Open Farm · Pet Food Bags
Open Farm Grain Free Wild Caught Salmon Dry Dog Food
Lower PFAS risk for dry pet food packaging; standard paper bag construction unlikely to contain legacy PFAS, but routine disclosure is absent.
Open Farm's salmon kibble uses a typical kraft paper bag, a material class with lower historical PFAS use than water/grease-resistant food wraps or treated textiles. However, the brand makes no public statement about PFAS in packaging or ingredients.
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kraft/paper bag with standard internal polymer coating
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Category baseline
food packaging is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement about PFAS in this product.
Safe base material
Made from a material with no inherent PFAS use (ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber).
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Open Farm's dry dog food comes in a kraft paper bag with an internal polymer moisture barrier coating, a standard industry construction for shelf-stable pet foods. The kraft exterior protects against physical damage, while the inner polymer layer (typically polyethylene or polypropylene) prevents moisture ingress that would degrade kibble and create mold risk. This design is chemically inert under normal storage conditions because dry kibble does not activate migration of coating compounds the way hot or fatty foods would in human cookware or packaging.
The brand's record and disclosure
Open Farm does not publicly disclose detailed information about PFAS use in bag coatings or provide independent testing results. The brand markets itself on ingredient quality (wild-caught salmon, grain-free formulation) and holds some third-party certifications (e.g., non-GMO claims), but does not prominently address packaging safety or PFAS avoidance. No major recalls or contamination incidents specific to this product line have been publicly reported. The silent stance on fluorochemicals is typical of mid-market pet food brands and does not indicate a known problem, only lack of proactive transparency.
How it compares in its category
Pet food packaging in kraft-paper-with-polymer-coating format is the industry standard and carries lower PFAS exposure risk than non-recycled fiber or treated cardboard alternatives. Some premium brands (e.g., Primal, Stella & Chewy's) offer compostable or minimal-barrier options, but these increase spoilage risk in humid climates. Open Farm's construction is middle-of-the-road: functionally sound but not at the frontier of reduced-chemical packaging. The lack of explicit PFAS commitment puts it behind brands that have voluntarily disclosed testing or phased out legacy coatings.
If you buy it
Store the bag in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to slow any polymer degradation and maintain kibble freshness; heat and humidity accelerate coating breakdown and can increase leaching risk. Once opened, transfer kibble to an airtight glass or food-grade plastic container if storage will exceed 2 weeks, as the bag's seal is not designed for long-term in-use protection. Inspect the bag interior before use for visible tears, discoloration, or musty odors, any of which signal moisture intrusion or coating compromise. Replace the bag every 2-3 months if stored in the original packaging, or if your dog's coat quality or digestion noticeably declines.
Beyond PFAS: other things we checked
Established hazard classes for this product type, assessed from public information. These never change the PFAS grade; a Likely flag caps the Verdict at “Buy with care.”
Polymer coating leaching into kibble
Dry kibble at room temperature does not activate migration from polyethylene or polypropylene barrier coatings under normal conditions. Risk becomes possible only if bag is stored in heat above 70C (158F) or if coating is visibly degraded; neither is typical in household pet food storage.
Moisture and mold contamination from bag failure
Kraft bags with polymer linings are susceptible to small tears, punctures, or seal failure during shipping or handling, allowing humidity ingress. This leads to mold growth and mycotoxin formation in kibble, a nutritional and gastrointestinal hazard for dogs; visual inspection before purchase and storage in airtight containers mitigates this.
Heavy metals or contaminants in salmon ingredient
Open Farm sources wild-caught salmon and does not publicly report third-party heavy metal or microbial testing of this ingredient. Wild fish can accumulate mercury and lead from environmental sources; no recalls or alerts for this product line have been reported, but testing transparency is absent.
Rancidity and oxidative degradation of fish oils
Salmon-based kibble is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are prone to oxidative rancidity over time, especially in bags exposed to light or heat. Rancid oils reduce digestibility and can cause mild gastrointestinal upset; fresher product and sealed storage in cool conditions minimize this risk.
Allergen cross-contamination during manufacturing
Open Farm does not publicly disclose allergen testing protocols or facility cross-contamination controls for common pet food allergens (wheat, chicken, soy). This is not unusual for the category, but dogs with known food sensitivities may face unlabeled exposure; manufacturer contact before purchase is prudent if allergy history exists.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 72% confidence. It is not a lab result.
No independent PFAS lab test is on record for this exact product. A lab test could move the score in either direction.
The brand has not made a specific, verifiable PFAS-free statement, so part of this score reflects that missing disclosure rather than a confirmed material.
Formulations and coatings change between production runs. Always check the current label before buying.
More pet food bags grades
How we score: every product runs through the same public 0–100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.