Open Farm
CanadaPetPicks.ca Aggregate Score: 4.2 / 5 | Based on 8 independent sources | Canadian-owned, Toronto ON | Manufactured in Minnesota, USA | Zero recalls since 2013
Location: Toronto, Ontario (HQ & recipe development) | Founded: 2013 | Manufacturing: Minnesota, USA | Visit Official Website
What is Open Farm?
Open Farm is a Canadian-owned pet food company founded in Toronto in 2013 by Jacqueline Prehogan, Isaac Langleben, and Derek Beigleman. Their mission was to build a pet food brand that met high ethical standards on three fronts simultaneously: animal welfare for the source animals, environmental sustainability, and nutritional quality. Open Farm launched in Canada first, before expanding to the US, Australia, and parts of Asia.
Important disclosure: Open Farm’s food is manufactured by Barrett Ag Service in Minnesota, USA — not in Canada. The company is Canadian-owned and headquartered in Toronto, where all recipes are formulated by a team including an Animal Nutritionist and a PhD Food Scientist. Their reason for the Minnesota facility is transparent: it provides proximity to the farms supplying their humanely-raised proteins. We include Open Farm on CanadaPetPicks.ca for its Canadian ownership and industry-leading ethical sourcing. Canadian pet owners who specifically require food physically manufactured in Canada should consider Boreal, FirstMate, Nutrience, or Canadian Naturals as alternatives.
Aggregate Review Scores
| Source | Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dog Food Advisor (Epic Blend) | 5 / 5 | Above-average, air-dried, probiotics added |
| Dog Food Advisor (Grain-Free Kibble) | 4.5 / 5 | Above-average, named meat first ingredient |
| Canine Journal | Recommended | Animal welfare standards surpass most brands |
| Dogster (vet-approved) | 4.5 / 5 | Ethical sourcing, traceability, protein quality |
| Wag! editorial | 4 / 5 | Ingredient quality positive; pricing a drawback |
| Hepper | 4.5 / 5 | Excellent nutrition; cost noted for multi-dog homes |
| Dogs Naturally (Freeze-Dried) | High score | Highest-scoring Open Farm line; organic produce |
| Owner reviews | 4.6 / 5 avg | Strong palatability; picky dogs accept it well |
What Makes Open Farm Different
Open Farm’s distinguishing feature is the depth of its ethical sourcing and transparency. Every bag carries a lot code that allows owners to trace every ingredient back to its farm of origin on the Open Farm website. This level of traceability is virtually unique in the pet food industry at this scale. Their sourcing certifications include Certified Humane, Global Animal Partnership (5-step welfare rating), Ocean Wise (sustainable seafood), and The Better Chicken Commitment. Their packaging is recyclable through a TerraCycle partnership — the first North American pet food bag recycling program.
Product Range
| Line | Type | Key feature |
|---|---|---|
| Grain-Free Kibble | Dry | Named meat first ingredient, chelated minerals, pea base |
| Ancient Grains Kibble | Dry | Oats, quinoa, sorghum, brown rice — no corn/wheat/soy |
| Epic Blend | Air-dried | 5-star DFA rating, air-dried to preserve nutrients, probiotics |
| Rustic Stew | Wet | Human-grade, no gums, grain-free |
| Freeze-Dried Raw | Freeze-dried | 85% meat, organic produce, highest-scoring line |
| Freshly Crafted | Slow-cooked frozen | Fresh whole ingredients, gently cooked |
| Good Bowl | Oven-baked | Grain-inclusive, three flavours |
Recalls and Safety
No recalls since founding in 2013. The Barrett Ag Service facility in Minnesota is audited by the USDA, FDA, and AIB International, and holds Certified Humane manufacturing certification. Every batch is tested by an independent third-party laboratory before release.
Pricing (Approximate CAD)
| Product | Size | Approx. CAD |
|---|---|---|
| Grain-Free Kibble | 4 lb (1.8 kg) | $35 — $42 |
| Grain-Free Kibble | 22 lb (10 kg) | $95 — $115 |
| Rustic Stew (wet) | 12.5oz (354g) | $6 — $8 |
| Freeze-Dried Raw | 13.5oz | $35 — $45 |
Our Verdict
Open Farm is the most ethically rigorous Canadian-owned pet food brand we cover. For pet owners who prioritise animal welfare, ingredient traceability, and sustainability alongside nutritional quality, it is an exceptional choice. The US manufacturing is a legitimate trade-off that the company discloses openly — and is not unique among premium brands. The main practical barrier is price: Open Farm is one of the more expensive options in the category, which limits its accessibility for households with multiple or large dogs.
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Ingredient quality & sourcing | 5.0 / 5 |
| Animal welfare certifications | 5.0 / 5 |
| Manufactured in Canada | 0 / 5 (Minnesota, USA) |
| Product variety | 5.0 / 5 |
| Value for money | 3.0 / 5 |
| Recall history | 5.0 / 5 |
| CanadaPetPicks Aggregate | 4.2 / 5 |
Where to Buy Open Farm in Canada
- Open Farm official website — direct with Autoship discount
- Amazon Canada — search for Open Farm
Open Farm Reviews & Product Coverage
Browse all our Open Farm product reviews below.
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Open Farm Homestead Turkey Rustic Stew Dog Food
Single product review of Open Farm Homestead Turkey Rustic Stew wet dog food. Certified Humane turkey, human-grade, no gums, grain-free. Canadian-owned, made in USA. CanadaPetPicks: 4.3/5.
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Open Farm Dog Food
Summary review of Open Farm dog food. Canadian-owned, Toronto ON. Manufactured in Minnesota USA. Dry, wet, freeze-dried, air-dried lines. Zero recalls. CanadaPetPicks aggregate: 4.2/5.
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