by Orijen
Adult
Regular
FEDIAF

Orijen

Guardian 8 (CA)

Adult
Regular
FEDIAF
FEDIAF adequacy statement provided by the manufacturer
1

First Ingredient

Animal Protein

Flavor

Chicken

Cat Food Central Quality Score: 98 out of 100
1K views
4.7
(811 reviews)

Available sizes

1.8 kg
4 lb
4.5 kg
9.9 lb

Summary

Orijen Guardian 8 is a protein-rich dry cat food specifically designed for adult cats.
It addresses eight key health concerns.
The formula includes 90% premium animal ingredients, such as fresh chicken, turkey, salmon, and herring, supporting muscle maintenance and overall vitality.
Focusing on WholePrey nutrition, it incorporates nutrient-dense components like organs, meat, and bone, mimicking a cat’s natural diet.
It supports digestion with prebiotics like dried chicory root and fiber from pumpkin, apples, and pears, aiding gastrointestinal health.
Omega-3 fatty acids from wild-caught pollock oil contribute to healthy skin and coat, while DHA and EPA support cognitive and heart health.
The formula includes naturally occurring taurine and Vitamin A from animal sources, benefiting retinal and eye health.
Crafted in Canada, it excludes artificial preservatives and features a freeze-dried liver coating for palatability.

Pros
Expand All
1

Comprehensive health support

Targets eight health aspects, including joint, cognitive, and heart health.
2

High protein content

Contains 40% crude protein, supporting muscle maintenance and energy levels.
3

Digestive health

Prebiotics and natural fibers promote a healthy digestive system.
4

Healthy skin and coat

Omega-3 fatty acids improve coat condition and skin health.
5

Biologically appropriate

Mimics a cat's ancestral diet with WholePrey ingredients.
6

No artificial additives

Free from artificial colors, flavorings, and preservatives.
Cons
Expand All
1

Caloric density

High metabolizable energy (3980 kcal/kg) requires careful portion control to avoid overfeeding in less active cats.
2

Complex ingredient list

It may not be ideal for cats with multiple food sensitivities or allergies.
3

Uncommon protein sources

These include ingredients like whole mackerel and rabbit, which could be unfamiliar to some cats and may require adjustment.

Nutrition

Ingredients

  • Fresh chicken 32%
  • Raw salmon 5%
  • Raw turkey 5%
  • Raw whole herring 5%
  • Raw whole mackerel 5%
  • Fresh chicken giblets (liver, heart) 4.5%
  • Raw turkey liver 4%
  • Fresh eggs 4%
  • Dehydrated chicken 4%
  • Dehydrated turkey 4%
  • and also:
Dehydrated herring (4%), Dehydrated chicken liver (4%), Dehydrated egg (4%), Raw rabbit (4%), Whole red lentils, Whole pinto beans, Whole green lentils, Whole chickpeas, Whole navy beans, Whole peas, Pea starch, Ground miscanthus grass, Pollock oil (1%), Chicken fat (0.5%), Fresh whole pumpkin, Fresh whole butternut squash, Dried kelp, Dried chicory root, Fresh whole apples, Fresh whole carrots, Fresh whole pears, Fresh whole zucchini, Brewers dried yeast, Hydrolyzed yeast, Fresh beet greens, Fresh kale, Fresh spinach, Fresh turnip greens, Whole cranberries, Whole blueberries, Fresh poultry (37%), Fresh fish (15%), Fresh poultry giblets (8.5%), Dehydrated poultry (8%), Fresh eggs (4%), Dehydrated herring (4%), Dehydrated chicken liver (4%), Dehydrated egg (4%), Raw rabbit (4%)

Vitamins and Additives

  • Vitamin B1 25 mg/kg
  • Vitamin B2 10 mg/kg
  • Vitamin B3 50 mg/kg
  • Vitamin B5 8 mg/kg
  • Vitamin B6 7.5 mg/kg
  • Vitamin B9 0.75 mg/kg
  • Vitamin B12 0.1 mg/kg
  • Vitamin E 50 IU
  • and also:
Technological additives: Tocopherol extracts from vegetable oils: 121 mg, citric acid: 40 mg.

Sensory additives: Rosemary extract: 80 mg.

Nutritional additives: Choline chloride (choline): 1400 mg, Zinc proteinate: 75 mg, Copper proteinate: 11.3 mg.

Zootechnical additives: Enterococcus faecium DSM 10663/ NCIMB 10415 1x10⁹ CFU

Guaranteed Analysis

Crude Protein
40%
Crude Fat
18%
Crude Fiber
4%
Moisture
10%
Crude Ash
9%
Calcium
1.4%
Phosphorus
1.1%
Magnesium
0.1%
Omega 3
1.2%
Omega 6
3%
Metabolizable Energy
3980 kcal/kg
Taurine (min) (0.1%), DHA (min) (0.35%), EPA (min) (0.35%)

Notes

The score is calculated after relocating fresh meat or fish ingredient(s), as explained in Rule 7: Quality and Location Impact of Meat Ingredients

Guaranteed Analysis

Crude Protein
40%
Crude Fat
18%
Crude Fiber
4%
Moisture
10%
Crude Ash
9%
Calcium
1.4%
Phosphorus
1.1%
Magnesium
0.1%
Omega 3
1.2%
Omega 6
3%
Metabolizable Energy
3980 kcal/kg
Taurine (min) (0.1%), DHA (min) (0.35%), EPA (min) (0.35%)
Last reviewed:
We use advanced automated tools to verify and update this product’s details with the most current manufacturer information.
View the product change history.

Rating

4.7
811 reviews
5
694
4
56
3
21
2
14
1
26

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While not identical, these products fall within a defined range to offer nutritionally comparable options.
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Product feedback

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How the score is calculated?

The actual calculation of the score is based on sophisticated and advanced algorithm that takes into account multiple parameters.

To simplify the explanation, the calculation is based on three main criteria:

(1) Amount of protein (more is better)

(2) Amount of carbohydrates (less is better)

(3) Quality and source of ingredients.

Based on that 3 main criteria, 9 score calculation rules are used to compare the different foods.

One major assumption is that the closer an ingredient is to the top of the ingredient list, the greater its relative weight and contribution to the food.

In general, cat food is composed of protein, fats, carbohydrates, fibers, vitamins, and minerals.

Protein is the most important component in a cat's diet, and cats primarily get their protein from animal meat.

Fat is a primary source of energy and essential fatty acids.

Carbohydrates are controversial in a cat's diet, as cats are obligate carnivores and typically consume very few carbohydrates.

Fibers play an important role in digestion and food absorption, and vitamins and minerals are essential for different organism functions.

Dry matter values are used to compare the amount of nutrients in different cat foods. This means that moisture is excluded from the equation to provide a more accurate comparison.

Putting all of these and more into a formula results in a product score.

The maximum score a cat food can receive is 100. Points are added or removed based on the score calculation rules.

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