Highly Recommended
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Our Verdict
Open Farm Air-Dried product range is made up of three recipes with ratings varying from 3 to 5 stars. The average rating of the whole range is 4 stars.
This food is gently air-dried at low temperatures to naturally preserve nutrition and has a meaty, jerky-like texture. It is high in protein and made with humanely-raised animals. Additionally, this food contains non-GMO fruits and vegetables, and all ingredients are 100% traceable.
It is worth noting that the lower ratings are due to the fat to protein ratio. With lower fat all of these recipes would have been 5 stars – so for working or highly active dogs these are highly recommended. For pets and less active dogs, we recommend being aware of the fat level and taking measures, such as weight monitoring, to keep dogs at their ideal size.
Pros
- Animal and fish protein are listed as the first ingredient
- 90% humanely raised lamb, organs and wild-caught pollock
- Grain-free, legume-free & glycerin-free
Cons
- Limited range
The table below shows each recipe in this range including our rating and the AAFCO nutrient profile: Growth (puppy), Maintenance (adult), All Life Stages, Supplemental or Unspecified.
| Product line | Rating | AAFCO |
|---|---|---|
| Open Farm Air Dried Pollock & Lamb Recipe for Dogs | 5 | A |
| Open Farm Air Dried Surf & Turf Recipe for Dogs | 4 | M |
| Open Farm Air Dried Harvest Chicken Recipe for Dogs | 3 | A |
Recipe and Label Analysis
Open Farm Air Dried Pollock & Lamb Recipe for Dogs was selected to represent the other products in the line for a detailed recipe and nutrient analysis.
Open Farm Air-Dried Pollock & Lamb Recipe for Dogs
Estimated Dry Matter Nutrient Content
Protein
Fat
CarbsCarbohydrates
Pollock, ocean whitefish, lamb, lamb liver, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, flaxseed, carrots, natural flavor, coconut oil, sunflower oil, blueberries, beef bone broth, mixed tocopherols (a natural preservative), vitamin E supplement, vitamin A supplement, niacin supplement, pantothenic acid, riboflavin supplement, thiamine mononitrate, vitamin B12 supplement, pyridoxine hydrochloride, folic acid, zinc proteinate, iron proteinate, copper proteinate, manganese proteinate, selenium yeast, calcium iodate, taurine, rosemary extract.
Fiber (estimated dry matter content) = 4.5%
Red denotes any controversial items
| Estimated Nutrient Content | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Method | Protein | Fat | Carbs |
| Guaranteed Analysis | 40% | 15% | NA |
| Dry Matter Basis | 49% | 18% | 25% |
| Calorie Weighted Basis | 41% | 38% | 21% |
Ingredients Analysis
The first ingredient is pollock, a protein-rich whitefish native to the central and northeast coasts of the United States.
The second ingredient is ocean whitefish, a marine or freshwater species native to Canada and the California coast.
The third ingredient is lamb, Lamb is considered “the clean flesh derived from slaughtered” lamb and associated with skeletal muscle or the muscle tissues of the tongue, diaphragm, heart or esophagus. 1.
The fourth ingredient is lamb liver. This is an organ meat sourced from a named animal and thus considered a beneficial component.
The fifth ingredient is sweet potatoes. Sweet potatoes are a gluten-free source of complex carbohydrates in dog food. They are naturally rich in dietary fiber and beta carotene.
The sixth ingredient is pumpkin. Pumpkin is a nutritious addition high in complex carbohydrates, beta-carotene and dietary fiber.
The seventh ingredient is flaxseed, one of the best plant sources of healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Provided they’ve first been ground into a meal, flaxseeds are also rich in soluble fiber.
The eighth ingredient is carrots. Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, minerals and dietary fiber.
From here the list goes on to include a number of other items. But to be realistic, ingredients located this far down the list (other than nutritional supplements) are not likely to affect the overall rating of the product.
This recipe has two notable exceptions.
Taurine, an important amino acid associated with the healthy function of heart muscle. Although taurine is not typically considered essential in canines, some dogs have been shown to be deficient in this critical nutrient.
We view the presence of taurine in this recipe as a positive addition.
This food includes chelated minerals, minerals that have been chemically attached to protein. This makes them easier to absorb. Chelated minerals are usually found in better dog foods.
Nutrient Analysis
Based on its ingredients alone, Open Farm Air Dried Pollock & Lamb Recipe for Dogs looks like an above-average dry product.
The dashboard displays a dry matter protein reading of 48.8%, a fat level of 18.3% and an estimated carbohydrate level of 24.9%.
As a group, the brand features a protein content of 41.1% and a mean fat level of 27.2%. Together these figures suggest a carbohydrate content of 23.7% for the overall product line, alongside a fat-to-protein ratio of 69%.
This means this Open Farm Air Dried range contains above-average protein, below-average carbohydrate, and above-average fat, when compared to typical dry dog food.
Open Farm Dog Food Recall History
The following automated list (if present) includes all dog food recalls related to Open Farm through November 2024.
No recalls noted.
You can view a complete list of all dog food recalls since 2009 here.
Our Rating of Open Farm Air Dried Dog Food
Two of the recipes in this range have a higher fat-to-protein ratio consequently bringing the overall rating down to 4 stars. Despite this, the range comes highly recommended because of the transparency and quality of the ingredients, which include quality protein sources and a blend of human-grade fruits and vegetables. This ensures that dogs receive the necessary nutrition for any life stage.
About
In 2014, Jacqueline Prehogan founded Open Farm Pet Foods. Its manufacturing facility, Barrett Ag Service, is located in Minnesota, USA.
The company is focused on using locally sourced ingredients, and the location of the plant allows easy access to farms that meet its strict animal welfare and quality standards.
Compare Open Farm Air Dried Dog Food
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Sources
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