ORIJEN releases new cat and kitten foods

ACHESON, ALBERTA — On March 1, ORIJEN®, owned by Champion Petfoods, introduced two new pet foods: ORIJEN® GUARDIAN 8™ cat food and ORIJEN® Kitten. Both new kibbles are formulated with fresh or raw poultry, wild-caught fish and loaded with vitamins and minerals to support digestion, brain health and muscle development and maintenance.

According to a study conducted by ORIJEN®, when purchasing pet food, nearly nine out of 10 of cat owners consider the quality of ingredients in the food, while about eight out of 10 find ingredient transparency and benefit claims important in pet food. This information prompted the company to formulate its new cat and kitten food with whole, high-quality ingredients.

“ORIJEN® GUARDIAN 8™ got its name because the quality ingredients offer eight specific health benefits that factor highest in importance for cat owners; ingredients specifically featuring high levels of protein from animal ingredients which is integral to overall cat health,” said Darcia Kostiuk, Ph.D., in-house senior veterinarian, ORIJEN®.  

In using fresh or raw poultry and fish, including salmon and mackerel, the company’s new cat food offers many functional benefits, including immune function, joint health, digestion, shiny coat and healthy skin, muscle maintenance, and heart, brain and eye health.

ORIJEN® Kitten is formulated with chicken, turkey, wild-caught salmon and 15 other fresh or raw ingredients, including animal organs and bones. With a smaller kibble size, the food is specifically designed for kittens, providing them with the complete nutrients needed to grow.

“ORIJEN® Kitten fosters brain, cognitive, and muscle development in kittens as they grow, with the first five ingredients being fresh or raw chicken, turkey, wild-caught salmon, whole herring, and chicken liver,” Kostiuk said.

The new food supports a kitten’s brain development and cognitive function from naturally occurring DHA and EPA oils from salmon, mackerel, herring and pollock. The food also contains prebiotics from dried chicory root and fiber from pumpkin, collard greens, apples and pears to support health digestion. ORIJEN® Kitten is also freeze-dried coated to increase palatability. 

“At Champion Petfoods, we’re committed to giving pets the greatest opportunity to thrive, and overall health starts with the food they eat,” said James Burns, director of marketing, Champion Petfoods. “We’re excited to introduce ORIJEN® GUARDIAN 8™ and our new ORIJEN® Kitten formula so we can support your cat through all stages of life.”

The new cat food is available in 1.8-kg (3.9-lb) or 4.5-kg (9.9-lb) bags, while the new kitten food is available in 1.8-kg (3.9-lb) bags at pet retail stores in Canada.

Read more about new pet food and treat products.