Bringing a new dog into your life is an exciting experience, and ensuring they receive the best nutrition is paramount. The Farmer’s Dog has emerged as a prominent player in the fresh dog food delivery market, offering customized meal plans directly to your doorstep. After an extensive testing period with my own 50-pound pit mix, Lyla, I found The Farmer’s Dog to be not only a popular choice but also a surprisingly affordable one. This review delves into my comprehensive experience with the service, from the initial ordering process to the final, eager tail wags at mealtime, providing insights to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your furry friend.
How The Farmer’s Dog Works
The Farmer’s Dog distinguishes itself by adhering to stringent nutritional guidelines. All their recipes are formulated to meet the nutritional standards set by the American Association of Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) for both puppies and adult dogs. Furthermore, the brand aligns with the Global Nutrition Guidelines established by the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA), which are widely considered the gold standard in pet food selection by veterinarians. To further validate their commitment to quality, The Farmer’s Dog has conducted AAFCO feeding trials and a year-long study in partnership with the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine.
The company offers five distinct recipes: beef, chicken, turkey, pork, and a chicken and grain option. Each meal is enriched with salmon oil, a valuable source of omega-3 fatty acids. Research highlights the benefits of omega-3s for dogs, supporting skin and coat health, joint function, immune system strength, and cardiovascular well-being.
| Recipe | Ingredient Highlights | Guaranteed Analysis |
|---|---|---|
| Beef | Beef, sweet potato, lentils, carrot, beef liver, kale, sunflower seeds, nutrient blend, salmon oil | Crude protein: 11% min Crude fat: 8% min Crude fiber: 1.5% max Moisture: 72% max |
| Turkey | Turkey, chickpeas, carrot, broccoli, spinach, parsnip, nutrient blend, salmon oil | Crude protein: 8% min Crude fat: 4.5% min Crude fiber: 1.5% max Moisture: 76% max |
| Pork | Pork, sweet potato, green beans, cauliflower, pork liver, nutrient blend, salmon oil | Crude protein: 9% min Crude fat: 7% min Crude fiber: 1.5% max Moisture: 75% max |
| Chicken | Chicken, chicken liver, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, chia seeds, nutrient blend, salmon oil | Crude protein: 11% min Crude fat: 7.5% min Crude fiber: 1.5% max Moisture: 75% max |
| Chicken and Grain | Chicken, chicken broth, oats, chicken liver, collard greens, carrots, nutrient blend, coconut oil, salmon oil | Crude protein: 7% min Crude fat: 4.5% min Crude fiber: 1.5% max Moisture: 74.5% max |
The ordering process begins with a straightforward questionnaire about your dog’s specific needs, including age, weight, breed, and activity level. This information allows The Farmer’s Dog to recommend personalized meal plans. While the service offers up to three recipe choices, it’s important to note that they cannot accommodate specific dietary intolerances or allergies. Once your order is processed, you’ll receive email notifications with billing and shipping details.
Delivery is scheduled to ensure a consistent supply of food. You have the flexibility to pause shipments or adjust your delivery schedule as needed. The food arrives in insulated boxes, packed with dry ice to maintain freshness. For an initial trial, the company often provides a significant discount, making it an accessible entry point to fresh dog food.
My Experience with The Farmer’s Dog
The ordering process for The Farmer’s Dog was user-friendly, and the pricing proved to be among the most competitive I encountered. For a 50-pound active dog, the estimated cost for a two-week supply ranged from approximately $110 to $122, depending on the selected recipes. This price point makes fresh food a more attainable option for many pet owners.
My order shipped within a few business days and arrived as expected. The initial delivery included a complimentary storage container, an insulated tote bag, and a bag of treats, which was a nice bonus. Although the dry ice had mostly dissipated by the time I unpacked, the food remained cold and safe for consumption. I recommend having a plan to store the food immediately upon arrival.
The packaging design was a highlight. The vacuum-sealed pouches are long and stackable, fitting neatly into my freezer. This contrasts with some other brands whose packaging can be less space-efficient. Serving the food was also remarkably easy. Each pouch was clearly labeled with feeding instructions, eliminating the need to consult an online account for portion guidance.
Visually, the meals were appealing. The ingredients were clearly identifiable – I could see distinct pieces of carrots, kale, and other vegetables. The food had a fresh, savory aroma, reminiscent of a home-cooked meal. My dog, Lyla, showed immediate enthusiasm for both the beef and turkey recipes, consistently finishing her meals, which is not always the case with other dog foods.
Another tester, Jaclyn Turner, also reported positive experiences with her 20-pound cavapoo, Reese. Reese particularly enjoyed the chicken and grain and beef recipes, and even showed interest in the turkey option. Turner noted that Reese would often look for more food, even after finishing his portion, highlighting the palatability of the meals.
Potential Drawbacks to Consider
Despite the many positives, there are a few areas where The Farmer’s Dog could improve. Navigating the website to find detailed information about the recipes can be challenging. Ingredient lists and nutritional data are primarily accessible only after completing the feeding questionnaire and providing an email address. Even after placing an order, finding specific recipe details required some effort.
The Farmer’s Dog offers only one grain-inclusive recipe, though they have recently introduced this option. For owners seeking a wider variety of grain-inclusive choices, services like JustFoodForDogs, Freshpet, or Nom Nom might be more suitable.
It is also worth noting that The Farmer’s Dog, like many other fresh dog food brands and supplements, includes choline bitartrate. Some research has linked this ingredient to a rare type of bladder stone in dogs. If your dog has a history of CTT stones, it is crucial to consult with your veterinarian about their specific dietary needs.
Conclusion
The Farmer’s Dog stands out as an excellent fresh dog food delivery service, offering highly palatable meals that dogs genuinely enjoy. The convenience of storage and serving further enhances its appeal. While the variety of recipes could be expanded, The Farmer’s Dog presents a compelling option for pet owners seeking an affordable and user-friendly fresh dog food subscription. The quality of ingredients and the positive reception from canine consumers make it a strong contender in the growing market of personalized pet nutrition.
