Open Farm Dog Food Review
This page contains affiliate links. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post through our independently chosen links, which earn us a commission. Learn More
Not only is it important to pay attention to the ingredients in your dog’s diet, but it’s also a good idea to know where those ingredients come from.
Open Farm offers a variety of high-quality pet food formulas made with ethically sourced ingredients, all of which can be traced on the company’s website.
- Pet food made with ethically sourced ingredients
- Wide variety of product choices
- Traceable ingredients and recyclable packaging
- Fairly expensive compared to market average
- Some products are high in carbohydrates
- Not available through Chewy or Amazon
- Pet food made with ethically sourced ingredients
- Wide variety of product choices
- Traceable ingredients and recyclable packaging
- Fairly expensive compared to market average
- Some products are high in carbohydrates
- Not available through Chewy or Amazon
Overview Of The Open Farm Brand
Open Farm is a Canadian pet food company that offers premium quality pet foods made with ethically sourced ingredients. This company says they are, “committed to delivering premium quality nutrition that meets the highest standard of quality and care.”
The company was founded in 2014 by Isaac Langleben, Jacqueline Prehogan, and Derek Beigleman. After shopping for healthy, ethically sourced foods for themselves, this group noticed a gap in the pet food market and set out to fill it themselves. And thus Open Farm was born.
Where Are The Products Made?
The headquarters for Open Farm are located in Toronto, Ontario. While Open Farm is a Canadian company, their manufacturing facilities are located in Minnesota in the United States.
Open Farm offers full transparency on their products, from farm to bowl. Not only are their ingredients ethically sourced, but you can trace every single one back to its original source. Simply type the lot code into the appropriate location on the website and you’ll receive a full report.
Most of Open Farm’s ingredients are sourced from the United States and Canada – this includes all of their humanely raised animal proteins. They source their herring meal from Mexico and an assortment of supplementary ingredients come from other countries like the Philippines, Honduras, Germany, Switzerland, and France.
What Dog Food Products Do They Offer?
Open Farm offers a wide assortment of dog products including dry food, wet food, freeze-dried raw, gently cooked frozen food, dehydrated treats, bone broth, and meal mixers and toppers.
All of Open Farm’s dry food formulas are high in meat, low in carbs, and designed for rotational feeding. Their wet food recipes are made with 100% human-grade ingredients and packaged in recyclable cardboard cartons rather than cans.
Open Farm freeze-dried formulas are made with 85% protein from raw animal ingredients and their frozen foods are slow-cooked to preserve nutritional integrity.
Is Their Packaging Environmentally Friendly?
Sustainability plays an important role in everything Open Farm does. Not only are their ingredients ethically and sustainably sourced, but they operate a nationwide recycling program through Terracycle.
All of Open Farm’s dry, freeze-dried, gently cooked, treats, and bone broth products come in packaging that is recyclable through Terracycle. Their rustic stews and blends are recyclable at curbside. Open Farm also offers two of their freeze-dried dog foods in reusable packaging through Loop.
How Much Does It Cost?
Being made with high-quality, ethically sourced ingredients, Open Farm products are on the higher end of the pricing spectrum. Their dry foods range from around $3 per pound to about $3.75 per pound and their wet foods average about $0.32 per ounce.
Open Farm’s gently cooked frozen foods sell for about $8.33 per pound and their freeze-dried raw recipes are about $2.27 per ounce. Treats cost about $10 per bag and the bone broth comes in a 3-pack of 12-ounce pouches for about $21.
Check below to see how Open Farm stacks up against other dog food brands for cost:
Premium Dog Food Price Comparison |
|||
| Food Type | Brand | Average Price | Price Per |
| Premium Wet Food | Instinct Original Grain-Free Wet Dog Food | $22.14 for 6 (13.2oz.) cans | $0.28 per ounce |
| Freeze-Dried Raw | Stella & Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Raw Chicken Dinner Patties | $51.99 for 25oz. | $2.08 per ounce |
| Freeze-Dried Raw Subscription | Dr. Marty Nature’s Blend Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food | $85.35 for 3lbs. | $2.37/ounce |
| Human-Grade Dog Food Pouch | Portland Pet Food Company | $49.95 for 8 (9oz.) pouches | $0.69 per ounce |
| Fresh Food Subscription | The Farmer’s Dog* | $45.57 per week | $6.51 per day |
| Dry Food Subscription | Tailored Pet* | $46.80 for 20lbs. (5 weeks) | $1.34 per day |
| Dry Food | Open Farm Homestead Turkey & Chicken Dry Dog Food | $87.99 for 24lbs. | $0.23 per ounce |
*Subscription price based on a 40-pound, neutered male dog 4 years of age
What Did Our Test Dog Think?
To test Open Farm, I ordered one recipe from each of their product categories.
Here’s a list of the products I ordered:
- Harvest Chicken & Ancient Grains Dry Dog Food
- Wild-Caught Salmon Rustic Stew Wet Dog Food
- Surf & Turf Recipe Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food
- Grass-Fed Beef Gently Cooked Dog Food
Because I ordered both shelf-stable and frozen dog food, my Open Farm order arrived in two separate packages. Both arrived quickly and the frozen food was solidly frozen when I received it. I immediately noticed that all the packaging (except the frozen food) was designed to be resealed which is great.
I tried the Harvest Chicken & Ancient Grains recipe first. When my test dog Archie caught a whiff, he was very interested, and he eagerly finished the bowl. I noticed that the kibbles were a little smaller than average which was fine for my 40-pound dog, but it’s something to keep in mind for larger dogs who may require a more significant portion size.
The salmon stew was a hit among both my test dog and my cats – they love to steal a bite from Archie’s bowl when he’s testing wet food. The texture was very stew-like as promised with the ingredients well blended. The largest chunks I noticed were of green bean.
Archie’s least favorite product was the freeze-dried Surf & Turf formula, though he by no means disliked it. He was a huge fan of the gently cooked grass-fed beef. I probably wouldn’t purchase the freeze-dried recipe again mostly for the price, but I found the 16-ounce package size for the gently cooked recipe to be just about perfect for my 30-pound dog.
Open Farm Harvest Chicken & Ancient Grains Dry Dog Food
Product Info
- Crude Protein: 26.0%
- Crude Fat: 15.0%
- Crude Fiber: 4.5%
- Moisture: 10.0%
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
- Rich in high-quality animal-based protein
- Made with Certified Humane chicken and other traceable ingredients
- Free from peas, potatoes, and legumes
- Doesn’t contain any by-products or artificial additives
- Contains over 30% carbohydrate
- Fairly expensive compared to market average
- Not a single-source protein recipe
Ingredients:
Chicken, Oats, Ocean Whitefish Meal, Millet, Quinoa, Coconut Oil, Herring Meal, Natural Flavor, Pumpkin, Sorghum, Salmon Oil, Apples, Chia Seed, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Chicory Root, Choline Chloride, Vitamin E Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Niacin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Folic Acid, Zinc Proteinate, Calcium Carbonate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Selenium Yeast, Calcium Iodate.
I always love a dog food formula that starts with a high-quality source of animal protein as the first ingredient, and it never hurts to have supplemental sources on the list.
That being said, I’d prefer to see the ocean whitefish meal as the second ingredient or, at the very least, move the herring meal up the list. Having three of the first five ingredients being plant-based speaks to the carbohydrate content of this formula which is a little high around 30%.
While this recipe may be higher in carbs than I’d like, the overall quality appears to be very high. The chicken is humanely-raised and all of the ingredients are ethically sourced and traceable through the Open Farm website. I appreciate the brand’s transparency and commitment to quality with their products. I’m not concerned at all about it being a Canadian company and the fact that the products are manufactured in the U.S. means they must comply with FDA standards anyway.
Overall, this recipe appears to provide a decent amount of animal-based protein, but it is fairly high in carbohydrates and also on the expensive end of the pricing spectrum. It’s also worth noting that it isn’t a single-source protein recipe, but that shouldn’t be a problem if your dog doesn’t have food allergies.
Open Farm Surf & Turf Recipe Freeze Dried Raw Food
Product Info
- Crude Protein: 41%
- Crude Fat: 32.5%
- Crude Fiber: 5%
- Moisture: 5%
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
- High-quality animal protein as the first five ingredients
- Contains several nutrient-rich organ meats
- Completely free from fillers, by-products, and artificial additives
- Should be rehydrated to provide moisture
- Contains several unnecessary plant ingredients
Ingredients
Humanely Raised Beef, Beef Hearts, Wild Pacific Salmon, Beef Kidneys, Beef Liver, Ground Beef Bone, Organic Carrots, Organic Squash, Organic Blueberries, Organic Sunflower Seeds, Montmorillonite Clay, Organic Cranberries, Organic Spinach, Organic Kale, Organic Pumpkin Seeds, Organic Chicory Root, Organic Kelp, Organic Coconut Oil, Organic Apple Cider Vinegar, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Folic Acid, Choline, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Selenium Yeast, Non-GMO Turmeric, Organic Cinnamon, Mixed Tocopherols, Fenugreek Seeds, Sea Salt.
Raw dog food is an incredibly nutritious and species-appropriate option for dogs. Unfortunately, it isn’t always the most practical option. If you like the idea of feeding your dog raw but you’re not quite ready to make the commitment, a freeze-dried raw food like this might be a good choice.
This formula is packed with animal protein from humanely raised beef and wild-caught pacific salmon, but it also contains three nutrient-rich organ meats: beef heart, beef kidney, and beef liver. These ingredients are very species-appropriate and rich in protein and natural meat flavor. Another ingredient we really appreciate is the ground beef bone. Like organ meats, bone is an excellent source of nutrients for dogs.
Like all of Open Farm’s dry foods, this recipe contains a significant number of unnecessary plant ingredients. On the upside, the recipe is free from legumes and pulses like lentils and garbanzo beans, and most of the plant ingredients are organic. The total carbohydrate content of this formula is fairly low for a dry food.
Overall, this is formula is rich in species-appropriate animal protein, but it still contains a significant number of plant ingredients. The freeze-drying process helps preserve the nutritional integrity of the raw ingredients, but the formula should be rehydrated with water or broth to provide your dog with the moisture he needs for optimal hydration.
Open Farm Homestead Turkey Rustic Stew Wet Dog Food
Product Info
- Crude Protein: 7%
- Crude Fat: 5.5%
- Crude Fiber: 2%
- Moisture: 82%
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Ingredients
Humanely Raised Turkey, Turkey Bone Broth, Pumpkin, Carrots, Green Beans, Spinach, Red Lentils, Agar, Chickpeas, Sunflower Oil, Coconut Oil, Chicory Root, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin Supplement, Folic Acid, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Selenium Yeast, Choline Chloride, Dried Kelp, Turmeric, Cinnamon.
Wet dog food is generally a great choice because it tends to be lower in carbs and higher in protein and moisture than dry food.
This particular recipe contains animal protein as the first ingredient but, as is true for the other Open Farm recipes we’ve reviewed, it contains several unnecessary plant ingredients. Fortunately, the starchy additions like red lentils and garbanzo beans appear after more nutritious options like pumpkin, carrots, and green beans. Overall, however, the formula is still very low in carbohydrate. It also contains the moisture your dog needs for optimal hydration.
I’d like to see at least one of the added fats replaced with an animal-based fat like chicken fat or salmon oil. These fats are more nutritious for dogs, and they are rich in omega-3 fatty acids which is beneficial for your dog’s skin and coat health.
Overall, this recipe provides a decent amount of animal-based protein and appears to be low in carbohydrates, despite containing several plant ingredients. It gets points for being a single-protein recipe, though it’s definitely a little pricey.
Is Open Farm Really Worth The Cost?
While there’s no doubt Open Farm offers premium quality pet food, it is pretty expensive. Their freeze-dried formulas exceed $2.25 per ounce and even their dry foods are over $3 per pound. That being said, there are a number of reasons we think Open Farm is worth the cost.
First and foremost, Open Farm uses high-quality ingredients, and they don’t ask you to simply take their word for it. Everything is ethically sourced and humanely raised and you can trace every single ingredient in your dog’s specific bag of food. Many of their products are made with human-grade ingredients as well and we love that they offer such a variety of product types and flavors.
Simply put, it’s worth spending a little more to feed your dog well and Open Farm is a great option. Higher quality dog food is easier to digest which means your dog absorbs more of the nutrients. Not only does cheap food not support optimal nutrition, but a lot of it ends up as waste.
How Do You Order It?
The best place to find Open Farm’s full selection of products is on the company website. You can easily make a one-time purchase or subscribe for regular deliveries to save 5% on your order. If you prefer to shop in-store, you can find Open Farm in local and specialty pet food stores nationwide.
Pros And Cons
Before you make a final decision on Open Farm dog food, it’s important to consider the benefits and the drawbacks of the brand. Here’s a quick overview on the pros and cons for this brand.
Pros For Open Farm:
- Wide variety of product types and flavors
- All recipes are made with traceable, ethically sourced ingredients
- Purchase one-time or subscribe to save 5% on every order
- All packaging is recyclable or reusable
Cons For Open Farm:
- Fairly expensive compared to market average
- Some products are fairly high in carbohydrates
- Not available through Chewy or Amazon
The Final Word
Open Farm markets their products as premium quality and we agree. Not only do they use high-quality, whole-food ingredients, but everything is sustainably and ethically sourced. More than that, every ingredient is traceable. Many pet food companies will give you general information about where their ingredients come from, but few let you trace the ingredients in your dog’s specific bag of food.
Not only does Open Farm offer exceptional quality, but they have a wide array of product types and flavors. Their price point is on the higher end of the spectrum overall, but if you’re willing to invest in high-quality dog food you can find a price that fits your budget. Plus, with so many protein options to choose from, dogs with food allergies and sensitivities shouldn’t be a problem.
Overall, Open Farm is a great choice for dog owners who want to invest in their dog’s nutrition. Some of their recipes are a little high in carbohydrates, but if that’s a concern for you, you can simply choose one of their wet food formulas which are much lower in carbs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has Open Farm ever been recalled?
No. To our knowledge (and based on extensive research), Open Farm has never been recalled.
Is Open Farm dog food grain-free?
Open Farm offers both grain-free and grain-inclusive recipes for most of their product types.
Is Open Farm dog food organic?
No. Open Farm uses ethically sourced ingredients, but they are not organic.
Is Open Farm dog food raw?
Open Farm offers a selection of freeze-dried raw foods, but the majority of their products are cooked.
How many calories per cup for Open Farm dog food?
Calorie content varies greatly from one product type to another and among the various recipes. Check the Open Farm website for detailed calorie information.
Where can I buy Open Farm dog food?
You can find Open Farm pet food in a variety of local and specialty pet food stores, or you can order directly through the Open Farm website.
