Table of Contents
What Is Open Farm?
Open Farm is a premium pet food company known for its strong focus on ethical sourcing, human-grade ingredients, and traceability. Pet parents can scan lot codes to see exactly where each ingredient comes from—something that sets the company apart in transparency.
They offer a wide range of products including kibble, freeze-dried raw, wet food, treats, and their popular Gently Cooked fresh-style meals.
While Open Farm sits in the premium tier, it tends to be less tailored and less customizable compared to some fresh dog food competitors.
Open Farm Gently Cooked Dog Food
Open Farm’s Gently Cooked line is the most comparable to fresh dog food delivery services. These meals are:
- Sous-vide cooked at low temperatures to retain nutrients
- Made with human-grade ingredients
- Offered in recyclable packaging
- Available in several high-quality recipes
Popular Recipes
- Homestead Turkey
- Beef Recipe
- Surf & Turf
- Chicken Recipe
Each recipe features whole meats, vegetables like pumpkin and carrots, and added vitamins and minerals.
While the nutrition is solid, some pet owners may prefer fresh dog food companies that offer more personalization or specialized formulas for dogs with allergies or sensitivities—something Fresh Dog Food brands tend to excel at.
Ingredient Quality & Transparency
One of Open Farm’s biggest selling points is traceability. Every bag or pouch has a code that allows customers to track ingredient origins.
Ingredient standards include:
- No artificial preservatives
- Humanely raised meats
- Non-GMO fruits and veggies
- Wild-caught fish
- Human-grade preparation for gently cooked meals
This level of transparency is impressive, but the formulas are not as tailored as what you get from top fresh food services.
Nutrition & Benefits
Open Farm’s gently cooked meals offer balanced nutrition supporting:
- Healthy digestion
- Shinier coats
- Improved energy
- Better stool quality
However, the higher vegetable content and lower meat percentages compared to some fresh competitors may not work for dogs needing protein-forward diets.
Fresh food companies like NutriCanine typically offer more species-appropriate meat ratios, especially in recipes like their Beef or upcoming Salmon meals.
How the Subscription & Ordering Works
Open Farm is flexible—you can:
- Buy once
- Subscribe for auto-delivery
- Pick specific recipes without commitment
This is convenient for testing the food before committing, though the brand does not offer tailored meal plans based on your dog’s age, weight, activity level, or sensitivities.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Very high ingredient transparency
- Ethically sourced proteins
- Gently cooked, nutrient-preserving process
- Flexible subscription or one-time purchase
- Large product variety
Cons
- Not tailored to your individual dog
- Slightly pricier than conventional dog foods
- Lower meat content than some fresh competitors
- Requires freezer space
- Recipes may not be ideal for dogs with specific dietary needs unless matched carefully
How Open Farm Compares to Other Fresh Dog Foods
Open Farm is a strong contender in the premium fresh-style category — but lacks personalization.
| Feature | Open Farm | Fresh Dog Food Brands (General) |
|---|---|---|
| Ingredient Transparency | ★★★★★ | ★★★★ |
| Tailored Meal Plans | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★★★ |
| Meat Content | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Price | Higher | Moderate–High |
| Allergy/Special Diet Options | Limited | Often broader |
Final Verdict: Is Open Farm Worth It?
Open Farm is an excellent option for dog parents who prioritize ethical sourcing and transparent ingredients. Their gently cooked meals are nutritious, clean, and made with care.
However, if you want a fully personalized fresh food plan tailored to your dog’s exact needs—or higher meat content formulas—other fresh dog food brands may offer better value and customization.
Open Farm is good. But some fresh competitors simply do more for dogs with allergies, sensitivities, or specific nutritional needs.
