Why Your Dog Deserves The Farmer s Dog Food A Comprehensive Guide

How Much Does The Farmers Dog Cost? Is It Worth It?

We all want to ensure that we keep our pups as healthy as possible, and feeding them all-natural, fresh dog food can go a long way in doing just that. But fresh is considerably more expensive than canned or kibble. The Farmers Dog is our favorite fresh dog food delivery service, but is it a good match for your furry friend and your wallet?

How much is Farmers Dog food? Because this brand personalizes your pups food, the answer depends on several factors. The Farmers Dog ranges anywhere from $15 to $100 or more per week. But to give you a better idea of the cost, I ran quotes for several different breeds and sizes. I also share some personal experiences with The Farmers Dog and why its our favorite fresh dog food delivery service.

Visit The Farmers Dog Website

Why Consider Fresh Dog Food?

Feeding your dog high-quality, fresh food is one of the best ways to keep your furry friend as healthy as possible throughout her lifetime. Fresh dog chow contains real, whole-food ingredients, like premium meats, vegetables, and fruits. Unlike heavily processed kibble, fresh dog food is lightly cooked to preserve nutrients and freshness.

Fresh meals are a tasty alternative to kibble and a fantastic choice for picky eaters. But they also provide your pup with the ideal nutrition for whole-body wellness and the energy they need to thrive. Benefits include everything from a stronger immune system and improved digestion to heart, brain, eye, skin, and coat health, and much more.

Why not just prepare homemade dog food? Feeding your pup fresh dog food from brands like The Farmers Dog is a much healthier choice than most homemade diets. Because these brands recipes are formulated by animal nutritionists, they contain the ideal ingredients and level of nutrients our pups require.

Making homemade dog food is time-consuming and extremely difficult to ensure your canine companion is getting the appropriate nutrition. Too much or not enough of any nutrient can lead to obesity, malnutrition, serious illnesses, and even life-threatening problems. But with The Farmers Dog, you can rest assured your dog is getting the best diet possible.

The Farmers Dog Food Cost

The Farmers Dog price starts at around $2 per day. Your exactplan and price optionsdepend on your dogs specific needs and your recipe choices. The Farmers Dog works closely with vet nutritionists to determine the optimal calorie needs for different breeds, sizes, weights, ages, body conditions, activity levels, and metabolic rates. The dog profile you fill out on their website gives them all the information they need to personalize your pups food and portions.

How Much Is The Farmers Dog Per Week & Per Month?

I ran quotes on The Farmers Dog website for several different dogs to give you a rough idea of their pricing. However, we recommend you get a quote so youll know exactly what The Farmers Dog price is for your unique pup. The profile quiz takes less than five minutes to complete, and youre not required to make any payment or other commitment to see your quote.

Each quote below (as of February 2024) is for three-year-old, moderately active dogs at a healthy weight with no health problems. I chose to represent a few of the most popular breeds in the U.S. This chart reflects pricing for their beef recipe, which is their least expensive option. Pork, chicken, and turkey recipes are slightly more expensive.

Full Meal Plan Cost

Topper Plan Cost

After your initial two-week trial box, you have other options for topper plans depending on the size of your furry friend. This is a fantastic alternative if you simply cant swing the cost of the full plan. Mixing in fresh food with your dogs existing chow is still an excellent way to give her the health benefits of fresh food. For medium-sized dogs, your options are or portions, and for large dogs, you have the option of , , or portions.

The Farmers Dog Coupon

Our readers have access to50% off your first box.No code is needed;just usethis link,and the discount will be applied! You can also visit ourdedicated The Farmers Dog coupons page.

Is The Farmers Dog Food Cost Worth It?

Yes, fresh dog food is expensive, but we think its definitely worth the cost. And compared to many fresh-frozen brands, like Nom Nom and A Pup Above, The Farmers Dog is more affordably priced. If you can fit TFD into your budget, the health benefits for your pup far surpass saving a few bucks.

See our complete review of The Farmers Dog to learn more about their recipes and for our first-hand experience with our own pups.

Our Personal Experience With The Farmers Dog Cost

We were initially provided with a sample of The Farmers Dog to test it out, but our Cavalier dog loved it so much that we became long-term customers. Ever since we switched to The Farmers Dog, our dog Lexie has been eating it with great enthusiasm, and her bowel movements are now more regular. The extra cost of this food is well worth it, knowing that she is consuming only the freshest, human-grade ingredients. With The Farmers Dog, Lexie lost a few extra pounds and has maintained a more ideal weight. Additionally, weve noticed a significant improvement in her coat, which is now shinier and healthier. Although this food is slightly more expensive than what we fed her previously, the benefits are clear, and she deserves only the best.

Sadie Cornelius, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel parent, and Canine Journal Graphic Designer

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are just a few questions pup owners often have when considering The Farmers Dog. If I missed yours, let me know in the comments.

Is Grain-Free Dog Food Safe For Dogs?

The FDA has not found a significant link between grain-free dog food and heart health. However, its wise to talk with your vet before switching your dogs diet if you have any concerns.

Are There Any Other Fees?

No, what you see is what you get with The Farmers Dog. There are no additional charges for signing up, shipping, or mixing recipes in your orders. The Farmers Dog allows you to choose up to three recipes in each shipment.

When Will I Be Billed?

After your initial purchase, The Farmers Dog establishes automatic billing and shipping. Billing occurs when they process your next automatic delivery, which is a few days before the box ships. In general, delivery options range from every week to every two months. If you have enough freezer space, setting up less frequent deliveries is an excellent way to cut down on packaging waste.

Once I Sign Up, Is My Subscription Flexible?

Yes, flexibility is one of the many benefits of The Farmers Dog. After your first purchase, all you have to do is go into your account via their website to make any changes you want. You can adjust your recipe choices, the amount of food in each delivery, and the delivery frequency. You can also delay, rush, pause, or cancel any time before they process your next shipment.

How Do I Store The Food?

Because their food is fresh without any preservatives, youll need to store your food in the refrigerator or freezer once you receive it. (Food is shipped frozen in boxes with dry ice and insulation.) Their food packets can last as long as four months in your freezer. However, once its thawed and in the fridge, youll need to use it within four days. Your box will include an easy guide on how to store and feed the food properly.

Alternatives To The Farmers Dog

While The Farmers Dog is our favorite fresh dog food brand that personalizes your pups food, its by no means your only option for fresh dog food. See how TFD compares to other brands in our reviews of the best fresh dog food brands. But if youre still not sure fresh food fits in with your budget, we have plenty of other recommendations for premium, all-natural dog food. Our reviews of the best dog food delivery services also include shelf-stable dehydrated dog food, premium kibble, and more.

Our Methodology

We analyze hundreds of dog food brands and individual formulas to provide our recommendations for the best nutrition. Each of the following elements helps us determine the best dog food for any dietary need. Our in-depth research includes:

• Scrutinizing all ingredients included in every formula
• Having firsthand experience with our dogs for many of the foods we recommend
• Assessing the guaranteed analysis for every formula, including protein, fat, fiber, and caloric content
• Investigating the latest scientific studies on dogs nutritional needs and benefits of ingredients
• Researching the specific dietary needs for breed sizes and health conditions
• Reading hundreds of customer reviews
• Staying informed on every dog food recall
• Diving into every pet food brands history and reputation
• Keeping on top of pet food trends

Unlike many other review sites, we give unbiased reviews based on countless hours of research. Our goal is to provide our readers with the healthiest options for their pups.

Why Trust Canine Journal?

Sally has researched and reviewed hundreds of different dog food brands and specific formulas. Shes an expert at analyzing dog food ingredients based on current nutritional guidelines and scientific studies for the healthiest food for our pups. Shes part of a team of dog specialists at Canine Journal who have over a decade of experience in researching, testing, and writing about everything you need to know to keep your pup healthy and happy.

The Farmers Dog Food Review (Fresh)

DogFoodAdvisor is reader supported See how

All reviews are 100% impartial but if you buy using links on this page, we may earn a referral fee.

The Farmers Dog earns The Dog Food Advisors top rating of 5 stars.

In this review

Well take an in-depth look at The Farmers Dog and well rate each of its recipes. And well answer these important questions:

1. What is The Farmers Dog? How does it work?
2. Who makes it?
3. Has The Farmers Dog been recalled?
4. Which flavors and recipes get our top ratings?

But first

What Is The Farmers Dog?

The Farmers Dog is a premium subscription service that produces fresh, custom-made food for your particular dog. And then delivers it refrigerated direct to your door.

How Does the Service Work?

First, youll answer a few questions about your dogs age, weight, breed, activity level and allergies. This creates a custom feeding profile.

Next, youll choose a flavor. Set up a delivery schedule. And soon, fresh-made pet food arrives at your home, packed in dry ice.

Which Recipes Get Our Top Ratings?

The Farmers Dog offers 4 recipe options. Heres what makes each one different.

• First 5 ingredients: Beef, sweet potatoes, cooked lentils, carrots, beef liver
• Protein: 39% (dry matter)
• Fat: 29% (dry matter)
• Carbs: 24% (est)
• Fat-to-protein ratio: 73%

Beef Recipe contains the second highest protein level in The Farmers Dog product line. Includes fish oil, a natural source of omega-3 fatty acids for better joint health. A top pick. Highly recommended.

Check Special Price

• First 5 ingredients: Turkey, chickpeas, carrots, broccoli, spinach
• Protein: 33% (dry matter)
• Fat: 19% (dry matter)
• Carbs: 40% (est)
• Fat-to-protein ratio: 56%

Although Turkey Recipe has the lowest amount of meat protein in the brands offering, it also exhibits the most favorable fat-to-protein ratio. Exceptional nutrient balance. Recommended with confidence.

Check Special Price

• First 5 ingredients: Chicken, brussels sprouts, chicken liver, bokchoy cabbage, broccoli
• Protein: 46% (dry matter)
• Fat: 34% (dry matter)
• Carbs: 12% (est)
• Fat-to-protein ratio: 74%

Chicken Recipe boasts the highest protein content of any product in the line with zero legumes. Contains an organic zinc compound and 2 other chelated minerals. Nutrients typically found in better recipes. Highly recommended.

Check Special Price

• First 5 ingredients: Pork, sweet potatoes, potato, green beans, cauliflower
• Protein: 36% (dry matter)
• Fat: 28% (dry matter)
• Carbs: 28% (est)
• Fat-to-protein ratio: 78%

This recipe gets 100% of its animal protein from fresh pork and pork liver. The formula is rich in omega-3 fish oil for optimal heart health and silky coat. Another exceptional pick. Highly recommended.

Check Special Price

The Farmers Dog fresh-cooked, human-grade dog food earns the Advisors top rating of 5 stars.

We find The Farmers Dog to be an outstanding, grain-free wet food. Each human-grade recipe uses a generous amount of fresh named meat as its main source of animal protein thus earning the brand 5 stars.

Enthusiastically recommended.

Each recipe includes its AAFCO nutrient profile: Growth (puppy), Maintenance (adult), All Life Stages, Supplemental or Unspecified.

The Farmers Dog product line includes the 4 fresh-cooked foods listed below.

Recipe and Label Analysis

The Farmers Dog Turkey was selected to represent the other products in the line for detailed recipe and nutrient analysis.

Label and nutrient data below are calculated using dry matter basis.

The Farmer's Dog Turkey Recipe

Estimated Dry Matter Nutrient Content

Turkey, chickpeas, carrots, broccoli, spinach, parsnips, tricalcium phosphate, salt, fish oil, choline bitartrate, taurine, vitamin B12 supplement, zinc amino acid chelate, iron amino acid chelate, vitamin E supplement, copper amino acid chelate, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin supplement, potassium iodide, pyridoxine hydrochloride, vitamin D3 supplement, folic acid

Fiber (estimated dry matter content) = 1.5%

Red denotes any controversial items

Ingredients Analysis

The first ingredient in this recipe is turkey. Turkey is considered the clean combination of flesh and skin derived from the parts or whole carcasses of turkey.¹

Turkey is naturally rich in the ten essential amino acids required by a dog to sustain life.

The second ingredient includes chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans. Like peas, beans and lentils, the chickpea is a nutritious member of the fiber-rich legume (or pulse) family of vegetables.

However, chickpeas contain about 22% protein, a factor that must be considered when judging the actual meat content of this dog food.

The third ingredient lists carrots, which are rich in beta-carotene, minerals and dietary fiber.

The fourth ingredient is broccoli. Broccoli is a healthy green vegetable and a member of the kale family. Its notably rich in vitamin C and fiber and numerous other nutrients.

Like other cruciferous vegetables, broccoli is believed to provide anti-cancer benefits.

The fifth ingredient is spinach. Due to its exceptional vitamin and mineral content, spinach exhibits a remarkably high nutrient Completeness Score² of 91.

The sixth ingredient includes parsnip, a root vegetable closely related to carrot and parsley. Parsnips are high in complex carbohydrates and rich in B vitamins, fiber and other essential nutrients.

The seventh ingredient is tricalcium phosphate, a beneficial source of calcium and phosphorus. In addition, this additive is used in canned foods as an emulsifier an agent designed to disperse a foods fats more evenly in water.

From here, the list goes on to include a number of other items.

But to be realistic, ingredients located this far down the list (other than nutritional supplements) are not likely to affect the overall rating of this product.

With 3 notable exceptions

First, we find fish oil. Fish oil is naturally rich in the prized EPA and DHA type of omega-3 fatty acids. These two high quality fats boast the highest bio-availability to dogs and humans.

Depending on its level of freshness and purity, fish oil should be considered a welcome addition.

Next, we note the use of taurine, an important amino acid associated with the healthy function of heart muscle. Although taurine is not typically considered essential in canines, some dogs have been shown to be deficient in this critical nutrient.

Since taurine deficiency appears to be more common in pets consuming grain-free diets, we view its presence in this recipe as a positive addition.

And lastly, this food contains chelated minerals, minerals that have been chemically attached to protein. This makes them easier to absorb. Chelated minerals are usually found in better dog foods.

Nutrient Analysis

Based on its ingredients only, The Farmers Dog appears to be an above-average wet product.

However, ingredient content alone doesnt provide an accurate picture of the products meat content. We also need to take a closer look at the labels Guaranteed Analysis data.

The dashboard displays a dry matter protein reading of 33%, a fat level of 19% and estimated carbohydrates of about 40%.

As a group, the brand features an average protein content of 39% and a mean fat level of 27%. Together, these figures suggest a carbohydrate content of 26% for the overall product line.

And a fat-to-protein ratio of about 70%.

Which suggests The Farmers Dog contains above-average protein, above-average fat, and below-average carbs when compared to a typical wet recipe.

Even when you consider the protein-boosting effect of the chickpeas, this still looks like the profile of a fresh dog food containing a generous amount of meat.

The Farmer's Dog Dog Food Recall History

The following automated list (if present) includes all dog food recalls related to The Farmer's Dog through April 2024.

No recalls noted.

You can view a complete list of all dog food recalls since 2009 here.

Our Rating of The Farmer's Dog Dog Food

We find The Farmers Dog to be an outstanding, grain-free wet food. Each human-grade recipe uses a generous amount of fresh named meat as its main source of animal protein thus earning the brand 5 stars.

Who Makes The Farmers Dog?

The Farmers Dog is made at USDA-inspected facilities located within the United States.

The company was founded in 2014 by Brett Podolsky and Jonathan Regev. The following video describes the pairs inspiring story and contrasts The Farmers Dog with ordinary dry dog food.

Who Designed The Farmers Dog?

The Farmers Dog is designed and formulated by a team of veterinary specialists, board-certified by the American College of Veterinary Nutrition.

What Do Others Say About The Farmer's Dog Dog Food?

Buyer review Our Havanese puppy Chutney is a very picky eater and The Farmers Dog is the only thing he eats without fuss.

Read more buyer reviews at TheFarmersDog.com

Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Farmer's Dog a Healthy Food?

Unlike brands that use computer programs to verify their nutrient content

The Farmers Dog was tested using a method we consider superior to AAFCOs own gold standard system live feeding trials conducted on real dogs of multiple breed sizes and ages over a 6-year period.

So, all 4 recipes are considered nutritious for all ages and breed sizes, including large breed puppies.

Is The Farmer's Dog Raw?

No Its gently cooked at lower temperatures. So, each recipe avoids damage to delicate vitamins and nutrients during high-heat processing.³

What If My Dog Doesn't Like the Food?

The Farmers Dog has amazing customer service. If your dog doesnt like the recipe you ordered, theres no need to return it. The company will send you a different flavor, at no cost to you.

How can I switch to The Farmers Dog without making my dog sick?

In thisvideo

Dr. Gary Richter shares asimple feeding tipthat can helploweryour dogsriskof gettingsickwhen you switch to afresh food, like The Farmers Dog.

Its best toswitchyour dog to a fresh food like The Farmers Doggradually.

Start by mixing 20% fresh with 80% old food. Then,slowlyincrease that amount to a full 100% over the next 8 to 9 days.

What allows The Farmers Dog to claim it is human grade?

The U.S. Department of Agriculture requires that products claiming to be fit for human consumption must beofficiallyedible.

The word edible is alegalstandard. Human-grade is not.

In order for The Farmers Dog to be deemed edible, every ingredient in its recipemust be human edibleand manufactured, packed and stored in accordance with USDA regulations.

How can I be sure The Farmers Dog is healthy?

Each of The Farmers Dog recipes was designed by a board-certifiedveterinary nutritionist.

And unlike most commercial dog foods that use only computer simulations to determine their compliance with AAFCO nutrient profiles

The Farmers Dog was tested using a method we considersuperiorto AAFCOs own gold standard system conducted on real dogs of multiple breed sizes and ages over a 6-year period.

Is The Farmers Dog recommended for puppies?

Some fresh dog foods are not safe for all ages and breeds.

Thats because

Large breed puppieshave a higherriskof developing acripplingandpermanentform ofhip diseaseif theyre fed a fresh diet that contains too much calcium while theyre still growing.^{4 5}

Fortunately,The Farmers Dog isconsidered safefor ALL adults and puppies, including those of larger breeds.

What keeps The Farmers Dog fresh?

Since The Farmers Dog containsno preservatives, it must be kept refrigerated or frozen.

In most cases, fresh dog food can last formonths, as long as it remains frozen and sealed in its original package.

Once a container is open and defrosted, it should be kept in the fridge andused within 4 days.

Compare The Farmer's Dog Dog Food

How does The Farmer's Dog compare with The Dog Food Advisor's most recommended brands?

A Final Word

The Dog Food Advisor does not accept money, gifts, samples or other incentives in exchange for special consideration in preparing our reviews.

However, we do receive a referral fee from online retailers (like Chewy or Amazon) and from sellers of perishable pet food when readers click over to their websites from ours. This helps cover the cost of operation of our free blog. Thanks for your support.

For more information, please visit our Disclaimer and Disclosure page.