The Farmer’s Dog Review 2025: Best Dog Food?

The Farmer’s Dog’s fresh dog food is tailored to each pup’s specific needs, considering factors like breed, age, and health conditions. My colleague completed the quiz, then tested 3 of the 4 proteins (turkey, chicken, and beef) with their Goldendoodle, Baxter.

Designed by veterinary nutritionists, the meals are gently cooked and flash-frozen to retain nutrients. All recipes are made with human-grade ingredients and are free from preservatives and growth hormones. 

I appreciated the personalized feeding guide included in the delivery, which made transitioning from Baxter’s old food seamless. Our furry tester thoroughly enjoyed all the meals and showed positive changes, like reduced bowel movements. The personalization with Baxter’s name was a nice touch, too. Portioning was easy for full meals but slightly less convenient for using the food as a topper. Otherwise, the eco-friendly packaging was great, with recyclable and biodegradable materials. 

As with most premium fresh services, the main drawback is the cost, which can range from $1 to $12 per day depending on your dog’s size and needs. The trial discount and flexible plans provide ways to manage your budget, though. We paid $3.21 daily by using the food as a topper. The brand also offers a DIY plan for pet owners who want to make their own meals and add TFD’s nutrient blend. 

If you have the budget for fresh food, the quality and health benefits make The Farmer’s Dog worth considering. Managing your subscription is easy, and you can get a refund if your dog doesn’t like the meals. Overall, it’s one of the best fresh services we’ve tested.

The Farmer’s Dog’s Meals: Top-Quality Food Your Dog Will Love

Plans & Recipes: Proteins Include Turkey, Chicken, Beef, & Pork

The Farmer’s Dog currently features 4 proteins. These include turkey, chicken, beef, and pork recipes that are fit for any breed at any life stage over the age of 8 weeks. My colleague chose turkey, beef, and chicken recipes to try with his 1 year old dog named Baxter.

The service creates a personalized meal plan to suit your dog’s breed, age, size, and more. You’ll be guided through the selection process by answering questions about your pup. If you mention health troubles or dietary needs, his or her plan will be adjusted accordingly. This won’t change the content of the recipe, but the selection of meals and feeding recommendations will change.

The Farmer’s Dog also offers an innovative DIY plan, catering to those who prefer a hands-on approach to their dog’s nutrition. This plan provides pet owners with The Farmer’s Dog nutrient blend, which can be added to home-cooked meals prepared from store-bought ingredients.

Additionally, after signing up, customers gain access to treats available exclusively to members. If you prefer a wider range of treats and extras, including supplements, consider Ollie.

Ingredients: High-Quality Proteins & Veggies From Trusted Suppliers

The Farmer’s Dog ingredients are sourced from local farms, reputable food suppliers, or other suppliers who deliver human food following USDA standards. Many veterinarians recommend The Farmer's Dog, particularly for dogs needing weight management. Additionally, the company avoids the use of preservatives or growth hormones in its dog food, which I find particularly reassuring.

Each recipe mixes human-grade meat and veggies plus vitamins and minerals. All The Farmer's Dog recipes follow a similar formula, with proteins and veggies as the main ingredients. Below, I’ve analyzed Baxter’s turkey meal.

Let’s take a look at the benefits of each of these ingredients:

Nutrition: Healthy Recipes Created by Veterinary Nutritionists

The Farmer’s Dog recipes are all designed by board-certified veterinary nutritionists. Each exceeds the nutritional levels required by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles. The meals are gently cooked in human food facilities to human-grade standards, then they’re quickly frozen to make sure all the ingredients retain their properties and to kill any pathogens. 

The Farmer’s Dog turkey recipe looks like good quality wet food based on the ingredients listed on the label. The protein is the first ingredient, which is always a good indication that the recipe contains generous amounts of meat.

You’ll also receive a personalized recommendation on how much to feed your dog. Portioning is paramount, and it's different for each dog depending on their weight and activity level. This amount will also depend on whether you plan to feed full meals, mixed with your regular dog food, or as a topper. Find out more about this in Baxter’s testing experience.

What Makes The Farmer’s Dog Different

Formulated by Top-Tier Vets

Many pet food subscription services work with vets in some capacity, but The Farmer’s Dog has a particularly impressive number of experts on its staff. This includes 8 vets and 4 board-certified nutritionists (the majority of whom are also vets). 

Importantly, the on-staff nutritionists actually formulate the recipes – as opposed to just working with the company’s marketing department.

The Highest Pet Food Standards

Pet food regulation can be a pretty murky arena, but The Farmer’s Dog is transparent. Its human-grade standards apply to each step of the process from sourcing to storage. Recipes use human-grade ingredients, which are gently cooked at low temperatures in a USDA-certified kitchen that’s licensed to produce human food, a distinction not always matched elsewhere.

All of the Farmer’s Dog recipes are AAFCO complete and balanced, which the company substantiates through ongoing feeding trials. Its recent year-long study with Cornell University tested more dogs for a longer time than a standard AAFCO feeding trial. 

Competitive & Stable Prices

If you’re considering a switch from dry to fresh food, you may have already noticed that feeding fresh is much more expensive across the board, no matter the company. 

The Farmer’s Dog’s prices are no different, but when compared against similar fresh offerings, it often comes out favorably. Having said that, I always recommend you check prices for your pup’s specific breed and size, as it can vary. In the pricing section below, I’ve included cost examples for a range of breeds.

Another feature worth mentioning is price consistency. These days, it feels like the cost of everything is constantly going up, yet The Farmer’s Dog hasn’t increased its prices since COVID-19, which I appreciate!

Packaging Sustainability

The Farmer's Dog packaging elements are all recyclable. Depending on your delivery, you'll either receive corn starch insulation, which can be dissolved under running water and safely washed down the drain, or an alternative insulation that is curbside recyclable. This approach extends to the food packs and plastic wraps, which are fully recyclable after a simple rinse.

My Colleague’s Unboxing Experience With The Farmer’s Dog

My colleague reported that The Farmer's Dog package arrived in good condition, noting only a slight dent on the box's corner. While the outer box lacked personalization, the Feeding Guide and individual food packages inside were customized with Baxter's name.

You'll discover detailed instructions for safely managing the dry ice, and confirmation that all packaging materials are biodegradable. Notably, The Farmer's Dog ensures even the empty food packs are recyclable with #4 plastics, highlighting its commitment to environmental sustainability. 

Inside the box, the frozen food bags were neatly packed alongside treats and feeding instructions. Despite some minor tears in the dry ice packaging, likely caused by the food bags during transit, the contents were well-preserved and mess-free. The frozen food remained in perfect condition for hours and was still frozen when our tester opened the box 6 hours after delivery.

The package included eco-friendly cooling elements. These are either dry ice or reusable cold packs. The frozen food requires immediate freezer storage and can be safely refrozen if it arrives defrosted but still very cold. For feeding, simply defrost the necessary amount. The food stays fresh for up to 4 days in the refrigerator, provided it's kept at the recommended temperature, or up to 6 months in the freezer.

Baxter’s Testing Experience (Spoiler: He Loved All of the Food)

The Farmer's Dog provides detailed instructions on portion sizes, tailored for each dog. This personalized approach facilitated the transition from Baxter's old food to the new meals by gradually increasing the percentage of The Farmer’s Dog food from 25% to 100% over a week.

In terms of preparation, The Farmer’s Dog proved slightly easier than Baxter's usual food. Unlike his previous routine of mixing dry kibble with warmed canned food, my colleague only had to cut open the bag and serve, skipping the heating step.

However, portioning the food was less straightforward. This was because Baxter was eating the food as a topper rather than a full meal. This situation could be improved by marking the bags with lines indicating 25%, 50%, and 75% portions. Without these, he had to estimate the amounts, which was a bit inconvenient.

The food's quality and appearance were noticeably superior to Baxter's regular dry food. The fresh, colorful ingredients in the meals really stood out. It definitely looks like a more appealing option, as the fresh ingredients could be easily identified.

Baxter, not a fussy eater, eagerly devoured the fresh food without hesitation. My colleague also noticed a reduction in Baxter's daily bowel movements. This is often the case when dogs are fed a high-quality diet. However, it could also be attributed to the dietary transition period.

Overall, they found The Farmer’s Dog to be of a very high quality but noted its cost as significantly higher than Baxter's regular food. This makes it a less viable option for them in terms of consistent feeding.

Prices: The Farmer’s Dog Has Premium Pricing, but It’s Worth It

The Farmer's Dog prices range from $1 to $12 per day, depending on each dog’s size, age, and breed. Larger dogs require more food, and this makes it more costly as their food is shipped more frequently to manage order weight. Conversely, smaller dogs receive fewer frequent shipments due to their smaller portion requirements.

My colleague paid $44.93 for Baxter’s food, with an additional $11.99 for treats. By reducing the food quantity to 25% to supplement their dog’s diet rather than providing full meals, the daily cost was $3.21 for their 62 lb Goldendoodle. This approach makes The Farmer’s Dog cost more manageable for those who are keen to introduce the benefits of fresh food, but may be on a budget.

The Farmer’s Dog lets you choose multiple recipes and portions, topper options, or even a DIY recipe kit. This kit includes The Farmer’s Dog nutrient blend to add to home-cooked meals with store-bought ingredients. The costs for this vary, but it’s a great affordable option for people who have the time (and desire) to cook fresh meals for their pups at home.

The Farmer’s Dog comes with a premium price tag, which is usually the case for fresh subscription services. You’re paying for the value derived from top-quality, fresh ingredients and the positive impact on a dog's health compared to standard kibble. (Not to mention the convenience of having it delivered to your door.) For those on a budget or with big breeds to feed, there are options to lower expenses, such as using the food as a topper or mixing it with other foods. 

Shipping & Delivery: A Smooth & Straightforward Process 

The Farmer’s Dog offers free shipping to all 48 contiguous states. As my colleague experienced, the process starts automatically with the first order. This initial order is termed a Trial Box, giving 2 weeks for pet owners to observe how their dogs adapt to the new diet.

After placing an order, my colleague noted that The Farmer’s Dog was ready to dispatch without specifying dates or times. Living in a suburban area of a major U.S. city, they received an engaging email with a tracking link, featuring a cartoon of a journeying truck and a happily wagging dog. Clicking the link redirected them to a FedEx site to access updates at each stage of the shipment. 

The package arrived just 2 days post-order without issues, accompanied by email updates from The Farmer’s Dog about the delivery and instructions for safe outdoor placement until midnight. This proved to be excellent communication throughout, unlike their experience with We Feed Raw, which didn’t even provide a delivery date for their first order.

How The Farmer's Dog Works (Step by Step Guide)

The Farmer’s Dog has a very easy ordering system. Everything starts and ends with your dog’s specific needs in mind.

How to Sign Up (Just 5 Simple Steps)

1. Head to The Farmer’s Dog’s website. To start the personalization questionnaire, click the Start Today button on the homepage.  

2. Click on Continue to start the personalization questionnaire. Complete all the sections to create a customized plan for your dog.

During the process, you will be able to adjust the amount of food you order for your pup. For example, you might want to order a reduced amount of food to feed as a 50% plan or feed as a topper instead. You’ll also have the option to add treats to your order if you want to.

Managing Your Subscription

Your account stores your dog’s profile, order history, and shipping details. You can easily make changes to your subscription, such as pausing or canceling your plan, adapting your shipping frequency, protein type, or your dog’s details.

Customer Service: Pretty Good, Even Without Live Chat

Customer service at The Farmer’s Dog is accessible 24/7 via email or phone. This is pretty impressive, as most customer service teams in the industry only have daytime operating hours. I always prefer to have a live chat option, but having 24/7 text available provides a similar level of convenience. 

My colleague’s experience with its customer support was exceptional; a phone call resolved his order issue swiftly, with the agent promptly assisting through troubleshooting steps and staying on the line until his order was confirmed. His email inquiries also received timely responses within a few hours.

The FAQ section has answers to common questions but isn’t as extensive as I’d expected. For such a user-friendly website, I imagined the FAQ would be more easily searchable and extensive, especially regarding specific ingredients, recipes, and nutrition information.

If your dog doesn’t enjoy The Farmer’s Dog meals, there’s an accommodating solution in place. The company is happy to send out different recipes for your dog to try, ensuring you find the right fit. Alternatively, if you choose a refund, the only requirement is that the leftover food is donated to a shelter. I really like this policy, as it gives you peace of mind without letting good food go to waste.

You have the option to pause your subscription for up to 6 months, which is quite convenient. However, if you decide to cancel online, be prepared for a series of questions aimed at offering cost-saving alternatives or adjusting your plan. My colleague found this process a bit tedious but appreciated the convenience of handling everything online. 

You can also pause or cancel your subscription via text, which is useful. In the future, I’d love to see a dedicated app for easier subscription management. 

The Farmer’s Dog Recalls: There Have Been No Recalls as of Yet 

The Farmer’s Dog has a clean record when it comes to recalls. 

How The Farmer’s Dog Compares to Other Pet Food Services

• The Farmer’s Dog vs. Ollie: Ollie offers the choice between fresh or baked food options, so it may be a better choice if you want to feed your pup dry food (or a mix of fresh and dry food). Like the Farmer’s Dog, it’s also human-grade. If you’re only looking for fresh food, I prefer TFD’s personalized packs, which can work out as more affordable as well.

• The Farmer’s Dog vs. Spot & Tango: Spot & Tango also offers both fresh and dry food options, but you can only get one type per order. Its fresh food has some similarities to TFD’s, including all human-grade recipes with the option for a topper plan. I find The Farmer’s Dog’s meals better value, but if your dog likes fish – Spot & Tango offers a Cod + Salmon recipe – or you’re looking for a range of supplements and treats, it may be a good option.

• The Farmer’s Dog vs. We Feed Raw: Both companies offer convenient, single-protein recipes, but We Feed Raw focuses on a raw meat diet and The Farmer's Dog offers gently cooked, fresh meals. If you specifically want your dog to follow a raw diet, We Feed Raw is the best choice, otherwise, go for The Farmer’s Dog.

The Bottom Line: Is The Farmer’s Dog Worth It?

I definitely think The Farmer's Dog is worth it in the realm of dog food delivery subscriptions. It provides meals crafted from fresh, human-grade ingredients, tailored to meet the specific dietary requirements of each dog. The personalization of meal plans and the convenience of home delivery make it the most convenient way to feed your dog top-quality fresh food.

As a premium service, The Farmer's Dog may not fit within every pet owner's budget. Fresh food is pricier than dry and much more expensive than shop-bought kibble. You can try a topper plan to keep the costs down, but I think The Farmer’s Dog’s trial is the best way to see if it’s worth the money. You can also take advantage of our coupon code and test out the benefits for your dog at a discount: Get 60% Off Your First Box!.

If you’d like to compare prices with other services or are looking for a company that offers raw or dry options, you could explore our comprehensive article on the best human-grade dog food for a range of recommendations.

FAQ

Do vets recommend The Farmer's Dog?

The Farmer’s Dog works with board-certified veterinary nutritionists to formulate its meals, and it has several on staff (as well as 8 vets).

How much is The Farmer’s Dog per week?

The cost per week depends on the size of the dog and its level of activity. The food for a 10 lb dog can cost around $28/week, while a 55 lb dog can set you back around $63/week.

Is The Farmer's Dog food grain-free?

Some recipes from The Farmer’s Dog are grain-free, but others contain grain. If you’re specifically interested in recipes containing grains but you can’t see this option, you can reach out to customer services.