Is The Farmer's Dog Good for Dogs? An In-Depth Look
The Farmer’s Dog has made a name for itself by offering fresh, gently cooked dog food designed to meet the nutritional needs of both puppies and adult dogs. But is it truly good for your canine companion? Let’s dig into the details, using only what’s been established in the corpus.
What Sets The Farmer’s Dog Apart?
This company crafts meals with human-grade meat and vegetables, steering clear of meat meals and artificial preservatives. Each recipe is formulated by board-certified nutritionists and includes protein sources (like beef, chicken, turkey, or pork), vegetables, and salmon oil for omega-3 fatty acids. Meals are cooked to at least 165°F—never dehydrated—and delivered frozen to preserve freshness.
- No artificial additives or unnecessary preservatives
- Most recipes are grain-free; one is grain-inclusive
- Pre-portioned according to your dog’s age, weight, breed, and activity level
- Labeled with clear portion guides
Nutritional Standards & Analysis
The Farmer’s Dog meets American Association of Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) standards for puppies and adults and aligns with World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) guidelines. Yearlong feeding studies—including work with Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine—support its nutritional adequacy.
On a dry matter basis:
- ~30% crude protein
- ~16% crude fat
- 28–38% estimated digestible carbohydrate
This profile is superior to value kibbles but similar to many upper-mid-tier brands. The food contains a nutrient blend supplement to ensure completeness and balance.
User Experience & Convenience
Ordering starts with a questionnaire about your dog. Personalized plans follow, with recommended recipes shipped on a recurring schedule that you can pause or adjust as needed. Meals arrive frozen in an insulated tote; each pack is labeled with feeding instructions. The high moisture content (about 75% water) means labels may show lower protein/fat percentages than dry foods—but dry matter analysis reveals comparable nutrition.
Cost Considerations
The biggest downside? The price. For a 50-pound dog, expect $110–$122 for two weeks—several times more than standard kibble. While less expensive than some other fresh brands, it remains significantly pricier than conventional options.
Health Effects: What Do Owners & Vets Say?
- Positive reports: Many owners notice improved energy, shinier coats, reduced tear staining/inflammation, better appetite, and improved digestion.
- Cautions: Some dogs experience digestive issues or weight changes after switching. A few veterinarians worry about fat content (risk of pancreatitis) or adequacy of macro/micronutrient ratios for certain health conditions.
- Picky eaters & portion control: Individualized packets make feeding easy—especially in multi-dog households with different sizes/needs.
Nutritional experts note that while The Farmer’s Dog outperforms low-end kibbles and avoids artificial ingredients, its macronutrient profile isn’t radically different from many mainstream premium brands. Some competitors offer higher-protein/lower-carb options at lower prices.
The "Human-Grade" Factor: Does It Matter?
The label “human-grade” means the ingredients could be eaten by people—but there’s little evidence this alone provides extra health benefits unless it results in better nutrition for the dog. Still, many owners appreciate knowing exactly what goes into their pet’s bowl.
Customization & Transparency
- User-friendly ordering process: Customizes portions/recipes based on your dog’s profile.
- Clear labeling: Makes portioning simple; helps prevent overfeeding/underfeeding.
- Nutritional info access: Full ingredient/nutrition breakdowns require entering personal data on the website—a downside for some shoppers seeking transparency up front.
Who Should Consider The Farmer’s Dog?
This food suits many dogs—especially those who are picky eaters or need strict portion control—and works well for owners who want convenience without sacrificing quality. However, dogs requiring special diets (weight loss/low-fat/low-protein) might need plans tailored by a veterinary nutritionist.
The Bottom Line: Is It Good For Dogs?
- Nutritionally superior to bargain kibbles;
- Satisfies AAFCO/WSAVA standards;
- No artificial preservatives or meat meals;
- User-friendly customization/portioning;
- Might improve coat condition/vitality/digestion in some dogs;
- Main drawbacks are cost and limited recipe variety compared to some competitors;
- No unique nutritional edge over all premium brands;
If you’re willing to pay more for convenience and ingredient quality—and your dog thrives on it—The Farmer’s Dog can be an excellent choice. Just keep an eye on your pet’s health and consult your veterinarian if you have concerns about special dietary needs or changes in weight/digestion after switching foods.
