Bringing a new furry family member home is an exciting time, and ensuring they have the best nutrition is paramount. For those seeking a healthier alternative to traditional kibble, fresh dog food delivery services have surged in popularity. After rigorously testing various options throughout 2023, The Farmer’s Dog emerged as a standout choice, praised for its balance of affordability, quality, and canine approval. This review delves into a comprehensive evaluation of The Farmer’s Dog, examining everything from the ordering process to the very last lick of the bowl.
The Farmer’s Dog, established in 2014, has carved a niche in the pet food industry by delivering freshly prepared, frozen meals directly to consumers’ doors. Offering a convenient two-week trial box, often with a significant introductory discount, the service aims to make premium nutrition accessible. This review will explore the user experience, ingredient quality, and, most importantly, the canine reception of The Farmer’s Dog. Insights from fellow pet owners and experts, like Jaclyn Turner, senior home editor for Business Insider Reviews, who tested the service extensively, are incorporated to provide a well-rounded perspective.
How The Farmer’s Dog Works: Recipes, Ordering, and Delivery
The Farmer’s Dog prioritizes nutritional integrity, with all its recipes formulated to meet the nutritional standards set forth by the American Association of Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) for both puppies and adult dogs. Furthermore, the brand adheres to the Global Nutrition Guidelines established by the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA). These guidelines are considered a benchmark by veterinarians for selecting quality pet food. The company has also invested in rigorous testing, including feeding trials that meet AAFCO standards and a year-long study in collaboration with the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine.
The Farmer’s Dog offers a diverse selection of five distinct recipes: beef, chicken, turkey, pork, and a chicken and grain option. Each recipe is enriched with salmon oil, a valuable source of omega-3 fatty acids. Research indicates that the best fish oil for dogs can significantly contribute to a dog’s skin, joint, immune, and cardiovascular health.
| 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% minCrude 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% minCrude 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% minCrude 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% minCrude fiber: 1.5% max Moisture: 74.5% max |
The ordering process begins with a detailed questionnaire about your dog, covering essential information such as age, weight, breed, and activity level. This data allows The Farmer’s Dog to create a personalized meal plan. Upon order confirmation, you’ll receive an email detailing billing and shipping information.
While The Farmer’s Dog provides recipe recommendations based on your dog’s profile, you have the flexibility to select your own combination of up to three recipes. However, it’s important to note that the service does not currently offer customization for specific food intolerances or allergies. Deliveries are scheduled to ensure a consistent supply of food, and customers can easily pause shipments or adjust their delivery frequency as needed.
A Deep Dive into The Farmer’s Dog Experience
My personal experience with The Farmer’s Dog began after completing the online questionnaire, which led to an order that proved to be among the most cost-effective fresh dog food options tested. For a 50-pound active dog, a two-week supply typically ranges from $110 to $122, contingent on the selected recipes.
My order arrived promptly a few business days after shipping. The initial delivery included a complimentary storage container, an insulated tote bag, and a bag of treats. While the dry ice had dissipated by the time I unpacked, leaving the top recipe thawed, the food remained cold and safe to consume. It’s advisable to unpack and store the food immediately upon arrival, as noted by Turner, whose delivery arrived completely frozen. The thoughtfully designed packaging, featuring long, stackable pouches, proved exceptionally convenient for freezer storage, fitting neatly even in narrower freezers.
Serving the food was remarkably straightforward. Each pouch was clearly labeled with feeding instructions, eliminating the need to consult online accounts for guidance. The visual appeal of the meals was striking; the ingredients were discernible, resembling a homemade stew rather than typical wet dog food. Turner echoed this sentiment, appreciating the ability to identify ingredients like lentils, carrots, and kale, and noting the food’s fresh, casserole-like aroma.
My 50-pound pit mix, Lyla, enthusiastically embraced both the beef and turkey recipes, consistently finishing her meals, a feat many dog foods fail to achieve. Similarly, Reese, Turner’s 20-pound cavapoo, showed a clear preference for the chicken and grain and beef recipes, though he enjoyed the turkey and chicken options as well. Turner observed Reese’s eagerness for more, suggesting a strong positive reception to the food’s taste.
Potential Drawbacks to Consider
Despite its many strengths, The Farmer’s Dog has a few areas for improvement. Navigating the website to find detailed recipe information can be challenging, often requiring completion of the feeding questionnaire and submission of an email address before ingredient lists and nutritional data become accessible. This lack of upfront transparency was a point of frustration during the review process.
Another consideration is the limited number of grain-inclusive options. While The Farmer’s Dog recently introduced one such recipe, owners seeking a broader selection of grain-inclusive foods might find JustFoodForDogs, Freshpet, or Nom Nom to be more suitable alternatives.
It is also important to be aware that The Farmer’s Dog includes choline bitartrate in its formulations. While present in many fresh dog foods and supplements, research has linked this ingredient to a rare type of bladder stone in dogs. Pet owners whose dogs have a history of CTT stones should consult their veterinarian to discuss dietary modifications.
The Verdict: A Top Contender in Fresh Dog Food
The Farmer’s Dog stands out as an excellent fresh dog food delivery service, offering nutritious and palatable meals that dogs genuinely love. The convenience of storage and serving further elevates its appeal. While the company could enhance its website’s navigability and offer more recipe variety, The Farmer’s Dog remains a compelling choice for pet owners seeking an affordable, convenient, and high-quality subscription for their canine companions.
Check price at The Farmer’s Dog
References
- American Association of Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). (n.d.). Official Publication.
- Insider Reviews. (n.d.). Best Fresh Dog Food Delivery Services.
- The Farmer’s Dog. (n.d.). Does The Farmer’s Dog Do AAFCO Feeding Trials?
- The Farmer’s Dog. (n.d.). Recipes.
- World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA). (n.d.). Global Nutrition Guidelines.
