The Farmer’s Dog — Negative Reviews & Customer Complaints

These ten points cover every major complaint category documented in verified consumer reports. Short answers first, full context below each. Read these before subscribing — they cover what the brand’s marketing does not.

• 1
  What are the biggest complaints about The Farmer’s Dog? 5 recurring complaint categories: stomach/GI illness · billing after cancellation · delivery failures · packaging problems · dismissive customer service for serious issues

  The most consistent negative pattern across BBB, Trustpilot, and ComplaintsBoard is gastrointestinal illness — vomiting, diarrhea, and in some cases pancreatitis diagnoses — appearing within days to weeks of starting the food. The second most common complaint involves billing: customers being charged after formally requesting cancellation, charged earlier than expected (“14-day trial” billed at 10 days), or unable to stop shipments already labeled as “in preparation.” Delivery complaints include food arriving at 2 a.m., left in building lobbies instead of doorsteps, and arriving late — critical for a perishable product. Packaging complaints focus on non-resealable bags, strong odors, and the amount of freezer space required for a month’s supply for medium or large dogs. Customer service complaints divide clearly: routine questions get attentive, compassionate responses, but complaints about sick dogs or unauthorized charges frequently receive responses described by customers as dismissive, formulaic, and unwilling to take responsibility.
• 2
  What are the downsides of Farmer’s Dog food? 6 documented downsides beyond complaints: high cost · fat content too high for some dogs · grain-free legume risk for cardiac-prone breeds · requires freezer space · short shelf life demands planning · subscription model traps

  The most nutritionally significant downside is fat content. When the as-fed numbers on the label are converted to dry matter basis — the only valid nutritional comparison — the recipes range from 18.7% fat (Turkey) to 28.5% fat (Beef). Veterinary nutritionists consistently recommend under 15% dry matter fat for pancreatitis-prone dogs, which means every Farmer’s Dog recipe exceeds the safe threshold for high-risk individuals. The grain-free legume issue is a separate concern: two of the four core recipes (Turkey with chickpeas; Beef with lentils) contain the grain-free legume ingredients that the FDA has been investigating for a possible link to dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs — particularly relevant for Golden Retrievers, Doberman Pinschers, and Boxers. Cost is a practical limitation: a 60-pound dog costs roughly $12–$16 per day, or $360–$480 per month — 3 to 10 times more expensive than comparable quality dry food. The subscription model requires ongoing management — customers must actively track and cancel before the order enters “preparation” status or they will be charged regardless. And unlike dry kibble, The Farmer’s Dog food must be stored frozen and used within days of thawing, requiring meaningful freezer capacity and daily planning that some households find burdensome.
• 3
  Can Farmer’s Dog cause stomach issues, diarrhea, and vomiting? Yes — for some dogs, particularly when transitioned too quickly or when fat content is too high for the individual · not universal · most dogs tolerate it well with proper introduction

  The BBB documents multiple verified accounts of dogs developing diarrhea, vomiting, and even pancreatitis within days to weeks of starting The Farmer’s Dog — particularly with the beef recipe, which has one of the highest fat contents in the line (28.5% dry matter basis). One customer reported their dog began defecating five times per day starting with the first order and worsened to severe diarrhea by December 2025. Another documented their dog vomiting immediately after eating the beef recipe and subsequently being diagnosed with pancreatitis, incurring $800 in veterinary bills. The critical context: stomach upset during any food transition is common and expected regardless of the brand. The Farmer’s Dog is dramatically different in texture, moisture content, and macronutrient profile compared to dry kibble — shifting a dog from low-fat kibble to a high-fat fresh food formula without a slow 7–10 day transition is a well-documented trigger for GI disruption. However, some complaints describe dogs that were transitioned correctly and still became ill — suggesting that certain individuals, particularly those with undiagnosed pancreatitis susceptibility or food sensitivities, may not tolerate specific Farmer’s Dog recipes regardless of transition speed.
• 4
  Is it hard to cancel The Farmer’s Dog subscription? Documented as harder than it should be · multiple BBB cases of charges after cancellation · “in preparation” policy locks orders even before shipping · always cancel via phone AND email simultaneously with screenshots

  One of the most documented and infuriating complaint categories involves the subscription cancellation process. A January 2026 BBB complaint describes a customer who provided written email proof that they requested cancellation on January 16 — before the order had shipped or even left the facility — and The Farmer’s Dog refused the cancellation and shipped the order the following day anyway. Another customer reported being charged $186 without prior notice, then being told that money would not be returned even though the cancellation had been sent nearly two weeks before the next shipment. A third complaint involved a customer billed after only 10 days of a stated “14-day” trial — not the 14 days the trial marketing implies. The Farmer’s Dog defends this with the operational complexity of preparing perishable food in advance — orders enter a “preparation” phase that the company treats as final. The practical protection: never rely on a single channel. Call (646) 780-7957 AND send simultaneous written notice to [email protected] — screenshot both immediately. Set a calendar reminder at least five days before each expected delivery date. Waiting until the day before or the day of delivery is too late under the brand’s current cancellation policy.
• 5
  Is the “60% off” trial offer from The Farmer’s Dog real? Partially real — the first box arrives at a reduced price, but ongoing subscription is full price · some promotions function as store credit toward future orders rather than a true upfront price reduction · read terms before enrolling

  The “60% off” promotion that appears prominently in The Farmer’s Dog advertising and affiliate marketing has generated legitimate customer confusion and several formal complaints. In some versions of the promotion, the discount is applied directly to the first box — a genuine price reduction on what you pay upfront. In other versions, particularly partner affiliate promotions, the “60% off” functions as store credit applied toward future orders — meaning you pay full price first, then receive credit against subsequent shipments, which effectively locks you into continuing the subscription to realize the savings. The consistent problem is that a customer who tries the food, finds their dog doesn’t tolerate it, and cancels after the first box may not receive any discount value at all — having paid full price for a product their dog cannot eat. The solution is straightforward but requires active verification before clicking “subscribe”: read the full terms on the specific promotion page, not the headline percentage. Ask customer service in writing before subscribing whether the discount applies to the first box upfront or as future order credit. Keep that written response.
• 6
  What delivery problems do customers report with The Farmer’s Dog? Documented delivery failures: food left in building lobbies not at doors · 2 a.m. deliveries · chronic delivery delays for perishable product · inconsistent delivery despite customized instructions added to carrier accounts

  For a company selling perishable food that requires a functional cold chain to remain safe, delivery reliability is not merely a convenience issue — it is a food safety issue. One BBB complaint describes a customer who paid $106 biweekly, lived on the sixth floor of a walk-up building with no elevator, had documented health issues preventing stair use, and shared detailed delivery instructions with The Farmer’s Dog and its carrier (OnTrac) — instructions that were repeatedly ignored. Another BBB review describes a delivery arriving at 2 a.m., with no meaningful resolution from the company. Multiple Trustpilot reviewers describe deliveries arriving late enough that they had to purchase alternative food to bridge the gap — an added cost on top of an already expensive subscription. The Farmer’s Dog contracts with regional and national carriers for last-mile delivery, and like all such arrangements, the carrier’s behavior is difficult for the brand to control at the door level. This is a structural limitation of the business model, not necessarily evidence of company-level negligence — but it is a real pattern that disproportionately affects customers in apartment buildings, rural areas, and households with mobility limitations who cannot easily accommodate irregular delivery windows.
• 7
  What are the packaging complaints about The Farmer’s Dog? Non-resealable individual packs · strong food odor · packaging not environmentally optimal · large freezer space requirement · inconsistent portion sizes reported · no perforated edge requires scissors daily

  The Farmer’s Dog ships food in individual pre-portioned flat packs that require scissors to open — a minor irritation that becomes a daily friction point for customers who use the food for every meal. Multiple reviewers specifically mention that the packs should have a perforated tear edge, and the absence of this simple design feature has been raised in reviews across multiple platforms for more than a year. The packaging cannot be resealed once opened, meaning any unused portion from a partially consumed pack must be transferred to a separate container immediately. The food’s strong aroma — from the fresh meat and organ content — is frequently noted as challenging, both during handling and in terms of refrigerator and freezer odor absorption. Freezer space is the most practical packaging-related limitation: for medium and large dogs receiving the food as a complete diet, a month’s supply can fill an entire apartment-sized chest freezer. The brand ships boxes packed with dry ice, and customers must plan adequate freezer capacity before each shipment arrives or face a food safety situation with nowhere to store a perishable delivery. Finally, several long-term customers report noticing inconsistent portion sizes between shipments — packs appearing smaller than in previous months without accompanying notification — a concern that touches on both value and caloric precision for dogs whose portions are medically managed.
• 8
  Is The Farmer’s Dog struggling as a business? No public evidence of business distress · serves hundreds of thousands of dogs nationwide · 1,619 Trustpilot reviews with 4-star average · continued $10 million veterinary research investment · WSAVA Diamond Partner · expanding product line

  The search query “is the Farmer’s Dog struggling?” generates significant volume, likely because the volume of negative reviews online creates an impression of widespread problems. The documented facts tell a different story from a business standpoint. The Farmer’s Dog has no public financial distress signals — no regulatory actions, no announced layoffs, no bankruptcy filings, and no reports of distribution failures as of early 2026. The brand has continued investing heavily in veterinary credentialing (employing four board-certified veterinary nutritionists), funded a multi-year feeding study at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, and achieved WSAVA Diamond Partner status — commitments that reflect ongoing institutional investment, not contraction. The 1,619 Trustpilot reviews maintain a 4-star average. The BBB accreditation obtained in September 2024 reflects a commitment to complaint resolution rather than conflict avoidance. The brand also recently expanded into grain-inclusive recipes — a direct response to the DCM and legume concerns raised by veterinary cardiologists — indicating market responsiveness, not defensive stagnation. The accurate picture: a business navigating the real challenges of subscription fresh food (perishability, delivery complexity, individual dog variation) at significant scale, with recurring operational friction that generates genuine complaints, while maintaining a substantial majority of satisfied customers.
• 9
  Who are the owners of The Farmer’s Dog? Did they quit? Founded by Brett Podolsky and Jonathan Regev in New York in 2014 · both remain involved · “Why did they quit?” refers to customers leaving the brand, not the founders · Jeremy Clarkson is NOT connected — he owns a pub in England with a similar name

  The Farmer’s Dog was founded in 2014 in New York City by Brett Podolsky and Jonathan Regev, two friends motivated by Podolsky’s personal experience with his dog Jada, who became seriously ill and responded well to a fresh food diet. Both founders remain involved with the company, which has grown from a startup into a nationally operating fresh dog food subscription service delivering to hundreds of thousands of households. The “did they quit” search query almost certainly reflects customers asking why people cancel and leave the subscription — not anything about the founders departing. The Jeremy Clarkson connection that generates significant search traffic is a naming coincidence: Clarkson, the British television personality of Top Gear and Clarkson’s Farm fame, owns a pub called The Farmer’s Dog in Chipping Norton, England, near his Diddly Squat Farm. This pub — which has faced its own planning permission controversies — has nothing whatsoever to do with the American dog food company. People searching “The Farmer’s Dog Jeremy Clarkson” and “The Farmer’s Dog pub” and “The Farmer’s Dog book” are finding content about Clarkson’s British agricultural enterprises, not the New York pet food brand. The overlap in search traffic creates a confusing information environment for people researching the dog food company.
• 10
  How do you cancel, get a refund, and report problems with The Farmer’s Dog? Cancel: call (646) 780-7957 AND email [email protected] simultaneously — screenshot both · Refund: request in writing with documentation · FDA report: fda.gov/animal-veterinary/report-problem · BBB complaint: bbb.org · cancel at least 5 days before next delivery

  If you have decided to cancel The Farmer’s Dog, the most protective approach involves simultaneous dual-channel action: call the customer service line at (646) 780-7957 during business hours, and while on that call (or immediately after), send a written cancellation notice to [email protected]. Screenshot or photograph both the call record and the sent email with timestamp immediately. Do this at least five days before your next scheduled delivery — the company’s “in preparation” policy means that once an order enters production, cancellation is typically denied regardless of your intent. If you are seeking a refund for a product your dog reacted to, document everything in writing: the date you started the food, which recipe, when symptoms appeared, your veterinarian’s diagnosis if any, your vet bill amount, and any batch numbers from the packaging. Present this documentation to The Farmer’s Dog via email (not just by phone — written records are essential). If your dog experienced a serious health event, report it independently to the FDA Safety Reporting Portal regardless of whether The Farmer’s Dog resolves your complaint — these reports contribute to the epidemiological data the FDA uses to assess food safety patterns. If billing issues persist after direct contact, file a BBB complaint (bbb.org) and contact your credit card company about a chargeback for unauthorized charges. The Farmer’s Dog is BBB-accredited as of September 2024, which means they are obligated to respond to and attempt to resolve formal BBB complaints.

These complaint summaries are based on verified reports from the BBB, Trustpilot, ComplaintsBoard, and Canine Bible. They are representative of recurring documented patterns — not isolated incidents. The Farmer’s Dog serves hundreds of thousands of dogs, so perspective matters: these represent a minority of customers, but a consistent minority reporting similar experiences.

• 🤢 Category 1 — Gastrointestinal Illness (Most Common Complaint)

  Pattern: Dogs developing diarrhea, vomiting, and in documented cases pancreatitis within days to weeks of starting The Farmer’s Dog. Complaints concentrated around the beef and pork recipes — the two highest-fat formulas. One customer documented $800 in veterinary bills after their dog was diagnosed with acute colitis and pancreatitis following the beef recipe. Another described their dog starting to defecate five times daily from the very first order, worsening to bloody diarrhea by month three. A third described their dog vomiting within an hour of eating beef recipe and continuing to vomit for four days while the vet confirmed pancreatitis in a previously healthy dog. The Farmer’s Dog response: “Pancreatitis is a common condition with a variety of potential causes, many of which are unrelated to diet.” What to do before starting: Ask your vet to review the specific recipe’s fat content. Choose Turkey (lowest fat at 18.7% DMB) rather than Beef or Pork for any dog with a history of digestive sensitivity. Transition over 10 full days, not 5–7.

  ⚠️ Beef recipe: 28.5% fat DMB⚠️ Pork recipe: 28% fat DMB✅ Turkey: lowest fat at 18.7% DMB🩺 Vet check before starting

• 💳 Category 2 — Billing & Cancellation Problems

  Pattern: Charges processed after written cancellation requests were submitted; subscription auto-billed before the stated trial period ended; money refused as refund even when cancellation was requested weeks before delivery. One January 2026 BBB complaint provides email proof of a cancellation request submitted before the order had left the facility — The Farmer’s Dog refused the cancellation and shipped anyway. A Trustpilot reviewer reports being charged $186 without advance notice and being denied a refund when they cancelled nearly two weeks before the next shipment. A separate complaint describes a “14-day trial” being billed after only 10 days. The Farmer’s Dog position: Orders enter a “preparation” status after which cancellation may not be honored. Protective action: Cancel via phone (646) 780-7957 AND simultaneous email to [email protected], with screenshots. Cancel at least 5 days before each delivery date.

  ☎️ Cancel: (646) 780-7957📧 [email protected]⚠️ Cancel 5+ days before delivery📸 Screenshot everything

• 🚚 Category 3 — Delivery Failures

  Pattern: Food left in building lobbies rather than delivered to apartment doors; deliveries arriving at 2 a.m.; chronic delays requiring customers to buy bridge food; specific delivery instructions added to carrier apps being ignored on repeat orders. One $106 biweekly customer with documented health limitations and a sixth-floor walk-up apartment had delivery instructions repeatedly disregarded after The Farmer’s Dog assured her the problem was resolved. For a perishable product requiring cold-chain integrity, late and misplaced deliveries are not just inconvenient — they raise food safety questions about how long the product was outside refrigeration before it was discovered. The Farmer’s Dog position: Delivery is handled by regional carriers; specific delivery instructions can be added through the carrier app. Practical step: After subscribing, immediately register delivery instructions directly with the carrier The Farmer’s Dog assigns in your region — not only through the Farmer’s Dog portal.

  📦 Track every delivery actively⚠️ Perishable — contact carrier directly❄️ Verify cold pack integrity on arrival

• 📦 Category 4 — Packaging Frustrations

  Pattern: Individual packs require scissors to open — no perforated tear edge; packs cannot be resealed; strong meat odor in refrigerator and freezer; large freezer space requirement for medium/large dog monthly supply; inconsistent portion sizes between shipments; packs occasionally arriving damaged or leaking. These are largely design and operational complaints rather than safety issues, but they accumulate into daily friction that drives some long-term customers to cancel even when the food itself works well for their dog. The lack of resealability is particularly cited — any partially used pack must be immediately transferred to a separate airtight container, adding a step to every feeding. Practical solution: Keep a set of flat airtight food storage containers specifically for Farmer’s Dog portions; plan freezer allocation before the first order arrives; use a can opener or kitchen shears kept near the freezer for daily ease.

  💡 Use airtight container for partial packs❄️ Plan freezer space in advance✂️ Keep scissors at feeding station

• 📞 Category 5 — Customer Service for Serious Complaints

  Pattern: Routine inquiries about delivery schedules and recipe customization receive excellent, compassionate responses — this is genuinely well-documented in positive reviews. But complaints about sick dogs and billing disputes frequently receive responses described as dismissive, formulaic, and unwilling to acknowledge responsibility. One BBB reviewer who reached out multiple times about a sick dog reports that the second representative was “rude” and “just seemed annoyed.” Another notes that The Farmer’s Dog’s response to their pancreatitis complaint focused on defending the product rather than acknowledging the customer’s experience with their ill pet. The company’s written responses to BBB complaints consistently reference their AAFCO compliance and board-certified nutritionists — factually accurate but experienced by grieving or frustrated pet owners as deflection. The practical approach: For serious medical complaints, document everything in writing before calling. Send your veterinary records via email to create a paper trail. Escalate to a BBB formal complaint if written responses remain unsatisfactory.

  📋 Document vet records before contacting📧 Use email — creates written record🏛️ BBB complaint: bbb.org

Use these buttons to find veterinary nutrition help and fresh dog food alternatives near your location. The Farmer’s Dog direct contacts: (646) 780-7957 · [email protected] · thefarmersdog.com · FDA adverse event reports: fda.gov/animal-veterinary