The Farmer’s Dog: Understanding the Cost of Fresh Dog Food
The Farmer’s Dog has made a name for itself by offering fresh, human-grade dog food personalized to each pet’s needs and delivered right to your door. But how much does this premium service actually cost? Let’s break down the pricing details, what factors influence it, and how it compares to other options.
How Pricing Works
Pricing for The Farmer’s Dog is primarily based on your dog’s weight. Secondary factors include age (especially for puppies), breed, activity level, and whether your dog is spayed or neutered. When you sign up, you’ll answer a detailed questionnaire about your dog so they can create a custom meal plan tailored to their unique needs.
- For most dogs, daily prices range from $2.49 to $11.30.
- Very large breeds can cost up to $21.42 per day.
- A typical 50-pound adult dog costs about $7.25–$8.00 per day.
- A 20-pound dog usually falls between $4.44 and $4.87 per day.
- Feeding a giant breed like a Saint Bernard (160 pounds) may run $16–$18 per day.
- Weekly prices range from $17 to $150, while monthly costs are roughly $75 to $675, depending on size and number of dogs.
- Shipping is free within the contiguous United States.
Puppy Pricing and Growth Adjustments
Puppies tend to have higher per-pound food costs because of their rapid growth and nutritional needs. The Farmer’s Dog adapts plans as your puppy grows, with the highest prices typically seen between two and six months old. As puppies approach adulthood (around two years), the cost per pound decreases.
First-Time Discounts and Subscription Flexibility
Your first box comes at a 50% discount, usually enough for about two weeks of meals (depending on your dog's size). After this introductory offer, regular pricing applies. You can pause, cancel, or modify your subscription at any time—customer support is available around the clock by email or phone.
What You Get for the Price
The Farmer’s Dog uses only human-grade ingredients sourced from trusted suppliers, with recipes crafted by board-certified veterinary nutritionists. Meals are gently cooked at low temperatures to preserve nutrients and then flash-frozen for safety and freshness—no fillers or preservatives are added.
- Main protein options: Turkey, chicken, beef, pork (grain-free or grain-inclusive recipes)
- Nutritional standards: All meals meet or exceed AAFCO guidelines
- Packaging: Pre-portioned with feeding guidance; recyclable or compostable materials used; containers for leftovers included (but packages aren’t resealable)
- Multi-dog households: Each meal labeled with individual names; delivery frequency adjustable
- No product recalls reported
- No cat food option currently available
Comparing Costs: The Farmer’s Dog vs Kibble Brands
The Farmer’s Dog is significantly more expensive than even premium kibble brands—but many owners find value in its convenience and health benefits.
- Ketona Chicken Recipe: $2.60/day for a 50-lb dog
- Orijen Original: $1.99/day for a 50-lb dog
- Purina Pro Plan Shredded Chicken & Rice: $1.26/day for a 50-lb dog
- Blue Buffalo Wilderness Chicken: $2.08/day for a 50-lb dog
- The Farmer’s Dog: $7.25/day for a 50-lb dog (about $2,600–$3,000 annually)
This means annual spending on kibble ranges from roughly $500–$1,000 versus over $2,500 for The Farmer’s Dog if you feed it exclusively.
Savings Strategies: Mix-Ins & DIY Options
If you want to lower costs but still provide some fresh food benefits, many owners use The Farmer’s Dog as a topper or mix-in with kibble rather than as the sole diet—stretching out shipments while improving nutrition.
The company also offers a DIY Nutrient Mix starting at just $1/week (including shipping), so you can cook meals yourself while ensuring proper nutrition.
User Experiences & Value Proposition
The Farmer’s Dog stands out thanks to transparency about ingredients and preparation methods—plus easy-to-follow feeding guides that help with safe dietary transitions and weight management. Many customers report visible improvements in their dogs’ health: better energy levels, shinier coats, improved digestion, and sometimes even savings on veterinary bills over time.
- No history of recalls adds peace of mind.
- You get pre-portioned packaging labeled by pet name—a nice touch if you have multiple dogs.
Caveats & Considerations Before Subscribing
- This service is expensive compared to traditional kibble—especially if you have large or multiple dogs.
- You’ll need freezer/refrigerator space since food arrives frozen; after thawing it must be used within several days.
- The packaging isn’t resealable—you may want extra storage containers for convenience.
- The food isn’t certified organic yet meets high ingredient standards.
The Bottom Line: Is It Worth It?
If you’re seeking top-quality nutrition with maximum convenience—and are prepared for the budget commitment—The Farmer’s Dog offers an impressive fresh food experience tailored specifically to your pup(s). For those looking to balance quality with cost savings, using it as a topper or supplement is an increasingly popular strategy among pet owners who want some benefits without fully replacing kibble diets.
