Choosing the right food for your canine companion is a significant decision, impacting their overall health and well-being. Open Farm, a brand committed to transparency and quality, offers an air-dried dog food line that has garnered attention for its unique preparation method and ethically sourced ingredients. This review delves into the specifics of Open Farm’s air-dried offerings, examining their recipes, ingredient analysis, and nutritional profiles to help you make an informed choice for your pet.
Open Farm’s air-dried dog food is prepared using a gentle process that involves low-temperature drying. This method aims to naturally preserve the nutritional value of the ingredients, resulting in a product with a meaty, jerky-like texture. The brand emphasizes its commitment to using humanely raised animals and non-GMO fruits and vegetables, with all ingredients being 100% traceable, offering a high level of transparency to consumers.
The Open Farm Air-Dried product range includes three distinct recipes, each with varying star ratings from 3.5 to 5 stars, averaging out to a 4-star rating for the entire line. While the range is highly recommended, particularly for working or highly active dogs due to its high protein content, pet owners of less active dogs should monitor fat levels and maintain a healthy weight for their pets.
Recipe and Ingredient Analysis
The Open Farm Air-Dried Pollock & Lamb Recipe for Dogs serves as a representative sample of the product line’s formulation. This recipe boasts a dry matter protein content of 50.7%, a fat content of 22.3%, and an estimated carbohydrate level of 15.6%.
The primary ingredients include pollock, ocean whitefish, and lamb, all of which are significant sources of animal protein. Lamb liver is also included, providing beneficial organ meat. Sweet potatoes and pumpkin contribute complex carbohydrates, fiber, and beta-carotene, while flaxseed offers omega-3 fatty acids. Carrots add further nutritional value with beta-carotene, minerals, and fiber.
This particular recipe is notable for the inclusion of taurine, an amino acid crucial for heart health, and chelated minerals, which are more easily absorbed by dogs. These additions enhance the overall nutritional quality of the food.
The broader Open Farm Air-Dried range, when analyzed as a whole, shows an average protein content of 42.9% and a mean fat level of 30.4%. This indicates that the product line generally offers above-average protein and fat compared to typical dry dog foods, with a correspondingly lower carbohydrate content. The fat-to-protein ratio across the range averages around 73%.
Nutritional Profile and AAFCO Standards
Open Farm Air-Dried dog food recipes are formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) for dog food. The specific AAFCO profile designation varies by recipe:
- Open Farm Air Dried Pollock & Lamb Recipe for Dogs: Rated 5 stars, meets AAFCO All Life Stages profile.
- Open Farm Air Dried Surf & Turf Recipe for Dogs: Rated 4 stars, meets AAFCO Maintenance (adult) profile.
- Open Farm Air Dried Harvest Chicken Recipe for Dogs: Rated 3.5 stars, meets AAFCO All Life Stages profile.
This ensures that the food provides appropriate nutrition for the intended life stage of the dog.
Brand Background and Recall History
Open Farm Pet Foods was founded in 2014 by Jacqueline Prehogan, with its manufacturing facility located in Minnesota, USA. The company prioritizes locally sourced ingredients and maintains strict animal welfare and quality standards, facilitated by its plant’s proximity to qualifying farms. As of January 2026, Open Farm has no recalls noted in its history, contributing to its trustworthiness as a brand.
Overall Verdict
Open Farm Air-Dried dog food stands out for its commitment to ingredient quality, transparency, and ethical sourcing. The air-drying process helps retain nutrients, and the inclusion of high-quality protein sources, humanely raised meats, and traceable ingredients makes it a compelling option for discerning pet owners. While some recipes have a higher fat-to-protein ratio that may require monitoring for less active dogs, the overall quality and nutritional value of the range are highly commendable. The brand’s lack of recalls further solidifies its position as a reliable choice in the premium dog food market. For those seeking a nutrient-dense, transparently sourced food, Open Farm Air-Dried is a highly recommended option.
