DETAILED DESCRIPTION

What It Is

Orijen Small Breed is a grain-free, high-protein dry dog food crafted specifically for the nutritional demands and physical characteristics of small and toy breed dogs. Made by Champion Pet Foods on their Biologically Appropriate philosophy, the recipe delivers 85% fresh and raw animal ingredients — free-run turkey, chicken, and wild-caught fish — packed into a smaller, uniquely shaped kibble designed to fit smaller mouths and support better chewing. This is not a scaled-down version of a standard recipe. It is a purpose-built formulation that accounts for the distinct metabolism, dental structure, and energy requirements of small dogs.

Who It Is For

Orijen Small Breed is designed for adult dogs of small and toy breeds — those expected to reach under 10 kg as adults. In the Indian context, this includes breeds such as Shih Tzus, Lhasa Apsos, Pugs, Pomeranians, Chihuahuas, Dachshunds, Maltese, Toy Poodles, Miniature Schnauzers, and Indian breeds in the smaller weight range. It is equally suited to mixed-breed small dogs whose owners want to move beyond standard grain-heavy kibble and invest in genuinely functional nutrition. Because small dogs age faster than large breeds, this formula also works well for adult and ageing small dogs — there is no separate senior small breed recipe in the Orijen range, and this formulation is calibrated to serve all life stages for small breeds.

Why It Is Better

Small dogs have a significantly faster metabolism than large breeds, meaning they burn more calories per kilogram of body weight and require a more nutrient-dense diet relative to their size. Feeding them a standard adult dog food — even a premium one — often leaves nutritional gaps. Orijen Small Breed addresses this directly. The recipe features turkey as its first ingredient — a leaner, easily digestible protein — alongside chicken, turkey giblets, wild-caught herring, salmon, and a uniquely notable ingredient: New Zealand green mussels. Green mussels are one of nature’s richest natural sources of glucosamine and chondroitin, making them highly relevant for small breeds that are prone to joint and dental concerns as they age. The WholePrey formula includes organs and bone for naturally occurring minerals and vitamins, the probiotic Bacillus Coagulans for gut health, and herring and pollock oil for Omega-3 fatty acids that maintain coat quality — something small breed owners notice quickly in the sheen and softness of their dog’s fur. The kibble size and shape is specifically engineered for small jaws, making mealtimes safer and more comfortable for tiny dogs that can struggle with standard kibble.

When to Use It

Feed Orijen Small Breed as the daily staple for your small or toy breed adult dog. It can be served dry or lightly moistened with warm water. For small breed senior dogs, this same recipe is appropriate as a lifelong food given its all-life-stages formulation. It pairs well as a rotation food alongside wet food toppers or fresh food additions for dog parents who like to add variety to their small dog’s diet.

COMPOSITION & GUARANTEED ANALYSIS

Key Ingredients (Global Formulation Reference): Turkey, Chicken, Turkey Giblets (Liver, Heart, Gizzard), Whole Herring, Salmon, Dehydrated Turkey, Dehydrated Chicken, Dehydrated Sardine, Dehydrated Chicken Liver, Dehydrated Egg, Whole Red Lentils, Whole Pinto Beans, Whole Navy Beans, Chicken Fat, Whole Green Lentils, Whole Chickpeas, Dried Apple Pomace, Whole Peas, Chicken Liver, Eggs, Natural Chicken Flavour, Pollock Oil, Chicken Heart, New Zealand Green Mussels, Vitamin E Supplement, Whole Cranberries, Whole Pumpkin, Whole Butternut Squash, Collard Greens, Whole Apples, Whole Pears, Dried Kelp, Zinc Proteinate, Mixed Tocopherols (Natural Preservative), Bacillus Coagulans (Probiotic), Dried Chicory Root, Turmeric, Sarsaparilla Root, Althea Root, Rosehips, Juniper Berries, Rosemary Extract, B-Complex Vitamins, Copper Proteinate, Citric Acid (Preservative).

Note: Formulation may vary slightly by region and pack size. Always refer to the label on the product received.

Guaranteed Analysis (Approximate): Crude Protein: Min. 38% Crude Fat: Min. 18% Crude Fibre: Max. 4% Moisture: Max. 12% Omega-6 Fatty Acids: Min. 3% Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Min. 0.8% Taurine: Approx. 0.1% Total Microorganisms (Bacillus Coagulans): Min. 100 Million CFU/lb Metabolisable Energy: Approx. 3940 kcal/kg (approx. 473 kcal per cup) Calorie Distribution: ~39% Protein | ~20% Carbohydrates | ~41% Fat

KEY BENEFITS

• 85% Quality Animal Ingredients in Small-Breed Kibble – Fresh and raw turkey, chicken, herring, and salmon are packed into a smaller, uniquely shaped kibble designed specifically for smaller mouths and jaw structures — making every bite safer and more manageable.

• New Zealand Green Mussels for Natural Joint Support – One of nature’s richest natural sources of glucosamine and chondroitin, green mussels provide targeted joint support that is especially relevant for small breeds prone to patellar luxation and early-onset arthritis.

• Turkey-First Lean Protein Formula – Unlike most small breed foods that lead with chicken, Orijen Small Breed opens with free-run turkey — a leaner, easily digestible protein that suits the sensitive digestive systems common in toy and small breeds.

• WholePrey Organs for Complete Natural Nutrition – Turkey giblets, chicken liver, and chicken heart deliver naturally occurring iron, B vitamins, and zinc at levels that support immune function and energy — without relying on synthetic fortification.

• Omega-3 Rich for Coat and Skin Health – Pollock oil and herring deliver EPA and DHA to support the silky, soft coats that small breed owners care deeply about, and reduce the dry, flaky skin that many small dogs experience year-round.

• Prebiotic and Probiotic Gut Support – Bacillus Coagulans and dried chicory root maintain a healthy gut microbiome — particularly relevant for small breeds with notoriously sensitive stomachs and high rates of digestive complaints.

• All Life Stages Formula – Suitable for small breed adults and seniors alike, with no need to switch recipes as your dog ages. One premium food for the full journey of a small dog’s life.

FEEDING GUIDE

Serve twice daily. Always keep fresh, clean water available. Because Orijen Small Breed is calorie-dense and protein-rich, portions are notably smaller than most standard small breed kibbles — follow the guide carefully and adjust based on body condition and activity level.

General Daily Amounts (approximate, use a standard 250ml measuring cup):

2 kg dog → 30–40g per day 3 kg dog → 40–55g per day 5 kg dog → 60–80g per day 7 kg dog → 80–105g per day 10 kg dog → 110–140g per day

Less active or weight-prone small dogs: Feed toward the lower end of the range Active small dogs or those with lean build: Feed toward the higher end

Transition Tip: Transition gradually over 7 days, beginning with 25% Orijen Small Breed mixed into your dog’s current food and increasing each day. Small breeds can have particularly sensitive digestive systems, so a slow transition prevents loose stools. Lightly moistening kibble with warm water during the first few days can help with both palatability and digestion.

Storage: Seal the bag tightly after each use. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture.