Top Dry Dog Foods Reviewed: Stella & Chewy’s vs Open Farm & ILY

Hey there! It’s always exciting to find the perfect food for your furry best friend, isn’t it? With so many options available, it can feel a bit overwhelming to make the right choice. Today, we’re going to chat about four popular dog food products: Stella & Chewy’s Wild Red Raw Coated Kibble Dry Dog Food, “I And Love And You” Naked Essentials Dog Food, and Open Farm Ancient Grains Dry Dog Food. Each has its unique flair, and we’re going to break them down to see which might be the best fit for your pup.

Dog food has evolved dramatically over the years. Long gone are the days when commercial dog food meant nothing more than dry pellets with basic nutrients. Today’s dog foods are crafted with real, high-quality ingredients and tailored to meet specific dietary needs. Many brands are focusing on raw-coated, grain-free, and humanely-raised meat recipes to provide optimal health benefits for your pets. These options can offer better digestion, shinier coats, and more energy, leading to a happy and healthier life for your dog.

So, let’s take a closer look at each product. Stella & Chewy’s offers a unique blend of raw-coated kibble and freeze-dried toppers that promise to bring a raw diet closer to your pet’s mealtime. “I And Love And You” brings the charm with its Naked Essentials line, featuring natural ingredients like lamb, bison, chicken, and duck. Meanwhile, Open Farm focuses on sustainability and high-quality with their Ancient Grains recipes, which include wholesome grains and humanely raised meat. Each of these has wonderful qualities worth considering, so let’s explore what makes them stand out in more detail.

Stella & Chewy’s Wild Red Grain-Free Puppy Dry Dog Food, 3.5lb + Freeze-Dried Chicken Dog Food Topper, 8oz

Stella  Chewys Wild Red Raw Coated Kibble Dry Dog Food Grain Free Puppy Pairie Recipe, 3.5lb Bag + Freeze-Dried Raw Meal Mixers Dog Food Topper Chewys Chicken Recipe, 8oz Bag

When it comes to offering your dog premium nutrition, the combination of Stella & Chewy’s Wild Red Raw Coated Kibble Dry Dog Food Grain-Free Puppy Prairie Recipe and the Freeze-Dried Raw Meal Mixers Dog Food Topper Chewy’s Chicken Recipe is designed to cater to your pup’s dietary needs conveniently and effectively. The primary use of this duo is to provide a high-quality, grain-free, and nutrient-dense meal that supports overall health, digestion, and picky eaters.

We adore this product for several compelling reasons. Firstly, it delivers quality nutrition made in the USA, highlighting a trustworthy origin. The Wild Red Raw Coated Kibble is delightfully packed with meat from six animal proteins, including chicken, turkey, quail, guineafowl, goose, and duck. The Freeze-Dried Raw Meal Mixers provide an extra boost with 95% cage-free chicken, organs, and bone plus organic fruits and veggies.

Additionally, this food is grain-free and legume-free, containing no peas, lentils, by-product meals, artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. It is perfect for dog owners who prefer feeding their pets a natural and minimally processed diet. Plus, the raw meat coating on each kibble is most likely to appeal to finicky eaters, as they get a taste akin to their natural diet.

The purpose of Stella & Chewy’s Wild Red Raw Coated Kibble combined with their Freeze-Dried Raw Meal Mixers is to ensure dogs receive real, raw nutrition easily and conveniently. It achieves this goal through several impressive features:

  • Raw Coated Kibble: Every bite is coated in rich, freeze-dried raw meat.
  • Meat-Heavy Diet: The food includes muscle meat, organ meats, and cartilage, with 92% of protein coming from animal sources, ensuring a nutrient-dense diet.
  • Grain-Free and Legume-Free: Ensuring there are no peas, lentils, by-product meals, artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives for an all-natural approach to feeding your dog.
  • Responsibly Sourced Ingredients: Including cage-free chicken and duck plus organic fruits and veggies.
  • High Palatability: Perfect for picky eaters, allowing for a flexible feeding option with either the kibble alone or enhanced with the Meal Mixers topper.
  • Convenient Nutrition: The Meal Mixers require no rehydration and can be easily added to your dog’s food, making healthy feeding simple.

The overall quality of this product is remarkable. The ingredients are responsibly sourced, with the commitment to using whole prey ingredients and maintaining high standards of food safety and ethical sourcing. This includes:

  • Being made in the USA in Stella and Chewy’s own kitchen.
  • Ensuring the absence of added hormones, antibiotics, grains, peas, lentils, or potatoes.
  • Providing food that is minimally processed to keep it as close to its natural state as possible.

Because of these standards, the product supports your pet’s health, offering robust protein sources from premium meats and organic produce. It’s a solid choice for pet parents who want to give their dogs a higher quality, more natural diet.

  • Rich in Animal Proteins: High meat content including various protein sources like chicken, turkey, quail, guineafowl, goose, and duck.

  • Grain-Free and Legume-Free: Ideal for dogs with grain intolerances or those who thrive on a diet free from legumes.

  • Nutrient-Dense: Utilizing whole prey ingredients provides a more balanced and nutritious diet.

  • Convenient: The Meal Mixers make it easy to provide raw nutrition without the hassle of rehydration or preparation.

  • Made in the USA: High production standards and responsible sourcing of ingredients.

  • Appealing to Picky Eaters: The raw-coated kibble and Meal Mixers are designed to entice even the most finicky dogs.

  • Price: The quality and nutrient-density come with a higher price tag compared to standard kibble, which might be a consideration for some pet owners.

  • Availability: Depending on where you live, these products may not be as readily available as more common dog food brands.

  • Transition Period: Dogs not accustomed to high protein or raw food might need some time to transition to this diet to avoid digestive issues.

Opting for Stella & Chewy’s products can transform mealtime into a healthier, more enjoyable experience for your puppy. By integrating their Wild Red Raw Coated Kibble and Freeze-Dried Raw Meal Mixers into your furry friend’s diet, you are offering a delectable yet nutrition-packed meal that aligns closely with their natural dietary needs.

Stella  Chewys Wild Red Grain-Free Puppy Dry Dog Food, 3.5lb + Freeze-Dried Chicken Dog Food Topper, 8oz

I and Love and You” Naked Essentials Dog Food: Lamb, Bison, Chicken & Duck

I And Love And You Naked Essentials Dog Food: Lamb  Bison + Chicken  Duck

“I and Love and You” Naked Essentials Dog Food: Lamb & Bison + Chicken & Duck is designed as a nutritious, grain-free diet for your dog. This dry dog food is particularly well-suited for canines that have grain sensitivities or those who simply thrive on a protein-rich, grain-free meal plan. If you’re looking for a complete food option that caters to your dog’s digestive health and overall well-being, this is a great choice.

There are several reasons why we recommend “I and Love and You” Naked Essentials Dog Food. First off, we appreciate that this product is always grain-free, which means it caters specifically to dogs with grain allergies or sensitivities. By replacing grains with ingredients like nutrient-rich lentils, garbanzo beans, and sweet potatoes, your dog gets a well-rounded, balanced diet without the added fillers.

Moreover, the food contains no by-product meals, wheat, corn, soy, rice, artificial preservatives, flavors, or colors. This aligns with our philosophy of providing only the best, most natural foods for dogs. The emphasis on 30% protein content ensures that your furry friend receives all necessary nutrients to support active and healthy living.

“I and Love and You” Naked Essentials Dog Food aims to provide a balanced and nutritious diet for dogs of all ages, ensuring they live happy and healthy lives. Here are some of its key features:

Grain-free diets have been increasingly popular for dogs, and for good reason. This dog food replaces grains with nutrient-rich lentils, chickpeas, and sweet potatoes to ensure that your dog gets the same amount of carbohydrates and fiber without potential allergens.

What you won’t find in this dog food is just as important as what you will. The product boasts no by-product meals, wheat, corn, soy, rice, artificial preservatives, flavors, or colors, making it a natural choice for conscientious pet owners.

With 30% protein content, the first three ingredients listed come from meat or poultry sources. This ensures that your dog gets the essential nutrients for muscle development, energy, and overall health.

The inclusion of prebiotics and probiotics helps in maintaining a healthy gut flora, promoting better digestion and a happy tummy. This aspect is robustly designed to keep your dog feeling just right, avoiding common digestive issues.

When it comes to quality, “I and Love and You” checks all the boxes. The ingredients are high-quality and thoughtfully chosen to provide balanced nutrition without compromising your dog’s health. With the absence of fillers and allergens, every bite offers genuine nutritional value. The food is also packed with probiotics and prebiotics, elevating its quality above many competitors by focusing on your dog’s digestive well-being.

Additionally, the high protein content and use of real meat are noteworthy. These features ensure your pet gets the necessary nutrients to remain active and robust, making this a top choice among premium dog foods.

  • Grain-Free: Ideal for dogs with grain sensitivities or allergies.

  • High-Quality Ingredients: No by-product meals, artificial preservatives, or fillers.

  • Rich in Protein: First three ingredients are meat or poultry sourced, ensuring high-quality protein intake.

  • Digestive Health Focused: Includes prebiotics and probiotics to aid digestion.

  • Balanced Nutrition: Nutrient-rich lentils, chickpeas, and sweet potatoes replace traditional grain fillers.

  • Price Point: It can be on the pricier side compared to other options.

  • Limited Variety: While the product offers excellent quality, it has fewer flavor choices than some competitors.

  • Availability: Not as widely available in all stores, which means you may need to plan for online orders.

Choosing the right dog food can make a significant difference in your pet’s health. “I and Love and You” Naked Essentials Dog Food: Lamb & Bison + Chicken & Duck offers a high-quality, nutritious, and grain-free option that supports your dog’s overall well-being. With its strong emphasis on protein, digestive health, and natural ingredients, it stands out as a premium choice for conscientious pet owners.

I and Love and You Naked Essentials Dog Food: Lamb, Bison, Chicken  Duck

Open Farm Wild Salmon Ancient Grains Dry Dog Food, 4 lbs

Open Farm Ancient Grains Dry Dog Food, Humanely Raised Meat Recipe with Wholesome Grains and No Artificial Flavors or Preservatives (Wild Salmon Ancient Grain, 4 Pound (Pack of 1))

Open Farm Ancient Grains Dry Dog Food is designed to provide your furry friend with a well-balanced, nutritious meal. This particular version, the Wild Salmon Ancient Grain, 4 Pound (Pack of 1), is ideal for pet owners who are looking for premium-quality dog food that is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and other essential nutrients. It aims to support your dog’s overall health and vitality while offering a tasty and satisfying meal option.

We absolutely love the Open Farm Ancient Grains Dry Dog Food for a multitude of reasons:

  1. Humanely Raised Meat: The meat in this dog food comes from animals raised on audited high-welfare family farms. No growth hormones or antibiotics are used, which means you’re getting a cleaner, more ethical product.
  2. Transparency in Sourcing: Open Farm is committed to 100% transparency. You can trace the origin of every ingredient using the lot number on the bag. This level of transparency is quite rare in the pet food industry and something we highly appreciate.
  3. Nutrient-Rich Wellness: With its inclusion of wholesome ancient grains like steel-cut oat, brown rice, quinoa, and chia seeds, this dog food aims to offer a well-rounded diet that supports various aspects of your dog’s health.

Open Farm’s Ancient Grains Dry Dog Food is formulated to meet the complex dietary needs of modern dogs while sticking to natural and ethically-sourced ingredients. The Wild Salmon Ancient Grain variety specifically targets dog owners who prefer fish as the primary protein source for their pets.

  1. Meaty Animal Protein: Dogs are natural carnivores, so it’s crucial that their diet starts with high-quality meat. This formula includes wild salmon as the first ingredient.
  2. No Artificial Additives: The absence of GMOs, artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives ensures a more natural diet for your canine companion.
  3. Smart Superfoods: Ingredients like pumpkin, chicory root, and coconut oil are included for their numerous health benefits, combining to create a balanced diet.
  4. Gluten-Free Ancient Grains: The grains used in this recipe, such as quinoa and chia seeds, help provide a mix of important nutrients including omega-3 fatty acids, iron, vitamins, and fiber.
  5. Traceable Ingredients: The transparency in sourcing means you know exactly where each ingredient comes from, assuring quality and safety.

The overall quality of Open Farm Ancient Grains Dry Dog Food is exceptional. It’s not just about the ingredients but also the ethical considerations that go into producing this dog food. The prime cuts of meat come from responsibly raised animals, and the grains and vegetables are locally sourced to ensure freshness and quality.

Moreover, the brand’s commitment to transparency offers peace of mind. You can trace every ingredient back to its source, making it a trustworthy choice for conscientious pet owners. The food is also designed to be highly digestible and beneficial for dogs of all sizes and breeds.

  • Ethically Sourced Meat: Humanely raised, antibiotic-free, and hormone-free meat ensures a higher quality protein source.

  • Nutrient-Dense Formula: Packed with essential vitamins and minerals, the formula supports overall health and wellness.

  • Transparent Ingredient Sourcing: The ability to trace each ingredient back to its source adds an extra layer of trust.

  • No Harmful Additives: Free from GMOs, artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives for a more natural diet.

  • Well-Rounded Nutrition: Combines protein, grains, and superfoods for a balanced diet.

  • Price Point: Premium quality usually comes at a higher cost, and this product is no exception. It may not be the most affordable option for pet owners on a budget.

  • Availability: Depending on where you live, this product might not be readily available at all pet stores and may require online purchasing.

  • Sensitivity to Ingredients: While the mix of ingredients is generally beneficial, some dogs might have sensitivities or allergies to specific components like salmon or quinoa.

Open Farm Ancient Grains Dry Dog Food stands out as a high-quality, ethical, and nutritious choice for dog owners who prioritize both the well-being of their pets and the planet. The Wild Salmon Ancient Grain variety offers a specialized blend of ingredients that cater to the dietary needs and overall health of your dog. This dog food not only nourishes your pet but also aligns with your values by emphasizing humane and transparent sourcing practices.

Open Farm Wild Salmon Ancient Grains Dry Dog Food, 4 lbs

Comparison of Stella & Chewy’s, “I and Love and You”, and Open Farm Dog Foods

Choosing the best food for your furry friend can be overwhelming with so many options available. Here, we’ll compare three popular dog food products: Stella & Chewy’s Wild Red Raw Coated Kibble Dry Dog Food Grain Free Puppy Prairie Recipe, “I And Love And You” Naked Essentials Dog Food: Lamb & Bison + Chicken & Duck, and Open Farm Ancient Grains Dry Dog Food with Wild Salmon. Let’s take a closer look at their specifications to help you make an informed decision for your dog’s nutrition.

Specifications Overview

Stella & Chewy’s Wild Red Raw Coated Kibble

  • Weight: 3.5 lb Bag
  • Ingredients: Chicken, turkey, quail, guineafowl, goose, duck (responsibly sourced proteins), organic fruits & veggies
  • Special Features: Grain-free, legume-free, nutrient-dense whole prey ingredients, freeze-dried raw meat coating
  • Country of Origin: USA
  • Free From: Peas, lentils, by-product meals, artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives

Freeze-Dried Raw Meal Mixers Dog Food Topper (Chewy’s Chicken Recipe)

  • Weight: 8 oz Bag
  • Ingredients: 95% cage-free chicken, organs, and bone plus organic fruits & veggies
  • Special Features: Raw nutrition in a convenient scoop & serve topper, perfect for picky eaters, all natural and minimally processed
  • Country of Origin: USA
  • Free From: Added hormones, antibiotics, grains, peas, lentils, potatoes, artificial preservatives, flavors, or colors

“I And Love And You” Naked Essentials Dog Food

  • Weight: N/A
  • Ingredients: First three ingredients are meat or poultry sourced, nutrient-rich lentils, garbanzo beans, chickpeas, and sweet potatoes
  • Special Features: Always grain-free, 30% protein, includes prebiotics and probiotics
  • Country of Origin: N/A
  • Free From: By-product meals, wheat, corn, soy, rice, artificial preservatives, flavors, or colors

Open Farm Ancient Grains Dry Dog Food

  • Weight: 4 lb Bag
  • Ingredients: Prime cuts of real meat (wild salmon), whole ancient grains like steel-cut oat, brown rice, quinoa, chia seeds, pumpkin, chicory root, coconut oil
  • Special Features: Humanely raised meat, no GMOs, gluten-free grains, nutrient-rich wellness ingredients
  • Country of Origin: N/A
  • Free From: Artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives, legumes, corn, wheat, soy

Comparison Table for Visualization

Specification Stella & Chewy’s Wild Red Raw Coated Kibble Freeze-Dried Raw Meal Mixers (Chewy’s Chicken) “I And Love And You” Naked Essentials Open Farm Ancient Grains Dry Dog Food
Weight 3.5 lb Bag 8 oz Bag N/A 4 lb Bag
Main Ingredients Chicken, turkey, quail, guineafowl, goose, duck, organic fruits & veggies 95% cage-free chicken, organs, and bone plus organic fruits & veggies First three ingredients are meat or poultry sourced, lentils, garbanzo beans, chickpeas, sweet potatoes Wild salmon, steel-cut oat, brown rice, quinoa, chia seeds, pumpkin, chicory root, coconut oil
Grain-Free Yes Yes Yes No
Special Features Freeze-dried raw meat coating, whole prey ingredients Convenient raw nutrition topper, perfect for picky eaters 30% protein, prebiotics and probiotics Humanely raised meat, gluten-free grains, nutrient-rich ingredients
Country of Origin USA USA N/A N/A
Free From Peas, lentils, by-product meals, artificial colors, flavors, preservatives Added hormones, antibiotics, grains, peas, lentils, potatoes, artificial preservatives, flavors, colors By-product meals, wheat, corn, soy, rice, artificial preservatives, flavors, colors Artificial flavors, colors, preservatives, legumes, corn, wheat, soy

Conclusion and Recommendations

You’ve just explored an array of nutritious and well-reviewed dog foods that promise to keep your furry friend healthy and happy. Here’s a wrap-up to help you decide which may be the perfect fit for your canine companion.

Stella & Chewy’s Wild Red Raw Coated Kibble Dry Dog Food Grain Free Puppy Prairie Recipe, 3.5lb Bag + Freeze-Dried Raw Meal Mixers Dog Food Topper Chewy’s Chicken Recipe, 8oz Bag

Stella & Chewy’s Wild Red Raw Coated Kibble offers a protein-packed, grain-free option that’s ideal for puppies with sensitive stomachs or allergies. The addition of the Freeze-Dried Raw Meal Mixers Dog Food Topper is a great way to add nutritional value and variety to your puppy’s meals. However, some may find the cost a bit steep for daily use, and the 3.5lb bag may not last long for growing pups.

“I And Love And You” Naked Essentials Dog Food: Lamb & Bison + Chicken & Duck

The “I And Love And You” Naked Essentials range with flavors like Lamb & Bison and Chicken & Duck offers a balanced, grain-free diet at a more affordable price point. These recipes are free from artificial preservatives and fillers, which is a huge plus. On the downside, some picky eaters may not be immediately drawn to the taste, requiring a bit of patience during the transition period.

Open Farm Ancient Grains Dry Dog Food, Humanely Raised Meat Recipe with Wholesome Grains and No Artificial Flavors or Preservatives (Wild Salmon Ancient Grain, 4 Pound (Pack of 1))

Open Farm Ancient Grains Dry Dog Food stands out with its commitment to sustainability and humane animal treatment. This Wild Salmon recipe includes wholesome grains, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer not to go grain-free. The transparency in sourcing and absence of artificial flavors or preservatives are significant positives. However, the inclusion of grains might not be suitable for dogs with specific dietary restrictions or allergies.

Final Recommendations

Given their unique attributes, these dog foods can cater to different needs:

  • For puppy owners: If you’re looking to boost your puppy’s diet with quality, Stella & Chewy’s Wild Red Raw Coated Kibble combo is a fantastic choice despite its higher cost.

  • For budget-conscious dog parents: “I And Love And You” Naked Essentials offers value-driven nutrition without compromising on ingredient quality.

  • For eco-conscious pet owners: Open Farm’s Ancient Grains recipe shines with its sustainable practices and wholesome ingredient list, ideal for those who value ethical sourcing.

Choosing the right food for your dog depends on your priorities and your dog’s specific dietary needs. No matter which option you go for, you can feel confident knowing you’re choosing a product that focuses on quality and well-being.

Happy feeding!


Adjustments made were focusing on providing an understanding of each product’s unique features, possible drawbacks, and recommendations for specific audiences. Let me know if you need details on specific ingredients or further recommendations!

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.