Is Purina buying ORIJEN

Mars Petcare to Purchase Orijen and Acana

The largest manufacturer of pet food in the world just got a bit larger. Mars Petcare announced in a press release today (11/1/22) that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Champion Petfoods.

According to Statista.com, the top three feed grade pet food manufacturers based on revenue in 2021 was:

1. Mars Petcare with $19 billion in revenue.
2. Nestle Purina Petcare with $16.5 billion in revenue.
3. Hills Pet Nutrition with only $3.3 billion in revenue.

With revenue so close between Mars and Purina, did they purchase Champion only to pull further in front of Purina?

But how much more can Mars buy in the pet industry?

From the Mars website, these are existing pet related businesses owned by Mars:

Veterinary and Diagnostic ServicesMars Veterinary HealthAniCuraAntechAsia Veterinary DiagnosticsBanfield Pet HospitalsBlue Pearl Vet HospitalsLinnaeusMount Pleasant Veterinary GroupVCA Animal HospitalsVeterinary Emergency & Specialty HospitalsVeterinary Specialty Hospitals

Pet Nutrition and Therapeutic Health ServicesAPIAquarianBuckeye NutritionCatsanCesarChappieCraveDreamieesEukanubaGreeniesIamsJames WellbelovedKitekatLovebug!MisfitsMy Cat DNAMy Dog DNANatusanNutroPeaweePedigreePerfect FitRoyal CaninShebaSpillersTemptationsThomasWhiskasWinergy

Technology for PetsCompanion FundFluffyGoKinshipLeapPet Insight ProjectVet InsightWalthamWhistleWisdom Panel

When will Mars own too much of the pet industry? When does it become a monopoly?

Wishing you and your pet the best

Susan ThixtonPet Food Safety AdvocateTruthaboutPetFood.comAssociation for Truth in Pet Food

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Purina Pro Plan vs. Orijen vs. Acana

Welcome to the ultimate showdown between three titans of pet nutrition: Purina Pro Plan, Orijen, and Acana. As pet lovers who are always hunting for the best options for our furry friends, today we delve deep into these brands to help you make an informed choice.

Key Takeaways at a Glance

1. Nutritional Content: Orijen and Acana boast higher protein levels, mostly from fresh, regional sources.
2. Ingredients Quality: Orijen often uses free-run poultry, wild-caught fish, and cage-free eggs, a notch above in ethical sourcing compared to others.
3. Product Variety: Purina Pro Plan offers a broader range of formulas catering to specific health needs.
4. Price Point: Acana provides a middle ground in pricing between the premium Orijen and the more economical Purina Pro Plan.
5. Suitability for Different Dogs: Purina Pro Plan has specialized options for various health issues, while Orijen and Acana are better for those seeking high-protein, grain-free diets.

Tailored to Uncover What Matters

What Sets Each Brand Apart?

Purina Pro Plan

• Broad Range: Offers specialized formulas based on age, size, and dietary needs.
• Availability: Widely available and recognized, making it a convenient choice for many pet owners.

Orijen

• Superior Ingredients: Emphasizes fresh, local ingredients that are often delivered fresh daily.
• Rich in Protein: Especially beneficial for active or muscle-building dogs.

Acana

• Regional Recipes: Focuses on providing quality ingredients at a slightly more affordable price than Orijen.
• Slightly Lower Protein than Orijen: Still high compared to many other brands.

Wrapping It Up: Nutritional Showdown

Choosing the right pet food depends on your dogs specific needs, your ethical considerations, and your budget. Purina Pro Plan is a stalwart with a wide range of options for specific health concerns. Orijen stands out for its high protein content and top-notch ingredients, ideal for those who prioritize premium nutrition for their pets. Acana strikes a balance, offering many of the benefits of Orijen at a more accessible price point.

We hope this comparison clears the air and helps you decide which brand will best suit your furry companion. Remember, each pet is unique, so consider your pets dietary needs and any health issues when choosing their food. Happy feeding!

Chatting with Dr. Emily Norton, Veterinary Nutritionist

Q: Dr. Norton, can you elaborate on the significance of protein sources in dog food, particularly comparing these three brands?

Dr. Norton: Absolutely! When we examine protein sources, its crucial to consider both quantity and quality. Orijen prides itself on using regional, often wild-caught or free-run protein sources, which are typically less processed and closer to what dogs might naturally eat in the wild. This aligns with a biologically appropriate diet, which can be quite beneficial for digestion and overall health.

Acana, while similar to Orijen, slightly reduces the proportion of these premium proteins, which makes it a bit more cost-effective while still maintaining higher quality than many mainstream brands. Purina Pro Plan, on the other hand, uses a variety of protein sources, which can include some meals and by-products. These are not necessarily inferiormany are high in nutrientsbut they are different in terms of processing and original source.

Q: Many pet owners are concerned about allergies. How do these brands address this common issue?

Dr. Norton: Thats a great question. Food allergies in pets are often triggered by specific proteins or grains. Orijen and Acana both offer grain-free options and use a limited number of protein sources in certain formulas, which can help reduce the risk of allergenic reactions. They focus on novel proteins like duck or bison, which are less likely to cause allergies due to less exposure.

Purina Pro Plan has taken a different approach by developing a range of hydrolyzed protein diets under their veterinary diet line. Hydrolyzed proteins are broken down into smaller components, significantly reducing the potential for an immune response. This can be particularly advantageous for pets with severe allergies or intolerances.

Q: With growing concerns about sustainability in pet foods, how do these companies fare in terms of environmental impact?

Dr. Norton: Sustainability is indeed becoming a deciding factor for many conscientious pet owners. Orijen and Acana, both produced by Champion Petfoods, have made strides in sourcing most of their ingredients locally, reducing transportation emissions. Their kitchens are designed to minimize energy use and waste. Additionally, their choice of ingredients often reflects a commitment to sustainable practices, such as using free-run poultry or wild-caught fish.

Purina has also implemented sustainability practices, focusing on reducing waste and energy consumption in their factories, and they have initiatives aimed at sourcing responsibly. However, the scale of their operations means their overall environmental footprint is larger, simply due to the volume of products they produce.

Q: For pet owners making a decision based on these insights, what should be their primary focus?

Dr. Norton: When choosing the right food for your pet, consider your pets specific needssuch as age, activity level, and any health issues like allergies or sensitivities. Also, think about your values, such as ingredient sourcing and company ethics. Each brand has its strengths, so aligning those with your priorities will guide you to the best choice for your furry friend.

Remember, the optimal choice varies for each pet, and sometimes it requires some trial and error. Consulting with a vet who understands nutrition can also provide personalized guidance tailored to your pets unique health profile.

HELP US PUT FOOD ON THE TABLE

Purina Pro Plan vs Orijen Dog Food

Zack Keithy, our author, is a certified veterinarian technician (UC Blue Ash) for over 6 years (contact him here). The articles written here are based on his expertise and experience, combined with a review by our expert vet reviewers including Dr M. Tarantino. Learn more about us here.

With so many brands, formulas, and options out there, it can be hard to know what food is best for your furry friend.

While youre looking for new dog food, youve probably heard of Orijen and Purina Pro Plan.

Both brands are popular, and both have their pros and cons, but how do you decide between them?

In this Purina Pro Plan vs Orijen Dog Food comparison article, Im going to share with you the ins and outs of each brand based on 6 very important criteria when choosing dog food.

Lets jump in!

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*Article may contain affiliate links to retailers like Amazon and Chewy. Learn more on our disclosure page.

Overview: Purina Pro Plan vs Orijen Dog Food

Consider the following when choosing dog food:

• Life stage
• Size of dog
• Grain-inclusive or grain-free

Whats most important in choosing the right type of food for your dog is understanding its breed (activity levels) and any existing allergies.

If you need more help, consult your vet or find a veterinary nutritionist at the American College of Veterinary Nutrition (AVCM).

If youre one of the many pet owners out there whos looking for a high-quality dog food brand, youve probably noticed that there are a lot of options.

But not all of those options are created equal. Some brands are better than others. And some brands will even cause your dog to develop allergies or other health problems in the long term.

Purina and Orijen both produce high-quality dog food that meets the nutritional needs of your pup.

But each brand has its own unique philosophy, so its important to know what sets them apart before making a decision about what kind of dog food is best for your pet.

The sections below will focus on the following factors:

• Brand Reputation
• Ingredients
• Key Nutrients
• Range of formulas
• Product Safety and Recall
• Price

Doggy says, you might be keen to read this too: Is Purina Dog Chow good for dogs?

1. Brand Reputation

Purina Pro Plan

The company Purina manufactures the high-end brand of dog food known as Purina Pro Plan.

It has a long history dating back to the 19th century, and today is one of the most recognizable names in its sector globally.

From puppy to senior years, their Pro Plan line has a variety of dog foods for your pets varied life phases.

And not just that.

In addition to being one of the first businesses with pet nutritionists on staff, they were also among the first to create a comprehensive and balanced diet for dogs (more than 500 professionals now).

Additionally, they own a number of production and research facilities, one of which is devoted to the study of animal health.

Orijen

Since more than 30 years ago, Champions Petfoods, the company that owns Orijen and was recently purchased by Mars, has been making premium dog food.

It is recognized for its high-quality ingredients, which include locally-grown veggies and farm-fresh meats.

With the continued development of premium dog kibble, Orijen has gained a devoted following of customers who stand by its products.

Its renown is recognized around the world, as seen by the various honors it has received throughout the years, including the Best Overall Dog Food by Business Insider.

2. Ingredients

A few points to note about the product label

Product name tells you the percentage of the main ingredient

• Chicken at least 70% of the product.
• Chicken entree, Chicken platter, Chicken dinner at least 10% of the product.
• With chicken at least 3% of the product
• Chicken flavor less than 3% of the product

Ingredients The first few items listed are the most important and make up the majority of the product (determined by weight).

Meat-meal Can have much more protein than actual meat. To further understand, refer to this guide by AAFCO.

In this Purina Pro Plan and Orijen comparison article, we will consider the following dry food products from each company:

Purina Pro Plan

Purina employs 500 scientists and nutritionists exclusively for dogs and invests millions of dollars at numerous research sites to develop the best dog food recipes.

The first ingredient in Purina Pro Plan, which is available in grain-inclusive and grain-free varieties, is always real meat.

Additionally, you might come across the use of meat by-productsin this example, those from chickenwhich some people might find disagreeable but that, in our opinion, is totally acceptable.

Since only tested and government-approved ingredients may be used in the production of dog food, we feel confident allowing our dogs to eat it.

They may even be beneficial for your dog because organ meats like liver contain more protein than regular muscle meat. These are certainly not wasted in the wild.

Here are the top 5 ingredients used in this particular kibble:

• Chicken
• Rice
• Whole wheat grain
• Poultry by-product
• Soybean meal

Potential harmful ingredients: None.

Orijen

Orijen dog food is produced in North Alberta, Canada, by Champion Petfoods.

They use fresh, whole foods and a variety of proteins to create formulas that are devoid of grains, fillers, antibiotics, hormones, and preservatives.

The primary components for sources of protein come from actual meat, and in fact, Orijen places a high emphasis on that (evident from the ingredients list).

Here are the top 5 ingredients used in this particular kibble:

• Chicken
• Turkey
• Chicken liver
• Whole herring
• Whole mackerel

Potential harmful ingredients: None.

3. Key Nutrients

In the United States, every pet food label must include a guaranteed analysis of the nutrients, under AAFCO (The Association of American Feed Control Officials) guidelines.

It has strict guidelines to follow to guarantee that a product is balanced and comprehensive for dogs.

As indicated by the assured analysis, this means that full and balanced diets must contain the absolute minimum of all nutrients needed by dogs.

The analysis must validate minimum crude protein and crude fat percentages as well as maximum crude fiber and moisture percentages.

The tables below will show you the data from the two brands.

Take note: When comparing dog food nutrient percentages, you should remove the amount of moisture to make it an even comparison.

This is also referred to as calculating its dry matter basis (use this calculator).

This approach is a more accurate way to understand the true nutrient contents of dog food, instead of just relying on the number on the label (which is an as-fed basis).

3.1 Purina Pro Plan vs Orijen dog food nutrients comparison Guaranteed analysis

Crude protein

For a dogs diet to be healthy and well-balanced, protein is required.

Their bodies need it for a number of processes, such as the growth and maintenance of muscles and other tissues.

Among other things, it is crucial for the development of new skin, muscle, and hair cells.

It also helps with the synthesis of enzymes and hormones, two vital physiological components.

Like carbs, it increases immunity and releases energy.

Its important to choose a meal that contains the correct amount of proteins because dogs can only manufacture about half of the 22 amino acids needed to produce proteins; the other half must be received from food.

It seems that Orijen has a clear advantage here, but in actual fact, an excessive level of protein (more than 40%) might actually not be good for your dog.

You need to consider the activity levels of your dog, and if it does require such a high amount.

Crude fat

An appropriate amount of fat can help your dog live a longer, healthier life as it is an essential nutrient in your dogs diet.

Active dogs require more fat to fuel their muscles and provide them the energy they require to go around.

Dogs who are fed a high-fat diet have better performance and a greater capacity to burn fat, especially working and sporting dogs.

Both brands have fat content that is within healthy limits, which is 20% of a dogs diet.

Crude fiber

Fiber increases mass and absorbs more water, which helps to encourage regular bowel movements and the development of solid, well-formed stools.

Additionally, it helps to maintain an intestinal pH level that is balanced, preventing the development of potentially hazardous bacteria in your dogs digestive system.

Last but not least, it strengthens the health of their digestive system and makes them feel full, which may stifle their appetite and prevent overeating.

Both of these two dog food provides adequate fiber for most dogs, falling between the good range of 2% to 6%. Unless you have been advised by your dog to let your dog have a high fiber diet, these will be suitable.

A side note here is that this particular kibble from Purina Pro Plan also contains additional probiotics, which is good for your dogs gut health.

4. Range of Formulas

Another important consideration is the availability of a wide range of formulations, as the majority of dog owners prefer to avoid switching brands on a regular basis.

The good news is that both businesses cater to dogs of all sizes and ages, from tiny puppies to seasoned seniors.

However, the range in Purina is somewhat larger by having specialized diets such as for weight management and sensitive stomachs, which Orijen covers the main bases well.

Heres a look at some of their most popular products:

Most Popular Purina Pro Plan Dog Food

Most Popular Orijen Dog Food

5. Product Safety and Recall History

You should always be aware of the safety and recall history of your pets food.

This is especially important as you want to know that your money isnt going to a company that has had any major issues in the past.

And obviously, we need to know what we are feeding our dogs is safe!

I try to update this section as much as possible, but if you find anything amiss, you may double-check on the FDAs site or its archives for accuracy.

Purina Pro Plan

In March 2016, a few varieties of Pro Plan wet dog food sold in tubs were recalled because of inadequate vitamin/mineral levels.

Orijen

Orijen dog food has never been recalled before in the United States or Canada.

6. Price

Price is significant, but you shouldnt make your decision exclusively based on it.

The availability of inexpensive, high-quality goods is limited since a products price can be a reliable indicator of both its quality and quantity.

Ive seen that certain dog food brands cost less than others because they contain fillers or inferior materials, which may subsequently create health issues.

It might be worthwhile to spend a bit extra on a recognized brand if you want something that will last longer and give more nutrients.

The cost per pound for the choices covered in this article is displayed in the table below:

In Conclusion: Purina Pro Plan vs Orijen Dog Food Comparison

Now that you know the key differences between Orijen and Purina Pro Plan, which would you pick?

Of the two, my personal choice would be Purina Pro Plan as it provides plenty of nutrition at a much more cost-effective price.

Quick note: My personal choice for dog food now is Ollie fresh dog food. Is Ollie dog food good? Find out more!

Keep in mind that every dog is unique and that there is no such thing as the best dog diet.

Always take into account the breed, lifestyle, and allergies of your dog, and this should direct you in the right direction.

Youve made it to the end, but I hope its not the end of our journey. We want to hear your voice! Share your thoughts, problems, suggestions, or anything related to your dog in the comments section. And dont forget to join our newsletter today too.