends chicken, duck, and liver in a smooth texture dogs love, supported by sweet potatoes, carrots, and peas for added vitamins and fiber.
The slow-cooked broth base adds natural hydration and taste, while salmon oil provides essential omega-3s for skin and coat health. Perfect as a complete meal or mix-in, it’s a satisfying and nutritious option for dogs of all life stages.
Key Features
- Real chicken, duck, and liver as main ingredients
- Smooth, grain-free pâté texture
- Fresh vegetables for natural nutrients
- Salmon oil for skin and coat health
- No artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives
- Ideal for picky eaters or mixed feeding
- 341 kcal per can
- 9% protein, 6.5% fat, 1.2% fiber (wet matter basis)
Price
- Starts at $44.99 (12.2-oz can, case of 12)
Final Verdict: Fromm vs Orijen
Both brands are exceptional — but they serve different needs.
- Fromm: Best for balanced, small-batch nutrition with multiple lines for every budget and life stage. Great for sensitive dogs, picky eaters, and seniors.
- Orijen: Best for high-protein, biologically appropriate diets made with fresh meats and minimal processing. Ideal for active, athletic, or working dogs.
Price & Availability:
Fromm is generally more affordable and available in many independent pet stores. Orijen is premium-priced, often found online or in specialty retailers.
Overall Winner: Orijen
For pure ingredient quality and protein content, Orijen comes out ahead, but Fromm offers more flexibility, variety, and value, making it a close call depending on your dog’s needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
After reading a comparison, the information and numbers often lead to a few extra questions. Here are some of the most common involving these two brands and their food. Don’t see yours here? Ask us in our comments.
Is Fromm Grain-Free?
Fromm Classic and Gold is grain-inclusive, but Fromm does offer grain-free recipes in their other ranges, which are somewhat limited regarding size and life stage.
They do, however, stipulate on their grain-free products that they are packaged in the same manufacturing plants as their grain-inclusive recipes, and as such, there may be traces of grains in all their food, which is worrying for many owners.
Are These Brands Healthy?
It goes without saying that both brands produce good-quality nutritional foods that are great for your pooch. This is backed up by many positive customer reviews for both Fromm and Orijen.
Are There Any Options For Joint Health?
While all of these options have a decent amount of glucosamine in them, we’d recommend sticking to a dog food specifically formulated for joint support if you have an older dog.
Beyond Kibble & Cans
Dog food is evolving, and many pet parents are exploring fresh, air-dried, or subscription options for better nutrition and convenience. Brands like The Farmer’s Dog, Ollie, Spot & Tango, and Badlands Ranch offer alternatives beyond traditional kibble.
Have you tried Fromm or Orijen? Share your experience in the comments below — we’d love to know which food your dog thrives on!
