Is There a Cheaper Version of The Farmer’s Dog?
For pet owners looking to provide high-quality, nutritious meals to their dogs,
The Farmer’s Dog offers a fresh food subscription service that’s hard to match. However, this convenience and nutritional customization comes at a steep cost. Let’s explore whether more affordable alternatives can offer comparable benefits.
Understanding The Farmer’s Dog Pricing
The Farmer’s Dog meals are
tailored to your dog’s specific needs—age, weight, breed, activity, and health conditions. They use
human-grade ingredients and veterinarian-formulated recipes.
- Daily cost: $2.49 to $11.30 (can be up to $21.42 for large dogs)
- Weekly cost: $17 to $150
- Monthly cost: $75 to $675
While small and medium-sized dogs incur manageable expenses, large breeds tend to make this plan less affordable.
How It Compares to Premium Dry Food
High-end kibble brands like
Orijen and
Ketona provide excellent nutrition at a fraction of the cost:
- Daily cost for a 50-lb dog: $1.26 to $2.60
- Daily cost for Farmer’s Dog: $7.25 to $8.00
That’s a substantial difference—using kibble could save you over $150 per month.
Why The Farmer’s Dog Is More Expensive
The service emphasizes:
- Personalized meals based on unique pet data
- Human-grade, fresh ingredients
- Veterinary-formulated recipes
- Convenient delivery and pre-portioned packs
- Eco-friendly packaging
It also avoids preservatives, fillers, and artificial ingredients, using low-temp cooking to preserve nutrients.
Are There Truly Cheap Alternatives?
Yes! Here are some options:
1. Premium Dry Kibble
- Cost-effective and shelf-stable
- Brands like Orijen or Ketona offer high protein and grain-free options
2. Mixed Feeding (Topper)
- Use The Farmer’s Dog as a protein-rich topper on cheaper kibble
- Lowers cost while improving nutrition
3. DIY Cooking at Home
- Use The Farmer’s Dog’s DIY Nutrient Mix
- Cook fresh meats/veggies and ensure balance with added supplements
4. Occasional Premium Meals
- Use The Farmer’s Dog for special meals or as a weekly treat
- Provides variety while keeping average costs low
Key Considerations When Choosing An Alternative
While cheaper kibble may save money, it’s important to look for:
- AAFCO-compliant pet food
- High meat content
- Low filler and grain content
- Transparent ingredient sourcing
Never compromise on safety or balanced nutrition to save money.
Conclusion: Balancing Quality and Budget
The Farmer’s Dog excels in freshness, customization, and transparency—but it’s not for every budget. Pet owners have multiple more affordable routes:
- Opting for premium kibble
- Using small amounts of fresh food as toppers
- Cooking meals at home with proper nutritional planning
If you're looking to cut costs, consider blending these strategies. Whether you go full kibble or mix it with fresher options, your dog can still thrive on a well-balanced, lower-cost diet.
