The Farmer s Dog Food A Farm to Bowl Experience Your Dog Will Love
The Farmers Dog Food Reviews: Customized For Your Dogs Diet
The market for fresh, natural food has experienced a boom in recent years. US Foods states that the trend of farmers markets has also exploded, quadrupling over the last 20 years. So why shouldnt our beloved pups get in on this fresh action too? Why not transform their boring bowl of biscuits into something new and tasty? Thats where The Farmers Dog steps in.
In this review, we will look at this relatively new concept of this as-fresh-as-it-comes personalized dog food. From the brands history and how the whole process works to the ingredients and nutritional benefits, we share honest details about whether they are truly different from the other brands.
Maybe youre wondering how to update Fidos diet to something tastier. Or perhaps youve had no luck alleviating your pups health problems with shop-bought kibbles. Trying this human-grade fresh food could be the answer you and Fido are looking for. So, lets get down to our foodie findings.
At a Glance: The Farmers Dog Food Favorites
Chicken Recipe
USDA Chicken, Brussels Sprouts, USDA Chicken Liver, Bok Choy, Broccoli, Fish Oil, TFD Nutrient Pack
Beef Recipe
USDA Beef, Sweet Potato, Lentils, Carrot, USDA Beef Liver, Kale, Sunflower Seeds, Fish Oil, TFD Nutrient Blend
Turkey Recipe
USDA Turkey, Chickpeas, Carrot, Broccoli, Parsnip, Spinach, Fish Oil, TFD Nutrient Blend
Note: Clicking the above links will take you to TheFarmersDog.com, where you can get additional product information and customer reviews. If you make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
Brand History
The Farmers Dog (TFD) brand is a new company founded in 2014, but their journey began a little before this. It all started with one of the founders beloved Rottweiler pup, Jada. She suffered from severe digestive problems for two years. And after trying almost every high-quality kibble out there, their vet recommended trying Jada on homemade food to resolve the issues.
Immediately Jadas dad, Brett, could see that simple, fresh, homemade food began working its magic almost overnight. And as they say, the rest is history!
Their mission is to turn their unconditional love into uncomplicated care starting with what goes into our doggos bowls. They have created this bespoke service using decades of nutrition research and joining forces with top vet nutritionists. Not only do they claim that their food is nutritionally balanced and complete, but they also state that it is safe enough for humans to eat!
Their website states that they currently employ over 100 employees (and still hiring if youre interested!). They also deliver millions of meals every month. They have over 185K followers on Instagram showcasing all of the success stories across the country. Their success clearly shows that they are onto something, so lets see what all the fuss is about.
Recall History
A product recall occurs when it doesnt meet the expected standards. It can be recalled voluntarily by the brand themselves or by the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) which governs pet food standards nationally.
As it stands, TFD hasnt had any food recalls. This means that they have met all the expected standards so far, which is always reassuring for us dog owners. There arent many well-known brands out there whose recall history is zero.
Range Of Recipes
Currently, they only offer four recipes, which is fine for most dogs. But for those who are allergic to these commonly used proteins or have specific dietary needs are left without options. Thankfully, The Farmers Dog claims to be working towards building a wider range of formulas, so watch this space.
Currently, there are also no grain-inclusive options, only grain-free formulas. Again, this is not ideal for dogs who do better on grains. Or for parents who are concerned about the FDAs investigations into the possible link between grain-free diets and heart disease. If you want to continue feeding your pooch a grain-inclusive diet, simply blend some rice into the mix to add the grains.
There are also no specific options for puppies in their developmental stage or seniors who need fewer calories. However, once you take yourself through the food questionnaire, you input all of the details about your dogs age, current weight, ideal weight, activity levels, and more. Meaning that they calculate exactly how much your dog needs every day according to their requirements.
Additionally, all of their recipes are Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) compliant. AAFCO is the body that recommends standards for the pet food industry. This means the formulas are nutritionally complete for all ages and stages. So you can rest assured that your pooch will receive a well-balanced diet.
Pros & Cons
Farmers Dog Recipes
Sure, The Farmers Dog doesnt offer a vast range of formulas, but lets take a look at what they do offer. Here are the ingredient lists for the four recipes.
Lets start with the meat because thats what Fido wants to know about, right?! So each recipe uses one single protein, which is always the first ingredient. This is a surefire sign of any high-quality recipe because it means it is the most prominent ingredient in the recipe. Using one sole protein also makes a recipe easier to digest, similar to most limited-ingredient diets.
Chicken Recipe
- USDA Chicken
- Brussels Sprouts
- USDA Chicken Liver
- Bok Choy
- Broccoli
- Fish Oil
- TFD Nutrient Pack
Three of the four recipes also list liver, which is from the same animal source. Liver is rich in nutrients and high in protein, plus its super tasty too. Fish oil is also in every recipe, adding healthy omega fatty acids. Omega oils are essential for a well-balanced diet, healthy skin and coat, joint support, digestion, cardiac fitness, organ development, and much more.
Beef Recipe
- USDA Beef
- Sweet Potato
- Lentils
- Carrot
- USDA Beef Liver
- Kale
- Sunflower Seeds
- Fish Oil
- TFD Nutrient Blend
Each recipe lists its own blend of vegetables to provide prebiotic fiber, antioxidants, and more. Included vegetables depend on the recipe, but they range from brussels sprouts, broccoli, and sweet potato, to carrots, kale, and spinach, packing a punch of prebiotic fiber to aid smoother digestion. Plus, all of their recipes finish with TFD Nutrient Blend. Meaning every formula is enriched with even more vitamins and chelated minerals (which dogs find easier to absorb) to support your pups immune system.
Turkey Recipe
- USDA Turkey
- Chickpeas
- Carrot
- Broccoli
- Parsnip
- Spinach
- Fish Oil
- TFD Nutrient Blend
TFD never uses feed-grade ingredients that most other pet food brands use. They only use human-grade food. This means if you run out of ingredients for your own dinner, you could always join Fido! They also never use artificial preservatives that can irritate doggy digestive systems found in many pet foods.
Pork Recipe
- USDA Pork
- Sweet Potato
- Potato
- Green Beans
- Cauliflower
- USDA Pork Liver
- Fish Oil
- TFD Nutrient Blend
Nutritional Analysis
Lets dig a bit deeper into the scientific ratios of what these ingredients really offer your dog. Although we are reviewing wet food here, we have to compare it on a dry matter basis. Otherwise, its like comparing apples with bananas.
The four recipes offer an average protein content of 40% and a mean fat ratio of 28%. Meaning the fat-to-protein ratio is 69%. These figures suggest that The Farmers Dog offers an above-average protein level, above-average fat level, and a below-average carbohydrate level. This is why they enthusiastically recommend this premium brand.
Where Do They Make The Food?
As youll notice, each animal protein states USDA, which stands for the United States Department of Agriculture. This is the government agency that regulates the agricultural food industry.By stating that an ingredient is USDA-certified on the label, TFD assures us thatall meat used in their recipes is only from USDA-approved suppliers, local farms, and other human food purveyors. This guarantees that consumers get high-quality ingredients that pass safety regulations. Further, each recipe is made in the USA in USDA kitchens. Another benefit to using USDA-approved kitchens is that all food made by TFD is from human-grade ingredients. So while you may not wish to eat it, you could!
However, TFD is unclear about where the other ingredients are sourced. Although the recipes are made in their American USDA-approved kitchens (guaranteeing all ingredients are human-grade), the non-USDA labeled ingredients could be sourced overseas. While we cannot confirm where TFD gets them, its common for dog food companies to source their micro-ingredients (i.e., vitamins and minerals) overseas.
How Does The Farmers Dog Work?
The first step towards filling your pups bowl with this premium food is to create an online profile on the TFD website. You need to input the basic information about your pup, such as their name, age, sex, weight, and breed. Theyll also ask about Fidos body shape, behavior, activity levels, health issues, and routine diet. You also need to enter your name, zip code, and email address. This process only takes a few minutes.
Once you hit the button, using the information youve provided, they calculate exactly how much food your dog needs and which recipes are the top choice. After that, you review your order and submit your delivery details. It really is as simple as that!
Within a week of placing your order, you receive a two-week taste trial straight to your doorstep. After that, you receive food (and an auto-bill) every eight weeks to ensure your dog never runs out of food again.
The meals are pre-made and pre-portioned based on your pups daily calorie requirements. As soon as the meals are made, they are flash-frozen (never deep-frozen) to keep them fresh without losing nutritional value.
The box ships with your frozen food packets kept cold with dry ice. You canplace it in the fridge or freezeras soon as you receive your delivery, depending on how soon you need it.
Our Personal Experience With The Farmers Dog
Our dog cant get enough of the Farmers Dog! He gobbles it down so fast we have to put it in a slow feeder. Weve tried various other kibbles and dog foods, but nothing he enjoys as much. Our rescue girl showed more consistent bowel movements, lost and maintained a much healthier weight since switching, and her coat is noticeably more shiny and healthy).
Sadie Cornelius, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dog parent
How Much Does Farmers Dog Cost?
According to the website, TFDs plans start at $2 a day for smaller dogs. Every dog is unique, meaning that every plan and price is unique. To determine the exact cost for your pup, you can fill out the questionnaire. The price is based on weight. So for an average 55-pound dog with no health issues, youre looking at a cost of $8 to $9 a day.
Sure, this is more expensive than feeding your pooch a dried or lower-quality diet. But you can be sure that your pup is getting a nutritionally complete diet that is above the market average in quality. Its also very convenient because its delivered straight to your door and already pre-portioned. This is a great option if you can spend a little more on a higher-quality diet for Fido.
Our readers have access to50% off your first box.No code needed. Use this link and the discount will be applied.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below we have listed some of the most frequently asked questions about TFD, so lets clear the last few things up.
Is this a high-quality brand?
Yes, it is. As you can see from our review above, the brands mission is to provide food for your dogs to thrive on, not just survive. They have worked closely with canine nutritionists to design recipes are backed by science. They use the best quality and freshest ingredients and never use harsh preservatives or chemicals. Several review websites rate them highly with enthusiastic recommendations.
How does TFD know what food my dog needs?
They use the information that you have provided about your pooch. And using their details, such as sex, age, weight, lifestyle, and breed, they work closely with their vets to calculate the optimized nutrition. From there, you can trial the food for two weeks. Should something not be just right, their customer team is available to help monitor your dogs progress and make any necessary adjustments.
Do I need to cook the food?
No, there is no need to cook the food. It is ready to serve up straight from the packet. If your pooch prefers warmer food, simply add a splash of warm water.
What if my dog doesnt like the food?
From the reviews from other dog parents, its easy to see that this doesnt happen often. However, dogs are creatures of habit and will take time to adjust to any new food. If you cannot entice them a splash of warm water or low-sodium broth, TFD states that they will offer you a refund for your food. Then you can donate it to a dog shelter.
Can I change my order at any time?
Its super simple to amend your plan, change your address during vacation, rush, or delay an order. Just log into your account on the website and change the delivery details. You can also cancel or reactivate your subscription at any time.
Final Thoughts
Admittedly there isnt much choice in their formulas, but TFD is working on adding to their range. The food is made in the USA at USDA-approved kitchens, ensuring human-grade food every time. Further, the meat ingredients are fresh and sourced from USDA-approved suppliers. And the recipes are topped off with everything your dog needs in its diet, securing the AAFCO seal of approval.
The Farmers Dog is more expensive than dried kibble or more basic doggy diets. However, if you have the budget for this plan, it offers you the peace of mind that you are providing the very best for your dog delivered right to your front door. And Fido is also satisfied with the tasty food thats waiting for them every day in their bowl. And a healthy dog is a happy dog. So everyones a winner!
