Brand Comparison · 2026

Orijen vs Taste of the Wild

Orijen (high-protein, high-meat-inclusion boutique kibble; named in 12 reports in the FDA's 2019 DCM update) and Taste of the Wild (grain-inclusive and grain-free kibble at mid-tier pricing; partial WSAVA compliance) compared head-to-head on WSAVA manufacturer-quality criteria, AAFCO substantiation, monthly cost, and which dog each is best for in 2026. Both brands meet 2 of 5 WSAVA criteria. Taste of the Wild is roughly 50% less than Orijen.

The verdict

Two boutique kibbles that both center protein and novel ingredients while missing full compliance. Orijen meets 2 of 5 WSAVA criteria, owns its plants, and showcases some of the highest meat-inclusion percentages on the market at a premium $80-130/month. Taste of the Wild also meets 2 of 5, owns its plants through Diamond, and builds recipes around novel proteins like bison and venison at a much lower $40-65, but carries a 2012 Salmonella recall history.

Both use formulation-only substantiation and have grain-free lines named in the FDA DCM investigation, so neither suits a cardiac-risk dog. Pick Taste of the Wild for novel proteins at a moderate price. Pick Orijen if you specifically want maximum meat inclusion and accept the premium. For full compliance, neither qualifies.

Key differences at a glance

Different makers: Orijen is Mars Incorporated (Champion Petfoods); Taste of the Wild is Diamond Pet Foods.
WSAVA manufacturer-quality: both meet 2 of 5 criteria.
Monthly cost: Taste of the Wild runs roughly 50% less than Orijen for a typical 50 lb dog.
Heart-health context: both Orijen and Taste of the Wild appear in the FDA's diet-related DCM investigation, which has not established that any food caused the disease.

Quick comparison

Dimension	Orijen	Taste of the Wild
Parent company	Mars Incorporated (Champion Petfoods)	Diamond Pet Foods
Category	Boutique dry kibble	Boutique dry kibble
WSAVA criteria met	2 of 5	2 of 5
AAFCO substantiation	Formulation only	Formulation only
Full-time veterinary nutritionist	Yes	Partial
Credentialed formulator	Partial	Partial
AAFCO feeding trials	No	No
Owns manufacturing plants	Yes	Yes
Quality control program	Partial	Yes
Typical monthly cost (50 lb dog)	$80 – $130 / month	$40 – $65 / month

Mars Incorporated (Champion Petfoods)

Orijen

High-protein, high-meat-inclusion boutique kibble; named in 12 reports in the FDA's 2019 DCM update.

Strengths

Some of the highest meat-inclusion percentages on the market
Strong brand-quality narrative and consumer trust
Owns manufacturing in Canada and Kentucky

Watch-outs

Named in 12 reports in the FDA's 2019 DCM update. The FDA did not establish that any food caused the disease
Formulation-only AAFCO substantiation
Premium price

Best for: Owners who prioritize ingredient panel aesthetics and accept the DCM-risk and WSAVA-compliance trade-offs.

Avoid if: Your dog has any cardiac risk factor or breed predisposition to DCM.

Visit Orijen ↗

Diamond Pet Foods

Taste of the Wild

Grain-inclusive and grain-free kibble at mid-tier pricing; partial WSAVA compliance.

Strengths

Lower price than most premium kibbles
Owned manufacturing through Diamond
Recipes built around novel proteins (bison, salmon, venison)

Watch-outs

Historical contamination recalls (notably 2012 Salmonella)
No board-certified veterinary nutritionist on staff
Named in 53 reports in the FDA's 2019 DCM update. The FDA did not establish that any food caused the disease

Best for: Owners drawn to novel protein lineups at moderate prices.

Avoid if: You want full WSAVA compliance or have a dog with cardiac risk factors.

Visit Taste of the Wild ↗

Which is better for your dog?

The right pick depends on your individual dog. Orijen is the better choice when: Owners who prioritize ingredient panel aesthetics and accept the DCM-risk and WSAVA-compliance trade-offs. Taste of the Wild is the better choice when: Owners drawn to novel protein lineups at moderate prices.

On cost, Taste of the Wild is roughly 50% less than Orijen at the midpoint of typical premium spec for a 50 lb adult dog. On WSAVA manufacturer-quality criteria, both brands tie at 2 of 5.

Checking one brand rather than the pair? See is Orijen WSAVA-approved or is Taste of the Wild WSAVA-approved.

Where to buy

Made your pick?

Check current pricing on whichever brand fits your dog. Prices and promotions change frequently, so it is worth comparing both before you commit to a bag or a subscription.

Shop Orijen on Chewy →Shop Taste of the Wild on Chewy →

Disclosure: these are affiliate links and IntelliBowl may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Commission does not influence the comparison above. See our methodology.

Personalized recommendation

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Compare these brands against others

Methodology: WSAVA criteria reflect each brand's publicly documented manufacturer-quality practices as of October 2026, scored against the WSAVA Global Nutrition Committee's 5-question rubric. AAFCO substantiation reflects the dominant method used across the brand's main retail product line. Monthly cost reflects typical US 2026 retail for a 50 lb adult dog at premium spec, before autoship discounts. Recommendations are editorial and not influenced by affiliate relationships. See our recommendation methodology for IntelliBowl's quiz-engine ranking logic.