Open Farm Dog Food Review: Honest Test + My Dog’s Results
Table of Contents
Is Open Farm dog food really worth the hype? Here’s my honest experience after testing it with my own dog — including taste, digestion, and real results.
Introduction — Why I Tested Open Farm Dog Food
If you’ve been researching healthy, transparent pet food brands lately, you’ve probably seen Open Farm Dog Food everywhere. It’s one of those names that keeps popping up in conversations about ethical sourcing, human-grade ingredients, and sustainability — all things I genuinely care about as a pet parent.
After hearing so many rave reviews, I decided to put it to the test myself. I wanted to know: Is Open Farm really good for dogs? Or is it just another trendy premium brand with great marketing?
Over the past month, I’ve been feeding my dog Open Farm’s Beef & Brown Rice Recipe, tracking everything from taste preference to stool quality, energy, and coat health. This post shares my honest experience, along with a breakdown of the ingredients, nutritional value, and Open Farm pros and cons — plus how it compares to other top brands like The Farmer’s Dog and Orijen.
What Is Open Farm Dog Food?
Open Farm is a Canadian pet food company built around one clear mission: ethical sourcing and complete ingredient transparency. Every recipe features human-grade ingredients, responsibly sourced proteins, and a commitment to animal welfare and sustainability.
What sets Open Farm apart is its “traceability promise.” You can literally scan a code on the bag and see exactly where each ingredient came from — right down to the farm. That’s not something you see often in the pet food world.
They offer a wide variety of options:
- Dry kibble
- Gently cooked fresh food
- Freeze-dried raw
- Wet food
- Meal toppers and treats
Each line is formulated to meet AAFCO nutritional standards, so you can rotate between them depending on your dog’s preferences or dietary needs.
My Honest Experience Testing Open Farm Dog Food
I always prefer to test new foods myself (well, through my dog!) before recommending them. Here’s what happened when we switched.
My Dog’s First Reaction & Taste Test
My dog, Max — a 4-year-old Labrador with a decent appetite — was immediately intrigued by the smell of Open Farm’s Beef & Brown Rice Recipe. Usually, he sniffs new food for a bit before deciding, but this time? He dove right in.
That’s already a win in my book. I didn’t have to mix it with toppers or wet food — he genuinely loved the taste. Over the next few days, his enthusiasm stayed consistent, which tells me the flavor and texture worked for him.
Digestion & Stool Quality
Whenever I switch foods, I pay close attention to digestion and stool changes. During the first week, I gradually transitioned from his old kibble to Open Farm.
By week two, I noticed:
- No bloating or gas
- Smaller, firmer stools
- Less odor overall
That’s usually a great sign that the food is well-balanced and easy to digest. Open Farm uses whole grains like brown rice and high-quality animal proteins, which likely contributed to the smooth transition.
Coat Health, Energy & Overall Well-Being
After about three weeks, Max’s coat started to look shinier — that deep, healthy gloss that tells you his diet is working. His energy levels were also impressive; he seemed more active during walks and less sluggish in the evenings.
I also noticed he wasn’t scratching as much (he has mild seasonal allergies). While it’s hard to say definitively that Open Farm caused that improvement, it’s worth noting since their ingredients are free from artificial additives and fillers.
My Final Impression After 30 Days
After a full month, I can confidently say Open Farm Dog Food worked really well for my dog. He loved the taste, digested it easily, and looked healthier overall.
If you care about what goes into your dog’s bowl — and you’re willing to spend a little extra for quality and transparency — Open Farm is definitely worth considering.
Expert Breakdown: Is Open Farm Good for Dogs?
Beyond personal experience, I dug into the technical side — the ingredients, nutrition, and standards.
Ingredient Quality & Transparency
Open Farm stands out for its ingredient integrity. The proteins are humanely raised (no factory farming), and all produce is non-GMO and pesticide-free.
A few standout ingredients include:
- Beef and chicken from certified humane farms
- Coconut oil and flaxseed for healthy fats
- Pumpkin and chia seeds for digestion
- Superfoods like blueberries and spinach for antioxidants
You can trace every ingredient batch on their website — something I’ve never seen another brand do this well.
Nutritional Profile & AAFCO Standards
Each Open Farm recipe is formulated to meet or exceed AAFCO’s nutritional standards for complete and balanced meals. The average protein content ranges from 26% to 30%, which is great for active dogs.
Most recipes include:
- High animal protein for muscle maintenance
- Complex carbs like oats or quinoa for energy
- Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids for skin and coat
It’s a solid, well-rounded formula that supports overall canine health — not just short-term results.
Sustainability & Ethical Practices
Open Farm takes its ethical mission seriously.
- They partner with Certified Humane® farms.
- Their packaging is 100% recyclable through TerraCycle.
- They even measure and offset their carbon footprint.
If you’re the kind of pet parent who values both your dog’s health and the planet, this brand checks both boxes.
Open Farm Pros and Cons
Here’s a quick summary of what stood out to me:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| High-quality, ethically sourced ingredients | Premium price point |
| Transparent ingredient tracking | Not available in every pet store |
| Great taste (dog-approved) | Some recipes not grain-free |
| Meets AAFCO standards | May not fit tight budgets |
Verdict: The quality is absolutely there — but it’s a bit more expensive than mainstream kibble.
Open Farm vs Other Dog Food Brands
I also compared Open Farm to a few competitors to see how it holds up.
Open Farm vs The Farmer’s Dog
- The Farmer’s Dog offers fresh-cooked meals, while Open Farm has both dry and gently cooked options.
- Open Farm wins for variety and shelf life, while The Farmer’s Dog is more personalized (but pricier).
Winner: Open Farm for convenience and transparency.
Open Farm vs Orijen
- Orijen is protein-packed and ideal for high-energy dogs.
- Open Farm offers similar nutrition with a stronger focus on sustainability and ingredient sourcing.
Winner: Tie — depends on whether you prioritize eco-values or protein density.
Which Is Better for Your Dog?
If your dog thrives on high-quality proteins and you care about how ingredients are sourced, Open Farm Dog Food is a fantastic middle ground between fresh food and traditional kibble.
Final Verdict — Is Open Farm Dog Food Worth It?
After a month of testing, reading, and comparing, my honest opinion is: yes, Open Farm Dog Food is worth it — especially if you value ingredient transparency and ethical sourcing.
My dog’s digestion improved, his coat looks fantastic, and he genuinely enjoys mealtime. It’s not the cheapest option, but it delivers on quality and integrity.
If you’re trying it for the first time, I’d recommend starting with the Beef & Brown Rice or Salmon & Ancient Grains recipes — both are well-balanced and easy on digestion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Open Farm Dog Food good quality?
Yes. It’s made from human-grade, ethically sourced ingredients and meets AAFCO standards for balanced nutrition.
Q: Is Open Farm worth the price?
For the ingredient quality and transparency, yes. It’s pricier, but you’re paying for higher standards and peace of mind.
Q: Is Open Farm suitable for sensitive stomachs?
Most dogs with sensitivities do well on it. Choose limited ingredient or grain-free recipes if your pup has food allergies.
Q: Where can I buy Open Farm Dog Food?
You can order directly from Open Farm’s website, or find it on Chewy, Amazon, and select local pet stores.
Conclusion — My Honest Take on Open Farm
Open Farm Dog Food delivers on its promises: ethical sourcing, high-quality ingredients, and visible results. My dog’s digestion, coat, and energy improved significantly — and as a pet parent, that’s all the proof I need.
It’s not the cheapest bag on the shelf, but it’s one of the few that truly aligns with both your dog’s health and your values. If you’re ready to upgrade your dog’s diet responsibly, Open Farm is a great place to start.
