ORIJEN Small Breed Puppy Food: The Ultimate Nutrition for Your Tiny Companion

May 02, 2025Pets Villa

ORIJEN Small Breed Puppy Food: The Ultimate Nutrition for Your Tiny Companion

While introducing a small breed puppy into your home is an exhilarating experience, you must also ensure they receive optimal nutrition to promote their healthy development. Small breed puppies necessitate a distinct nutritional strategy compared to larger breed puppies due to their heightened metabolism, accelerated growth, and need for nutrient-dense food in smaller portions. Conversely, ORIJEN is an exceptional option for small breed puppies.

This premium kibble fulfills the biological needs of small breed puppies, comprising 85 percent high-quality animal ingredients and specifically formulated to address those needs. This comprehensive guide provides detailed information about ORIJEN Small Breed Puppy Food, encompassing its unique selling propositions, ingredients, benefits, feeding guidelines, and comparisons with competitors. Our reliable canine companions have evolved from the formidable grey wolf for millennia. Although their appearance, behaviours, and lifestyles have evolved due to domestication, their biological needs have remained unchanged. As nature intended, the intake of whole prey and animal protein is fundamental to fulfilling these needs. Consequently, ORIJEN Tundra is produced utilizing a diverse array of premium animal ingredients to fulfil these ancestral dietary needs.

This comprehensive blog post will thoroughly analyze ORIJEN Tundra dog food, addressing its ingredients, nutritional profile, benefits, and feeding guidelines. This guide will elucidate why ORIJEN Tundra may be the optimal choice for your dog's diet, whether you are a dog owner or seeking a superior dietary alternative.

Why Choose ORIJEN Small Breed Puppy Food?

1. Biologically Appropriate Diet

ORIJEN follows a WholePrey philosophy, meaning their food mimics what dogs would naturally eat in the wild. Instead of relying on fillers, this formula includes fresh and raw meats, organs, cartilage, and bone—delivering complete nutrition in every bite.

2. High Animal Protein Content (85%)

Small breed puppies need more protein and fat than larger breeds to support their rapid growth and high energy levels. ORIJEN Small Breed Puppy Food contains:

Fresh chicken (18%)
Raw salmon (12%)
Raw turkey (10%)
Whole fish (hake, herring)
Organ meats (liver, heart, giblets)

This protein-rich formula helps build strong muscles, supports immune health, and promotes a shiny coat.

3. Grain-Free & Low-Carbohydrate Formula

Unlike many commercial puppy foods that use grains and fillers, ORIJEN’s recipe contains minimal carbohydrates, sourced from lentils, chickpeas, and beans instead of corn or wheat. This ensures better digestion and stable energy levels.

4. Nutrient-Dense Ingredients for Optimal Growth

Small breed puppies need higher levels of fat, calcium, and phosphorus for bone and brain development. ORIJEN provides:

20% crude fat for energy
1.3% calcium & 0.9% phosphorus for strong bones
Omega-3 fatty acids (DHA & EPA) for brain and vision development
Probiotics (Enterococcus faecium) for gut health

5. No Artificial Preservatives or Additives

ORIJEN avoids artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. Instead, it uses natural antioxidants like rosemary extract and tocopherols to preserve freshness.

Key Ingredients & Their Benefits

1. Fresh & Raw Animal Proteins

Chicken, Turkey, Salmon, Hake, Herring – Provide essential amino acids for muscle growth.
Organs (Liver, Heart, Giblets) – Rich in vitamins (A, B12, iron) for immune support.
Whole Eggs – A complete protein source with biotin for skin and coat health.

2. Whole Fish & Fish Oils

Salmon, Hake, Herring, Pollock Oil – Supply DHA and EPA, crucial for brain and eye development.
Omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation and support joint health.

3. Fiber-Rich Legumes & Vegetables

Lentils, Chickpeas, Navy Beans – Provide slow-digesting carbs for sustained energy.
Pumpkin, Butternut Squash, Spinach – Packed with vitamins and antioxidants.

4. Superfoods & Botanicals

Blueberries, Cranberries, Saskatoon Berries – High in antioxidants.
Turmeric, Milk Thistle, Burdock Root – Support liver function and reduce inflammation.

Feeding Guidelines for Small Breed Puppies

Since small breeds have tiny stomachs but high energy needs, frequent, small meals are best.

Recommended Daily Feeding Amounts:

Puppy Weight (kg)Daily Amount (grams)1 kg35-50g2 kg55-75g3 kg75-95g4 kg90-115g

Feeding Tips:

Divide into 3-4 meals per day for puppies under 6 months.
Transition slowly (over 7 days) if switching from another food.
Always provide fresh water.

Storage Instructions

Keep food in its original bag, rolled tightly to preserve freshness.
In humid climates, store in an airtight container to prevent moisture absorption.

How ORIJEN Compares to Other Puppy Foods

ORIJEN Small Breed PuppyAverage Commercial Puppy FoodProtein Content38% (mostly animal-based)25-30% (often plant-based)Fat Content20% (ideal for small breeds)12-15% (may be insufficient)CarbohydratesLow (from legumes)High (corn, wheat, soy fillers)PreservativesNatural (rosemary extract)Artificial (BHA, BHT)DHA/EPAYes (for brain development)Often minimal or absent

Why ORIJEN Wins:

✔ Higher protein & fat for small breed needs

✔ Whole animal ingredients (not just meat meals)

✔ No artificial additives

✔ Rich in omega-3s for cognitive health

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is ORIJEN suitable for all small breed puppies?

Yes! It’s designed for all small breeds (e.g., Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, Yorkies, Shih Tzus).

2. Can I mix ORIJEN with wet food?

Absolutely! Adding a spoonful of ORIJEN wet food can enhance flavor and hydration.

3. How long does a 1.8kg bag last?

For a 2kg puppy, it lasts about 3-4 weeks (feeding ~60g/day).

4. Does ORIJEN cause allergies?

Since it’s grain-free and filler-free, it’s less likely to trigger allergies. However, monitor your puppy for sensitivities.

Final Verdict: Is ORIJEN Small Breed Puppy Food Worth It?

A biologically appropriate diet (85% animal ingredients)
Optimal growth support (high protein, DHA, probiotics)
No artificial junk (clean, natural formula)

Small breed puppies thrive on nutrient-dense, high-quality food, and ORIJEN delivers exactly that. While it’s pricier than average kibble, the health benefits make it a worthwhile investment in your puppy’s future.