One of the more common questions we hear about Open Farm is a simple one: grain-free or ancient grains — which one should I actually be feeding? Open Farm makes both, which is helpful, but it also means you have to make a choice. Here's how to think it through.
What “Grain-Free” Actually Means
A grain-free recipe, like Open Farm's Epic Blend Chicken & Superfood, replaces traditional grains with alternative carbohydrate sources — things like peas, lentils, chickpeas, or sweet potato. It's a common choice for dogs with a diagnosed grain sensitivity, but it's become popular more broadly among owners who simply prefer to avoid grains as a category.
What “Ancient Grains” Actually Means
Open Farm's ancient grains line, which includes their Salmon & Ancient Grains Puppy recipe, takes a different approach. Instead of cutting grains out entirely, it uses non-GMO, gluten-free grains like oats, quinoa, and chia seeds — grains that are generally considered easier to digest and less commonly associated with sensitivities than wheat or corn. It's a middle-ground option: not grain-free, but also not built around the more commonly problematic grains.
The Grain-Free and DCM Question
If you've spent any time researching grain-free dog food, you've probably come across mentions of dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM — a serious heart condition. In 2018, the FDA opened an investigation into a possible link between certain grain-free diets and DCM cases in dogs. It's an important thing to be aware of, but it's also important to understand what the research actually shows so far: the investigation identified a statistical association in some cases, not a proven cause, and no single ingredient or definitive mechanism has been confirmed. Research is ongoing.
What this means practically: it's not a reason to panic if your dog does well on a grain-free diet, but it is a good reason to loop your vet in on the decision — especially if your dog is a breed with any predisposition to heart issues, or if you're on the fence between grain-free and a grain-inclusive option anyway.
So Which One Should You Choose?
A few starting points:
- If your dog has a diagnosed grain sensitivity, grain-free formulas like Epic Blend are worth discussing with your vet.
- If your dog has no known grain issues and you're just choosing based on preference, an ancient grains recipe offers a reasonable middle ground — the digestibility benefits of avoiding wheat and corn, without going fully grain-free.
- If you have any concerns about DCM or your dog's breed has a known predisposition to heart conditions, bring it up with your vet before choosing either direction.
- Puppies and large-breed dogs have their own additional considerations, so factor life stage into the conversation as well.
There's no universally “correct” answer here — it genuinely depends on your individual dog, and that's exactly the kind of decision your vet is best positioned to help with.
Shop Both Lines at The Hungry Puppy
Whichever direction you land on, you can find both Epic Blend (grain-free) and Open Farm's ancient grains recipes as part of our full dog food selection. If you decide to add a freeze-dried Open Farm recipe into the mix as well, remember that freeze-dried orders of $75 or more ship free nationwide, and auto-delivery subscriptions save you 6% on every order.
We've been helping Farmingdale-area pet parents navigate exactly these kinds of food decisions since 1987 — if you want to talk through your dog's specific situation, call us at 732-938-4470.