Fresh dog food has exploded in popularity in recent years, offering a healthier alternative to kibble and heavily processed diets. Among the big players, The Farmer’s Dog is often one of the first brands dog owners encounter. But is it truly the best option—especially when compared to other fresh food services available today?
This review covers everything you need to know to make an informed choice.
What Is The Farmer’s Dog?
The Farmer’s Dog is a subscription-based fresh dog food service offering gently cooked meals made with real meat, vegetables, and simple ingredients. Their recipes are formulated by veterinarians and shipped frozen to maintain freshness.
They market themselves as a “human-grade” food provider, something many dog owners find reassuring—especially when trying to move away from kibble.
How The Farmer’s Dog Works
1. Online Quiz & Customization
Dog owners complete an online profile where The Farmer’s Dog asks about age, breed, weight, activity level, and dietary sensitivities. The system then recommends a feeding plan tailored to the dog’s needs.
2. Pre-Portioned Daily Packs
Meals arrive in individual daily-serving pouches, making feeding simple and consistent.
3. Delivery Schedule
Food is delivered every 2–8 weeks depending on the dog’s size. Packaging is recyclable, and food arrives frozen.
The Farmer’s Dog Recipes & Ingredients
They currently offer four core recipes:
- Beef
- Turkey
- Chicken
- Pork
Ingredient Quality
Each recipe uses whole-food ingredients you can recognize. Meals are cooked at low temperatures to retain nutrients—not processed at the extreme heat levels you typically find in standard kibble.
However, compared to some other fresh dog food companies, a noticeable difference is:
- Limited recipe variety
- Fewer specialized options for allergies, sensitivities, or novel proteins
- Less flexibility for custom adjustments
This can matter for dogs with digestive issues or dogs that get bored with the same flavors.
The Farmer’s Dog Pricing
Pricing varies based on dog size and caloric needs. On average:
- Small dogs: $2–3 per day
- Medium dogs: $5–7 per day
- Large dogs: $8–12+ per day
One thing to note is that Farmer’s Dog can be on the higher end of fresh food pricing, especially compared to brands that offer:
- More customization
- Larger recipe selections
- More flexible portioning options
This doesn’t mean it’s not high quality—it is—but owners with big dogs may feel the cost more than others.
Pros & Cons of The Farmer’s Dog
Pros
- Very simple feeding system with daily pouches
- Human-grade, fresh ingredients dogs love
- Recipes formulated by veterinary nutritionists
- Great for picky eaters
- Convenient subscription model
Cons
- Limited recipe variety compared to competitors
- Higher cost for medium and large dogs
- No mixed-protein or rotational meal plans
- Less customization than some newer fresh food services
How The Farmer’s Dog Compares to Other Fresh Dog Food Brands
The Farmer’s Dog is undeniably popular, and for good reason—it offers healthy, fresh, minimally processed meals dogs enjoy. However, many pet parents now explore alternatives that offer:
- Wider range of proteins
- More flexible subscription options
- Specialized diets for allergies
- Lower cost for multi-dog households
This is where some brands (including ones we review often on DogFoodAuthority.com) offer a bit more value and versatility.
Transitioning to Fresh Dog Food
Switching from kibble or canned food to fresh should be done gradually over 5–7 days. Most dogs see noticeable improvements in:
- Digestion
- Coat shine
- Energy levels
- Stool quality
Fresh diets almost always show benefits—The Farmer’s Dog included—and many pet owners never return to kibble afterward.
Final Verdict — Is The Farmer’s Dog Worth It?
The Farmer’s Dog is a strong choice for pet owners wanting a simple, fresh feeding plan built on recognizable, high-quality ingredients. While the price may be higher than some other fresh food companies, and while the recipe choices are limited, many dog owners appreciate the convenience and transparency.
For dog owners seeking the absolute highest flexibility, more recipe choices, or more tailored nutrition, other fresh food brands may offer stronger value. But The Farmer’s Dog remains a trustworthy option—especially for picky eaters and dogs needing a cleaner, fresher diet.
