This Orijen Six Fish recipe review looks at one specific formula rather than Champion Petfoods’ whole product line — the ingredient panel, the actual guaranteed analysis numbers, current pricing, and who this particular recipe fits best. If you’ve already decided you want an Orijen formula and are trying to figure out whether Six Fish specifically is the right pick, this covers what you need.
Quick Answer
- Six Fish is a grain-free, high-protein recipe built around six whole fish species
- Guaranteed analysis: 40% protein, 16% fat — among the higher-protein options in Orijen’s lineup
- A 23.5 lb bag runs about $75.99 ($5.85/lb), on the premium end even for a premium brand
- Best fit for dogs without poultry allergies who tolerate rich, high-fat food well
- Not the best starting point for dogs new to grain-free or high-protein diets — it’s a rich formula
What’s Actually in Orijen Six Fish
Any honest Orijen Six Fish recipe review has to start with the ingredient panel, since that’s what actually separates one recipe from another within the same brand. The first ingredients are whole herring, salmon, monkfish, Acadian redfish, flounder, and whole hake — six distinct fish species rather than a single generic “fish meal” listed first. The recipe is described as roughly 85% fish ingredients, with whole red lentils, pinto beans, and green lentils providing the plant-based portion rather than any grain.
Full ingredient list: Whole herring, salmon, monkfish, Acadian redfish, flounder, whole hake, sardine meal, herring meal, blue whiting meal, pollock meal, whole red lentils, whole pinto beans, whole green lentils, dehydrated salmon, sunflower oil, whole navy beans, whole peas, natural fish flavor, dried apple pomace, herring oil, safflower oil, vitamin E supplement, mixed tocopherols (preservative), whole pumpkin, whole butternut squash, collard greens, whole apples, whole pears, dried kelp, plus standard vitamin and mineral supplements.
Guaranteed Analysis
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Crude Protein (min.) | 40% |
| Crude Fat (min.) | 16% |
| Crude Fiber (max.) | 4% |
| Moisture (max.) | 12% |
| Dietary Starch (max.) | 18% |
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids (min.) | 1.8% |
| Omega-6 Fatty Acids (min.) | 2.1% |
| Caloric Content | 3,760 kcal/kg (451 kcal per 8 oz cup) |
That 40% protein figure is on the higher end of Orijen’s own range, which matters for this Orijen Six Fish recipe review specifically because it means portions may need to run smaller than a standard kibble to avoid overfeeding — the calorie density is meaningfully higher than most mid-tier dry foods.
Is Orijen Six Fish Grain-Free?
Yes. This is a grain-free formula, using whole legumes (lentils, beans, peas) in place of grains for carbohydrate content and binding. Champion Petfoods also sells an “Amazing Grains” version of Six Fish for owners who specifically want a grain-inclusive option from the same fish-forward recipe — worth knowing if grain-free isn’t a requirement for your dog.
Pricing: What Does Orijen Six Fish Actually Cost?
A 23.5 lb bag runs approximately $75.99 (about $5.85 per pound) at major retailers, with smaller 4.5 lb and 13 lb bags available at a higher per-pound rate. That places this specific recipe at the premium end even within Orijen’s already premium lineup — worth confirming against your dog’s actual daily feeding amount before committing to a large bag, since the high calorie density means most dogs eat somewhat less by volume than a standard kibble.
Who Orijen Six Fish Is a Good Fit For
- Dogs with poultry sensitivities who need a protein source other than chicken or turkey
- Owners specifically looking for a grain-free, legume-based carbohydrate source
- Dogs that do well on rich, high-fat, high-protein diets without digestive upset
- Owners who prioritize whole, named fish species over generic “fish meal” ingredients
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Dogs with a history of sensitive stomachs on rich or high-fat food — a lower-fat recipe may transition more smoothly
- Budget-conscious owners, since this sits at the higher end of an already premium brand’s pricing
- Dogs on a vet-recommended grain-inclusive diet, unless you opt for the Amazing Grains version instead
All Orijen recipes, including Six Fish, are formulated to meet AAFCO’s nutrient profiles for the life stages listed on the bag, so baseline nutritional completeness isn’t a concern — the decision here is really about fit, not adequacy.
If you’re weighing this against other premium options, our Farmina Cat Food Reviews guide covers a comparably positioned brand on the cat food side, with similar ingredient-quality and pricing tradeoffs.
Orijen Six Fish Recipe Review: The Bottom Line
This Orijen Six Fish recipe review comes down to a fairly simple read: it’s a genuinely high-quality, fish-forward, grain-free formula with real whole ingredients and a legitimately impressive protein number — but it’s priced and formulated for dogs that specifically benefit from that richness, not as a universal default. If your dog handles high-protein, high-fat food well and doesn’t do well on poultry, this is one of the stronger options in its category. If you’re newer to premium feeding or your dog has a sensitive stomach, it’s worth a slower transition or a different recipe entirely.
FAQ
What are the first ingredients in Orijen Six Fish?
Whole herring, salmon, monkfish, Acadian redfish, flounder, and whole hake make up the first six ingredients, followed by fish meals and whole legumes.
Is Orijen Six Fish good for dogs with allergies?
It can be a strong option for dogs with poultry allergies specifically, since the protein sources are entirely fish-based, though any dog with a known fish allergy should avoid it.
How much does Orijen Six Fish cost?
A 23.5 lb bag runs about $75.99 (roughly $5.85 per pound) at major retailers, with smaller bags priced higher per pound.
Is there a grain-inclusive version of Orijen Six Fish?
Yes — Champion Petfoods offers an “Amazing Grains” version of the Six Fish recipe for owners who want the same fish-forward formula without going fully grain-free.
Recipes and pricing change — always check the current bag and retailer listing before buying. Last verified September 2026.
