Alternatives to

A

Orijen Guardian 8 Formula

dry food · cats · 85/100 · Excellent

Looking for an alternative to Orijen Guardian 8 Formula? Here are dry food products for cats that PetFoodRate grades higher, and cheaper options for the same use.

In short

The best-rated alternative to Orijen Guardian 8 Formula in our database is Orijen Cat & Kitten (94/100, grade A), versus Orijen Guardian 8 Formula's 85/100. All graded on the same independent A-E method, no sponsored brands.

By Theo Blanchard · reviewed by Max Kowalski · updated June 2026 · independent grading, no sponsorship

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Orijen Guardian 8 Formula vs its best alternative

Criterion Orijen Guardian 8 Formula Orijen Cat & Kitten
Overall grade A 85/100 A 94/100
Protein quality A A
Nutritional balance B A
Few undesirables A A
Ingredient transparency B A
Species fit C A
Crude protein30%40%
Protein (dry matter)33%44.4%
Estimated carbs35%19%
First ingredient Fresh chicken Fresh chicken

Wins on nutritional balance and ingredient transparency ; 40% crude protein vs 30%.

Orijen Cat & Kitten outscores 100% of dry food for cats in our database.

8 better-graded alternatives

  1. #1 A Orijen Cat & Kitten 94/100 +9 Wins on nutritional balance and ingredient transparency ; 40% crude protein vs 30%.
  2. #2 A Orijen Six Fish Cat 92/100 +7 Wins on nutritional balance and ingredient transparency ; 40% crude protein vs 30%.
  3. #3 A Applaws Kitten 90/100 +5 Wins on nutritional balance and ingredient transparency ; 38% crude protein vs 30%.
  4. #4 A Acana First Feast Kitten 89/100 +4 Wins on nutritional balance and ingredient transparency ; 37% crude protein vs 30%.
  5. #5 A Acana Homestead Harvest Cat 88/100 +3 Wins on nutritional balance and species fit ; 37% crude protein vs 30%.
  6. #6 A Ultra Premium Direct Croquettes Chat Adulte Saumon 88/100 +3 Wins on nutritional balance and species fit ; 35% crude protein vs 30%.
  7. #7 A Acana Indoor Entrée Cat 88/100 +3 Wins on nutritional balance and ingredient transparency ; 37% crude protein vs 30%.
  8. #8 A Ziggy Croquettes Chat Stérilisé Sans Céréales Saumon 87/100 +2 Wins on species fit.

Other food types for cats

  1. #1 A Thrive ProReward 100% Poulet 90/100 treats
  2. #2 A Applaws Natural Tuna Fillet 87/100 wet food
  3. #3 A ZIWI Peak Air-Dried Mackerel Lamb Cat 86/100 raw food
  4. #4 A Lily\'s Kitchen Terrine au Saumon 85/100 wet food
  5. #5 B Tiki Cat Aloha Friends Tuna & Pumpkin 84/100 wet food
  6. #6 B Edgard & Cooper Pâtée Chat Adulte Saumon 84/100 wet food

Keep exploring

All Orijen products See the average score and range Best dry food for cats Top 10 by PetFoodRate Compare 2 products Side by side, grade by grade

Frequently asked questions

What is the best alternative to Orijen Guardian 8 Formula?

In our database it's Orijen Cat & Kitten, scoring 94/100 (A) versus Orijen Guardian 8 Formula's 85/100, among dry food for cats. 8 better-graded alternatives are listed above.

Is there a cheaper alternative to Orijen Guardian 8 Formula?

Cheaper-per-kg options for the same use are listed in the dedicated section on this page whenever our database has them.

Why switch from Orijen Guardian 8 Formula?

Orijen Guardian 8 Formula scores 85/100 (A) on our A-E method. Buyers look for an alternative to get higher protein quality, fewer undesirables, better transparency, or a better species fit. Our grading is independent with no sponsorship.