When shopping for wet dog food, you want something that feels like a meal, not just a gravy topper. Open Farm's Chicken & Grass-Fed Beef Hearty Stew aims to deliver a complete, balanced dinner in a bowl. I tested this stew with my own dogs and dug into the ingredient list to see if it lives up to the brand's transparency promises.
This review covers what's inside the can, how it looks and smells, who it's best for, and a few honest tradeoffs to consider before adding it to your cart.
Ingredients and Sourcing
Open Farm is known for its traceable ingredients, and this stew is no exception. The first ingredient is chicken, followed by chicken broth and grass-fed beef. The beef comes from animals raised without antibiotics or added hormones, and the chicken is certified humane. You'll also find non-GMO veggies like carrots, peas, and sweet potatoes, plus a blend of vitamins and minerals.
One standout is the inclusion of coconut oil and sunflower oil for healthy fats, along with chelated minerals for better absorption. There are no artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors. The stew is grain-free, relying on vegetables for carbohydrates instead of rice or oats.
- First five ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Broth, Grass-Fed Beef, Carrots, Peas
Texture and Palatability
True to its name, this is a hearty stew. The broth is thick but not gelatinous, with visible chunks of meat and soft vegetable pieces. It's not a pâté or a minced loaf—expect a spoonable, chunky texture that even picky eaters seem to enjoy. My medium-sized dog licked the bowl clean, and the aroma is mild and meaty without being overpowering.
If your dog prefers a smoother texture, you might want to mash it slightly. But for dogs who like to chew their food, this stew offers a satisfying mouthfeel. It also works well as a topper for kibble if you want to boost moisture and flavor.
- Tip: Serve at room temperature to enhance aroma for picky eaters.
Nutritional Profile and Feeding Guidelines
This stew is formulated as a complete and balanced meal for adult dogs, meeting AAFCO nutrient profiles. It's high in protein (around 9% crude protein) and moderate in fat (around 5%), with about 78% moisture. That makes it a good choice for dogs who need extra hydration or have kidney issues, but it also means you'll need to feed more volume compared to dry food.
A 13-ounce can provides roughly 350–400 calories, so a 50-pound dog might need about two cans per day if feeding exclusively. For mixed feeding, adjust portions accordingly. The calorie density is lower than many dry foods, so active dogs may need additional calories from other sources.
- Crude Protein: 9% min, Crude Fat: 5% min, Moisture: 78% max
Comparisons and Tradeoffs
Compared to Open Farm's other wet foods like the Icelandic Salmon & Capelin Wet Food for Dogs, this stew is richer in red meat flavor and slightly higher in fat. If your dog needs a leaner option, the salmon recipe might be better. On the other hand, this chicken and beef combo is great for dogs who tolerate poultry and red meat well.
The main tradeoff is price: Open Farm wet food costs more than standard grocery brands. You're paying for certified humane meat, non-GMO veggies, and full ingredient traceability. If you're on a tight budget, you might reserve this for occasional toppers rather than a full-time diet.
- Also consider: Open Farm's Harvest Chicken Freshly Crafted Meatballs for Dogs for a different texture.
Harvest Chicken Freshly Crafted Meatballs for Dogs
Open Farm Chicken & Grass-Fed Beef Hearty Stew is a high-quality wet food that delivers on ingredient transparency and palatability. It's ideal for dogs who enjoy chunky stews and need extra moisture, but the cost and lower calorie density mean it may not suit every budget or activity level. If you value ethical sourcing and a grain-free recipe, this stew is worth trying.
