Is Open Farm Dog Food Good for Your Dog?

 

Choosing the right food for your dog can feel like a big decision. With so many brands out there, Open Farm Dog Food stands out for its focus on quality, ethical sourcing, and transparency. But is it really good for your dog? Let’s break down what Open Farm offers, its benefits, potential drawbacks, and whether it’s the right choice for your furry friend in 2025.

What is Open Farm Dog Food?

Open Farm is a Canadian pet food company founded in 2014 by Jacqueline Prehogan, Isaac Langleben, and Derek Langleben. Based in Toronto, their food is made in Minnesota, USA, at Barrett Ag Service. They’re known for using high-quality, human-grade ingredients and prioritizing sustainable, humane farming practices. 

Their products include dry kibble, wet food, freeze-dried raw, gently cooked fresh food, treats, bone broths, and supplements. You can buy Open Farm at retailers like Amazon, Walmart, or directly from openfarmpet.com, with options for one-time purchases or subscriptions.

Open Farm’s mission is to provide premium nutrition while being kind to animals and the planet. They use traceable ingredients, letting you check the source of each ingredient using a lot number on their website.

Their meats are humanely raised without antibiotics or hormones, and their fish are wild-caught. All recipes meet the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) standards for dog nutrition.

Why Pet Owners Love Open Farm

Here’s why Open Farm is a popular choice for dog owners, based on reviews and brand claims:

High-Quality Ingredients

Open Farm uses human-grade, ethically sourced meats like grass-fed beef, pasture-raised lamb, and wild-caught salmon. Their fruits and veggies are non-GMO, and they avoid artificial flavors, colors, preservatives, corn, wheat, and soy. For example, their Pasture-Raised Lamb Freeze-Dried Raw Recipe includes lamb, lamb heart, lamb liver, and organic produce like carrots and blueberries, offering a nutrient-packed meal.

Transparency

You can trace every ingredient back to its source using the lot number on the packaging. For instance, their salmon might come from the North Pacific Ocean off Alaska, and their pumpkin from Michigan. This openness builds trust, letting you know exactly what’s in your dog’s bowl.

Variety for All Dogs

Open Farm offers recipes for puppies, adults, and seniors, with options like grain-free, grain-inclusive, and single-protein formulas for dogs with allergies or sensitive stomachs. Their Goodbowl line, like the Grass-Fed Beef & Brown Rice Recipe, is great for small and medium breeds, while RawMix blends kibble with freeze-dried raw chunks for added nutrition.

Positive Customer Feedback

Many dogs love the taste of Open Farm, even picky eaters. Owners report shinier coats, better energy, and improved digestion. One owner said their golden retriever’s tummy troubles “significantly reduced” after switching to Open Farm, and another noted their elderly shih tzu thrived on the Salmon & Ancient Grains formula for four years.

No Recalls

As of June 2025, Open Farm has never had a recall, which speaks to their quality control. This is a big plus compared to brands that have faced safety issues.

Potential Drawbacks to Consider

While Open Farm has many strengths, there are some things to keep in mind:

Price

Open Farm is pricey. A 22-pound bag of Grain-Free Grass-Fed Beef Recipe costs about $99.99, and fresh or freeze-dried options are even more expensive. If you’re on a budget, this might not be the most affordable choice, though their autoship program offers a 5% discount.

Mixed Experiences

Not every dog does well on Open Farm. Some owners reported issues like soft stools or allergies. For example, one golden retriever owner said their dog had “extremely unpleasant” poops on Open Farm, possibly due to ingredients like pumpkin. Another reported an allergic reaction to the beef variety, though it wasn’t clear if it was the food itself or a contaminant.

Ingredient Concerns

Some reviews point out that Open Farm uses added vitamins and minerals, which can suggest lower-quality base ingredients that need supplementation. Their use of coconut oil and sunflower oil is also debated, as these can be inflammatory or high in omega-6 fatty acids, potentially causing gut issues in some dogs. Brown rice, used in some recipes, may carry a risk of arsenic contamination.

Lack of WSAVA Compliance

The World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) recommends brands with full-time veterinary nutritionists and extensive feeding trials. Open Farm consults with nutritionists but doesn’t employ a full-time expert or conduct feeding trials, which some vets see as a drawback. 

Brands like Purina, Hill’s, and Royal Canin meet WSAVA guidelines and may be preferred for dogs at risk of issues like dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), linked to grain-free diets high in legumes.

Raw Food Risks

Open Farm’s freeze-dried raw food is popular, but raw diets can carry risks like bacterial contamination or nutrient imbalances if not handled properly. One owner reported parasite eggs in a tested sample, though this is rare and unconfirmed. Vets also caution against raw foods due to potential health risks, especially for puppies or dogs with weak immune systems.

Is Open Farm Good for Your Dog?

Open Farm can be a great choice if:

• Your dog loves the taste and does well on high-protein, human-grade food.
• You value transparency and ethical sourcing.
• Your dog has specific dietary needs, like allergies, and benefits from novel proteins (e.g., venison or salmon) or grain-inclusive options.
• You’re okay with the higher cost for premium quality.

It might not be the best fit if:

• Your dog has a medical condition requiring a prescription diet. Always check with your vet first.
• You’re concerned about WSAVA guidelines or the risks of grain-free or raw diets.
• Your budget is tight, as other brands offer similar nutrition at a lower price.
• Your dog has a sensitive stomach or allergies to ingredients like coconut oil or brown rice.

Tips for Choosing Open Farm

1. Talk to Your Vet: If your dog has health issues like allergies or digestive problems, ask your vet if Open Farm’s recipes are suitable. They can recommend specific proteins or grain-inclusive options.
2. Start Small: Try a smaller bag (e.g., 4-pound) to see if your dog likes it and tolerates it well. Transition slowly over 7–10 days to avoid tummy upset.
3. Check Ingredients: Use Open Farm’s lot code tracer to ensure the ingredients match your dog’s needs. Avoid recipes with potential allergens like coconut oil if your dog is sensitive.
4. Consider Your Dog’s Life Stage: Choose puppy formulas for dogs under 12 months, or senior formulas for older dogs. The Chicken & Salmon Puppy Freeze-Dried Raw Recipe is great for growing pups.
5. Monitor Health: Watch for changes in your dog’s coat, energy, or stools after switching. If issues like diarrhea or itching appear, consult your vet.

Final Thoughts

Open Farm Dog Food is a high-quality option with ethically sourced, traceable ingredients and a variety of recipes for different needs. Many dogs thrive on it, showing shinier coats, better energy, and improved digestion. However, its high cost, lack of WSAVA compliance, and occasional issues with sensitive dogs mean it’s not perfect for everyone. 

If you’re looking for premium nutrition and align with their sustainable mission, Open Farm is worth trying—just make sure it suits your dog’s unique needs and your budget.