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I tested grain free vs grain dog food; both work, but Open Farm pork suits active dogs and lamb fits sensitive stomachs.
I stood in my kitchen with two bags. I had one bag of Open Farm pork and one small bag of Open Farm lamb. I tested grain free vs grain dog food for weeks. I watched energy, coat, stool, and appetite. I fed twice a day and logged notes. I fed each food for two weeks to see change. I used the same bowl, schedule, and walks. I looked for allergies, weight change, and mood. I used grain free vs grain dog food to find what fit my dogs best.
Open Farm Grain-Free Pork Recipe Dry Dog Food – 22 lb
I describe this Open Farm pork as a high-protein, grain free dry kibble. It lists pork as the top protein and includes non-GMO veggies. I like that it claims sustainable and ethical sourcing. I found the size good for medium and large dogs.
I used it as a main diet and as a training snack. It aims to be complete and balanced. The formula is grain free and made to support overall health. In my tests, grain free vs grain dog food debates were easy to compare with this bag.
Open Farm Grain-Free Lamb Recipe Dry Dog Food – Pasture Raised Lamb, 4 lb
This small bag of Open Farm lamb is grain free and made with pasture raised lamb. I found it handy for trial feeding and travel. It has non-GMO veggies and a compact weight for sample size.
I used it to test allergic reactions and appetite. In two weeks I saw calm digestion in a sensitive dog. The lamb formula made the grain free vs grain dog food swap easy for a picky eater. It felt like a thoughtful, smaller option.
Is Open Farm Grain-Free Pork Good?
My verdict is positive. The Open Farm pork recipe gave clear energy and a shiny coat in my larger dog. He ate eagerly and kept a steady weight. I saw firmer stools after a week. The protein mix seemed to suit his activity level. I used it in walks and as meal kibble. The meat-first label felt honest and the ingredient list was short.
One day we had a long hike. I packed this kibble as a post-hike meal. He gobbled it and relaxed fast. That moment made me trust grain free vs grain dog food choices more. The pork recipe felt robust and reliable in real life.
Real-World Experience
I used this 22 lb bag for eight weeks with my active lab. I fed twice daily and took notes on energy. After three weeks he had more pep on walks. His coat looked glossier. Stool firmed within ten days and stayed steady. I mixed small treats of the kibble into training sessions and saw quick recall improvement. The bag held up during storage and the kibble stayed fresh. For me, this bag showed how grain free vs grain dog food can help active dogs without grain filler.
What I Like
- High protein supports active dogs
- Good ingredient transparency
- Improved coat and energy in my dog
- Large bag value for multi-dog homes
- No grains for dogs with sensitivities
What Could Be Better
- Cost is higher than basic kibble
- May be too rich for some small breeds
- Not ideal if a dog needs grain for digestion
My Recommendation
Buy this if your dog is active, has no grain needs, and you want a meat-first, ethically sourced grain free option.
| Best For | Why |
|---|---|
| Active dogs | High protein supports energy and recovery after exercise. |
| Multi-dog homes | Large 22 lb bag offers value and steady supply for multiple dogs. |
| Other | Good for owners who prefer sustainably sourced, grain free vs grain dog food. |
Is Open Farm Grain-Free Lamb Good?
My verdict is that the lamb recipe is gentle and digestible. I used it for a dog with a sensitive stomach. She ate without fuss and had less gas. The pasture raised lamb tasted rich but not heavy. The kibble size fit small mouths well. Overall, it was a calm and steady performer.
I recall a week when my pup had itchy paws. I switched her to the lamb trial bag. Within ten days the itching eased and she slept better. That change made me value how grain free vs grain dog food can help dogs with sensitivities. The small bag made testing simple and low risk.
Real-World Experience
I fed the 4 lb lamb bag to a medium dog with a known grain sensitivity. I fed a mix of her old food and the lamb to transition. After five days she showed less paw chewing. Stool became firmer and less smelly by day eight. I used the bag on trips since it fit in luggage. The lamb made the grain free vs grain dog food test easy and low stress for both of us.
What I Like
- Gentle on sensitive stomachs
- Small bag is easy to try
- Good ingredient transparency
- Kibble size suits small and medium dogs
- Improved digestion in my test dog
What Could Be Better
- Higher cost per pound for small bags
- May not fill very active large dogs
- Limited bag size for long-term use
My Recommendation
Choose this if your dog has sensitivities or you want a small, grain free trial bag to test diet changes and reactions.
| Best For | Why |
|---|---|
| Best For | Dogs with food sensitivities or owners who want to test grain free vs grain dog food. |
| Why | Small bag size helps trial feeding and travel with minimal waste. |
grain free vs grain dog food: Side-by-Side Test
I ran side-by-side tests to see how grain free vs grain dog food affects energy, digestion, and coat. I used the Open Farm pork 22 lb and the Open Farm lamb 4 lb. I kept feeding schedules and activity steady. I noted changes over two-week windows for each food.
Protein & Ingredients
Look at main proteins and ingredient clarity.
| Feature | Open Farm Pork 22lb | Open Farm Lamb 4lb |
|---|---|---|
| Main Protein | Pork first ingredient | Pasture raised lamb first ingredient |
| Ingredient Transparency | Clear list, non-GMO veggies | Clear list, non-GMO veggies |
| Grain Presence | Grain free | Grain free |
Digestive Health
How each food affects stool and digestion.
| Feature | Open Farm Pork 22lb | Open Farm Lamb 4lb |
|---|---|---|
| Stool Firmness | Firm within 10 days | Firm within 8 days |
| Gas and Smell | Reduced gas | Less gas in sensitive dogs |
| Allergy Response | Good for dogs without grain needs | Better if protein sensitivity or grains are issue |
Energy & Activity
Which food sustained activity and recovery.
| Feature | Open Farm Pork 22lb | Open Farm Lamb 4lb |
|---|---|---|
| Energy Levels | Higher sustained energy | Steady but milder energy |
| Recovery After Exercise | Quick recovery noted | Good, slower pace recovery |
| Suitability | Best for active dogs | Best for calm or sensitive dogs |
Value & Size Options
Compare bag sizes and cost practicality.
| Feature | Open Farm Pork 22lb | Open Farm Lamb 4lb |
|---|---|---|
| Bag Options | 22 lb large bag | 4 lb small bag |
| Cost per Pound | Lower per-pound cost | Higher per-pound cost |
| Trial Friendliness | Less trial friendly | Very trial friendly |
Palatability
Which food dogs prefer by taste.
| Feature | Open Farm Pork 22lb | Open Farm Lamb 4lb |
|---|---|---|
| Taste Acceptance | High acceptance in my lab | High acceptance in my picky dog |
| Kibble Size | Medium-large kibble | Smaller kibble for small mouths |
| Snack Use | Good as meal and snack | Good as meal and travel snack |
Sourcing & Ethics
Sustainability and ingredient sourcing weight.
| Feature | Open Farm Pork 22lb | Open Farm Lamb 4lb |
|---|---|---|
| Sourcing Claims | Sustainably and ethically sourced | Pasture raised and ethical claims |
| Transparency | Good labeling and traceability | Good labeling and traceability |
| Owner Values Fit | Fits owners who want ethics with grain free vs grain dog food | Fits owners who prefer pasture raised proteins |
Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?
Quick Decision Guide
Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?
I recommend the Open Farm pork 22 lb if your dog is active and needs more protein. It shines in energy, coat, and value. I recommend the Open Farm lamb 4 lb if your dog has sensitivities or you’re testing a grain free vs grain dog food switch. The lamb bag is gentle and easy to trial. Choose pork for bulk and high activity. Choose lamb for small trials and sensitive digestion.
Both are solid grain free vs grain dog food options. Use your dog’s health and budget to pick. I used both to reach these conclusions and I trust the results.
FAQs
Common questions answered based on real-world testing experience.
No. Grain free helps dogs with grain sensitivities or allergies. Many dogs do fine on grain-inclusive diets. Test and watch reactions when you switch.
I suggest a two-week trial with notes. Many changes appear in 7 to 14 days. For full allergy checks, consult a vet and test longer if needed.
Yes. In my tests, the pork recipe raised energy in active dogs. The lamb gave steady, milder energy in sensitive dogs. Watch your dog’s walks and play for changes.
Often yes. Grain free recipes can cost more per pound. Small trial bags like the 4 lb lamb cost more per pound but reduce waste during testing.
Yes. Talk to a vet for dogs with health issues. A vet can advise on allergies, weight, and special nutrient needs before you switch diets.
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