Open Farm vs Orijen: Which Premium Dog Food Brand Is Worth the Price in Canada?

When Canadian dog owners invest in a premium kibble or high-protein diet for their pets, two brands consistently rise to the top of the conversation: Open Farm and Orijen. Both carry strong reputations, both are widely available across Canada, and both come with price tags that reflect their ingredient quality. But they are built on very different philosophies — and understanding those differences can help you make a smarter, more confident choice for your dog.

This side-by-side comparison of Open Farm vs Orijen dog food in Canada breaks down ingredients, protein sources, formulation approaches, ideal dog profiles, and what real Canadian pet owners should weigh before buying. As of 2026, both brands are available at Ashario Pets' dry dog food selection at 1111A Finch Ave W, Unit 2, North York, ON M3J 2P7, open 9 AM to 11 PM daily, 365 days a year.

Brand Overviews: Where Each Brand Comes From

Understanding who makes the food — and why — helps set context for the ingredient and formulation differences you will find below.

Open Farm: Ethical Sourcing Meets Transparency

Open Farm is a Canadian pet food brand founded on the principle that pet owners deserve to know exactly where their pet's food comes from. Every bag of Open Farm dry dog food includes a batch code that lets you trace the sourcing of each ingredient — down to the specific farms and fisheries involved. The brand uses humanely raised meats, sustainably sourced fish certified by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), and non-GMO fruits and vegetables.

Open Farm's product line includes dry dog food, raw dog food, wet dog food, freeze-dried dog food, and dog food broth, making it one of the more versatile brands in the premium segment. The formulas are designed to be complete and balanced, with a moderate-to-high protein content and a clean ingredient deck that avoids artificial preservatives, colours, and flavours.

Orijen: Biologically Appropriate, Regionally Sourced

Orijen is produced by Champion Petfoods, headquartered in Alberta, Canada. The brand has built its identity around what it calls "biologically appropriate" nutrition — the idea that dogs thrive on diets that closely mirror the prey animals they would consume in the wild. Orijen formulas are characterized by extremely high protein content, a wide variety of whole-prey animal ingredients (including muscle meat, organs, and cartilage), and low carbohydrate levels.

As of 2026, Orijen remains one of the most protein-dense dry dog foods available in Canada. Most formulas derive 85–90% of their ingredients from animal sources, with a much smaller proportion from low-glycemic fruits, vegetables, and botanicals. Orijen does not use grains, potato, or tapioca as primary ingredients, keeping the carbohydrate load low across its entire product line.

If you are weighing Orijen against another Champion Petfoods product, the detailed breakdown in our Acana vs Orijen Dog Food comparison is worth reading alongside this article.

Ingredient Comparison: What Is Actually in the Bag?

For Canadian dog owners focused on ingredient quality, the differences between Open Farm and Orijen come down to sourcing philosophy versus ingredient density.

Open Farm Ingredient Highlights

• Humanely raised, traceable protein sources — chicken, turkey, salmon, lamb, and beef from certified farms
• Sustainably sourced fish — MSC-certified wild-caught fish in relevant formulas
• Non-GMO produce — fruits and vegetables sourced without genetic modification
• No artificial preservatives, colours, or flavours
• Chelated minerals — for improved bioavailability
• Moderate protein content — typically ranging from 28% to 36% crude protein depending on the formula

Orijen Ingredient Highlights

• Whole-prey animal ratios — muscle meat, organs (liver, kidney, tripe), and cartilage included in most formulas
• 85–90% animal ingredients by content — the highest ratio in the mainstream premium kibble category
• Fresh and raw animal inclusions — a portion of the meat in each formula is included fresh or raw, not rendered
• No grains, potato, or tapioca
• Low glycemic fruits and vegetables — pumpkin, butternut squash, kale, and botanicals make up the remaining 10–15%
• High crude protein content — typically 38% or higher across core formulas

Protein Sources and Animal Inclusion: A Key Differentiator

Both brands prioritize animal protein, but the approach differs significantly. Open Farm focuses on the ethics and traceability of its protein sources — you know which farms supplied the chicken or which fishery provided the salmon. Orijen focuses on the biological variety and density of its protein sources — you get multiple animal proteins per formula, including organ meats that are rich in micronutrients.

For dogs that do well on high-protein, multi-protein diets, Orijen's approach may offer a broader nutritional spectrum from animal sources alone. For dog owners who prioritize knowing the provenance of every ingredient and prefer a cleaner, more digestible formula, Open Farm's transparency-first model is a genuine differentiator.

Dogs with known protein sensitivities or food intolerances should be evaluated carefully regardless of brand. Always consult your veterinarian before switching your dog to a significantly higher-protein diet or a new protein source.

Formula Range and Life Stage Options

Both brands offer a range of formulas, but their approaches to life stages and dietary variety differ.

• Open Farm — offers puppy food formulas, adult formulas, and senior-focused options, plus grain-free and ancient grain varieties that give owners more flexibility
• Open Farm — extends across multiple formats: dry dog food, wet dog food, raw dog food, freeze-dried dog food, and dog food broth
• Orijen — offers puppy-specific formulas, adult formulas, and breed-size-specific options including a large breed puppy formula
• Orijen — primarily available in dry dog food format, with freeze-dried treats and toppers that complement the kibble
• Both brands — are grain-free across their core dry food lineups, though Open Farm also offers an ancient grain line as an alternative

If you are looking to supplement your dog's dry food with additional formats, Open Farm's multi-format availability — including raw dog food and wet dog food — gives it an edge for owners who like to rotate or mix feeding styles.

Which Dog Is Each Brand Best Suited For?

There is no universal answer to which brand is "better" — the right choice depends on your individual dog's needs, health status, activity level, and digestive tolerance.

Open Farm May Be the Better Fit If:

• Your dog has a sensitive stomach and benefits from a clean, moderately high-protein formula
• You prioritize knowing the exact origin of every ingredient in your dog's bowl
• You want to feed across multiple formats — mixing dry food with wet, raw, or broth toppers from the same brand
• You prefer a Canadian brand with strong ethical sourcing standards for animals and the environment
• Your dog does well on a diet that includes a small amount of ancient grains for digestive fibre

Orijen May Be the Better Fit If:

• Your dog is highly active, working, or athletic and requires a very high-protein diet to support muscle maintenance
• You want to closely mirror a biologically appropriate diet within a kibble format
• Your dog thrives on diverse animal protein sources including organs and cartilage
• You are transitioning from a raw diet and want a kibble that provides a similar nutritional profile
• Your dog is not prone to sensitivities related to multi-protein formulas

For a broader look at how Orijen fits into the premium Canadian pet food landscape, visit our guide to top pet product brands in Canada.

Price Value: Are Either of These Brands Worth the Cost?

Both Open Farm and Orijen sit in the upper tier of the Canadian premium pet food market. While we do not publish specific pricing — as prices change frequently — it is fair to say that Orijen tends to be priced higher per kilogram than Open Farm, reflecting its higher animal ingredient ratio and fresh/raw inclusion percentage.

Open Farm offers strong value within the premium segment for owners who want ethical sourcing and ingredient transparency without necessarily reaching for the highest protein content available. Orijen offers the highest animal ingredient density available in kibble form, which may justify the premium for very active or protein-demanding dogs.

Both brands can be price-matched at Ashario Pets — visit our price match guarantee page to learn more. You can also check our pet product coupons and promotions page for current deals on both brands.

Where to Buy Open Farm and Orijen in North York

As of 2026, both Open Farm and Orijen are available in-store and for same-day delivery through Ashario Pets at 1111A Finch Ave W, Unit 2, North York, ON M3J 2P7. The store is open 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily, 365 days a year, including holidays. Ashario Pets offers delivery through Uber Eats, DoorDash, SkipTheDishes, Instacart, and Fantuan, so North York residents can have premium dog food delivered directly to their door.

Browse the full range of dry dog food options online or visit the store to speak with the team about which formula suits your dog's specific life stage, breed size, and dietary needs. You can also explore our best pet food for specific needs guide for more personalized recommendations.

Frequently Asked Questions: Open Farm vs Orijen Dog Food in Canada

Is Open Farm or Orijen higher in protein?

Orijen is typically higher in crude protein content, with most formulas at 38% or above. Open Farm formulas generally range from 28% to 36% crude protein. Orijen also includes a higher overall proportion of animal-derived ingredients — approximately 85–90% per formula — compared to Open Farm's more moderate animal inclusion. The right protein level for your dog depends on their age, activity level, and health status; consult your veterinarian if you are unsure.

Are both Open Farm and Orijen grain-free?

Orijen's core dry dog food lineup is entirely grain-free. Open Farm offers both grain-free and ancient grain formulas, giving dog owners more choice depending on their dog's digestive needs. Neither brand uses corn, wheat, or soy as primary ingredients across their premium lines.

Which brand is better for dogs with sensitive stomachs?

Dogs with sensitive stomachs often do better on formulas with a single or limited protein source and a clean, moderately high-protein profile. Open Farm's single-protein and ancient grain options may be gentler for digestively sensitive dogs. Orijen's high animal diversity — including multiple proteins, organ meats, and cartilage — may be harder to tolerate for some sensitive individuals. Always transition slowly between foods and consult your veterinarian for dogs with known digestive issues.

Can I buy both Open Farm and Orijen at Ashario Pets in North York?

Yes. As of 2026, both Open Farm and Orijen are carried at Ashario Pets, located at 1111A Finch Ave W, Unit 2, North York, ON M3J 2P7. The store is open 9 AM to 11 PM daily, 365 days a year, and offers same-day delivery via Uber Eats, DoorDash, SkipTheDishes, Instacart, and Fantuan. You can reach the store at +1-647-564-4433 or browse the full selection at ashariopets.ca.

Is Open Farm a Canadian brand?

Yes, Open Farm is a Canadian pet food brand known for its commitment to ethical sourcing, supply chain transparency, and humanely raised animal ingredients. Orijen is also Canadian, produced by Champion Petfoods in Alberta. Both brands represent the strength of Canada's premium pet food industry and are part of Ashario Pets' curated selection of made in Canada pet products.