Herring & Mackerel Rustic Stew Topper
Verified Aug 26, 2026
A gently cooked, fish-based stew topper made with wild-caught herring and mackerel for dogs of all ages. It offers extra moisture, animal protein, and a variety of vegetables and legumes like pumpkin, lentils, and chickpeas. This works best as an enhancement over a complete and balanced dry food rather than as a sole diet.
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Strong Choice
This is a flavorful, moisture-rich topper that can boost protein, omega-3s, and variety when added to a balanced dry food. The use of whole ocean fish plus vegetables and legumes makes it a nutrient-dense complement for most healthy dogs. Because it is grain- and potato-free but legume-heavy, I’d use it as directed as a topper rather than the main source of nutrition, especially in breeds prone to heart disease.
Computed from 3 of 3 applicable checks. Missing data is skipped, never counted against a food.
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At a Glance
Where these benefits come from
Benefits the manufacturer highlights in its own product marketing. KibbleLab lists them for reference and does not verify these claims.KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Uses whole ocean herring and mackerel as primary animal protein sources, which are naturally rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
- Moisture content is high, which can help increase your dog’s overall water intake when mixed with dry food.
- Includes a variety of vegetables and legumes, providing fiber and additional vitamins and minerals.
- Clear instructions to use as a topper over a complete dry diet help support more balanced overall nutrition.
Considerations
- Contains fish, a common allergen for some dogs, so it is not suitable for dogs with fish sensitivities.
- Red lentils and chickpeas appear high in the ingredient list, and legume-heavy recipes have been linked to heart concerns in some dogs when used as main diets.
- This product is intended as a topper, not a complete diet, so it should not replace a balanced dog food.
Full Ingredient List
Ingredients and analysis reflect manufacturer data at the time of our last update and can change without notice. Always check the actual product packaging before feeding.
Ingredient filtering helps identify compatible options but is not a substitute for a veterinary elimination diet.
Top 5 Ingredients Explained
01
Herring
Herring is commonly used as a high-quality, palatable fish protein and oil source in dog and cat foods, supplying digestible protein along with beneficial long-chain omega-3s (EPA/DHA), vitamin D, B vitamins and trace minerals. It can support skin, coat and joint health, but may be an allergen for some pets and raw fish can contain thiaminase (typically destroyed by commercial cooking); owners should also consider fat content for pancreatitis-prone animals and look for responsibly sourced, low-contaminant products.
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02
Water
Water is an essential nutrient and the primary solvent and moisture component in pet foods, especially wet and canned diets, and is also used in processing and to adjust texture and palatability. It is vital for digestion, nutrient transport, temperature regulation and waste removal in dogs and cats; pets must have constant access to clean water as dehydration can quickly lead to serious health issues and requirements increase with activity, heat, or illness, while moisture in wet food can help meet part of their daily needs.
03
Mackerel
Mackerel is a fatty fish commonly used in pet foods as a high‑quality animal protein and a rich source of omega‑3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA), often added for flavor, palatability and healthy fats. Its omega‑3s support skin and coat condition, immune and joint health in dogs and cats, but owners should be aware of potential heavy‑metal accumulation, food sensitivities, and higher fat or sodium in some preparations, so choose properly processed, deboned sources from reputable suppliers.
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04
Pumpkin
Pumpkin is used in pet foods primarily as a fiber-rich carbohydrate and moisture source that can help regulate digestion and firm up loose stools or add bulk for softer stools, and it provides beta-carotene (vitamin A precursor) plus small amounts of vitamins and minerals for dogs and cats. It is safe and beneficial when plain cooked or canned (not spiced or sweetened pie filling), should be fed in moderation as a supplement rather than a primary food, and introduced gradually since large amounts can cause gastrointestinal upset or interfere with absorption of some medications.
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05
Red Lentil
Red lentils are a plant-based source of digestible protein, complex carbohydrates, and soluble and insoluble fiber that are used in pet foods to boost protein and fiber content and provide micronutrients such as folate and iron. They can support digestive health and weight management, but are lower in some essential amino acids compared with animal proteins, may contain antinutrients that are reduced by cooking/processing, and because high-legume diets have been scrutinized in relation to diet-associated dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs and lack certain nutrients (e.g., taurine) important for cats, they should be included only as part of a complete, balanced formulation.
Nutritional Breakdown
How to read As Fed versus Dry Matter
As fed shows the numbers straight off the label, water included. Dry matter removes the water so you can compare a wet food and a dry food fairly.What is calorie density
How many calories the food packs per unit. Denser foods mean smaller portions for the same calories.Not sure how much of this to feed?
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Product Details & Brand
Product Specs
Brand
Premium "ethically sourced, transparently made" dog and cat food brand offering kibble, freeze-dried raw, gently cooked fresh meals, wet stews, treats and supplements. Differentiators are ingredient-level traceability (trace every lot to source), Certified Humane meat and Ocean Wise/Seafood Watch seafood. Sold in neighborhood pet stores across the US and Canada and DTC online.
Manufacturer
Owns no plants; partners with specialized facilities in the US, Canada and Iceland holding GFSI-recognized food safety certifications, audited by Open Farm's team plus independent auditors including Certified Humane. Formulation is led by an in-house team including board-certified veterinary nutritionist Dr. Moran Tal-Gavriel, with third-party test-and-hold lab verification before release.
PSC is a nonprofit that Accredits pet companies on their environmental and social impact, through third-party verification. Open Farm Inc. is a PSC Accredited business. View profile
Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.
Recall History
No recall is listed for Open Farm Herring & Mackerel Rustic Stew Topper.
Source: FDA animal food recall listings back to January 2019 · Checked daily, last on Aug 31, 2026
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Frequently Asked Questions
Has Open Farm ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for Open Farm. We track the FDA's animal food recall listings back to January 2019 and publish every pet food recall automatically. A filing that isn't pet food may not appear here.
How does KibbleLab rate foods?
Our scores are based on ingredient composition, nutritional profile, AAFCO compliance, and health considerations. We don't penalize by-products, grains, or synthetic preservatives. Brands cannot pay for higher scores.
Is KibbleLab a substitute for veterinary advice?
No. KibbleLab provides data-driven food analysis, not medical advice. Always consult your veterinarian before making dietary changes, especially for pets with health conditions.
KibbleLab provides informational content only. This is not veterinary advice. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before changing your pet's diet.
KibbleLab may earn affiliate commissions through product links. No one can pay for a higher score, or to change what we recommend for your pet.
Product data sourced from manufacturer websites, AAFCO statements, and FDA recall listings. Last verified dates reflect our most recent data check. We track the FDA's animal food recall listings back to January 2019 and publish every pet food recall automatically. A filing that isn't pet food may not appear here.
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