If you’ve ever stood in the feed aisle at Farm and Fleet and wondered why one bag of dog food costs twice as much as the one right next to it—or whether the “exclusive” label actually means anything—you’re not alone. Between proprietary blends, rotating seasonal formulas, and buzzwords that change faster than Midwest weather, choosing the right fuel for your four-legged partner can feel like a second job. The good news? A little insider knowledge goes a long way toward decoding labels, spotting marketing fluff, and walking out with a bag that keeps your dog’s coat glossy, stools firm, and wallet intact.
Below, we’ve unpacked everything you need to know before you grab that 40-lb sack—whether you’re feeding a couch-potato Pug or a barn-hunting Border Collie who never met a fence she couldn’t clear. Think of this as your field guide to Farm and Fleet’s canine cuisine landscape in 2025: no rankings, no favorites, just straight talk on what matters most when the clerk asks, “Will that be all for you today?”
Top 10 Farm And Fleet Dog Food
Detailed Product Reviews
1. Open Farm, RawMix Dry Dog Food with Ancient Grains, Protein-Packed Kibble Coated in Bone Broth with Freeze Dried Raw Chunks, Chicken & Turkey, Open Prairie Recipe, 3.5lb Bag
Overview: Open Farm’s RawMix Open Prairie Recipe bridges the gap between conventional kibble and full raw feeding. A 3.5-lb bag combines humanely-raised chicken & turkey, bone-broth-coated kibble, and visible freeze-dried raw chunks for a textural experience most dogs devour on first sniff.
What Makes It Stand Out: The brand’s trace-everything promise—scan the lot code and see the exact farm that grew the oats or raised the turkey—gives owners rare supply-chain visibility. The whole-prey ratios (meat, organ, bone) mirror ancestral diets without requiring freezer space.
Value for Money: At $8.00/lb you’re paying boutique prices, but you’re getting three products in one: high-protein kibble, bone-broth topper, and freeze-dried treats. Comparable raw mixes run $10–12/lb, so the sticker shock is milder than it appears.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Dogs relish the dual texture; stools stay small and firm thanks to 30% protein and low glycemic grains. The 3.5-lb bag empties fast with medium dogs, and the resealable strip sometimes fails after the third open, letting freeze-dried nuggets go stale.
Bottom Line: A stellar gateway into raw-enhanced feeding for single-dog households or small breeds willing to pay for ethical sourcing and visible raw pieces.
2. Stella & Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Raw Dinner Patties – Beef Recipe – High Protein Grain-Free Puppy & Dog Food – Perfect For Picky Eaters – 14 oz
Overview: Stella & Chewy’s Beef Dinner Patties deliver freeze-dried raw nutrition in a 14-oz pouch that doubles as emergency food, topper, or high-value training treat. Just crumble or add water for a complete meal that satisfies picky eaters and allergy-prone pups alike.
What Makes It Stand Out: The 95% grass-fed beef & organs formula skips grains, gluten, fillers, and artificial anything, yet remains AAFCO-complete for all life stages—rare in the freeze-dried aisle. Organic berries and probiotics round out the bowl.
Value for Money: $41.13/lb looks astronomical until you realize one 14-oz bag rehydrates to 3.5 lbs of fresh food, dropping the real cost to ~$11.75/lb—on par with refrigerated raw but shelf-stable for 18 months.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Palatability is off the charts; even chemo patients lick the bowl clean. The uniform patty shape portions easily, yet crumbles into powder if shipped carelessly—expect 10% “dust” that still works as topper. Rehydration takes five minutes, not ideal for impatient dogs.
Bottom Line: A must-have pantry staple for finicky, allergic, or traveling dogs; budget-conscious households should reserve it for rotation or topper use rather than sole diet.
3. Open Farm, Ancient Grains Dry Dog Food, Protein-Rich & Nutrient Dense, 90% Animal Protein Mixed with Non-GMO Fruits, Veggies and Superfoods, Grass-Fed Beef Recipe, 22lb Bag
Overview: Open Farm’s 22-lb Ancient Grains Beef recipe is the brand’s answer to legume-free feeding, marrying 90% animal protein from grass-fed beef with tummy-friendly oats, quinoa, and chia. The result is a moderate-calorie kibble suited for seniors, less-active adults, and dogs with potato sensitivities.
What Makes It Stand Out: Ethical sourcing meets digestive science—ancient grains provide soluble fiber that steadies stool quality without the glycemic spike of white rice. The recipe is pea, lentil, and potato-free, aligning with current DCM research preferences.
Value for Money: $0.26/oz translates to $4.16/lb, landing in the premium-but-sensible bracket between grocery kibble and boutique freeze-dried. Given the 22-lb yield and transparent sourcing, cost per feeding rivals “grain-free” diets that rely on cheaper legumes.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Coat gloss and stool consistency improve within two weeks; the kibble’s earthy aroma appeals to most dogs, though some find it less exciting than chicken-based formulas. The large bag lacks a zip seal—plan on a dedicated vat.
Bottom Line: An excellent everyday diet for households prioritizing ethical meat, stable digestion, and legume avoidance without breaking the bank.
4. Open Farm, RawMix Grain-Free Dry Dog Food, Protein-Packed Kibble Coated in Bone Broth with Freeze Dried Raw Chunks, Beef Pork & Lamb, Front Range Recipe, 20lb Bag
Overview: Open Farm’s 20-lb RawMix Front Range Recipe piles grass-fed beef, pasture-raised pork, and lamb into a grain-free, bone-broth-coated kibble studded with freeze-dried raw chunks. It’s the brand’s most protein-dense offering at 38% crude protein, aimed at active dogs and raw-curious owners.
What Makes It Stand Out: Multi-species red-meat blend delivers varied amino acid profiles and natural heme iron, while the inclusion of raw organs mimics whole-prey ratios. Like all Open Farm diets, every ingredient is traceable to a certified-welfare farm.
Value for Money: $5.65/lb is steep for kibble, but you’re purchasing 20 lbs of effectively two products: performance kibble plus a 2-lb pouch of freeze-dried raw. When compared separately, raw chunks retail for $12/lb, netting the kibble itself around $4.50/lb—reasonable for the quality tier.
👎 Cons
- Can pad couch-potato waistlines. Freeze-dried pieces settle—top third of the bag is raw-heavy
- Bottom third nearly bare—so shake before scooping
Bottom Line: Best suited for sporting, working, or multi-dog homes that burn calories and value red-meat diversity; portion carefully for less-active companions.
5. Open Farm, Grain-Free Dry Dog Food, Complete & Balanced Kibble, Sustainably & Ethically Sourced Ingredients, Non-GMO Veggies & Superfoods to Support Overall Health, Grass-Fed Beef Recipe, 22lb Bag
Overview: Open Farm’s classic Grain-Free Beef kibble in a 22-lb bag strips the diet to muscle meat, organs, non-GMO produce, and superfoods while eliminating grains, legumes, potatoes, soy, corn, and wheat. It’s the brand’s original high-protein, moderate-fat formula for everyday adult maintenance.
What Makes It Stand Out: The recipe achieves 30% protein without peas or lentils by using beef, pork meal, and herring meal—an ocean-sourced boost of omega-3s that supports skin and coat. Coconut oil and pumpkin add gentle fiber for consistent stools.
Value for Money: $4.54/lb positions this as Open Farm’s most economical grain-free option, undercutting boutique competitors like Orijen and Taste of the Wild’s Prey line while still offering full ingredient traceability.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Dogs transition easily thanks to single-source red meat and low ash content; stools are small and low-odor. The kibble size is medium-large, so tiny breeds may struggle. Because it’s not the RawMix version, picky dogs sometimes leave the bowl unfinished without a topper.
Bottom Line: A solid, ethically sourced grain-free staple for cost-aware owners who want legume avoidance and transparent sourcing without paying for freeze-dried extras.
6. Open Farm, RawMix Freeze Dried Raw Morsels, Dog Food Topper & Mixer, High Protein & Bone Broth Infused with 95% Real Meat, Organs & Bones, Tide & Terrain Recipe with Beef, Salmon & Pollock, 13.5oz Bag
Overview: Open Farm RawMix Freeze-Dried Raw Morsels transform ordinary kibble into a nutrient-dense feast. This 13.5oz bag combines 95% grass-fed beef, wild-caught salmon, and pollock with organs, bones, and bone broth for a protein-packed topper that picky dogs devour.
What Makes It Stand Out: The freeze-drying process preserves raw nutrition without refrigeration, making it incredibly convenient. The bone broth infusion adds irresistible flavor while boosting joint health. Every ingredient is 100% traceable, from pasture to bowl.
Value for Money: At $2.89/ounce, it’s premium-priced but justifiable given the human-grade ingredients and labor-intensive freeze-drying process. One bag significantly enhances 15-20 meals, making it cost-effective for rotational feeding.
👎 Cons
- The high protein content may be too rich for some dogs
- And the price point excludes budget-conscious owners
Bottom Line: This topper delivers exceptional nutrition and palatability for discerning dogs. While expensive, it’s worth every penny for transforming mealtime into a raw-fed experience without the mess or safety concerns of fresh raw food.
7. Open Farm, Digestive Health Dog Food, Veterinarian Formulated Easily Digestible Formula with Probiotics for Dogs, Wild-Alaskan Pollock & Oatmeal Recipe, 22lb Bag
Overview: Open Farm’s Digestive Health formula offers a gentle solution for sensitive stomachs. This 22lb bag features wild Alaskan pollock as the primary protein, combined with oatmeal and a comprehensive gut health blend including pre, pro, and postbiotics.
What Makes It Stand Out: The veterinarian-formulated recipe excludes common irritants like poultry, corn, wheat, soy, and legumes. The triple-action probiotic system supports digestive health beyond basic kibble, making it ideal for dogs with chronic digestive issues.
Value for Money: At $0.27/ounce, it’s reasonably priced for a specialty digestive formula. The 22lb bag provides excellent value for multi-dog households or large breeds requiring consistent digestive support.
👎 Cons
- Some picky eaters find the fish-forward flavor less appealing than traditional proteins
Bottom Line: This specialized formula delivers on its digestive promises without breaking the bank. It’s an excellent choice for dogs with sensitive systems, though flavor-picky dogs might need a gradual transition period.
8. Open Farm, Air Dried Dog Food Infused with Bone Broth, Grain & Legume Free, Complete Meal or Food Topper, Harvest Chicken Recipe, 2lb Bag
Overview: Open Farm’s Air-Dried Harvest Chicken offers jerky-like nutrition in convenient form. This 2lb bag delivers 90% chicken, organs, and superfoods through gentle air-drying, creating a versatile meal or topper that’s grain and legume-free.
What Makes It Stand Out: The air-drying process creates a unique texture dogs love while preserving nutrients better than traditional kibble. Bone broth infusion adds palatability and joint-supporting collagen without artificial enhancers.
Value for Money: At $1.47/ounce, it’s positioned between kibble and freeze-dried options. The nutrient density means smaller serving sizes, making the 2lb bag surprisingly economical for topping or small-breed complete feeding.
👎 Cons
- The premium price limits regular use for large breeds
- And some pieces can be quite hard for senior dogs
Bottom Line: This air-dried option bridges the gap between kibble and raw feeding beautifully. It’s perfect for small breeds, training treats, or rotational feeding, though large dogs will require significant investment for complete meals.
9. Open Farm, Epic Blend High Protein Dry Dog Food, Probiotic Coated & Bone Broth Infused Kibble with Air Dried Meat & Organs, Minimally Processed & Nutrient Dense, Beef & Superfood Recipe, 18lb Bag
Overview: Open Farm’s Epic Blend revolutionizes dry food with its dual-texture formula. This 18lb bag combines oven-baked kibble with air-dried meat pieces, creating a high-protein meal that’s probiotic-coated and bone broth-infused for maximum nutrition and palatability.
What Makes It Stand Out: The innovative texture combination eliminates the need for separate toppers while providing varied mouthfeel. The probiotic coating ensures every bite supports digestive health, not just the first few pieces like mixed-in probiotics.
Value for Money: At $6.94/lb, it’s premium-priced but eliminates the need for separate toppers. The 18lb bag offers better value than smaller specialty bags, making it feasible for multi-dog households.
👎 Cons
- The air-dried pieces settle during shipping
- Creating inconsistent distribution throughout the bag
Bottom Line: This all-in-one solution justifies its premium price by combining kibble convenience with raw food appeal. It’s ideal for picky eaters and busy owners who want enhanced nutrition without the topper hassle.
10. Open Farm Goodbowl, Oven-Baked Small Batch Dry Dog Food – Grass-Fed Beef & Brown Rice Recipe, Includes Non-GMO Produce & Grains, 3.5lb Bag (56oz Bag)
Overview: Open Farm Goodbowl offers small-batch, oven-baked nutrition in an accessible format. This 3.5lb bag features grass-fed beef and brown rice, combined with non-GMO produce for a gently processed, highly digestible meal.
What Makes It Stand Out: The small-batch oven baking creates a unique texture and enhanced digestibility compared to extruded kibble. The simplified ingredient list appeals to owners seeking transparency without the premium of raw or freeze-dried options.
Value for Money: At $5.71/lb, it’s competitively priced for a premium baked kibble. The 3.5lb bag size prevents waste while allowing dogs to experience small-batch quality without large bag commitment.
👎 Cons
- The smaller bag size means more frequent purchases for regular feeding
Bottom Line: Goodbowl delivers artisanal quality at an approachable price point. It’s perfect for trying Open Farm’s quality or for small breeds, though larger dogs will require frequent repurchasing for complete meals.
Why Farm and Fleet Shoppers Care About Dog Food Differently
Midwest pet owners live at the intersection of practical and passionate. You probably know your dog’s grand-sire’s hip scores, but you also know the price of diesel per gallon this week. That mindset—equal parts data-driven and budget-conscious—shapes how brands court you. Farm and Fleet buyers reward transparency, demand multi-dog discounts, and expect formulations that can pivot from duck-hunting season to sub-zero winters without missing a beat. In short, you want a bag that works as hard as you do.
Exclusive vs. National Brands: Understanding the Shelf Strategy
Walk the pet aisle and you’ll notice two distinct footprints: “Only-at-Farm-and-Fleet” exclusives and household-name nationals. Exclusives often arrive through co-pack partnerships—Farm and Fleet specifies protein levels, omits certain fillers, and slaps on a private-label logo. Nationals, meanwhile, bank on decades of R&D and nationwide recall infrastructure. Neither approach is inherently superior; the magic is in matching the supply-chain model to your risk tolerance, ingredient philosophy, and coupon drawer.
Protein First: How to Read the Guaranteed Analysis Panel
The GA panel is your nutrition résumé. Look past the billboard on the front and flip the bag over. The first nutrient listed is crude protein, expressed as a minimum percentage. But “minimum” is a floor, not a target. A 26 % protein formula can be 26.9 % or 34 % and still legally print 26 %. If you rotate between performance and maintenance seasons, ask the manufacturer for the typical analysis—that extra 8 % can be the difference between muscling through a hunt test or tapping out at the third mark.
Grain-Inclusive vs. Grain-Free: Science, Trends, and DCM Conversations
The FDA’s 2018 dilated cardiomyopathy alert still echoes, but the science has evolved. Grain-free isn’t the bogeyman; the issue is boutique exotic proteins paired with high legume loadings that can taurine-starve sensitive lines. Conversely, modern grain-inclusive diets use low-ash oats, barley, and even ancient millet to deliver steady glucose and prebiotic fibers. If your dog’s lineage includes Dobermans, Boxers, or Irish Wolfhounds, request a diet with validated methionine and cystine levels—regardless of which side of the grain fence you land on.
Life-Stage Targeting: Puppy Growth, Adult Maintenance, Senior Mobility
AAFCO profiles are minimum standards, not optimal targets. Large-breed puppies, for example, need 1.2–1.4 % calcium on a dry-matter basis—too much and you invite orthopedic chaos; too little and you risk growth plate deformation. Senior formulas, meanwhile, should drop total calories by 10–15 % while adding 800 mg/kg glucosamine equivalents. If the bag claims “All Life Stages,” peek at the calorie density: anything north of 400 kcal/cup is a red flag for spayed adults who’d rather nap than retrieve.
Activity-Based Formulations: From Couch Companion to Field Trial Athlete
Working dogs burn fat first, then glycogen, then protein. A sled dog in January can scarf 10 000 kcal/day, but a house pet on the same diet will balloon like a feed sack in the rain. Look for interchangeable lines within a brand—same protein source, different fat-to-protein ratios. That way you can slide from 28/18 performance to 24/14 active maintenance without triggering GI protest. Bonus points if the brand publishes digestibility coefficients; anything above 85 % means less backyard cleanup for you.
Ingredient Sourcing: Local Midwest Supply Chains vs. Import Reliance
Corn grown within 100 miles of the mill is fresher, tests lower for vomitoxin, and supports regional farmers. Chicken meal shipped from Southeast Asia may save pennies, but it also adds carbon miles and potential contamination windows. Ask for a country-of-origin statement; reputable brands email it within 24 hours. If the response is cagey, that silence is your answer.
Decoding Marketing Terms: Natural, Holistic, Human-Grade, and Ranch-Raised
“Natural” simply means no synthetic preservatives—nothing more. “Holistic” has zero legal definition. “Human-grade” only applies if the entire facility is USDA-inspected for human food, a standard most pet plants can’t afford. And “ranch-raised” protein? Unless the brand owns the ranch and publishes third-party welfare audits, treat it as poetry, not promise.
Price Per Serving: Why the Cheapest Bag Can Be the Most Expensive Feed
A $44 bag at 350 kcal/cup costs more per day than a $59 bag at 450 kcal/cup once you normalize for energy. Add in poop volume (high-ash diets waste 30 % more nutrients) and you’re buying fertilizer instead of nutrition. Do the math: (bag price ÷ kcal per bag) × daily kcal requirement = true daily cost. Suddenly that “premium” option drops below the budget pick.
Kibble Size, Shape, and Density: Dental Health & Palatability Factors
Extruder die shape affects tartar scraping. A hollow-back “X” kibble delivers 18 % more tooth contact than a solid sphere. Density matters too—air-filled pieces crumble and leave oily dust at the bottom of the bin, encouraging picky eaters to hunger-strike. If you run Labrador-sized dogs alongside Shelties, look for brands that offer medium-cut options so you’re not juggling two SKUs.
Specialty Diets: Limited Ingredient, Weight Management, Sensitive Skin
Limited-ingredient diets (LID) aren’t just fewer items; they’re single-animal, single-carb matrices with 3–5 total components. Weight-management formulas should cut fat to 7–9 % but raise total dietary fiber above 10 % to trigger ileal brake satiety signals. For skin support, seek 0.5 % total omega-3 (DHA+EPA) on a dry-matter basis—anything less is a coat conditioner, not a therapy.
Sustainability & Packaging: Recyclable Bags, Upcycled Ingredients, Carbon Footprint
Mono-layer polyethylene bags are curb-side recyclable in most Midwest counties. Multi-layer foil laminates aren’t, but they offer 18-month oxygen barrier—crucial for fish-based diets. Some brands now partner with local breweries to swap spent grain, trimming both landfill waste and ingredient cost. Ask whether the mill uses renewable power; wind-sourced electricity knocks roughly 12 % off the carbon ledger for a 30-lb bag.
Loyalty Programs, Rebates, and Farm and Fleet’s In-House Credit Perks
Farm and Fleet’s “Insider” app stacks manufacturer coupons on top of store discounts—something big-box competitors can’t always do. Spring rebate season (March–April) historically offers $5–$7 back per 30-lb bag, and the store card adds another 3 % in points. Time your purchase with bulk horse-feed orders and you’ll hit free-shipping thresholds that apply to dog food as well.
Storage & Shelf Life: Keeping Kibble Fresh in Humid Barns and Tight Quarters
Oxidation ramps up at 100 °F, common in metal outbuildings come July. Vacuum-sealing 5-day portions into Mylar with 300 cc oxygen absorbers keeps peroxide values below the rancidity threshold for 12 weeks. If you’re buying 50-lb sacks for multiple dogs, invest in a food-grade drum with a gamma-seal lid; it pays for itself after two prevented mold events.
Transition Protocols: Preventing GI Upset When Rotating Proteins or Formulas
The old 7-day switch (25 % increments) still works—for average dogs. For those with Iron guts, move to a 3-day protocol: 50/50 for two meals, then full swap. Conversely, dogs with a history of colitis need 14 days and a probiotic bridge. Keep a fecal-scoring chart (1–7 scale) and revert one step if you drop below 3 or rise above 5.
Red-Flag Recalls & Quick Label Checks Before You Leave the Store
Scan the lot code with your phone right in the aisle. FDA recall data hits the web before store clerks get memos. Check for “Mycotoxin tested” stamps if you feed corn-inclusive diets, and verify the “Best By” date is at least 10 months out—retailers sometimes deep-discount short-dated stock. If the seal ring is popped or the bag feels oily, walk away; rancid fat can trigger pancreatitis faster than you can say “checkout.”
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does Farm and Fleet price-match online retailers for dog food?
Yes, provided the competitor is an authorized dealer and the SKU is identical—third-party sellers on mega-marketplaces don’t qualify.
2. How do I know if my dog needs grain-inclusive or grain-free?
Look at breed risk (DCM-sensitive lines), taurine test results, and stool quality rather than marketing. Consult your vet for bloodwork if you see fatigue or arrhythmia.
3. Are exclusive brands lower quality than national names?
Not necessarily. Many are co-packed in the same USDA-inspected facilities; the difference lies in proprietary specs and shorter supply chains, not inherent quality.
4. Can I return an open bag if my dog refuses to eat it?
Farm and Fleet accepts returns within 30 days with receipt—even open bags—making trial-and-error less risky.
5. What’s the safest way to switch flavors within the same brand?
Stay within the same protein family (e.g., chicken to turkey) and follow a 3-day transition; cross-family moves (chicken to salmon) warrant a 7-day swap.
6. Do senior dogs need senior food, or is portion control enough?
Senior formulas add joint support and cut calories; if your vet approves, you can keep an adult diet but reduce volume 10 % and add a standalone glucosamine supplement.
7. How cold is too cold to store kibble in an unheated barn?
Freezing temps won’t harm nutrients, but condensation when you bring the bag indoors can create mold hotspots. Portion into smaller airtight bins before winter.
8. Is “crude protein” the same as “digestible protein”?
No. Crude protein measures nitrogen, including non-amino-acid sources like feathers. Ask for amino-acid profiles if you’re feeding performance dogs.
9. Can I mix kibble with raw food?
Yes, but treat it as a formulation change—raw raises gastric pH, so separate meals by at least 6 hours or use a commercial pre-balanced raw to avoid nutrient clashes.
10. How long does a 30-lb bag last for a 50-lb dog?
At 3 cups/day (≈900 kcal) and 4 cups per pound, expect 40 days—sooner if you train with kibble rewards. Re-evaluate cost per day accordingly.