Pet Circle

    Last Updated: 03/09/2025

    Biologically Appropriate, WholePrey Diets for Dogs and Cats

    Our vet explains biologically appropriate diets for dogs & cats. Learn how an ancestral diet with fresh meat, organs & bone can support healthy digestion, skin and coat. Discover what makes ORIJEN's protein-rich, nutrient-dense WholePrey philosophy different from other natural foods.

    Author: Dr Gillian Hill BVSc (Hons)

    Reading Time: 4 minutes - short read

    cat in red harness and dog sitting outdoors

    This article is written by Pet Circle veterinarian, Dr Gillian Hill in partnership with ORIJENTM.

    Have you ever wondered what your dog or cat would eat in the wild? The answer to that question is the driving force behind a growing movement in pet nutrition: Biologically Appropriate and WholePrey diets. This approach is about feeding our pets in a way that mirrors their ancestral eating habits.

    A Biologically Appropriate, WholePrey model incorporates the rich variety of meats, organs, and bone that dogs and cats would have naturally consumed. This article will explore the principles behind this diet, examining the benefits of nourishing your pet like their wild ancestors, and the unique characteristics of ORIJENTM petfood.

    What is a "WholePrey" Diet?

    Biologically Appropriate, WholePrey diets, rich in fresh, whole animal ingredients, are designed to align with a pet's natural digestive capabilities to help them thrive.

    These diets are based on two core principles:

    1. Biologically Appropriate: This means the food is designed to align with the natural digestive system and nutritional needs of a carnivorous animal. For dogs and cats, this involves a diet rich in animal protein and fat.
    2. WholePrey: This concept takes it a step further by including a complete nutritional profile that a dog or cat would get from consuming an entire animal. This includes not just the muscle meat, but also the nutrient-dense organs (like liver and heart) and bones.

    What are the benefits of a Biologically Appropriate, WholePrey diet?

    A diet rich in high-quality animal protein can have a number of benefits.

    Supports Healthy Metabolism

    A high-protein diet can offer fundamental benefits for both dogs and cats, aligning with their evolutionary needs. It provides the essential amino acids necessary for building and maintaining lean muscle mass and supporting a robust immune system.

    For cats, as obligate carnivores, protein is their primary energy source and delivers crucial nutrients like taurine that they cannot produce themselves.

    Supports Healthy Digestion

    High-quality proteins are more efficiently digested and absorbed by the body, which can help to support healthy stools and digestive comfort.

    Helps maintain lean muscle and overall condition

    The abundance of natural fats, vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, particularly in organ meats, can help to nourish the skin and coat from the inside out, and help to build and maintain lean muscle mass.

    What makes the ORIJEN brand different?

    woman and dog hiking through mountains

    ORIJENTM Petfood feature a Biologically Appropriate WholePrey philosophy, using fresh muscle meat, organs, and bone to reflect the ancestral diets of our pets. With so many pet foods now claiming to be 'natural,' it can be hard to tell them apart. So what makes ORIJEN petfood different?

    High levels of animal ingredients

    Up to approximately 90% of the ingredients in ORIJEN foods are derived from animals. Each ORIJEN recipe also contains a minimum of 6 different animal ingredients to provide a rich diversity of meat.

    Compared to many dry foods, ORIJEN recipes are higher in protein and lower in carbohydrates, supporting the needs of cats as obligate carnivores. Obligate carnivores require meat protein as their primary energy source, and as a source of essential amino acids which they are unable to synthesise independently.

    First 5 ingredients are fresh or raw

    The ORIJEN brand aims to provide high-quality nutrition through inclusions of fresh and raw animal ingredients. The primary benefit is the greater bioavailability of nutrients, and provision of complete essential amino acids naturally from animal ingredients.

    Formulated by a wide variety of experts

    ORIJEN pet foods are developed by, and in consultation with, an expert team of veterinarians, scientists and nutritionists specialising in animal nutrition, food science, and microbiology.

    Industry leading food safety

    The ORIJEN brand's commitment to a strong food safety culture begins in their purpose-built kitchens in the USA and Canada, where they have achieved internationally recognised Safe Quality Food (SQF) certifications with perfect audit scores for three consecutive years.

    This standard is upheld by their expert Quality Assurance team through foundational pillars like comprehensive supplier risk assessments, continuous training, and rigorous testing of all ingredients and finished products.

    Rich in natural, beneficial nutrients

    ORIJENTM diets are formulated to be nutrient-dense, naturally providing a range of compounds that help support overall wellbeing.

    The inclusion of whole fish and quality animal fats makes the food rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. For pets, this translates to a healthier skin barrier and helps support a healthy skin and coat.

    Similarly, the carefully selected vegetables and legumes in ORIJEN act as a source of prebiotic fibres - food for the beneficial bacteria in your pet's gut. Prebiotic fibres help nourish a healthy gut microbiome, which supports digestion and nutrient absorption.

    ORIJENTM Original Dry Dog Food

    Formulated with 85% premium animal ingredients, its first five ingredients are fresh or raw free-run chicken and turkey, and wild-caught fish.

    To enhance palatability, the kibble is freeze-dried coated, creating a burst of flavour dogs love. This formula is suitable for all breeds and life stages, providing a high-protein diet with 38% crude protein.

    ORIJENTM Six Fish Dry Cat Food

    This grain-free recipe is packed with 90% premium animal ingredients, featuring a diverse blend of six wild-caught fish like whole herring, salmon, and flounder.

    With a crude protein content of 40% and a flavour-enhancing freeze-dried coating, this food provides a delicious and nourishing meal for cats of all life stages.

    In conclusion, a Biologically Appropriate, WholePrey diet rich in diverse animal ingredients can offer a path to improved digestion, better physical condition, and overall vitality.

    Your pet's health starts with what's in their bowl, so be sure to compare ingredient lists and speak with your Veterinarian or our Vet Squad to help you choose the nutritional philosophy that best suits your pet's needs.

    References

    • Sieja KM, Oba PM, Applegate CC, Pendlebury C, Kelly J, Swanson KS. Evaluation of high-protein diets differing in protein source in healthy adult dogs. J Anim Sci. 2023, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36807528/, accessed 27/8/2025

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    History

    Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

    Wed 27 Aug 2025

    Written by Dr Gillian Hill BVSc (Hons)
    veterinarian golding a terrier dog

    Dr Gillian Hill BVSc (Hons)

    Veterinarian

    Dr. Gillian loves being able to provide depth and detail to pet parents questions, and give up to date, evidence based advice. She loves the variety of pets and inquiries she receives - she especially loves the 'curly' questions that require some research! Seeing the gorgeous photos that pet parents send through of their babies is a highlight of the day! Gillian enjoys to further her veterinary knowledge, and has completed further training in ultrasonography, behaviour and backyard poultry!