Open Farms Cat Food: Ingredients, Recalls, and How to Decide (2026)

By Colin Foster

Updated November 2026

Open Farms cat food is a brand that puts ingredient sourcing and transparency front and center, and this guide will show you how to evaluate it for your own cat. By the end, you will know how to read an Open Farms label, compare its formulas against your cat’s needs, check its safety record, and decide whether it fits your budget and your cat’s health profile. The steps below apply to any brand, so you can use them on the next bag you pick up too.

What Open Farms Cat Food Is and Who It Suits

Open Farms is a US pet food brand that sells dry kibble, wet cans, and freeze-dried toppers. The company emphasizes named animal proteins, ingredient sourcing disclosures, and formulas without a long list of fillers. Many owners choose it because they want to know where the chicken, salmon, or lamb came from and what else is in the bowl. Whether it is right for your cat depends on age, activity level, health status, and how your cat tolerates new foods.

Shopping for one? See our guide: 6 Best Canned Cat Food Friskies Options for Picky Cats.

Brands with clear sourcing are a reasonable starting point, but “clean” marketing does not replace a complete and balanced nutritional profile. Look for an AAFCO statement on the label that says the food is formulated to meet the nutrient profile for your cat’s life stage, either growth or adult maintenance. Kittens need more protein, fat, and certain minerals than adults, so a food labeled for all life stages or for adult maintenance may not suit a growing kitten without supervision.

Step 1: Read the Guaranteed Analysis and Ingredient List

Start with the guaranteed analysis, which lists minimum crude protein and fat and maximum crude fiber and moisture. Cats are obligate carnivores, so protein should be high and carbohydrates generally low. For dry food, many veterinary nutritionists look for crude protein in the range of 35 percent or more on a dry matter basis for adult cats, though the exact target depends on the individual cat. For wet food, the moisture content is high, so you need to convert to dry matter before comparing numbers.

How to Convert Wet Food Numbers to Dry Matter

1. Find the percentage of moisture on the can label. Assume 78 percent moisture for example.
2. Subtract moisture from 100 to get dry matter. In this example, 100 minus 78 equals 22 percent dry matter.
3. Divide the protein percentage by the dry matter percentage. If protein is 10 percent, then 10 divided by 22 gives about 45 percent dry matter protein.
4. Repeat for fat and fiber to compare fairly against dry kibble.

In the ingredient list, manufacturers must list ingredients by weight before cooking. Named meats like “deboned chicken” or “salmon” should appear near the top. Be aware that a meat meal, such as chicken meal, is more concentrated than fresh meat, so it can rank lower on the list but still supply substantial protein.

Step 2: Match the Formula to Your Cat’s Life Stage

Life stage changes nutritional needs significantly. A quick reference:

If you are unsure how much to feed once you have chosen a formula, the guide on how to calculate your cat’s food portion size walks through the math. You can also read How to Calculate Your Cat’s Food Portion Size for a practical method.

Step 3: Decide Between Dry, Wet, and Mixed Feeding

Open Farms sells both dry and wet options, so you may need to choose a texture. Dry food is convenient, stores well, and works with automatic feeders. Wet food has higher moisture, which can help cats who drink too little water and may suit cats prone to urinary issues, though your vet should guide that decision. The tradeoffs are covered in Wet vs. Dry Cat Food: Pros, Cons, and Differences.

Many owners feed a mix. If you combine textures, reduce the dry portion slightly so total calories stay on target. Introduce any new food over seven to ten days by gradually increasing the new food and decreasing the old.

Transition Schedule for a New Open Farms Formula

1. Days 1 to 2: 75 percent old food, 25 percent new.
2. Days 3 to 4: 50 percent old food, 50 percent new.
3. Days 5 to 6: 25 percent old food, 75 percent new.
4. Day 7 onward: 100 percent new food.

Watch for vomiting, diarrhea, or refusal to eat. If any of these persist, pause the transition and contact your veterinarian.

Step 4: Check Recall History and Storage Practices

Before buying any brand, check the FDA’s pet food recall listings and the manufacturer’s own announcements. Recall history changes over time, so look at the current record rather than relying on memory. Sign up for recall alerts if you want automatic notice.

Once you bring food home, storage affects freshness and fat oxidation, which can make food less palatable and less nutritious. Keep dry food in its original bag inside an airtight container, and store it in a cool, dry place. For detailed practices, see How to Store Dry Cat Food to Keep It Fresh and Safe and Best Cat Food Storage Containers.

Step 5: Track Your Cat’s Response

Judge a food over several weeks, not a few days. Track these signs in a notebook or phone note:

• Stool firmness, size, and frequency
• Coat shine and shedding
• Energy level and playfulness
• Body condition, checked weekly by feeling the ribs
• Water intake and urination
• Any vomiting or itching

If your cat’s appetite changes sharply or weight shifts without a clear reason, see your vet promptly. Why Your Cat’s Appetite Has Suddenly Changed covers common causes, though it is not a substitute for a medical exam.

Common Mistakes

• Switching foods abruptly. Sudden changes cause digestive upset that owners often blame on the new brand.
• Comparing raw percentages across wet and dry foods. Always convert to dry matter first.
• Assuming “natural” means complete. Check for an AAFCO statement.
• Overfeeding treats. Treats should stay within about 10 percent of daily calories.
• Ignoring portion math. Feeding by eye often leads to weight gain.
• Keeping opened cans in the fridge too long. Cover and refrigerate, then use within about two days.

Tips for Choosing Well

• Pick one formula and give it at least four to six weeks before judging.
• Buy in quantities you can use before the best-by date.
• Keep a copy of the label photo in case your cat reacts and you need to report it.
• Ask your vet about any prescription needs before switching, especially for kidney, urinary, or allergy concerns.
• Compare calorie content per cup or can so your portions stay accurate.

Recommended Gear

A few basic tools make feeding Open Farms, or any premium brand, easier to manage:

• Digital food scale. Weighing portions in grams is more accurate than scooping, which matters when calories are listed per gram. View on Amazon
• Airtight dry food container. A sealed bin with a measuring scoop keeps kibble fresh and portions consistent. View on Amazon
• Lidded wet food storage containers. Small covered containers help you refrigerate opened cans safely. View on Amazon
• Stainless steel or ceramic cat bowls. These resist odor buildup and are easy to wash. View on Amazon

FAQ

Is Open Farms cat food complete and balanced?

Check the AAFCO statement on the specific bag or can. If it says the food meets the nutrient profile for your cat’s life stage, it is formulated to be complete and balanced for that stage.

Is Open Farms good for kittens?

Only if the label indicates growth or all life stages support. Kittens need more calories and nutrients than adults, so confirm the statement before buying.

How do I know if my cat tolerates the food?

Watch stool quality, coat condition, energy, and appetite over four to six weeks. Persistent vomiting, diarrhea, or itching warrants a vet visit.

Should I switch to wet food for hydration?

Wet food adds moisture, which can help cats who drink little water. Discuss urinary or kidney concerns with your vet before choosing texture.

How do I transition my cat to a new food?

Use a seven to ten day schedule, increasing the new food gradually. Slow the process if your cat develops digestive upset.

Where can I check for recalls?

The FDA posts pet food recalls, and manufacturers publish their own notices. Check both periodically.

How long does an opened can last in the fridge?

Cover it tightly and refrigerate, then use within about two days. Discard any food left at room temperature for more than a short period.

Conclusion

Open Farms cat food can be a solid choice when you read the label carefully, confirm the life-stage statement, and convert wet food numbers to dry matter for fair comparisons. Transition slowly, track your cat’s response for several weeks, and keep recall and storage habits in mind. For any medical or prescription concern, consult your veterinarian before changing diets.

About Colin Foster

Colin Foster is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our cats guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.