The Pros and Cons of Farmer’s Dog Food (Honest Breakdown)
If you’re a dog parent in the U.S. and care deeply about what goes into your pet’s bowl, chances are you’ve heard about Farmer’s Dog Food. This fresh dog food subscription service has taken the pet world by storm, with glossy ads promising better health, longer lives, and shinier coats for our beloved companions. But is it all marketing magic, or does Farmer’s Dog Food actually live up to the hype?
In this detailed guide, we’re giving you an honest, no-nonsense breakdown of the pros and cons of Farmer’s Dog Food. Whether you’re a new pet owner looking for nutrition advice or a seasoned dog lover doing a routine pet health checklist, this article is for you.
What is Farmer’s Dog Food?
Farmer’s Dog Food is a direct-to-consumer pet food company that delivers freshly prepared, human-grade meals tailored to your dog’s nutritional needs. Unlike traditional kibble, Farmer’s Dog meals are made with whole ingredients like chicken, beef, sweet potatoes, lentils, and spinach, cooked gently to preserve nutrients.
Each meal plan is personalized based on your dog’s breed, age, activity level, weight, and health conditions. Everything is shipped cold and arrives ready to store in your fridge or freezer.
Pros of Farmer’s Dog Food
1. High-Quality, Human-Grade Ingredients
One of the most compelling benefits of Farmer’s Dog Food is the ingredient quality. Every meal is made from USDA-approved meats and vegetables. No fillers, artificial preservatives, or sketchy by-products — just real food you’d recognize on your own plate.
2. Personalized Meal Plans
The food isn’t just fresh — it’s tailored. You provide your dog’s details in an onboarding quiz, and they generate portion sizes and recipes that suit your pet’s specific needs. This is a great option for new pet owners looking for guidance without the guesswork.
3. Veterinarian-Formulated Recipes
The company works with board-certified veterinary nutritionists to ensure every recipe meets AAFCO standards. For dog owners who follow a pet health checklist, this is a major plus.
4. Convenient Subscription Model
Farmer’s Dog Food is delivered right to your doorstep, so you never have to worry about running out of food. You can manage your subscription online, adjust shipping dates, pause deliveries, or cancel anytime.
5. Improved Digestion and Coat Health
Many pet parents report seeing changes in their dog’s health, from smaller, less frequent stools to shinier coats and higher energy levels. For dogs with allergies or sensitive stomachs, the limited ingredient recipes can be a game-changer.
6. Transparency and Traceability
The company is open about where its ingredients come from and how the food is prepared. Each package is labeled with your dog’s name, feeding instructions, and a use-by date.
Cons of Farmer’s Dog Food
1. Higher Cost
Let’s be honest — quality doesn’t come cheap. Depending on your dog’s size and needs, plans can range from $2 to $10 per day. For a large breed or multi-dog household, this can add up quickly.
2. Storage Requirements
Since the food is fresh, it needs to be refrigerated or frozen. If you’re tight on fridge space, managing multiple packs of food might be inconvenient.
3. Transition Period
Some dogs may experience a brief adjustment period when switching from kibble to fresh food. Loose stools or temporary appetite loss can happen. It’s best to follow the company’s first vet visit guide or consult your vet before switching diets.
4. Not Suitable for Every Dog
Although most dogs thrive on fresh food, some may require special diets not offered by Farmer’s Dog. For example, dogs with severe food allergies, pancreatitis, or kidney disease may need custom vet-prescribed diets.
5. Subscription-Only Model
You can’t pick up Farmer’s Dog at your local pet store. Everything is done online, which may be a downside if you prefer in-person service or need something last-minute.
Who is Farmer’s Dog Food Best For?
Farmer’s Dog Food is ideal for pet parents who:
- Value fresh, high-quality ingredients
- Prefer subscription convenience
- Have small to medium-sized dogs
- Are willing to invest in premium pet care
It’s especially helpful for those exploring new pet owner tips, or who want to improve their pet’s nutrition and overall health.
Tips for Making the Switch
- Start Slowly – Mix Farmer’s Dog Food with your current dog food to help with the transition.
- Monitor Changes – Watch for changes in stool, energy levels, coat condition, and appetite.
- Talk to Your Vet – Especially if your dog has existing health issues.
- Order a Trial – Farmer’s Dog often offers discounts for new users. Try a 2-week trial before committing.
Real Customer Experiences
Many U.S. pet owners have shared glowing reviews:
“My senior dog had digestive issues for years. After switching to Farmer’s Dog, she’s like a puppy again!”
“Yes, it’s more expensive than kibble — but the difference in my dog’s coat and energy is incredible.”
Of course, not every review is five stars:
“Great food, but I wish they had more recipe options or a way to pick up in-store.”
FAQs About Farmer’s Dog Food
Q: Is Farmer’s Dog Food raw or cooked?
A: The meals are gently cooked to preserve nutrients but are not raw. They’re ready to serve as-is.
Q: Can I feed Farmer’s Dog Food to puppies?
A: Yes, but you’ll need to provide your pup’s age, weight, and breed when signing up so the food can be portioned properly.
Q: How do I store the food?
A: Keep unopened packs in the fridge or freezer. Once opened, use within four days.
Q: Does Farmer’s Dog Food require supplements?
A: No. The meals are complete and balanced, formulated to meet AAFCO standards.
Q: Can I cancel or pause my subscription?
A: Absolutely. The subscription is flexible, and you can manage everything through your account dashboard.
Photo by MART PRODUCTION