Is The Farmer’s Dog Food Really Worth the Cost?
For many dog owners, providing their pets with high-quality, nutritious food is a top priority. The Farmer’s Dog offers an innovative solution through fresh, human-grade meals tailored specifically to your dog’s unique dietary needs. But is it truly worth the investment? Let's break down the facts.
What Makes The Farmer’s Dog Stand Out?
The Farmer’s Dog delivers freshly made, pre-portioned meals directly to your door. Key features include:
- Human-grade ingredients sourced from trusted suppliers
- Recipes developed by board-certified veterinary nutritionists
- Customization based on your dog’s age, weight, activity level, and health concerns
- Meals cooked at low temperatures to maintain nutritional content
- No fillers, preservatives, or artificial additives
Meal Planning and Subscription Flexibility
When signing up, pet owners complete a detailed questionnaire. The responses help formulate a customized meal plan tailored for your dog’s needs—ensuring appropriate calorie intake and nutrient balance.
The service includes:
- Pre-portioned meals labeled by pet name (ideal for multi-dog households)
- Flexible delivery schedules
- DIY Nutrient Mix option for those who prefer to home-cook
- 24/7 customer support and user-friendly account management
Pricing Breakdown
Although convenient and healthy, The Farmer’s Dog food comes at a premium. Pricing primarily depends on your dog’s weight, with secondary factors like age and breed. Here’s a general overview:
- Small dogs: $2.49–$4.87/day
- 50-pound adult dog: $7.25–$8.00/day
- Large breeds (e.g., Saint Bernard): $16–$18/day
Monthly bills can range from $75 to over $600 depending on size and number of dogs. Shipping is free within the contiguous U.S. A 50% discount applies to your first box (about 14 days’ worth of meals).
Comparing with Kibble and Other Fresh Food Brands
When compared to traditional premium kibble, The Farmer’s Dog is significantly more expensive. For a 50-pound dog:
- Ketona Chicken Recipe: $2.60/day
- Purina Pro Plan: $1.26/day
- The Farmer’s Dog: $7.25/day
Over the course of a year, that’s roughly $500–$1,000 for kibble versus $2,600–$3,000 for The Farmer’s Dog.
However, compared to other fresh food subscriptions like Ollie or Spot & Tango, The Farmer’s Dog can be the more affordable fresh option, especially when accounting for portion control and health improvements.
Health Benefits Observed by Dog Owners
Many users report tangible improvements in their dogs’ health after switching to The Farmer’s Dog. Benefits include:
- Increased energy and vitality
- Healthier coats and better digestion
- Weight management support
Additionally, the brand meets or exceeds AAFCO standards, has no history of recalls, and uses packaging that is recyclable or compostable.
Potential Drawbacks to Consider
Despite its many positives, The Farmer’s Dog isn’t for everyone. Notable limitations include:
- High cost, especially for large or multiple dogs
- Meals must be stored in fridge/freezer and used within days of thawing
- Packages aren't resealable; additional storage may be needed
- Not certified organic
- Dog-only; no cat food option
How Owners Are Making It Work
Some dog owners tackle the high cost by using The Farmer’s Dog as a topper or supplement to kibble—blending affordability with freshness. Others report fewer vet visits and long-term cost savings from improved health outcomes, making the upfront cost worthwhile.
Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?
If your priority is optimal canine health through minimally processed, personalized meals and you can accommodate the budget, The Farmer’s Dog delivers exceptional value. It's transparent, vet-backed, and results-driven, offering peace of mind to dog owners who demand the best. However, for budget-conscious households, it may be best employed as part of a mixed feeding routine.
