Any Thoughts on Orijen or other food?
So, Hoku's been on Pro-Plan since weaning, and I have no complaints.
However, I had always considered switching her to a higher-value food as she got closer to two years. Since her injury / CCL tear she's lost close to 10 lbs, really seems in great condition, but looking at her long-term joint health, I think this is a time for us to consider making a change.
Frankly, if I felt confident enough about it, I'd feed her BARF, or would make her food (which is what I did for my cat, years ago—and the results were terrific: I had never seen a healthier, more muscular cat)—but I am not sure I feel competent with either (esp BARF), so I am considering higher-quality kibbles.
Having researched for several months, Orijen seems like a very good brand. It seems to be grain free, which is not really a concern of mine—but with much higher quality proteins and vegetables, not dependent upon chicken as the sole protein, and less filler. I've compared the nutritional profile of Orijen Tundra to that of ProPlan: it's higher in protein and a little higher in fat, but lower in calories per cup. The EHA / DHA / Glucosamine levels are higher, which I like (she's on a joint support supplement, anyway).
I think it would be a significant change, which worries me a bit (but I know how to go slowly, if we transition).
I'm not going to get on a food roller coaster—which is why I've been considering this and researching it for months. Right now and for the foreseeable future we are a one-dog family, so although Orijen is expensive, it's doable.
I know a lot of us are on ProPlan here, and I am want to be clear that I am not criticizing it. And while I am truly open to hearing about other upper-end foods (Royal Canin also seems to be a good one, but I like Orijen's ingredients and analysis a bit better), I am not going to get on a food roller coaster.
Ditto if anyone here has negative things to say about Orijen (other than the price), or especial advice switching from ProPlan to a grain free like Orijen.