The Farmer’s Dog Food Reviews 2026: My Positive & Negative Experience, Worth It?

The Farmers Dog Food Review

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This content was reviewed and fact-checked by veterinarian Dr. Aukse Caraite, DVM.

I’ve put together what I believe is the most comprehensive review of The Farmer’s Dog food. As a well-known custom dog food brand, The Farmer’s Dog was a brand I was eager to test with my two canine companions. In this review, I’ll share my insights to help you decide whether The Farmer’s Dog’s all-natural, fresh dog food is the right fit for your dog and you. Before you consider subscribing to The Farmer’s Dog, let me take you through our month-long journey with the product. I’ll cover everything from price and ingredient quality to taste, addressing any questions you might have based on our experience. Let’s dive in!

The Farmer’s Dog Review — At A Glance

The Farmer’s Dog


Product Description: The Farmer’s Dog is a premium fresh dog food subscription that delivers gently cooked, human-grade meals tailored to your dog’s individual needs.


Canine Bible

Ingredient quality
Price
Nutrition
Personalization
Variety
Customer support
Brand Trustworthiness


Our Verdict & Summary

The Farmer’s Dog Fresh Dog Food stands out as an excellent daily diet, delivering nutrition that surpasses even the highest-quality kibble while offering the added health benefits of fresh food. Its recipes are supported by third-party research and are personalized to meet each dog’s needs, making the brand a clear leader in the fresh dog food space.

What truly sets The Farmer’s Dog apart is how closely the food resembles a home-cooked meal. Every ingredient is clearly visible, which speaks to its quality, freshness, and palatability. Notably, their recipes exceed AAFCO nutritional standards—a claim backed by research. Among dozens of fresh dog food competitors, The Farmer’s Dog ranks as our top choice.

We also value the brand’s commitment to educating pet owners about the low safety and quality standards common in traditional kibble manufacturing—an issue often masked by loose labeling and marketing regulations.

4.8

While any dog can enjoy The Farmer’s Dog, it can be especially great if your dog is a picky eater or has health-specific nutritional requirements such as allergies, sensitivities and more. Their recipes are formulated to fully replace a standard diet, but many pups with various health issues also do great on their meals. See the list below.

Unlike competitors in this category, The Farmer’s Dog tests new recipes on humans, ensuring their food quality is unmatched.

The Farmer’s Dog is on the pricer side, but the premium food may be worth it to enhance your dog’s long-term health and well-being.

By far one of the best, if not the best, fresh dog food companies that make feeding real food to dogs easy. Their recipes aim to restore your pup’s natural vitality and help dogs avoid the side effects of eating processed foods.

Why you should trust us: Our writers, editors and in-house veterinarians spend hours analyzing and reviewing products and services to help find what’s best for you. Read the product review methodology and editorial mission to find out how we test, analyze, and rate

Who Is The Farmer’s Dog?

Founded
2014
Founders
Brett Podolsky & Jonathan Regev
Headquarters
United States
Category
Fresh, human-grade dog food
Differentiator
Personalized meals
Phone
+1 646 780-7957

Origin & Mission

The Farmer’s Dog was inspired by Brett Podolsky’s Rottweiler, Jada, who struggled with severe digestive issues for years. After trying nearly every high-quality kibble available, a veterinarian recommended switching to homemade food. Brett noticed rapid improvements in Jada’s health, which ultimately led to the creation of The Farmer’s Dog.

“Feeding fresh dog food isn’t about spoiling your dog—it’s about recognizing that no natural digestive system—human, dog, or otherwise—is suited to highly processed food.” — Jonathan Regev, Co-Founder

The Farmer’s Dog Benefits According to Science

🦠 Healthier digestion
✨ Better skin & coat
🚫 Helps reduce food sensitivities
🧪 No artificial additives or harmful chemicals
⚖️ Supports healthy weight management
💩 Smaller, firmer stools
🍽️ Ideal for picky eaters
📏 More precise portion control
📦 Convenient home delivery
🦷 Softer texture may be easier for senior dogs to chew
⚡ Supports overall vitality and energy levels
🌿 Reduced exposure to ultra-processed ingredients
🥩 High moisture content for hydration support

Superior Nutritional Standards

A six-month feeding trial demonstrated that The Farmer’s Dog is complete, balanced, and bioavailable. While AAFCO requires testing a minimum of four blood values to meet feeding-trial standards, The Farmer’s Dog evaluated 49 blood values in all participating dogs. Each dog also underwent a full veterinary exam by Lisa Lippman, DVM, confirming overall health. The study exceeded existing standards in trial duration, scope of testing, and the number and variety of dogs evaluated.[3]

The Research

Research Finding Key Result
Longer Lifespan Dogs fed fresh food diets were linked to up to a 20% longer lifespan compared to dogs fed processed kibble, adding an average of 2–2.5 years of life.[4]
Protein Digestibility Fresh dog food showed 92–94% protein digestibility, compared to approximately 82% for extruded kibble diets.[5]
Macronutrient Absorption Digestibility of dry matter, fat, calories, and nitrogen-free extract was significantly higher in dogs consuming fresh food diets.[5]
Stool Quality Dogs fed fresh-cooked diets produced smaller, firmer stools with lower frequency and volume compared to kibble-fed dogs.[6]
Microbiome, Immunity & Coat Health Fresh food diets were associated with improved gut microbiome diversity, stronger immune response, healthier skin, and improved coat quality.[7]

Processed vs Fresh

Highly processed dog foods often contain fillers, preservatives, and processing byproducts that may negatively impact long-term health. In contrast, fresh, human-grade diets have been associated with higher energy levels and improved overall wellness. Research suggests that long-term consumption of ultra-processed foods, such as kibble, may be linked to increased cancer risk due to contaminants like mycotoxins, free radicals, and other potentially carcinogenic compounds.[8],[9],[10]

Our Testers & Judges

To evaluate The Farmer’s Dog under real-world conditions, we tested it with dogs of different breeds, sizes, and dietary backgrounds. These dogs were observed for palatability, transition response, and overall acceptance before moving into deeper analysis of ingredients and nutrition.

Bandit the Miniature Schnauzer

Bandit

Miniature Schnauzer 3 years 14 lbs Active No health issues
Bandit showed immediate interest and enthusiasm when introduced to The Farmer’s Dog meals, indicating strong initial acceptance.
“Bandit went crazy and even started drooling when I took out The Farmer’s Dog packets.”
Koda the Husky

Koda

Husky 5 years 56 lbs Active No health issues
After transitioning from dry kibble to fresh food, Koda adapted well and his owner reported a positive overall experience.
“Feeding Koda The Farmer’s Dog has been one of the healthiest decisions we’ve made.”

The Farmer’s Dog Unboxing

Unboxing Score: ★★★★★ 5/5

The Farmer’s Dog earns a top score for its unboxing experience thanks to clear ingredient labeling, visible real food inside each pouch, and thoughtful organization. Everything arrived cold, neatly packed, and easy to identify, making the overall presentation feel premium and well-executed.

The delivery arrived in a sealed cardboard box with dry ice and biodegradable insulation designed to keep the food frozen during transit. Inside, the meals were packed flat, clearly labeled with our dog’s name, and organized for easy storage. The packaging was clean, compact, and freezer-friendly, with reusable components included for convenience.

Here’s what came in the box:
🍗
14 individually sealed meals (chicken, beef & turkey recipes)
📘
Guide for transitioning your dog to fresh food
📊
Feeding guide with calorie and nutritional information
📦
Approximately two weeks’ worth of food
👜
Insulated reusable tote bag for travel or transport
♻️
Biodegradable insulation panels (water-soluble)
❄️
Reusable cooling packs
🥣
Reusable food storage container

The Farmer’s Dog Ingredients

Ingredients Score: ★★★★★ 5/5

The Farmer’s Dog earns a top score for ingredient quality. Each recipe was reviewed individually, and no harmful or questionable ingredients were identified. The formulas are free from fillers, artificial preservatives, and animal by-products.

The Farmer’s Dog uses only ingredients approved for human consumption. According to the company’s co-founders, recipes are developed using the same standards applied to human food and are taste-tested by people before being fed to dogs.[11]

Recipes are made with simple, highly digestible whole foods, including USDA-sourced muscle meats, organ meats, vegetables, vitamins, and minerals. All four customized recipes meet and exceed AAFCO nutrient requirements for all life stages. The Farmer’s Dog does not use feed-grade ingredients or process food to be shelf-stable.

The Farmer’s Dog Nutrient Blend (Proprietary Mix)

Each recipe also contains a proprietary vitamin and mineral blend to support complete, balanced nutrition, including:

🦴
Tricalcium phosphate & sea salt
🧬
Vitamin B12, vitamin D3, vitamin E, folic acid
💪
Taurine and essential amino acids
🔬
Zinc, iron, and copper amino acid chelates
Thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, pyridoxine hydrochloride
🧂
Potassium iodide and trace minerals

The Farmer’s Dog Sourcing & Manufacturing

Sourcing & Manufacturing: ★★★★☆ 4.8/5

The Farmer’s Dog demonstrates strong sourcing and manufacturing practices that prioritize ingredient transparency, food safety, and nutritional integrity. Their production process reflects a higher standard than traditional pet food manufacturing.

The Farmer’s Dog operates food manufacturing facilities in New York, NY, and Nashville, TN, where meals are prepared in USDA-certified kitchens by teams that include board-certified veterinary nutritionists. Ingredients are sourced from USDA-approved suppliers, local farms, and human food purveyors, ensuring humane-grade quality and compliance with safety standards. Recipes are gently cooked at low temperatures to preserve nutrients and reduce bacterial risk, then rapidly frozen for safe transport. No preservatives are used to make the food shelf-stable, unlike traditional kibble designed to sit unrefrigerated for extended periods.

The Farmer’s Dog Video Review

Watch our other The Farmer’s Dog video review

Our The Farmer’s Dog Experience

A breakdown of our dog’s experience with The Farmer’s Dog.

Day 1

Bandit absolutely loved The Farmer’s Dog and licked the bowl clean the very first time.

Week 1

Despite being a picky eater, Bandit began running to the kitchen at mealtime.

Week 2

Already energetic, Bandit appeared even more revitalized after fully transitioning away from kibble.

Week 3

Bandit’s weight remained stable and aligned with the feeding goals we set.

One Month

His coat looked shinier, stools improved, and overall vitality increased.

“Bandit has tried a variety of foods, including close competitors to The Farmer’s Dog, but he was noticeably more enthusiastic about this food. He devoured the bowl and immediately looked at me as if to ask for more — that’s when I knew we had a winner.”

Thawing, Serving & Storing

Proper handling is important to maintain food safety, freshness, and nutritional quality.

Thawing

Meals should be thawed in the refrigerator and used within four days once fully thawed. For quicker prep, we occasionally warmed the pouch for 10–20 seconds to bring it to room temperature.

Serving

We gradually introduced The Farmer’s Dog according to the brand’s transition guidelines, slowly phasing out kibble over several days before feeding fresh food exclusively.

Storage

Unopened meals stay fresh for up to four months when kept frozen. The flat, pre-portioned pouches take up minimal space and fit easily in a crowded freezer.

Customer Service Experience

Customer Service Score: ★★★★☆ 4.7/5

The Farmer’s Dog delivers reliable, knowledgeable customer support across multiple channels, maintaining a strong service experience despite its rapid growth and large customer base.

We tested The Farmer’s Dog customer service through email, phone, and chat inquiries. Responses were generally prompt, professional, and informative, with support staff demonstrating a clear understanding of the company’s products, subscriptions, and feeding recommendations. The brand also offers social media support and a dedicated Vet Portal, providing veterinarians with detailed nutritional data and feeding guidance tailored to individual dogs.

Ordering, Shipping & Delivery

Ordering, Shipping & Delivery: ★★★★☆ 4.6/5

The Farmer’s Dog offers a smooth, intuitive ordering experience with clear communication throughout the shipping and delivery process.

After placing our order, we received an immediate confirmation email followed by a shipping notification that included tracking details and an estimated delivery date. Our box arrived within three days of processing and was delivered in a sturdy cardboard box packed with dry ice and biodegradable insulation, ensuring the meals were fully frozen upon arrival. If you aren’t home during delivery, the insulation is designed to keep the food safely frozen until late in the evening. The packaging is recyclable, the insulation materials are biodegradable, and even the meal pouches are made from BPA-free, non-toxic materials.

How Much Is The Farmer’s Dog?

Plans start at $2 per day and include free shipping. However, because each dog has unique requirements, the Farmer’s Dog price depends on factors such as your pet’s age, size, health, activity level, and more.

Weight Breed Day Weekly Month
8 pounds Maltese $2.45/day $18.38/week $73.50/month
15 pounds Miniature Schnauzer $3.34/day $25.05/week $100.20/month
40 pounds Siberian Husky $4.93/day $36.98/week $147.90/month
70 pounds Golden Retriever $8.09/day $60.68/week $242.70/month
115 pounds Great Dane $14.37/day $107.78/week $431.10/month

*Meal prices may vary depending on your dog’s size, activity level, and personalization. This table is for reference only.

What I Paid For The Farmer’s Dog

For instance, for our two-year-old Miniature Snoucherz (14 pounds, healthy size, neutered with no health problems or allergies), we paid roughly $4 daily, $28 weekly and $112 monthly. Remember, you are simultaneously enrolling in an ongoing meal plan subscription when you place your first order. Subsequent orders typically will be charged every two weeks before your next scheduled delivery. You’ll be notified via email about each order before billing and shipment. You can cancel at any time.

The Farmer’s Dog Price Vs Kibble Price

Food Type Average Cost Notes
Mass-Market Kibble $1.97 per lb Lower upfront cost, highly processed, commonly contains fillers and additives.
High-End Kibble $3.45 per lb Higher quality ingredients, but still heavily processed and shelf-stable.
The Farmer’s Dog (Fresh) $4 per day (example plan) Bandit’s price. Keep in mind, if your dog is heavier, price will increase.

Table data source:[12]

In our experience, the extra cost of The Farmer’s Dog is justified by the convenience and health benefits of feeding your dog fresh food, especially when compared to the downsides of feed-grade, highly processed kibble.

Recipes Overview & Review

We analyzed and reviewed each recipe to tell you what they are best for based on their nutritional analysis and ingredients.

Chicken Recipe

Ingredients: USDA chicken, brussels sprouts, USDA chicken liver, bok choy, broccoli, fish oil, TFD Nutrient Pack.

Nutritional Value:

  • Protein: 46% (dry matter)
  • Fat: 34% (dry matter)
  • Carbs: 12% (est)
  • Fat-to-protein ratio: 74%

Why should you consider it: Perfect for dogs that need a high-protein diet but lean. This recipe has the highest protein content out of all recipes. It also includes nutrient-rich vegetable sources like Brussels sprouts and contains an organic zinc compound and two other chelated minerals for improved absorption. 

Beef Recipe

Ingredients: USDA beef, sweet potato, lentils, carrot, USDA beef liver, kale, sunflower seeds, fish oil, TFD Nutrient Blend.

Nutritional Value:

  • Protein: 39% (dry matter)
  • Fat: 29% (dry matter)
  • Carbs: 24% (est)
  • Fat-to-protein ratio: 73%

Why should you consider it: Beef Recipe contains the second highest protein level in their recipe line. A great choice to aid with digestion as it packs a punch of prebiotic fiber thanks to ingredients like sweet potatoes and cooked lentils. Perfect blend of healthy cabrs and the ground chunks of meat and veggies make it irresistible for dogs.

Turkey Recipe

Ingredients: USDA turkey, chickpeas, carrot, broccoli, parsnip, spinach, fish oil, TFD Nutrient Blend.

Nutritional Value:

  • Protein: 33% (dry matter)
  • Fat: 19% (dry matter)
  • Carbs: 40% (est)
  • Fat-to-protein ratio: 56%

Why should you consider it: This turkey recipe is an ideal protein source for dogs that are prone to allergies or sensitivities that can result from other proteins like beef or chicken. It has the lowest amount of meat protein but offers the most balanced fat-to-protein ratio, meaning an exceptional nutrient balance.

Pork Recipe

Ingredients: USDA pork, sweet potato, potato, green beans, cauliflower, USDA pork liver, fish oil, TFD Nutrient Blend.

Nutritional Value:

  • Protein: 36% (dry matter)
  • Fat: 28% (dry matter)
  • Carbs: 28% (est)
  • Fat-to-protein ratio: 78%

Why should you consider it: It contains 100% animal protein from fresh pork and pork liver. The formula is rich in omega-3 fish oil for optimal heart health and a silky coat. This is another excellent pick. Pork is often recommended as a healthy alternative as it causes fewer allergic reactions than other protein sources.

Key Features

Feature Why It Matters
Over-the-top personalization Meals are customized to your dog’s calorie needs, activity level, health goals, allergies, medications, and lifestyle.
Surpasses AAFCO standards The Farmer’s Dog measures 49 blood values during testing — far exceeding AAFCO requirements.
Developed by veterinary nutritionists Recipes are formulated by board-certified veterinary nutritionists.
Human-grade ingredients Uses real, human-grade ingredients sourced from USDA-approved suppliers.
Supports health issues Dog profiles account for 15+ health conditions.
Ready-to-serve meals Fully cooked meals arrive pre-made and ready to serve.
Pre-portioned servings Each meal is portioned for precise calorie intake.
USDA-sourced meats & vegetables Uses USDA-approved meats and whole-food vegetables.
Eco-friendly packaging Ships with biodegradable insulation and BPA-free packaging.
Freshly delivered Meals are cooked, frozen, and delivered within 2–3 days.
Minimal processing Gently cooked to preserve nutrients.
200M+ meals delivered One of the most trusted fresh dog food brands.
Flexible delivery schedule Pause, adjust, or cancel anytime.
Full transparency Ingredients and nutrition are clearly listed.

What Customers Think About The Farmer’s Dog

Here is what real-verified customers had to say about The Farmer’s Dog.

The Farmer’s Dog Positive Reviews

The company is the best most understanding business towards its customers. They know how to treat each family and pet as an individual. They allow you to feel that you matter. The product itself has been amazing for my dogs. My one dog has extreme health issues, and this product has helped him to recovery from 5 different surgeries and be removed from 3 different medications. This product really has been life-changing for our special pet. They take the time to listen to your concerns and make adjusts that are needed according to the needs of your pet. They have been amazing through our difficult times by sending flowers and making sure he was recovering okay. This company is extraordinary. I would recommend that everyone used this company for their dogs. This was the best choice I have ever made for my pets.

– Michelle L, Better Business Bureau (BBB), 12/16/2020

Our 13yo schnauzer was getting thin and not wanting to eat. Since switching to this food he has regained weight through his hips and chest looking and feeling much better. He now taps dances when he sees the feeding bowls come out. Not that we were not using quality food before, it just that he did not want to eat it.”

Keith N, Trust Pilot 5/12/2021

Excellent quality food, great customer service, my dog LOVES her fresh food from The Farmer’s Dog. The delivery has always been on time, well worth the money. This healthier diet may cost a little more than the dried or canned food, but it has saved me hundreds of dollars on vet bills since we rarely need to go anymore. My dog is so much healthier & happier since we started her on the fresh food diet (almost 1 year now)! Couldn’t have picked a better company.

– Marina Kinross, Google Reviews, 04/05/2020

The Farmer’s Dog Negative Reviews

We had a negative experience with The Farmer’s Dog. To start, we received food that was mislabeled – not a huge deal, but we’d intended to start our dog on turkey as we’d read it was more digestible & thus easier to transition with. Instead, chicken was labeled as turkey and vice versa. The bigger issue is the bait & switch on pricing. What was not clear in the sign-up process is that the first two shipments are 14 days worth of food, but the price quoted is for shipments of 28 days worth of food. We don’t have a ton of freezer space, so when I noticed that our plan shifted to 28 days for the 3rd shipment, I moved it back to 14 days and saw the price increase by 20%.

I called customer service and they explained this is a new process they’re trying out, where they ship smaller “transition shipments” of 14 days for your first two orders, and then send you monthly shipments after that... I will say that our dog liked the food, but for the high cost I never expected to get mislabeled food, or for the company to intentionally hide the fact that the rate only applies to an entire month’s worth of food AFTER you’ve signed up.

Trust is highly important for any company that’s providing for our dog, and I found that severely lacking with The Farmer’s Dog given the mislabeled food and intentional games with pricing. That’s why we canceled our subscription and will give one of the competitor’s with cheaper rates a shot.

– Brain Kazian, TrustPilot, 02/25/2021

“The food is great for dogs with digestive problems like my dog has and dogs just love the taste. It is fresh and looks pretty good. BUT, their customer service is awful. This month, they told me my food would be here 4/13-4/17. Then, it was 4/15-4/17 and my dog was running out of food. So, I contacted them and they told me to “cook my own”. The food is still not here and they claim it will be here tomorrow 4/18 but it won’t and we had to buy more food for our dog after shelling out a bundle for this. BAD!!!!!”

– Bobbi B, Better Business Bureau (BBB), 4/17/2021

Not a great experience, my dogs received the trial order and seemed to like it, we then got another shipment but with everything going on with Covid it took 2.5 – 3 days to get to us via *****, the dry ice was melted and the food mostly defrosted. I emailed them regarding this and they said that as long as it was still cold (which it was) then it was fine. But it’s not fine. My dogs refuse to eat it. The turkey smells spoiled, sorta vinegary. I emailed twice asking for the next order to be held because of everything going on with Covid right now and because ***** is taking so long to get to us, but they were not able to. I now have a ton of food that my dogs refuse to eat. It’s a lot of money to waste on spoiled food, and unfortunately, I feel dismissed every time I mentioned this they sent me the same exact response that was clearly copied and pasted “It is okay for the packs to arrive defrosted, just as long as they are cold with at least 1 pack still partially frozen. Let me know if this is ever not the case.“ I’m not going to respond and say that’s not the case because the packs were still cold when I received them and saying otherwise would be untrue, that being said I am still 100% confident this food is no good based on the smell of it and the fact my dogs won’t eat it, even my dog who will eat absolutely anything. It’s unfortunate that I have so much food now that my 4 dogs refuse to eat and it’s unfortunate that I feel like my concerns are consistently responded to with the same copied and pasted answer which I feel is dismissive of my concerns.

– Kelly B, Better Business Bureau (BBB), 6/12/2020

The Farmer’s Dog Reddit Reviews

The Farmer’s Dog Reddit reviews expressed skepticism over the term ‘human-grade dog food,’ and what seems to be a common question dog parents have when they hear it. On the positive side, customers say they rarely face resistance from their pets when fed The Farmer’s Dog. According to one customer on Reddit, the evidence lies in their pets’ poop: “Her poop is so much better now.” Customers also praised the brand for its smart packaging and timely delivery, ensuring your pup is never out of chow.

Check out these The Farmer’s Dog Reddit reviews for more.

Overall, based on a visual survey of customer satisfaction for The Farmer’s Dog, positive reviews far outweigh negative ones. Out of the 2807 reviews submitted by real The Farmer’s Dog customers (on Trustpilot, BBB & Google Reviews combined), more than 83% are positive reviews. We also noticed that The Farmer’s Dog is highly responsive and offers solutions to dissatisfied customers.

The Farmer’s Dog Pros & Cons

👍 Pros
  • Human-grade, minimally processed food prepared like human meals
  • Pre-portioned, customized packs prevent overfeeding
  • Supports dogs with allergies, skin issues, digestive problems, and medical conditions
  • Developed by board-certified ACVN veterinary nutritionists
  • High protein, healthy fats, and lower carbs than typical wet food
  • Fresh food prepared in-house weekly and delivered within days of cooking
  • Dogs consistently love the taste (very high palatability)
  • Clean ingredient list — no fillers, by-products, or artificial additives
  • Transparent brand backed by research, science, and customer feedback
  • Grain-free and gluten-free (can be mixed with rice or kibble if desired)
  • Flexible subscription — adjust portions, delay shipments, pause, or cancel anytime
  • Eco-friendly packaging and reduced delivery frequency option
  • Food stays fresh up to 4 months when kept frozen
  • Full refund available if food is donated to shelters
  • Clean safety record with no recalls as of 2026
👎 Cons
  • Requires freezer storage and refrigeration after arrival
  • Meals must be thawed in advance before serving
  • More expensive than traditional kibble, especially for large or multi-dog households
  • Fresh food is perishable and must be used within a set timeframe
  • Not ideal for training treats or most puzzle/food-dispensing toys
  • Less portable for travel or dogs living in multiple homes
  • Limited recipe variety compared to some competitors
  • No grain-inclusive recipes (though expansion may happen)
  • Not a miracle cure — results vary by dog and health condition

The Farmer’s Dog vs The Competition

Brand Recipes Ingredient Quality Customization Price Range Best For
The Farmer’s Dog 4 fresh recipes Human-grade, USDA-approved meats Highly personalized meal plans $2–$14 per day Dogs needing customized nutrition, picky eaters
Ollie 4 recipes + treats Human-grade ingredients Moderate personalization Slightly lower than TFD Budget-conscious fresh food buyers
Nom Nom 4 fresh recipes Human-grade ingredients Limited personalization Higher than TFD Owners focused on portion control
Spot & Tango 3 fresh recipes Whole-food ingredients Basic personalization Comparable pricing Simple fresh-food transitions
A Pup Above 4 sous-vide recipes Human-grade, gently cooked Low personalization Premium pricing Short-term feeding & food toppers
Raised Right Single-protein formulas Human-grade, limited ingredients Very limited High-end pricing Dogs with severe food allergies

The Farmer’s Dog For Puppies

Can puppies eat The Farmer’s Dog? Yes, puppies 8 weeks old and older can safely enjoy The Farmer’s Dog’s fresh food. They will customize your puppy’s food for all of his growing needs. According to their website, puppies 7 weeks or younger should not eat The Farmer’s Dog. All recipes are AAFCO-certified for all life stages, including puppies. Personally, we like the beef because it has the highest protein, is beneficial for growing pups, and is recommended for puppies who want to start eating The Farmer’s Dog.

Frequently Asked Questions

You can make food at home, dog food, in a way similar to The Farmer’s Dog. They offer a DIY option where you sign up to receive personalized, vet-formulated homemade recipes. You then buy the ingredients yourself, follow their cooking instructions, and add their DIY Nutrient Mix to ensure meals are complete and balanced.

Alternatively, you can use a vet-approved homemade dog food guide to cook meals on your own. While the DIY approach can be more affordable, it requires time for shopping, cooking, and preparation. For convenience, many owners prefer sticking with The Farmer’s Dog’s ready-made meal delivery plan.

No. The Farmer’s Dog has already gently cooked it. You can serve it straight from the fridge or with a splash of hot water if your dog enjoys warm meals.

The Farmer’s Dog food is not raw; it’s gently cooked at lower temperatures to preserve more of the nutritional value. The food is ready to serve upon delivery; thaw it in the fridge or with warm water and serve.

Veterinarians and pet nutrition experts recommend transitioning dogs to a new diet gradually to avoid digestive upset. The Farmer’s Dog makes this process easy by including a step-by-step transition guide with every delivery.

The recommended transition typically follows a 7-day schedule:

  • Days 1–2: 75% current food, 25% The Farmer’s Dog
  • Days 3–4: 50% current food, 50% The Farmer’s Dog
  • Days 5–6: 25% current food, 75% The Farmer’s Dog
  • Day 7: 100% The Farmer’s Dog

This slow increase allows your dog’s digestive system to adapt smoothly while minimizing the risk of stomach upset. If your dog has a sensitive stomach, allergies, or medical conditions, extending the transition period is often recommended.

As of January 2026, no recalls for The Farmer’s Dog have been issued.

Yes. The Farmer’s Dog provides various health benefits such as healthier coats, food allergy relief, gut health, and much more. It’s AAFCO-approved. Each meal provides the optimal nutrients dogs need to thrive.

Go to the website and complete an online form to cancel your account. You must cancel before your next delivery order deadline to avoid being charged again.

Do not be surprised if your dog’s poop changes after switching to The Farmer’s Dog. Any new diet typically results in color poop change in dogs. On average, some dogs will have their bowels look lighter or more crumbly, while others may have diarrhea for the first week. Contact your vet immediately if you find blood or your dog struggles to go to the bathroom.  

Yes. The Farmer’s Dog food recipes are grain-free and formulated. Their formulas have plenty of wholesome carbs to meet your pup’s nutritional needs.

 The simplest method to defrost The Farmer’s Dog food is to rotate your stock into the refrigerator a day or two ahead of time and let it thaw in there.

Yes, The Farmer’s Dog is formulated and recommended by veterinarians.

Is The Farmer’s Dog Worth It?

After testing The Farmer’s Dog and conducting extensive research, we confidently recommend this brand to dog parents looking to improve their dog’s nutrition and overall health. The Farmer’s Dog is an excellent option for dogs that need a customized diet due to health concerns, food allergies, or picky eating habits. It’s also a great choice for busy pet parents who dislike shopping or preparing homemade dog food but still want to provide fresh, high-quality meals. While a The Farmer’s Dog subscription may cost more than traditional kibble, prioritizing your dog’s health should always come first—and proper nutrition is where it begins. A better diet can contribute to improved long-term health and potentially fewer veterinary visits. Still unsure? Take a look at what other dog parents are saying about The Farmer’s Dog.

Trying The Farmer’s Dog is worth considering. We noticed an improvement in our dog’s digestion and a marked increase in his vitality and energy. Many owners who have switched to The Farmer’s Dog report enhancements in their pups’ fur, skin, and overall demeanor. If you’re looking for alternatives, there are a few worth mentioning. One such option is Nom Nom dog food, a subscription service we’ve previously reviewed. While similar in style and experience to The Farmer’s Dog, it might better meet specific needs. Other excellent services like Ollie and Spot & Tango may also be more suitable for your pup. Ultimately, consulting with your vet will help you decide whether The Farmer’s Dog is the right fit for your dog.


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Canine Bible uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process and product review methodology to learn more about how we fact-check, test products, and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

  1. Zhang, W., Cao, H., & Lin, L. (2022). Analysis of the future development trend of the pet industry. In Proceedings of the 2022 7th International Conference on Financial Innovation and Economic Development (ICFIED 2022). Atlantis Press.
  2. Schleicher, M., Cash, S. B., & Freeman, L. M. (2019). Determinants of pet food purchasing decisions. The Canadian Veterinary Journal60(6), 644–650.
  3. The Farmer’s Dog. (2020, April 18). How the Farmer’s Dog redesigned the feeding trial. The Farmer’s Dog.
  4. Lippert G, & Sapy B. (2003). Relation between the domestic dogs’ well-being and life expectancy.
  5. Tanprasertsuk, J., Perry, L. M., Tate, D. E., Honaker, R. W., & Shmalberg, J. (2021). Apparent total tract nutrient digestibility and metabolizable energy estimation in commercial fresh and extruded dry kibble dog foods. Translational Animal Science5(3).
  6. Do, S., Phungviwatnikul, T., de Godoy, M. R. C., & Swanson, K. S. (2021). Nutrient Digestibility and Fecal Characteristics, Microbiota, and Metabolites in Dogs Fed Human-Grade Foods. Journal of Animal Science.
  7. Leverett, K., Manjarín, R., Laird, E., Valtierra, D., Santiago-Rodriguez, T. M., Donadelli, R., & Perez-Camargo, G. (2022). Fresh Food Consumption Increases Microbiome Diversity and Promotes Changes in Bacteria Composition on the Skin of Pet Dogs Compared to Dry Foods. Animals12(15), 1881.
  8. Böhm, J., Koinig, L., Razzazi-Fazeli, E., Blajet-Kosicka, A., Twaruzek, M., Grajewski, J., & Lang, C. (2010). Survey and risk assessment of the mycotoxins deoxynivalenol, zearalenone, fumonisins, ochratoxin A, and aflatoxins in commercial dry dog food. Mycotoxin Research26(3), 147–153.
  9. Podolsky, A. (2019, November 28). Cancer in dogs: the danger of processed dog food. Lyka Blog.
  10. Harvard Health Publishing. (2018, May). Eating highly processed foods may raise cancer risk – Harvard Health.
  11. CBS News. (2019, November 11). The Farmer’s Dog tests its pet food recipes on humans.
  12. Statista. (2019). Average price of kibble in the United States in 2019, by type.

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