If you’ve ever looked at your dog’s kibble and thought, “This looks like packing peanuts,” you’re not alone. More and more pet owners are steering clear of the supermarket aisle and choosing dog food that reads more like a farmer’s market shopping list than a chemistry experiment.
This is where services like The Farmer’s Dog step in. Instead of having brown pellets in a bag, you get ready-to-serve meals made with real meat and vegetables, with absolutely no guesswork involved. It’s fresh, human-grade dog food delivered directly to your doorstep, and it’s customized according to your pup’s age, weight, and health requirements.
But, does fresher necessarily mean better? And perhaps more crucially, is it worth the additional cost, space in your refrigerator, and the subscription commitment?
Dog food might not be the most exciting topic for a coffee chat, but if you’re like most dog owners, you’ve wondered: does “premium” actually means healthier, or is it just a result of slick marketing? This article cuts through the clutter. We break down the working of The Farmer’s Dog service, the actual ingredients in the food, pros and cons, pricing, and its comparison with kibble.
This isn’t sponsored fluff, but just the details you need to determine if fresh dog food is truly worth transitioning to.
Let’s explore this further.
What Is The Farmer’s Dog?
The Farmer’s Dog is a subscription-based dog food delivery service that ships freshly made, human-grade meals directly to your door. Instead of dry kibble or over-processed canned food, your pup gets fresh, gently cooked meals made with real meat and vegetables—formulated by veterinary nutritionists.
Here’s what makes it stand out:
- Human-grade ingredients: Each meal uses real meat, veggies, and nutrients acceptable for human consumption. You could eat it yourself, though we won’t judge if you don’t.
- Custom-made for your dog: Meals are tailored based on your dog’s age, breed, weight, and activity level, so you’re not guessing portion sizes or nutritional needs.
- Made in USDA kitchens: Food is prepared in facilities that meet the same safety standards as human food, then flash frozen to lock in freshness.
- Convenient delivery: Meals arrive cold-packed and ready to store in your freezer. No last-minute pet store runs or lifting heavy kibble bags.
Unlike traditional pet food, The Farmer’s Dog avoids fillers, meat by-products, and mystery ingredients. Every recipe is designed for better digestion, higher energy, and visible improvements like shinier coats and healthier stools.
If your dog’s current diet feels low-budget and high-processing, this might be the upgrade they (and you) need. While it’s pricier than typical dog food, you’re paying for transparency, balanced nutrition, and a real step up in quality.
Still wondering if it’s right for your dog? Stick around as we break down how it works, pros and cons, price, and whether it’s truly worth it in your home.
How The Farmer’s Dog Works
Getting started with The Farmer’s Dog is about as easy as feeding leftovers under the table—but with way better nutrition. The whole process is designed to be quick, personalized, and hands-off once you’re set up.

Step 1: Take the Quiz
First, head to The Farmer’s Dog website and fill out a brief quiz about your pup. You’ll enter details like:
- Age and breed
- Weight and body condition
- Activity level
- Any health concerns or allergies
These questions help build your dog’s custom meal plan.
Step 2: Get a Personalized Plan
Based on your answers, The Farmer’s Dog formulates a nutrition profile tailored to your dog’s specific needs. You’ll get a breakdown of daily calories, recipe suggestions, and a recommended feeding schedule.
Each meal is portioned for your dog’s size and goals—whether that’s weight loss, maintenance, or just premium daily fuel.
Step 3: Delivery to Your Door
Meals are freshly cooked in USDA-approved kitchens, frozen, and shipped cold to lock in nutrients. They arrive packed with eco-friendly insulation and are ready to store in your freezer.
Each packet is labeled by day and meal so you know exactly what and how much to serve.
Step 4: Feed and Adjust as Needed
Feeding time is simple: just thaw, snip open a pack, and serve. You can rotate between recipes if your pup likes variety, and adjust your plan anytime via your online dashboard.
Subscriptions are flexible—you can pause, skip deliveries, or cancel without jumping through hoops.
See your custom plan and start your trial box here.
Meal Options & Ingredients
The Farmer’s Dog keeps things simple but effective with four core fresh recipes: turkey, beef, pork, and chicken. Each one is crafted with human-grade meat, nutrient-dense vegetables, and zero additives—no fillers, no preservatives, no grains pretending to be protein.

Available Recipes
- Turkey Recipe: Light and easy to digest, this mix blends turkey, chickpeas, carrots, broccoli, and spinach. A good pick for dogs with sensitive stomachs or weight issues.
- Beef Recipe: A heartier option with beef, sweet potatoes, lentils, carrots, and kale. Best for active dogs needing more calories.
- Pork Recipe: Often overlooked in dog food, pork is a great novel protein option for pups with common allergies.
- Chicken Recipe: Balanced, lean protein with chicken, Brussels sprouts, bok choy, and broccoli.
You can mix and match recipes within your dog’s personalized plan so picky eaters get variety and allergy-prone dogs can avoid triggers.
Ingredient Quality
- Real meat first: Every recipe starts with human-grade protein you’d recognize from your fridge.
- Whole veggies: Ingredients like carrots, spinach, and kale are gently cooked to retain maximum nutrients.
- Zero junk: No by-products, no artificial preservatives, no corn, wheat, or soy.
Bonus: Sensitive Stomachs Welcome
Whether your dog has allergies, food sensitivities, or just won’t touch dry kibble, The Farmer’s Dog is designed for digestibility. Many pet parents report improved stool quality, less gas, and fewer vet visits after switching.
Want to explore the meal options yourself? Start with a trial box and see what your dog likes best.

Pros and Cons
Let’s be real: even the most Instagrammable dog food delivery service will have trade-offs. Below is a straight-shooting breakdown of The Farmer’s Dog’s biggest wins and where the experience could use some tweaks.
Pros
- Vet-Developed and Fresh: Meals are formulated by veterinary nutritionists and cooked fresh—not rendered into brown pebbles.
- Personalized Portions: Your dog’s meals are tailored to their age, breed, weight, and activity level. That means no more guesswork with scoops or cups.
- Convenient Delivery: Pre-portioned food arrives on a schedule, frozen and ready to store. No weekly store runs or emergency kibble bags.
- Healthier Ingredients: Real meat, real veggies, no fillers, and nothing sketchy. Just food you can actually pronounce.
- Eco-Friendly Packaging: The insulation and meal packaging are recyclable or compostable, which makes cleanup one less headache.
Cons
- Higher Cost: If you’re coming from budget kibble, the price jump is real. A small dog might average $3 a day, but a large breed? Closer to $10.
- Freezer Space Required: These meals aren’t shelf-stable. You’ll need to carve out freezer room and thaw them ahead of mealtime.
- Packaging Isn’t Resealable: Once a pouch is opened, you’ll likely want a reusable container to store leftovers cleanly.
- Budget Limitations for Big Dogs: Feeding a 100-pound pup with premium food gets expensive fast. It’s a better fit cost-wise for small to medium breeds.
Is The Farmer’s Dog right for every household? Not necessarily. But if your priorities are health, convenience, and transparency, the pros here pack more punch than the cons.
Try The Farmer’s Dog here and get meals tailored to your dog’s needs, delivered straight to your freezer.
Customer Experience and Support
Here’s where The Farmer’s Dog really stands out: customer service and usability. If you’ve ever wrestled with a confusing subscription platform or waited days for a response from support, you’ll be pleasantly surprised here.
What You Can Expect:
- Responsive Support Team
Whether you have questions about transitioning your pup to fresh food or need help with shipping, their team typically responds within 24 hours. Customers often describe the support reps as friendly, thoughtful, and eager to solve problems—not just pass you to the next person. - Easy-to-Use Website Dashboard
Need to tweak your delivery schedule before vacation or adjust your dog’s meal plan after a weight change? The online dashboard is refreshingly user-friendly. You can edit portion sizes, switch up recipes, or pause deliveries with just a few clicks. - Flexible Subscription Options
Life changes. So should your dog food plan. With The Farmer’s Dog, there’s no penalty for skipping a delivery, pausing your subscription, or even canceling. It’s built with real-life dog parents in mind. - Money-Back Guarantee
Not thrilled? They stand by their product. If your dog isn’t loving the food or you have issues with your first order, you’re eligible for a refund via their satisfaction guarantee. That kind of confidence tells you a lot.
Whether you’re tech-savvy or just want things to be simple, The Farmer’s Dog makes managing your subscription virtually stress-free. Curious to try it out? You can order your first box here and see how your dog responds.
Price Breakdown
Let’s talk numbers. The cost of a subscription with The Farmer’s Dog isn’t one-size-fits-all—it’s personalized just like the meals. Pricing depends on your dog’s breed, weight, age, and activity level, as well as the recipes you choose. But here’s what you can generally expect:
Average Daily Costs by Dog Size
- Small dog (under 20 lbs): Around $2 to $3 per day
- Medium dog (20–50 lbs): Roughly $4 to $6 per day
- Large dog (50–100+ lbs): Between $8 and $10 per day
That includes free shipping and the value of the custom trial box. If you’ve got a particularly large breed or a multi-dog household, costs can add up fast. But if you’re feeding a small or medium-sized dog, it’s often comparable to premium kibble when you factor in vet bills and health benefits.
What Impacts the Cost?
- Activity level. Energetic dogs need more calories, which slightly increases your cost.
- Breed and age. Puppies and certain breeds may require more tailored nutritional profiles.
- Recipe selection. All recipes are priced similarly, but ingredient costs can vary slightly.
How to Save
While it’s a premium product, The Farmer’s Dog does offer occasional promotions. New customers can frequently get 50% off the first box, which is a great way to test the food without committing long term.
For what it’s worth, many dog parents say the visible health improvements make every cent worth it. After all, fewer vet visits and less prescription food can save you in the long run.

Health Benefits of The Farmer’s Dog Food
Switching from generic dog food to fresh, real food from The Farmer’s Dog can have a quick and visible impact on your dog’s health. Many dog owners have observed significant improvements within just a few weeks of making the switch. The health benefits of The Farmer’s Dog food include:
Shinier Coat, Healthier Skin
The first sign of improved nutrition often includes a glossy coat and reduced skin problems. The high-quality animal protein, omega fatty acids, and absence of artificial additives in The Farmer’s Dog meals often result in less scratching and a healthier look for dogs.
Improved Digestion
Wave goodbye to issues like bloating, gas, and scooting. The food from The Farmer’s Dog is made with minimally processed, human-grade ingredients, making it easier for your pet to digest. The pre-portioned meals also prevent overeating and can reduce upset stomach problems.
Boosted Energy Levels
Feeding your dog real meat, balanced nutrients, and zero filler carbs can significantly increase their daily energy levels. Whether it terms of playful antics or longer walks, owners frequently observe their pets moving more and feeling better.
Fewer Food Sensitivities and Allergies
Switching to The Farmer’s Dog can lead to reduced food sensitivities due to the absence of low-grade ingredients and presence of whole-food recipes. For pets suffering from chronic ear infections, itchy paws, or runny stools, this switch can markedly improve their quality of life.
Peace of Mind
Arguably, the biggest benefit may be for you, the owner. Knowing the exact composition of your dog’s food and that it’s been designed by veterinary nutritionists eliminates the stress of guessing what to feed your pet.
In short, choosing cleaner ingredients and vet-designed recipes can translate into discernable health benefits for your dog. This isn’t just marketing hype. It’s a daily, observable difference in your pet’s health and happiness.
Ready to see these changes in your pet? Start with a trial box today.
Is The Farmer’s Dog Right for Your Dog?
Let’s be real, not every dog (or dog parent) is the right fit for a premium food subscription. The Farmer’s Dog offers custom, fresh meals that can work wonders for some pups, but it also comes with costs and logistics that may not suit every household. Here’s how to figure out if it’s a practical — and beneficial — choice for your situation.
Ideal for:
- Picky eaters: If your dog snubs dry kibble or canned food, fresh meals from The Farmer’s Dog can be a game-changer. The aroma alone usually wins them over.
- Dogs with digestive issues: Many owners report less bloating, firmer stools, and minimized allergy flare-ups.
- Busy owners: Pre-portioned packs mean no measuring, scooping, or second-guessing how much to feed.
- People who want transparency: You’ll know every single ingredient going into your dog’s bowl.
Not ideal for:
- Tight budgets: If the idea of spending $100–$250 per month on dog food is a no-go, the price tag will be a barrier.
- Multi-dog households: Feeding two or more large dogs fresh meals daily can quickly rack up costs.
- Tiny freezers: The food arrives frozen and needs freezer storage. If you’re low on space, it might feel like a juggling act.
Bottom line, The Farmer’s Dog is for pet parents who see their dog’s diet as an investment in health, not just a line item in their budget. If your dog has sensitivities or you’re tired of guessing what’s really in that bag of kibble, this service is worth a closer look. For everyone else, it might be more of a “someday” upgrade.
Already curious? Get 50% off your first box and let your dog decide.
The Farmer’s Dog vs Traditional Dog Food
When comparing The Farmer’s Dog to regular kibble or canned food, the differences are quite prominent. If you’ve ever questioned what’s really in that bag of bargain-brand dog food, you’re asking the right question. Here’s a side-by-side breakdown to help you see what you’re paying for and what your dog gets in return.
Ingredient Quality
- The Farmer’s Dog: Uses human-grade ingredients that you could safely eat yourself. We’re talking about USDA-certified meats and real veggies including carrots, spinach, and lentils.
- Traditional Dog Food: Often relies on animal by-products, meal powders, and artificial preservatives.
Cooking and Processing
- The Farmer’s Dog: Meals are gently cooked in USDA-certified kitchens. This method retains more nutrients and keeps ingredients digestible.
- Traditional Dog Food: Typically cooked at very high temperatures and pressure, which can decrease nutritional value.
Customization and Nutrition
- The Farmer’s Dog: Each plan is personalized to your pup’s size, breed, activity level, and health goals. You get perfectly portioned meals per delivery.
- Traditional Dog Food: Offers one-size-fits-all bags with feeding charts that often overestimate or underestimate your dog’s needs.
Convenience
- The Farmer’s Dog: Delivered frozen every few weeks. You store it in the freezer, thaw it, and serve. Simple.
- Traditional Dog Food: While it is shelf-stable and scooped from a bag, you still have to either make a store run or schedule reorders.
Cost Perspective
Indeed, The Farmer’s Dog is more expensive. But you’re paying for measurable quality and potentially fewer vet visits in the future.
If you’re inclined to abandon the dry food and feed your dog real food tailored for their unique needs, this might be your chance.
Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?
In short, yes. The Farmer’s Dog is worth it for most pet parents who prioritize health, convenience, and quality.
If your dog is part of the family (and let’s be honest, aren’t they all?), then feeding them better food can lead to real benefits. These include:
- Shinier coats,
- More consistent digestion,
- Fewer visits to the vet.
For picky eaters and dogs with sensitivities, The Farmer’s Dog can be a game-changer.
Quality of Meals
The meals are formulated by vets and include human-grade meats and veggies. There are no sketchy by-products. Consider also the tailored meal plan, automatic deliveries, and less guesswork at mealtime. It’s easy to see why many owners are making the switch.
Drawbacks
It’s important to note that The Farmer’s Dog may not be for everyone. The main deal-breakers could be:
- Price
- Limited freezer space
If you have a Great Dane and a limited grocery budget, this product might stretch things. However, many owners still think the benefits outweigh the cost.
Final Thoughts
Choose The Farmer’s Dog if
- You want your dog to eat real, specially made food.
- You’re done with kibble that might be full of fillers.
- You value the convenience of delivery and portion control.
Skip it if
- You’re on a tight budget and need to feed multiple large dogs.
- Your kitchen space or freezer can’t accommodate more.
Trial Offers
Want to try before you fully commit? Then you are in luck! Get 50% off your first order and see how your pup responds. Most dogs love the food so much they finish it off quickly.
Upgrade Your Dog’s Dinner Time
Try The Farmer’s Dog – 50% Off First Box
Promo code: Auto-applied at checkout
You can now get 50% off your first order of freshly cooked, human-grade meals customized for your dog’s needs. Cooked in USDA kitchens and delivered to your door, it’s the simplest way to feed fresh.
See the difference fresh food makes. Order your trial box today.
If you’re ready to stop guessing what’s really in your dog’s bowl and start serving food with actual nutrition, now is the time. The Farmer’s Dog delivers balanced, vet-crafted meals made with real ingredients your dog can actually recognize—and your vet might even approve, too.
The sign-up process is quick, the portions are pre-measured for your dog’s exact needs, and yes, picky eaters tend to be all-in after the first sniff. Plus, you can pause, skip, or adjust shipments anytime. No phone calls or headaches required.
Still not sure? Take advantage of their limited-time offer: get 50% off your first order. It’s a low-risk way to test this fresh food subscription and see if your pup thrives on a whole-food diet.
Try The Farmer’s Dog now and get 50% off
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