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Wild Reserve Kitten Free-Run Chicken & Wild-Caught Fish Recipe Dry Cat Food
Orijen

Wild Reserve Kitten Free-Run Chicken & Wild-Caught Fish Recipe Dry Cat Food

Verified Jul 24, 2026

Cat · Dry Kitten All Breed Sizes

This is a high-protein dry kitten food featuring chicken, turkey, and multiple fish sources as the main animal ingredients. It combines traditional kibble with freeze-dried chicken breast and goat milk morsels to boost palatability and animal-based nutrition. The formula is designed for growing kittens and includes added omega-3s, taurine, and probiotics to support healthy development and digestion.

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Over-the-counter AAFCO No recalls

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Official product page
KibbleLab Score
8.8 out of 10

Strong Choice

This is a very nutrient-dense, animal-protein–rich dry food that is well-suited for most healthy, growing kittens and is also labeled for all life stages. The protein, fat, and omega-3 levels are strong for a kitten formula, and the addition of probiotics and freeze-dried components is a nice bonus. Its main drawback is the heavy use of pulses and legumes as carbohydrate sources, which some owners may prefer to limit, especially for cats with sensitive digestion.

Nutritional profile 10.0
Ingredient composition 8.0
Adequacy substantiation 7.0
Health considerations 10.0

Computed from 4 of 4 applicable checks. Missing data is skipped, never counted against a food.

The KibbleLab Score (1–10) is assessed from publicly available product data. Our evaluation is science-based, not marketing-based.

Nutritional profile Protein, fat, fiber on a dry-matter basis, for the stated life stage and format
Adequacy substantiation Complete and balanced substantiation; feeding trials valued higher
Ingredient composition Screened for unnamed sources, artificial additives, and label protein inflation. Not a quality ranking.
Health considerations Pulse-heavy grain-free (DCM) pattern and recall history
Verified manufacturer evidence A small bonus when we can verify evidence addressing WSAVA selection criteria
9.0 - 10 Top Pick
8.0 - 8.9 Strong Choice
7.0 - 7.9 Solid Option
6.0 - 6.9 Worth a Conversation
Below 6.0 Review Carefully

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At a Glance

Marketed Benefits
Where these benefits come from Benefits the manufacturer highlights in its own product marketing. KibbleLab lists them for reference and does not verify these claims.
Digestive Health Brain Health
Suitable For
Kitten All Breed Sizes
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We'll check every ingredient against your pet's sensitivities and avoidance list.

Nutritional Perspective

KibbleLab Review

Strengths

  • Very high animal protein content at 40% protein and 20% fat, which is appropriate for active, growing kittens.
  • Multiple quality animal ingredients (chicken, turkey, salmon, herring, eggs, organs) provide a broad amino acid and nutrient profile.
  • Includes DHA and EPA omega-3s plus taurine at good levels to help support brain, eye, and heart development in kittens.
  • Contains added probiotics and prebiotic fibers, which can support a healthy digestive tract in many kittens.

Considerations

  • Contains several common allergens, including chicken, turkey, eggs, and fish, so it is not ideal for kittens with these specific food sensitivities.
  • Legumes and pulses (lentils, beans, chickpeas, peas) appear fairly high in the list, which may not suit kittens that don’t tolerate these ingredients well.
  • Calorie density is quite high, so portion control is important to prevent unnecessary weight gain in indoor or less active kittens.
  • Formulated to meet AAFCO standards by calculation rather than feeding trials, so digestibility has not been verified through trials.
Scored using the rubric of an NAVC Certified Pet Nutrition Coach (PNCC). This is informational, not veterinary advice.

Full Ingredient List

Chicken, turkey, salmon, whole herring, chicken giblets (liver, heart, gizzard), dehydrated chicken, dehydrated turkey, dehydrated herring, dehydrated chicken liver, dehydrated egg, whole red lentils, whole pinto beans, turkey giblets (liver, heart, gizzard), eggs, pollock oil, chicken fat, whole green lentils, whole navy beans, whole chickpeas, whole peas, natural chicken flavor, ground miscanthus grass, freeze-dried chicken, freeze-dried goat milk, choline chloride, whole cranberries, dried kelp, mixed tocopherols (preservative), whole pumpkin, whole butternut squash, collard greens, whole apples, whole pears, zinc proteinate, riboflavin, folic acid, thiamine mononitrate, niacin, pyridoxine hydrochloride, copper proteinate, dried Bacillus coagulans fermentation product, dried chicory root, turmeric, sarsaparilla root, althea root, rosehips, juniper berries, citric acid (preservative), rosemary extract.

Ingredients and analysis reflect manufacturer data at the time of our last update and can change without notice. Always check the actual product packaging before feeding.

Ingredient filtering helps identify compatible options but is not a substitute for a veterinary elimination diet.

Top 5 Ingredients Explained

01
Chicken
Chicken is a common animal-based protein in dog and cat foods, supplying essential amino acids, B vitamins, and energy-dense fats that support muscle maintenance, growth, and overall health; for cats it also contributes toward dietary taurine but must be present in sufficient amounts or provided via supplementation. It is prized for its digestibility and palatability, though some pets develop sensitivities or allergies to chicken, and nutritional value and safety depend on ingredient quality and processing—raw chicken carries pathogen risks and whole bones can pose choking or GI hazards.
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02
Turkey
Turkey is commonly used as a primary animal protein in dog and cat foods, offering highly digestible, high‑quality protein and supplying essential amino acids along with B vitamins, phosphorus and zinc to support muscle maintenance and metabolism. Its fat level varies by cut so products can be lean or richer; some pets may develop allergies to poultry, cooked bones are hazardous, raw meat carries bacterial risk, and owners should rely on balanced commercial formulations (and ensure adequate taurine for cats) if turkey is a main ingredient.
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03
Salmon
Salmon is commonly used as a high-quality animal protein and rich source of omega‑3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA) in dog and cat foods, supporting skin and coat condition, joint and cognitive health, and overall muscle maintenance. While very nutritious, salmon can be an allergen for some pets and raw salmon may pose risks from parasites, thiaminase-related thiamine loss, and region-specific pathogens (e.g., salmon poisoning); owners should avoid feeding uncooked bones and consider sourcing to minimize contaminant and sustainability concerns.
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04
Herring
Herring is commonly used as a high-quality, palatable fish protein and oil source in dog and cat foods, supplying digestible protein along with beneficial long-chain omega-3s (EPA/DHA), vitamin D, B vitamins and trace minerals. It can support skin, coat and joint health, but may be an allergen for some pets and raw fish can contain thiaminase (typically destroyed by commercial cooking); owners should also consider fat content for pancreatitis-prone animals and look for responsibly sourced, low-contaminant products.
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05
Chicken Liver
Chicken liver is a nutrient-dense organ meat commonly used in pet foods and treats as a highly palatable protein source and flavor enhancer, providing concentrated vitamins (especially vitamin A and B-complex), iron, and copper that support energy metabolism, red blood cell formation, and skin/coat health in both dogs and cats. Because it is so rich, liver should be fed in moderation—excessive intake can cause vitamin A toxicity, and its high fat content and risk of bacterial contamination mean it should be properly sourced or cooked and limited for pets with pancreatitis or specific dietary restrictions.

Nutritional Breakdown

How to read As Fed versus Dry Matter As fed shows the numbers straight off the label, water included. Dry matter removes the water so you can compare a wet food and a dry food fairly.
As Fed
Crude Protein (min)
40.00%
Low High
Crude Fat (min)
20.00%
Low High
Crude Fiber (max)
3.00%
Low High
Moisture (max)
10.00%
Low High
4120
kcal / Kg
515
kcal / 8 Oz
Moderate
Calorie density category
What is calorie density How many calories the food packs per unit. Denser foods mean smaller portions for the same calories.

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Product Details & Brand

Product Specs

Lifestage Kitten
Breed size All Breed Sizes
Texture Kibble
Processing method Freeze Dried
Food type Dry

AAFCO Nutritional Adequacy
What is AAFCO Association of American Feed Control Officials. It sets the nutritional adequacy standards US pet foods are measured against.

Complete & balanced Yes
AAFCO life stages All Life Stages
Substantiation Formulation
ORIJEN(TM) WILD RESERVE(TM) Free-Run Chicken & Wild-Caught Fish Recipe Complete Kitten Food is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Cat Food Nutrient Profiles for All Life Stages

Brand

ORIJEN is Champion Petfoods' flagship super-premium brand, designed to mimic the evolutionary diets of dogs and cats. ORIJEN foods feature a high inclusion of fresh, whole meats and minimal processing. The brand positions itself in the super-premium segment, appealing to pet owners prioritizing ancestral feeding principles and transparency in ingredient sourcing.

Price tier $$$$$

Manufacturer

Company name Champion Petfoods
Parent company Mars, Incorporated
Founded 1985
Headquarters Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Manufacturing type In House
Manufacturing country Canada and United States
Manufacturing region Alberta; Kentucky
Manufacturing oversight

Champion Petfoods maintains full control over its manufacturing through its own award-winning kitchens — NorthStar in Alberta, Canada, and DogStar in Kentucky, USA. The company implements strict quality control, adheres to HACCP and FDA manufacturing standards, and monitors safety through both internal testing and third-party audits.

Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.

Recall History

No recalls on record

No recall is listed for Orijen Wild Reserve Kitten Free-Run Chicken & Wild-Caught Fish Recipe Dry Cat Food.

Source: FDA animal food recall listings back to January 2019 · Checked daily, last on Aug 31, 2026

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KibbleLab food report
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8.8 /10 Grade A
Wild Reserve Kitten Free-Run Chicken & Wild-Caught Fish Recipe Dry Cat Food
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Frequently Asked Questions

Has Orijen ever been recalled?

We have no recalls on record for Orijen. We track the FDA's animal food recall listings back to January 2019 and publish every pet food recall automatically. A filing that isn't pet food may not appear here.

How does KibbleLab rate foods?

Our scores are based on ingredient composition, nutritional profile, AAFCO compliance, and health considerations. We don't penalize by-products, grains, or synthetic preservatives. Brands cannot pay for higher scores.

Is KibbleLab a substitute for veterinary advice?

No. KibbleLab provides data-driven food analysis, not medical advice. Always consult your veterinarian before making dietary changes, especially for pets with health conditions.

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KibbleLab provides informational content only. This is not veterinary advice. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before changing your pet's diet.

KibbleLab may earn affiliate commissions through product links. No one can pay for a higher score, or to change what we recommend for your pet.

Product data sourced from manufacturer websites, AAFCO statements, and FDA recall listings. Last verified dates reflect our most recent data check. We track the FDA's animal food recall listings back to January 2019 and publish every pet food recall automatically. A filing that isn't pet food may not appear here.