Open Farm pet food is literally a “one of a kind” as they are the only pet food producer that is recognized as certified humane. That means all their resources and ingredients are ethically sourced. Also, their procedures and farming must meet some of the strictest standards in the industry. This unique food company makes various products primarily for cats and dogs.
The company’s vision of exclusively using ethically sourced resources stems from the belief that pets deserve to eat high-quality ingredients. Our pets’ only option should not be farm animals that are caged-up in horrible living conditions.
If you’re considering switching your dog to the Open Farm pet food line, or “on the fence,” then keep reading our in-depth review of this food line. Hopefully, reading through will help answer any questions you have during the decision-making process.
For more options, visit our best dog food guide.
About the Brand
Open Farm, a Toronto-based pet food company, began production and distribution in 2014. The three co-founders: Isaac Langleben, Jacqueline Prehogan; and Derek Beigleman started the company because they saw a growing trend and need for healthier pet food that is ethically sourced.
To accomplish their goal, they created a supply chain of nutritious and sustainably sourced ingredients. Next, they developed healthy grain-free, high-protein recipes for dogs and cats. Lastly, they made a strong commitment to transparency, sharing as much information, and details about their products as possible.
To keep the company accountable, it relies on third-party validation. One from Global Animal Partnership and the other from Certified Humane. These are very important to the founders of Open Farm because they establish a high set of objective standards to ensure quality.
Nutrition
The company prides itself on using the world’s best ingredients to produce premium quality recipes. Open Farm has a strong commitment to ethical sourcing; everything from their TerraCycle bags to the ingredients used in their food products. Animal welfare is a core value of the company, and they believe all animals should be raised with kindness and respect.
Just by looking at the company’s high standards they set for itself, you can see how dedicated the company is to produce high-quality and nutritious food. The quality of their ingredients and practices ensures your pet is consuming nothing but the best. For instance, the proteins featured in various recipes come from high welfare family farms that do not use any form of antibiotics or growth hormones. Also, their vegetables and fruits are certified non-GMO.
If your pup has food sensitivities or allergies, Open Farm has you covered. They have numerous solution-based diets for all stages of life. So from a small dog and well into its senior years, Open Farm has all the food products you need.
As always, read the back of the package for all the ingredients used and all directions to make sure your pup transitions well. Below we’ve listed each product blend and their guaranteed analysis.
Ingredients
The one thing to know about Open Farm is that they are committed to using only wholesome ingredients in their products that have been ethically sourced. Open Farm is transparent as a company can be, to the point that every single ingredient can be traced to the source.
You’ll notice that every single recipe starts with a protein that has been raised by human farming practices. Roughly 80% of all recipes are some form of animal product. Any type of fish or seafood is sustainably sourced. These products are free of any and all preservatives, artificial flavors, or fillers.
Not only are the ingredients featured throughout the products wholesome, but they are functional. Each ingredient is beneficial and meant to help your pet thrive. For example, you’ll see coconut oil, turmeric, and leafy greens. Also, various berries like blueberries are incorporated as a source of antioxidants. Also, supplements such as vitamin D3, B12, and E are spread throughout each product to ensure your pet gets the nutrition it needs.
If your pet has a specific diet or certain dietary needs, then are some available recipes that exclude certain ingredients such as grain or poultry. Check the table below as we’ve provided the guaranteed analysis for various dry food, freeze dried raw food, rustic stews, and treats.
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Safety
As far as safety, no recalls in its past is an excellent place to start. The company’s various food products, such as their dry food, freeze-dried food, and treats, are produced with the utmost care and consideration. One Farm has specific recipes that are meant strictly for puppies, seniors, or one for sensitive stomachs.
Follow the feeding and storage directions to ensure freshness.
Breed
What I like about Open Farm dog food is that they have recipes for “all breeds and sizes.” This means that no matter the size or type of breed your pup is, the food will fit their needs. But one thing to pay attention to is the age requirements. Open Farm has puppy, all life stages, and senior formulas.
Each blend has a purpose to support your pet for specific stages of life. For instance, the Open Farm Senior recipe is lower in calories to help with weight management. Also, it includes more chondroitin and glucosamine for joint support.
If your dog has certain sensitivities then check out Open Farm’s special recipes that exclude certain ingredients that may not settle with some canines. For instance, there are recipes that are grain-free, poultry-free, and potato-free.
Food Form
Open Farm comes in a couple forms. There’s dry food, freeze-dried raw, stew, treats, and supplements. What makes each product great is that they can be mixed and consumed with other Open Farm food products or eaten by itself as a complete meal.
For example, the dry food or kibble is fine just by itself, but you can also add freeze-dried raw food as a topper along with some Open Farm stew or broth to soften the kibble. As you can see, the possibilities are endless with this brand. Also, the dehydrated treats make an excellent snack for in between meals.
Give different combinations a try until you find the best mix and blend for your pet. Enjoy!
Life Stage
The brand keeps it simple and has categorized them as food for either puppy, senior, or all life stages. Open Farm crafted their puppy formula to introduce young pups to certain foods that may cause allergies earlier. This allows them to transition seamlessly from one recipe to another without any problems.
Recall History
Since the company’s inception in 2014, this young company has not had any recalls on its products. That’s not hard to believe since the company has such a strict protocol. Each step in the process and ingredient is given special care, which limits mistakes.
Allergies
Food allergies in dogs are usually the cause of artificial or poor quality ingredients. So, Open Farm products reflect the vision that if you keep the ingredients natural and pure, then the end product will be the same.
However, it is understandable that no matter how high in quality the ingredients are, there are just some ingredients that certain breeds can’t consume. For example, poultry and grain are common causes of allergies in pups. So if you’re aware of some ingredients that don’t sit well with your pup’s stomach, then try one of the special recipes that Open Farm has to offer.
Feeding Directions
Like we said earlier, the nice thing about Open Farm food products is that each food product can serve as a complete meal, or you can mix and combine recipes and products to fit your dog’s needs. Whatever the case may be, make sure you follow the feeding instructions carefully and make sure you’re following the proper amounts according to the feeding instructions.
Remember, the feeding instructions for a rustic stew recipe will not be the same as freeze-dried raw food products. It all depends on your dog’s age and/or weight. The makers also suggest you adjust feedings according to your dog’s age, energy, and activity level. A popular combo among Open Farm pet parents is using kibble as a base and add the stew or freeze-dried raw food as a topper.
Also, if you’re switching your pet to Open Farm from another brand, then we strongly suggest you read the transition feeding instructions. As always, if you’re unsure about giving this food to your pet, that you consult your veterinarian.
Final Thoughts
What is there not to love about Open Farm pet food? They are the perfect fit for pets and pet lovers in the year 2021, where people are gravitating more towards organic foods that are ethically and sustainably sourced. The commitment to producing under the highest standards of quality as well as the amount of transparency the company offers is what makes this company literally one-of-a-kind in the industry and is something truly amazing.
The ingredients are pure and all-natural, with no GMOs, antibiotics, or other artificial ingredients. No matter the age, breed, or lifestyle, Open Farm has you covered with various recipes. If your pup has food sensitivities or allergies, Open Farm has unique blends, such as the grain-free recipes.
So if you’re looking for something more natural and something your pets will love, then try Open Farm Pet Foods. Give each product a try, from the dry food to the rustic stews and other toppers. Ther various protein bases that are unique and the amount of combinations that you can mix and match for your pet dog are endless.