Orijen Original Grain-Free vs Wellness CORE Grain-Free Turkey & Chicken
Head-to-head comparison — specs, scores, pros & cons, and our expert verdict to help you pick the right one for your dog.
Wellness COREBudget
Wellness CORE Grain-Free Turkey & Chicken
4.6(7,600 reviews)
9.2/10 overall
Ratings Breakdown
| Category | Orijen Original Grain-Free | Wellness CORE Grain-Free Turkey & Chicken |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 9.2 | 9.2 |
| Value | 5.7 | 8.2 |
| Quality | 9.3 | 9.3 |
| Durability | 8.8 | 8.8 |
| Ease of Use | 8.9 | 8.9 |
Pros & Cons
Orijen Original Grain-Free
Pros
- ✓85% meat and fish ingredients, 15% plants
- ✓Whole-prey ratios with organs and cartilage
- ✓Fresh and raw ingredients, never outsourced
- ✓No synthetic supplements except zinc
- ✓Consistently tops independent nutritional analyses
Cons
- ✗Significantly more expensive than competitors
- ✗Too rich for dogs with sensitive stomachs
Wellness CORE Grain-Free Turkey & Chicken
Pros
- ✓95% meat protein pâté — among the highest on the market
- ✓Zero fillers, carrageenan-free formula
- ✓Rich in omega fatty acids for coat health
- ✓Smooth texture mixes well with kibble
- ✓No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
Cons
- ✗Pâté texture isn't for every dog; some prefer chunks
- ✗Premium price compared to chunky-style competitors
Specs Comparison
| Spec | Orijen Original Grain-Free | Wellness CORE Grain-Free Turkey & Chicken |
|---|---|---|
| Bag Size | 25 lb | — |
| Protein Source | Free-Run Chicken & Turkey, Wild-Caught Fish | Turkey & Chicken |
| Life Stage | Adult | Adult |
| Grain-Free | Yes | Yes |
| Special Feature | WholePrey 85/15 meat-to-plant ratio | 95% meat protein pâté, carrageenan-free |
| Pack Size | — | 12 cans (12.5 oz each) |
| Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
| Buy | ||
| Scores | Overall 9.2 Value 5.7 Quality 9.3 Durability 8.8 | Overall 9.2 Value 8.2 Quality 9.3 Durability 8.8 |
| Bag Size | 25 lb | — |
| Protein Source | Free-Run Chicken & Turkey, Wild-Caught Fish | Turkey & Chicken |
| Life Stage | Adult | Adult |
| Grain-Free | Yes | Yes |
| Special Feature | WholePrey 85/15 meat-to-plant ratio | 95% meat protein pâté, carrageenan-free |
| Pack Size | — | 12 cans (12.5 oz each) |
* Prices may vary. Click to see latest pricing at each retailer.
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Our Verdict
Winner
Orijen Original Grain-Free
9.2/10 overall
It's extremely close, but Orijen Original Grain-Free edges ahead with a slightly higher overall score (9.2 vs 9.2). Both are excellent choices — you really can't go wrong with either. Pick the one that best fits your dog's specific needs and your budget.