Open Farm Epic Blend Dog Food Review (Dry)

Open Farm Epic Blend Range product range is made up of three recipes which each receive the Dog Food Advisor’s rating, 5 stars.

The Open Farm Epic Blend range features premium protein in every recipe, which is gently air-dried to preserve nutrients and coated with probiotics. This powerful formula is loaded with superfoods high in antioxidants, including carrots, broccoli, and blueberries.

The table below shows each recipe in this range including our rating and the AAFCO nutrient profile: Growth (puppy), Maintenance (adult), All Life Stages, Supplemental or Unspecified.

Recipe and Label Analysis

Open Farm Epic Blend Salmon & Superfood Recipe was selected to represent the other products in the line for a detailed recipe and nutrient analysis.

Ingredients Analysis

The first ingredient is salmon. Salmon is an oily marine and freshwater fish not only high in protein but also omega 3 fatty acids, essential oils needed by every dog to sustain life.

The second ingredient is menhaden fish meal. Because it is considered a meat concentrate, fish meal contains almost 300% more protein than fresh fish itself.

Menhaden are small ocean fish related to herring. They’re rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids. What’s more, in their mid-depth habitat, menhaden are not exposed to mercury contamination as can be typical with deep water species.

This item is typically obtained from the “clean, dried, ground tissue of undecomposed whole fish and fish cuttings” of commercial fish operations.¹

The third ingredient is oats. Oats are rich in B-vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber.

The fourth ingredient is barley. Barley is a starchy carbohydrate supplying fiber and other healthy nutrients. However, aside from its energy content, this cereal grain is of only modest nutritional value to a dog.

The fifth ingredient is whitefish meal. Whitefish includes a range of both freshwater and saltwater species of fish. As a fish meal, this whitefish meal is considered a meat concentrate. It contains around 60-65% protein, which is almost 300% more protein than fresh fish itself. Aside from it’s protein contribution, whitefish meal contributes omega 3 DHA and EPA essential fatty acids.

Whitefish meal is typically obtained from the “clean, dried, ground tissue of undecomposed whole fish and fish cuttings” of commercial fish operations.².

The sixth ingredient is milo. Milo is another name for sorghum, a starchy cereal grain with a nutrient profile similar to corn.  

Since it is gluten-free and boasts a smoother blood sugar behavior than other grains, milo can be considered a quality non-meat ingredient.

The seventh ingredient is flaxseed, one of the best plant sources of healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Provided they’ve first been ground into a meal, flax seeds are also rich in soluble fiber.

However, flaxseed contains about 19% protein, a factor that must be considered when judging the actual meat content of this dog food.

The eighth ingredient is pollock, a protein-rich whitefish native to the central and northeast coasts of the United States.

The ninth ingredient coconut oil, a natural oil rich in medium-chain fatty acids.

Medium-chain triglycerides have been shown to improve cognitive function in older dogs.³

Because of its proven safety⁴ as well as its potential to help in the treatment of canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS) and chronic skin disorders>, MCT can be considered a positive addition to this recipe.

From here the list goes on to include a number of other items. But to be realistic, ingredients located this far down the list (other than nutritional supplements) are not likely to affect the overall rating of the product.

This recipe has seven notable exceptions.

First, chicory root. Chicory is rich in , a starch-like compound made up of repeating units of carbohydrates and found in certain roots and tubers.

Not only is inulin a natural source of soluble dietary fiber, it’s also a  prebiotic used to promote the growth of healthy bacteria in a dog’s digestive tract.

Next, salmon oil. Salmon oil is naturally rich in the prized EPA and DHA type of omega-3 fatty acids. 

Depending on its level of freshness and purity, salmon oil should be considered a commendable addition.

We find, this recipe also contains selenium yeast. Unlike the more common inorganic form of selenium (sodium selenite), this natural yeast supplement is considered a safer anti-cancer alternative.

Taurine, an important amino acid associated with the healthy function of heart muscle. Although taurine is not typically considered essential in canines, some dogs have been shown to be deficient in this critical nutrient.

Since taurine deficiency appears to be more common in pets consuming grain-free diets, we view its presence in this recipe as a positive addition.

We note the inclusion of dried fermentation products in this recipe. Fermentation products are typically added as probiotics to aid with digestion.

Broccoli is a healthy green vegetable and a member of the kale family. It’s notably rich in vitamin C and fiber and numerous other nutrients.

Like other cruciferous vegetables, broccoli is believed to provide anti-cancer benefits.

Lastly, this food also contains chelated minerals,  that have been chemically attached to protein. This makes them easier to absorb. Chelated minerals are usually found in better dog foods.

Nutrient Analysis

Based on its ingredients alone, Open Farm Epic Blend Salmon & Superfood Recipe looks like an above-average dry product.

The dashboard displays a dry matter protein reading of 34.2%, a fat level of 14.7% and an estimated carbohydrate level of 37.7%.

As a group, the brand features a protein content of 34.2% and a mean fat level of 15.9%. Together these figures suggest a carbohydrate content of 36.8% for the overall product line, alongside a fat-to-protein ratio of 47%.

This means this Ope Farm Epic Blend range contains above-average protein, below-average carbohydrate and near-average fat, when compared to typical dry dog food.

Open Farm Dog Food Recall History

The following automated list (if present) includes all dog food recalls related to Open Farm through June 2025.

No recalls noted.

You can view a complete list of all dog food recalls since 2009 here.

Our Rating of Open Farm Epic Blend Dog Food

Open Farm deserves the 5 stars awarded in our review; this pet food brand emphasises caring for both pets and the environment. It prioritises high-quality nutrition for dogs, utilising sustainably and ethically sourced ingredients.

Highly Recommended

About

In 2014, Jacqueline Prehogan founded Open Farm Pet Foods. Its manufacturing facility, Barrett Ag Service, is located in Minnesota, USA.

The company is focused on using locally sourced ingredients, and the location of the plant allows easy access to farms that meet its strict animal welfare and quality standards.

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