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.
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Orijen Original Grain-Free
From $35.99(prices may vary)
📦 Buy on Amazon
Wellness CORE Grain-Free Turkey & Chicken
From $47.98(prices may vary)
📦 Buy on AmazonRatings 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 | ||
PawBench Scoremethodology → | Nutrition 77 Ingredients 77 Palatability 74 Value 64 Owner Satisfaction 76 | Nutrition 83 Ingredients 89 Palatability 74 Value 87 Owner Satisfaction 85 |
| Buyer sentiment | Quality Ingredients Healthiness Taste Value for money Digestion Odor Buyers praise quality, ingredients, healthiness and taste. Mixed feedback on digestibility. Some flag value for money and digestion. Based on 758 user mentions | Quality Healthiness Pet pleasure Grain-Free Buyers praise quality, healthiness, pet pleasure and grain-free. Mixed feedback on value for money and digestibility. Based on 1,330 user mentions |
| 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 are approximate and may vary. Please check the latest price on Amazon.
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.
From $35.99 (prices may vary)
📦 Buy Orijen Original Grain-Free on Amazon