Chewy vs. The Farmer’s Dog 2025: Variety or Quality?

Chewy has many types and brands of dog food, but The Farmer's Dog prioritizes quality and fresh foods. These 2 brands are quite different in their approach to pet food, and I’ll walk you through their most important features, so you can decide which fits you best.

For me, The Farmer’s Dog is the top choice. With its focus on human-grade quality ingredients, customized meal plans, and commitment to convenience, this company is fully committed to supporting the overall health and well-being of your furry friend.

However, budget-minded pet parents may find Chewy a better fit. The Farmer’s Dog is pricey by comparison, especially for larger dogs. Chewy has food for dogs, cats, and other pets, plus accessories, toys, and special diets. Since it carries a slew of different brands, Chewy caters to a range of budgetary needs.

At a Glance: Who Won Each Category?

Ingredient Quality: The Farmer’s Dog Uses Locally-Sourced Produce

The Farmer's Dog ingredients outshine Chewy's with a personalized, fresh approach to recipes. Chewy’s range of brands on offer includes fresh, raw, wet, and dry meals. This can be a lot to take in as there’s so much choice, as well as making it more confusing to know which brand on Chewy is right for your pup.

The Farmer's Dog provides exclusively fresh meals. By focusing on fresh ingredients, it ensures that your furry friend receives the highest quality nutrition for optimal health and vitality.

The service sets a high standard by using human-grade ingredients sourced from local farms. Its commitment to quality is evident as it prepares its meals in USDA-approved kitchens, adhering to stringent regulations and ensuring the safety and integrity of the food it provides.

I like that The Farmer’s Dog also goes the extra mile by using hormone-free meats, ensuring that your pup's meals are free from potentially harmful additives.

Its recipes are also free from fillers like soy, corn, and wheat. These are known to cause allergies and digestive issues in dogs. And there are no artificial flavors, preservatives, or protein "meals." In fact, every recipe is at least 50% whole muscle and organ meat. That just leaves wholesome and nutritious ingredients.

Recipes include superfoods that play a vital role in supporting a dog's health. Examples include ingredients like blueberries, kale, and spinach, which are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. These can contribute to immune support, heart health, and overall vitality in dogs.

To illustrate the quality of the ingredients, let's compare 2 similar examples from Chewy and The Farmer’s Dog.

The Farmer's Dog Beef recipe includes hormone-free beef sourced from local farms, complemented by wholesome ingredients such as lentils and sweet potatoes. This image demonstrates the fresh and visually appealing nature of the ingredients used in The Farmer's Dog meals.

In comparison, let’s take a look at a similar recipe available on Chewy. These are the ingredients for a bestselling wet food beef recipe. Although beef is also the first ingredient, you can see that “Pork Liver” is the second major ingredient. It also includes preservatives, colorings, flavorings, and limited vitamins and minerals.

I definitely feel more confident reading The Farmer’s Dog ingredient list. I like that salmon oil is included, which contains beneficial Omegas for skin, eye, and joint health.

The Farmer's Dog recipes are formulated under the guidance of veterinary nutritionists, ensuring they meet the highest standards of canine nutrition. This expertise guarantees that each meal is nutritionally balanced, supporting your dog's specific dietary needs and overall health.

Meals & Customization: Each Service Has Its Own Strengths

Here, both Chewy and The Farmer's Dog offer unique strengths that make it difficult to declare a clear winner. Chewy shines with its extensive range of recipes (2,400+ options just for dry dog food) and meal types (dry, wet, fresh, toppers, and so on). 

The Farmer's Dog, on the other hand, only offers 5 fresh food recipes (chicken, chicken & grain, turkey, beef, and pork) but excels in providing personalized options and expert guidance from veterinary nutritionists. After you get your food analysis, you also have the option to add up to 5 bags of treats (called Snap Treats), which are also customized based on your pooch’s needs. 

Chewy’s à la carte system caters to the different preferences and dietary needs of dogs and other pets. However, I would’ve liked the option to create my own variety pack. Chewy only lets you choose predefined variety packs, and you can’t change the contents.

The Farmer's Dog offers a high level of personalization. Every new subscription starts with a detailed questionnaire that customizes the combination of recipes and portion sizes based on factors such as weight, breed, age, sex, activity level, and any health concerns or allergies. 

After you complete the questionnaire, you receive a recommendation for 2-weeks worth of food with the recipes that best fit your dog’s needs. If you’re not ready to commit to that much food from the start, you can opt for the Topper Plan, where you can customize the amount of food. 

I think the Topper Plan is a more convenient way to test if your dog likes The Farmer's Dog food without worrying about the hassle of a return. It’s also a great way to gradually introduce your pooch to the food since you can include it in its regular food.

In addition to food, Chewy has plenty of other dog-related items available. You can choose from treats, supplements, grooming tools, and even clothing for your pooch. This makes it a convenient shopping experience as you can buy everything you need.

However, Chewy doesn’t let you search for food based on your dog’s allergies. You still have to do the research and read the nutritional profile and ingredients list to make sure the food is safe for your pooch. If your dog needs a prescription diet, check the Veterinary Diets section.

While Chewy excels in recipe variety, The Farmer's Dog focuses on personalization. The ability to customize meals based on a comprehensive range of factors, along with expert guidance from nutritionists, ensures that dogs receive nutritionally balanced food that caters to their unique needs and health concerns.

Ordering & Delivery: Both Companies Make It Easy

When it comes to the ordering and delivery process, The Farmer's Dog is the winner. It offers a streamlined and convenient experience for pet owners.

Ordering on The Farmer's Dog website is straightforward and user-friendly. The website provides a seamless interface that guides you through the customization process, allowing you to input your dog's information, dietary preferences, and specific health concerns. For a more detailed guide, check out our full The Farmer’s Dog review.

However, I don’t like that you don’t see information about the recipes or prices until you complete the questionnaire. This is The Farmer's Dog’s way of asking you to focus on your dog’s needs and only think about the cost later.

If you need to make changes to an order on The Farmer's Dog, the process is hassle-free. It offers flexibility and allows you to modify your dog's meal plan easily. Whether you need to adjust portion sizes, change recipes, or update delivery dates. 

Ordering on Chewy is more complex because of the amount of products available. But I do like that you have lots of filters to narrow down your search. For instance, you can search by brand, breed size (extra small, small, large, giant), life stage, flavor, special diets, and so on. 

I think Chewy is more flexible than The Farmer's Dog because you can choose individual types of food or other items. You can order whatever you want regardless of pet, brand, and quantity. The Farmer's Dog decides for you based on the answers you give during the questionnaire. You can edit your order before submitting it, so you’re not completely out of the decision loop.

Both companies offer the option to auto-renew the subscription on a monthly basis. With The Farmer's Dog, it’s the default setting (with the possibility to cancel), but Chewy lets you decide if you want auto-shipping or not. Also, with The Farmer's Dog, you can have your order shipped immediately or schedule it to arrive anytime in the following 6 weeks.

Chewy’s auto subscription option allows you to select items you need regularly, such as pet food, treats, medications, and grooming supplies, and set up a customized delivery schedule. You can choose how frequently you want your orders to be delivered depending on your pet's needs. You also get a discount on repeat orders.

In terms of delivery, The Farmer's Dog ships to the 48 contiguous states using FedEx. This means pet owners across the country can access its service. You can’t choose your preferred delivery day, but the box is well-insulated, so it can withstand several hours outside. 

My order arrived in 2 days, and it arrived during the day while I was at work. I received an email stating that my order would arrive that day and it said I could keep my box outside until midnight of the night it arrived. I took it inside several hours later, and the food was still frozen.

Chewy also delivers to the contiguous US, but expect to wait 1 to 3 days for delivery (I got my order in 2 days) via FedEx. The auto-shipping option helps avoid shipping delays, but Chewy is overall less reliable than The Farmer’s Dog in this category.

Unboxing: The Farmer’s Dog Packages Meals Individually

The Farmer's Dog stands out due to its impeccable packaging system that allows packages of frozen fresh food to arrive at your door in perfect condition. In the box, you’ll find dry ice insulation, your dog’s feeding instructions sheet, and treats (if you added them to your order). 

Each recipe is packed separately, and you receive the exact quantity of food your dog needs for the given time period. However, there’s no portioning. You have to figure out how to portion each recipe based on the feeding instructions, which can be a little confusing.

Since these are fresh meals, you need to store them in the freezer. You keep in the fridge only a small amount at a time to let it thaw before serving. You can store open packages in the fridge for up to 4 days and in the freezer for up to 6 months.

The Farmer’s Dog also prioritizes sustainability by minimizing environmental impact. Its eco-friendly packaging showcases its commitment to both the well-being of dogs and the planet. The delivery box is recyclable, the packets are BPA-free, and the insulation used for cooling is biodegradable.

Chewy’s meals are delivered in recyclable cardboard packaging, too. Things are different if you order both shelf-stable and frozen food, as the frozen items are shipped separately. This means an additional delivery trip.

Your items are neatly stacked inside the bag, and I like that there are no promotional materials. Any extra info you might need, like customer support contact or recyclable items, is written right on the box (inside and outside).

Instructions for each item (nutritional info, best before date, ingredients, and so on) are clearly marked on the packaging, but you have to decide on the portion sizes. Most food producers will offer guidelines on the packaging, but I think it’s best to adjust according to your dog’s needs. 

Meal Prep: The Farmer’s Dog Delivers Ready-Made Recipes

There is no need for meal prep with either brand, except thawing or adding some liquid here and there. Chewy also has dehydrated food and freeze-dried recipes that may need rehydrating.

Otherwise, your only worry will be to make sure you’re feeding your pup enough (not too much, not too little). You get feeding instructions from both brands, but I found the ones from The Farmer's Dog clearer. Plus, they were made with your dog’s needs in mind.

With Chewy, you usually open the package and serve the content. Then, close the bag and set it aside for the next feeding. Things are a bit more complicated with The Farmer’s Dog since you have to keep it frozen and remember to thaw a portion before feeding time. 

Also, once a package is open, The Farmer's Dog recommends keeping it in the fridge, but no more than 4 days. If you have a small dog and you order food for a month, this can mean it won’t finish an entire bag of food in 4 days. 

To avoid refreezing the food, I recommend cutting it into smaller segments while it’s still frozen. This way, you can thaw one piece at a time.

Some thawing may be required with Chewy’s Fresh & Frozen foods, but how you portion and handle the leftovers depends on the producer. For instance, Chewy carries fresh recipes from JustFoodForDogs and The Pets Table (among other brands), each with different storage and serving instructions.

Pricing: Chewy Has Many Deals & Promos

Chewy takes an easy win in terms of pricing, offering competitive rates for pet food and related products. It offers affordable options for both smaller and larger breeds. In terms of actual costs, it varies wildly depending on the brand you choose and if you sign up for autoship.

For example, you can expect to pay from $4.29 for a 1 lb bag of dry food to $105+ for a 23.5 lb bag of premium dry food. These prices provide an estimation and may vary based on factors such as brand, portion size, any current deals, or if you select auto-shipment.

Chewy also offers a wide variety of add-ons, including treats, at various price points to suit different budgets. The pricing for treats can range from a few dollars for basic options to higher-end treats. Chewy regularly offers deals and promotions, so it's worth keeping an eye out for discounts on treats or bundling options that can help save money.

There’s no minimum order for Chewy, but you need to spend over $49 for free shipping. It also offers a hassle-free return and refund process (doesn’t include medication or special diets). Just reach out to Chewy's customer service, and you can find help with any issues, including providing a refund or offering alternative options.

The Farmer's Dog costs can be higher because it is a premium fresh food retailer. Prices will vary based on the size of your dog and their specific dietary needs. Additionally, it offers a much smaller selection of treats and toys compared to Chewy, focusing exclusively on its own line of fresh food.

For a small dog, let’s say a 6 lb Chihuahua, a meal plan will cost $2.54 per day after the initial 2-week trial. A large dog, like a 60 lb Bernese Mountain Dog, is $9.46 after the 2-week trial period. The larger the dog, the more you can expect to pay. Shipping is free on all orders.

While I think The Farmer's Dog is high-quality – and I love my dog to bits – it’s out of my price range as a primary source of food. However, I might consider using it in smaller amounts as a topper.

Chewy vs. The Farmer’s Dog – Pros & Cons

Chewy

Pros

• Impressive offering from a wide range of brands

• Great for pet parents with multiple pets

• Special formulas for various health conditions

Cons

• No customization options

• Too much variety

• No consistent recycling policy

The Farmer’s Dog

Pros

• High-quality, human-grade ingredients

• Fresh recipes delivered frozen

• Meals personalized for your dog’s needs

Cons

• It can get costly for medium-sized and large dogs

• The portioning and thawing process

• Limited recipe variety

Chewy vs. The Farmer’s Dog – Quick Overview

And the Winner Is: The Farmer’s Dog

The Farmer's Dog is easily our top choice if you’re seeking exceptional quality and personalized meals for your dog. With its human-grade ingredients, tailored meal plans, and expert guidance from veterinary nutritionists, The Farmer's Dog ensures optimal nutrition and a customized feeding experience.

Chewy is less reliable as a source of premium fresh food, but it can be much cheaper. It also offers a much wider range of food options and brands for you to explore. Plus, only Chewy has a marketplace for toys and other goodies.

The Farmer's Dog and Chewy offer distinct advantages depending on your priorities and budget. Chewy is a viable budget option that caters to a wider range of dogs. Ultimately, your choice depends on your preferences, budget, and the type of food your pup prefers. If fresh food is your favorite, take a look at our top 10 fresh dog food delivery options.

FAQ

Is The Farmer's Dog more expensive than Chewy?

The Farmer's Dog generally comes at a higher price point compared to Chewy. The Farmer's Dog focuses on high-quality, human-grade ingredients and personalized meal plans, which can contribute to a slightly higher cost. Chewy, on the other hand, offers more budget-friendly options, making it a suitable choice for those looking for affordability.

Does Chewy offer customization options like The Farmer's Dog?

Chewy may not provide the same level of customization as The Farmer's Dog. The Farmer's Dog's questionnaire allows for a more tailored approach, taking into account factors such as weight, breed, age, activity level, and health concerns.

Are The Farmer’s Dog and Chewy suitable for dogs with allergies?

Yes, both Chewy and The Farmer's Dog offer options for dogs with allergies. Chewy provides a variety of specialized diets and formulas, while The Farmer's Dog's questionnaire helps tailor meals to meet your dog's specific requirements. Simply select relevant allergies when you sign up.