As a passionate advocate for cats’ health and well-being, I’m always on the lookout for premium cat food options that combine quality ingredients with ethical sourcing. Open Farm’s Open Prairie Recipe for Cats, also known as the Open Prairie Rawmix cat food, caught my attention, promising a blend of top-notch ingredients designed to nourish our beloved pets while also upholding ethical standards.
Ingredients of Farm Rawmix Open Prairie
G.A.P. Step 2 Chicken, G.A.P. Step 1 Turkey, Menhaden Fish Meal, Peas, Chickpeas, Ocean Whitefish Meal, Herring Meal, Lentils, Coconut oil, Natural flavor, Pumpkin, Sunflower Oil (Preserved with mixed tocopherols), Cranberries, Apples, Dandelion greens, G.A.P. Step 2 Chicken livers, Humanely raised chicken necks, Choline Chloride, Niacin Supplement, Vitamin E supplement, Vitamin A supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Pantothenic acid, Pyrodoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin D3 supplement, Riboflavin supplement, Vitamin B12 supplement, Folic acid, Biotin, Potatoes, Tapioca, Salt, Dried Chicory root, Taurine, Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Copper proteinate, Manganese proteinate, Sodium selenite, Calcium iodate, Organic butternut squash, Organic carrots, Potassium chloride, Organic blueberries, 100% Animal welfare certified Turkey gizzards, Montmorillonite clay, Magnesium sulfate, Miscanthus grass, Chicken bone broth, Flaxseed, Turmeric, Dried Yucca Schidigera, Organic spinach, Organic kale, Organic apple cider vinegar, Organic pumpkin seeds, Organic sunflower seeds, Rosemary extract.
What Stands Out:
With ingredients like “G.A.P. Step 2 Chicken”, and “G.A.P. Step 1 Turkey”, this recipe sets a high standard for cat nutrition as well as poultry raised on family farms with care and respect for animal welfare. “G.A.P.” Stands for Global Animal Partnership. “Step 2” standard means chickens are raised in family farm environments that prioritize gentle handling, ample space, and the freedom to exhibit their natural behaviors. “Step 1” Standard means turkeys are also raised with care and freedom. Turkeys are fed an antibiotic-free and healthy vegetarian diet.
What Caught My Attention in Open Prairie Rawmix Formula
While the inclusion of fiber-rich peas, lentils, and pumpkin for digestive health is commendable, I’ve come across some concerns about certain plant-based ingredients like chickpeas, lentils, and peas. As a cat parent, I know how important it is to consider every aspect of my furry friend’s diet. Cats, being obligate carnivores, have unique dietary needs, and their ability to digest carbohydrates like chickpeas, lentils, and peas differs from other animals. Excessive carbs might not align perfectly with their natural diet, potentially leading to weight gain or other health issues.
However, thanks to insights from petfoodproject.com, I’ve learned that when included in moderation of up to 10% or 15% (the less the better) in the formula, these complex carbohydrates can provide beneficial dietary fiber, supporting digestive health and blood sugar regulation.
What are the Pros & Cons of RawMix Open Prairie Cat Food?
Below, you’ll find a comprehensive list detailing the strengths and weaknesses of Open Farm’s RawMix Open Prairie Cat Food, offering insights into its key attributes and potential drawbacks.
Pros:
- High-Quality Protein Sources: The inclusion of humanely raised turkey and chicken ensures that cats receive the essential protein they need for muscle maintenance and overall health.
- Tasty coating: Kibble is coated with freeze-dried raw and bone broth for better taste.
- Protein Density: Kibble is packed with freeze-dried raw chunks, emulating the cat’s natural diet.
- Ethical Sourcing: Open Farm’s dedication to ethical sourcing means pet owners can feel confident about the origins of the ingredients in their cat’s food.
- Nutritional Balance: With a blend of protein, fats, vitamins, and minerals, the Open Prairie Recipe offers a comprehensive nutritional profile that supports feline well-being.
Cons:
- Concerns about Peas, Chickpeas, and Lentils: The presence of peas, chickpeas, and lentils may not align perfectly with the natural diet of cats, potentially leading to digestive issues or weight gain.
- My cat only wants to eat the freeze-dried chicken pieces: Since the food contains raw freeze-dried chicken, she often leaves the rest of the food in the bowl, eating it reluctantly.
- Price: The premium quality of ingredients may come with a higher price tag compared to some mass-market cat foods, potentially limiting accessibility for some pet owners. It costs $8.88 per pound.
- Limited Availability: While Open Farm products are available online and through select retailers, they may not be as widely accessible as more mainstream brands, which could be inconvenient for some consumers.
Final Thoughts About Open Prairie Cat Food
What drew me to Open Farm’s Open Prairie Recipe, also referred to as the Open Prairie Rawmix cat food, is the quality and transparency of the ingredients and sources, without containing any harmful ingredients on the list. Last year I made an Open Farm Homestead Cat Food Review which I didn’t recommend due to Dicalcium Phosphate content that I don’t like for cat foods. But this formula is different.
Bottom Line
According to my assessment, Open Prairie Rawmix cat food offers a promising choice for pet owners seeking high-quality nutrition for their beloved companions. While it may come with a higher price tag compared to some alternatives, the focus on ethical sourcing and premium ingredients makes it a worthwhile investment for those who prioritize their cats’ health and well-being. I recommend it for healthy and active adult cats. Get this cat food formula on Amazon (affiliate link) ➾ here.
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