🛡 Quick Verdict
Open Farm Grain-Free Chicken & Salmon Puppy Formula is a responsibly sourced, nutrient-rich choice for growing pups. It features humanely raised meats, salmon oil for DHA, and ancient gluten-free grains like quinoa and chia—plus no legumes, corn, wheat, soy, GMOs, or artificial additives. Thoughtfully built for healthy energy, immunity, and brain development.
🧾 Product Rating Summary
| Category | Rating |
| Ingredient Quality | 4.8 / 5 |
| Growth Support | 4.7 / 5 |
| Digestibility | 4.6 / 5 |
| Puppy Appeal | 4.5 / 5 |
| Price vs Value | 4.2 / 5 |
| Overall Score | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½ (4.6/5) |
🌟 What Makes It Special
- Triple Animal Proteins – Humanely raised chicken, wild-caught salmon, and ocean whitefish meal deliver premium lean protein and taurine-rich nutrition.(Open Farm, AAFCO, Open Farm)
- Ancient Grains Power – Steel-cut oats, quinoa, brown rice & chia support digestion and offer complex carbs without legumes.(Open Farm, The Spruce Pets)
- Superfood Boosts – Includes pumpkin, coconut oil, chicory root, carrots, apples, and sweet potatoes for fiber, antioxidants, and skin health
- Omega & DHA Support – Salmon oil, flaxseed, and chia promote brain development, coat sheen, and cognitive health.(Dog Food Advisor, Open Farm)
- Transparent & Ethical – Open Farm publishes complete sourcing info, GAP-certified practices, no hormones or antibiotics, and a 30-day satisfaction guarantee.
📏 Feeding Guide & Transition Recommendations
Daily Feeding Amounts (Puppies by Age & Weight):
| Puppy Weight | 1.5–4 mo | 4–6 mo | 6–12 mo |
| ≤10 lbs | 1–1½ cup | ¾–1¼ cup | ½–1 cup |
| 10–20 lbs | 1½–2½ cup | 1¼–2 cup | 1–1½ cup |
| 20–30 lbs | 2½–3½ cup | 2–2¾ cup | 1½–2 cup |
| 30–40 lbs | 3½–4½ cup | 2¾–3½ cup | 2–2¾ cup |
| 40–60 lbs | 4½–6 cup | 3½–4½ cup | 2¾–3½ cup |
| 60–80 lbs | 6–7½ cup | 4½–5¾ cup | 3½–4½ cup |
| 80–100 lbs | ≈7½ cup | 5¾ cup | 4½ cup |
(Add ~¼ cup for each +10 lbs over 100)
Transition Plan (7–10 Days):
- Day 1–3: 25% Open Farm + 75% existing food
- Day 4–6: 50/50 mix
- Day 7–9: 75% Open Farm
- Day 10+: Fully switched
⚠️ Recall & Safety History
- Zero recalls reported for this formula or product line.(Open Farm, Dog Food Advisor)
- Open Farm states no FDA recalls or adverse event reports to date.(Open Farm)
- Ethically audited farms, third-party testing, and stringent processing standards support food safety
🌱 Sustainability & Packaging
- Fully traceable and ethically sourced meat, GAP-certified farms
- Uses recyclable packaging where available.
- Plant-based and animal ingredients meet higher standards without GMOs or antibiotics.
- Brand commits to carbon footprint reduction and transparency in sourcing
🐶 Who’s It Ideal For?
✅ Active puppies needing clean, balanced nutrition
✅ Owners seeking a grain-free, legume-free option
✅ Puppy parents wanting fully traceable ingredients
❌ Not suitable for pups with seafood allergies or those on grain-inclusive diets
❌ Premium price point may deter budget shoppers
🐾 Real-Life Feedback
“Digestive issues vanished—they poop tidy little logs now!” — Reddit owner(The Spruce Pets, Amazon, Dog Food Advisor, Reddit)
“Our Golden has a gorgeous coat and higher energy; vet says his nutrition is spot-on.”(Whole Paws Dog Food)
Owners consistently praise improved digestion, shinier coats, and energetic, happy puppies. Some note a short adjustment period for strong-grain-free scents.
🥣 Ingredient Highlights
| Ingredient | Benefit |
| Chicken, Salmon, Whitefish | Complete lean protein + taurine source |
| Ancient Grains (oats, quinoa, chia) | Digestible carbs and fiber |
| Superfoods (pumpkin, carrots, apples) | Antioxidants, fiber, micronutrient boost |
| Coconut Oil & Flaxseed | MCTs & omega-3 for skin & brain support |
| Chicory Root (prebiotic) | Encourages healthy gut flora |
| Salmon Oil (DHA) | Promotes cognitive and eye development |
| Natural Vitamins & Chelated Minerals | Improved absorption and nutrient coverage |
👍 Strengths vs 👎 Limitations
| ✅ Strengths | ❌ Limitations |
| Ethically sourced, transparent ingredients | Higher price per pound |
| Grain-free without legumes (avoids FDA DCM concerns) | Some dogs may dislike strong salmon aroma |
| Full AAFCO profile for growth (including large breed) | Limited grain-inclusive version for mixed diets |
| Rich in DHA, antioxidants, and prebiotics | Not ideal for chicken or fish sensitivities |
| No fillers, artificial additives, or synthetic preservatives | One of the more expensive puppy food options |
🧠 Mental Sharpness & Cognitive Health
- DHA-rich salmon oil supports brain & vision development.
- Coconut oil (MCTs) can enhance mitochondrial activity and energy in growing pups.
- Antioxidants like vitamins A, E, selenium protect developing neural tissue.(Open Farm, Open Farm, SELF)
🦷 Dental Health & Kibble Texture
- Medium-sized, grain-free kibble encourages chewing and supports plaque reduction.
- No sticky coatings or flavoring residues.
- Soften with water if pup is teething or has sensitive gums.
🛒 Where to Buy It
- Amazon – Chicken & Salmon Grain-Free Puppy
- Available on OpenFarmPet.com, Chewy, and select natural pet stores
- Offered in weights like 4 lb, 11 lb, and subscription options
🏛 AAFCO & FDA Compliant
- Fully compliant with AAFCO nutrient profiles for growth, including large breed puppies.(SELF, Open Farm)
- Manufactured in FDA-regulated facilities, meets safety guidelines for pet food.(U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Dog Food Advisor)
🎯 Final Decision
Open Farm Grain-Free Chicken & Salmon Puppy Food is a premium choice for growth, cognitive development, and sensitive pup digestion. With ethically sourced proteins, clean superfoods, and a grain-free formula carefully designed for large and small breed puppies alike, it offers peace of mind for conscientious pet parents. Transition carefully, track your pup’s response, and enjoy the benefits of balanced, traceable nutrition.
🏢 About the Brand: Open Farm
Founded with transparency and ethics in mind, Open Farm prioritizes human-grade, non-GMO ingredients, GAP-certified farms, and full ingredient traceability. They emphasize holistic pet wellness, sustainable sourcing, and a 30-day satisfaction guarantee. No recalls and strong reviews reinforce their commitment to safety and integrity.
🥊 How It Compares: Top Grain-Free Puppy Food Options
| Brand & Formula | Grain-Free | Protein Source | Unique Benefit |
| Open Farm GF Chicken & Salmon | ✅ Yes | Chicken, Salmon | Superfoods & ancient grains, ethical sourcing |
| Open Farm Ancient Grains Puppy | ✅ No | Chicken & Pork | Ancient grains + freeze-dried topper bundle |
| Wellness Core Puppy | ✅ Yes | Turkey & Chicken | High protein & nutrient-dense |
| Blue Buffalo Wilderness Puppy | ✅ Yes | Chicken & Fish | LifeSource Bits + fish oil |
📚 Key Sources
- The Dog Food Advisor review of Open Farm grain-free line(Dog Food Advisor, Open Farm, The Spruce Pets)
- The Spruce Pets best puppy foods highlight Open Farm’s sustainable credentials(The Spruce Pets)
- Open Farm official site: ingredient transparency & feeding guide(Whole Paws Dog Food)
- Reddit and user forums: owner feedback and adjustment notes(Reddit)
- Advice on FDA/AAFCO & vet-recognized brand quality(SELF)
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Yes—it supports large breed growth (up to 70+ lb adult weight) safely via AAFCO profiles.
This formula omits legumes entirely, reducing risk of potential DCM associations flagged by FDA.
Some puppies may need 3–7 days to adjust due to strong salmon flavor. Mixing with broth or freeze-dried topper can help.
Many users report improved stool quality and energy within 7–14 days transition
🖼 Illustrative Image – Not Actual Product Packaging
This image is for illustrative purposes only and may not reflect current packaging or label details. Always refer to the product page for accurate, up-to-date information.
