Is The Farmer's Dog Good for Dogs? An In-Depth Look
The Farmer’s Dog has become a popular choice among dog owners seeking fresh, convenient, and nutritionally balanced meals for their pets. But is it really good for dogs? Let’s dive deep into what makes this service stand out, its potential benefits, drawbacks, and what you should consider before making the switch.
What Is The Farmer’s Dog?
The Farmer’s Dog is a fresh dog food delivery company in the USA that crafts recipes using human-grade ingredients. Meals are customized based on your dog’s breed, weight, and specific needs. Each meal is gently cooked at low temperatures to help retain nutrients and then packaged in vacuum-sealed pouches for easy storage. Feeding guidelines and portion recommendations are included to help owners serve the right amount every time.
Main Features of The Farmer’s Dog Food
- Human-grade ingredients: All recipes use meats like beef, chicken, turkey, or pork alongside vegetables and salmon oil.
- Custom meal plans: Portions are tailored to your dog’s calorie requirements.
- Nutritional balance: Recipes meet AAFCO and WSAVA standards for complete and balanced nutrition.
- Gently cooked: Meals are steamed (not extruded like kibble), which may help preserve nutrients.
- Convenient packaging: Vacuum-sealed pouches make storage simple; most shipments arrive frozen.
Nutritional Profile: How Does It Compare?
The Farmer’s Dog meals typically contain higher protein than value kibbles but less than some specialty high-protein brands. For example:
- The turkey recipe as-fed contains about 8% protein (with high moisture), but recalculated on a dry matter basis it’s closer to 30% protein.
- Estimated digestible carbohydrates range from about 28-38%—lower than many mass-market kibbles but not as low as some premium brands.
This places The Farmer’s Dog in a middle ground: better nutritional quality than many grocery store brands but not necessarily superior to all premium options.
Reported Benefits from Owners
Anecdotal reports from dog owners highlight several positive changes after switching to The Farmer’s Dog:
- Picky eaters show improved appetite
- Softer, shinier coats
- Increased energy and vitality
- Reduced digestive issues
- Easier weight control due to portioned meals
The palatability of the food seems especially helpful for dogs that don’t enjoy traditional kibble or have lost interest in their old diets.
Potential Drawbacks to Consider
- Cost: The Farmer’s Dog is significantly more expensive than most kibbles—feeding a large dog can cost several hundred dollars per month.
- Storage requirements: Meals arrive frozen; you’ll need adequate freezer space.
- Limited grain-inclusive options: Only one recipe includes grains; choices are limited if you prefer more grains in your dog’s diet.
- Nutritional transparency: Detailed nutrition info may not be available until after sign-up.
- Certain ingredients (like spinach or sweet potato) may not suit all dogs: Dogs prone to kidney or bladder stones may need to avoid high-oxalate foods found in some recipes.
Veterinary Perspectives
The veterinary community offers mixed opinions about fresh food diets like The Farmer’s Dog. Many vets appreciate the digestibility and palatability of gently cooked foods. However, they also caution that fat content might be too high for breeds at risk of pancreatitis. Portion control is crucial—overfeeding can lead to weight gain even with healthy ingredients. Most vets agree that as long as the food is complete and balanced (which these recipes are), it can be part of a healthy diet for most dogs. Consulting your vet is wise if your dog has specific medical conditions or dietary needs.
User Experiences: Both Sides of the Coin
User reviews reflect a wide range of experiences. Many report positive changes—better appetite, improved weight management, fewer allergies—but some mention digestive upset or weight gain after switching. Because every dog is different, results can vary widely. Some owners love the convenience of pre-portioned meals; others find the cost prohibitive or struggle with freezer space.
The Bottom Line: Is It Good for Your Dog?
The Farmer’s Dog stands out for its use of human-grade ingredients, transparent labeling, and customizable meal plans. Its recipes offer nutritional improvements over many mass-market kibbles but aren’t dramatically different from some less expensive premium brands when it comes to protein-to-carbohydrate ratios. If you’re seeking fresh food that your dog will likely enjoy—and you’re comfortable with the cost and storage logistics—it can be an excellent option. Just remember: every dog is unique. Monitor your pet closely when changing diets and consult your vet if you have concerns about health conditions or special dietary needs.
