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Open Farm

Healthy Weight Chicken & Whitefish Recipe

DogDry

Rating

★︎★︎★︎★︎☆︎ 4.5 / 5
Protein Clarity

Protein Clarity

This measures how clearly the protein sources are identified on the label. "High" means ingredients like "chicken" or "salmon" are listed by name, so you know exactly what your pet is eating. "Low" means vague terms like "meat meal" or "animal by-products" are used, making it harder to know what's really inside.

Why does clarity matter?

According to AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials), pet food labels must follow specific naming standards. When a product uses a named protein like "chicken" it must contain at least 25% of that ingredient. Vague terms like "meat by-products" have no such minimum and can include lower-quality parts from any animal source — making it impossible to know what your pet is actually eating or to identify allergens.

High
Animal Protein

Animal Protein

This estimates how meat-forward the protein sources are from the ingredient label. Named animal proteins count strongly, plant protein concentrates count strongly against the score, and whole plant ingredients with some protein count more lightly. A "High" score means the recipe appears mainly animal-protein led. A "Low" score means the label shows a stronger reliance on plant protein signals.

This is an ingredient-label heuristic, not an exact lab measurement of protein grams.

Why does animal protein matter?

1. Contains irreplaceable essential nutrients Taurine and Arginine — which cats need to stay healthy — are only found in meat. Plants contain none at all.

2. Plant proteins are poorly utilized by the body Even though plant proteins (like corn gluten meal) may show 92.9–96% apparent digestibility, that does not mean high bioavailability. They lack adequate Lysine (only 1.7% vs. the ideal 6–7%) and contain phytic acid that blocks mineral absorption.

High

Is Open Farm Healthy Weight Chicken & Whitefish Recipe dry dog food good?

Open Farm Healthy Weight Chicken & Whitefish Recipe is a dry dog food rated 4.5 stars, with high ingredient transparency and strong animal protein content. The recipe lists most animal ingredients by name and features real muscle meat as a primary protein source. This recipe is free from Dairy, Egg, Legumes, Nuts, Red meat, Shellfish, Unknown Meal but contains Gluten grains, Poultry, Fish.

Allergy Highlights

Contains:

Gluten grainsPoultryFish

Free From:

DairyEggLegumesNutsRed meatShellfishUnknown Meal

Pros

  • Uses clearly named animal protein sources for better transparency.
  • Contains organ meats that provide natural vitamins and minerals.
  • Includes plant ingredients that can provide fiber and natural antioxidants.
  • Uses mainly organic mineral sources, which are typically better absorbed.

Nutrition Breakdown

  • Protein 33%
  • Fat 9%
  • Est. Carbs 39%
  • Fiber 11%
  • Ash 8%

Moisture (10%) removed so you can compare foods fairly.

Dry matter basis = label value ÷ (100% − moisture%). Carbs estimated from remaining.

  • Protein 30%
  • Fat 9%
  • Est. Carbs 35%
  • Fiber 10%
  • Moisture 10%
  • Ash 7%

Ash value not listed on label; 7% used as a standard estimate.

As-fed values are the raw percentages printed on the product label.

Tips

  • Protein is Medium (33% dry matter) on our label-based comparison range. This may be reasonable for many adult dogs, though active, growing, pregnant, or nursing dogs may need a more specific fit.

    Understanding Medium Protein (25% - 33% Dry Matter)

    Middle Comparison Bucket This bucket is species-aware: the cat medium range starts higher than the dog range. It helps compare labels, but it is not a complete nutrition verdict.

    Cats Need Closer Review Cats are obligate carnivores and generally need more protein than dogs. For cat foods in this range, the complete-and-balanced statement and life-stage claim are especially important.

  • Fat is Low (9% dry matter) on our label-based comparison range. This may suit some lower-calorie goals, but very active, growing, pregnant, or nursing dogs may need more energy.

    Understanding Low Fat (< 10% Dry Matter)

    Lower Energy Density Lower fat can be useful when a pet needs fewer calories or a veterinarian recommends a lower-fat diet. It is not automatically better for every pet.

    Energy and Essential Fats Still Matter Very active, growing, pregnant, or nursing pets may need more energy. Complete diets still need to provide essential fatty acids, so check the adequacy statement and use veterinary guidance for medical diets.

Ingredients Analysis

37 of 37 matched

  • 1 Chicken
    Animal Protein

    Description

    The dominant animal protein source in pet foods. Other than protein, it is also high in iron, zinc, selenium, and B vitamins.

    Why Prefer?

    A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.

  • 2 Herring Meal
    Animal Protein

    Description

    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.

    Why Prefer?

    A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.

  • 3 Barley
    Carbs

    Description

    A type of grain that is high in carbs and fiber, along with manganese and selenium.

    Why Concerned?

    An inexpensive filler with gluten, with limited nutrition value to dogs / cats.

    Allergen Concern

    Contains gluten, which is one of the most common allergens that can cause skin rashes, itchiness, and irritation.

    Digestion Concern

    Gluten intolerances can cause damage to the gastrointestinal tract, may result in diarrhea and discomfort stomach.

  • 4 Millet
    Carbs

    Description

    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.

  • 5 Whitefish
    Animal Protein

    Description

    Whitefish is a term refers to several species of demersal fish with fins, particularly Atlantic cod, whiting, haddock, hake, pollock.

    Why Prefer?

    A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.

  • 6 Ocean Whitefish Meal
    Animal Protein

    Description

    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.

    Why Prefer?

    A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.

  • 7 Oat Fiber
    Carbs

    Description

    An insoluble fiber made from grinding the oat hull, used to boost up fiber content in pet foods.

    Why Concerned?

    An inexpensive filler without gluten, with limited nutrition value to dogs / cats.

  • 8 Coconut Oil
    Fat

    Description

    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.

    Digestion Concern

    High amount of plant-based fat is not easily digested by dogs / cats, can cause obstruction and gastrointestinal upset.

  • 9 Chicken Liver
    Animal Protein

    Description

    An excellent source of vitamin A, chromium, and copper.

    Why Prefer?

    Organ meats are highly nutritious, with quality protein and many important vitamins / minerals.

  • 10 Pumpkin
    Carbs

    Description

    An alternative high carbs filler with an excellent source of potassium, vitamin C, and beta carotene.

  • 11 Natural Flavour
    Food Additive

    Description

    Made of extracts from plant or animal sources to improve the taste of food.

    Why Concerned?

    Contrary to its name, natural flavors are highly processed and contain many chemical additives.

  • 12 Carrot
    Carbs

    Description

    Well known for its alpha and beta-carotene content, also rich in potassium and vitamin B6. Most pet foods use it as a minor ingredient (include 0.1% to 3% of the total composition).

  • 13 Potassium Chloride
    Supplement

    Description

    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.

  • 14 Dicalcium Phosphate
    Supplement

    Description

    A supplement for calcium and phosphorus. It is mainly used to improve the texture of pet foods. It is also found in some toothpaste as a polishing agent.

    Why Notice?

    A risky supplement that can cause health issues, backed by research studies.

    Digestion Concern

    It does not absorb any water, almost insoluble, and becomes very hard in digesting.

    Uncertain/Risky

    Studies show that it can cause the formulation of kidney stones.

  • 15 Dried Chicory Root
    Carbs

    Description

    Contains insulin, which is a prebiotic that promotes friendly bacteria in the gut and supports better digestion.

  • 16 Sunflower Oil
    Fat

    Description

    The oil derived from sunflower seeds, high in either omega 6 and 9 fats, low in saturated fat and is packed with natural anti-oxidant vitamin E.

  • 17 Choline Chloride
    Supplement

    Description

    Vital molecule for various functions in the body, lack of choline can result in weight loss, vomiting, and fatty liver.

  • 18 Fructo-oligo-saccharides

    (Detected): Fructo-oligosaccharides

    Prebiotics

    Description

    Known as FOS, a type of fiber derived from chicory roots, beets, or cane. It is added as prebiotics for good bacteria growth in the colon, which aids digestion.

  • 19 Taurine
    Supplement

    Description

    An essential amino acid (building blocks of protein) to maintain a healthy brain and heart functions.

    Why Prefer?

    A safe supplement to improve the completeness of essential amino acids profile (the building block of protein).

  • 20 L-carnitine
    Supplement

    Description

    An amino acid that is naturally produced in the body. It is often added to pet foods because the normal cooking process degrades its availability from whole food.

  • 21 Vitamin E Supplement
    Supplement

    Description

    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.

  • 22 Vitamin A Supplement
    Supplement

    Description

    Supplement of vitamin A, it is essential for healthy skin, normal vision, and immune function.

  • 23 Niacin Supplement
    Supplement

    Description

    Known as vitamin B3, essential to maintain healthy GI tracts, skin/coat, and nervous system.

  • 24 Pantothenic Acid
    Supplement

    Description

    A water-soluble dietary supplement for vitamin B5, which is essential for energy metabolism in the body.

  • 25 Riboflavin Supplement
    Supplement

    Description

    A synthetic supplement for vitamin B2. which is vital for the body's metabolism and health.

  • 26 Thiamine Mononitrate
    Supplement

    Description

    An organic form of thiamine, has 5 - 15% more absorption rate than the inorganic form. It is important for energy production and glucose metabolism.

  • 27 Vitamin B12 Supplement
    Supplement

    Description

    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.

  • 28 Pyridoxine Hydrochloride
    Supplement

    Description

    A synthetical supplement of vitamin B6, which is an essential element for nearly every part of metabolism.

  • 29 Folic Acid
    Supplement

    Description

    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.

  • 30 Zinc Proteinate
    Supplement

    Description

    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.

  • 31 Iron Proteinate
    Supplement

    Description

    An organic form of iron. It is essential for the transport and movement of oxygen around the body. Compare to inorganic form, it has 5 - 15% more absorption rate to the body.

  • 32 Copper Proteinate
    Supplement

    Description

    An organic form of copper, which is important for the production of blood cells, hair coat color pigmentation, and maintaining the nervous system. Compare to inorganic form, it has 5 - 15% more absorption rate to the body.

  • 33 Manganese Proteinate
    Supplement

    Description

    An organic form of manganese that has 5 - 15% higher absorption rate than the inorganic form. It is essential for normal metabolic function with the body.

  • 34 Selenium Yeast
    Plant Protein Concentrate

    Description

    Made from fungus and often used to make beer, a rich source of minerals such as selenium. B-complex vitamins, and chromium. It contains around 40% protein.

    Why Concerned?

    A controversial ingredient, some believe it can support the immune system, while others say it can be linked to allergies and bloating. However, no scientific research can provide a concrete conclusion.

  • 35 Calcium Iodate
    Supplement

    Description

    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.

  • 36 Mixed Tocopherols
    Food Additive

    Description

    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.

  • 37 Rosemary Extract
    Carbs

    Description

    A common herb used for cooking, it is rich in antioxidants to fight off radical damages in the body.

Tips

  • Named animal proteins near the top: Chicken, Herring Meal are listed early in the ingredient panel.
  • Higher-priority ingredients to review: Dicalcium Phosphate.
  • Higher-caution ingredients: Dicalcium Phosphate have caution notes in the ingredient database.
  • Possible allergy triggers: Barley have allergen notes; review them if your pet has sensitivities.
  • Possible digestion triggers: Barley, Coconut Oil, Dicalcium Phosphate have digestion notes; watch tolerance if your pet has a sensitive stomach.

Protein Analysis

How this recipe earned its protein scores.

Protein Clarity

High
High
  • Named 100%

Strong clarity: 100% of Open Farm Healthy Weight Chicken & Whitefish Recipe's animal-protein ingredients are clearly named (like chicken or salmon). Only 0% use vague terms such as "meat meal" and 0% are by-products. Named protein ingredients let you verify the source and check for allergens.

Contributing ingredients

Named

Chicken Herring Meal Whitefish Ocean Whitefish Meal Chicken Liver

Animal Protein

High
High
  • Animal 99%
  • Auxiliary 1%

Meat-forward: 99% of the weighted protein in Open Farm Healthy Weight Chicken & Whitefish Recipe comes from animal sources. Plant signals are modest (0% whole plants, 0% plant concentrates), so the protein profile leans on real meat.

Contributing ingredients

Animal

Chicken Herring Meal Whitefish Ocean Whitefish Meal Chicken Liver

Auxiliary

Selenium Yeast

Open Farm Healthy Weight Chicken & Whitefish Recipe dry dog food Review

Open Farm Healthy Weight Chicken & Whitefish Recipe is a strong choice — rated 4.5 stars with high ingredient transparency and strong animal protein content. A confident pick when the ingredient panel matches your pet's needs.

Best for

  • Owners who want clearly named protein sources
  • Pets that thrive on muscle-meat protein
  • Owners prioritizing bioavailable minerals

Avoid if

  • Your pet has a grain or gluten sensitivity

Key takeaways

  • Named animal proteins make up 100% of the recipe's protein panel — a clear sourcing win.
  • Contains common allergens: Gluten grains, Poultry, Fish.
  • On a dry-matter basis: 33% protein, 9% fat, 39% estimated carbohydrates.
  • 99% of the weighted protein comes from animal sources.
  • Free from Dairy, Egg, Legumes, Nuts, Red meat, Shellfish, Unknown Meal.

Frequently asked questions

Is Open Farm Healthy Weight Chicken & Whitefish Recipe good for dogs?

Yes — rated 4.5 stars, with high ingredient transparency and strong animal protein content.

Does Open Farm Healthy Weight Chicken & Whitefish Recipe contain Dairy?

No — based on the ingredient list, Open Farm Healthy Weight Chicken & Whitefish Recipe doesn't include Dairy or related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Dairy can typically avoid this allergen here.

Does Open Farm Healthy Weight Chicken & Whitefish Recipe contain Egg?

No — based on the ingredient list, Open Farm Healthy Weight Chicken & Whitefish Recipe doesn't include Egg or related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Egg can typically avoid this allergen here.

Does Open Farm Healthy Weight Chicken & Whitefish Recipe contain Legumes?

No — based on the ingredient list, Open Farm Healthy Weight Chicken & Whitefish Recipe doesn't include Legumes or related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Legumes can typically avoid this allergen here.

Does Open Farm Healthy Weight Chicken & Whitefish Recipe contain Nuts?

No — based on the ingredient list, Open Farm Healthy Weight Chicken & Whitefish Recipe doesn't include Nuts or related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Nuts can typically avoid this allergen here.

Is Open Farm Healthy Weight Chicken & Whitefish Recipe grain-free?

No — the recipe contains Gluten grains.

What are the main protein sources in Open Farm Healthy Weight Chicken & Whitefish Recipe?

The top animal proteins are Chicken, Herring Meal, Whitefish — clearly named, so you can verify the source.

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