As pet parents, we constantly seek the best for our furry companions, especially when it comes to their nutrition. The Farmer’s Dog has emerged as a popular choice, offering fresh, human-grade dog food delivered right to your door. But as with any premium service, a common question arises: what is The Farmer’s Dog cost, and is it truly worth the investment?
At Dog Care Story, we understand the importance of making informed decisions for your pet’s health. We’ve thoroughly investigated every factor influencing The Farmer’s Dog pricing, from dog size and age to breed and specific health needs, to provide a comprehensive analysis. Our goal is to ensure you have a clear picture of what to expect, without any hidden surprises.
Here’s a quick overview of what you should know about The Farmer’s Dog food cost:
- Customized Pricing: Meal prices are uniquely calculated based on your dog’s individual profile, including size, age, breed, and health requirements.
- Ingredient Impact: The type and quantity of ingredients (turkey, beef, chicken, or pork) significantly influence the overall cost.
- Daily Cost Range: For dogs up to 60 lbs, prices typically range from $2.49 to $11.30 per day. For larger dogs up to 200 lbs, the maximum daily cost can go up to $21.42.
- Weekly Cost Range: You can expect to spend between $17 and $79 per week for dogs up to 60 lbs, and up to $150 per week for dogs up to 200 lbs.
- First Order Discount: New customers often qualify for a 50% discount on their first order to help them try the service.
This detailed guide will break down the pricing structure, analyze the factors that impact the cost, explore the pros and cons of the service, and ultimately help you decide if The Farmer’s Dog is the right nutritional choice for your canine friend.
Understanding The Farmer’s Dog Pricing
The Farmer’s Dog generally costs between $2.49 and $11.30 per day for most dogs, with a maximum of $21.42 per day for larger breeds. This range is derived from a meticulous assessment of various scenarios during the subscription sign-up process, considering numerous variables like your dog’s age, weight, breed, and activity level. Our extensive testing across different adult and puppy breeds allowed us to establish these comprehensive price ranges.
For puppies, we observed a direct correlation between projected growth months and increased costs, reflecting their heightened nutritional needs during critical developmental stages. It’s important to note that The Farmer’s Dog always includes free shipping, so the prices presented reflect the total amount you can expect to pay.
The Farmer’s Dog Cost Chart For Adult Dogs
To give you a clearer understanding, we’ve compiled a chart reflecting the general daily cost range for adult dogs of various sizes and breeds. This data was gathered by simulating over a hundred different profiles on The Farmer’s Dog website.
| Weight Class / Breed | Weight (lbs) | Min ($/day) | Max ($/day) |
|---|---|---|---|
| X-Small Dog (Pomeranian) | 1-10 lbs | $2.49 | $4.32 |
| Small Dog (Pembroke Welsh Corgi) | 10-25 lbs | $3.43 | $6.36 |
| Medium Dog (Samoyed) | 25-60 lbs | $4.73 | $11.30 |
| Large Dog (German Shepherd) | 60-100 lbs | $9.00 | $18.98 |
| X-Large (Great Dane) | 100-200 lbs | $14.38 | $21.42 |
The Farmer’s Dog Cost Chart For Puppies
Puppies have unique dietary requirements to support their rapid growth and development, often leading to a slightly higher cost per serving compared to adult dogs. The following chart illustrates the estimated daily cost for puppies based on their initial weight and age.
| Weight Class / Breed | Weight (lbs) | Age (mo.) | Price ($/day) |
|---|---|---|---|
| X-Small Dog (Pomeranian) | 3 lbs | 2 mo. | $4.24 |
| Small Dog (Pembroke Welsh Corgi) | 12 lbs | 2 mo. | $8.01 |
| Medium Dog (Samoyed) | 15 lbs | 2 mo. | $10.02 |
| Large Dog (German Shepherd) | 20 lbs | 2 mo. | $11.30 |
| X-Large (Great Dane) | 30 lbs | 2 mo. | $15.95 |
How Much Does The Farmer’s Dog Cost: Per Week and Per Month
Beyond the daily breakdown, many pet owners prefer to budget on a weekly or monthly basis. Understanding these broader cost estimates can help you plan your finances.
Per Week
Dog parents can typically expect to spend between $17 and $150 per week on dog food from The Farmer’s Dog. As highlighted, this cost is a direct result of your dog’s unique profile, including size, age, breed, and specific health needs.
Per Month
The monthly cost for a dog food subscription from The Farmer’s Dog generally falls within the range of $75 to $675. It’s important to note that billing isn’t strictly monthly; instead, your plan is charged when a new shipment is dispatched. This can vary from every 2 weeks for larger dogs with higher consumption to every 8 weeks for smaller dogs. You will always receive a billing and shipping notification email prior to your food being sent out.
Diving Deeper: What Influences The Farmer’s Dog Price?
To understand exactly how your subscription price is determined, we meticulously explored every possible combination in The Farmer’s Dog sign-up questionnaire. This revealed key factors that impact pricing and those that surprisingly do not.
Key Factors That Impact Cost
- Age: While the price remains consistent for adult dogs, puppies are generally more expensive. The highest prices are typically observed for puppies between 2-6 months old, a period of rapid growth. Puppies must be at least 8 weeks old to start the service.
- Neutered or Spayed Status: Dogs that are not neutered or spayed typically have a slightly higher price. This is often due to different metabolic needs and calorie requirements.
- Breed: Different breeds have varying metabolic rates, ideal weights, and activity predispositions, all of which contribute to tailored pricing.
- Weight: Unsurprisingly, heavier dogs require more food, leading to a higher price. The platform bases calculations on the ideal weight for your dog.
- Activity Level: Dogs categorized as ‘Pro Athlete’ will incur a higher cost due to their elevated caloric needs. Other activity levels generally maintain similar pricing.
- Recipe: The choice of recipe can affect the price, with turkey and chicken blends often being among the more premium options, while pork and beef may sometimes be slightly less expensive.
Factors That Do Not Affect Pricing
Interestingly, several factors that might seem relevant have no bearing on the price of your Farmer’s Dog subscription:
- Location: Pricing is consistent across all zip codes.
- Sex: There is no price difference between male and female dogs.
- Characteristic (e.g., silliest, most stubborn): These personality traits do not influence cost.
- Body Shape: While ideal weight impacts price, descriptive body shape categories do not.
- Eating Preference (e.g., very picky, good eater): Your dog’s pickiness level does not alter the cost.
- Current Food Type: Whether your dog eats kibble, wet food, or other fresh options does not affect The Farmer’s Dog price.
- Current Food Brand: The brand of food your dog currently consumes has no impact.
- Treats and Snacks: While they offer treats, their inclusion doesn’t alter the base meal plan cost.
- Health Issues: Although certain health conditions might lead to specific formula recommendations, the presence of health issues themselves does not change the core pricing structure. However, it’s crucial to know what are some foods that dogs can’t eat if your dog has specific health sensitivities.
- Prescription Diet: The Farmer’s Dog does not offer prescription diets, so this factor is not applicable to their pricing model.
- Shipping: Shipping is consistently free with all subscriptions.
- Promotions: While promotions like the 50% first-box discount exist, they are temporary offers and don’t permanently alter the base price calculation.
It’s worth noting: The most significant factor in determining your plan’s price is your dog’s weight, closely followed by age. Age is particularly impactful during the puppy growth stage, with prices generally decreasing once your dog reaches adulthood, typically around 24 months old.
The Farmer’s Dog Review: Pros, Cons, and Our Honest Opinion
The Farmer’s Dog has successfully carved out a niche in the pet food industry by offering fresh, human-grade meals dedicated to enhancing the health and well-being of our canine friends. The brand stands out for its emphasis on transparency, quality, and personalization, which offers a refreshing alternative to many conventional pet food options.
Highlights
- Fresh, Human-Grade Ingredients: The Farmer’s Dog utilizes ingredients fit for human consumption, a significant upgrade from many traditional dog foods often laden with fillers, by-products, and artificial preservatives. This commitment to freshness is why the meals require refrigeration.
- Customized Meal Plans: Each meal plan is meticulously tailored to individual dogs, considering factors such as age, breed, activity level, and specific health requirements. This personalized approach can be particularly beneficial for dogs with unique dietary needs or sensitivities.
- Exceptional Convenience: Meals arrive pre-portioned, eliminating the guesswork associated with feeding your dog the correct amount. They are delivered directly to your home in insulated packaging, making the process effortless for busy pet parents.
- Unwavering Transparency: The brand is exemplary in listing all ingredients clearly and providing detailed insights into their sourcing practices. This level of transparency extends beyond just ingredients, covering their preparation processes as well.
- Positive Customer Reviews: Numerous dog owners have reported remarkable improvements in their dog’s health, energy levels, and coat condition after transitioning to The Farmer’s Dog.
Considerations
- Higher Cost: The use of high-quality ingredients and the provision of tailored meals naturally come at a higher price point. The Farmer’s Dog is considerably more expensive than many mainstream dog food brands. However, for many pet owners, the tangible health benefits and peace of mind justify the increased investment.
- Storage Requirements: Due to the fresh nature of the food and the absence of preservatives, it must be stored in either the refrigerator or freezer. This could present a challenge for households with limited storage space.
- Limited Variety: While the brand offers several distinct recipes, some dogs or owners might desire a broader range of flavors or alternative protein sources. If your dog has specific protein sensitivities, you might also want to understand what meat not to feed dogs.
We’ve conducted a full, in-depth The Farmer’s Dog review on our site, but here’s our quick take: The Farmer’s Dog truly offers a fresh and wholesome alternative to traditional dog food. Its emphasis on high-quality, human-grade ingredients and personalization stands out in an industry often focused on mass production. While it is a pricier option, the potential health benefits and convenience often make it a worthwhile investment for many pet owners.
Thumbnail of a video review of The Farmer's Dog unboxing and dog's reaction
In the video above, you can see an unboxing of The Farmer’s Dog and our canine reviewer’s reaction to the food.
The Value Proposition: Is The Farmer’s Dog Worth the Investment?
When assessing whether The Farmer’s Dog cost aligns with your pet’s nutritional needs and your budget, it’s essential to compare it with other dog food options available on the market.
For example, a decent mass-market commercial kibble might cost around $1 per day for a 25-pound dog and approximately $2 per day for a 55-pound dog. This is significantly less expensive than The Farmer’s Dog, which, as we’ve seen, ranges from $2.49 to $11.30 per day for most dogs, going up to $21.42 per day for larger breeds.
However, this comparison isn’t quite an “apples to apples” one. A well-rounded meal crafted from whole, fresh ingredients is fundamentally different from many processed kibbles. According to The Farmer’s Dog website, “All of our ingredients are human-grade and sourced from restaurant suppliers, local farms or other human food purveyors. We never use feed-grade ingredients, and we don’t process our ingredients to be shelf-stable, getting the most natural nutrients available.” This stark difference in ingredient quality and processing explains the price disparity.
The True Cost of Feeding Your Dog
Petfinder estimates that the average person spends up to $550 a year on food for their dog. However, food expenses can vary dramatically based on your dog’s size, activity levels, and, most importantly, the quality of the food.
The adage “you get what you pay for” often holds true in pet nutrition. Opting for highly processed commercial dog food might seem cheaper upfront, but it could lead to increased veterinary bills in the long run. Jeffrey Levy, DVM, PCH, emphasizes this point: “Not only can you see the signs of improved health with a more natural dog food, but you will also save money in the long run due to fewer and lower veterinary bills. The healthier your pet is, the less likely s/he will be to have fleas, skin problems, allergies… and many other common disease problems.” Choosing high-quality, human-grade food can be a proactive investment in your dog’s long-term health, reducing common issues and improving overall well-being.
What Type of Food Is Best for Your Dog?
Veterinary understanding of canine nutrition has advanced considerably. Decades ago, dogs were primarily considered carnivores, but now experts recognize them as omnivores. Despite this, many dog food manufacturers still employ deceptive tactics, leading consumers to believe they are purchasing balanced and nutritious products. It’s also important to be aware of what are all the foods dogs can’t eat when considering diet choices.
Some proteins found in conventional dog foods are not easily digestible. For example, corn, a common ingredient in many widely available dog foods, is one of the least digestible proteins, according to PetMD, especially when compared to muscle meats, organ meats, and egg whites. Furthermore, many raw materials deemed unfit for human consumption can legally be incorporated into dog food. To provide carbohydrates, some manufacturers resort to cheap grains that offer energy but are deficient in other vital vitamins and minerals.
Most dog foods found on grocery store shelves are formulated to meet the minimum nutritional requirements for an average dog. However, your dog’s unique health, metabolism, and activity level might differ significantly from the typical canine.
This raises the question of whether cooking fresh dog food from scratch is a better option. While homemade meals offer control over ingredients, the convenience factor for many pet owners is crucial. The Farmer’s Dog provides a happy medium, offering customized, fresh meals without the time commitment of home cooking. It’s a convenient way to ensure your dog receives human-grade ingredients and balanced nutrition. For those curious about human foods, you might wonder what can dogs eat peanut butter or even what human foods do dogs love.
Yes, The Farmer’s Dog subscription is worth the cost, in our opinion. It delivers personalized meal plans formulated by veterinary nutritionists, providing your dog with the fresh, human-grade ingredients they truly need. The recipes are prepared in their kitchens, then frozen and delivered to your door in an insulated box.
Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, The Farmer’s Dog offers customized nutrition. Their grain-free meal plans typically feature ingredients like chicken, beef, turkey, pork, carrots, green beans, broccoli, sweet potatoes, chickpeas, lentils, and spinach.
The Farmer’s Dog cost varies, ranging from about $3 a day for a small dog to around $10 for an energetic Lab mix. This pricing reflects your pet’s unique needs and the high quality of the food.
We love seeing feedback like this from other dog owners:
Consider giving The Farmer’s Dog a try. You’ll likely observe a noticeable difference in your dog’s health and vitality.
The Farmer’s Dog – 50% Off Trial
For a limited time, you can get an amazing 50% off your first order of The Farmer’s Dog. No promo code is required; simply visit their website. This is an excellent opportunity to let your pup thrive on a healthy, wholesome diet that’s arguably the closest you can get to homemade.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much does The Farmer’s Dog cost?
The Farmer’s Dog generally costs between $2.49 and $11.30 per day for most dogs, and up to $21.42 per day for the largest breeds. This depends on factors like your dog’s weight, breed, and activity level. Our research, testing various dog profiles from 1-200 lbs, showed prices within this range.
How much does The Farmer’s Dog cost for puppies?
Generally, The Farmer’s Dog costs more per pound during your dog’s puppy stage due to their intense growth and developmental needs. The price typically peaks early in their growth phase and gradually decreases as they approach adulthood. Larger breeds, which take longer to reach maturity, may maintain higher costs for a longer period.
How much does The Farmer’s Dog cost per week?
Depending on your dog’s size and other individual factors, The Farmer’s Dog can cost between $17.00 and $150.00 per week.
How much does The Farmer’s Dog cost per month?
Based on your dog’s size and other variables, the monthly cost for The Farmer’s Dog typically ranges from $75 to $675.
Where to buy The Farmer’s Dog food?
The Farmer’s Dog operates on a direct-to-consumer, subscription-based model. You sign up for a plan, and boxes of fresh-frozen dog food are delivered directly to your door on a recurring schedule.
Why is The Farmer’s Dog so expensive?
The Farmer’s Dog is priced higher due to its commitment to fresh, human-grade ingredients in custom recipes. Their food is free from fillers and grains, often formulated by board-certified veterinary nutritionists. The high quality of ingredients and meticulous preparation process contribute to the premium cost of their subscription meal plans.
Conclusion
Understanding The Farmer’s Dog cost involves more than just looking at a price tag; it’s about evaluating the investment in your dog’s health and well-being. While it represents a higher financial commitment compared to conventional kibble, the benefits of fresh, human-grade, and customized nutrition are substantial. From improved digestion and coat health to enhanced energy levels and potentially fewer veterinary visits down the road, the value proposition extends far beyond the daily cost.
The Farmer’s Dog offers transparency in its ingredients, convenience in its delivery, and a personalized approach that caters to your dog’s unique needs. For pet owners who prioritize quality and are looking for a diet that closely mimics homemade meals without the fuss, The Farmer’s Dog presents a compelling option. We encourage you to weigh the costs against the long-term health benefits and consider giving your dog the gift of fresh, nutritious food.
