Open Farm Ancient Grains Dry Dog Food is a pet food line with a 3.5-star rating — around 20% of all the pet food we review fall in this tier.
They seem to have nutrition ratio similar to a common pet food and contain mainly named ingredents. We think they are quite fine, and it might be great to give your pets some extra meaty food or treats.
What We like
Consists Mostly Good Quality Ingredients
Use Organic Minerals to Improve Absorption
No Chemicals or Suspicious Ingredients
What We Concern
More than 37% Carbs
Include Plant Protein in Top 5 ingredients
Seems No Probiotics to Aid Digestion
Contain Potential Allergens like Corn, Soy, Gluten, and Dairy products
「Chief of Food」Fat Hill
Recipes Rating
Recipes could have different ingredients in the same product line. We rate each recipe and list them from higest to lowest ratings.
Higher protein and lower carbs recipes are rated higher
Recipe and 1st Ingredient
Rating
Grain Free
Open Farm Ancient Grains High-Protein Puppy
1️⃣Chicken🍚Carbs:39%
3.5
Open Farm Catch-of-the-Season Whitefish & Ancient Grains
1️⃣Ocean Whitefish🍚Carbs:41%
3.5
Open Farm Farmer's Table Pork & Ancient Grains
1️⃣Pork🍚Carbs:41%
3.5
Open Farm Grass-Fed Beef & Ancient Grains
1️⃣Beef🍚Carbs:41%
3.5
Open Farm Harvest Chicken & Ancient Grains
1️⃣Chicken🍚Carbs:41%
3.5
Open Farm Homestead Turkey & Ancient Grains
1️⃣Turkey🍚Carbs:41%
3.5
Open Farm Pasture-Raised Lamb & Ancient Grains
1️⃣Lamb🍚Carbs:41%
3.5
Open Farm Wild-Caught Salmon & Ancient Grains
1️⃣Salmon🍚Carbs:41%
3.5
Tips
Recipes have similar ratings. This means they are quite similar.
Recipe to review
To rate Open Farm Ancient Grains Dry Dog Food, we will take one representative recipe to evaluate the nutrition, ingredients and meat content of this product line.
We have chosen Open Farm Harvest Chicken & Ancient Grains.
Nutrition Label
Pet food show guaranteed analysis on their labels. It includes moisture and does not reflect the level of carbs — which we prefer lower for dogs and as low as possible for cats.
From the label of Open Farm Harvest Chicken & Ancient Grains
Protein
26%
Fat
15%
Fiber
4.5%
Carbs
?%
Calculate the dry value (no moisture) on a dry matter basis will help us to estimate the carbs level and other nutrition without water — so we can get a better idea about the ratio.
(We think the ideal nutrition profile would be Protein > Fat > Carbs)
Nutrition
Our Ideal
Dry Value
Like?
Protein
30% or more
29%
Fat
15% or more
17%
Carbs
Less than 28%
41%
Fiber
Less than 5%
5%
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32 ingredients are listed on the label. We research their quality to pet and use our best judgement to group them in the proportion of Prefer, Concerned, and Notice ingredients in the bar chart.
♨ Allergen
1 units
🌋 Indigest
1 units
⁉ Uncertain
0 units
Organic Minerals Seems to Include
Probiotics Seems Not Included
Prefer
Concerned
Notice
Neutral
Click an ingredient to see the detail
Chicken
Animal Protein
The dominant animal protein source in pet foods. Other than protein, it is also high in iron, zinc, selenium, and B vitamins.
PreferA high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Oats
Carbs
A whole grain that has higher protein and fats compared to other types. It is rich in B-vitamins and dietary fiber.
ConcernedAn inexpensive filler without gluten, with limited nutrition value to dogs / cats.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Ocean Whitefish Meal
Animal Protein
A dehydrated form of white fish. it is a meat concentrate that contains up to 4 times more protein than fresh fish on dry matter basis.
PreferA high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Millet
Carbs
As a better filler than other grains, millet has higher protein and fat content. Nevertheless, it also has the highest biological value and overall digestibility.
NeutralAn acceptable filler with higher nutrition value compared to rice, corn, and wheat.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Quinoa
Carbs, Plant Protein
An ancient seed high in carbs, contains around 15% protein with all essential amino acids - a complete protein profile.
NeutralAn acceptable filler with higher nutrition value compared to rice, corn, and wheat.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Coconut Oil
Fat
🌋
The richest source of "medium-chain triglycerides" (MCT). One of the MCT, lauric acid is said to help to fight off viruses and infection of the body.
NeutralAn acceptable source of fat from plants.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestHigh amount of plant-based fat is not easily digested by dogs / cats, can cause obstruction and gastrointestinal upset.
⁉
UncertainN/A
Herring Meal
Animal Protein
A dehydrated form of herring, which contains up to 400% more protein than the fresh form. It is a small silvery fish with low content of mercury. It is high in protein, vitamin D, selenium, and omega 3s.
PreferA high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Natural Flavor
Food Additive
Made of extracts from plant or animal sources to improve the taste of food.
ConcernedContrary to its name, natural flavors are highly processed and contain many chemical additives.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Pumpkin
Carbs
An alternative high carbs filler with an excellent source of potassium, vitamin C, and beta carotene.
NeutralAn acceptable filler with higher nutrition value compared to rice, corn, and wheat.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Sorghum
Carbs
A type of gluten-free grain, high in carbs and with a similar level of protein as quinoa.
NeutralAn acceptable filler with higher nutrition value compared to rice, corn, and wheat.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Salmon Oil
Fat
The oil extracted from salmon, an excellent source of fat and omega 3s, which is important to reduce inflammation in the body.
PreferA high-quality animal fat with high digestibility and biological value.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Apples
Carbs
Contains mainly carbs and sugar with multiple antioxidants to prevent radical damages by oxidative stress.
NeutralFruit is an acceptable source of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Chia Seed
Fat, Carbs, Plant Protein
A "superfood" that is rich in plant-based omega 3s(ALA) and contains around 24% of protein. It is added mainly as a gel or suspending agent in pet foods.
NeutralA harmless seed with potential health benefits, along with some plant-based protein.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Potassium Chloride
Supplement
An inorganic form of potassium, which offers 5 - 15% less absorption rate to the body. It is essential for important functions like nerve impulse transmission, muscle contraction, and carbon dioxide / oxygen transport.
NeutralA safe supplement for additional vitamins.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Salt
Others
Mainly added to enhance the flavor, might cause kidney and blood pressure issues in a larger dose. High-quality pet foods should get a sufficient amount from raw meat, additional salt is not necessary.
ConcernedA controversial ingredient that might cause health issues, unnecessary for the risk.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Chicory Root
Carbs
Contains insulin, which is a prebiotic that promotes friendly bacteria in the gut and supports better digestion.
NeutralA harmless plant with potential health benefits.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Choline Chloride
Supplement
Vital molecule for various functions in the body, lack of choline can result in weight loss, vomiting, and fatty liver.
NeutralA safe supplement for potential health benefits.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Vitamin E Supplement
Supplement
Supplement for vitamin E, which is an important antioxidant that protects oxidative damages on cellular membranes by free radicals. A deficiency will result in symptoms like anorexia, depression, and dermatitis.
NeutralA safe supplement for additional vitamins.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Calcium Pantothenate
Supplement
An organic form of calcium, it is essential in the formation of bones / teeth and different cellular functions. Compare to inorganic form, it has 5 - 15% more absorption rate to the body.
NeutralA safe supplement for additional minerals.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Niacin Supplement
Supplement
Known as vitamin B3, essential to maintain healthy GI tracts, skin/coat, and nervous system.
NeutralA safe supplement for additional vitamins.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Vitamin A Supplement
Supplement
Supplement of vitamin A, it is essential for healthy skin, normal vision, and immune function.
NeutralA safe supplement for additional vitamins.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Riboflavin Supplement
Supplement
A synthetic supplement for vitamin B2. which is vital for the body's metabolism and health.
NeutralA safe supplement for additional vitamins.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Vitamin D3 Supplement
Supplement
Supplement for vitamin D3 (animal-derived), which is essential for calcium homeostasis - to maintain a constant concentration of calcium. A deficiency will result in osteopenia (lower bone mass).
NeutralA safe supplement for additional vitamins.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Vitamin B12 Supplement
Supplement
Supplement for vitamin B12, which is vital for carbon transfer and propionate metabolism. A deficiency will result in symptoms similar to gastrointestinal disorders, such as diarrhea and weight loss.
NeutralA safe supplement for additional vitamins.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Thiamine Mononitrate
Supplement
An organic form of thiamine, has 5 - 15% more absorption rate than the inorganic form. It is important for energy production and glucose metabolism.
NeutralA safe supplement for additional minerals.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Folic Acid
Supplement
A synthetic form of folate, which is also known as vitamin B9. It plays an important role to support the body's functions, such as cell growth.
NeutralA safe supplement for additional vitamins.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Zinc Proteinate
Supplement
An organic form of zinc, which is vital in skin function and wound healing, cell replication, the structure and function of biological membranes. Compare to inorganic form, it has 5 - 15% more absorption rate to the body.
NeutralA safe supplement for additional minerals.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Calcium Iodate
Supplement
An inorganic form of calcium, it is essential in the formation of bones / teeth and different cellular functions. Compare to organic form, it has 5 - 15% less absorption rate to the body.
NeutralA safe supplement for additional minerals.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Taurine
Supplement
An essential amino acid (building blocks of protein) to maintain a healthy brain and heart functions.
PreferA safe supplement to improve the completeness of essential amino acids profile (the building block of protein).
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Mixed Tocopherols
Food Additive
A mixture of different types of vitamin E, usually found in plant oils, seed and green vegetables. They are powerful antioxidants used as a natural preservative to slow down the spoilage of food.
NeutralA harmless food additive.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Cinnamon
Carbs
♨
Loaded with antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties, it is completely safe for pets to consume.
NeutralA herb with potential health benefits, safe in small quantities.
♨
AllergenCinnamon and its oil can cause skin irritation if consumed in large quantities.
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Turmeric
Carbs
Orange ginger-like plant often used in making curry. It contains curcumin, which is a strong antioxidant with anti-inflammatory effects. However, its color is the main purpose of adding it to pet foods.
NeutralA harmless plant with potential health benefits.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Tips
Most ingredients are considered as clear ingredients, but we do find 3 Concerned and 0 Notice ingredients from Open Farm Harvest Chicken & Ancient Grains. Check from the above list to view the details.
Concerned
Oats
Natural Flavor
Salt
Estimated Meat Content
Some pet food uses high plant protein ingredients to boost up the overall protein level — to make it looks like it includes a lot of meat, which is more appealing for customers.
Therefore, protein level itself cannot tell the quality and how much animal ingredients (more digestible than plants) is in the pet food.
Check if protein is overrated by plant protein boost up
Count of Plant Protein
1 / 7 (14%)
in top 7 ingredients
Protein Level
29%
in dry matter
By looking at the plant protein in top ingredients and compare with the total protein level, we will try to estimate how much animal ingredients is used in the pet food as Meat Content.
Meat Content
Based on my "godly" guess, the meat content might be Medium !
It looks like it contains a moderate amount of meat. Your furbabies should still be fine with it.
Open Farm Ancient Grains Dry Dog Food Product Line Review
To make a conclusion about the whole product line, we will consider all recipes and their average nutrition ratio.
Recipes Average Compares to Ideal Level
In the total of 8 recipes, the group has an average of 29% protein, 17% fat and 40% carbohydrate.
(Protein and Fat: Prefer Higher丨Carbs: Prefer Lower)
Protein is -1 (%) less than ideal
Fat is 2 (%) higher than ideal
Carbs is 12 (%) higher than ideal
What does it mean?
Overall,Open Farm Ancient Grains Dry Dog Food has an carbs level higher than our preferred level.
Conclusion
Throughout the review, we have 3 major opinons about this pet food line:
Similar nutrition ratio as a common pet food
Clear, named animal products as main ingredient
Medium level of meat content
Based on these, we can conclude Open Farm Ancient Grains Dry Dog Food is a pet food line with a 3.5 star rating.
Do we recommend Open Farm Ancient Grains Dry Dog Food ?
It is a fine pet food, and it might be great to give your pets some extra meaty food or treats.
The review is entirely our own view and opinon. It is for informational reference only and not a purchase advice.
Has an unusual obsession with the taste and ingredients of food, over 5+ years experience in professional eating. As the Chief of Food, he will tell you the truth about food.
"Stay Hungry, Stay Foolish, and Stay Hungry again!"