If you read pet-food labels the way some people read wine labels — wanting to know where it came from and who stands behind it — Open Farm was practically made for you. It's one of the lines our more ingredient-curious neighbors ask for by name, and it's easy to see why once you know the story behind it.
Open Farm started in 2014 when founder Jacqueline Prehogan, an animal lover and vegetarian, couldn't find a food that was both genuinely nutritious for her three pugs and aligned with her values. So she co-created one. That origin shows up in two things the brand does unusually well: ethical sourcing and radical transparency. Open Farm sources only from humane family farms that treat animals with respect, and it's targeting a 42% reduction in its carbon footprint by 2030. Even better for label-readers — you can trace any bag back to its origins by entering the lot number on the brand's transparency page. That's not marketing language; it's a tool you can actually use.
The nutrition is serious, too. Recipes are custom-formulated with Dr. Moran, an in-house board-certified veterinary nutritionist, backed by a team of Ph.D. board-certified companion-animal nutritionists, food scientists, and veterinarians. Open Farm runs digestibility, palatability, and stool studies and tests recipes before production to confirm the vitamin and mineral levels land where they should. They're even developing an at-home feeding-trial program to evaluate recipes in real homes — low-stress, close health monitoring — which fits the animal-welfare values the whole brand is built on.
In the interest of the straight talk we promise every customer: Open Farm has not published studies in peer-reviewed journals to date. The team reviews emerging nutrition science and uses evidence-based insights to guide its formulas, and says it's exploring future studies — including efficacy trials — with the goal of publishing down the road. We carry it because the sourcing, the traceability, and the in-house nutrition team are genuinely strong; we'd rather tell you exactly where a brand stands than oversell it.
Who Open Farm is a good fit for
Open Farm tends to click with pet parents who care about sustainability and want to know the backstory of what's in the bowl — and with anyone looking for a thoughtfully formulated diet across dry, and raw or gently cooked options. If that's you, come in and we'll help you find the recipe that matches your dog or cat.
Open Farm in our store
FAQ
What makes Open Farm different from other premium brands?
Two things stand out: humane, traceable sourcing (you can look up any bag by lot number) and a strong sustainability commitment, paired with recipes formulated by an in-house board-certified veterinary nutritionist.
Is Open Farm formulated by a nutritionist?
Yes — recipes are developed with Dr. Moran, a board-certified veterinary nutritionist, and a team of Ph.D. nutritionists, food scientists, and veterinarians.
Does Open Farm have published research behind it?
Not in peer-reviewed journals yet. The team uses evidence-based insights to guide formulation and says it's working toward published studies. We share that openly so you can decide with full information.
Is Open Farm sustainable?
It's one of the brand's core commitments — humane family-farm sourcing and a goal of cutting its carbon footprint 42% by 2030.
Can you help me choose the right Open Farm recipe?
Yes. Tell us about your pet and what matters most to you, and a Holistic Pet Food Expert will help you settle on the right formula — free, no appointment.
Pick up Open Farm at our shop in Mantua
If knowing where your pet's food comes from matters to you, Open Farm rewards a closer look. Bring your questions about sourcing or ingredients on your next visit — that's exactly the kind of thing our Holistic Pet Food Experts love digging into.
Shop Open Farm at our store →