Why The Farmer’s Dog Food Is So Expensive—and Is It Worth It?
For discerning pet owners, The Farmer’s Dog represents a premium option in dog nutrition. With its focus on fresh, human-grade ingredients and personalized meal plans, this service stands out—but comes at a cost. Here's a detailed look at why The Farmer’s Dog is more expensive than traditional dog food and whether it delivers value for the price.
What Sets The Farmer’s Dog Apart
At first glance, the cost of The Farmer’s Dog can be eye-opening. For a 50-pound dog, a two-week plan might cost $110–$122. Compared to standard kibble, this is significantly more expensive. But the premium price includes several distinguishing features:
- Human-grade ingredients: Meals use real meats and vegetables, fit for human consumption.
- Veterinary-formulated meals: Developed by board-certified nutritionists, ensuring balanced nutrition.
- No by-products or preservatives: It avoids meat meals, fillers, and artificial additives commonly found in kibble.
- Fresh cooking process: Ingredients are gently cooked to retain nutrients, then frozen for delivery.
- Personalization: Customized feeding plans based on a dog’s age, weight, breed, and activity.
- Convenience: Pre-portioned deliveries with clear feeding labels help pet owners manage portions easily.
Benefits That Justify the Price
Many pet owners notice numerous health improvements after switching:
- Improved coat and skin: Shinier, healthier fur due to high-quality fats and protein.
- Better gastrointestinal health: Fewer digestive issues and better stool consistency.
- Higher energy levels: Dogs appear more active and content.
- Reduced allergies and inflammation: Some pet owners report fewer tear stains and inflammatory symptoms.
Additionally, the food meets AAFCO nutritional standards and aligns with WSAVA guidelines. It is also the subject of year-long feeding studies, including one conducted jointly with Cornell University, aimed at ensuring the long-term health benefits of their recipes.
Nutritional Profile: How It Compares
When comparing food on a dry matter basis, The Farmer’s Dog offers:
- Approximately 30% crude protein
- 16% crude fat
- 28–38% digestible carbohydrates
While better than budget kibble, this profile is comparable to many upper-mid-tier kibble brands like Blue Buffalo. However, it stands out with its lack of meat meals, higher moisture content (about 75% water), and inclusion of fresh vegetables and fats like salmon oil for omega-3s.
Drawbacks and Criticisms
Despite its benefits, The Farmer’s Dog isn’t without criticisms:
- Higher cost: Several times more expensive than conventional options.
- Limited recipe variety: Fewer options compared to competitors.
- Limited detailed nutrition data: Full ingredient breakdowns often require user profile submission on the website.
- Not ideal for all dogs: Pets with conditions like pancreatitis or specialized dietary needs may require veterinary formula adjustments.
Is It Worth the Price?
Ultimately, whether The Farmer’s Dog is worth its premium cost depends on the individual dog and owner:
- If your dog is a picky eater, has sensitive digestion, or benefits from fresh food, the added expense may lead to measurable health improvements.
- If cost is a major concern, owners might achieve similar nutrition with less expensive fresh food brands or upper-tier kibble.
- Those prioritizing convenience, portion clarity, customization, and freshness may find the cost justifiable.
Conclusion
The Farmer’s Dog offers more than just dog food—it delivers peace of mind, exceptional convenience, and nutrition backed by veterinary science. Although its price point is high, the value is clear for many pet owners who prioritize health, ingredient transparency, and custom-tailored feeding. Before making a switch, discuss your dog’s specific needs with a veterinarian and closely monitor any dietary changes.
