Original Epic Bites Freeze-Dried Dog Food
Verified Jun 15, 2026
This is a very high-protein, freeze-dried dog food or topper made primarily from chicken, turkey, fish, and nutrient-rich organs. It’s extremely low in starch and sugars, with added omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to support skin, coat, and overall health. It’s formulated as a complete and balanced option for most life stages, or can be used to boost the meat content and flavor of your dog’s regular kibble.
Nutritionally, this is a rich, meat-heavy freeze-dried option that closely mimics a raw-style diet while still being complete and balanced. The protein and fat levels are very high, making it most suitable for active dogs or those that do well on calorie-dense, meat-forward diets. It’s not appropriate for large-breed puppies and may be too rich for some dogs that are prone to weight gain or have sensitive stomachs, but it’s a strong formulation overall.
The KibbleLab Score (1–10) is assessed from publicly available product data. Our evaluation is science-based, not marketing-based.
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At a Glance
What "not formulated for" means
Life stages this food isn't certified complete and balanced for, based on its AAFCO statement.KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Very high animal-based protein (40% min) and fat (34% min), with chicken, turkey, fish, and organs as primary ingredients for excellent amino acid and micronutrient support.
- Extremely low dietary starch and sugars, which can be helpful for dogs that do better on low-carbohydrate diets.
- Includes omega-3 (including EPA and DHA) and omega-6 fatty acids at guaranteed levels, supporting skin, coat, and general health needs.
- Formulated to meet AAFCO nutrient profiles for all life stages (except large-breed growth), so it can function as a complete diet as well as a topper or treat.
Considerations
- Not suitable for growth of large-breed puppies (projected adult weight 70 lb or more), so a different diet is needed for those dogs during the growth phase.
- Very calorie-dense and high in fat, which may be too rich for dogs needing weight control or those with certain digestive or metabolic issues; portions need to be measured carefully.
- Contains common protein allergens (chicken, turkey, eggs, fish), so it’s not a good fit for dogs with known sensitivities to these ingredients.
- As a freeze-dried product with intense flavor, dogs may overeat if used freely as treats or topper, potentially leading to excess calorie intake.
Full Ingredient List
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.
02
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.
03
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.
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.
05
Turkey Giblet
Turkey giblets (commonly hearts, livers, gizzards and sometimes neck) are used in pet foods as a flavorful animal protein source and palatability enhancer, supplying concentrated protein, B vitamins (notably B12), iron, zinc and other trace minerals. They are nutrient-dense for both dogs and cats but should be included in balanced amounts because liver is very high in vitamin A and can cause hypervitaminosis if overused, may trigger poultry allergies in sensitive animals, and must be properly processed to minimize bacterial contamination.
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.What is calorie density
How many calories the food packs per unit. Denser foods mean smaller portions for the same calories.Product Details & Brand
Product Specs
AAFCO Nutritional Adequacy
What is AAFCO
Association of American Feed Control Officials. It sets the nutritional
adequacy standards US pet foods are measured against.
What is AAFCO
Association of American Feed Control Officials. It sets the nutritional adequacy standards US pet foods are measured against.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.
Visit OrijenManufacturer
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
Orijen Original Epic Bites Freeze-Dried Dog Food has no recalls since 2014.
Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily
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Frequently Asked Questions
Has Orijen ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for Orijen. We monitor the FDA Pet Food Recall Database daily.
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.
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 database. Last verified dates reflect our most recent data check.
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