Acana vs. Orijen vs. Stella & Chewy’s
Choosing the right dog food can feel like a complex decision with so many premium brands claiming to offer the best nutrition. In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll explore three of the most popular and high-quality dog food brands—Acana, Orijen, and Stella & Chewy’s—to answer all your critical questions and uncover which one is best suited for your furry friend. Each of these brands focuses on quality, natural ingredients, but they cater to different nutritional philosophies and lifestyles. Here’s what you need to know to make the best decision.
Key Takeaways: Quick Answers to Your Top Questions
- Which brand offers the most natural, raw ingredients? Stella & Chewy’s specializes in raw diets, offering freeze-dried and raw-coated options.
- Which brand has the highest protein content? Orijen leads with its biologically appropriate, high-protein whole-prey formulas.
- What’s best for dogs with food sensitivities? Acana offers limited-ingredient diets perfect for dogs with allergies or sensitivities.
- Which food is more affordable? Acana is generally more budget-friendly compared to Orijen and Stella & Chewy’s.
- What’s best for picky eaters? Stella & Chewy’s raw and freeze-dried meals tend to appeal to even the pickiest dogs due to their natural taste and texture.
- Which brand is better for puppies? Orijen’s puppy formulas are nutrient-dense and packed with protein for growing pups.
- Can I find grain-free options in all these brands? Yes, all three brands offer grain-free options, but Stella & Chewy’s takes it a step further with raw diets.
- What about ingredient quality? All three brands prioritize high-quality, whole ingredients, but Orijen focuses on a whole-prey, biologically appropriate philosophy.
- Which food supports a raw diet? Stella & Chewy’s specializes in raw food, with a variety of raw-coated, freeze-dried, and frozen options.
- Which is the best option for weight management? Acana’s lower-calorie, limited-ingredient options can help manage weight without sacrificing nutrition.
1. Which Dog Food Has the Best Protein Content for Active Dogs? 💪
Active dogs need high-quality protein to support their energy levels and muscle maintenance, and Orijen excels in this category. Orijen’s biologically appropriate formulas mimic the natural diet of wild dogs, using whole-prey ingredients like muscle meat, organs, and bones to deliver a protein content of 38%-42%. This is the highest among the three brands, making it ideal for working dogs or high-energy breeds.
Acana offers a moderate yet still high protein level, typically between 29%-35%, making it great for moderately active dogs. Stella & Chewy’s, with its focus on raw and freeze-dried meals, also provides excellent protein content, but it varies depending on whether you choose freeze-dried raw or their raw-coated kibble. In their raw meals, protein content hovers around 35%-40%, still an excellent choice for active dogs who thrive on raw nutrition.
| Brand | Protein Source | Protein Content | 💡 Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Orijen | Whole-prey meats, organs, and cartilage | 38%-42% | Best for highly active dogs needing lots of protein. |
| Acana | Regional meats, fish, limited ingredients | 29%-35% | Great for active dogs or those with moderate energy levels. |
| Stella & Chewy’s | Freeze-dried raw, raw-coated kibble | 35%-40% | Ideal for raw-fed dogs or those who need a high-protein raw diet. |
💡 Pro Tip: For dogs that need maximum protein for muscle and endurance, Orijen’s whole-prey diet is the top choice.
2. What’s the Best Food for Dogs with Food Sensitivities? 🌾
If your dog suffers from food allergies or sensitivities, Acana is known for its limited-ingredient formulas, which are specifically designed to minimize exposure to common allergens. Acana uses a single animal protein source in its Singles line, such as lamb, duck, or pork, which helps reduce the risk of food reactions.
Stella & Chewy’s also offers limited-ingredient raw diets, which are typically easier for dogs with sensitive stomachs to digest due to the minimal processing and absence of fillers. Their freeze-dried raw meals are particularly popular for dogs that have trouble with traditional kibble.
Orijen, while rich in high-quality protein, is not as focused on limited-ingredient diets and could be too rich for some sensitive dogs, especially those with allergies to multiple proteins.
| Brand | Best for Sensitivities | Primary Ingredients | 💡 Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acana | Limited-ingredient, single animal protein | Lamb, duck, pork | Best for dogs with allergies or food intolerances. |
| Stella & Chewy’s | Raw and freeze-dried limited-ingredient meals | Raw chicken, lamb, turkey | Good for sensitive dogs needing a raw diet. |
| Orijen | High protein but not limited-ingredient | Whole-prey meats | May be too rich for dogs with severe sensitivities. |
💡 Pro Tip: For dogs with food sensitivities, Acana’s limited-ingredient Singles line is your best bet.
3. Which Brand Offers the Most Natural, Raw Ingredients? 🥩
For pet owners seeking the most natural, raw food diet, Stella & Chewy’s is the standout. This brand specializes in raw and freeze-dried meals, offering both frozen and freeze-dried raw food options. Stella & Chewy’s prides itself on using 100% raw ingredients, minimally processed to retain as much natural nutrition as possible.
While Orijen and Acana both use high-quality, fresh ingredients, their food is kibble-based, cooked at low temperatures to preserve nutrients but not raw. Orijen leans into its whole-prey philosophy, using fresh, regional ingredients like free-run chicken and wild-caught fish, but the cooking process makes it different from raw diets.
Acana uses many of the same high-quality ingredients as Orijen but offers a slightly lower protein content and is designed to be a more affordable alternative while still focusing on regional and fresh ingredients.
| Brand | Raw Options? | Processing | 💡 Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stella & Chewy’s | Yes, raw and freeze-dried | Minimal processing, 100% raw | Best for dogs on raw or freeze-dried diets. |
| Orijen | No, but fresh ingredients | Low-temperature cooked | Best for those who want whole-prey nutrition without going raw. |
| Acana | No, but fresh, regional ingredients | Low-temperature cooked | More affordable alternative with a focus on quality, fresh meats. |
💡 Pro Tip: If you want a true raw food diet, Stella & Chewy’s offers the most raw, minimally processed options.
4. Which Dog Food Is More Budget-Friendly? 💰
Price is often a deciding factor when choosing a dog food brand, and Acana generally offers a more budget-friendly option compared to Orijen and Stella & Chewy’s. Acana is designed to be more accessible while still delivering high-quality, regionally sourced ingredients. It is typically priced about $3 to $5 per pound, making it a great choice for pet owners looking for premium food without the premium price tag.
Orijen is considered a premium brand and comes at a higher price due to its whole-prey, high-protein formulas, typically ranging from $4 to $6 per pound. The higher cost reflects the rich, nutrient-dense ingredients, which are sourced from regional farms.
Stella & Chewy’s tends to be the most expensive due to its specialty raw and freeze-dried products, with prices often starting at $6 per pound and going up depending on whether you choose frozen raw or freeze-dried options.
| Brand | Average Cost (per lb) | 💡 Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Acana | $3 – $5 per lb | Great for those looking for premium quality at a lower price. |
| Orijen | $4 – $6 per lb | Best for those willing to invest in biologically appropriate diets. |
| Stella & Chewy’s | $6+ per lb | Ideal for raw food enthusiasts but comes with a higher cost. |
💡 Pro Tip: Acana provides excellent value for premium food without the high price of raw or whole-prey diets.
5. Which Brand Offers the Best Variety for Picky Eaters? 🍽️
If your dog is a picky eater, Stella & Chewy’s is known for its delicious raw and freeze-dried meals that even the most discerning dogs can’t resist. The natural flavors of raw meat are often more appealing to dogs than traditional kibble, and the freeze-dried format makes it easy to serve with or without rehydration.
Orijen, with its focus on high-protein, whole-prey diets, also tends to be popular with dogs that prefer rich, meaty flavors. The dense nutrition and high meat content can make it more palatable for picky dogs, though it may be too rich for some.
Acana, while offering excellent nutrition, might not have the same intense flavor appeal as Stella & Chewy’s or Orijen, but it still offers a variety of proteins and formulas that appeal to a wide range of dogs.
| Brand | Appeal to Picky Eaters | Best For | 💡 Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stella & Chewy’s | Very high | Picky eaters, raw food fans | Freeze-dried options are especially popular with picky dogs. |
| Orijen | High | Dogs that love meaty, rich flavors | Whole-prey ingredients appeal to carnivorous cravings. |
| Acana | Moderate | Picky dogs that still need nutrition variety | Try different protein sources to find what your dog loves. |
💡 Pro Tip: For finicky eaters, Stella & Chewy’s freeze-dried raw meals are a hit with even the pickiest pups.
Final Verdict: Which Dog Food Brand is Right for Your Dog?
Choosing between Acana, Orijen, and Stella & Chewy’s ultimately depends on your dog’s individual needs, your budget, and your feeding preferences. Orijen is best for dogs that thrive on high-protein, whole-prey diets, while Acana offers a more affordable alternative with similar quality. For those committed to a raw or freeze-dried diet, Stella & Chewy’s is the clear winner with its variety of raw food options.
Quick Recap: Key Points to Help You Decide
- Best for high protein and active dogs: Orijen
- Best for dogs with food sensitivities: Acana
- Most budget-friendly: Acana
- Best for raw food enthusiasts: Stella & Chewy’s
- Best for picky eaters: Stella & Chewy’s freeze-dried raw meals
Each of these brands offers excellent nutrition, so the choice depends on what suits your dog’s lifestyle and dietary requirements. 🐕❤️
Comment 1: “How does Stella & Chewy’s raw food compare nutritionally to the kibble options from Acana and Orijen?”
Stella & Chewy’s raw food is designed to provide the most natural and biologically appropriate nutrition possible, focusing on minimally processed ingredients that closely resemble a dog’s ancestral diet. Nutritionally, raw food tends to retain more of its natural enzymes, vitamins, and minerals because it isn’t subjected to the higher temperatures used in cooking kibble. Stella & Chewy’s uses high-quality, raw meat as the primary ingredient, which offers a high level of bioavailable protein. The protein in raw food is often easier for dogs to digest because the natural enzymes in raw meat remain intact, promoting efficient digestion and nutrient absorption.
In comparison, Acana and Orijen are both cooked at low temperatures to preserve nutrients, but because they are still kibble, they lose some of the raw ingredients’ enzymatic activity. However, both brands provide high-quality, fresh ingredients and a balanced nutritional profile, with Orijen leading in terms of protein content and whole-prey inclusions. Acana offers a slightly more moderate approach, balancing its protein sources with other whole foods like vegetables and fruits, providing a more digestible formula for dogs that may not tolerate high protein levels well.
While Stella & Chewy’s raw food delivers raw, whole-prey nutrition in its purest form, kibble options like those from Acana and Orijen are more convenient and shelf-stable while still offering nutrient-dense formulas. Raw diets may excel in preserving the natural nutrients, but Orijen’s and Acana’s formulas incorporate advanced nutritional science to ensure that even cooked ingredients meet dogs’ biological needs.
Comment 2: “Is the freeze-dried format of Stella & Chewy’s just as effective as fresh raw food, or is there a difference in nutritional value?”
The freeze-dried format of Stella & Chewy’s offers a highly convenient way to provide the benefits of raw food while maintaining most of the nutritional value found in fresh raw diets. Freeze-drying is a process that removes moisture from raw ingredients without using heat, preserving the natural enzymes, vitamins, minerals, and amino acids that would otherwise be degraded during cooking. This makes freeze-dried raw food nutritionally superior to traditional kibble, as it retains the integrity of its raw ingredients almost fully.
However, while freeze-dried raw is a close match to fresh raw food in terms of nutrition, there are still some slight differences. Fresh raw food retains live enzymes that aid in digestion, which may be slightly diminished in freeze-dried versions, though the loss is minimal. Stella & Chewy’s freeze-dried meals still provide a raw-like texture and the same high-quality meat sources, making them an excellent option for dog owners seeking the benefits of a raw diet without the need for refrigeration or the mess of handling fresh raw meat.
For many pet owners, freeze-dried raw is an ideal compromise, offering the best of both worlds: the nutrient density of raw food with the convenience of kibble-like storage. While some purists may argue that fresh raw is the ultimate in nutrition, freeze-dried raw maintains almost all of the critical benefits while being easier to serve.
Comment 3: “What are the major health benefits of a whole-prey diet, like the one offered by Orijen, compared to more traditional kibble options?”
A whole-prey diet—like that offered by Orijen—provides a more holistic approach to nutrition, closely mimicking what dogs’ wild ancestors would have consumed. Whole-prey diets include a combination of muscle meat, organs, cartilage, and bones, which together provide a full spectrum of nutrients that aren’t always available in traditional kibble.
Muscle meat supplies high-quality protein, which is critical for maintaining lean muscle mass, energy levels, and tissue repair. Meanwhile, organs such as liver and heart are rich in vitamins and minerals like iron, zinc, and B-vitamins, which are essential for maintaining red blood cell production, immune function, and metabolism. In addition, cartilage and bone provide natural sources of glucosamine and chondroitin, which support joint health, making whole-prey diets particularly beneficial for active dogs or older dogs prone to joint issues.
Traditional kibble, while nutritionally balanced and often fortified with synthetic vitamins and minerals, usually lacks the variety of nutrients found in whole-prey meals. These kibbles often rely on isolated meat sources, and while they provide adequate nutrition, they may not offer the same bioavailability as whole-prey diets. In essence, dogs on whole-prey diets like Orijen’s are receiving a broader range of nutrients in a more natural and digestible form, which can lead to better muscle health, coat quality, joint strength, and overall vitality.
The key benefit of a whole-prey diet is the variety and completeness of the nutrition provided, supporting multiple bodily functions simultaneously while mimicking the dog’s natural, evolutionary diet.
Comment 4: “How does Acana manage to offer premium nutrition at a lower price point compared to Orijen and Stella & Chewy’s?”
Acana is able to offer premium nutrition at a more affordable price by utilizing a slightly different approach to formulation and sourcing than Orijen and Stella & Chewy’s. While Acana still emphasizes the use of high-quality, regionally sourced ingredients, it incorporates a broader range of ingredients that include not only animal proteins but also a variety of whole foods like vegetables, fruits, and botanicals. This allows Acana to create a balanced, nutrient-dense diet without relying exclusively on high quantities of expensive proteins like Orijen’s whole-prey formulas do.
By balancing meat proteins with plant-based ingredients like pumpkin, kale, and blueberries, Acana can lower the cost of production without sacrificing the nutritional value of the food. These ingredients still provide important vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber while reducing the reliance on costly animal products. Additionally, Acana’s use of single-animal protein sources in some of its limited-ingredient formulas allows for a more cost-effective yet highly digestible option for dogs with food sensitivities.
Orijen, on the other hand, is focused on creating biologically appropriate, whole-prey diets, which require higher percentages of fresh meat, organs, and cartilage in their formulas. These components are more expensive to source, particularly when they are of the high-quality, free-run and wild-caught varieties that Orijen uses.
While Stella & Chewy’s also offers a premium product, its focus on raw and freeze-dried foods involves more specialized processing techniques like freeze-drying, which increases production costs and, in turn, the final price. Acana’s approach—which emphasizes balanced nutrition using whole foods and a moderate protein content—provides an excellent middle ground, offering high-quality ingredients while keeping prices more accessible.
Comment 5: “Are there any disadvantages to feeding a raw diet like Stella & Chewy’s compared to kibble from Acana or Orijen?”
While feeding a raw diet like Stella & Chewy’s offers many benefits, including superior nutrient retention, improved digestion, and a more natural feeding experience, there are some potential drawbacks compared to feeding high-quality kibble from Acana or Orijen. One of the primary disadvantages of raw diets is the handling and storage requirements. Raw food—especially if it’s frozen—requires special storage conditions, such as freezer space, and needs to be thawed before serving, which can be less convenient for pet owners with busy schedules. Even freeze-dried raw needs to be rehydrated in some cases, adding a step to the feeding process that kibble doesn’t require.
Another potential downside is that raw diets come with an increased risk of bacterial contamination, both for dogs and humans, particularly when the food is improperly stored or handled. While Stella & Chewy’s uses stringent safety protocols like high-pressure processing to eliminate pathogens, there’s still a small risk associated with raw feeding that doesn’t exist with cooked kibble. For some owners, this makes kibble a safer and more convenient option.
Cost can also be a factor, as raw diets—particularly premium options like Stella & Chewy’s—tend to be more expensive than kibble, even when considering high-end brands like Acana and Orijen. For some dog owners, this makes it challenging to maintain a raw diet over the long term, especially for larger dogs or multi-pet households.
Finally, raw diets may not be suitable for all dogs, particularly those with compromised immune systems or certain medical conditions. In such cases, cooked kibble from brands like Acana or Orijen provides a balanced, nutrient-dense option that is safe and convenient without the potential risks of raw feeding. Kibble is also easier to portion and store, making it an attractive option for many pet owners.
Comment 6: “Is there a significant difference in the way dogs digest kibble versus raw diets, like those from Stella & Chewy’s?”
Yes, there is a noticeable difference in how dogs digest kibble compared to raw diets like those from Stella & Chewy’s. Raw food is generally easier to digest for many dogs because it remains closer to its natural state, with minimal processing and the retention of natural enzymes that aid digestion. These enzymes, which are often degraded during the high-heat cooking process used to make kibble, play a role in breaking down proteins and fats more efficiently in a dog’s stomach. As a result, dogs on raw diets often experience smoother digestion, with smaller, firmer stools due to the higher nutrient absorption.
Kibble, on the other hand, is processed at higher temperatures, which can alter the structure of proteins and other nutrients. This can make kibble slightly more difficult for some dogs to digest, especially for those with sensitive stomachs or allergies. However, high-quality kibble brands like Acana and Orijen mitigate this by using low-temperature cooking methods to preserve as much nutritional integrity as possible. Additionally, these kibbles often include prebiotics, probiotics, and fiber to promote healthy digestion and maintain a balanced gut microbiome.
While both kibble and raw diets can provide complete nutrition, dogs on raw diets tend to have less digestive upset, fewer instances of gas, and better nutrient absorption. However, kibble diets are often easier for owners to manage and can be tailored with specific supplements to support digestion, making them a convenient option without significantly compromising digestive health.
Comment 7: “What are the key differences in how Acana, Orijen, and Stella & Chewy’s source their ingredients? Does this affect the quality of the food?”
The way these three brands source their ingredients reflects their commitment to quality and sustainability, but they each take a slightly different approach that influences both ingredient quality and price point.
Orijen and Acana, both produced by Champion Petfoods, emphasize regional sourcing from local farms and fisheries. Orijen, in particular, prides itself on using fresh, whole-prey ingredients—meaning not just meat, but also organs, cartilage, and bones from free-range and wild-caught sources. This whole-prey approach mimics what dogs would eat in the wild and provides a full spectrum of nutrients in their most natural form. Orijen partners with trusted regional suppliers to ensure that these ingredients are fresh and responsibly harvested, often arriving at their kitchens within days of being sourced. The company’s commitment to sustainability ensures that the ingredients are of exceptionally high quality, contributing to Orijen’s premium price tag.
Acana shares this emphasis on regional ingredients, but its formulations are designed to be slightly more affordable by using a broader range of ingredients, including more plant-based components like peas, chickpeas, and pumpkin alongside its meat proteins. By balancing animal proteins with these plant-based ingredients, Acana keeps its costs lower while maintaining nutritional integrity. The sourcing is still local, but Acana’s use of a wider variety of ingredients allows for more affordable formulations without sacrificing quality.
Stella & Chewy’s, on the other hand, focuses heavily on sourcing 100% raw ingredients for its freeze-dried and raw-coated products. They prioritize using grass-fed, cage-free, wild-caught, and free-range animals, ensuring that the meat is of the highest possible quality. The brand is transparent about its sourcing practices, promoting ingredients that are both ethically raised and minimally processed to preserve their natural nutrient profile. Stella & Chewy’s uses high-pressure processing (HPP) to ensure that the raw food is safe without using heat, which helps to retain the maximum nutritional benefit. This commitment to raw sourcing and minimal processing results in one of the highest-quality raw foods available, but it also means a higher price point due to the labor-intensive production process.
In terms of quality, all three brands prioritize sourcing from trusted, sustainable farms and use high-quality meats and produce, but the key difference lies in processing. Orijen and Acana offer cooked kibble options that focus on whole-prey and regional sourcing, while Stella & Chewy’s maintains the integrity of its raw ingredients by keeping them unprocessed. These distinctions give each brand a unique identity in terms of quality and nutrition, with Orijen and Stella & Chewy’s standing out for their premium sourcing and minimal processing, and Acana offering a more balanced, affordable approach without compromising ingredient integrity.
Comment 8: “How does a raw diet like Stella & Chewy’s affect a dog’s energy levels and overall behavior compared to kibble like Acana or Orijen?”
A raw diet, such as Stella & Chewy’s, can have a noticeable impact on a dog’s energy levels and behavior, primarily because raw food provides a more bioavailable source of nutrients that are easier for dogs to digest and convert into energy. Raw diets are typically higher in natural proteins, fats, and unprocessed vitamins, which can lead to improved energy efficiency within a dog’s body. Many pet owners report that dogs on raw diets exhibit more sustained energy, better muscle tone, and an overall increase in alertness and physical vitality. The absence of fillers and carbohydrates, which are often found in kibble, means that dogs aren’t burdened with excess starches or low-nutrient fillers that could weigh them down or cause digestive sluggishness.
In comparison, high-quality kibble options like Acana and Orijen also provide sustained energy, especially due to their focus on whole-prey ingredients and low-glycemic carbohydrates. Orijen’s high-protein formulas, in particular, are great for active dogs that require a constant supply of energy. Acana, with its more moderate protein and carb balance, still supports healthy energy levels, but it might not deliver the same immediate energy boost seen in raw-fed dogs. Kibble takes longer to digest than raw food, meaning energy is released more gradually, which is beneficial for dogs that need balanced energy throughout the day but may lack the quick bursts of energy seen in dogs on a raw diet.
Behaviorally, many raw-fed dogs exhibit more calm and focused energy. Without the blood sugar spikes and crashes associated with high-carbohydrate kibble, dogs on raw diets often appear more stable in temperament and less prone to hyperactivity or lethargy. The natural fats in raw diets also support brain function, leading to improved focus and potentially better training performance.
That said, not all dogs will respond the same way, and some may do perfectly well on high-quality kibble. Orijen and Acana both offer balanced nutrition that helps maintain steady energy levels, especially for dogs that benefit from the fiber and complex carbohydrates in their formulas. For most pet owners, the choice comes down to convenience versus the potential energy and behavioral benefits of a raw diet.
Comment 9: “Is there a significant difference in coat quality when feeding raw food like Stella & Chewy’s versus premium kibble such as Acana or Orijen?”
Diet plays a critical role in a dog’s coat quality, and both raw food like Stella & Chewy’s and premium kibble like Acana or Orijen can contribute to a healthy, shiny coat, though the effects may vary depending on the individual dog and their specific dietary needs.
Stella & Chewy’s raw food tends to have a noticeable impact on coat health due to the higher levels of natural fats and omega fatty acids that are preserved in the raw ingredients. The inclusion of raw meats, organ oils, and fish in a raw diet provides essential omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in their most bioavailable form. These fats are directly linked to a glossy, healthy coat and can help reduce dry skin, itchiness, and shedding. Many dogs on raw diets, including Stella & Chewy’s, exhibit improved coat texture within a few weeks, as the fats nourish the skin from the inside out, promoting natural oil production and reducing inflammation that could lead to dullness or flakiness.
Premium kibble brands like Orijen and Acana also contribute to excellent coat health, especially since both brands use high-quality animal fats and include fish oils or flaxseed to provide omega fatty acids. However, because kibble is cooked at higher temperatures, some of these natural fats are slightly degraded during the processing phase. While both brands incorporate supplements to replace lost nutrients, raw food retains more of the natural oils, which can make a noticeable difference in coat shine and softness.
For dogs prone to dry or flaky skin, a raw diet may provide more immediate relief, as it delivers essential fatty acids in their purest form. However, both Orijen and Acana contain a well-balanced ratio of proteins, fats, and supplements to support coat and skin health. While raw food can often lead to more dramatic improvements in coat quality, premium kibble from these two brands is still a solid choice for maintaining healthy skin and a luxurious coat, especially for dogs that may not be suited to raw feeding.
Comment 10: “How do Stella & Chewy’s, Orijen, and Acana compare in terms of environmental impact and sustainability?”
Each of these three brands takes its environmental impact seriously, but they approach sustainability in different ways.
Stella & Chewy’s focuses on using ethically raised, responsibly sourced ingredients, including cage-free poultry, grass-fed beef, and wild-caught fish. The company emphasizes minimal processing with its freeze-dried and raw products, which inherently reduces waste and energy use compared to more heavily processed kibble. By relying on locally sourced and organic ingredients wherever possible, Stella & Chewy’s helps reduce its carbon footprint and promotes sustainable farming practices. Furthermore, the brand’s commitment to raw feeding means fewer synthetic additives and less reliance on large-scale industrial farming, which can have significant environmental benefits.
Orijen and Acana, produced by Champion Petfoods, place a strong emphasis on regional sourcing and sustainability through their WholePrey™ philosophy. They partner with local farmers and fisheries to source ingredients that are not only fresh but also raised or caught in ways that are sustainable and environmentally friendly. By sourcing ingredients from trusted regional suppliers, Champion Petfoods supports local economies and reduces the need for long-distance transportation, which lowers carbon emissions. Orijen, in particular, highlights its use of wild-caught fish, free-run poultry, and grass-fed meats, all sourced through environmentally responsible methods.
Additionally, Champion Petfoods operates state-of-the-art kitchens that are designed with eco-friendly technology, helping to minimize waste and energy use during the production process. The focus on fresh, local ingredients further reduces the environmental impact, as the company avoids the use of highly processed by-products and synthetic additives that are common in mass-produced pet foods.
In terms of packaging, all three brands have made strides toward reducing waste, though Stella & Chewy’s leads with its focus on eco-friendly packaging materials and its support for more natural, sustainable production methods.
While both Orijen and Acana take a responsible approach to sustainable ingredient sourcing, the raw, minimally processed nature of Stella & Chewy’s raw diets arguably results in a lower overall environmental footprint, especially when it comes to processing and packaging. However, all three brands make sustainability a key part of their business practices, ensuring that pet owners can make environmentally conscious choices no matter which brand they select.
