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Wellness CORE Small Breed Grain Free Dog Food vs Orijen Small Breed Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

Orijen Small Breed is the stronger formula on paper: 85% animal ingredients, 40% protein, and WholePrey organ and cartilage inclusions. Wellness CORE Small Breed is the more proven pick, with a much larger review base and a lower, more moderate protein and fat level that suits less active small dogs. Both are grain-free with small kibble; choose Orijen for a high-protein, meat-heavy diet and Wellness CORE for a gentler everyday formula with joint support.

  • Choose the Wellness CORE Small Breed if you want a moderate-protein grain-free food with glucosamine and chondroitin for joint support and a long track record with owners.
  • Choose the Orijen Small Breed if you want the highest meat and protein content, WholePrey organs, and a freeze-dried coating for picky small dogs.

Prices

  • Wellness CORE Small Breed Grain Free Dog Food: $47.98 at Walmart (checked today)
  • Orijen Small Breed Grain-Free Dry Dog Food: $29.99 at Feeders Pet Supply (checked today)
  • Difference: the Orijen Small Breed Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is $17.99 cheaper than the Wellness CORE Small Breed Grain Free Dog Food today
Wellness
Wellness CORE Natural Grain Free Small Breed Dry Dog Food

Wellness CORE Small Breed Grain Free Dog Food

Wellness CORE Natural Grain Free Small Breed Dry Dog Food

4.6(103 ratings)
$47.98at WalmartChecked 8 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit Walmart
Pros
  • Grain-free with no corn, soy, wheat gluten or by-products
  • Added glucosamine and chondroitin for joints
  • Small kibble sized for small breeds
  • Large review base with a solid 4.6 rating
  • Probiotics, antioxidants and omega blend included
Cons
  • Protein and fat levels not published on the listing
  • Lower meat content than Orijen
  • Fewer omega figures spelled out
Orijen
Orijen Small Breed Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

Orijen Small Breed Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

4.9(10 ratings)
$29.99at Feeders Pet SupplyChecked 8 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit Feeders Pet Supply
Pros
  • 40% protein and 85% animal ingredients
  • WholePrey organs and cartilage
  • Freeze-dried coating helps picky eaters
  • Published omega-3, omega-6, DHA and EPA levels
  • Grain-free with no added soy, corn, wheat or tapioca
Cons
  • Only 10 ratings behind its 4.9 score
  • High protein and richness can upset sensitive stomachs
  • No stated glucosamine or chondroitin dose
  • Smaller range of pack sizes

What separates them

Wellness CORE Small Breed Grain Free Dog FoodOrijen Small Breed Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Animal ingredient contentMeat-based but not stated as a percentage; turkey and chicken leadUp to 85% animal ingredients, first five fresh or raw
Crude proteinNot published on the listing; moderate for the line40%
Crude fatNot published on the listing; formulated for small-breed energy needs15%
Joint supportGlucosamine and chondroitin addedWholePrey cartilage and organs, no stated glucosamine dose
KibbleSmaller kibble for small breedsUnique shape and size for small mouths, freeze-dried coated
Omega and skin supportFish and flax omega blend, salmon oil2% omega-3, 2% omega-6, 0.5% DHA, 0.5% EPA
Owner feedback volume4.6 of 5 from 103 ratings4.9 of 5 from 10 ratings
Pack sizes12 lb and 10 lb options1.8 kg and 4.5 kg

Price history

$32.99$20.98
Nov 11Nov 14
  • Wellness CORE Small Breed Grain Free Dog Food: lowest $20.98 on Nov 11 at Amazon; $20.98 on Nov 14.
  • Orijen Small Breed Grain-Free Dry Dog Food: lowest $29.99 on Nov 11 at Lifetime Pet Olathe; $32.99 on Nov 14.

Prices at every store

Wellness CORE Small Breed Grain Free Dog Food

  • WalmartNew

    In stock

    $47.98Free shippingChecked 8 h ago
    Visit Walmart

Also available at

  • PetCareRxCheck price at PetCareRx
  • WalmartCheck price at Walmart
  • Tractor Supply CoCheck price at Tractor Supply Co

Store links may earn us a commission.

Prices and history →

Orijen Small Breed Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

  • Feeders Pet SupplyNew

    In stockReturn policy

    $29.99Checked 8 h ago
    Visit Feeders Pet Supply
  • Chow Hound Pet SuppliesNew

    In stockReturn policy

    $29.99Checked 16 h ago
    Visit Chow Hound Pet Supplies
  • Lifetime Pet OlatheNew

    In stock

    $29.99Checked Nov 11
    Visit Lifetime Pet Olathe
  • Pet Paradise Supermarket, IncNew

    In stockReturn policy

    $30.99Checked 8 h ago
    Visit Pet Paradise Supermarket, Inc

Also available at

  • Feeders Pet SupplyCheck price at Feeders Pet Supply
All 18 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecWellness CORE Small Breed Grain Free Dog FoodOrijen Small Breed Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Size12 Pound10 lb
Food TypeDry Food—
Dog SizeMini (1-10kg)—
ColorNatural, Green—
IngredientsTurkey, Chicken—
No. of Packs (pack)1—
PackagingBag—
Age GroupAdult—
NutrientsTaurine—
Special DietsGrain Free—
Option10lb—
Type—Dry
Show all 27 specsShow fewer specs
SpecWellness CORE Small Breed Grain Free Dog FoodOrijen Small Breed Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Flavor—Chicken, Fish, Turkey
Health Benefit—Weight Control
Breed Size—Small
Crude protein—40%
Crude fat—15%
Moisture—12%
Crude ash—10%
Crude fibre—4%
Calcium—1.5%
Phosphorus—1.1%

What reviewers say

Wellness CORE Small Breed Grain Free Dog Food

  • 4.6 / 5103 ratings

Owners of small breeds rate it highly, praising the small kibble and the meat-first grain-free recipe. Some report picky dogs turning their noses up, and a few mention digestive upset when switching.

What people mention
  • Kibble sizePraisedOwners say the small pieces suit toy and small breeds well.
  • PalatabilityMixedMany dogs eat it eagerly, but some picky eaters refuse it.
  • Coat and skinPraisedOwners report shinier coats and less scratching on this food.
  • DigestionMixedMost dogs do fine, but a few had loose stools when switching.

Orijen Small Breed Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

  • 4.9 / 510 ratings

Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 10 ratings, buyers praise the ingredient quality and how readily small dogs eat it. Few negatives are reported, mostly around richness for sensitive dogs.

What people mention
  • IngredientsPraisedBuyers value the high animal content and named fresh and raw poultry and fish.
  • PalatabilityPraisedOwners say small dogs take to the freeze-dried coating and eat it readily.
  • Kibble sizePraisedThe smaller kibble shape is described as easier for small breeds to chew.
  • RichnessMixed

Questions and answers

Which is better for a picky small dog?
Orijen's freeze-dried coating and raw-ingredient flavor make it the more tempting option for picky eaters. Wellness CORE is a solid fallback if your dog turns its nose up at richer food.
Which has more protein?
Orijen, at 40% crude protein with up to 85% animal ingredients. Wellness CORE does not publish its protein level on the listing but is a moderate-protein formula.
Is Orijen too rich for a small dog?
It can be for dogs prone to loose stools. Transition slowly over a week or more, and watch weight, since the formula is dense in meat and fat.
Which is better for joint health?
Wellness CORE adds glucosamine and chondroitin directly. Orijen supplies WholePrey cartilage and organs, which support joints naturally but without a stated dose.
Which lasts longer in the bowl?
Both are dry kibble in resealable bags. Orijen's freeze-dried coating can lose aroma once opened, so seal it tightly; Wellness CORE keeps well in a cool, dry spot.
Is it worth stepping up to Orijen?
Yes if you want maximum meat content and published omega levels and your dog tolerates rich food. Stay with Wellness CORE if you want joint support and a gentler formula with more owner feedback.

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More comparisons

  • Wellness CORE Natural Grain Free Small Breed Dry Dog Food vs Nulo Freestyle Small Breed Dog Food, Premium Adult and Puppy Grain-Free Dry Smaller Sized Kibble Food, with BC30 Probiotic for Healthy Digestion Support, 6.35 kg (Pack of 1)
  • Orijen Small Breed Grain-Free Dry Dog Food vs Nulo Freestyle Small Breed Dog Food, Premium Adult and Puppy Grain-Free Dry Smaller Sized Kibble Food, with BC30 Probiotic for Healthy Digestion Support, 6.35 kg (Pack of 1)
  • Nature's Recipe Grain Free Small Breed Dry Dog Food Chicken, Sweet Potato & Pumpkin, 12 lb Bag vs Wellness CORE Natural Grain Free Small Breed Dry Dog Food
  • Nature's Recipe Grain Free Small Breed Dry Dog Food Chicken, Sweet Potato & Pumpkin, 12 lb Bag vs Orijen Small Breed Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

Buying guides that pick them

  • Best grain-free dog food for small dogs
Omega-3 fatty acids—2%
Omega-6 fatty acids—2%
DHA—0.5%
EPA—0.5%
Pack sizes—1.8kg and 4.5kg
A few note the high-fat, high-protein recipe can be too rich for sensitive dogs.