The Farmer’s Dog Ingredients: Complete 2024 Guide

The Farmer’s Dog (TFD) is a popular choice for dog owners who prioritize high-quality nutrition, but one thing that may be frustrating is that you can’t access the full ingredient lists until you complete the sign-up process. If that’s been a concern for you, rest assured – I’ve done the research, so you don’t have to.

I've thoroughly examined The Farmer’s Dog ingredients, diving into the nutritional details and health benefits. These meals are crafted with human-grade ingredients and formulated by board-certified veterinary nutritionists, ensuring top-tier quality for your furry friend.

And it’s not just my opinion: our taste-testing dog Baxter loved digging into TFD’s different recipes. I can confidently say that The Farmer’s Dog is a great option for pet owners who want the very best ingredients for their dogs.

The Farmer’s Dog Ingredients: A Deep Dive

Let’s dive straight into The Farmer’s Dog ingredients. Here’s a full list of what is included in each of the 4 recipes:

When considering The Farmer's Dog cost, it's important to note that pricing reflects the high-quality, human-grade ingredients and customized meal plans tailored to your dog's specific dietary needs. Each subscription plan is priced to include all necessary nutrients while ensuring convenience and freshness, delivered directly to your door.

These ingredients are blended together, then slow-cooked at low temperatures. This kills any bacteria or other pathogens while preserving the nutrients. These meals contain no additives or preservatives, which means they need to be kept in the refrigerator or freezer to stay fresh. You can read more about storing the meals in our tried-and-tested review. 

Meat: Protein & Essential Amino Acids

The Farmer's Dog recipes include at least 50% whole muscle and organ meat. This high level of quality protein is crucial for a dog’s muscle development and general health.

Unlike highly processed kibble, The Farmer's Dog uses gently cooked meat to preserve natural enzymes and nutrients. This method improves digestibility, allowing dogs to better absorb essential nutrients, which is especially beneficial for those with sensitive stomachs or digestive issues.

Vegetables: Antioxidants & Immune System Support

The Farmer's Dog includes a variety of vegetables in its recipes, which are rich in phytonutrients. These naturally occurring compounds are essential for reducing inflammation, supporting the immune system and enhancing overall health.

Vegetables also play a crucial role in hydration. Their high water content helps ensure that dogs maintain adequate hydration levels, which is vital for kidney function and overall wellness.

Fiber: Promotes Healthy Digestion & Nutrient Absorption

Recipes feature fiber-rich ingredients such as lentils, chickpeas, and sweet potatoes. These elements are crucial for promoting a healthy gut, facilitating smooth digestion, and maintaining a balanced intestinal environment.

The fiber in The Farmer's Dog ingredients also helps regulate blood sugar levels. Maintaining steady blood sugar levels is essential for preventing energy spikes and dips, contributing to overall health and wellness in dogs.

Added Nutrients: Complements Whole-Food Nutrition

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, E, and taurine. 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.

Benefits of The Farmer’s Dog Ingredients: Every Recipe Covered

Beef Recipe: Best for Maintaining Your Dog’s Energy Levels

• Beef: Provides high-quality protein, essential amino acids, iron for immune support and healthy blood flow, and zinc for skin and coat health.

• Beef liver: A rich source of protein, iron, Vitamin B12, and riboflavin, crucial for red blood cell formation, nervous system function, and energy metabolism.

• Sweet potatoes and carrots: Both are rich in fiber, antioxidants, and Vitamin A, supporting cell health, vision, skin, and coat.

• Lentils: Offer plant-based protein, fiber, iron, potassium, and folate, aiding in digestion, blood sugar regulation, and sustained energy.

• Kale: Delivers nutrients like Vitamins A, C, K, calcium, and potassium, beneficial for dogs with joint issues and digestive health due to its anti-inflammatory properties and fiber content.

Chicken Recipe: Best for High Protein & Immune Support 

• Chicken: This lean meat provides essential amino acids critical for muscle and tissue health, making it excellent for dogs needing to maintain a healthy weight. It also includes vital nutrients like vitamin B6, niacin, and phosphorus which contribute to overall health.

• Chicken liver: A highly digestible protein source, chicken liver is packed with iron, vitamins A and B12, supporting healthy vision, skin, immune function, and nerve and blood cell health.

• Brussels sprouts: Rich in vitamins C and K, these vegetables support the immune system and bone health. They also contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents that help combat chronic diseases and inflammation.

• Cauliflower: Offers folate essential for DNA production and cell growth, helping to prevent anemia and developmental issues.

• Broccoli: Provides fiber and sulforaphane, which may have anti-cancer properties and support overall health.

• Chia seeds: Loaded with Omega-3 fatty acids and both soluble and insoluble fiber, these seeds regulate digestion, stabilize blood sugar levels, and support gastrointestinal health.

Pork Recipe: Best for Allergies & Sensitive Stomachs

• Pork: Lean pork in this recipe offers high-quality protein essential for muscle development and repair. It includes vitamin B12, zinc, and iron, and is highly digestible, making it suitable for dogs with sensitive stomachs. Low-temperature cooking ensures safety from E. coli and salmonella.

• Pork Liver: Included in moderate amounts, pork liver provides vitamins A, D, E, and K, along with iron and copper, without the risk of vitamin A toxicity.

• Sweet Potatoes: These are a fiber-rich, low glycemic option that helps manage blood sugar levels, making them ideal for diabetic dogs.

• Cauliflower and Green Beans: Both vegetables supply fiber for digestive regularity and contain essential nutrients like folate, potassium, and vitamins C and K. Green beans also offer antioxidants for cellular health.

• Potatoes: Serve as a nutritious, grain-free carbohydrate source rich in vitamin B6, fiber, and magnesium, supporting energy levels and overall health.

Turkey Recipe: Best Low-Fat Recipe & Transitioning From Kibble

• Turkey: The Farmer's Dog Turkey Recipe uses high-quality, human-grade turkey as its primary protein source. Turkey is lean, high in protein, low in fat, and contains essential amino acids, making it ideal for dogs with food sensitivities or allergies.

• Chickpeas: These provide plant-based protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, while being low in fat and calories, contributing positively to a balanced diet.

• Carrots and parsnips: Both are rich in Vitamin C and beta carotene, enhancing vision, immune function, and skin health. Their high fiber content supports digestive health and regular bowel movements.

• Spinach and broccoli: Spinach offers antioxidants and nitrates that can improve heart health. Broccoli is a source of vitamins A, C, K, calcium, potassium, and iron, contributing to overall wellness.

DIY Nutrient Plan: Best for Making Your Own Dog Food

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.

If you’ve wondered how to make your own dog food, be aware that many homemade recipes lack essential nutrients and may contain harmful ingredients. The Farmer's Dog DIY Nutrient Mix ensures your homemade meals are balanced, supporting your dog's health and well-being.

• Tricalcium phosphate: Provides calcium for bone health and muscle function.

• Potassium chloride: Maintains fluid balance and heart health.

• Choline bitartrate: Supports brain function and liver health.

• Taurine: Essential for heart health and vision.

• Riboflavin and thiamine: Aid in vision and energy metabolism.

• Chelated minerals: Copper, manganese, zinc, and iron are included for better absorption, benefiting everything from bone health to immune support.

• Selenium and iodine: Supplements to support thyroid health.
  

Quick Comparison Table – The Farmer’s Dog Nutritional Information

FAQ

What are The Farmer’s Dog ingredients?

The Farmer's Dog ingredients are human-grade and grain-free, featuring high-quality proteins like beef, turkey, and chicken, alongside vegetables such as sweet potatoes and kale. Each recipe is cooked at low temperatures to preserve nutrients and free from common commercial dog food fillers and preservatives.

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.