Regional Red Review

A Full review of Regional Red By Orijen

Nutritional Analysis

The ideal nutrition for a dog is entirely dependant on their unique circumstances. However, a high proportion of protein and fat combined with a lower proportion of carbohydrates is most appropriate nutrition profile for the vast majority of dogs. Dog’s are very capable of consuming a high proportion of carbohydrates, but a diet high in protein and fat is more appropriate and a better reflection of their natural ancestral diet.

Carbohydrate Content Analysis

Dogs use carbohydrates as a simple energy source. Dogs do not require significant carbohydrates in their diet and they are commonly added to reduce cost and increase shelf life. As the chart above displays, a maximum of 23% of Orijen – Regional Red calories are derived from carbohydrates.  Please note that this is the maximum amount of carbohydrates as calculated by the guaranteed analysis. In reality, this value of carbohydrates is likely to be a lot lower. This is significantly below average for a Dry Dog Food.

The carbohydrate content of this dog food appears to be from a very wide range of fruit and vegetable ingredients. Examples include Pumpkin, Squash, Peas, Chickpeas, and Lentils. These are considered high-quality sources of carbohydrates. Small quantities of each contribute towards this modest sum. This is a very satisfactory level of carbohydrates for a dry dog food and reducing it would gain little.

Protein Content Analysis

Dogs use Protein for growth, development, and maintenance. Excess protein can be burned as calories. As the chart above displays, a minimum of 37% of Orijen – Regional Red calories are derived from protein. Please note that this is the minimum amount of protein as calculated by the guaranteed analysis. In reality, this value of protein is likely to be higher. This is significantly above average for a Dry Dog Food.

This is a very high proportion of protein for a dry dog food recipe and comfortably above the portion that even the most active dogs require for basic maintenance and development. This protein is sourced from the range of red meat ingredients which are a natural source. Examples include Wild Boar and Beef.

In addition, a small amount of protein is from the range of vegetable ingredients present. These are not an ideal source but given the very high protein content, it is unlikely to be significant. This protein level will very accurately mimic your dog’s natural diet and any excess protein will be naturally burned as calories for energy.

Fat Content Analysis

Dogs use fat as a concentrated energy source. In addition, fats also play a role in development and maintenance. As the chart above displays, a minimum of 40% of Orijen – Regional Red calories are derived from fat. Please note that this is the minimum amount of fat as calculated by the guaranteed analysis. In reality, this value of fat is likely to be a lot higher. This is significantly above average for a Dry Dog Food.

The fat proportion of this formula is high and very satisfactory. It appears the fat content is sourced from a range of red meat ingredients present which are considered a natural part of a dogs diet. Examples include Pork, Beef, and Lamb. This proportion of fat will provide sufficient energy for dogs of all activity levels, as well as helping to maintain their skin and coats and make their food more enjoyable and tasty.

Calorie Density

Overall Orijen – Regional Red contains an average of 3940 kcal/kg or 449 kcal per 8oz. cup.

Disclaimer

Once again please note that the values in this section are calculated using the products guaranteed analysis. The guaranteed analysis only lists the minimum and maximum values and as a consequence, these can sometimes be an inaccurate representation. As a rule of thumb, most dog foods will contain slightly more protein and considerably more fat than their guaranteed analysis. This will have the knock-on effect of reducing the relative amount of carbohydrates present. However also note that every dog food is different and some will be considerably closer to the guaranteed analysis than others.

Guaranteed Analysis – Orijen – Regional Red

Pet foods in the United States are legally required by the AAFCO to have a guaranteed analysis on their packaging. A guaranteed analysis must display certain nutritional information. This is similar to how nutritional values are now commonly displayed on food for human consumption. The information that must be displayed includes Crude Protein, Crude Fat, Crude Fiber, and Moisture. Some guaranteed analysis will contain additional information. The guaranteed analysis for this product is listed below.

• Crude Protein (Min) – 38.00%
• Crude Fat (Min) – 20.00%
• Crude Fiber (Max) – 6.00%
• Moisture (Max) – 12.00%

• Calcium (Min) – 1.9%
• Phosphorus (Min) – 1.4%
• Omega 6 Fatty Acids (Min) – 2.0%
• Omega 3 Fatty Acids (Min) – 1.0%

Ingredient Analysis

The ingredients of pet food are disclosed on the packaging of the product as a list in descending order. Therefore the ingredients at the start of the list make up the bulk of the pet foods content. As a consequence, the quality of these primary ingredients is the most significant factor in determining the quality of pet food.

However, ingredients listed further down the ingredient list should not be ignored, especially if they could have adverse or harmful effects on a pet.

High-Quality Ingredients

• Beef
• Wild Boar
• Goat
• Lamb
• Lamb Liver
• Beef Liver
• Mutton
• Mackerel
• Pork

Low-Quality Ingredients 

• N/A

Dangerous / Harmful Ingredients

• N/A

In-Depth Meat/Fish Ingredient Review

The meat and fish ingredients of dog food are without a doubt the most important. They are critical as they provide the majority of the protein and fat that dogs desperately need. Also, these ingredients would have made up the bulk of dogs ancestors diet. Therefore, the quality of a dog food formulas meat and fish ingredients is crucial. Orijen – Regional Red contains more than ten sources of meat or fish.

The Primary meat source present is Beef. Beef is a considered a high-quality ingredient and source of protein. In addition, Beef contains high quantities of minerals such as Iron and Zinc. Unfortunately Beef contains a high concentration of water. Much of this water is evaporated during the cooking process leaving a lesser proportion of Beef. However given that Beef is the first listed ingredient, its proportion will still be relatively high even after the cooking process.

Wild Boar is considered a high-quality source of meat. Unfortunately, Boar contains a large amount of water. This moisture will be evaporated during the cooking process leaving a smaller amount of Boar.

Another meat source present is Goat. Goat is considered a high-quality ingredient and source of protein. Goat contains a range of minerals including Iron and Potassium. Unfortunately, just like Beef and Boar, Goat contains a high concentration of water. Much of this water is evaporated during the cooking process leaving a lesser proportion of Goat. However given that Goat is the third listed ingredient, its proportion will still be relatively high even after the cooking process.

Another meat source present is Lamb. Lamb is considered a high-quality ingredient and source of protein. Just like Beef, Lamb is rich in iron. In addition to this, it has higher levels of the Omega 3 Fatty Acid than other red meats and high levels of the vitamin B12. Unfortunately, just like Beef, Lamb contains a high concentration of water. Much of this water is evaporated during the cooking process leaving a lesser proportion of Lamb. However given that Lamb is the fourth listed ingredient, its proportion will still be relatively high even after the cooking process.

Beef and Lamb Liver are considered high-quality ingredients. Liver contains a much higher concentration of some nutrients than traditional meat cuts. Some of the nutrients present in Liver are Vitamin A, Vitamin B, and Iron. In addition to these nutrients Liver also contains a high amount of protein.

Mutton is considered a high-quality source of meat. Unfortunately Mutton contains a large amount of water. This moisture will be evaporated during the cooking process leaving a smaller amount of Mutton.

Another fish source present is Mackerel. Mackerel is considered a high-quality ingredient and source of protein. It contains very high levels of the Omega 3 Fatty Acid. In addition, it contains high levels of Vitamin D and Vitamin B12. Unfortunately, Mackerel contains a high concentration of water. Much of this water is evaporated during the cooking process leaving a lesser proportion of Mackerel. Given that Mackerel is not one of the primary ingredients, its proportion will likely not be high after the cooking process.

Another meat source present is Pork. Pork is considered a high-quality ingredient and source of protein. Pork is particularly rich in thiamin and while it contains less iron than Beef or Lamb, its iron content is still significant. Unfortunately, just like Beef, Pork contains a high concentration of water. Much of this water is evaporated during the cooking process leaving a lesser proportion of Pork. Given that Pork is not one of the primary ingredients, its proportion will likely not be high after the cooking process.

In-Depth None-Meat Ingredient Review

Pumpkin is a high-quality vegetable ingredient and a beneficial addition to a dogs diet. Pumpkin contains high levels of a variety of vitamins and minerals including Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Potassium. However, Pumpkin is probably best known for the Dietary Fiber it can contribute. This fiber can improve and regulate digestion. Finally, Pumpkin does not contain significant levels of plant-based protein. This lack of protein prevents Pumpkin being used solely to inflate protein levels like other vegetables, such as Peas, often are.

Squash, which is closely related to Pumpkin, is a positive addition to dog food. Squash contains high levels of Vitamin A and C similar to fruit such as Apples and Pears. In addition to this, Squash also provides a plentiful supply of Beta Carotene. Comparable to Pumpkin, Squash is high in fiber which can help regulate digestion. However, it is essential to be aware that Squash needs to have its seeds and skin removed to be suitable for dogs. The removal of the skin and seeds will take place during the manufacturing process of commercial dog food.

Dried Chicory Root or Chicory Root Extract is an additive or supplement to dog food. It can provide a range of health benefits including soluble fiber to enable regular passage of stool, probiotics to aid and promote digestion, as well as potentially eliminate or prevent intestinal worms. While these benefits are not fully proven, there is strong evidence behind them. The proportion of Chicory Root used in most dog food recipes is tiny and does not contribute meaningful nutrition. Find out more in Dried Chicory Root In Dog Food.

Full Ingredient List – Orijen – Regional Red

Deboned beef, deboned wild boar, deboned goat, deboned lamb, lamb liver, beef liver, beef tripe, wild boar liver, deboned mutton, beef heart, whole atlantic mackerel, deboned pork, goat meal, wild boar meal, lamb meal, mackerel meal, whole green peas, whole red lentils, whole pinto beans, beef kidney, pork liver, herring meal, whole chickpeas, whole green lentils, whole navy beans, beef meal, whole yellow peas, lentil fiber, natural pork flavor, pork kidney, beef fat, herring oil, mutton meal, lamb tripe, wild boar heart, whole pumpkin, whole butternut squash, kale, spinach, mustard greens, collard greens, turnip greens, whole carrots, whole apples, whole pears, dried kelp, freeze-dried beef liver, freeze-dried beef tripe, freeze-dried lamb liver, freeze-dried lamb tripe, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, zinc proteinate, mixed tocopherols (preservative), chicory root, turmeric, sarsaparilla root, althea root, rosehips, juniper berries, dried lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, dried bifidobacterium animalis fermentation product, dried lactobacillus casei fermentation product.

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