Orijen · Pet Food Bags
Orijen Dry Dog Food Original
Lower concern for PFAS in the food itself; packaging source unclear, contact Champion Petfoods for specifics.
Orijen Original is a dry dog kibble product sold in a paper bag. The food material itself (meat, vegetables, minerals) is unlikely to contain PFAS. However, dry pet food bags sometimes use grease-resistant or moisture-barrier coatings that may contain legacy PFAS, Orijen does not publicly disclose packaging treatment.
Shop Orijen on Amazon →Material
dry kibble in paper/kraft bag
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Category baseline
food packaging is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement about PFAS in this product.
Safe base material
Made from a material with no inherent PFAS use (ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber).
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Orijen Original is a dry kibble formulation marketed as high-protein (38% crude protein) with meat concentrates, organ meats, and fish as primary ingredients, packaged in kraft paper bags. The kibble itself contains no known synthetic coatings, plasticizers, or intentional chemical additives beyond standard vitamin/mineral premixes and preservatives (typically mixed tocopherols, a natural preservative). The primary material exposure is the bag's kraft paper and any interior coatings or inks, this is where PFAS contamination risk would concentrate, though Champion Petfoods has not publicly disclosed bag composition or PFAS testing.
The brand's record and disclosure
Champion Petfoods (Orijen's parent company) does not publicly disclose detailed ingredient sourcing, supplier audits, or packaging safety certifications beyond basic compliance claims. The brand has no major product recalls tied to chemical contamination in the US database as of recent record, though companion animal foods are less stringently regulated than human food. Champion does not appear to have a stated position on PFAS reduction or transparency regarding bag materials. No third-party certifications (e.g., AAFCO beyond nutritional adequacy) are prominently marketed for safety assurance.
How it compares in its category
Orijen sits in the premium pet food segment with ingredient profiles similar to other high-meat-content brands like Acana, Taste of the Wild, and Ziwi Peak. Most premium dry pet foods use kraft or multilayer bags without public PFAS disclosure; this is an industry-wide gap, not unique to Orijen. Compared to budget kibbles, Orijen's higher meat content and lower filler load reduces risk of contaminants associated with grain-heavy formulations (e.g., mold toxins in corn). No peer brand in this category has notably better chemical transparency.
If you buy it
Store kibble in the original kraft bag in a cool, dry place, or transfer to a food-grade airtight container away from direct sunlight to prevent oxidation of fats and preserve nutrient stability. Do not expose the bag to heat, moisture, or prolonged storage beyond 6-8 weeks after opening to minimize oxidative rancidity. Monitor your pet for signs of GI upset or allergic reactions (itching, vomiting) over the first 1-2 weeks of feeding; if issues arise, discontinue and consult a veterinarian. For PFAS peace of mind, contact Champion Petfoods directly to request bag material composition and any PFAS testing data; their silence on packaging suggests they have not conducted or do not plan to disclose this information.
Beyond PFAS: other things we checked
Established hazard classes for this product type, assessed from public information. These never change the PFAS grade; a Likely flag caps the Verdict at “Buy with care.”
PFAS in packaging (bag material/inks)
Kraft bags commonly used for dry pet food may contain PFAS-based water or grease repellents in interior coatings or inks; Champion Petfoods has not disclosed bag composition, making this unverified but consistent with industry practice.
Mineral contaminants (heavy metals) in rendered meat sources
No recalls or documented cases of lead, cadmium, or mercury in Orijen products; rendered meat concentrates carry theoretical risk but are not flagged by regulatory agencies for this brand.
Mycotoxins (mold toxins) in grain/carbohydrate sources
Orijen Original uses minimal grain fillers and no corn or wheat, which reduces exposure to aflatoxin and other mycotoxins compared to budget kibbles; no recalls on record for this product.
Oxidative rancidity in fat during storage
High-fat, meat-based kibbles (Orijen is ~18% crude fat) are prone to lipid oxidation over time, especially if stored in warm or humid conditions; this reduces palatability and nutritional value but does not introduce novel toxins.
Vitamin/mineral premix contamination or imbalance
No documented cases of excess or deficient micronutrients in Orijen; the brand meets AAFCO standards but does not publish independent third-party nutrient assays.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 72% confidence. It is not a lab result.
No independent PFAS lab test is on record for this exact product. A lab test could move the score in either direction.
The brand has not made a specific, verifiable PFAS-free statement, so part of this score reflects that missing disclosure rather than a confirmed material.
Formulations and coatings change between production runs. Always check the current label before buying.
More pet food bags grades
How we score: every product runs through the same public 0–100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.