Considering The Farmer’s Dog for your canine companion but unsure if their fresh dog food subscription is the right choice? This comprehensive review dives deep into the pros and cons, helping you make an informed decision before committing to a plan. The Farmer’s Dog has emerged as a leading fresh dog food delivery service in the USA, offering human-grade ingredients, personalized meal plans formulated by veterinary nutritionists, and convenient home delivery. While their meals undoubtedly present a healthier alternative to traditional kibble or canned dog food, the question of cost and overall value remains paramount for many pet parents.
A variety of The Farmer's Dog meals in their packaging
As experienced dog owners who transitioned from traditional kibble to fresh food for our Alaskan Klee Kai, Copper and Skye, in 2019, we understand the desire to provide the best for our pets. After a period of living in the UK and trying a popular local fresh food provider, we returned to the USA in 2023 and sought out fresh dog food brands. This led us to The Farmer’s Dog, which we extensively tested on our dogs. In this article, we share our firsthand experience with The Farmer’s Dog, detailing the advantages and disadvantages to guide you through your decision-making process.
The Farmer’s Dog: Pros
Wholesome, Real Food Ingredients
One of the most significant draws of The Farmer’s Dog is their commitment to using human-grade ingredients. This means you can be confident that your dog is consuming food that is safe and healthy enough for human consumption. Their recipes feature USDA-approved meats, nutrient-rich vegetables like green beans and sweet potatoes, and a carefully crafted nutrient blend to ensure a balanced diet for your dog.
Crucially, The Farmer’s Dog avoids artificial additives, by-products, artificial flavors, and preservatives. You won’t find any of the mysterious meat meals or brown pellets often found in conventional dog foods. Knowing that Copper and Skye were eating genuinely wholesome food provided immense peace of mind.
Close-up of The Farmer's Dog ingredients, showing identifiable meats and vegetables
Gentle Cooking Process Preserves Nutrients
The Farmer’s Dog employs a gentle cooking method that heats their human-grade ingredients at low temperatures. This process is designed to lock in the natural nutrients, aromas, and flavors of the real food. For pet owners dealing with picky eaters, like our Skye, this minimally processed approach can be a game-changer. The appetizing smell and taste of gently cooked food can significantly encourage a dog’s willingness to eat consistently.
Clear and Transparent Labeling
A common frustration with traditional dog food is the often-confusing ingredient lists, leaving owners uncertain about what they are truly feeding their pets. The Farmer’s Dog excels in transparency. From the moment you sign up, they are upfront about the fresh ingredients used in their recipes. This clarity provides great comfort, knowing that your dog is consuming recognizable ingredients such as beef, chicken, pork, carrots, fish oil, and Brussels sprouts. Your first box will also include detailed information about the human-grade ingredients in each meal.
An example of The Farmer's Dog meal packaging with clear ingredient information
User-Friendly Sign-Up Process
Navigating the world of fresh dog food can sometimes feel complex, especially when it comes to personalized meal plans. The Farmer’s Dog simplifies this with a straightforward questionnaire. You’ll be asked to provide details about your dog’s breed, weight, activity level, any health concerns, and more. This information allows them to tailor a plan that aligns with your dog’s specific needs, whether it’s weight gain, weight loss, or managing specific dietary requirements. Their ordering process is designed to be intuitive and easy to use for all pet owners, regardless of their technical proficiency.
Screenshot of Skye's personalized meal plan from The Farmer's Dog
Precisely Pre-Portioned Meals
Accurate portion control is vital for maintaining a healthy weight and ensuring your dog receives the correct amount of nutrients. The Farmer’s Dog stands out in this regard. While many fresh food brands claim to offer pre-portioned meals, The Farmer’s Dog truly delivers. Each dog’s individual meals are clearly labeled, ensuring that dogs with different caloric needs, like Copper (needing to lose weight) and Skye (needing to gain weight), receive precisely what they require. The food pouches feature clear portion guidelines, making it easy to manage feeding at each mealtime and avoiding over or underfeeding.
The Farmer's Dog meal pouches with clear portion guidelines
Competitive Pricing within the Fresh Food Market
While fresh dog food is generally more expensive than traditional kibble, The Farmer’s Dog offers excellent value within its category. After reviewing various fresh pet food companies, we found The Farmer’s Dog to be a cost-effective option. For our two Alaskan Klee Kai, our monthly cost was $193. When compared to other services, like Nom Nom, which was $75.56 more expensive per month, or Ollie, which was $65.70 cheaper per month, The Farmer’s Dog presented a significant saving over the year. For those looking to transition to fresh food, The Farmer’s Dog provides a more accessible entry point. You can also take advantage of a 50% discount on your first order through our exclusive link.
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Critically, Dog Approved!
Ultimately, the most important factor is whether your dog will enjoy the food. Our Alaskan Klee Kai, Copper and Skye, both gave The Farmer’s Dog their paws of approval. Skye, our typically fussy eater, showed genuine excitement at meal times and finished most of her food without any digestive upset. While she particularly enjoyed the beef, chicken, and pork recipes, she was less keen on the turkey option. Copper, on the other hand, was happy to finish any of Skye’s leftovers. This strong acceptance from our dogs is a testament to the palatability of The Farmer’s Dog.
Copper and Skye enjoying their meals from The Farmer's Dog
A Practical Cooler Bag Included
A small but appreciated bonus is the inclusion of a cooler bag with your order. For dog owners who travel with their pets, maintaining the cold chain of fresh food is essential. This cooler bag makes it easier to transport a portion of The Farmer’s Dog food on road trips, ensuring your dog continues to receive their nutritious meals while on the go.
The Farmer's Dog cooler bag, useful for travel
The Farmer’s Dog: Cons
Premium Price Point
It’s undeniable that fresh dog food comes with a higher price tag than conventional kibble. While The Farmer’s Dog is competitively priced compared to other fresh food brands, it still represents a significant investment. Some dog owners may find the premium cost to be a deterrent, especially when managing a tight budget.
A dog looking at a bowl of The Farmer's Dog food, highlighting the premium nature
Limited Recipe Variety
Currently, The Farmer’s Dog offers four core recipes: beef, chicken, pork, and turkey. While this variety is acceptable when compared to many fresh dog food brands, some competitors in the UK market, for instance, offer over ten recipes. We would love to see The Farmer’s Dog expand their protein options to provide even more choice for discerning palates.
A selection of The Farmer's Dog meal pouches, showcasing the four recipe options
Lack of Custom Scooper or Meal Container
While the pre-portioned pouches are excellent, a dedicated custom scooper would further enhance the convenience of serving. Additionally, some fresh dog food brands include reusable meal containers, which can help manage leftovers and minimize fridge mess. The inclusion of such accessories would be a welcome enhancement to The Farmer’s Dog service.
The Farmer's Dog meal pouches without a dedicated scooper or container
Freezer Space Requirements
The Farmer’s Dog is shipped cold with dry ice, and upon arrival, the food needs to be stored in the freezer. Thawed pouches can then be kept in the refrigerator. This necessitates sufficient freezer space, which could be a challenge for individuals with limited storage. For households with multiple dogs or those who buy in larger quantities, this could become a logistical hurdle.
A freezer compartment filled with The Farmer's Dog meal pouches
The Farmer’s Dog: Our Verdict
After thoroughly evaluating The Farmer’s Dog, we can confidently say it represents a strong option for pet parents looking to transition their dogs to a fresh food diet. The minimally processed, gently cooked recipes, combined with human-grade ingredients, offer a significant upgrade from traditional dog food. The pros, including the high-quality ingredients, transparent labeling, and convenient portioning, outweigh the cons.
The Farmer's Dog meal being served into a bowl
While the premium price is a consideration, The Farmer’s Dog provides excellent value within the fresh dog food market. Although we eventually transitioned to a combination of air-dried and raw food for our dogs, we would readily consider returning to The Farmer’s Dog in the future. It remains an outstanding choice for those who prioritize fresh, whole-food nutrition for their canine companions.
Copper and Skye enjoying their meals from The Farmer's Dog
Wrapping Up
We’ve reached the end of our detailed review of The Farmer’s Dog and their subscription service. If you’re eager to embrace a healthier dietary approach for your dog, introducing a diet rich in real ingredients like sweet potatoes, carrots, and USDA-approved meats, The Farmer’s Dog is a compelling choice.
Like any dog food brand, The Farmer’s Dog has its unique advantages and disadvantages. Your dog’s individual needs and preferences may lead to a different experience than ours, as every dog is unique.
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Kieran Beckles is a passionate dog owner with over a decade of experience as a journalist. He runs Life With Klee Kai and is dedicated to sharing insightful product reviews and helpful tips for dog owners.
