The Farmer’s Dog Food Reviews: 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!

My Favorite The Farmer’s Dog Food Reviewed

The Farmer’s Dog Review  — Summary

The Farmer’s Dog


Product Description: The Farmer’s Dog is a premium subscription service that produces fresh, human-grade, custom-made food for your dog. They are one of the most popular and pioneer fresh dog food brands.


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 dietary choice, offering top-notch nutrition for your dog. It surpasses even the highest-quality kibble and provides the added health benefits of fresh dog food. The health benefits of their food are supported by third-party research, making The Farmer’s Dog a standout choice for its comprehensive benefits and personalized recipes.

The resemblance of the food to a meal I might cook for my human family is striking. I appreciate that all the ingredients in my dog’s recipes are visible, which is a clear indicator of its quality, taste, and freshness, in my opinion. A notable aspect of their recipes is that they exceed the nutritional standards set by the AAFCO. This is also backed by research. Among dozens of competitors in the fresh dog food space, they rank as our number one favorite company.

We also appreciate the brand’s dedication to raising awareness about the low safety and quality standards prevalent in traditional dog kibble manufacturing, an issue often obscured by lax 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.

The Full Review
Jump to: Our Experience | Additional Info

What Is The Farmer’s Dog Food?

The Farmer’s Dog offers a fresh approach to pet nutrition, branding itself as a “smarter, healthier pet food.” This subscription service provides personalized, home-cooked meals for dogs crafted with human-grade ingredients. Developed by top veterinary nutritionists, their recipes meet and exceed nutrition standards set by the AAFCO and are prepared in USDA-certified kitchens.

Company Overview & History

The company was founded in 2014 by Brett Podolsky and Jonathan Regev. The Farmer’s Dog begins with the founder’s beloved Rottweiler pup, Jada, a beautiful Rottweiler pup who suffered from severe digestive issues for two years. As a last resort, their vet recommended that they give Jada homemade food after trying almost every high-quality kibble available. Brett noticed almost immediately how homemade food began to work its magic. Jada was cured literally overnight, and Brett became a fresh food advocate. The rest, as they say, is history. The company has grown to over 300 people and delivers millions of meals monthly.

Mission

The Farmer’s Dog’s founders were fed up with highly processed feed-grade burnt brown balls being marketed as “natural” and “healthy,” — so they decided to reimagine pet food from the ground up. As one of the founders puts it:

“Feeding [fresh dog food] isn’t about spoiling your dog or being fancy; it’s about recognizing that no natural digestive system — human, dog, or otherwise — is suited to highly processed food…” — Jonathan

The company’s success aligns perfectly with the growing demand for fresh dog diets, as more consumers become aware of the downsides of processed dog food and shift towards more natural foods for their pets.[1],[2]

Why Feed The Farmer’s Dog to Your Dog? Benefits & Research

There are several benefits of feeding The Farmer’s Dog to your pet.

  • Healthier digestions
  • Better skin and coat
  • Helps with food allergies
  • No additives or harmful chemicals
  • Weight management
  • Better stools
  • Great for picky eaters
  • And much more!

Superior Nutritional Standards

A six-month feeding research trial proved that The Farmer’s Dog food is complete, balanced, and bioavailable. While AFFCO only requires a minimum of 4 blood values to be tested in dog food feeding trials to deem a kibble up to standard, The Farmer’s Dog measured 49 blood values for all participating dogs during its trial. Each dog also received a complete medical exam by Lisa Lippman, DVM, that showed they were all healthy. The Farmer’s Dog test surpassed existing standards in terms of the number and variety of dogs tested, the blood values tested, and the trial duration.[3]

Third-Party Research-Backed Benefits

Here is what the research on feeding fresh food like The Farmer’s Dog to canines says.

  • Longer lifespan. Research shows that dogs eating fresh food diets are linked to a 20% longer lifespan than those who don’t. A year-long study of 522 dogs by Lippert and Sapy found that dogs fed high-quality, freshly made, real food had an average life expectancy of 13.1 years versus just 10.4 years for dogs fed commercially processed pet food.[4] That’s an extra two and a half years added to your dog’s lifespan.
  • Increases macronutrient digestibilities. Human-grade dog food improves protein digestibility, increases amino acid availability values (indicators of protein quality), and reduces fecal output compared to dogs consuming extruded diets (kibble). Digestibility of dry matter, fat, nitrogen-free extract, and calories were significantly higher in all four fresh foods.[5]
  • Higher protein absorption. Protein digestibility values for fresh dog food were between 92% and 94% (versus 82% for kibble).
  • Less and better stools. Dogs fed the fresh-cooked foods had significantly lower fecal (poop) frequency and volume than when fed the kibble.[6]
  • Improved microbiome diversity, coat and immunity. A study revealed that when dogs are fed fresh food compared to dogs fed dry pet foods, their digestion improves, their immune systems are strengthened, their skin and coats are healthier, and their vitality increases.[7]

All those fillers, preservatives, and highly processed ingredients in commercial dog food can affect your dog’s health over time, whereas a fresh, human-grade diet produces increased energy and improved long-term health. Sadly, studies have shown that feeding your dog processed foods like kibble throughout their life may increase their cancer risk due to the presence of toxic chemicals, mycotoxins, free radicals and carcinogenic chemicals. [8],[9],[10]

How Does The Farmer’s Dog Work?

Ordering The Famer’s Dog food is simple. The company shines at catering to every specific dog need you can think of. Here is a step-by-step on how it works.

Step 1: Start a Trial

To get started, you can click here to get their biggest discount—50% off your first order.

Step 2: The Farmer’s Dog Profile Creation

Next, you need to fill out a quick questionnaire to help The Farmer’s Dog make personalized recommendations for your dog, You must fill out your dog’s age, weight, existing health problems, weight, activity level, and nutrition goals, among other important information. Once this step is completed, The Farmer’s Dog will create a personalized recipe with all these factors.

Below is everything they will ask you about your dog.

The Farmer’s Dog Extra Customization

The Farmer’s Dog will send a pop-up message to further customize your plan at checkout.

Step 3: Delivery

Once you place your order, The Farmer’s Dog will ship the food. Large dogs may receive individually portioned packets, while small breeds might get between 4 to 8 meals from a single pouch. The Farmer’s Dog expertly times deliveries to ensure your pup never runs out of food. You have the flexibility to adjust, delay, pause, edit the amount of food sent, or cancel your subscription at any time. If you’re traveling, they can ship to your destination or arrange a rush order before your trip.

If your dog doesn’t love their food, The Farmer’s Dog can send you additional recipes to try at no cost, or you can opt for a refund if you choose to donate the food to a shelter.

The Farmer’s Dog Key Features

Over-the-top personalizationOne of the most notable features of The Farmer’s Dog is that their meals are highly customizable, pre-made, and pre-portioned to meet the calorie, health, or any needs your pup may have — be it weight loss, activity level, picky eaters, food allergies, tear stains, skin conditions, dog taking meds, joint issues and much more. Meal plans are personalized to each dog’s unique qualities, goals, and lifestyle – you can adjust the flavors and quantity of packs in each shipment.
Surpasses AFFCO nutritional standardsWhile the AFFCO only requires a minimum of 4 blood values to deem dog food safe, The Farmer’s Dog was tested for nutrition with a method superior to AAFCO’s gold standard system. The Farmer’s Dog measures 49 blood values versus four from AFFCO.
Developed by veterinary nutritionistsDr. Catriona Love, a board-certified veterinary nutritionist, ensures each meal is nutritionally balanced.
Human-grade and tested on humansOnly use real human-grade ingredients people can eat.
Caters to health issuesTheir dog profile takes 15+ health issues into account (allergies, gluten or grain sensitivity, ear infections, digestive problems, etc.), with the option of adding other health issues not listed.
Ready-to-serveThe Farmer’s Dog meals don’t need to be cooked. You can serve out of the package.
Pre-portionedPre-portioned (provides exact calorie needs per serving)
USDA meats and vegetablesClean USDA meat proteins and ingredients. Meats are all-natural and antibiotic-free, with no hormones added.
Eco-friendly packagingFood is safely packaged in an insulated cardboard box that’s fully recyclable. The insulation is biodegradable. The food storage container in each shipment is also biodegradable; all packs are made from BPA-free materials and are non-toxic. The Farmer’s Dog made our top pick list for the best sustainable dog food.
Freshly deliveredThe Farmers’ Dog food is delivered 2-3 days after being cooked. There is no deep freezing (flash freezing to keep it safe during delivery), it isn’t shelf-stable (for better or worse), and it gets delivered as soon as possible.
Zero processingAs opposed to kibble, Farmer’s Dog foods are fresh, cooked at low temperatures, and minimally processed. Think of homemade dog food cooked by veterinarians for your dog.
200,000,000+ meals deliveredThe leader and most popular fresh dog food brand in the industry.
Dedicated teamThey have a team dedicated to helping monitor your dog’s progress and adjust your plan.
Flexible delivery scheduleThe Farmers’ Dog food is delivered to your door on your schedule, so you can skip the pet store runs and never run out of food.
TransparencyIngredients and nutritional content are publicly listed on their website and food packages.

The Farmer’s Dog Ingredients

The Farmer’s Dog only uses ingredients approved for human consumption. The co-founders say they treat dog food the same way human food and test new recipes on humans first.[11] This means you could eat the food, too. But don’t, it’s for your dog! 😉

Recipes created by The Farmer’s Dog are made using simple yet nutritious ingredients that are natural and easy to digest. The Farmer’s Dog only uses USDA-sourced quality muscle meat protein, organ meat proteins, whole food ingredients, vegetables, vitamins, and minerals. Their 4 custom recipes exceed the standards the AAFCO dog nutrient requirements for all life stages.

Additionally, they never use feed-grade ingredients or process their ingredients to be shelf-stable, ensuring your dog has the best and most natural nutrition available.

A close-up at The Farmer’s Dog Food Ingredients (beef recipe). I love that you can see every single ingredient.

The Farmer’s Dog Nutrient Blend (Proprietary Mix)

Besides clean and fresh ingredients, all their formulas include a proprietary blend of balanced vitamins and minerals to ensure maximum nutritional value. This mixture includes tricalcium phosphate, sea salt, vitamin B12 supplement, taurine, zinc amino acid chelate, iron amino acid chelate, vitamin E supplement, copper amino acid chelate, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, potassium iodide, pyridoxine hydrochloride, vitamin D3 supplement, and folic acid.

Verdict 5/5: The Farmer’s Dog ingredients get an excellent score. I analyzed each ingredient, and there were no harmful ingredients that you should be worried about. I love that their formulas do not contain fillers, artificial preservatives, and by-products.

The Farmer’s Dog Sourcing & Manufacturing

The Farmer’s Dog has two food manufacturing centers in New York, NY, and Nashville, TN. A team of board-certified veterinary nutritionists cooks the meals in USDA kitchens. The company sources all meat, veggies, and other ingredients from USDA-approved suppliers, local farms, and other human food purveyors. This guarantees consumers high-quality ingredients that pass safety regulations and humane-grade standards. 

Each recipe is gently cooked at low temperatures according to USDA facility standards to ensure maximum nutrient retention and reduce the risk of harmful bacteria. To ensure safe and convenient shipping, your dog’s meals are quickly frozen (never deep frozen!) and never contain preservatives that allow kibble to sit on a shelf for years.

Verdict 4.8/5: Great sourcing practices that build trust with consumers who are increasingly concerned about the origin of their pet’s food. The nutritional integrity of the ingredients are preserved thanks to advanced manufacturing processes.

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 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.

The Farmer’s Dog Food Reviews

The Farmer’s Dog recipes come in 4 different formulas. 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 sprout, USDA chicken liver, bok choy, broccoli, fish oil, TFD Nutrient Pack

Key Features:

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

Why & When 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

Key Features:

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

Why & When 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 & When 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.

Key Features:

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

Why & When 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 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.

We hear they may be launching a lamb recipe version.

The Farmer’s Dog Food Price — How Much Is The Farmer’s Dog?

Plans start at $2 per day and include free shipping. But 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.

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 & $112 monthly.

The Farmer’s Dog Price Daily, Weekly & Monthly

To help you determine how much you can expect to pay for your order, we ran some quotes for four different dog sizes: small, medium, large, and extra-large dogs.

WeightBreedDayWeeklyMonth
8 poundsMaltese$2.45/day$18.38/weekly$73.50/month
15 poundsMiniature Schnauzer$3.34/day$25.05/weekly$100.20/month
40 poundsSiberian Husky$4.93/day$36.98/weekly$147.90/month
70 poundsGolden Retriever$8.09/day$60.68/weekly$242.70/month
115 poundsGreat Danes$14.37/day$107.78/weekly$431.10/month

Your meal prices will vary slightly (up or down) depending on how personalized your meals are, but the table above is a good point of reference.

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.

How Much Is The Farmer’s Dog Monthly?

On average, the monthly price for The Farmer’s Dog ranges between $73 and $431, depending largely on your dog’s size.

How Much Is The Farmer’s Dog Per Week?

On average, the weekly price for The Farmer’s Dog ranges between $18 and $107, depending mainly on your dog’s size.

The Farmer’s Dog Price Vs Kibble Price

According to Statista, for a decent mass-market kibble brand, you can expect to pay an average of $1.97 per pound of dog kibble. If you choose a High-end kibble, your daily cost is around $3.45 per pound.[12] Bandit’s plan ended up costing $3.06 a day, less than the average price of high-end kibble. We were surprised by this! Whether you buy kibble or The Farmer’s Dog, the daily cost of dog food will increase or decrease depending on your dog’s size. Bigger dogs typically eat more and require bigger meals, hence the more you spend on food.

Keep in mind we are not comparing apples to apples here. The Farmer’s Dog offers freshly made, human-grade dog food, free from additives, colorants, by-products, and other harmful chemicals that are often found in traditional dog food. The extra cost is justified by the convenience and health benefits of feeding your dog fresh food. Opting for highly processed kibble could, in the long run, lead to higher veterinary bills.

The Farmer’s Dog Food Trial

The first box you receive is a 2-week taste trial consisting of 14 daily meals. The Farmer’s Dog selects three fresh, balanced recipes (but you’re welcome to mix it up!) and sends them precisely pre-portioned for your dog. After checkout, you can further customize your order. To get the best deal on The Farmer’s Dog trial, use this link to get 50% off on your first order. The discount will be applied automatically.

The Farmer’s Dog Coupon Code

Our readers can access 50% off their first The Farmer’s Dog order. Just use this link to get started!

Our Experience
Jump to: Full Review | Additional Info

The Judges

We picked one Canine Bible dog to give us their paw-honest opinion and verdict.

Bandit

Age: 3 ┊ Gender: Male ┊ Breed: Miniature Schnauzer┊Weight: 14 lbs ┊ Health Concerns: None ┊ Lifestyle: Active ┊ Personality: Sweetie pie

“I mean, Bandit always loves food, but he went nuts and start drooling when I whip out the The Farmer’s Dog packets” — her person, Anna

Koda

Age: 5 ┊ Gender: Male ┊ Breed: Husky┊Weight: 56 lbs ┊ Health Concerns: None ┊ Lifestyle: Active ┊ Personality: Playful

“Koda had always had dry kibble. Feeding him TFD fresh dog food is one of the healthiest decisions we made for him and we are happy with the results.” — her person, Anna

The Farmer’s Dog Unboxing

The cardboard box arrived sealed with dry ice and biodegradable insulation (that melts under hot water in the sink) to keep the food cold. Inside are the frozen pouches of food, a reusable cardboard container, and feeding instructions according to your dog’s size and weight. We also received an insulated reusable bag for keeping frozen dog food cold while traveling.

We love that the bags are frozen flat, so they take up minimal space in our jam-packed freezers. When we opened our box, we were delighted. The dog food was fresh, cold, labeled, and well-organized. It even had our pup’s name on it.

Here is everything that came in the box:

  • 14 Individually sealed meals (a mix of chicken, beef & turkey recipes)
  • 1 guide for transitioning your pup to fresh food
  • 1 feeding guide for calorie and nutritional information for recipes
  • 2 week’s worth of food
  • 1 insulated reusable tote bag for keeping frozen dog food cold while traveling
  • Foam panels that can dissolve in water, burning or composting
  • Reusable cooling packs
  • 1 food storage container

Verdict 5/5: I give The Farmer’s Dog an excellent score in the packaging category. I like that the main ingredients are clearly labeled on each package. The food looked super tasty, and we could see real ingredients through the pouch. Bandit kept staring at the food, wondering how good it would taste, and would probably get mad if we took a bite out of her food!

My The Farmer’s Dog Video Review

Watch my other The Farmer’s Dog video review

My Personal The Farmer’s Dog Testimonial

I Couldn’t Have Asked For A Better Food!

5 star rating
5 star rating
5 star rating
5 star rating
5 star rating
Bandit has tried a variety of foods. We believe rotating meals and diets is essential to maintain a healthy digestive system and avoid allergies. Bandit has tried close competitors to The Farmer’s Dog, and we can honestly say that he was more enthusiastic about eating The Farmer’s Dog food.

When I opened our first box of The Farmer’s Dog, Bandit was eager to see what was inside. He could already smell the food. When I served his first meal, he didn’t think twice, went for it, and devoured the bowl. Bandit LOVES it! After finishing his first meal, he looked at me as if he wanted to say, “Okay, but where is the rest?” I knew right then we had a winner with The Farmer’s Dog.

Having the bags pre-portioned to help him maintain a healthy weight is a plus. Since our trial, I decided to order our second box and couldn’t be happier with the results I saw. As a dog parent, I feel confident this food is a healthy alternative. You can see it in the ingredients; it’s real food, not your typical mystery kibble balls.

The Farmers’ Dog food smells super pleasing to the point where my stomach grumbled a little! I think we will be sticking to The Farmer’s Dog from now on. I would be surprised if any dog turned its nose at this food.” 
Anna Shore
Bandit’s owner

My Dog’s Experience With The Farmer’s Dog

Thawing, Serving & Storing

Remember that The Farmer’s Dog recipes are fresh, so they have a much shorter life than kibble. The food should be consumed in 4 days once it has been thawed in the refrigerator. The packaged meals will stay fresh for 4 months if you keep them frozen. We let the bag thaw in the freezer the day before, or sometimes we zap it in the microwave for 10-20 seconds to bring it to room temperature. Once the product thawed, we began incorporating it into Bandit’s diet. We gradually introduced The Farmer’s dog food to her diet as they recommended. Over the next few days, we phased out the kibble entirely and began feeding her The Farmer’s Dog food only. The bags took up minimal space in our jam-packed freezer.

The Farmer’s Dog Pros & Cons

Key aspect we liked and didn’t like about our experience with The Farmer`s Dog.

What We Like

  • They treat dog food the same way they do human food.  
  • I like that the pre-portioned packs (which are customized based on your dog’s caloric needs) prevent you from accidentally overfeeding, keeping Fido slim and trim
  • Many customers report that The Farmer’s Dog has improved their dog’s coat, skin, health, and overall disposition. This is also backed by research and science
  • Some people may not consider this a big deal, but seeing my dog’s name on the packaging was such a nice touch. It just made the experience and food more personal
  • Dogs love the taste of this food! Our dog Bandit started visibly drooling when I recorded our review video (something I’ve never seen him do before with kibble or other foods).
  • Based on ultra-natural, limited ingredients, it works for dogs with healthy immune systems—or dogs needing certain specialized diets
  • Board-certified ACVN veterinarian nutritionists develop recipes
  • All recipes contain above-average protein, above-average fat, and below-average carbs when compared to a typical wet recipe
  • The brand does not make false claims like most brands. They rely on their research, third-party research and customer feedback to convey the value of their food
  • Able to ship more food at one time to reduce the delivery frequency and environmental impact
  • Adjust shipping frequency and pause or cancel anytime
  • All recipes are gluten-free
  • Grain-free, but you can add your own cooked rice or kibble with grain to make The Farmer’s Dog food last longer and stretch your dollars. Or use it as a food topper.
  • You can get a full refund if you donate the food to local shelters or rescues
  • If kept frozen, the packaged meals will stay fresh for 4 months
  • Easy to store packages with the food’s manufacturing date
  • Can pause or cancel subscription anytime
  • Clean track record. No recalls as of 2023
  • Caters to health conditions
  • Pre-portioned and ready-to-serve meals
  • Fresh food prepared in-house every week
  • Food is delivered within days of cooking
  • Never stored on a shelf for months
  • Prevents overfeeding

What We’d Change

  • The food is so fresh that freezing is needed
  • Thawing in the fridge is required the day before you use it
  • Don’t offer a grain-inclusive option but may be expanding their recipe selection in the future
  • Fresh dog food, in general, is not great for training because it needs to be consumed during a certain time frame as it is perishable. It won’t be easy to carry to the park without proper storage.
  • It’s more expensive than traditional dog food and even some premium brands. Especially for large dogs or multiple-dog households
  • Doesn’t work well with some puzzle toys. If you’re considering using it with a food-dispensing toy, this isn’t feasible with fresh dog food due to its malleable texture. However, stuffing The Farmer’s Dog food into a KONG and freezing it works great.
  • While it’s true that some dogs do see a tremendous improvement after switching to a fresh diet, it’s not a miracle solution that will cure your dog’s ailments
  • The Farmer’s Dog food needs to be refrigerated once it arrives, so it isn’t very portable or great for traveling dog parents or if your dog spends time at multiple houses
  • Limited recipes to choose from; wish they had more flavors
  • I wish they offered healthy treats, too

Ordering, Shipping & Delivery

After placing our order, we got a follow-up email with our order confirmation and another email when your food shipped out, including the tracking information and estimated delivery date. The box reached us in 3 days once our order was processed. Our food was delivered in a cardboard box sealed with dry ice and biodegradable insulation, ensuring meals are 100% frozen upon delivery.

If you are not home during delivery, don’t worry; the ice is meant to keep your food safe and cold until at least 11 pm the day of the delivery. The Farmer’s Dog box is huge and light to carry and has an attractive design. What’s best is that the cardboard box is recyclable, and all insulating materials are biodegradable. Even meal packages are made from BPA-free and non-toxic materials.

Verdict 4.6/5: The ordering system is intuitive, easy to navigate, and provides a seamless experience.

My Farmer’s Dog Customer Service Experience

Being one of the busiest and most popular dog food delivery services doesn’t stop The Farmer’s Dog from offering good customer service. We had a few fellow dog parents test The Farmer’s Dog customer service by having them inquire about The Farmer’s Dog service through email, phone, and chat. Overall, we received timely responses that were helpful and professional.

Sometimes, it took them a while to respond, but we usually got an answer. They have an email and phone number on their website for quick customer service. They also leverage social media to help current customers and people inquiring about their services.

The Farmer’s Dog offers a Vet Portal that provides your veterinarian with more information about their food and how it can be used to improve the health of a particular dog.

Verdict 4.7/5: They get a great in the customer service department. They provide support that is not only quick to respond but also knowledgeable about their products and services.

Additional Information
Jump to: Full Review | Our Experience 

What Customers Think About The Farmer’s Dog

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

Is The Farmer’s Dog Worth It?

After testing The Farmer’s Dog and throughout research, we happily recommend this brand to any dog parent looking to improve their dog’s nutrition and overall health. If you have a dog who needs a customized diet due to health concerns, food allergies, is a picky eater, hates shopping, hates making homemade dog food for your dog, or you want to provide them with a better, healthier, and fresher food, The Farmer’s Dog is a fantastic option. While the price for The Farmer’s Dog subscription may be slightly higher than buying traditional kibble, keeping a dog healthy should be a priority, and proper nutrition is where it all starts. A better diet translates into fewer vet bills.

Not convinced? See what other parents alike are saying 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, the positive reviews far outweigh the negative. 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 active in responding and offering solutions to dissatisfied customers.

Transitioning From Kibble To The Farmer’s Dog

Vets and experts always recommend that you do it gradually and thoughtfully when you put your dog on a new diet. The Farmer’s Dog makes this process easy. They include a Transition Guide in every box.

It has a six-day transition program that goes as follows:

  • Day 1 & 2: 75% of current food, 25% The Farmer’s Dog
  • Day 3 & 4: 50% of current food, 50% The Farmer’s Dog
  • Day 5 & 6: 25% of current food, 75% The Farmer’s Dog
  • Day 7: 100% The Farmer’s Dog
My dog’s The Farmer’s Dog transition and feeding guide.

The Farmer’s Dog Homemade DIY

Can I make Farmer’s dog food myself? Yes!

You can check out our homemade dog food guide for vet-approved recipes and learn all about cooking food for your pet, like The Farmer’s Dog. Or, you can also opt for The Farmer’s Dog DIY program. The program is simple:

  1. Sign up
  2. Get personalized homemade recipes from The Farmer’s Dog veterinarians
  3. You buy the food ingredients at your store of choice
  4. Follow their easy cooking instructions and add their DIY Nutrient Mix to make meals complete and balanced.

This is a great way to put your dog on a fresh diet if you have the time to cook and buy all the ingredients. It’s certainly cheaper but time-consuming. We like sticking with their meal delivery plan for convenience.

Is The Farmer’s Dog Raw?

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.

The Farmer’s Dog Recall

Since posting this review in September 2023, no recalls for The Farmer’s Dog have been issued.

The Farmer’s Dog TV Commercial

Here is a quick glimpse of what happens when dogs see/smell The Farmer’s Fog food.

The Farmer’s Dog Phone Number

The Farmer’s Dog customer service line is (646) 780-7957. Or, you can email them at [email protected] should you have any issues. Fortunately, we did not.

The Farmer’s Dog vs Nom Nom vs Ollie vs Spot & Tango vs Others

Here is how The Farmer’s Dog stacks up to other fresh dog food companies.

The Farmer’s Dog vs Ollie

Despite having a similar way to create a custom dog’s meal, there are a few differences between these two subscription-based dog food delivery services. The Farmer’s Dog offers 4 meal plans, while Ollie offers 4 but with the option of treats. Ollie also focuses mainly on the portion of the meat that will be the most nutrient-dense part of the animal (i.e., beef kidneys for their beef recipe.) Ollie also offers a fun food scoop and a box to make serving easier, while The Farmer’s Dog offers better eco-friendly options and rush orders. Costs for both brands are relatively the same, but Ollie seems to have slightly lower prices. On the other hand, The Farmer’s Dog uses USDA-approved meat, while Ollie uses fresh farm meat.

The Farmer’s Dog vs Nom Nom

The Farmer’s Dog and NomNom are long-time competitors. The two have very similar recipes and are equally excited to help better your pet’s nutrition. They use quality, human-grade ingredients but differ in a few key areas. Nom Nom excels at portioning and has various other products to supplement your dog’s diet. The Farmer’s Dog is much more affordable and has better customizable choices to meet your dog’s needs.

The Farmer’s Dog vs Spot & Tango

Spot and Tango is not as popular a subscription dog food service as The Farmer’s Dog. Spot and Tango offer three different recipes, each using 12 ingredients. New customers of Spot and Tango can get 20% off their first purchase, while The Farmer’s Dog customers will receive 50% off theirs.

The Farmer’s Dog Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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 fill out an online form to cancel your account. You must cancel before your next delivery order deadline to avoid being charged again.

Does the Farmer’s Dog make cat food? At the moment, no. 

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.  

The Farmer’s Dog’s central location is Greenwich Village in New York City, New York.

The Farmer’s Dog meals are prepared in USDA kitchens in different facilities across the U.S., where each recipe is gently cooked at low temperatures according to USDA facility standards. Then, they are quickly frozen for safe shipping.

Yes. The Farmer’s Dog is a legitimate pet manufacturing company that operates nationwide. They are certified with the USDA and AAFCO, the latter being the entity that regulates dog commercial food standards.

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.

The Farmer’s Dog is not sold in stores. It’s only available directly from the company.

The Farmer’s Dog Food Review — Conclusion & Alternatives

Trying The Farmer’s Dog is definitely worth considering. We noticed an improvement in our dog’s digestion, as well as 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 make the most informed decision about whether The Farmer’s Dog is the right fit for your dog.


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Sources

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.

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Canine Bible authorship represents the unified voice of our entire editorial team and our in-house veterinarians rather than a single author. Each article, blog post, and review published under the Canine Bible name undergoes a rigorous review process, involving all team members to guarantee accuracy and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. This collaborative effort is an integral part of our editorial process and aligns with our four pillars of content creation. This approach ensures our content is backed by expert knowledge and factual information, offering our readers reliable, actionable, and trustworthy content.

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