Does farmers dog food smell
The Farmers Dog Food Reviews: My Positive & Negative Experience, Worth It?
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This content was reviewed and fact-checked by veterinarian Dr. Aukse Caraite, DVM.Ive put together what I believe is the most comprehensive review of The Farmers Dog food. As a well-known custom dog food brand, The Farmers Dog was a brand I was eager to test with my two canine companions. In this review, Ill share my insights to help you decide whether The Farmers Dogs all-natural, fresh dog food is the right fit for your dog and you. Before you consider subscribing to The Farmers Dog, let me take you through our month-long journey with the product. Ill cover everything from price and ingredient quality to taste, addressing any questions you might have based on our experience. Lets dive in!
Table of contents
In This Article:Table of contents
In This Article:My Favorite The Farmers Dog Food Reviewed
The Farmers Dog Review Summary
The Farmers Dog
Product Description: The Farmers Dog is a premium subscription service that produces fresh,human-grade, custom-madefood for your dog. They are one of the most popular and pioneerfresh dog food brands.
Canine Bible
Our Verdict & Summary
The Farmers Dog Fresh Dog Food stands out as an excellent daily dietary choice, offering top-notch nutrition for your dog. It surpasses even the highest-quality kibble and provides the added health benefits of fresh dog food. The health benefits of their food are supported by third-party research, making The Farmers Dog a standout choice for its comprehensive benefits and personalized recipes.The resemblance of the food to a meal I might cook for my human family is striking. I appreciate that all the ingredients in my dogs recipes are visible, which is a clear indicator of its quality, taste, and freshness, in my opinion. A notable aspect of their recipes is that they exceed the nutritional standards set by the AAFCO. This is also backed by research. Among dozens of competitors in the fresh dog food space, they rank as our number one favorite company.We also appreciate the brands dedication to raising awareness about the low safety and quality standards prevalent in traditional dog kibble manufacturing, an issue often obscured by lax labeling and marketing regulations.
Why you should trust us: Our writers, editors and in-house veterinarians spend hours analyzing and reviewing products and services to help find whats best for you. Read the product review methodology and editorial mission to find out how we test, analyze, and rate.
The Full ReviewJump to:Our Experience | AdditionalInfo
What Is The Farmers Dog Food?
The Farmers Dog offers a fresh approach to pet nutrition, branding itself as a smarter, healthier pet food. This subscription service provides personalized, home-cooked meals for dogs crafted with human-grade ingredients. Developed by top veterinary nutritionists, their recipes meet and exceed nutrition standards set by the AAFCO and are prepared in USDA-certified kitchens.
Company Overview & History
The company was founded in 2014 by Brett Podolsky and Jonathan Regev. The Farmers Dog begins withthe founders beloved Rottweiler pup, Jada,a beautiful Rottweiler pup who suffered from severe digestive issues for two years. As a last resort, their vet recommended that they give Jada homemade food after trying almost every high-quality kibble available. Brett noticed almost immediately how homemade food began to work its magic. Jada was cured literally overnight, and Brett became a fresh food advocate. The rest, as they say, is history. The company has grown to over 300 people and delivers millions of meals monthly.
Mission
The Farmers Dogs founders were fed up with highly processed feed-grade burnt brown balls being marketed as natural and healthy, so they decided to reimagine pet food from theground up. As one of the founders puts it:
Feeding [fresh dog food] isnt about spoiling your dog or being fancy; its about recognizing that no natural digestive system human, dog, or otherwise is suited to highly processed food Jonathan
The companys success aligns perfectly with the growing demand for fresh dog diets, as more consumers become aware of the downsides of processed dog food and shift towards more natural foods for their pets.[1],[2]
Why Feed The Farmers Dog to Your Dog? Benefits & Research
There are several benefits of feeding The Farmers Dog to your pet.
- Healthier digestions
- Better skin and coat
- Helps with food allergies
- No additives or harmful chemicals
- Weight management
- Better stools
- Great for picky eaters
- And much more!
Superior Nutritional Standards
A six-month feeding research trial proved that The Farmers Dog food is complete, balanced, and bioavailable. While AFFCO only requires a minimum of 4 blood values to be tested in dog food feeding trials to deem a kibble up to standard, The Farmers Dog measured 49 blood values for all participating dogs during its trial. Each dog also received a complete medical exam by Lisa Lippman, DVM, that showed they were all healthy. The Farmers Dog test surpassed existing standards in terms of the number and variety of dogs tested, the blood values tested, and the trial duration.[3]
Third-Party Research-Backed Benefits
Here is what the research on feeding fresh food like The Farmers Dog to canines says.
- Longer lifespan. Research shows that dogs eating fresh food diets are linked to a20% longer lifespanthan those who dont. A year-long study of 522 dogs by Lippert and Sapy found that dogs fed high-quality, freshly made, real food had an average life expectancy of13.1 yearsversus just 10.4 years for dogs fed commercially processed pet food.[4]Thats an extratwo and a half yearsadded to your dogs lifespan.
- Increases macronutrient digestibilities. Human-grade dog food improvesprotein digestibility, increases amino acid availability values (indicators of protein quality), and reducesfecal outputcompared todogs consuming extruded diets (kibble). Digestibility of dry matter, fat, nitrogen-free extract, and calories were significantly higher inall four fresh foods.[5]
- Higher protein absorption. Protein digestibility values for fresh dog food were between 92% and 94% (versus 82% for kibble).
- Less and better stools. Dogs fed the fresh-cooked foods had significantly lower fecal (poop) frequency and volume than when fed the kibble.[6]
- Improved microbiome diversity, coat and immunity. A study revealed that when dogs are fed fresh food compared to dogs fed dry pet foods, their digestion improves, their immune systems are strengthened, their skin and coats are healthier, and their vitality increases.[7]
All those fillers, preservatives, and highly processed ingredients in commercial dog food can affect your dogs health over time, whereas a fresh, human-grade diet produces increased energy and improved long-term health. Sadly, studies have shown that feeding your dog processed foods like kibble throughout their life may increase their cancer risk due to the presence of toxic chemicals,mycotoxins, free radicals and carcinogenic chemicals. [8],[9],[10]
How Does The Farmers Dog Work?
Ordering The Famers Dog food is simple. The company shines at catering to every specific dog need you can think of. Here is a step-by-step on how it works.
Step 1:Start a Trial
To get started, you can click here to get their biggest discount50% off your first order.
Step 2:The Farmers Dog Profile Creation
Next, you need to fill out a quick questionnaire to help The Farmers Dog make personalized recommendations for your dog, You must fill out your dogs age, weight, existing health problems, weight, activity level, and nutrition goals, among other important information. Once this step is completed, The Farmers Dog will create a personalized recipe with all these factors.
Below is everything they will ask you about your dog.
The Farmers Dog will send a pop-up message to further customize your plan at checkout.
Step 3:Delivery
Once you place your order, The Farmers Dog will ship the food. Large dogs may receive individually portioned packets, while small breeds might get between 4 to 8 meals from a single pouch. The Farmers Dog expertly times deliveries to ensure your pup never runs out of food. You have the flexibility to adjust, delay, pause, edit the amount of food sent, or cancel your subscription at any time. If youre traveling, they can ship to your destination or arrange a rush order before your trip.
If your dog doesnt love their food, The Farmers Dog can send you additional recipes to try at no cost, or you can opt for a refund if you choose to donate the food to a shelter.
The Farmers Dog Key Features
Over-the-top personalizationOne of the most notable features of The Farmers Dog is that their meals are highly customizable, pre-made, and pre-portioned to meet the calorie, health, or any needs your pup may have be it weight loss, activity level, picky eaters, food allergies, tear stains, skin conditions, dog taking meds, joint issues and much more. Meal plans are personalizedto each dogs unique qualities, goals, and lifestyle you canadjust the flavors and quantity of packs in each shipment.Surpasses AFFCO nutritional standardsWhile the AFFCO only requires a minimum of4 blood valuesto deem dog food safe, The Farmers Dog was tested for nutrition with a method superiorto AAFCOs gold standard system. The Farmers Dog measures 49 blood values versus four from AFFCO.Developed by veterinary nutritionistsDr. Catriona Love, a board-certified veterinary nutritionist, ensures each meal is nutritionally balanced.Human-grade and tested on humansOnly use real human-grade ingredients people can eat.Caters to health issuesTheirdog profile takes 15+ health issues into account (allergies, gluten or grain sensitivity, ear infections, digestive problems, etc.), with the option of adding other health issues not listed.Ready-to-serveThe Farmers Dog meals dont need to be cooked. You can serve out of the package.Pre-portionedPre-portioned (provides exact calorie needs per serving)USDA meats and vegetablesClean USDA meat proteins and ingredients. Meats areall-natural and antibiotic-free, with no hormones added.Eco-friendlypackagingFood is safely packaged in an insulated cardboard box thats fully recyclable. The insulation is biodegradable. The food storage container in each shipment is also biodegradable; all packs are made from BPA-free materials and are non-toxic. The Farmers Dog made our top pick list for thebest sustainable dog food.Freshly deliveredThe Farmers Dog food is delivered 2-3 days after being cooked. There is no deep freezing (flash freezing to keep it safe during delivery), it isnt shelf-stable (for better or worse), and it gets delivered as soon as possible.Zero processingAs opposed to kibble, Farmers Dog foods are fresh, cooked at low temperatures, and minimally processed. Think of homemade dog food cooked by veterinarians for your dog.200,000,000+meals deliveredThe leader and most popular fresh dog food brand in the industry.Dedicated teamThey have a team dedicated to helping monitor your dogs progress and adjust your plan.Flexible delivery scheduleThe Farmers Dog food is delivered to your door on your schedule, so you can skip the pet store runs and never run out of food.TransparencyIngredients and nutritional content are publicly listed on their website and food packages.The Farmers Dog Ingredients
The Farmers Dog only uses ingredients approved for human consumption. The co-founders say they treat dog food the same way human food and test new recipes on humans first.[11] This means you could eat the food, too. But dont, its for your dog!
Recipes created by The Farmers Dog are made using simple yet nutritious ingredients that are natural and easy to digest. The Farmers Dog only uses USDA-sourced quality muscle meat protein, organ meat proteins, whole food ingredients, vegetables, vitamins, and minerals. Their 4 custom recipes exceed the standards the AAFCO dog nutrient requirements for all life stages.
Additionally, they never use feed-grade ingredients or process their ingredients to be shelf-stable, ensuring your dog has the best and most natural nutrition available.
The Farmers Dog Nutrient Blend (Proprietary Mix)
Besides clean and fresh ingredients, all their formulas include a proprietary blend of balanced vitamins and minerals to ensure maximum nutritional value. This mixture includes tricalcium phosphate, sea salt, vitamin B12 supplement, taurine, zinc amino acid chelate, iron amino acid chelate, vitamin E supplement, copper amino acid chelate, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, potassium iodide, pyridoxine hydrochloride, vitamin D3 supplement, and folic acid.
Verdict 5/5: The Farmers Dog ingredients get an excellent score. I analyzed each ingredient, and there were no harmful ingredients that you should be worried about. I love that their formulas do not contain fillers, artificial preservatives, and by-products.
The Farmers Dog Sourcing & Manufacturing
The Farmers Dog has two food manufacturing centers in New York, NY, and Nashville, TN. A team of board-certified veterinary nutritionists cooks the meals in USDA kitchens. The company sourcesall meat, veggies, and other ingredients from USDA-approved suppliers, local farms, and other human food purveyors. This guarantees consumers high-quality ingredients that pass safety regulations and humane-grade standards.
Each recipe is gently cooked at low temperatures according to USDA facility standards to ensure maximumnutrient retentionand reduce the risk of harmful bacteria. To ensure safe and convenient shipping, your dogs meals are quickly frozen (never deep frozen!) and never contain preservatives that allow kibble to sit on a shelf for years.
Verdict 4.8/5: Great sourcing practices that build trust with consumers who are increasingly concerned about the origin of their pets food. The nutritional integrity of the ingredients are preserved thanks to advanced manufacturing processes.
The Farmers Dog For Puppies
Can puppies eat The Farmers Dog? Yes, puppies 8 weeks old and older can safely enjoy The Farmers Dogs fresh food. They will customize your puppys food for all of his growing needs. According to their website, puppies 7 weeks or younger should not eat The Farmers Dog.
All recipes are AAFCO-certified for all life stages, including puppies. Personally, we like Beef because it has the highest protein, is beneficial for growing pups, and is recommended for puppies who want to start eating The Farmers Dog.
The Farmers Dog Food Reviews
The Farmers Dog recipes come in 4 different formulas. We analyzed and reviewed each recipe to tell you what they are best for based on their nutritional analysis and ingredients.
Chicken Recipe
Ingredients:USDA chicken, brussels sprout, USDA chicken liver, bok choy, broccoli, fish oil, TFD Nutrient Pack
Key Features:
- Protein:46% (dry matter)
- Fat:34% (dry matter)
- Carbs:12% (est)
- Fat-to-protein ratio:74%
Why & When Should You Consider It?
Perfect for dogs that need a high-protein diet but lean. This recipe has thehighest protein contentout of all recipes. It also includes nutrient-rich vegetable sources like Brussels sprouts and contains an organic zinc compound and two other chelated minerals for improved absorption.
Beef Recipe
Ingredients:USDA beef, sweet potato, lentils, carrot, USDA beef liver, kale, sunflower seeds, fish oil, TFD Nutrient Blend
Key Features:
- Protein:39% (dry matter)
- Fat:29% (dry matter)
- Carbs:24% (est)
- Fat-to-protein ratio:73%
Why & When Should You Consider It?
Beef Recipe contains thesecond highest proteinlevel in their recipe line. A great choiceto aidwithdigestion as it packs a punch ofprebiotic fiber thanks to ingredients like sweet potatoes and cooked lentils. Perfect blend of healthy cabrs and the ground chunks of meat and veggies make it irresistible for dogs.
Turkey Recipe
Ingredients:USDA turkey, chickpeas, carrot, broccoli, parsnip, spinach, fish oil, TFD Nutrient Blend
Nutritional Value:
- Protein:33% (dry matter)
- Fat:19% (dry matter)
- Carbs:40% (est)
- Fat-to-protein ratio:56%
Why & When Should You Consider It?
This turkey recipe is an ideal protein source for dogs that are prone to allergies or sensitivities that can result from other proteins like beef or chicken. It has the lowest amount of meat protein but offers themost balanced fat-to-protein ratio, meaning an exceptional nutrient balance.
Pork Recipe
Ingredients:USDA pork, sweet potato, potato, green beans, cauliflower, USDA pork liver, fish oil, TFD Nutrient Blend.
Key Features:
- Protein:36% (dry matter)
- Fat:28% (dry matter)
- Carbs:28% (est)
- Fat-to-protein ratio:78%
Why & When Should You Consider It?
It contains 100% animal protein from fresh pork and pork liver. The formula isrich in omega-3 fish oilfor optimal heart health and silky coat. This is another excellent pick. Pork is often recommended as a healthy alternative as it causes fewer allergic reactions than other protein sources.
We hear they may be launching a lamb recipe version.
The Farmers Dog Food Price How Much Is The Farmers Dog?
Plans start at $2 per day and include free shipping. But because each dog has unique requirements, The Farmers Dog price depends on factors such as your pets age, size, health, activity level, and more.
What I Paid For The Farmers Dog
For instance, for our two-year-old Miniature Snoucherz (14 pounds, healthy size, neutered with no health problems or allergies.) we paid roughly $4 daily, $28 weekly & $112 monthly.
The Farmers Dog Price Daily, Weekly & Monthly
To help you determine how much you can expect to pay for your order, we ran some quotes for four different dog sizes: small, medium, large, and extra-large dogs.
| Weight | Breed | Day | Weekly | Month |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 pounds | Maltese | $2.45/day | $18.38/weekly | $73.50/month |
| 15 pounds | Miniature Schnauzer | $3.34/day | $25.05/weekly | $100.20/month |
| 40 pounds | Siberian Husky | $4.93/day | $36.98/weekly | $147.90/month |
| 70 pounds | Golden Retriever | $8.09/day | $60.68/weekly | $242.70/month |
| 115 pounds | Great Danes | $14.37/day | $107.78/weekly | $431.10/month |
Your meal prices will vary slightly (up or down) depending on how personalized your meals are, but the table above is a good point of reference.
Remember, you are simultaneously enrolling in an ongoing meal plan subscription when you place your first order. Subsequent orders typically will be charged every two weeks before your next scheduled delivery. Youll be notified via email about each order before billing and shipment. You can cancel at any time.
How Much IsThe Farmers DogMonthly?
On average, the monthly price for The Farmers Dog ranges between $73 and $431, depending largely on your dogs size.
How Much IsThe Farmers DogPer Week?
On average, the weekly price for The Farmers Dog ranges between $18 and $107, depending mainly on your dogs size.
The Farmers Dog Price Vs Kibble Price
According to Statista, for a decent mass-market kibble brand, you can expect to pay an average of $1.97 per pound of dog kibble. If you choose a High-end kibble, your daily cost is around $3.45 per pound.[12] Bandits plan ended up costing $3.06 a day, less than the average price of high-end kibble. We were surprised by this! Whether you buy kibble or The Farmers Dog, the daily cost of dog food will increase or decrease depending on your dogs size. Bigger dogs typically eat more and require bigger meals, hence the more you spend on food.
Keep in mind we are not comparing apples to apples here. The Farmers Dog offers freshly made, human-grade dog food, free from additives, colorants, by-products, and other harmful chemicals that are often found in traditional dog food. The extra cost is justified by the convenience and health benefits of feeding your dog fresh food. Opting for highly processed kibble could, in the long run, lead to higher veterinary bills.
The Farmers Dog Food Trial
The first box you receive is a 2-week taste trial consisting of 14daily meals. The Farmers Dog selects three fresh, balanced recipes (but youre welcome to mix it up!) and sends them precisely pre-portioned for your dog. After checkout, you can further customize your order. To get the best deal on The Farmers Dog trial, use this link to get 50% off on your first order. The discount will be applied automatically.
The Farmers Dog Coupon Code
Our readers can access 50% off their first The Farmers Dogorder. Just use this link to get started!
Our ExperienceJump to: Full Review | AdditionalInfo
The Judges
We picked one Canine Bible dog to give us their paw-honest opinion and verdict.
Bandit
Age:3 Gender:Male Breed:Miniature SchnauzerWeight:14 lbs Health Concerns:None Lifestyle: Active Personality: Sweetie pieI mean, Bandit always loves food, but he went nuts and start drooling when I whip out the The Farmers Dog packets her person, Anna
Koda
Age:5 Gender:Male Breed:HuskyWeight:56 lbs Health Concerns:None Lifestyle: Active Personality: PlayfulKoda had always had dry kibble. Feeding him TFD fresh dog food is one of the healthiest decisions we made for him and we are happy with the results. her person, Anna
The Farmers Dog Unboxing
The cardboard box arrived sealed with dry ice and biodegradable insulation (that melts under hot water in the sink) to keep the food cold. Inside are the frozen pouches of food, a reusable cardboard container, and feeding instructions according to your dogs size and weight. We also received an insulated reusable bag for keeping frozen dog food cold while traveling.
We love that the bags arefrozen flat,so they take up minimal space in our jam-packed freezers. When we opened our box, we were delighted. The dog food was fresh, cold, labeled, and well-organized. It even had our pups name on it.
Here is everything that came in the box:
- 14 Individually sealed meals (a mix of chicken, beef & turkey recipes)
- 1 guide for transitioning your pup to fresh food
- 1 feeding guide for calorie and nutritional information for recipes
- 2 weeks worth of food
- 1 insulated reusable tote bag for keeping frozen dog food cold while traveling
- Foam panels that can dissolve in water, burning or composting
- Reusable cooling packs
- 1 food storage container
Verdict 5/5: I give The Farmers Dog an excellent score in the packaging category. I like that the main ingredients are clearly labeled on each package. The food looked super tasty, and we could see real ingredients through the pouch. Bandit kept staring at the food, wondering how good it would taste, and would probably get mad if we took a bite out of her food!
My The Farmers Dog Video Review
Watch my other The Farmers Dog video review
My Personal The Farmers Dog Testimonial
My Dogs Experience With The Farmers Dog
Thawing, Serving & Storing
Remember that The Farmers Dog recipes are fresh, so they have a much shorter life than kibble. The food should be consumed in 4 days once it has been thawed in the refrigerator. The packaged mealswill stay fresh for4 months if you keep them frozen. We let the bag thaw in the freezer the day before, or sometimes we zap it in the microwave for 10-20 seconds to bring it to room temperature. Once the product thawed, we began incorporating it into Bandits diet. We gradually introduced The Farmers dog food to her diet as they recommended. Over the next few days, we phased out the kibble entirely and began feeding her The Farmers Dog food only. The bags took up minimal space in our jam-packed freezer.
The Farmers Dog Pros & Cons
Key aspect we liked and didnt like about our experience with The Farmer`s Dog.
What We Like
- They treat dog food the same way they do human food.
- I like that the pre-portioned packs (which are customized based on your dogs caloric needs) prevent you from accidentally overfeeding, keeping Fido slim and trim
- Many customers report that The Farmers Dog has improved their dogs coat, skin, health, and overall disposition. This is also backed by research and science
- Some people may not consider this a big deal, but seeing my dogs name on the packaging was such a nice touch. It just made the experience and food more personal
- Dogs love the taste of this food! Our dog Bandit started visibly drooling when I recorded our review video (something Ive never seen him do before with kibble or other foods).
- Based on ultra-natural, limited ingredients, it works for dogs with healthy immune systemsor dogs needing certain specialized diets
- Board-certified ACVN veterinarian nutritionists develop recipes
- All recipes contain above-average protein, above-average fat, and below-average carbs when compared to a typical wet recipe
- The branddoes not make false claimslike most brands. They rely on their research, third-party research and customer feedback to convey the value of their food
- Able to ship more food at one time to reduce the delivery frequency and environmental impact
- Adjust shipping frequency and pause or cancel anytime
- All recipes are gluten-free
- Grain-free, but you can add your own cooked rice or kibble with grain to make The Farmers Dog food last longer and stretch your dollars. Or use it as a food topper.
- You can get a full refund if you donate the food to local shelters or rescues
- If kept frozen, the packaged mealswill stay fresh for4 months
- Easy to store packages with the foods manufacturing date
- Can pause or cancel subscription anytime
- Clean track record. No recalls as of 2023
- Caters to health conditions
- Pre-portioned and ready-to-serve meals
- Fresh food prepared in-house every week
- Food is delivered within days of cooking
- Never stored on a shelf for months
- Prevents overfeeding
What Wed Change
- The food is so fresh that freezing is needed
- Thawing in the fridge is required the day before you use it
- Dont offer a grain-inclusive option but may be expanding their recipe selection in the future
- Fresh dog food, in general, is not great for training because it needs to be consumed during a certain time frame as it is perishable. It wont be easy to carry to the park without proper storage.
- Its more expensive than traditional dog food and even some premium brands. Especially for large dogs or multiple-dog households
- Doesnt work well with some puzzle toys. If youre considering using it with a food-dispensing toy, this isnt feasible with fresh dog food due to its malleable texture. However, stuffing The Farmers Dog food into a KONG and freezing it works great.
- While its true that some dogs do see a tremendous improvement after switching to a fresh diet, its not a miracle solution that will cure your dogs ailments
- The Farmers Dog food needs to be refrigerated once it arrives, so it isnt very portable or great for traveling dog parents or if your dog spends time at multiple houses
- Limited recipes to choose from; wish they had more flavors
- I wish they offered healthy treats, too
Ordering, Shipping & Delivery
After placing our order, we got a follow-up email with our order confirmation and another email when your food shipped out, including the tracking information and estimated delivery date. The box reached us in 3 days onceour orderwas processed. Our food was delivered in a cardboard box sealed with dry ice and biodegradable insulation, ensuringmeals are 100% frozen upon delivery.
If you are not home during delivery, dont worry; the ice is meant to keep your food safe and cold until at least 11 pm the day of the delivery. The Farmers Dog box is huge and light to carry and has an attractive design. Whats best is that the cardboard box is recyclable, and all insulating materials are biodegradable. Even meal packages are made from BPA-free and non-toxic materials.
Verdict 4.6/5: The ordering system is intuitive, easy to navigate, and provides a seamless experience.
My Farmers Dog Customer Service Experience
Being one of the busiest and most popular dog food delivery services doesnt stop The Farmers Dog from offering good customer service. We had a few fellow dog parents test The Farmers Dog customer service by having them inquire about The Farmers Dog service through email, phone, and chat. Overall, we received timely responses that were helpful and professional.
Sometimes, it took them a while to respond, but we usually got an answer. They have an email and phone number on their website for quick customer service. They also leverage social media to help current customers and people inquiring about their services.
The Farmers Dog offers a Vet Portal that provides your veterinarian with more information about their food and how it can be used to improve the health of a particular dog.
Verdict 4.7/5: They get a great in the customer service department. They provide support that is not only quick to respond but also knowledgeable about their products and services.
Additional InformationJump to:Full Review | Our Experience
What Customers Think About The Farmers Dog
Here is what real-verified customers had to say about this The Farmers Dog.
Is The Farmers Dog Worth It?
After testing The Farmers Dog and throughout research, we happily recommend this brand to any dog parent looking to improve their dogs nutrition and overall health. If you have a dog who needs a customized diet due to health concerns, food allergies, is a picky eater, hates shopping, hates making homemade dog food for your dog, or you want to provide them with a better, healthier, and fresher food, The Farmers Dog is a fantastic option. While the price for The Farmers Dog subscription may be slightly higher than buying traditional kibble, keeping a dog healthy should be a priority, and proper nutrition is where it all starts. A better diet translates into fewer vet bills.
Not convinced? See what other parents alike are saying about The Farmers Dog.
The Farmers Dog Positive Reviews
The company is the best most understanding business towards its customers. They know how to treat each family and pet as an individual. They allow you to feel that you matter. The product itself has been amazing for my dogs. My one dog has extreme health issues, and this product has helped him to recovery from 5 different surgeries and be removed from 3 different medications. This product really has been life-changing for our special pet. They take the time to listen to your concerns and make adjusts that are needed according to the needs of your pet. They have been amazing through our difficult times by sending flowers and making sure he was recovering okay. This company is extraordinary. I would recommend that everyone used this company for their dogs. This was the best choice I have ever made for my pets.
Michelle L, Better Business Bureau (BBB), 12/16/2020
Our 13yo schnauzer was getting thin and not wanting to eat. Since switching to this food he has regained weight through his hips and chest looking and feeling much better. He now taps dances when he sees the feeding bowls come out. Not that we were not using quality food before, it just that he did not want to eat it.
Keith N, Trust Pilot 5/12/2021
Excellent quality food, great customer service, my dog LOVES her fresh food from The Farmers Dog. The delivery has always been on time, well worth the money. This healthier diet may cost a little more than the dried or canned food, but it has saved me hundreds of dollars on vet bills since we rarely need to go anymore. My dog is so much healthier & happier since we started her on the fresh food diet (almost 1 year now)! Couldnt have picked a better company.
Marina Kinross, Google Reviews, 04/05/2020
The Farmers Dog Negative Reviews
We had a negative experience with The Farmers Dog. To start, we received food that was mislabeled not a huge deal, but wed intended to start our dog on turkey as wed read it was more digestible & thus easier to transition with. Instead, chicken was labeled as turkey and vice versa. The bigger issue is the bait & switch on pricing. What was not clear in the sign-up process is that the first two shipments are 14 days worth of food, but the price quoted is for shipments of 28 days worth of food. We dont have a ton of freezer space, so when I noticed that our plan shifted to 28 days for the 3rd shipment, I moved it back to 14 days and saw the price increase by 20%.
I called customer service and they explained this is a new process theyre trying out, where they ship smaller transition shipments of 14 days for your first two orders, and then send you monthly shipments after that... I will say that our dog liked the food, but for the high cost I never expected to get mislabeled food, or for the company to intentionally hide the fact that the rate only applies to an entire months worth of food AFTER youve signed up.
Trust is highly important for any company thats providing for our dog, and I found that severely lacking with The Farmers Dog given the mislabeled food and intentional games with pricing. Thats why we canceled our subscription and will give one of the competitors with cheaper rates a shot.
Brain Kazian, TrustPilot, 02/25/2021
The food is great for dogs with digestive problems like my dog has and dogs just love the taste. It is fresh and looks pretty good. BUT, their customer service is awful. This month, they told me my food would be here 4/13-4/17. Then, it was 4/15-4/17 and my dog was running out of food. So, I contacted them and they told me to cook my own. The food is still not here and they claim it will be here tomorrow 4/18 but it wont and we had to buy more food for our dog after shelling out a bundle for this. BAD!!!!!
Bobbi B, Better Business Bureau (BBB), 4/17/2021
Not a great experience, my dogs received the trial order and seemed to like it, we then got another shipment but with everything going on with Covid it took 2.5 3 days to get to us via *****, the dry ice was melted and the food mostly defrosted. I emailed them regarding this and they said that as long as it was still cold (which it was) then it was fine. But its not fine. My dogs refuse to eat it. The turkey smells spoiled, sorta vinegary. I emailed twice asking for the next order to be held because of everything going on with Covid right now and because ***** is taking so long to get to us, but they were not able to. I now have a ton of food that my dogs refuse to eat. Its a lot of money to waste on spoiled food, and unfortunately, I feel dismissed every time I mentioned this they sent me the same exact response that was clearly copied and pasted It is okay for the packs to arrive defrosted, just as long as they are cold with at least 1 pack still partially frozen. Let me know if this is ever not the case. Im not going to respond and say thats not the case because the packs were still cold when I received them and saying otherwise would be untrue, that being said I am still 100% confident this food is no good based on the smell of it and the fact my dogs wont eat it, even my dog who will eat absolutely anything. Its unfortunate that I have so much food now that my 4 dogs refuse to eat and its unfortunate that I feel like my concerns are consistently responded to with the same copied and pasted answer which I feel is dismissive of my concerns.
Kelly B, Better Business Bureau (BBB), 6/12/2020
The Farmers Dog Reddit Reviews
The Farmers DogReddit reviews expressedskepticism over the term human-grade dog food and what seems to be a common question dog parents have when they hear it. On thepositive side, customers say they rarely face resistance from their pets when fed The Farmers Dog. According to one customer on Reddit, the evidence lies in their pets poop: Her poop is so much better now. Customers alsopraised the brand for its smart packaging and timely delivery, ensuring your pup is never out of chow.
Check out these The Farmers Dog Reddit reviews for more.
Overall, based on a visual survey of customer satisfaction for The Farmers Dog, the positive reviews far outweigh the negative. Out of the 2807 reviews submitted by real The Farmers Dog customers (on Trustpilot, BBB & Google Reviews combined), more than83% are positive reviews. We also noticed that The Farmers Dog is highly active in responding and offering solutions to dissatisfied customers.
Transitioning From Kibble To The Farmers Dog
Vets and experts always recommend that you do it gradually and thoughtfully when you put your dog on a new diet. The Farmers Dog makes this process easy. They include a Transition Guide in every box.
It has a six-day transition program that goes as follows:
- Day 1 & 2: 75% of current food, 25% The Farmers Dog
- Day 3 & 4: 50% of current food, 50% The Farmers Dog
- Day 5 & 6: 25% of current food, 75% The Farmers Dog
- Day 7: 100% The Farmers Dog
The Farmers Dog Homemade DIY
Can I make Farmers dog food myself? Yes!
You can check out our homemade dog food guide for vet-approved recipes and learn all about cooking food for your pet, like The Farmers Dog. Or, you can also opt for The Farmers Dog DIY program. The program is simple:
- Sign up
- Get personalized homemade recipes from The Farmers Dog veterinarians
- You buy the food ingredients at your store of choice
- Follow their easy cooking instructions and add their DIY Nutrient Mix to make meals complete and balanced.
This is a great way to put your dog on a fresh diet if you have the time to cook and buy all the ingredients. Its certainly cheaper but time-consuming. We like sticking with their meal delivery plan for convenience.
Is The Farmers Dog Raw?
The Farmers Dog food is not raw; itsgently cookedatlower temperaturesto preserve more of the nutritional value. The food is ready to serve upon delivery; thaw it in the fridge or with warm water and serve.
The Farmers Dog Recall
Since posting this review in September 2023, no recalls for The Farmers Dog have been issued.
The Farmers Dog TV Commercial
Here is a quick glimpse of what happens when dogs see/smell The Farmers Fog food.
The Farmers Dog Phone Number
The Farmers Dog customer service line is (646) 780-7957. Or, you can email them at [emailprotected] should you have any issues. Fortunately, we did not.
The Farmers Dog vs Nom Nom vs Ollie vs Spot & Tango vs Others
Here is how The Farmers Dog stacks up to other fresh dog food companies.
The Farmers Dog vs Ollie
Despite having a similar way to create a custom dogs meal, there are a few differences between these two subscription-based dog food delivery services. The Farmers Dog offers 4 meal plans, while Ollie offers 4 but with the option of treats. Ollie also focuses mainly on the portion of the meat that will be the most nutrient-dense part of the animal (i.e., beef kidneys for their beef recipe.) Ollie also offers a fun food scoop and a box to make serving easier, while The Farmers Dog offers better eco-friendly options and rush orders. Costs for both brands are relatively the same, but Ollie seems to have slightly lower prices. On the other hand, The Farmers Dog uses USDA-approved meat, while Ollie uses fresh farm meat.
The Farmers Dog vs Nom Nom
The Farmers Dog and NomNom are long-time competitors. The two have very similar recipes and are equally excited to help better your pets nutrition. They use quality, human-grade ingredients but differ in a few key areas. Nom Nom excels at portioning and has various other products to supplement your dogs diet. The Farmers Dog is much more affordable and has better customizable choices to meet your dogs needs.
The Farmers Dog vs Spot & Tango
Spot and Tango is not as popular a subscription dog food service as The Farmers Dog. Spot and Tango offer three different recipes, each using 12 ingredients. New customers of Spot and Tango can get 20% off their first purchase, while The Farmers Dog customers will receive 50% off theirs.
The Farmers Dog Frequently Asked Questions
The Farmers Dog Food Review Conclusion & Alternatives
Trying The Farmers Dog is definitely worth considering. We noticed an improvement in our dogs digestion, as well as a marked increase in his vitality and energy. Many owners who have switched to The Farmers Dog report enhancements in their pups fur, skin, and overall demeanor. If youre looking for alternatives, there are a few worth mentioning. One such option is Nom Nom dog food, a subscription service weve previously reviewed. While similar in style and experience to The Farmers Dog, it might better meet specific needs. Other excellent services like Ollie and Spot & Tango may also be more suitable for your pup. Ultimately, consulting with your vet will help you make the most informed decision about whether The Farmers Dog is the right fit for your dog.
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Sources
Canine Bible uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processand product review methodology to learn more about how we fact-check, test products, and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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