Tundra Review

Full review of Tundra 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 21% of Orijen – Tundra 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 formula appears to be from the vegetable and fruit content of this dog food. These ingredients will be discussed in more depth later on. This is a very satisfactory level of carbohydrates, especially considering they are from a quality source and this is an overestimate.

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 39% of Orijen – Tundra 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 will be a more than sufficient proportion of protein for the majority of dogs, including those who are extremely active. This protein appears to be sourced from the large range of meat ingredients. Examples include Venison, Duck, and Wild Boar. These are all considered high-quality sources.

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 – Tundra 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 present in this dog food appears to be sourced from the wide range of meat ingredients. Animal fats such as Goat or Venison are considered high-quality sources of fat and are a natural part of a dogs diet. This low estimate of fat content is more than sufficient to fulfill the energy needs of even the most active dogs.

Calorie Density

Overall Orijen – Tundra 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 – Tundra

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) – 40.00%
• Crude Fat (Min) – 18.00%
• Crude Fiber (Max) – 5.00%
• Moisture (Max) – 12.00%

• Calcium (Min) – 1.8%
• Phosphorus (Min) – 1.3%
• Omega 6 Fatty Acids (Min) – 2.5%
• 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

• Goat
• Wild Boar
• Venison
• Char
• Duck
• Wild Boar Liver
• Duck Liver
• Mutton
• Trout
• Wild Boar Kidney

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 – Tundra contains more than ten sources of meat or fish.

The primary meat source present is Goat. Goat is considered a high-quality 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 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 Venison. Venison is considered a high-quality source of protein. Venison has lower levels of saturated fat than other red meats. It also contains a similar range of vitamins and minerals such as Iron and Vitamin B6. Unfortunately, Venison does contain a high concentration of water. Much of this water is evaporated during the cooking process leaving a lesser proportion of Venison. However given that Venison is the third listed ingredient, its proportion will still be relatively high even after the cooking process.

Another meat source present is Duck. Duck is a considered a high-quality source of protein. It contains considerably higher levels of selenium and phosphorus than other meats. Unfortunately, Duck does contain a high concentration of water. Much of this water is evaporated during the cooking process leaving a lesser proportion of Duck. However given that Duck is not one of the primary ingredients, its proportion will be relatively low after the cooking process.

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

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.

Wild Boar Liver is considered a high-quality source of meat. 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.

Duck Liver is considered a high-quality source of meat. 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.

Another fish source present is Trout. Trout is considered a high-quality source of protein. Trout has a range of benefits including very high levels of the Omega 3 Fatty Acids. In addition, it is rich in Potassium, Vitamin B12 and Trout contains fewer contaminants such as Mercury than other fish. Unfortunately, just as with meat, Trout contains a high concentration of water. Much of this water is evaporated during the cooking process leaving a lesser proportion of Trout. Given that Trout is the not a primary ingredient, its proportion will likely be relatively low 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.

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 – Tundra

Goat, wild boar, venison, arctic char, duck, wild boar liver, duck liver, mutton, steelhead trout, wild boar kidney, mackerel meal, whole pilchard, lamb meal, mutton meal, alaskan cod meal, blue whiting meal, herring meal, whole red lentils, whole green lentils, whole green peas, whole chickpeas, whole yellow peas, whole pinto beans, lentil fiber, duck fat, mutton tripe, herring oil, goat heart, goat kidney, goat liver, venison liver, venison heart, mutton liver, wild boar heart, whole navy beans, freeze-dried goat liver, freeze-dried venison liver, whole pumpkin, whole butternut squash, whole zucchini, whole parsnips, carrots, whole apples, whole pears, kale, spinach greens, beet greens, turnip greens, dried brown kelp, whole cranberries, whole blueberries, zinc chelate, mixed tocopherols (preservative), chicory root, turmeric root, milk thistle, burdock root, lavender, marshmallow root, rosehips, dried enterococcus faecium fermentation product.

Alternative Orijen Dog Food Reviews

Six Fish Review

Fit and Trim Review