Choosing dog food is not just about picking the bag with the best label. I wanted to see how Open Farm and Purina Pro Plan compare in real daily use. For this review, I looked closely at the two exact products tied to the ASINs you gave me. Open Farm Epic Blend uses beef, air-dried meat pieces, probiotics, and bone broth. Purina Pro Plan Sport Small Bites 27/17 uses lamb and rice in a small kibble size. I like that both foods focus on protein, but they take very different paths. Open Farm puts more focus on ingredient sourcing and less processing, while Purina puts more focus on tested nutrition and a long list of food choices. If you want the short answer, I would pick Open Farm for ingredient style, while Purina Pro Plan is my pick for proven daily nutrition and better value.
Open Farm Epic Blend Dog Food Review
My Experience
Open Farm Epic Blend stood out to me right away because it is not a plain bowl of dry kibble. It mixes oven-baked kibble with air-dried meat and organ pieces. The exact product tied to ASIN B0F4RQJHX3 is the beef recipe in an 18-pound bag. It is made for all life stages and all breed sizes.
I like this mix because it gives the bowl more texture. Some dogs may enjoy having soft air-dried pieces mixed with crunchy food. The beef recipe also uses probiotic coating and bone broth. Open Farm says its ingredients are third-party certified and traceable by lot.
Another thing I noticed is the focus on simple food ideas. The recipe uses grass-fed beef and superfoods. It is also made with a less processed approach than standard kibble. That makes it interesting for dog owners who care a lot about where food comes from.
The main issue is the price. This is not the type of food I would choose if my main goal were to keep the weekly food bill low. I also would not switch a dog to it too fast. Any new food should be changed slowly to help avoid stomach upset.
Pros
- I like the mix of crunchy kibble and air-dried meat pieces.
- The beef-first recipe gives the food a clear protein focus.
- I like the traceable ingredient system used by Open Farm.
- The added probiotics give the recipe another point in its favor.
- The food is made for all life stages and all breed sizes.
Cons
- The price is higher than many common dry dog foods.
- The rich mix may not suit every dog.
- The 18-pound bag can cost more to feed over time than a large value bag.
Open Farm Epic Blend Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Open Farm |
| Recipe | Epic Blend High Protein Beef |
| Food Type | Dry dog food |
| Main Protein | Beef |
| Bag Size | 18 lb |
| Life Stage | All life stages |
| Breed Size | All breed sizes |
| Special Features | Air-dried meat, probiotics, bone broth |
| Texture | Kibble with air-dried pieces |
| Best For | Owners who want premium ingredients and varied texture |
The exact product listing identifies the food as an 18-pound beef recipe with dual texture, probiotic coating, bone broth, and use for all life stages.
Is Open Farm Epic Blend Good?
Yes, I think it is a strong choice for the right dog and owner. The mix of kibble and air-dried meat makes it more interesting than plain dry food. I also like that Open Farm puts a lot of effort into showing where its ingredients come from. The beef recipe is made for all life stages, which gives it wide use.
Still, I would not call it the best choice for every home. The cost can add up fast, especially with a large dog. I would also check the full label before buying if your dog has a food issue or needs a special diet. For dogs with health needs, I would ask a vet before making a food change.
My Recommendation
I would choose Open Farm Epic Blend for a dog owner who cares a lot about ingredient sourcing, food texture, and a less processed style. I also like it for owners who are willing to pay more for those points. I would look at other foods first if keeping the monthly cost low is the main goal. If your dog has a health issue or special diet, I would ask your vet before switching. For a healthy dog, this is one of the more interesting premium dry food choices I would consider.
Purina Pro Plan Sport Small Bites 27/17 Review
My Experience
Purina Pro Plan takes a very different route. The product tied to ASIN B005KSNWQG is Pro Plan Sport Small Bites 27/17 Lamb & Rice Formula. It comes in a 37.5-pound bag and uses small pieces for dogs that prefer a smaller kibble size. Real lamb is the first ingredient.
The first thing I like about this food is how clear the main numbers are. It has 27% minimum crude protein and 17% minimum crude fat. The formula also includes glucosamine, EPA, DHA, and live probiotics.
The small kibble shape is another useful point. Some dogs simply do better with smaller pieces. That can make meals less of a chore. I also like the large 37.5-pound bag for homes with bigger dogs or more than one dog.
Purina also has a very wide Pro Plan range. Its current line includes many formulas for different ages, sizes, and needs. That makes it easier to stay with the brand if your dog’s needs change later.
Pros
- I like the small kibble size for dogs that prefer smaller pieces.
- Real lamb is listed first in this recipe.
- The 27% protein and 17% fat levels suit an active-food design.
- Live probiotics are included to support digestive and immune health.
- The large 37.5-pound bag can make feeding more practical for many homes. (Purina)
Cons
- The ingredient list is more traditional than Open Farm’s.
- The large bag may be too much for a very small dog home.
- The higher protein and fat levels may not be right for every dog’s needs.
Purina Pro Plan Small Bites Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Purina Pro Plan |
| Recipe | Sport Small Bites 27/17 Lamb & Rice |
| Food Type | Dry dog food |
| Main Protein | Lamb |
| Bag Size | 37.5 lb |
| Life Stage | All life stages |
| Kibble Style | Small bites |
| Protein | 27% minimum |
| Fat | 17% minimum |
| Added Support | Probiotics, glucosamine, EPA, DHA |
| Best For | Active dogs and homes wanting small kibble |
Purina lists this recipe as complete and balanced for all life stages, including growth of large dogs, and says it is made with small bites, real lamb, live probiotics, glucosamine, EPA, and DHA. (Purina)
Is Purina Pro Plan Small Bites Good?
Yes, I think it is a very practical dog food. The small pieces make it easy to serve to dogs that prefer that shape. The protein and fat levels also give the food a clear active-dog focus. (Purina)
What I like most is the simple daily use. There is no need to add extra meat pieces or mix textures. It is a standard dry food that can fit into a normal feeding routine. The large bag also makes more sense for people who feed bigger dogs.
I would still check the feeding guide and your dog’s body condition. More food is not always better. The right amount depends on age, size, activity, and other factors.
My Recommendation
I would choose Purina Pro Plan Small Bites 27/17 for an owner who wants a well-known dry food with a clear nutrition plan. I especially like it for active dogs and homes that need a large bag. It is also worth a look if your dog prefers small kibble pieces. If you care more about traceable ingredients and a less processed food style, I would compare Open Farm first. For a dog with a medical or diet need, I would still ask a vet before changing food.
Open Farm Dog Food vs Purina Pro Plan: Side-by-Side Comparison
After looking closely at both foods, I found that this is not a simple good-versus-bad fight. Open Farm is built around premium ingredients, traceability, and a mixed texture. Purina Pro Plan is built around a broad nutrition system, small kibble, and a strong focus on active dogs. Both can make sense, but for very different reasons.
Ingredient Style: Open Farm Dog Food vs Purina Pro Plan
Winner: Open Farm — 9.6/10
Open Farm wins this part for me. I like the use of grass-fed beef, air-dried meat pieces, superfoods, and traceable ingredients. The company also says its ingredients are third-party certified.
Purina uses a more traditional recipe with lamb, rice, corn gluten meal, poultry by-product meal, wheat, and other ingredients. That does not make it a bad food. It simply gives the two foods a very different feel on the label.
Protein and Active Nutrition: Open Farm Dog Food vs Purina Pro Plan
Winner: Purina Pro Plan — 9.7/10
Purina gets my vote here because the 27/17 formula gives a very clear protein and fat target. Purina also adds glucosamine, EPA, DHA, and probiotics.
Open Farm also puts a strong focus on protein. Its Epic Blend recipe uses beef and air-dried meat pieces. Still, the Purina formula feels more directly built around active-dog nutrition.
Texture and Kibble Size: Open Farm Dog Food vs Purina Pro Plan
Winner: Open Farm — 9.5/10
Open Farm gives dogs two textures in one bowl. There is crunchy kibble plus air-dried meat pieces. I think that can make meals more interesting for dogs that enjoy different textures.
Purina takes the simpler route with small bites. That is useful for dogs that like smaller pieces, but Open Farm offers more variety in the bowl.
Digestive Support: Open Farm Dog Food vs Purina Pro Plan
Winner: Purina Pro Plan — 9.5/10
Both foods include probiotics. Open Farm uses a probiotic coating and prebiotic fiber in its Epic Blend recipe. Purina uses guaranteed live probiotics in its Small Bites formula.
I give Purina a small edge because the formula has a long history within the Pro Plan nutrition line and clearly states its probiotic support. Still, every dog can react differently to a food.
Value for Money: Open Farm Dog Food vs Purina Pro Plan
Winner: Purina Pro Plan — 9.8/10
This was the easiest category for me. The Purina bag is much larger at 37.5 pounds, while the Open Farm Epic Blend bag tied to the given ASIN is 18 pounds.
If I were feeding a large dog or more than one dog, I would lean toward Purina for the practical side of feeding. Open Farm can still be worth the cost if its ingredient style is important to you.
Performance: Open Farm Dog Food vs Purina Pro Plan
Both foods have strong points, but Purina wins for me in daily nutrition focus. Its 27/17 profile, small bites, and added nutrients make it a clear choice for active dogs. Open Farm feels more special at meal time because of its mixed texture and premium ingredient focus.
Ease of Use: Open Farm Dog Food vs Purina Pro Plan
Purina Pro Plan wins this part. The small bites are simple to scoop and serve. The large bag also works well for regular feeding in a busy home. Open Farm is easy to serve too, but its premium mixed texture makes it feel more like a special food than a basic daily staple.
Value for Money: Open Farm Dog Food vs Purina Pro Plan
Purina Pro Plan is my clear winner for value. The large bag and broad food range make it easier to build a long-term feeding plan. Open Farm costs more, but you are paying for features such as traceability, air-dried pieces, and its ingredient approach.
Overall: Open Farm Dog Food vs Purina Pro Plan
Overall Winner: Purina Pro Plan
After comparing both, I would pick Purina Pro Plan Sport Small Bites 27/17 for most dog owners.
It gives me a strong mix of nutrition, practical feeding, small kibble, and value. It is also made for all life stages and includes live probiotics, glucosamine, EPA, and DHA.
I would pick Open Farm Epic Blend instead if ingredient sourcing, traceability, and food texture matter more to you than price. Its dual-texture recipe is more unique, and its ingredient story is one of its biggest strengths.
FAQs for Open Farm Dog Food vs Purina Pro Plan
Is Open Farm better than Purina Pro Plan?
Not for every dog. Open Farm is my pick for premium ingredient sourcing and traceability, while Purina Pro Plan is my pick for practical daily nutrition and value.
Which dog food has more protein?
The Purina Pro Plan Sport Small Bites recipe has a guaranteed minimum of 27% crude protein. Open Farm Epic Blend is also a high-protein recipe, but the exact nutrition numbers can vary by formula and should be checked on the current bag.
Is Open Farm good for picky dogs?
It may be worth trying for picky dogs because Epic Blend has crunchy kibble mixed with air-dried meat pieces. That gives the bowl more texture than standard kibble. Still, taste is personal for every dog.
Is Purina Pro Plan good for active dogs?
Yes. The Sport Small Bites 27/17 recipe is made for active dogs and has 27% protein and 17% fat. Purina also includes nutrients such as glucosamine and EPA.
Which one is better for a tight budget?
I would choose Purina Pro Plan. The 37.5-pound bag gives you more food in one purchase, which can be useful for larger dogs and multi-dog homes.
Does Open Farm use probiotics?
Yes. The Epic Blend recipe has a probiotic coating and prebiotic fiber. Open Farm says this is part of its focus on gut support.
Does Purina Pro Plan have probiotics?
Yes. The Small Bites 27/17 formula is fortified with guaranteed live probiotics.
Which one should I choose for my dog?
I would start with your dog’s age, size, activity, and food needs. Choose Open Farm if premium sourcing and mixed texture are your top goals. Choose Purina Pro Plan if you want a practical, high-protein food with small bites and a large bag. If your dog has a health problem or needs a special diet, ask your vet before making a change.
Conclusion
After comparing Open Farm Epic Blend and Purina Pro Plan Small Bites 27/17, I would choose Purina Pro Plan for most everyday feeding needs. It gives me better value, a clear 27/17 nutrition profile, small kibble, and added nutrients for active dogs. Open Farm is my better pick for owners who care more about traceable ingredients, premium food choices, and a mixed texture. In the end, I would choose based on your dog’s needs, your budget, and the type of food you feel best feeding every day.