Cheaper Alternatives to The Farmer’s Dog: What Are Your Options?
The Farmer’s Dog offers high-quality, human-grade, fresh dog food customized for your pet. While it provides excellent nutritional value, transparency in sourcing, and convenience, one frequent complaint is the premium pricing. Daily costs can range from $2.49 to $21.42 depending on your dog’s size, age, and dietary needs. So, is there a cheaper version of The Farmer’s Dog that still provides quality?
Why Is The Farmer’s Dog So Expensive?
The cost comes from:
- Fresh, human-grade ingredients
- Veterinary-formulated recipes
- Custom meal plans tailored to your dog's profile
- Direct-to-door frozen delivery
- Eco-friendly packaging
While these features offer superior benefits, they also elevate the cost compared to traditional dog food.
Cheaper Dog Food Options
If you’re looking to save without heavily compromising quality, you can explore these options:
1. Premium Kibble Brands
- Orijen: High-protein kibble with fresh regional ingredients. Costs about $1.26 to $2.60 per day for a 50-lb dog.
- Ketona: Low-carb, high-protein kibble with fewer fillers and additives. Similar daily cost to Orijen.
Advantages:
- Much cheaper than The Farmer’s Dog
- Longer shelf-life and no need for freezer storage
- Convenient and widely available
2. Use The Farmer’s Dog as a Topper
For pet parents who love the idea of fresh food but not the full cost:
- Use smaller portions of The Farmer's Dog as a topper mixed with high-quality kibble.
- This reduces cost significantly while still offering some fresh nutrition benefits.
3. DIY Cooking with Nutrient Mix
The Farmer’s Dog offers a DIY Nutrient Mix plan:
- Cook your own meals at home
- Add the nutrient mix to complete the recipe
Pros:
- More affordable than the full plan
- One-time purchase model
- Maintains nutritional completeness
4. Occasional Premium Feeding
You don’t have to commit fully to The Farmer's Dog. Many owners:
- Use the food as an occasional treat or meal
- Offer it on weekends or special days
How to Decide What’s Best for You
Consider the following when choosing a cheaper alternative:
- Dog’s health needs and existing conditions
- Your budget and cost per meal
- Willingness to prepare food or mix options
If your dog is small or has specific health needs, The Farmer’s Dog may offer unmatched value. For large breed or multiple-dog households, a combination of options may be ideal.
Other Brands to Explore
- Nom Nom: Similar fresh food concept, some find plans marginally cheaper
- Spot & Tango: Offers both fresh and “UnKibble” options
- PetPlate: Pre-cooked meals with pricing competitive to The Farmer’s Dog
Final Thoughts
The Farmer’s Dog delivers exceptional food quality and convenience but at a cost. Pet owners looking for cheaper options have several viable paths—from premium kibble to DIY solutions to partial raw/fresh feeding strategies. With the right balance, you can maintain your dog’s health while staying within budget.
