The Farmer’s Dog Food Ingredients 2024: A Deep Dive

The Farmer’s Dog (TFD) is one of America’s most popular dog food delivery services, and many pup parents swear by its recipes made with human-grade meat and vegetables. You want what’s best for your dog, but many pet food companies make claims that sound impressive but don’t add up to much.

I’ve taken a close look at all The Farmer’s Dog recipes. I’ve examined the nutritional labels and scanned the ingredient lists. And you won't just find my expert opinion in this article – my colleague's dog Baxter also helped out by tasting the Farmer's Dog's recipes.

After our in-depth research, I can tell you The Farmer’s Dog is a great choice for your pet. If you want the best for your dog – and don’t we all – the human-grade ingredients and input from veterinary nutritionists make The Farmer’s Dog a great choice.

The Farmer’s Dog Food Ingredients Reviewed

Introduction

All The Farmer’s Dog recipes use human-grade ingredients. While many commercial dog food brands use downed animals, bone meal, and other unappetizing products, The Farmer’s Dog uses only proteins and vegetables that are suitable for human consumption. There’s nothing in The Farmer’s Dog meals that couldn’t be sold at your local grocery store.

These ingredients are blended together, then slow-cooked at low temperatures. This kills any bacteria or other pathogens while preserving the nutrients that you find in raw meals. These meals contain no additives or preservatives, which means they need to be kept in the refrigerator or freezer to stay fresh.

Every recipe at The Farmer’s Dog contains salmon oil and TFD’s Nutrient Blend. The Nutrient Blend provides the minerals your dog needs, along with Vitamins B1, B2, B6, B12, D3, and E. The salmon oil contains Omega-3 fatty acids that boost your pet’s immune system and are good for your dog’s skin, coat, joint, eye, and brain health.

The Farmer’s Dog meals are grain-free. While there has been some controversy about a possible link between grain-free dog food and a canine heart condition called Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM), the FDA has found no linkage between grain-free dog food and DCM.

The Nutrient Blend used in all recipes also contains taurine, which is an amino acid that’s essential for cardiac health in dogs. Taurine plays a vital role in maintaining normal heart function.

Beef Recipe

Beef Recipe Ingredients: Beef, Sweet Potato, Lentils, Carrot, Beef Liver, Kale, Sunflower Seeds, TFD Nutrient Blend, Salmon Oil.

Beef is more than just a source of high-quality protein and essential amino acids. It also provides essential vitamins and minerals. The iron in beef can help support a dog's immune system and promote healthy blood flow, while zinc is essential for healthy skin and coat.

Nutrient-dense beef liver is rich in protein, vitamins, and essential minerals that are beneficial for dogs. It’s an excellent source of iron, which is important for the formation of red blood cells and to prevent anemia. It also contains Vitamin B12 and riboflavin, which are important for nervous system function and energy metabolism.

Sweet potatoes are high in fiber and Vitamins A and C. They’re also rich in antioxidants, which can help protect your dog's cells from damage caused by free radicals. Carrots are also a good source of Vitamin A, which helps maintain your dog’s healthy vision, skin, and coat.  

Lentils are a great source of plant-based protein, fiber, and carbohydrates. They also contain minerals like iron, potassium, and folate, and can help promote healthy digestion, regulate blood sugar levels, and provide sustained energy for your pet.

Kale is a well-known superfood for humans and it’s a pet superfood, too. Your dog can benefit from its nutrients like Vitamins A, C, and K, and minerals like calcium and potassium. Dogs with joint issues and inflammatory conditions may benefit from kale’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds, while its high fiber content will help promote doggy digestive health and regular bowel movements.

Sunflower seeds contain fatty acids that help your furbaby’s skin and coat health. They’re also a good source of zinc, which is essential for many functions, including thyroid health and wound healing. And the magnesium in sunflower seeds helps your dog maintain healthy bones and teeth as well as cardiac function.

Chicken Recipe 

Chicken Recipe Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Liver, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Brussels Sprouts, Chia Seeds, TFD Nutrient Blend, Salmon Oil 

Chicken is high in amino acids that are essential for healthy muscles and tissues. It's also lean meat, making it a good choice for dogs that need to maintain a healthy weight. Chicken also contains important nutrients such as vitamin B6, niacin, and phosphorus, which help support a dog's overall health.

Chicken liver is a rich and highly digestible source of protein, iron, Vitamins A and B12, and other important vitamins and minerals. These nutrients are important for maintaining healthy vision, skin, immune function, and nerve and blood cell health.

Brussels sprouts are rich in Vitamins C and K for canine immune systems and bone health. They also contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that can help protect against chronic diseases and reduce inflammation throughout your dog’s body.

Cauliflower contains folate, which plays a critical role in canine health. Folate is necessary for DNA production and cell growth, and folate deficiency can lead to anemia, poor growth, and developmental abnormalities.

In addition to being a great source of fiber and nutrients, broccoli contains sulforaphane. This compound has been shown to have anti-cancer properties and may help reduce the risk of certain types of cancer.

Chia seeds contain Omega-3 fatty acids as well as both soluble and insoluble fiber. Soluble fiber slows down digestion and helps regulate blood sugar levels. Insoluble fiber adds bulk to the stool, promoting regularity and preventing constipation. The mucilage in chia seeds can soothe and reduce gastric inflammation in dogs with gastrointestinal issues.

While it is highly digestible, some dogs may be allergic or intolerant to chicken. You should introduce any chicken-based dog foods slowly and keep an eye on your dog for any adverse reactions.

Pork Recipe

Pork Ingredients: Pork, Sweet Potato, Potato, Green Beans, Cauliflower, Pork Liver, TFD Nutrient Blend, Salmon Oil

Pork is a rich source of protein for canine muscle development and repair and a good source of vitamin B12, zinc, and iron. It’s also highly digestible, making it a good choice for dogs with sensitive stomachs and food allergies. The low-temperature cooking used by The Farmer’s Dog prevents potential issues your dog might have with E. coli and salmonella.

The Pork Recipe also includes nutrient-rich pork liver, an organ meat that contains vitamins A, D, E, and K, as well as iron and copper. The Farmer’s Dog includes modest amounts of pork liver so that your dog can enjoy its benefits without fear of the Vitamin A toxicity that can arise if your dog overindulges in liver.

Sweet potatoes provide your pooch with fiber and potassium. Thanks to their low glycemic index, sweet potatoes don’t cause blood sugar spikes and can benefit dogs that are diabetic or at risk of developing diabetes.

Cauliflower also provides fiber that can keep your dog regular and prevent constipation, as well as important vitamins and minerals like folate, potassium, and Vitamins C and K. Green beans contain antioxidants that can help protect a dog's cells from damage caused by free radicals.

The Pork Recipe also includes potatoes, which are a healthy and nutritious source of carbohydrates for energy, as well as Vitamin B6, fiber, and magnesium. Potatoes can be a healthy substitute for grains and are a good substitute for grains.

While pork can be high in fat, The Farmer’s Dog uses only lean pork to make sure your dog gets lots of healthy protein without excess fat, which can lead to weight gain and other health issues.

Turkey Recipe

Turkey Recipe Ingredients: Turkey, Chickpeas, Carrot, Broccoli, Spinach, Parsnip, TFD Nutrient Blend, Salmon Oil

The Farmer's Dog Turkey Recipe looks, smells, and tastes like turkey because it is turkey. While many dog foods are labeled "turkey flavor," The Farmer’s Dog uses high-quality human-grade turkey as the main protein source.

Turkey is a lean meat that is high in protein and low in fat, making it an excellent source of nutrition for dogs. It also contains essential amino acids that are necessary for your dog's overall health and well-being. Veterinarians often recommend turkey for dogs with food sensitivities or allergies.

Chickpeas are a great source of plant-based protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. They’re also low in fat and calories, making them a healthy addition to your dog's diet.

Carrots and parsnips contain Vitamin C and beta carotene, which can help to improve your dog's vision, immune function, and skin and coat health. They’re also low in calories and high in fiber, which can help to support your dog's digestive health and promote regular bowel movements.

Spinach contains antioxidants that protect your dog's cells, as well as nitrates that can help to relax blood vessels and reduce the risk of heart disease.​​ Broccoli is a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as several minerals like calcium, potassium, and iron.

The Turkey Recipe is ideal for overweight dogs or pooches with liver disease or pancreatitis who need a low-fat diet. Check with your veterinarian before making any dietary changes if your dog is being treated for any underlying condition.

The Turkey Recipe is also a good choice if you’re transitioning your dog to fresh food because its nutrient profile is similar to premium kibble.

DIY Nutrient Plan

Ingredient List: Tricalcium Phosphate, Potassium Chloride, Choline Bitartrate, Sea Salt, Taurine, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Ferrous Amino Acid Chelate, Vitamin E Supplement, Potassium Iodide, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B2), Sodium Selenite, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B-6), Folic Acid.

There are many recipes available for pet owners who want to make their own dog food. But many lack important nutrients, and some even include ingredients that can be hazardous to your pet. With The Farmer’s Dog DIY Nutrient Mix, you can ensure that your fresh dog food contains everything your furry friend needs to live a happy and healthy life.

Tricalcium Phosphate provides calcium, which is important for your dog’s bone health and muscle function. Potassium chloride helps maintain proper fluid balance and heart health, while choline bitartrate supports brain function and liver health.

Taurine is an amino acid that’s important for heart health and good vision. Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) is also important for vision and also assists in energy metabolism, as does thiamine (Vitamin B1).

Copper, manganese, zinc, and iron are chelated and easily absorbed. These vital minerals are necessary for everything from bone health to a shiny coat and a strong immune system. The TFD Nutrient Mix also provides supplements of selenium and iodine to keep your pooch’s thyroid gland running smoothly.

Quick Comparison Table – The Farmer’s Dog Ingredients

FAQ

Is The Farmer’s Dog a raw diet? 

The Farmer’s Dog employs a gentle cooking process at reduced temperatures, eliminating harmful pathogens like salmonella and E. coli while retaining vital nutrients. This offers your pet the advantages of a raw food diet without the risk of diseases.

What is the best The Farmer’s Dog option for overweight dogs?

The Turkey Recipe from TFD is notable for its low-calorie and low-fat content at just 4.5% crude fat. Additionally, much of its fat content comes from salmon oil, which is rich in heart-healthy Omega-3 fatty acids.

Can I make fresh dog food at home?

Numerous dog food recipes are readily available online, but only a select few offer balanced nutrition. If ensuring your dog consumes a complete diet is your priority, The Farmer's Dog has a DIY Nutrient Plan you can use. This plan includes recipes and a TFD Nutrient Supplement, which contains all the essential vitamins and minerals your pet requires.