If you’ve ever stood in Safeway’s pet aisle staring at a wall of colorful kibble bags, you’ve probably noticed the quietly confident packaging of Open Nature. Beneath the minimalist mountain-and-paw-print logo lies a promise: real food you can pronounce, priced for real life. In 2025, that promise is more relevant than ever—shoppers want clean labels without the boutique price tag, and cats still need complete nutrition that keeps them out of the vet’s office.
This guide walks you through everything you should know before you toss the next bag into your cart. We’ll decode label language, explore sourcing standards, and unpack cost-saving tricks so you can choose an Open Nature formula that satisfies both your conscience and your cat’s carnivorous cravings.
Top 10 Open Nature Cat Food
Detailed Product Reviews
1. Open Farm, Grain Free Dry Cat Food, High-Protein Kibble for a Complete & Balanced Diet, Non-GMO Fruits & Vegetables, Prebiotic Fibers to Support Digestion, Wild-Caught Salmon Recipe, 4lb Bag
Open Farm, Grain Free Dry Cat Food, High-Protein Kibble for a Complete & Balanced Diet, Non-GMO Fruits & Vegetables, Prebiotic Fibers to Support Digestion, Wild-Caught Salmon Recipe, 4lb Bag
Overview: Open Farm’s grain-free salmon kibble targets health-conscious cat parents who want premium nutrition without mystery ingredients. The 4 lb bag delivers 100 % traceable, wild-caught salmon paired with functional produce like pumpkin and dandelion greens.
What Makes It Stand Out: Full supply-chain transparency—every ingredient is third-party certified and geo-trackable via lot code. The recipe excludes corn, wheat, soy, rendered meals, and artificial additives while still meeting AAFCO completeness.
Value for Money: At $7.50/lb it sits mid-premium, yet you’re paying for audited fisheries, non-GMO produce, and digestive prebiotics that cheaper “salmon” diets simply don’t include.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: sustainable salmon, traceable sourcing, gut-friendly fiber, no poultry by-product meal, resealable bag.
Cons: price climbs quickly for multi-cat homes, kibble size may be large for kittens, strong fish odor.
Bottom Line: If ethical sourcing and ingredient clarity top your list, this bag earns its keep; feed it solo or rotate to keep costs down.
2. Open Farm Canned Cat Food, Paté for Complete & Balanced Nutrition, Grain-Free and Legume-Free Wet Cat Food, Homestead Turkey Recipe, 5.3oz Cans (Case of 12)
Open Farm Canned Cat Food, Paté for Complete & Balanced Nutrition, Grain-Free and Legume-Free Wet Cat Food, Homestead Turkey Recipe, 5.3oz Cans (Case of 12)
Overview: A silky turkey pâté designed for cats that crave moisture-rich meals. The 12-pack arrives as fully balanced entrée or enticing kibble topper, starring humanely raised turkey plus non-GMO superfoods.
What Makes It Stand Out: Legume- and grain-free recipe skips carrageenan, corn, soy, and fillers—rare in mid-priced wet foods—while still offering 100 % ingredient traceability back to partner farms.
Value for Money: $0.56/oz undercuts many “clean” competitors; given the ethical meat and absence of thickeners, the case price is justifiable for rotation feeding.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: smooth texture picky cats accept, single-protein turkey for sensitivities, BPA-free cans, works as meal or mixer.
Cons: pâté can dry out once opened, turkey-only may bore rotation feeders, shipping weight adds up.
Bottom Line: For cats needing hydration or topper variety, this case delivers clean nutrition without gourmet-cat sticker shock—stock one flavor or mix across the Open Farm wet range.
3. Open Farm, RawMix Dry Cat Food, Protein-Packed Kibble Coated in Bone Broth with Freeze Dried Raw Chunks, for Indoor & Outdoor Cats, Chicken & Turkey Grain-Free Recipe, 2.25lb Bag
Open Farm, RawMix Dry Cat Food, Protein-Packed Kibble Coated in Bone Broth with Freeze Dried Raw Chunks, for Indoor & Outdoor Cats, Chicken & Turkey Grain-Free Recipe, 2.25lb Bag
Overview: RawMix bridges the gap between conventional kibble and a raw diet. The 2.25 lb bag combines bone-broth-coated poultry kibble with visible freeze-dried raw chunks of chicken & turkey organs.
What Makes It Stand Out: Whole-prey ratios (meat, organ, bone) are gently freeze-dried to lock in amino acids, then mixed with high-protein kibble for crunch—no separate freezer required.
Value for Money: $8.88/lb is higher than standard kibble, but cheaper than most freeze-dried raw bags; you’re essentially getting two formats in one package.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: animal-welfare-certified poultry, grain-free, raw chunks entice picky eaters, transparent sourcing.
Cons: small bag empties fast with large cats, raw pieces settle—shake bag before scooping, aroma is stronger than baked kibble.
Bottom Line: Curious about raw but not ready for freezer logistics? RawMix lets you test the waters while keeping feeding simple—just budget for more frequent re-orders.
4. I and love and you Naked Essentials Dry Cat Food – Salmon + Trout – Grain Free, Real Meat, No Fillers, Prebiotics + Probiotics, 3.4lb Bag
I and love and you Naked Essentials Dry Cat Food – Salmon + Trout – Grain Free, Real Meat, No Fillers, Prebiotics + Probiotics, 3.4lb Bag
Overview: This playful brand packs 34 % protein into a budget-friendly, 3.4 lb salmon-trout recipe. Grain-free discs are sized for adult jaws and fortified with both pre- and probiotics for digestive support.
What Makes It Stand Out: A holistic veterinarian oversees the formula, and the company refuses all fillers (no corn, soy, rice, or by-product meal) at a price that undercuts most premium competitors.
Value for Money: $4.29/lb lands in the “budget-premium” sweet spot; you’re getting sustainably sourced fish and live probiotics typically reserved for pricier bags.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: high protein, vet-approved additions, small bag stays fresh, company has indie transparency reports.
Cons: only 3.4 lbs means frequent purchases, fish scent is potent, kibble color may stain light floors.
Bottom Line: For cost-aware households that still want grain-free, high-protein nutrition, Naked Essentials punches above its weight—rotate with wet food to cover hydration.
5. Open Farm Wild-Caught Salmon Grain-Free Dry Cat Food, Responsibly Sourced Pacific Salmon Recipe with Non-GMO Superfoods and No Artificial Flavors or Preservatives, 2 lbs, 2 Pound (Pack of 1)
Open Farm Wild-Caught Salmon Grain-Free Dry Cat Food, Responsibly Sourced Pacific Salmon Recipe with Non-GMO Superfoods and No Artificial Flavors or Preservatives, 2 lbs, 2 Pound (Pack of 1)
Overview: A streamlined 2 lb bag delivering the same Ocean Wise-recommended salmon formula as Open Farm’s larger size, ideal for single-cat homes or trial feeding.
What Makes It Stand Out: Every batch uses only wild-caught Pacific salmon—no farmed fish or poultry dilution—backed by the same traceability portal that larger SKUs offer.
Value for Money: $6.05/lb is slightly lower per pound than the 4 lb variant, but the tiny bag keeps upfront cost minimal; great for rotation or allergy testing.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: single-protein for elimination diets, ethical seafood, resealable pouch, no antibiotics or artificial preservatives.
Cons: 2 lbs disappears fast, unit price climbs if you buy multiple small bags, strong marine smell.
Bottom Line: Perfect introduction to Open Farm’s salmon line or for cats with poultry sensitivities; scale up to the 4 lb once acceptance is confirmed.
6. Open Farm, Freeze Dried Raw Cat Food, Complete Meal Morsels or Cat Treats with 92% Meat, Organs & Bone, Chicken & Salmon Recipe, 9oz Bag
Overview: Open Farm’s freeze-dried chicken & salmon morsels deliver a 92 % meat, organs and bone recipe that mimics a cat’s natural prey diet in a convenient 9 oz resealable bag.
What Makes It Stand Out: The brand’s humane sourcing—humanely raised chicken and Ocean-Wise salmon—plus full traceability via lot number give ethical pet parents rare transparency. Gentle freeze-drying locks in flavor without fillers, grains or artificial preservatives, letting you serve nutrient-dense medallions straight or rehydrated.
Value for Money: At $44.43/lb the sticker shock is real, but 2–3 lb of fresh meat goes into every pound of freeze-dry, so you’re paying for concentrated nutrition. Used as a meal mixer a single bag stretches 20+ meals for one average cat, dropping cost per serving below premium canned food.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros—cats genuinely crave the crunchy morsels; coat and stool quality improve quickly; versatile full-meal or topper. Cons—crumbles at bag bottom create pricey “dust”; rehydration takes 3–4 min and impatient kitties may walk away; price prohibits feeding exclusively to multi-cat households.
Bottom Line: If budget allows, this is one of the cleanest, most palatable freeze-dried options on the market. Ideal for rotation feeding or kibble enhancement, not for tight wallets.
7. Open Farm Rustic Blend Wet Cat Food, Complete & Balanced Medley with Human-Grade Ingredients, Humanely-Raised Meat, Non-GMO Veggies & Bone Broth, Harvest Chicken Recipe, 5.5oz Packs (Case of 12)
Overview: Open Farm Rustic Blend is a kettle-cooked, human-grade wet food packaged in twelve 5.5 oz cartons, delivering shredded chicken and non-GMO veggies in a silky bone-broth gravy.
What Makes It Stand Out: Unlike typical “meat in gravy” cans, the ingredients are literally good enough for your own soup—visible carrot, pumpkin and chicken shreds you can ID with a fork. Carton packaging is BPA-free, easy-open and recyclable, eliminating sharp can lids.
Value for Money: $0.57/oz lands it between grocery and boutique canned foods. Given human-grade sourcing and bone-broth inclusion, you’re getting gourmet quality for mid-tier pricing, especially when bought on subscription.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros—cats lap up the broth first, aiding hydration; gentle on sensitive stomachs; transparent ingredient list. Cons—cartons crush if stacked; slightly lower protein (7.5 %) than pâté alternatives; must use within 48 h after opening, wasting half cartons for light eaters.
Bottom Line: A classy, eco-friendly wet food that turns mealtime into a stew-like feast. Perfect for picky or senior cats needing extra moisture, provided you can use the full carton quickly.
8. Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Adult Grain-Free Dry Cat Food, Salmon & Green Pea Recipe, 10 Pound (Pack of 1)
Overview: Natural Balance L.I.D. Salmon & Green Pea dry food offers a single-animal-protein, grain-free recipe in a 10 lb bag aimed at cats with food sensitivities.
What Makes It Stand Out: The “Feed with Confidence” program posts lab results of every batch online—rare accountability in kibble. Limited ingredient list (no corn, soy, eggs, dairy or chicken) reduces allergen exposure while still providing 32 % crude protein.
Value for Money: $4/lb undercuts most limited-ingredient kibbles by 15–20 %, making therapeutic nutrition accessible to multi-cat households.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros—firms up loose stools within a week; noticeably decreases dandruff; resealable bag stays fresh. Cons—pea-heavy formula yields denser stools and slightly more litter-box odor; kibble size is large for kittens; smell of salmon meal is potent straight out of the bag.
Bottom Line: A trustworthy, vet-recommended L.I.D. that balances affordability with allergy management. Great elimination-diet starter or long-term maintenance for sensitive cats.
9. I AND LOVE AND YOU, Cat Food Variety, 3 Ounce, 12 Pack
Overview: “I And Love And You” variety pack delivers twelve 3 oz grain-free pâtés—three each of chicken, turkey, salmon and beef—in playful, easy-peel cups.
What Makes It Stand Out: The brand’s cheeky marketing backs real nutrition: broth-based pâtés with muscle meat as first ingredient, plus added taurine and prebiotic fiber. Cups nestle in recyclable trays, eliminating BPA liners.
Value for Money: $0.44/oz positions it among the cheapest grain-free wet foods, beating even grocery staples once you factor in no-grain fillers.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros—cats love the silky texture; single cups stay fresh without leftovers; smooth transition for kibble addicts. Cons—protein maxes at 9 %, lower than premium pâtés; some formulas contain small bone fragments that crunch; exterior packaging is plastic-heavy.
Bottom Line: A playful, budget-friendly sampler for households wanting to rotate proteins without breaking the bank. Ideal for toppers or multi-cat taste tests, less so as sole diet for obligate-carnivore purists.
10. Open Farm Chicken & Salmon Recipe Freeze Dried Raw Morsels for Cats, 3.5oz
Overview: Open Farm’s 3.5 oz chicken & salmon freeze-dried morsels shrink the same ethical recipe as the 9 oz bag into a travel-size pouch for single-cat households or trial runs.
What Makes It Stand Out: Identical 92 % meat, organs & bone ratio, third-party audited sourcing and full ingredient traceability, now in a pocket-friendly package that fits cup holders and backpack pockets.
Value for Money: $23/lb looks gentler than the bigger bag, but unit price is actually higher; you’re paying for convenience and lower upfront cost. Still, for testers it’s cheaper than wasting a large bag if kitty turns up her nose.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros—perfect for weekend trips; lightweight yet calorie-dense; reseals tightly without leaking dust. Cons—only ~14 tablespoons per pouch, used up in days if fed as full meal; morsels fracture more, yielding 20 % crumb; not economical long-term.
Bottom Line: The ultimate “try before you buy big” option for the discerning cat parent. Stock it as a high-value treat or emergency meal backup, then graduate to the 9 oz if your feline approves.
Why “Natural” Cat Food Matters in 2025
Pet parents are no longer satisfied with vague “premium” claims. They want traceable proteins, regenerative farming stories, and proof that the word “natural” isn’t just marketing pixie dust. In 2025, inflation-weary shoppers also demand affordability, creating a sweet spot that Open Nature aims to fill.
Understanding the Open Nature Brand Philosophy
Open Nature was born inside Albertsons Companies (Safeway’s parent) as a house-label antidote to overpriced specialty brands. The line follows a simple edict: if you wouldn’t cook with it in your own kitchen, it doesn’t go into the bag. That means no artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, or poultry by-product meal—ever.
How Safeway’s Private-Label Strategy Keeps Prices Low
By owning the supply chain from contract manufacturing to shelf placement, Safeway cuts out distributor mark-ups and celebrity marketing budgets. Savings are passed straight to shoppers, often pricing Open Nature 15–25 % below comparable national “natural” labels.
Decoding “Natural” on Cat Food Labels
AAFCO allows “natural” if ingredients are derived from plant, animal, or mined sources without synthetic chemistries. The loophole? Synthetic vitamins are still permitted, so read the fine print. Open Nature adds only chelated minerals and taurine—both essential for feline health and AAFCO-compliant.
Protein Sources: From Cage-Free Chicken to Wild-Caught Salmon
Look for named species rather than generic “meat meal.” Open Nature rotates between cage-free poultry, ocean-caught whitefish, and grass-fed lamb. Each protein carries a different amino-acid profile; rotating flavors can reduce food sensitivities over time.
Grain-In vs. Grain-Free: What Science Says in 2025
The FDA’s 2018–2022 DCM probe scared many away from legume-heavy grain-free diets, but subsequent peer-reviewed studies show no causal link when taurine levels are adequate. Open Nature offers both grain-inclusive (oatmeal, brown rice) and grain-free (lentil, pea) lines fortified with supplemental taurine, letting you match your vet’s advice to your cat’s taste preference.
Life-Stage Nutrition: Kitten, Adult, and Senior Considerations
Kittens need 1.5× the calories and twice the calcium of adults. Open Nature kitten recipes push 4,100 kcal ME/kg and 1.1 % calcium. Seniors benefit from added glucosamine; the brand’s mature formulas sneak in 400 mg/kg to cushion aging joints without advertising it like a pricey therapeutic diet.
Wet Food vs. Dry Food: Moisture Math for Urinary Health
A cat on dry food alone consumes ~10 % moisture versus 78 % in canned. That difference can tip the scales toward crystals and vet bills. If budget limits you to mostly kibble, add a daily 3-oz wet pouch—Open Nature’s wet line runs about $0.79 per pouch in most Safeway regions, cheaper than many prescription hydration toppers.
Identifying Fillers and Sneaky Additives
“Fillers” aren’t inherently evil—beet pulp feeds gut bacteria—but they shouldn’t crowd out protein. Scan the first five ingredients: if two grains precede the first animal protein, keep shopping. Open Nature typically lists a named meat first, followed by a modest inclusion of whole grains or legumes.
Sustainability Claims: Do They Hold Up?
The brand’s 2025 sustainability report cites 100 % responsibly sourced salmon via the Alaska Responsible Fisheries Management program. Chicken suppliers are certified by the Global Animal Partnership Step 2, meaning enriched environments and no cages. While not carbon-neutral, the supply chain is audited annually by NSF—something many budget brands still skip.
Price Breakdown: Cost per Day for a 10-lb Cat
Using AAFCO feeding charts, a 10-lb adult needs ~250 kcal daily. Open Nature dry averages 4,000 kcal/kg; that’s 62.5 g or 1/2 cup per day. A 12-lb bag retails around $24.99, translating to $0.65 per day—roughly half the cost of boutique “human-grade” labels touting similar ingredient decks.
Reading Guaranteed Analysis Like a Nutritionist
Protein, fat, fiber, and moisture are minimums or maximums, not exacts. To compare dry vs. canned, convert both to a dry-matter basis: divide the nutrient % by (100 % – moisture %). Example: a wet food boasting 10 % protein with 78 % moisture actually delivers 45 % protein on dry matter—higher than many kibbles.
Transitioning Your Cat Without Tummy Drama
Cats are creatures of routine. Swap diets over 10 days: 25 % new on days 1–3, 50 % on days 4–6, 75 % on days 7–9, 100 % on day 10. If stools turn soft, pause the increase for 48 hours. Open Nature’s uniform kibble shape aids acceptance because mouthfeel stays consistent across flavors.
Common Allergens and Limited-Ingredient Options
Beef, dairy, and fish top the feline allergen list. Open Nature’s Limited Ingredient Diet line pares proteins to a single animal source and excludes eggs, corn, soy, and dairy. Bonus: the LID bags carry a teal banner, making emergency store runs idiot-proof when your partner is texting “which bag???” from aisle 7.
Storage Tips to Preserve Nutrient Integrity
Poly-lined bags block oxygen but only if you reseal them. After opening, squeeze out excess air and clip shut. For summer humidity, decant 3–4 days’ worth into a stainless bin and leave the rest in the original bag inside your freezer—yes, the freezer. Cold storage halts oxidation of chicken fat and preserves vitamin potency for up to six months.
Vet’s Take: When Natural Isn’t Enough
“Natural” doesn’t mean therapeutic. Cats with CKD need phosphorus below 0.5 % on a dry-matter basis—lower than any over-the-counter recipe. Likewise, diabetic cats may benefit from sub-10 % starch, something even the best grocery brand can’t guarantee. Always loop in your vet when symptoms (excess thirst, weight loss, urinating outside the box) appear.
Coupons, Loyalty Apps, and Stacking Savings
Safeway’s Just for U app frequently drops $3-off digital coupons on Open Nature. Stack with a manufacturer’s coupon from the Sunday insert (yes, they still exist) and pay with a grocery rewards credit card for an effective 20 % discount. Buying two 12-lb bags during a BOGO event drops cost per day below $0.45—even cheaper than warehouse-club house brands.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Open Nature cat food complete and balanced for all life stages?
Yes, every recipe meets AAFCO profiles for either growth, maintenance, or all life stages as printed on the label.
2. Has Open Nature ever been recalled?
No recall history exists as of June 2025, according to FDA and AVMA databases.
3. Can I feed Open Nature to my diabetic cat?
While formulas are low-glycemic, exact starch levels aren’t published; consult your vet before switching.
4. Where is Open Nature cat food manufactured?
All dry food is made in Kansas and Nebraska facilities certified under SQF Level 3; wet pouches are produced in Utah.
5. Does the brand offer a satisfaction guarantee?
Yes, Safeway’s “100 % taste guarantee” allows a full refund—even if the bag is half gone.
6. Are probiotics added to Open Nature kibble?
Some formulas include dried Bacillus coagulans at 1×10^5 CFU/g; check the ingredient panel for confirmation.
7. Is fish oil in Open Nature sustainable?
Salmon oil is sourced from MSC-certified Alaskan fisheries; tuna by-product meal is not used.
8. How do I know if my cat is allergic to a specific protein?
Try a limited-ingredient diet for 8–12 weeks with vet supervision, then challenge with the old protein to watch for symptoms.
9. Can I rotate flavors within the Open Nature line?
Yes, gradual rotation every few months can reduce picky eating and diversify amino-acid intake.
10. Where can I buy Open Nature if I don’t live near a Safeway?
The brand ships nationwide via Albertsons’ Instacart-powered “FreshPass” delivery, often with waived fees for orders over $30.