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Shelter manager, certified canine nutritionist, and lifelong dog lover
• Outstanding palatability stands out as Open Nature’s strongest feature, with consistently positive feedback from owners of picky eaters who refuse other brands but eagerly consume this food.
• Mid-range positioning with clean ingredients offers a meaningful upgrade from grocery store brands like Pedigree, avoiding by-products and artificial additives while staying significantly cheaper than premium options.
• Limited transparency and basic formulation reveals typical private-label shortcomings—no sourcing details, feeding trials, or functional ingredients like glucosamine, with moderate 24% protein content.
• Best suited for healthy, average adult dogs with no special needs, but inadequate for puppies, seniors with health issues, or highly active dogs requiring higher protein levels.
• Solid value proposition at $2 per pound makes it practical for multi-dog households seeking cleaner ingredients without premium pricing, though specialized brands offer better nutrition per dollar spent.
Open Nature launched in 2011 as Albertsons Companies’ answer to growing consumer demand for cleaner, more transparent food—both for people and pets. The brand’s core promise is simple: products free from over 110 artificial ingredients, including colors, flavors, and high fructose corn syrup. It’s positioned as a step up from conventional grocery brands, offering ingredient transparency and a “back to basics” approach without the premium price tag of specialty pet stores.
The company doesn’t have a founder story or an independent mission-driven team behind it. Instead, Open Nature is a corporate private label, developed and managed by one of the largest supermarket operators in the U.S. That means the brand’s values and quality standards are shaped by Albertsons’ central sourcing and private-label strategy, not by a passionate pet nutritionist or veterinary team. This isn’t necessarily bad—it keeps costs down and distribution wide—but it does mean you won’t find the kind of ingredient traceability, sustainability reports, or founder narratives you see with independent brands.
In terms of market positioning, Open Nature sits firmly in the mid-range natural segment. It’s more ingredient-conscious than Pedigree or Purina ONE, but it doesn’t compete with the likes of Orijen, Open Farm, or even Blue Buffalo in terms of nutritional innovation or sourcing transparency. The brand’s reputation is solid but unremarkable—no major recalls, no controversies, but also no standout achievements or veterinary endorsements. It’s a safe, predictable choice for shoppers who prioritize convenience and value over cutting-edge formulation.
| Price per pound | $2.00 – $2.17 |
| Primary protein | Chicken, Beef, Salmon |
| By-products | None |
| AAFCO compliance | Yes (formulation only) |
| Formula options | 3 dry formulas + wet food options |
| Availability | Albertsons-owned stores (Safeway, Vons, Jewel-Osco) |
Open Nature’s core dry formulas—Chicken & Brown Rice, Beef & Brown Rice, and Grain Free Salmon & Chickpea—lead with whole protein sources. That’s a good start. Chicken, beef, and salmon are listed as the first ingredients, followed by their respective meals (chicken meal, beef meal). Meat meals are concentrated protein sources with moisture removed, so they’re actually more protein-dense than whole meat. In this case, it’s a practical way to boost protein content without inflating the ingredient list with fillers.
What I find reassuring is that Open Nature avoids by-products and generic meat meals. You won’t see “poultry by-product meal” or “meat and bone meal” here, which is common in lower-quality kibbles. That said, there’s no detail about where these proteins are sourced—no farm names, no country of origin, no transparency about whether the chicken is cage-free or the beef is grass-fed. For a brand emphasizing “natural” and “clean label,” that’s a missed opportunity.
The grain-inclusive recipes use brown rice, brewers rice, and oatmeal as their main carbohydrate sources. Brown rice is a whole grain with decent fiber and micronutrients; brewers rice is a by-product of the milling process and offers less nutritional value, though it’s digestible and cost-effective. Oatmeal adds soluble fiber, which can support digestive health. These are all standard, safe choices for dogs without grain sensitivities.
The grain-free option swaps grains for chickpeas, a legume that provides both carbohydrates and plant-based protein. While chickpeas are digestible and nutrient-rich, they also contribute to the overall legume content, which has been a topic of concern in the DCM (dilated cardiomyopathy) conversation. The FDA has investigated a potential link between grain-free diets high in legumes and heart issues in dogs, though no definitive cause has been established. Open Nature doesn’t publish a statement on this, which is typical for private-label brands but leaves some uncertainty for cautious owners.
Chicken fat is the primary fat source in the Chicken & Brown Rice formula, and it’s a high-quality, bioavailable option rich in omega-6 fatty acids. The recipes also include fish oil and flaxseed, which provide omega-3s for skin, coat, and anti-inflammatory benefits. This is a solid fat profile for a mid-range kibble. However, there’s no breakdown of the omega-3 to omega-6 ratio, and no mention of whether the fish oil is tested for heavy metals or sourced sustainably.
Open Nature includes a standard vitamin and mineral blend to meet AAFCO requirements. You’ll also find dried beet pulp, a fiber source that supports digestive health and stool quality, and small amounts of fruits and vegetables like carrots, blueberries, and cranberries. These add antioxidants and micronutrients, though the quantities are likely too small to have a major functional impact.
One ingredient that raises a mild concern is pea protein. It’s a plant-based protein concentrate used to boost the overall protein percentage without adding more meat. While it’s not inherently harmful, it’s less bioavailable than animal protein and is often used as a cost-saving measure. In moderation, it’s fine, but it does mean the protein content isn’t as meat-forward as the label might suggest.
What Open Nature doesn’t include is worth noting: no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. No corn, wheat, or soy (common allergens and fillers). No by-products. That aligns with the brand’s clean-label promise and is genuinely better than many grocery-store options.
Brewers rice and pea protein are the two ingredients that stand out as less ideal. Brewers rice is nutritionally inferior to whole grains, and pea protein can dilute the quality of the protein profile. Neither is a dealbreaker, but they do reflect the brand’s cost-conscious formulation. If you’re comparing Open Nature to a premium brand like Orijen or Acana, the difference in ingredient quality becomes more apparent.
Considering a different approach? Check out our Voyager dog food review to see how a specialty brand with higher protein and functional ingredients compares.
Open Nature’s dry formulas typically contain around 24% protein, 14% fat, 4% fiber, and 10% moisture. These numbers meet AAFCO’s minimum requirements for adult maintenance, but they’re not exceptional. For comparison, premium brands often deliver 28–40% protein and 15–22% fat, especially in grain-free or high-protein lines. Open Nature’s macros are adequate for an average, moderately active adult dog, but they may fall short for highly active dogs, working breeds, or dogs needing muscle support.
The estimated carbohydrate content (by calculation) is around 41%, which is on the higher end for a dog food marketed as natural and protein-focused. Dogs don’t have a dietary requirement for carbohydrates, so a lower carb percentage would generally indicate a more meat-centric formula. That said, 41% isn’t unusual for grain-inclusive kibble, and the carbs here come from digestible sources like brown rice and oatmeal.
Open Nature includes a standard vitamin and mineral premix to ensure nutritional completeness. You’ll find vitamins A, D, E, and B-complex, along with essential minerals like calcium, phosphorus, zinc, and selenium. The recipes also contain fish oil and flaxseed for omega-3 fatty acids, which support skin, coat, and joint health.
What’s missing are the functional ingredients you often see in premium formulas: glucosamine and chondroitin for joint support, probiotics or prebiotics for gut health, or antioxidant-rich superfoods in meaningful amounts. The fruits and vegetables included (blueberries, cranberries, carrots) are present but likely in quantities too small to provide significant health benefits. For a senior dog with joint issues or a dog with digestive sensitivities, Open Nature doesn’t offer targeted nutritional support.
Open Nature products are formulated to meet AAFCO nutrient profiles for adult maintenance and, in some cases, all life stages (like the wet food Chicken & Vegetable Dinner). This means the food contains the minimum levels of essential nutrients required for a complete and balanced diet. However, AAFCO compliance can be achieved through formulation alone, without conducting actual feeding trials. Feeding trials are the gold standard for verifying nutrient bioavailability and long-term safety, and Open Nature doesn’t publicly claim to have conducted them.
For most healthy adult dogs, formulation-based AAFCO compliance is sufficient. But if you’re looking for a brand that goes beyond the minimum and validates its recipes through rigorous testing, Open Nature isn’t that brand.
Open Nature is a solid choice for average, healthy adult dogs with no major health concerns. If your dog is moderately active, maintains a healthy weight, and doesn’t have food sensitivities or allergies, the Chicken & Brown Rice or Beef & Brown Rice formulas offer decent nutrition at a reasonable price. The grain-free Salmon & Chickpea option works well for dogs with suspected grain sensitivities or owners who prefer to avoid grains as a precaution.
The brand is also suitable for picky eaters. User reviews consistently mention that dogs who turn their noses up at other foods eat Open Nature enthusiastically. The palatability seems strong across the board, which is a practical win for owners dealing with mealtime battles.
For small to medium breeds, the kibble size and caloric density are appropriate. The price point makes it a budget-friendly option for multi-dog households or owners who want to upgrade from generic grocery brands without committing to premium specialty prices.
Open Nature falls short for puppies and large-breed puppies. While the wet food Chicken & Vegetable Dinner is labeled for all life stages, the dry formulas are designed for adult maintenance and don’t offer the higher protein, fat, and calorie levels puppies need for growth. Large-breed puppies, in particular, require carefully calibrated calcium and phosphorus ratios to support healthy bone development, and Open Nature doesn’t provide breed-specific or life-stage-specific formulas for this.
Senior dogs with joint issues or cognitive decline won’t find targeted support here. There’s no glucosamine, chondroitin, or omega-3-rich ingredients in therapeutic amounts. If your older dog needs joint support or brain health boosters, you’ll need to supplement or choose a senior-specific formula from another brand.
Dogs with serious food allergies or intolerances may also struggle with Open Nature. While the grain-free option eliminates common allergens like wheat and corn, the formulas aren’t truly limited-ingredient. Chicken, for example, is a common allergen, and the recipes include multiple protein and carbohydrate sources. If your dog has a diagnosed allergy to chicken, beef, or legumes, Open Nature won’t be a safe choice.
Highly active dogs, working breeds, and performance dogs need higher protein and fat than Open Nature provides. A 24% protein formula is adequate for maintenance, but it’s not enough to support the muscle recovery and energy demands of a dog who runs, works, or trains intensively.
One of Open Nature’s standout strengths is palatability. Across multiple user reviews, the phrase “my dog loves it” comes up repeatedly. Dogs who are picky, who’ve refused other brands, or who’ve lost interest in their previous food often eat Open Nature with enthusiasm. This is a meaningful advantage—if your dog won’t eat the food, nutritional quality becomes irrelevant.
The Chicken and Salmon flavors seem to be the most popular, though individual preferences vary. The kibble itself is standard in size and texture—nothing breed-specific or tailored, but dogs don’t seem to mind. The wet food options, particularly the Chicken & Vegetable Cuts in Gravy, are also well-received and can be a helpful topper for picky eaters or a standalone option for small breeds.
From an owner’s perspective, the food has a mild, natural smell—not overpowering or artificial, which is consistent with the brand’s clean-label promise. It’s easy to portion and serve, and the bags are standard resealable formats. Nothing fancy, but functional and tidy.
One practical note: some dogs who are used to higher-fat, richer formulas may initially find Open Nature less enticing. If you’re transitioning from a premium or raw diet, a gradual switch over 7–10 days will help your dog adjust to the flavor and texture.
Open Nature’s pricing sits in the affordable-to-mid-range category. A 15-pound bag of Chicken & Brown Rice typically costs around $29.99, which works out to about $2.00 per pound. For a medium-sized dog (around 30 pounds), that translates to roughly 55 cents per day. The grain-free Salmon & Chickpea option is slightly more expensive, around $2.17 per pound for a 12-pound bag.
Wet food is pricier per calorie, as expected. A 13-ounce can of Chicken & Vegetable Cuts in Gravy costs around $2.39, or about $6.95 per 1,000 kcal. That’s higher than most mass-market wet foods but still more affordable than premium canned options from brands like Wellness or Merrick.
When you compare Open Nature to other grocery-store brands like Purina ONE or Rachael Ray Nutrish, it’s 10–20% more expensive per pound. But it also offers cleaner ingredients—no by-products, no artificial additives, and named protein sources. In that sense, you’re getting what you pay for: a modest upgrade in quality without a premium price tag.
Compared to specialty brands like Blue Buffalo, Wellness, or Nutro, Open Nature is noticeably cheaper—often $1–$2 less per pound. However, it also offers fewer specialized formulas, less ingredient transparency, and lower protein levels. If you’re looking for a grain-free, high-protein, or functional-ingredient formula, those brands deliver more for the extra cost.
Against true premium brands like Orijen, Acana, or Open Farm, Open Nature is in a different league entirely. Those brands cost $4–$6 per pound or more, but they also provide human-grade or regionally sourced ingredients, higher protein, and extensive transparency. Open Nature is a solid mid-range option, but it’s not competing at that level.
For budget-conscious owners who want to avoid the worst of grocery-store kibble without paying specialty prices, Open Nature offers good value. It’s a meaningful step up from Pedigree or Kibbles ‘n Bits, and it’s widely available at Albertsons-owned stores (Safeway, Vons, Jewel-Osco, etc.). If you’re already shopping there, it’s convenient and competitively priced.
That said, if you’re willing to spend a bit more or shop online, you can find brands with better nutritional profiles, more transparency, and functional ingredients at a similar or slightly higher price point. Open Nature is good enough for many dogs, but it’s not the best value if you’re comparing quality per dollar across all available options.
Open Nature dog food is manufactured by third-party producers, which is standard practice for private-label brands. Albertsons doesn’t own or operate its own pet food production facilities, so the food is made under contract at external plants. The specific locations and names of these manufacturers are not publicly disclosed, which is typical but limits transparency.
What we do know is that Open Nature products are made in the U.S. and are formulated to meet AAFCO standards. Beyond that, there’s little public information about the production process, quality control protocols, or facility certifications. There’s no mention of HACCP, ISO, or GMP certifications, and no published audit reports or third-party lab results.
This lack of transparency isn’t necessarily a red flag—many private-label brands operate this way—but it does mean you’re taking more on faith than you would with a brand that openly shares factory locations, sourcing details, and quality assurance processes. If ingredient traceability and production transparency are important to you, Open Nature won’t meet those expectations.
On the positive side, Open Nature has no documented recalls in the past decade. That’s a solid safety record and suggests that whatever quality control measures are in place, they’re effective at preventing contamination and meeting regulatory standards.
Sustainability is a growing concern among pet owners, and Open Nature’s approach here is limited and underdeveloped. The brand doesn’t publish a sustainability report, doesn’t disclose sourcing practices for its proteins or grains, and doesn’t make claims about animal welfare standards (like cage-free chicken or grass-fed beef). There’s no mention of carbon footprint reduction, renewable energy in production, or partnerships with sustainable agriculture organizations.
Packaging is standard plastic bags for dry food and steel or aluminum cans for wet food. There’s no indication of compostable or recycled materials, and no clear recycling guidance beyond standard municipal recycling codes. For a brand positioning itself as “natural” and “clean,” the lack of environmental commitment is a missed opportunity.
Ethically, Open Nature avoids artificial additives and by-products, which is a baseline positive. But there’s no transparency about labor practices, supplier audits, or corporate social responsibility initiatives. Albertsons Companies does issue general ESG reports, but Open Nature-specific details are minimal.
If sustainability and ethics are top priorities for you, brands like Open Farm, The Honest Kitchen, or Stella & Chewy’s offer far more transparency and commitment. Open Nature is adequate by conventional standards but doesn’t lead in this area.
I work at a local dog shelter, where we regularly cycle through different foods to see how various dogs respond—it helps us make better recommendations for adopters and gives us a real-world sense of what works and what doesn’t. For this test, we used Open Nature’s Chicken & Brown Rice formula with a dog named Benny, a four-year-old mixed breed (likely part Lab, part something scrappy and stubborn). Benny came to us a few months ago after his owner passed away, and he’s been a steady, easygoing presence ever since—no major health issues, no food sensitivities, just a solid, middle-of-the-road dog who eats what you put in front of him and doesn’t complain.
We switched Benny over gradually, mixing Open Nature with his previous food (a generic grocery brand) over the course of a week. He didn’t bat an eye at the transition. No hesitation, no sniffing around the bowl and walking away—he just ate it. That was encouraging, especially since some dogs can be picky when you change brands, but Benny seemed perfectly content with the switch.
Over the next few weeks, we kept an eye on his energy, coat, and stools. Honestly, there wasn’t a dramatic transformation. Benny’s energy stayed the same—he’s not a high-energy dog to begin with, so we weren’t expecting him to suddenly start bouncing off the walls. His coat looked fine, maybe a touch shinier, but nothing you’d notice unless you were looking for it. His stools were consistent and firm, which is always a good sign, and there were no digestive hiccups or gas issues.
The main takeaway with Benny was that Open Nature just worked. It didn’t solve a problem he didn’t have, and it didn’t create any new ones. He ate it willingly, maintained his weight, and seemed perfectly happy. For a shelter dog with no special needs, that’s exactly what you want—a food that’s easy to transition to, doesn’t upset the routine, and keeps the dog healthy and satisfied. If Benny had been dealing with allergies, joint pain, or a sensitive stomach, we might have seen different results, but for an average, healthy adult dog, Open Nature did its job without fuss.
User feedback on Open Nature is consistently positive, especially when it comes to palatability and digestive health. Across retailer sites like Safeway and Albertsons, the brand scores between 4.6 and 4.8 out of 5 stars, with the majority of reviews giving it a full five stars. That’s a strong showing for a mid-range grocery brand.
The most common praise centers on picky eaters. Owners repeatedly mention that dogs who’ve refused other brands eat Open Nature eagerly and consistently. One reviewer wrote, “My dog loves this flavor. Normally he’s picky and looks at you like you’re crazy when you don’t give him what he wants, but he eats this every time.” Another said, “Had a hard time finding dog food my dogs would eat. Took a chance on Open Nature and they can’t get to it fast enough.”
Digestive health is another frequent highlight. Multiple users report firmer stools, less gas, and no upset stomach after switching to Open Nature, particularly for dogs with mild sensitivities. One owner noted, “My dogs, who are very picky, love this food. Their stools are healthy, and they have more energy.” Another mentioned that their dog’s allergies improved after switching to the grain-free Salmon & Chickpea formula.
Coat quality also comes up regularly. Several reviewers say their dogs’ fur became shinier and softer after a few weeks on the food, and one mentioned reduced shedding. These kinds of visible improvements are often tied to the omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids from fish oil and flaxseed.
On the negative side, the most common complaint is price. A handful of reviewers mention that the food is “a bit pricey on a fixed income” or that recent price increases have made it less competitive. One three-star review simply said, “Dog loves it, too much money.” That’s a fair concern, especially for larger dogs who go through food quickly.
There are very few reports of serious issues. One or two reviews mention dogs losing interest in the food after a while, but that’s not unusual for any brand—dogs can get bored with the same flavor over time. There are no patterns of digestive problems, allergic reactions, or quality concerns like mold or spoilage.
Overall, user experiences paint Open Nature as a reliable, well-liked option for everyday feeding, with particularly strong results for picky eaters and dogs with minor sensitivities. The main trade-off is that it’s not the cheapest option in its category, and it doesn’t offer the specialized formulas or premium ingredients that justify a higher price point for some owners.
Blue Buffalo is a well-known mid-to-premium brand with a similar “natural” positioning. It offers higher protein levels (26–30% in many formulas), LifeSource Bits (a proprietary blend of antioxidants and vitamins), and more specialized formulas for life stages, sizes, and health conditions. Blue Buffalo also has better brand recognition and is more widely available, including online and at pet specialty stores.
Where Open Nature wins is price. It’s typically $1–$2 less per pound than Blue Buffalo, making it a better value for owners who want natural ingredients without paying for brand name and marketing. That said, Blue Buffalo’s higher protein and functional ingredients make it a stronger choice for active dogs or owners willing to pay a bit more for nutritional density.
Wellness is a premium brand with a focus on whole-food ingredients, higher protein, and functional additions like probiotics and glucosamine. Its formulas are more nutrient-dense, and the brand offers extensive life-stage and health-specific options (puppy, senior, weight management, grain-free, limited ingredient, etc.). Wellness is also more transparent about sourcing and quality control.
Open Nature is significantly cheaper—often $2–$3 less per pound—but it also offers less. If you’re looking for a straightforward adult maintenance food and want to save money, Open Nature is adequate. If your dog has specific health needs or you want a more robust nutritional profile, Wellness is worth the extra cost.
Purina ONE is a mass-market brand with similar pricing to Open Nature. It’s widely available, offers a broad range of formulas, and is backed by extensive research and feeding trials from Purina’s Nestle-backed R&D. However, Purina ONE’s ingredient lists are less clean—more by-products, fillers, and artificial additives.
Open Nature’s cleaner label is its main advantage here. If ingredient quality matters to you and you’re willing to pay a small premium over Purina ONE, Open Nature is the better choice. If you prioritize research-backed formulation and don’t mind less-transparent ingredients, Purina ONE offers more variety and scientific validation.
Voyager is a specialty, premium brand with a focus on high protein (28–40%), functional superfoods, and transparency. It’s primarily sold direct-to-consumer and at specialty retailers, with a price point of $5–$9 per pound—more than double Open Nature’s cost. Voyager offers raw, freeze-dried, and air-dried options, along with sustainability claims and batch-level traceability.
Open Nature can’t compete with Voyager on protein content, ingredient quality, or transparency. But it’s far more accessible and affordable. For owners who want a basic, clean-label food without paying premium prices or shopping online, Open Nature is a practical choice. For those who prioritize nutritional density and ingredient sourcing, Voyager is in a different league.
Curious about how a premium, high-protein brand stacks up? Read our full Voyager dog food review to see what you get for the extra cost.
Open Nature is best suited for healthy, adult dogs with average activity levels and no major health concerns. If your dog is between one and seven years old, maintains a healthy weight, and doesn’t have food allergies or sensitivities, the Chicken & Brown Rice or Beef & Brown Rice formulas will meet their nutritional needs without issue. The grain-free Salmon & Chickpea option is a solid choice for dogs with suspected grain sensitivities or owners who prefer to avoid grains.
The food is also a good fit for picky eaters. User feedback consistently highlights strong palatability, and many owners report that dogs who refuse other brands eat Open Nature enthusiastically. If you’ve been struggling with mealtime battles, this is worth a shot.
For small to medium breeds, the kibble size and caloric density are appropriate, and the price point makes it a practical option for multi-dog households. The wet food options work well as a standalone meal for small breeds or as a topper to boost palatability and moisture content for dogs who need encouragement to eat.
Open Nature is not ideal for puppies, large-breed puppies, or senior dogs with specific health needs. Puppies need higher protein, fat, and calories for growth, and large-breed puppies require carefully balanced calcium and phosphorus for healthy bone development—Open Nature doesn’t offer formulas tailored to these needs. Senior dogs with joint issues or cognitive decline won’t find the glucosamine, chondroitin, or brain-supporting nutrients they need here.
Dogs with serious food allergies or intolerances may also struggle with Open Nature. While the grain-free option eliminates common allergens like wheat and corn, the formulas aren’t truly limited-ingredient, and chicken is a common allergen. If your dog has a diagnosed allergy to chicken, beef, or legumes, Open Nature won’t be a safe choice.
Highly active dogs, working breeds, and performance dogs need higher protein and fat than Open Nature provides. A 24% protein formula is adequate for maintenance, but it’s not enough to support the muscle recovery and energy demands of a dog who runs, works, or trains intensively. For those dogs, look for formulas with 28% protein or higher and 16–20% fat.
Open Nature is a solid, middle-of-the-road option that does what it promises: clean-label ingredients, no artificial additives, and decent nutrition at a reasonable price. It’s a meaningful step up from generic grocery brands like Pedigree or Kibbles ‘n Bits, and it’s more affordable than specialty brands like Blue Buffalo or Wellness. For healthy, adult dogs with no special needs, it’s a practical and reliable choice that’s easy to find and easy on the wallet.
That said, it’s not exceptional. The protein content is adequate but not impressive, the carbohydrate percentage is on the higher side, and the ingredient list includes cost-saving fillers like brewers rice and pea protein. There’s no transparency about sourcing, no published feeding trials, and no functional ingredients like glucosamine or probiotics. If you’re looking for a food that goes beyond the basics—whether that’s higher protein, targeted health support, or ingredient traceability—Open Nature won’t deliver.
Would I buy this for my dog? If I had a healthy, average adult dog with no sensitivities and I was shopping at Safeway anyway, yes—I’d feel comfortable with it. It’s convenient, it’s clean, and it’s unlikely to cause problems. But if I had a puppy, a senior dog, a highly active dog, or a dog with specific health concerns, I’d look elsewhere. And if I was shopping online or at a specialty store, I’d probably spend a bit more for a brand with better transparency, higher protein, or functional ingredients.
Honestly, Open Nature is good enough for many dogs, but it’s not the best value if you’re comparing quality per dollar across all available options. It’s a safe, predictable choice that won’t disappoint, but it also won’t impress. If you’re okay with that—and for a lot of dogs and owners, that’s perfectly reasonable—Open Nature is worth considering. If you want more, keep shopping.
Yes, Open Nature dog food is manufactured in the United States. However, as a private-label brand owned by Albertsons Companies, the specific production facilities and their locations are not publicly disclosed. The food is made by third-party manufacturers under contract, which is standard practice for grocery store private-label brands.
Yes, Open Nature dog food is formulated to meet AAFCO nutrient profiles for adult maintenance, and some formulas like the wet food are labeled for all life stages. However, this compliance is achieved through formulation rather than actual feeding trials. While this meets regulatory requirements, it’s not the gold standard that some premium brands achieve through extensive feeding studies.
Open Nature can work for dogs with mild sensitivities, particularly to grains, since they offer a grain-free Salmon & Chickpea formula. However, it’s not ideal for dogs with serious food allergies. The formulas aren’t truly limited-ingredient, and common allergens like chicken are primary ingredients. If your dog has diagnosed food allergies, you’ll likely need a more specialized, limited-ingredient diet.
Open Nature costs more than generic grocery brands because it uses cleaner ingredients—no by-products, no artificial colors or flavors, and named protein sources like chicken and beef rather than generic meat meals. You’re paying for ingredient quality and the “free from” promise of avoiding over 110 artificial additives. It’s positioned as a step up from conventional grocery kibble.
The dry formulas are designed for adult maintenance only and aren’t appropriate for puppies, who need higher protein, fat, and calories for growth. The wet food Chicken & Vegetable Dinner is labeled for all life stages and could work for puppies, but you’d need to feed significantly more to meet their caloric needs. For puppies, especially large breeds, a puppy-specific formula is recommended.
Open Nature has no documented recalls in the past decade, which is a solid safety record. This suggests that whatever quality control measures are in place at their contract manufacturing facilities are effective at preventing contamination and meeting regulatory standards.
Open Nature’s grain-free formula contains chickpeas, which are legumes that have been part of the FDA’s investigation into a potential link between grain-free diets and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs. While no definitive cause has been established, Open Nature doesn’t publish a statement addressing this concern. If you’re worried about DCM, their grain-inclusive formulas might be a safer choice.
Open Nature is available exclusively at Albertsons-owned grocery stores, including Safeway, Vons, Jewel-Osco, ACME, and other affiliated chains. You won’t find it at pet specialty stores, big-box retailers like PetSmart, or online retailers like Chewy. This limited distribution keeps costs down but reduces convenience compared to widely available brands.
Open Nature is typically $1-$2 less per pound than Blue Buffalo but offers lower protein levels (24% vs. 26-30%) and fewer specialized formulas. Blue Buffalo includes functional ingredients like LifeSource Bits and offers more options for different life stages and health needs. Open Nature is better for budget-conscious owners who want clean ingredients, while Blue Buffalo offers more nutritional density for the extra cost.
Open Nature can work for healthy senior dogs without specific health issues, but it doesn’t offer targeted support for common senior concerns. There’s no glucosamine or chondroitin for joint health, no enhanced antioxidants for cognitive support, and no adjusted protein levels for kidney health. If your senior dog has joint pain, mobility issues, or other age-related concerns, a senior-specific formula from another brand would be more appropriate.
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