When it comes to keeping our pets healthy and happy, choosing the right food is essential. With so many options on the market, finding the best choice can feel overwhelming. One brand that stands out for its commitment to high-quality, biologically appropriate pet food is Champion Pet Foods. Known for brands like ORIJEN and ACANA, Champion Foods has earned a strong reputation among pet owners worldwide. In this guide, we’ll explore what makes Champion Pet Food unique, what to consider when choosing their products, and why it might be a great choice for your pet.
About Champion Pet Food
Champion Pet Foods, a Canadian-based company, has been in the pet food industry for over 30 years. They focus on producing biologically appropriate food, which means their recipes are designed to meet the natural dietary needs of cats and dogs. Their two main product lines, ORIJEN and ACANA, use high-quality, regionally sourced ingredients, and they follow a philosophy of fresh and raw nutrition.
Champion Pet Food Brands: ORIJEN and ACANA
Champion Pet Foods is best known for two major brands, each tailored to different pet nutrition needs:
- ORIJEN: This premium brand is rich in proteins and designed for active dogs and cats. It uses whole-prey ingredients (meat, organs, bones) that mimic a pet’s natural diet.
- ACANA: ACANA offers a more affordable range with a similar commitment to high-quality ingredients. It’s ideal for pet owners looking for a nutritious diet that meets the needs of dogs and cats of all activity levels.
What Makes Champion Pet Food Unique?
Champion Foods stands out for several reasons, from their strict ingredient sourcing to the way they prepare their food. Here are some aspects that make them a popular choice for pet owners:
Biologically Appropriate Recipes
Champion Pet Foods takes a biologically appropriate approach to pet food, aiming to match the natural diet of carnivorous pets. For example, ORIJEN recipes contain up to 85% animal ingredients, while ACANA recipes are about 70%. This high animal content ensures pets get the protein they need to thrive, along with vitamins and minerals naturally found in animal sources.
Fresh, Regional Ingredients
Champion sources their ingredients regionally, focusing on quality and freshness. Their supply partners provide fresh meats, fish, vegetables, and fruits, all of which are locally sourced whenever possible. Champion prides itself on maintaining transparency with pet owners about where their ingredients come from.
WholePrey Ratios
Champion’s ORIJEN recipes follow a WholePrey philosophy, which means the recipes include whole animals or fish, including muscle, organs, cartilage, and bone. This mirrors the way animals eat in the wild, giving pets a complete profile of nutrients in a form their bodies are designed to digest.
Benefits of Choosing Champion Pet Food
Champion Pet Foods offers numerous benefits that can contribute to your pet’s health and well-being. Let’s take a closer look at some of these advantages.
High Protein Content
One of the standout benefits of Champion’s pet food brands is their high protein content, derived from fresh meats and fish. This protein-heavy approach supports muscle health, energy levels, and overall vitality, which is particularly important for active or working dogs.
Improved Digestive Health
Champion Pet Foods includes probiotics in their recipes, supporting a healthy gut and aiding in digestion. By including whole ingredients and avoiding fillers, Champion’s recipes can also reduce the chances of digestive issues, as they exclude grains, potatoes, and other ingredients that may not be as easily digested by carnivorous pets.
Enhanced Skin and Coat Health
The omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids found in Champion’s recipes are essential for a pet’s skin and coat health. High-quality animal-based fats keep a pet’s coat shiny, reduce shedding, and promote healthy skin, helping to prevent dryness and irritation.
No Artificial Preservatives or Fillers
Unlike some pet food brands, Champion Pet Foods avoids artificial preservatives, fillers, and by-products. Their ingredients are simple and natural, with every part of the recipe serving a purpose in providing balanced nutrition. This approach means you can feel good about what you’re feeding your pet, with no unwanted additives.
Choosing Between ORIJEN and ACANA
Both ORIJEN and ACANA offer exceptional quality, but they cater to different dietary needs and budgets. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide which might be best for your pet:
ORIJEN: For High-Protein Needs
ORIJEN recipes are crafted for pets that require a higher protein intake, such as working dogs or pets with high energy levels. They include WholePrey ingredients and are ideal for owners who want to provide a diet that closely resembles what pets would naturally eat in the wild.
Pros:
- High in protein, with up to 85% animal ingredients.
- WholePrey approach mimics a natural diet.
- Great for active, high-energy pets.
Cons:
- Higher price point.
ACANA: For Balanced Nutrition at a Lower Cost
ACANA offers the same commitment to quality, but with a focus on a more balanced nutrient profile that suits pets of all activity levels. It’s also more budget-friendly while still delivering high-quality, regional ingredients. ACANA recipes contain 70% animal ingredients, offering a protein-rich diet, though not as high as ORIJEN.
Pros:
- High-quality ingredients at a more affordable price.
- Good for pets of various activity levels.
- Excellent for pet owners on a budget.
Cons:
- Slightly lower protein content than ORIJEN.
How to Transition to Champion Pet Food
Switching to a new pet food should always be done gradually to avoid digestive issues. Champion Foods recommends a seven-day transition period to help pets adjust to the new diet.
Transition Steps:
- Day 1-2: Mix 25% Champion food with 75% of your pet’s current food.
- Day 3-4: Increase to a 50/50 blend of Champion and current food.
- Day 5-6: Mix 75% Champion food with 25% of the current food.
- Day 7: Feed 100% Champion food.
This gradual shift allows your pet’s digestive system to adapt, ensuring a smooth transition to the new diet.
Final Thoughts: Is Champion Pet Food Right for Your Pet?
Champion Pet Foods, through ORIJEN and ACANA, offers some of the highest-quality, biologically appropriate pet foods available. With a commitment to fresh, regional ingredients and a focus on pet health, Champion provides peace of mind to pet owners who want only the best for their pets.
Whether you’re looking for the high-protein punch of ORIJEN or the balanced, budget-friendly option of ACANA, Champion has a variety of options to suit different needs. Your pet will benefit from natural, nutrient-rich food that supports their health from the inside out.
So, if you’re looking for a food that combines quality, nutrition, and a commitment to natural ingredients, Champion Pet Food could be the perfect choice for your pet.
