Navigating the vast world of dog food can be challenging for pet parents seeking optimal nutrition for their beloved companions. When it comes to fresh dog food, The Farmer’s Dog has emerged as a prominent player, garnering significant attention. This comprehensive review, inspired by evaluations from the the farmer’s dog dog food advisor, delves into every aspect of their offerings, from ingredients and meal plans to cost and overall impact on canine health. Our goal is to provide a detailed, unbiased analysis to help you make an informed decision for your furry family member.
Our Verdict on The Farmer’s Dog Food
The Farmer’s Dog Food consistently earns the Dog Food Advisor’s highest recommendation, securing a stellar 5-star rating. This premium fresh food line features four distinct recipes, each meticulously formulated to be complete and balanced for all life stages. The fresh format significantly enhances palatability and digestibility, making it a favorable choice for many dogs.
Laura Ward, the esteemed pet nutritionist at Dog Food Advisor, enthusiastically endorses The Farmer’s Dog Food, calling it exceptional. She highlights that “The Farmer’s Dog recipes are created by board-certified veterinary nutritionists. They deliver more than adequate levels of protein without too much fat and none of the ingredients are controversial.” Ward further notes that “Each recipe uses a generous amount of fresh named meat as its main source of animal protein,” solidifying the brand’s top rating.
The Farmer's Dog Review Logo with 5-Star Rating
What Makes The Farmer’s Dog Ingredients Stand Out?
A cornerstone of The Farmer’s Dog’s appeal lies in its commitment to using human-grade ingredients and processing methods. Every recipe is crafted from clean, human-grade proteins, thoughtfully combined with simple whole foods and precisely balanced with essential vitamins and minerals. The brand explicitly states that it never incorporates feed-grade ingredients and avoids processing methods that would render ingredients shelf-stable. This dedication ensures a high level of quality and freshness in every meal, aligning with the growing demand for transparent and superior pet nutrition options, which also informs discussions about other [farmer's dog dog food](https://dogcarestory.com/farmers-dog-dog-food/) options.
How The Farmer’s Dog Subscription Service Works
The Farmer’s Dog operates as a convenient subscription service, delivering custom-made food directly to your door, kept fresh through refrigeration. New customers begin by visiting the company’s website to complete a comprehensive questionnaire about their dog. This includes details such as age, weight, breed, activity level, and any known allergies, which then informs the creation of a personalized feeding profile. Following this, customers select their preferred “flavor” and establish a delivery schedule. Soon after, freshly prepared pet food arrives at their home, carefully packed with dry ice to maintain its quality. These packs are designed for freezer storage for up to six months. Once defrosted, they should be refrigerated and consumed within a few days to maintain freshness and nutritional integrity.
Refrigerated Squeeze Package of The Farmer's Dog Food
Understanding The Farmer’s Dog Cost
It’s undeniable that The Farmer’s Dog comes with a higher price tag compared to traditional dry dog food. This cost difference is a direct reflection of the high-quality, human-grade ingredients utilized in their recipes. Laura Ward elaborates, explaining, “The nature of a fresh food (containing approximately 75% moisture) means that the nutrition is less concentrated and it is more expensive to feed than a dried food.” She also points out that the absence of harsh processing like retorting or added preservatives necessitates chilled or frozen storage, contributing to additional costs. However, Ward emphasizes the significant benefits: “these foods are often more palatable and even fussy dogs enjoy them. They are also more hydrating, which is beneficial for a dog’s overall health.” Since meal plans are meticulously tailored to each dog’s unique age, size, breed, and activity level, the daily costs will naturally vary. For instance, an 11-pound Yorkshire terrier’s fresh food plan might cost around $2.80 a day, while a 75-pound Labrador’s plan could be about $10.39 daily.
Where to Purchase The Farmer’s Dog Food
The Farmer’s Dog maintains an exclusive direct-to-consumer model. Their products are not available in retail stores; purchases can only be made directly from the company’s official website. This approach allows them to control the quality, customization, and delivery process efficiently, ensuring that each customer receives fresh, personalized meals.
A Look at The Farmer’s Dog Recipes
The Farmer’s Dog provides four distinct recipe options, each crafted with a unique protein source and specific nutritional profiles to cater to diverse canine needs. These recipes are designed to be complete and balanced, offering variety while maintaining high standards of quality and palatability.
Beef Recipe
The Beef Recipe is a popular choice, featuring beef, sweet potatoes, cooked lentils, carrots, and beef liver as its primary ingredients. This formula boasts the second-highest protein level within The Farmer’s Dog product line at 39.1% on a dry matter basis. It also includes fish oil, a natural source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are crucial for promoting optimal joint health and overall well-being. With a fat-to-protein ratio of 72%, this recipe is highly recommended for its robust nutritional profile.
Turkey Recipe
The Turkey Recipe’s main ingredients are turkey, chickpeas, carrots, broccoli, and spinach. While it has the lowest meat protein content among the brand’s offerings at 33.9% (dry matter), it stands out for exhibiting the most favorable fat-to-protein ratio at 58%. This makes it an exceptional choice for its balanced nutrient composition, confidently recommended for dogs requiring a leaner option. This recipe also includes beneficial additions like salmon oil, tricalcium phosphate, taurine, selenium yeast, and chelated minerals, enhancing its overall nutritional value.
Chicken Recipe
Boasting the highest protein content in the entire line at 44.6% (dry matter), the Chicken Recipe features chicken, chicken liver, broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts as its top five ingredients. Notably, this recipe contains zero legumes. It is further fortified with an organic zinc compound and two other chelated minerals, which are commonly found in superior dog food formulations due to their enhanced absorption rates. With a fat-to-protein ratio of 56%, this recipe is highly recommended for its rich protein profile and nutrient density.
The Farmer's Dog Chicken Recipe packaged food
Pork Recipe
The Pork Recipe derives 100% of its animal protein from fresh pork and pork liver, complemented by sweet potatoes, potato, green beans, and cauliflower. This formula is rich in omega-3 fish oil, essential for promoting optimal heart health and maintaining a silky, lustrous coat. With a protein content of 36.2% (dry matter) and a fat-to-protein ratio of 76%, this recipe is another outstanding choice, highly recommended for its blend of high-quality ingredients and beneficial supplements.
Pros and Cons of The Farmer’s Dog
Like any premium pet food, The Farmer’s Dog comes with its unique set of advantages and considerations.
Pros:
- Human-grade ingredients: Ensures high quality and safety standards.
- Fresh named meats: Primary protein sources are clearly identified and of high quality.
- Complete and balanced recipes: Formulated to meet nutritional needs for all life stages.
- Customized meal plans: Tailored to individual dog’s requirements.
- Highly palatable: Often preferred by picky eaters due to its fresh nature.
- Improved hydration: High moisture content is beneficial for overall health.
Cons:
- Higher cost: More expensive than traditional dry kibble.
- Requires refrigeration or freezing: Demands proper storage space and management.
- Limited shelf life once defrosted: Must be used within 4 days after opening.
- Subscription-based: May not suit all purchasing preferences.
In-Depth Ingredient and Nutrient Analysis: The Turkey Recipe Example
To illustrate the detailed nutritional quality of The Farmer’s Dog, let’s take a closer look at the Turkey Recipe. The primary ingredient is turkey, a “clean combination of flesh and skin” and a natural source of essential amino acids. The second ingredient, chickpeas (garbanzo beans), is a nutritious legume rich in fiber and contributes approximately 22% protein, an important factor in assessing total meat content. Carrots, the third ingredient, provide beta-carotene, minerals, and dietary fiber. Following this are broccoli and spinach, both nutrient-dense cruciferous vegetables known for their vitamin C, fiber, and potential anti-cancer benefits.
Further down the list, parsnip adds complex carbohydrates and B vitamins, while salmon oil provides prized EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids, crucial for various bodily functions. Tricalcium phosphate serves as a beneficial source of calcium and phosphorus. Notably, the recipe includes taurine, an important amino acid for heart muscle function, considered a positive addition, especially for dogs on grain-free diets. The inclusion of selenium yeast, a safer, natural anti-cancer alternative to inorganic selenium, and chelated minerals (minerals chemically bound to protein for easier absorption) further underscores the high quality of this formulation.
Based on dry matter analysis, The Farmer’s Dog Turkey Recipe shows a protein reading of 33.9%, a fat level of 19.6%, and estimated carbohydrates of 36.4%. Across the entire brand, the average protein content is 38.5%, with a mean fat level of 25.1%, suggesting an overall carbohydrate content of 26.8% and a fat-to-protein ratio of about 66%. This profile indicates a fresh dog food containing a generous amount of meat, even after accounting for plant-based protein contributions from ingredients like chickpeas.
The Farmer’s Dog Recall History
As of November 2025, there have been no recalls noted for The Farmer’s Dog. This clean record is a significant indicator of the brand’s consistent adherence to safety and quality control standards in its production processes. For those interested in broader recall information, a complete list of all dog food recalls since 2009 is typically available on platforms like Dog Food Advisor.
The Story Behind The Farmer’s Dog
The Farmer’s Dog was co-founded in 2015 by Brett Podolsky and Jonathan Regev. What began as a mission to provide healthier food options for pets has since grown exponentially, with the company now delivering millions of fresh dog food meals across the U.S. annually. Their inspiring journey and the company’s innovative approach highlight a growing shift in the pet food industry towards fresh, high-quality, and transparent nutrition, often contrasting sharply with traditional dry kibble.
Real-World Experience: Huntley’s Transformation
The benefits of The Farmer’s Dog are often best understood through the experiences of real pets. Huntley, a 12-and-a-half-year-old Golden Retriever, serves as a compelling testament. When Huntley, who had always enjoyed his kibble, suddenly became extremely picky and started losing weight, his owner, Alex Stone, began searching for alternatives. Alex specifically looked for a complete and balanced fresh food that was easily digestible and contained omega-3 fatty acids to help with Huntley’s arthritis.
After researching and consulting with their vet about The Farmer’s Dog, Alex observed remarkable improvements. Huntley not only regained his appetite but also put on four to five pounds and experienced a significant reduction in arthritis symptoms. “He could walk a mile and a half. He could go up and down the stairs. He was happy to get up and down,” Alex recounted. The improvement was so profound that they were able to reduce his arthritis medication. Huntley’s story underscores the potential for fresh, high-quality nutrition to address issues like picky eating and support the health of aging dogs, illustrating how finding the [best dry dog food for picky eaters](https://dogcarestory.com/best-dry-dog-food-for-picky-eaters/) can sometimes lead to exploring fresh options.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Farmer’s Dog
Here are some common questions pet parents have about The Farmer’s Dog:
Why do we rate The Farmer’s Dog so highly?
The Farmer’s Dog earns high ratings because its recipes consistently provide more than adequate protein levels without excessive fat. The ingredients are carefully selected, non-controversial, and the generous inclusion of quality meats contributes significantly to its outstanding evaluation.
Is The Farmer’s Dog a healthy food?
Absolutely. Unlike many brands that rely on computer programs for nutrient verification, The Farmer’s Dog underwent extensive live feeding trials over a six-year period, involving real dogs of various breeds, sizes, and ages. This method, considered superior to AAFCO’s gold standard system by experts, validates that all four recipes are nutritious for all ages and breed sizes, including large breed puppies.
Is The Farmer’s Dog raw?
No, The Farmer’s Dog is gently cooked at lower temperatures. This cooking process is designed to prevent damage to delicate vitamins and nutrients that can occur during high-heat processing, while also ensuring safety and digestibility.
What if my dog doesn’t like the food?
The Farmer’s Dog is known for its exceptional customer service. If your dog doesn’t enjoy the initial recipe you ordered, there’s no need to return it. The company will readily send you a different flavor at no additional cost, demonstrating their commitment to customer satisfaction and pet acceptance.
How can I switch to The Farmer’s Dog without making my dog sick?
Veterinarians, like Dr. Gary Richter, advise a gradual transition to fresh foods like The Farmer’s Dog to minimize the risk of digestive upset. Begin by mixing 20% fresh food with 80% of your dog’s old food. Over the next 8 to 9 days, slowly increase the proportion of fresh food until your dog is consuming 100% The Farmer’s Dog.
| Schedule | Old Food | Fresh Food |
|---|---|---|
| Days 1 and 2 | 80% | 20% |
| Days 3 and 4 | 60% | 40% |
| Days 5 and 6 | 40% | 60% |
| Days 7 and 8 | 20% | 80% |
| Day 9 | 0% | 100% |
What allows The Farmer’s Dog to claim it is “human-grade”?
For The Farmer’s Dog to legally claim “human-grade,” every ingredient in its recipes must be human edible and must be manufactured, packed, and stored in compliance with USDA regulations for products “fit for human consumption.” The term “edible” is a legal standard, ensuring that the ingredients and handling meet strict human food safety guidelines.
How can I be sure The Farmer’s Dog is healthy?
Each of The Farmer’s Dog recipes is expertly designed by a board-certified veterinary nutritionist. Beyond that, the brand differentiates itself from most commercial dog foods, which often rely on computer simulations for AAFCO nutrient profile compliance. The Farmer’s Dog utilizes live feeding trials conducted on real dogs of various sizes and ages over a six-year period. This rigorous, real-world testing provides a superior assurance of its nutritional efficacy and health benefits.
Is The Farmer’s Dog recommended for puppies?
Some fresh dog foods may not be suitable for all ages and breeds, particularly large breed puppies who are at a higher risk of developing hip disease if their diet contains excessive calcium during growth. Fortunately, The Farmer’s Dog is considered safe for all adult dogs and puppies, including those of larger breeds, as its formulations are carefully balanced to support healthy development without causing such orthopedic issues.
What keeps The Farmer’s Dog fresh?
Since The Farmer’s Dog contains no artificial preservatives, it relies on refrigeration or freezing to maintain its freshness. When kept frozen and sealed in its original packaging, fresh dog food can last for several months. Once a container is opened and defrosted, it must be stored in the refrigerator and used within 4 days to ensure optimal safety and quality, similar to proper handling for [best way to store homemade dog food](https://dogcarestory.com/best-way-to-store-homemade-dog-food/).
Do vets recommend The Farmer’s Dog?
Many veterinarians, including Dr. Kevin McEvilly of Palms & Paws Veterinary Center, advocate for fresh, human-grade diets. Dr. McEvilly notes, “More and more frequently, I find myself recommending human-grade or fresh food diets, for several reasons. Among them, they’re more bioavailable. Oftentimes they’re extremely well balanced, and they’re highly palatable.” This sentiment reflects a growing professional recognition of the benefits associated with fresh, whole-food nutrition for pets.
Comparing The Farmer’s Dog
While The Farmer’s Dog stands out as a highly recommended fresh food option, pet parents often explore various dietary approaches. Compared to conventional dry kibble, its fresh, human-grade ingredients and gentle cooking offer distinct advantages in palatability and digestibility. For those interested in broader canine nutrition or even preparing food at home, exploring resources such as [homemade dehydrated dog treats in oven](https://dogcarestory.com/homemade-dehydrated-dog-treats-in-oven/) can provide valuable insights into different dietary considerations. The choice often comes down to balancing nutritional benefits, convenience, and cost, ensuring the best fit for each individual dog.
Conclusion
The Farmer’s Dog offers a compelling solution for pet parents prioritizing fresh, human-grade nutrition backed by veterinary expertise and rigorous testing. Its commitment to quality ingredients, custom meal plans, and transparent practices has earned it top marks from Dog Food Advisor. While it represents a higher investment than conventional kibble, the reported benefits in palatability, digestibility, and overall canine well-being, as evidenced by stories like Huntley’s, highlight its value. As an SEO expert and editor for “Dog Care Story,” we believe The Farmer’s Dog provides a valuable and healthy option for dogs across all life stages. We encourage you to consider this premium fresh food service as part of your dog’s journey towards optimal health.
References
- Adapted by the Dog Food Advisor and based upon the official definition for chicken published by the Association of American Feed Control Officials, Official Publication, 2008 Edition.
- Completeness Score is a measure of a food’s relative nutrient content and is computed by NutritionData.com from the USDA’s National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference.
- Tran QD and others, Effects of extrusion processing on nutrients in dry pet food, Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture 88:1487–1493 (2008).
- Lauten SD, Nutritional Risks to Large Breed Dogs: From Weaning to the Geriatric Years, Vet Clin Small Anim 36 (2006) 1345–1359.
- Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, What Is Canine Hip Dysplasia?
