Everything You Need to Know About The Farmer’s Dog
The Farmer’s Dog is a premium dog food delivery service offering fresh, cooked meals tailored to your pet's nutritional needs. This article breaks down what you should know about its formulas, quality, price point, and user experience to help you decide if it’s right for your dog.
What is The Farmer’s Dog?
The Farmer’s Dog provides freshly made, human-grade dog food tailored to your dog's individual profile. All meals are developed in conjunction with board-certified veterinary nutritionists and meet the nutritional standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). They are also designed to align with the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) global nutrition guidelines.
Ingredients and Quality
Each recipe uses whole, real ingredients such as USDA meat and fresh vegetables. Unlike many low-end commercial dog foods, The Farmer’s Dog avoids any processed meat meals or artificial preservatives.
- Protein sources include beef, chicken, pork, and turkey.
- Vegetables like sweet potatoes and green beans are common.
- Salmon oil is added for omega-3 fatty acids.
- Each meal includes a nutrient blend to maintain balance.
Meals are cooked gently to an internal temperature of at least 165°F to preserve nutritional integrity but are not dehydrated.
How the Service Works
To get started, users complete an online questionnaire detailing their dog’s:
- Age
- Weight
- Breed
- Activity level
Based on this data, personalized meal plans are created. Food is then shipped frozen in pre-portioned meal packets, each clearly labeled with portion guides and storage instructions.
Nutritional Profile
On a dry matter basis, The Farmer’s Dog meals typically contain:
- ~30% crude protein
- ~16% crude fat
- 28–38% digestible carbohydrates
This is comparable to many mid-to-high-end kibble products and superior to value kibble lines.
Customization and Feeding Convenience
The personalized approach helps pet owners manage portion control, especially useful in multi-dog households. Each shipment includes an insulated tote and a container for opened food packets, making storage and usage straightforward.
Cost Considerations
The Farmer’s Dog is among the most expensive dog food options in the U.S. Prices for a 50-pound dog average between $110 and $122 for two weeks of food. Though pricier than kibble, it is relatively affordable compared to other fresh food brands.
Veterinary and Customer Feedback
Opinions are mixed:
- Many owners report shiny coats, increased energy, and better digestion.
- Some dogs have shown signs of digestive upset or weight variability.
- Veterinarians either recommend it for its quality or caution against its fat content for dogs with special health needs.
Limitations
- Limited transparency about full nutritional breakdowns on the website unless the user inputs personal details.
- Few recipe options compared to competitors.
- Price remains a barrier for some pet parents.
Is It Worth It?
If budget allows and your dog thrives on fresh food, The Farmer’s Dog offers a convenient, high-quality alternative to traditional dog food. It's especially helpful for picky eaters or pets requiring closely managed portion sizes.
Final Thoughts
The Farmer’s Dog combines personalization, convenience, and credible formulation to deliver a balanced diet for your pup. While not without its drawbacks, it represents a significant step up from many commercial dog food options in terms of ingredient quality and customized nutrition. As always, consult your veterinarian before making major dietary changes for your pet.
