Open Farm Dog Food Review: Ingredients, Benefits, and Quality
Table of Contents
- What are the Key Ingredients in Open Farm Dog Food?
- What Nutritional Benefits does Open Farm Dog Food Provide for Dogs?
- How is Open Farm Dog Food Packaged and Delivered?
- How does Open Farm Dog Food Compare to Other Premium Dog Food Brands?
- How much is the Average Cost of Open Farm Dog Food?
- What are the Different Types of Open Farm Dog Food Products?
Open Farm Dog Food is a pet food brand offering dog and cat formulas with natural, sustainably sourced, and traceable ingredients. Open Farm Dog Food started in 2014 and focuses on quality nutrition and transparency.
The recipes from Open Farm Dog Food are classified into different food types, such as dry, freeze-dried raw food, wet dog food, and slowly cooked food. Open Farm offers a line of dog treats, dog supplements, and bone broths for dogs.
Open Farm Dog Food is AAFCO-approved for dogs of all life stages and offers breed-specific options and special formulas for dogs with allergies and sensitivities.
Customer Open Farm Dog Food review testimonies are positive, with many reporting improved pet health. The food is packed in recyclable bags with customizable shipping options.
What are the Key Ingredients in Open Farm Dog Food?
The key ingredients in Open Farm Dog Food are real meat or fish at the top ingredient. Each protein is paired with legumes, wholesome grains, fruits, and vegetables.
The meat (beef, chicken, turkey, lamb, pork, venison) is 100% Animal Welfare certified, humanely raised, and free from growth hormones or antibiotics. Fish used in the formula (salmon, cod) is Ocean Wise-approved and wild-caught.
The recipes include legumes such as garbanzo beans, green lentils, field peas, and sweet potatoes as complex carbohydrates with low glycemic index.
Some formulas contain wholesome grains, while others are grain-free. The grain-inclusive options feature gluten sources like barley or gluten-free grains like oats and sorghum.
Open Farm incorporates non-GMO fruits and vegetables such as blueberries, cranberries, spinach, pumpkin, kale, and apples and vegetables in the recipes.
How does Open Farm Dog Food Ensure Quality and Freshness?
Open Farm Dog Food ensures quality and freshness by monitoring each step of the food production process.
A team of nutrition, animal science, and food manufacturing experts formulates the recipes. Ingredients are sourced from third-party verified family farms and fisheries. Each raw material undergoes testing before use.
The food is prepared in the family-owned facility in Minnesota and audited by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), AIB International, and Certified Humane.
Open Farm sends the final products to independent third-party laboratories for testing, including nutritional parameters and checks for contaminants such as bacteria, mycotoxins, and heavy metals.
What Nutritional Benefits does Open Farm Dog Food Provide for Dogs?
The nutritional benefits Open Farm Dog Food provides are listed below.
- High-Quality Proteins: Real meat is the number one ingredient and a quality, animal-based protein source. Open Farm meats are sourced from humanely raised, antibiotic-free animals certified by Animal Welfare.
- Healthy Fats: The fats in Open Farm Dog Food are sustainably sourced, primarily from coconut oil. Coconut oil is rich in omega fatty acids.
- Essential Vitamins and Minerals: Open Farm formulas contain vitamins A, D3, E, B12, B1, and B9. Included minerals are zinc, iron, copper, manganese, selenium, and calcium.
- Digestive Health: Open Farm formulas support digestive health and are rich in prebiotics or dietary fiber for nourishing healthy gut microorganisms. Special formulas are available for dogs with stomach sensitivities and allergies.
- Natural Ingredients: Open Farm uses hormone- and antibiotic-free meat, as well as non-GMO fruits and vegetables.
- Enhanced Nutrient Absorption: All ingredients are gently cooked, minimally processed, and carefully prepared to preserve nutrients and improve absorption.
Are There Any Special Formulations for Different Dog Breeds or Ages?
Yes, there are special formulations for different dog breeds or ages. Open Farm offers age-specific and breed-specific formulations.
Age-specific nutrition is important for puppies with different nutritional requirements than adults or seniors. Puppies benefit from formulas high in protein and calcium, while seniors have lower protein requirements. Use a dog age test if unsure of the pet’s exact age.
Open Farm provides breed-specific formulations with separate options for large and small dogs. Large breed foods feature larger kibble sizes, and small breed recipes are nutrient-dense to match faster metabolic rates.
How is Open Farm Dog Food Packaged and Delivered?
Open Farm Dog Food is packaged and delivered as sustainably as possible. The brand uses recyclable packaging in partnership with Terracycle. Customers are able to empty Open Farm bags using a free shipping label from Terracycle.com and shipping the box.
Shipping is free for orders over $50, with a $5.99 flat rate for smaller orders. Open Farm delivers via FedEx in the USA and Canada, excluding Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands.
What are the Reviews About Open Farm Dog Food?
The reviews about Open Farm Dog Food are excellent, maintaining a 5-star rating on Dog Food Advisor. Customers praise the ingredient quality, traceability, and sustainability. The brand’s website features user-friendly navigation and filtering.
Many pet owners report improved health and behavior after switching to Open Farm. Some users mention initial digestive issues like diarrhea when the food is introduced but do not specify if the food transition occurred abruptly or suddenly.
“I switched him to the Senior Open Farm Dry Dog Food, and within a few short months, I saw a dramatic improvement. He’s almost 10 years old and as spry as ever again. No one can believe how old he is when they meet him.” (Verified Buyer) “I have used ‘Open Farm’ frozen and dry dog foods for a few years now and have been very pleased with the consistent quality. A bit pricey, but the health of my canine and quality of life is important to me.” (Amazon) “I’ve had my elderly shih tzu on the salmon and ancient grains for like 4 years now, and he loves it. he had so much trouble with so many other foods.” (Reddit)
Is Open Farm Dog Food Good for Dogs?
Yes, Open Farm Dog Food is good for dogs. All recipes use ethically sourced ingredients. Meats are humanely raised, or wild-caught, and the fruits and vegetables are non-GMO.
Open Farm offers special formulas for dogs with sensitivities, including no-grain diets, gluten-free grain-inclusive recipes, and novel and single-protein formulas.
The brand offers life-stage-specific options, such as puppy recipes, high-protein puppy food, senior diets, and breed-appropriate foods for small and large breed dogs.
The only downsides to Open Farm are the above-average costs, limited availability in pet stores, and the low subscription discount (5%) for new customers.
- Affordable options available
- Packages can be customized
- Human-grade dog food
- Easy to store
- Contains no preservatives or fillers
- Might occupy excess space in your fridge
- Could lead to food allergies in some dogs
Is Open Farm Dog Food Best for Large Breeds?
Yes, Open Farm Dog Food is best for large breeds. The brand provides various recipes with different textures and kibble sizes to facilitate dogs of all sizes.
Open Farm has two specific formulas for dog food for large breed dogs. The formulas feature chicken as the primary ingredient, with protein-packed, bone broth-coated kibble mixed with chunks of freeze-dried raw morsels.
How does Open Farm Dog Food Compare to Other Premium Dog Food Brands?
Open Farm Dog Food is above average compared to other premium dog food brands. The brand’s superiority is reflected on several levels.
Examples include sustainable ingredient sourcing, third-party testing, and recyclable packaging. The recipes offer high protein content from real meats and fish.
Open Farm provides detailed ingredient traceability and transparent manufacturing practices. The brand offers a wider variety of food types and recipes than many premium competitors.
How much is the Average Cost of Open Farm Dog Food?
The average cost of Open Farm Dog Food is between $3.18 to $12.49 per pound. The price depends on the food type, recipe, and bag size.
For example, Homestead Turkey & Chicken Grain-Free Dry Dog Food costs $26.99 for 4 pounds ($6.74/lb) or $89.99 for 22 pounds ($4.09/lb).
The Surf & Turf Gently Cooked Recipe costs $99.99 for an 8-pound bag ($12.49/lb) or $159.99 for a 16-pound bag ($9.99/lb).
Open Farm Dog Food’s higher price reflects quality ingredients and strict manufacturing practices. Check out alternative options if seeking the best cheap dog food.
What are the Different Types of Open Farm Dog Food Products?
The different types of Open Farm Dog Food products are listed below.
- Dry Food: Open Farm offers dry kibble rich in animal-sourced proteins for dogs of all life stages. The brand has a special line of dry formulas, including insect and plant-based protein options.
- Freeze-Dried Raw: The freeze-dried raw line has several products, such as broth-coated kibble and patties for complete nutrition and toppers as meal additions.
- Wet Food: Open Farm offers three types of wet food, including smooth paté recipes, rustic stews, and fish toppers.
- Gently Cooked Dog Food: Open Farm’s gently cooked line is a middle ground between dry and wet dog food. The collection features seven recipes rich in proteins and other nutrients, like fats, vitamins, and minerals.
- Dog Treats: Open Farm dog treats include jerky strips, soft training chews, and dehydrated treats made with clean ingredients.
What are Open Farm Dry Dog Foods?
The Open Farm Dry Dog Foods are listed below.
- Wild-Caught Salmon & Ancient Grains Dry Dog Food: A nutrient-dense recipe with Ocean Wise® approved salmon and oats. The formula is suitable for small and medium-breed dogs of all life stages.
- New Zealand Venison Grain-Free Dry Dog Food: Grain-free, protein-packed dry kibble with humanely raised, grass-fed venison. Venison is ideal for dogs with food allergies.
- Goodbowl™ Grass-Fed Beef & Brown Rice Recipe for Dogs: An oven-baked formula with simple ingredients, such as grass-fed beef and brown rice. The formula is suitable for small and medium-breed dogs of all ages.
- Kind Earth Premium Insect Dry Dog Food: A vet-formulated, insect-based dry kibble crafted with dried black soldier fly larvae as the primary ingredient. The sustainable meal is fit for adult and senior dogs.
Other Open Farm dry dog foods are listed below.
- Puppy Formulas: Open Farm offers four puppy-specific formulas for various nutritional needs. The recipes are salmon-based with and without grains, a high-protein ancient grains option, and a grain-free formula.
- Adult Formulas: The adult dog line features eight protein sources available in grain-free and ancient grain varieties. Proteins range from beef and chicken to New Zealand venison and catch-of-the-season whitefish.
- Special Formulas: Open Farm stocks grain-free senior dog food to support aging canines and small breed options in grain-free and ancient grain varieties.
- Goodbowl™ Recipes: The Goodbowl™ line comprises three brown rice-based recipes featuring grass-fed beef, wild-caught salmon, and harvested chicken.
- Plant-based: Open Farm includes a plant-based option in the dry food line with the Kind Earth Premium Plant formula. The product caters to dogs on vegetarian diets or with severe meat protein allergies.
What are Open Farm Freeze Dried Raw Foods?
The Open Farm Freeze Dried Raw Foods are listed below.
- Pasture-raised Lamb Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food: A single-protein recipe with 100% pasture-raised New Zealand raw lamb and organic superfoods. The formula suits dogs of all ages as a complete meal or food topper.
- Puppy Chicken & Salmon Freeze Dried Raw Recipe: A recipe for puppies under 12 months. The main ingredients are humanely raised chicken, Ocean Wise® salmon, and organic fruits and vegetables.
- Surf & Turf Freeze Dried Raw Patties for Dogs: A protein-rich and true-prey model diet with 95% grass-fed beef and Ocean Wise® approved wild-caught salmon. The food is suitable for all life stages.
- Goodbowl™ Wild-Caught Salmon Freeze-Dried Raw Topper: A delicious raw food topper made with seven ingredients, including 70% wild-caught fish and non-GMO oats and barley. The topper is perfect for adult dogs with picky appetites.
- Tide & Terrain Grain-Free Rawmix for Dogs: A formula inspired by the wild with protein-packed nutrition. Each kibble contains 95% meat coated in beef bone broth and mixed with freeze-dried raw morsels.
Other Open Farm freeze dried raw foods are listed below.
- Complete Meals: Open Farm has five complete freeze-dried raw meals using different protein sources. Proteins include grass-fed beef, harvested chicken, homestead turkey, farmer’s table pork, and a surf & turf option.
- Freeze Dried Raw Patties: The patty line includes four options: grass-fed beef, homestead turkey, harvest chicken, and a puppy-specific chicken & salmon formula.
- Goodbowl™ Freeze Dried Raw Toppers: Two topper options are available in the Goodbowl™ line, including grass-fed beef and harvest chicken.
- RawMix Formulas: Open Farm provides six RawMix formulas catering to various needs. Options include grain-free and ancient grain options for large breeds and grain-free and ancient grain varieties in the Front Range, Open Prairie, and Wild Ocean lines.
What are Open Farm Wet Foods?
The Open Farm Wet Foods are listed below.
- Surf & Turf Pâté for Dogs: A grain-free recipe with Ocean Wise® certified whitefish and G.A.P. certified, humanely raised beef enriched with sweet potatoes and spinach. The recipe is perfect for adult and senior dogs.
- Salmon & Cod Topper for Dogs: A topper made with 96% fresh Icelandic, MSC, and ASC-certified fish and a silky mousse texture ideal for dogs with picky appetites.
- Homestead Turkey Rustic Stew Wet Dog Food: Protein-packed recipe with 100% free-to-roam turkey and non-GMO superfoods. The formula is useable as a complete food or topper.
Other Open Farm wet foods are listed below.
- Pâtés: Open Farm offers six pâté options, including chicken-based combinations, a harvest chicken formula, a puppy-specific chicken & salmon blend, homestead turkey, and a plant-based option with ancient grains.
- Toppers: Two fish-based toppers are available in salmon and arctic char to enhance meal variety.
- Rustic Stews: The rustic stew line features five recipes, including beef, chicken, salmon, a chicken & salmon blend, and a herring & mackerel option.
What are Open Farm Gently Cooked Dog Foods?
The Open Farm Gently Cooked Dog Foods are listed below.
- Grass-Fed Beef Gently Cooked Recipe: The formula features 100% grass-fed and humanely raised beef, carrots, kale, and beef liver. The recipe contains nutrients and flavor and fits adult and senior dogs.
- Puppy Gently Cooked Recipe: A puppy-specific formula for healthy growth and allergy prevention. The meal contains various animal-based protein sources, like chicken, pork, and salmon.
- Harvest Chicken and Brown Rice Gently Cooked Recipe: A perfect blend of humanely raised chicken, non-GMO vegetables, superfoods, and wholesome grains.
Other Open Farm Gently Cooked recipes are listed below.
- Protein Varieties: Open Farm features four gently cooked recipes, including surf & turf, homestead turkey, harvest chicken, and grass-fed beef.
- Grain-Inclusive Option: The grass-fed beef & brown rice recipe provides a grain-inclusive choice for dogs that benefit from or prefer grains.
What are Open Farm Dog Treats Food?
The Open Farm Dog Treats are listed below.
- Grain-Free Chicken Jerky Strips: Delicious jerky strips made with humanely raised chicken. The treats come in a resealable bag with approximately 7 to 8 strips per bag.
- Be Good Bites Plant & Pumpkin Treats: A recipe formulated with 30% upcycled ingredients and plant-based ingredients such as pumpkin and blueberries. The treats are fit for dogs of all ages.
- Dehydrated Cod Skins Treats: Lightly-cooked and crunchy, high-protein treats made with 100% Ocean Wise® approved wild-caught cod. The single-ingredient recipe is ideal for puppies, adult dogs, and seniors.
Other Open Farm Dog Treats are listed below.
- Jerky Strips: Open Farm offers four grain-free jerky strip options, including wild-caught salmon, turkey, grass-fed beef, and chicken.
- Be Good Bites: The Be Good Bites line features four varieties: grass-fed beef, chicken, turkey, and an insect & wholesome grain option.
- Dehydrated Treats: Five dehydrated treat options are available, including cod fish, beef, chicken, turkey, and pork.
What are the Feeding Guidelines and Portions for Open Farm Dog Food?
The feeding guidelines and portions for Open Farm Dog Food vary by food type and recipe. The daily food amount is determined based on body weight, lifestyle, and unique needs.
For example, Wild-Caught Salmon & Ancient Grains Dry Dog Food guidelines are ¼ to ½ cups for dogs up to 10 pounds. Active dogs of the same weight range require ¼ to ¾ cups per day.
The RawMix Front Range Freeze Dried Raw Recipe suggests ⅔ of a cup for 5-pound dogs and one and ¼ cups for 1-pound dogs. One-quarter of a cup is enough when used as a topper.
Are Any Reported Side Effects or Allergies Associated with Open Farm Dog Food?
Yes, there are reported side effects or allergies associated with Open Farm Dog Food. Some Amazon customers report stomach upset and diarrhea after introducing the food.
Customers do not specify whether they transitioned their dogs gradually or suddenly switched to Open Farm. Mild, transient digestive issues such as stomach upset, vomiting, and diarrhea are common when changing diets.
Allergies occur with any dog food, especially if specific allergens aren’t identified. Open Farm offers special formulas for dogs with diagnosed food allergies.
How does Open Farm Dog Food Support Dog Health and Wellness?
Open Farm Dog Food supports dog health and wellness through sustainable ingredients and transparent manufacturing processes.
The brand invests in high-quality, human-grade ingredients formulated by field experts and free from harmful additives.
Open Farm prepares the recipes in a USDA and FDA-approved family-owned facility. An independent lab tests each food for maximum safety and quality.
Each Open Farm Dog Food bag includes a lot number, helping owners trace all ingredients used in the formula for transparency. Pet owners report improved coat shine, skin health, allergy control, and overall behavior after using Open Farm recipes.
What is the Company’s Commitment to Sustainability and Ethical Sourcing?
The company’s commitment to sustainability and ethical sourcing is unmatched. Open Farm sources meat from Certified Humane® farms.
Certified Humane® farms ensure the animals have an excellent environment that supports natural behaviors. Cages, crates, growth hormones, antibiotics, or physical alterations are not permitted.
All fish are Oceanwise® approved and harvested with minimal habitat damage to marine or aquatic habitats.
Open Farm plans to reduce its carbon footprint by 42% by 2030. The brand states which of its products are low-carbon options that emit less than 1kg of CO₂ or less per pound of product.
Is Open Farm kibble human grade?
Yes, Open Farm kibble is human-grade. Human-grade dog food formulas contain ingredients that are edible to humans.
Dog kibble is rarely human-grade. Open Farm is one of the few brands offering human-grade dry dog food. The brand sources antibiotic-free and humanely raised meats from the same companies that supply giant human food chains such as Whole Foods.
What Customer Service and Support Options Are Available for Open Farm Dog Food?
Live chat and phone calls are customer service and support options available for Open Farm Dog Food. The live online chat option is available Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The phone number for customer support is 1-833-399-3403. Operating hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Customers are able to leave voicemail on weekends.
Customer Experience Specialists answer the live chat and phone call questions. The brand’s website features a detailed “Frequently Asked Questions” section where common user inquiries are addressed.
How Easy Is It to Transition a Dog to Open Farm Dog Food?
It is relatively easy to transition a dog to Open Farm Dog Food over 10 days. The instructions on how to transition are given below.
- Start using the Open Farm Dog Food recipe. Give the dog 75% of the old pet food and 25% of Open Farm food. Apply a 3:1 ratio for three days. Gradual food switches minimize the risk of stomach upsets.
- Increase the proportion of Open Farm Dog Food. Mix 50% of the old pet food and 50% of Open Farm food from day 4 to day 6. Use 75% of Open Farm food and 25% of the old pet food from day 7 to day 9.
- Switch to Open Farm Dog Food exclusively. Complete the transition from day 10 by using 100% Open Farm food. The process is extendable for two or more weeks for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
Are There Any Special Promotions or Discounts Available for Open Farm Dog Food?
Yes, there are special promotions or discounts available for Open Farm Dog Food. The brand offers a 5% discount on all orders utilizing the autoship option.
Open Farm discounts 15% on the first order using the promo code HELLO15. A limited-time offer provides an additional 20% off the first autoship order using the code HELLO20 on checkout. All discounts, codes, and deals are easily found on the brand’s official website.
Does Open Farm Dog Food have Probiotics?
No, Open Farm Dog Food does not have probiotics. The brand’s recipes are rich in natural prebiotics, which nourish the gut microbiome.
Probiotics are necessary for dogs with imbalanced gut microbiomes due to travel, stress, or illness. Open Farm offers a probiotic supplement formulated for dogs.
The probiotic comes in pumpkin-flavored soft chews and contains 2 billion CFUs from seven different strains of microorganisms. The probiotics for dogs are perfect to combine with the brand’s food recipes.
Who owns Open Farm dog food?
Jacqueline Prehogan, Isaac Langleben, and Derek Beigleman jointly own Open Farm Dog Food. The brand was established on January 1st, 2014, and is headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
The impetus for Open Farm began when Jacqueline Prehogan adopted her first dog, Bella. She cared for Bella and was dissatisfied with the ingredients of the available dog food options, sustainability, and transparency.
The trio decided to rethink dog food sourcing and production completely. Open Farm’s mission is to create high-quality pet food while supporting humane farming practices, promoting sustainability, and maintaining customer transparency.
Is Open Farm high in fat?
Yes, Open Farm is high in fat. The fat percentage in the brand’s recipes varies, but Open Farm is considered an above-average dry product.
Dog food formulas for adult dogs contain between 10 and 15% of fats. Open Farm boasts a fat level of 16%. The brand uses high-quality and easily digestible sources of healthy fats, such as coconut oil.
Has Open Farm dog food ever been recalled?
No, Open Farm Dog Food has not been recalled. “To date, according to information available from the FDA, AVMA, and other credible sources, Open Farm has never had to issue a recall for its dog food products,” reports DogTime.com.
Open Farm implements comprehensive safety protocols. The protocols ensure its remarkable record. The brand enforces strict ingredient-sourcing policies, carefully inspects its facilities and ingredients, and tests for contaminants before packaging.