The Farmer’s Dog: Insights for the Smart Pet Parent
Key Takeaways: Quickfire Answers 🔍🐶
| Critical Question | Short Answer |
|---|---|
| Is the food safe for dogs with sensitive digestion or pancreatitis? | Often not. Fat levels in most formulas exceed clinical safety ranges. ⚠️ |
| Does the “fresh” label guarantee superior nutrition? | Not automatically. High-quality processing matters more than hype. 🔬 |
| Is The Farmer’s Dog backed by independent research? | Only partially. They rely on proprietary, internal studies. 📊 |
| Can the subscription model be trusted? | Caution advised. Automatic billing and cancellation issues are common. 💳 |
| Is it worth the cost? | For some, yes. For others, a premium price with no added benefit. 💰 |
| Best recipe for cautious starters? | Turkey. Lower fat, less inflammatory, safer introduction. 🦃 |
| Are there safer fresh food alternatives? | Yes — especially for GI-prone dogs. JFFD & Ollie offer better flexibility. 🥣 |
| Is TFD WSAVA-compliant? | Not fully. They don’t own their manufacturing. 🏭 |
❗“Why Does My Vet Seem Wary of The Farmer’s Dog?”
Because fat kills — quietly and quickly.
Most veterinarians who hesitate to recommend TFD aren’t dismissing fresh food — they’re flagging how alarmingly high the fat content is in some recipes. Clinically speaking, a dry matter fat content nearing 30% is more than indulgent — it’s risky, especially for breeds predisposed to pancreatitis or dogs with subclinical GI inflammation.
💡 Did You Know? Pancreatitis can occur after a single high-fat meal in susceptible dogs. It’s not cumulative — it’s trigger-based.
⚠️ Fat Levels vs. Safety Thresholds
| Recipe | Dry Matter Fat % | Clinical Risk Category | ⚠️ Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beef | 28.1% | 🚨 High | Red flag for GI-sensitive dogs |
| Pork | 27.6% | 🚨 High | Avoid in Schnauzers, older dogs |
| Chicken | 25.0% | ⚠️ High | Borderline safe for healthy dogs |
| Turkey | 19.6% | ✅ Safer Zone | Best starting recipe for trials |
💸 “Why Do People Feel Scammed After the Trial?”
Because the ‘trial box’ is often a bait.
Many users report feeling blindsided by a full-price shipment immediately following their discounted trial, even if they hadn’t explicitly confirmed a reorder. The billing interface doesn’t always reflect the upcoming charge clearly, and cancellations aren’t always honored in time.
🧾 Subscription Red Flags
| 💡 Complaint | 📌 Real-World Impact | 🐾 Vet Insight |
|---|---|---|
| Auto-renewal after trial | Surprise $80–$300 charges | Creates distrust; financial strain |
| No easy cancellation | Must call or email to stop | Frustrates tech-savvy pet parents |
| Price inflation over time | Costs creep up quietly | Undermines long-term affordability |
👃 “Why Does My Dog Love It… But Then Get Sick?”
Because palatability ≠ digestibility.
TFD’s extreme palatability — due to real meat and fat — is a double-edged sword. Dogs devour it, but some develop diarrhea, vomiting, or pancreatitis. This is especially true for dogs switching from kibble too quickly, or those with underlying enzyme imbalances or dysbiosis.
🤢 Palatability vs. Digestibility
| 🍖 Feature | ❤️ Benefit | ⚠️ Risk |
|---|---|---|
| High real meat content | Dogs love it instantly | Overeating, rapid GI transition |
| Organ meats (esp. liver) | Nutrient-dense | Too much = vitamin A toxicity |
| Fat-forward formulas | Energy-dense | Pancreatic overload risk |
✅ Transition tip: Mix with old food for at least 7–10 days and start with only one meal/day for the first week.
🌡️ “Is the Proprietary Feeding Trial Legit?”
Impressive — but not unbiased.
TFD touts a 6-year internal feeding study to claim superiority over AAFCO’s 6-month trial. But critics argue: it’s not peer-reviewed, lacks third-party oversight, and results aren’t publicly published in detail.
💬 Translation: It’s helpful marketing, but not the scientific gold standard.
📊 Feeding Study Comparison
| 📚 Study Type | ✅ Strength | ❌ Weakness |
|---|---|---|
| AAFCO Trial | Industry benchmark | Only 6 months, basic metrics |
| TFD Study | 6 years, more bloodwork | No independent audit, unpublished results |
| WSAVA Guidelines | Full transparency | Requires plant ownership — TFD fails here |
🐾 “Can I Mix It With Kibble to Lower Cost & Fat?”
Yes — but you need a strategy.
Many owners find success by blending TFD with a low-fat, WSAVA-compliant kibble (like Hill’s or Royal Canin). This helps reduce overall fat, improves stool consistency, and stretches your supply for budget-conscious households.
🥣 Hybrid Feeding Guide
| ⚖️ Mix Ratio | 📉 Fat Dilution | 💡 Ideal For |
|---|---|---|
| 25% TFD : 75% Kibble | Greatly lowers fat % | Dogs prone to GI issues |
| 50/50 | Moderate adjustment | Balanced weight dogs |
| 75% TFD : 25% Kibble | Minimal impact | Not advised for sensitive dogs |
🧠 Choose a kibble under 12% fat (dry matter) to balance out richer TFD recipes.
📦 “Why Is the Packaging So Annoying?”
Because it wasn’t designed for humans with hands.
TFD’s packs are often described as “gogurt tubes of meat” — hard to open, messy to portion, and non-resealable. Not ideal for split-meal feeding, especially if your dog’s on a calorie-controlled plan.
📦 Packaging Pain Points
| 😤 Issue | 💬 What Users Say | 🐶 Real-World Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Not resealable | “Leaks everywhere” | Use silicone food lids or transfer to container |
| Sticky/meaty film | “Like raw taco paste” | Rinse pack before opening |
| Awkward sizing | “Not ideal for small dogs” | Ask support to split orders into smaller portions |
👨⚕️ “Should I Feed This Without Talking to My Vet?”
No — and here’s why.
Even if your dog is healthy, high-fat foods can still pose risks. Plus, undiscovered food sensitivities or breed predispositions (like Schnauzers and Yorkies for pancreatitis) might make TFD a bad fit. A single vet consult saves you hundreds — or thousands — in emergencies.
👨⚕️ Questions to Ask Your Vet First
| ❓ Question | ✅ Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| “Is my dog predisposed to pancreatitis?” | Certain breeds are silently vulnerable. |
| “What’s a safe fat % for my dog?” | Fat tolerance varies by age, size, and health. |
| “Should I run baseline bloodwork before switching?” | Detect liver, pancreas, or kidney strain early. |
🧠 Final Intelligence Drop: TFD Isn’t Bad — It’s Just Not Built for Every Dog
There’s nothing inherently wrong with The Farmer’s Dog — but the nutritional profile, logistical model, and price point make it a poor match for:
- Dogs with GI, liver, or pancreas conditions
- Overweight, older, or inactive pets
- Owners with limited freezer space or tight budgets
- Pet parents expecting full transparency or flexibility
For young, healthy, high-energy dogs with no sensitivities — and owners who can afford the cost and freezer real estate — it might be worth trying (ideally, with the Turkey recipe first).
💡 Summary: Smart Shopper Scorecard for The Farmer’s Dog
| 🧪 Category | ✅ Strength | ❌ Weakness | 💡 Pro Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nutrition | Human-grade, personalized | High fat = risk | Start with Turkey recipe 🦃 |
| Vet Backing | Formulated by DACVNs | Not WSAVA-aligned | Ask your vet before starting 👨⚕️ |
| Convenience | Delivered frozen | Needs freezer, non-resealable | Store in silicone containers ❄️ |
| Palatability | Dogs love it | Too rich for some | Mix with low-fat kibble if needed 🍽️ |
| Cost | Transparent pricing | High monthly spend | Use as a topper, not sole diet 💵 |
| Customer Service | Some rave reviews | Billing & auto-renew issues | Cancel before second shipment 🚨 |
Need help picking an alternative? Want a vet-approved fresh food list tailored to your dog’s breed, condition, and budget? Just ask.
FAQs
🗨️ “My dog threw up after switching to The Farmer’s Dog. Is that normal or a red flag?”
Vomiting after transitioning to TFD is not “normal,” but it’s also not always an emergency — context matters.
Fresh diets like TFD are rich in natural fats and whole proteins, which can overwhelm a gastrointestinal system accustomed to processed kibble. A sudden diet overhaul often triggers what we call “gastric mismatch”: the microbiome, enzyme output, and bile regulation haven’t had time to adapt.
If the vomiting occurred once or twice, within the first few days of switching, and was mild (no blood, no lethargy, no dehydration) — that typically indicates poor transition pacing rather than a toxic reaction.
However, if your dog is vomiting repeatedly, shows abdominal pain, hunching, or bloody diarrhea, this may indicate acute pancreatitis or a food intolerance, both of which are serious and require immediate veterinary evaluation.
⚠️ Post-Switch Vomiting Assessment Chart
| 🧪 Symptom Type | 🟢 Likely Transition Reaction | 🔴 Possible Medical Emergency |
|---|---|---|
| 1–2 episodes of yellow foam | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Vomiting after fatty meals | ⚠️ Possibly | ✅ Yes (pancreatitis trigger) |
| Lethargy, shaking, bloating | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (urgent vet care) |
| Return to normal appetite in 24 hrs | ✅ Safe to monitor | ❌ Needs vet if not |
💡 Solution: Always transition over 10–14 days, starting with 25% new food, increasing gradually. For sensitive stomachs, request turkey-only formula and consider adding slippery elm or plain pumpkin to ease the shift.
🗨️ “Is there any way to feed The Farmer’s Dog without it costing me $300/month?”
Absolutely — but you have to break the single-use model.
TFD markets itself as a full-meal replacement, but for many pet parents, using it strategically as a supplement or topper yields 80% of the benefits at a fraction of the cost. Even using it for just one meal a day, or as a 10–20% topper, still boosts palatability and adds fresh nutrients without blowing your budget.
Another smart move: request smaller portions during onboarding. Their “auto-scale” algorithm defaults to ideal body weight, not current weight, often leading to over-prescription.
💰 Cost-Cutting Strategies
| 💡 Hack | 💸 Estimated Savings | 🐶 Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| 50% TFD, 50% low-fat kibble | 🧮 ~40–50% off monthly | Balanced fat & cost |
| Only use TFD for dinner | 💲 ~60% savings | Easy evening routine |
| Freeze leftovers in silicone molds | 🚫 Less waste | Portion control & freezer-friendly |
| Switch to Turkey formula | 📉 Slightly cheaper | Leanest protein, better value |
Pro tip: TFD doesn’t currently offer “small breed plans” — if you have a tiny dog, always manually request scaled-back servings via support.
🗨️ “Can The Farmer’s Dog help with my dog’s allergies?”
It can — but only if your dog’s allergies are food-related.
Most canine allergies are environmental (dust mites, pollen, molds), not food-based. That said, some dogs suffer from adverse food reactions (AFRs), and TFD’s use of limited ingredients, no artificial preservatives, and single-source proteins can reduce triggers — but only if diet is the root issue.
The recipes are grain-free, which is helpful for rare gluten-sensitive cases, but controversial if your vet suspects diet-associated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Importantly, the Beef and Turkey recipes contain chickpeas and lentils, which are under ongoing FDA scrutiny — so if your dog is already on grain-free food with no benefit, switching to TFD may not solve the problem.
🌾 Allergy Evaluation Matrix
| 🧪 Symptom | 🌱 Diet Likely Helps? | ⚠️ Caveat |
|---|---|---|
| Chronic itching year-round | 🚫 Unlikely | Probably environmental |
| Diarrhea, vomiting after meals | ✅ Yes | Try turkey or pork formula |
| Ear infections + bad breath | ⚠️ Maybe | Check for yeast overgrowth |
| Red paws, excessive licking | ✅ Possibly | Consider rotating proteins |
Veterinary tip: Try a single-protein elimination trial (usually turkey) with no treats or table scraps for 8–12 weeks. Improvement = food likely culprit.
🗨️ “I’ve heard The Farmer’s Dog has more taurine than other brands. Is that good?”
Yes — and it may be one of the smartest things they do.
Taurine is an amino acid critical for cardiac health, especially in breeds like Golden Retrievers, Dobermans, Boxers, and American Cockers, which are overrepresented in cases of diet-associated dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). While not technically “essential” in most dogs, emerging research suggests that individual variability, absorption efficiency, and breed differences can create conditional taurine needs.
TFD adds taurine directly to all recipes, likely as a preemptive measure against DCM concerns in their legume-inclusive formulas. This is clinically wise, as it buffers potential risk even without conclusive causality.
❤️ Taurine & DCM Snapshot
| 📋 Ingredient Role | 🐶 Benefit | 🧠 Clinical Relevance |
|---|---|---|
| Taurine (added) | Heart muscle protection | May offset grain-free risks |
| L-carnitine | Supports cardiac metabolism | Not added by TFD — consider supplementing |
| Legumes (lentils/chickpeas) | Plant-based fiber/protein | Linked to DCM concern (pending studies) |
If your dog is a large breed, on grain-free food, or has a heart murmur, ask your vet for a taurine blood panel every 6–12 months.
🗨️ “What’s the main nutritional concern with TFD from a vet’s perspective?”
Lack of safety margin for dogs with chronic or subclinical disease.
While the brand meets AAFCO’s basic nutrient standards, most recipes ride the upper edge of fat and caloric density. That’s fine for young, lean, active dogs, but a hidden hazard for:
- Dogs with chronic pancreatitis or hepatic lipidosis
- Breeds with enzyme imbalances (e.g., Mini Schnauzers)
- Geriatric dogs with reduced fat metabolism
- Obese dogs or those with lipemic bloodwork
Additionally, using co-packers (rather than owning the facility) means they don’t fully control their supply chain, which weakens traceability in the event of contamination or variability.
🗨️ “Can I rotate between TFD recipes — or will that mess up digestion?”
Yes, rotation is fine — if done smartly.
Rotational feeding can boost nutritional diversity, reduce the chance of single-ingredient sensitivities, and keep your dog from becoming hyper-fixated on one taste or protein. However, jumping from Beef to Pork, or Turkey to Chicken, without adjustment can cause GI upset due to fat and protein variation.
Rotate gradually by mixing the new formula in over 5–7 days, and always start with lower-fat options first.
🔄 Rotation Safety Chart
| 🐕 Protein Shift | 🔄 Transition Type | 🩺 Vet Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Turkey → Chicken | ✅ Safe (similar fat) | Ideal for rotation beginners |
| Pork → Beef | ⚠️ High-fat shift | Use caution with seniors or GI-prone dogs |
| Chicken → Fish (external brands) | 🚫 No TFD fish option | Consider Ollie for fish-based diversity |
🗨️ “Why does my dog have soft stools on The Farmer’s Dog?”
Because fresh food changes stool composition — but there’s more to it than moisture.
When switching from dry, high-fiber kibble to a moist, protein-rich diet, stools naturally become looser, darker, and less voluminous. That’s not inherently bad. However, when stools are pudding-like, frequent, or greasy, it signals either:
- Malabsorption of fat or protein
- Inadequate fiber to form bulk
- Rapid GI transit due to food richness
- Or inflammation triggered by new ingredients
Unlike kibble, TFD lacks insoluble binding fibers that promote firm stools. Instead, its ingredients contain soluble fibers like those from lentils and sweet potatoes — which draw water into the colon, sometimes too much.
💩 Stool Clarity Matrix
| 🔍 Symptom | 📌 Interpretation | 💡 Suggested Action |
|---|---|---|
| Soft, well-formed, once daily | ✅ Normal adaptation | Monitor 2 weeks |
| Mucus strands or blood flecks | ❌ Colon inflammation | Vet check, consider food intolerance |
| Greasy, shiny stool | ⚠️ Malabsorbed fat | Reduce TFD amount, try lower-fat formula |
| Frequent, mushy output | 🚫 Overfeeding or rapid transition | Add psyllium husk or plain pumpkin |
Pro tip: Add 1 tsp of plain psyllium fiber to TFD for large dogs (½ tsp for small breeds) to bind water and regulate stool. Always introduce slowly.
🗨️ “Are there safer, fresher alternatives to The Farmer’s Dog for dogs with past GI issues?”
Yes — and the right choice depends on whether your dog needs lower fat, novel proteins, or more transparent formulation control.
Not all “fresh food” is equal. While The Farmer’s Dog prioritizes ingredient simplicity, its fat density and limited protein rotation can be problematic for dogs with pancreatitis history, IBD, or sensitive stomachs.
JustFoodForDogs (JFFD) stands out as a safer option for medically complex pets. Why?
- Offers prescription GI-support and low-fat diets
- Uses open kitchen preparation — visible batch control
- Developed in clinical collaboration with UC Davis
- Provides in-clinic feeding trials on veterinary patients
Meanwhile, Ollie is another viable contender. Their cod and lamb formulas offer novel proteins and resealable packaging, which helps with portioning.
🐶 Alternative Comparison Table
| 🌟 Brand | ✅ Best For | 🩺 Unique Advantage | ⚠️ Limitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| JustFoodForDogs | GI disease, senior dogs | Clinical diets & retail kitchens | Higher price per oz |
| Ollie | Dogs with protein allergies | Cod & lamb options | Still moderate fat in some formulas |
| PetPlate | Budget-friendly rotation | Six recipes & resealable packs | Less vet-centric formulation |
| NomNom | Gut microbiome-focused owners | Offers gut microbiome kits | No low-fat option currently |
| The Farmer’s Dog | Healthy, active dogs | Palatable, protein-focused meals | Not ideal for GI-sensitive pets |
🗨️ “Is there a risk of nutrient imbalance if I mix TFD with kibble?”
Only if you ignore the math — but with correct ratios, you can blend safely.
Kibble and fresh foods have different nutrient densities, particularly in calories, protein, phosphorus, and fat. When combined, you’re essentially building a custom diet, and the balance will shift depending on the ratio. The key concern is diluting or overdosing critical nutrients like calcium, taurine, or fat-soluble vitamins.
For example, mixing a high-fat TFD pork recipe with a low-fat senior kibble may balance fat but drop protein too low, affecting muscle maintenance in seniors. Conversely, pairing a puppy formula kibble with TFD’s turkey recipe may push calcium and phosphorus too high for adult dogs.
🧮 Nutrient-Blending Do’s & Don’ts
| ✅ Safe Practice | ❌ Risky Move | ⚠️ Reason |
|---|---|---|
| 50/50 mix with adult maintenance kibble | Mixing with growth or all-life-stage kibble | Overloads minerals |
| Turkey formula + low-fat kibble | Beef or pork formula + high-protein kibble | Fat or protein may exceed ideal |
| Calculate total calories and adjust portions | Guessing amounts by volume | Overfeeding or undernutrition |
| Use recipes with similar nutrient intents | Mixing Rx kibble with TFD | Cancels therapeutic effect |
Use online tools or consult your vet to calculate total kcal, protein %, and fat g/day when combining foods.
🗨️ “How do I know if The Farmer’s Dog is meeting my dog’s micronutrient needs?”
Check for AAFCO adequacy — and then look deeper.
While TFD recipes are labeled “Complete & Balanced for All Life Stages,” the AAFCO standard only sets minimums, not optimal ranges. Also, it doesn’t account for bioavailability — how well your dog’s body actually absorbs those nutrients.
Key micronutrients that often raise concern:
- Choline: Critical for liver health — not all recipes disclose exact amounts
- Vitamin D: Fat-soluble and poorly regulated in home-cooked diets
- Zinc & Copper: Deficiency or excess can affect coat, immunity, and liver function
- Taurine: Especially important for cardiac function — thankfully supplemented in TFD
🔬 Micronutrient Watch List
| 🧪 Nutrient | 🍽️ Why It Matters | TFD Status |
|---|---|---|
| Taurine | Prevents DCM in large breeds | ✅ Added in all formulas |
| Vitamin D | Supports bone and immune health | ⚠️ Unclear sourcing; needs transparency |
| Copper | Excess causes liver disease in predisposed breeds | ⚠️ Not always disclosed |
| Choline | Liver detox, brain health | ❓ Only some recipes list it |
Request a copy of the “Full Nutritional Profile” PDF for your dog’s specific recipe — TFD will provide it on request.
🗨️ “What are the best vet-approved homemade add-ins to enhance The Farmer’s Dog?”
Only use additions with known nutrient content and clear clinical purpose — not kitchen leftovers.
To enhance stool quality, support immune health, or manage minor digestive sensitivity, strategic supplementation can complement a TFD base. But random mixing of vegetables, oils, or proteins can upset nutrient balance or spike caloric intake.
Vet-recommended fresh add-ins (with measured portions):
🥦 Safe Enhancers Table
| 🥣 Add-In | 🎯 Benefit | 💡 Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Plain pumpkin (unsweetened) | Fiber, stool regulation | 1–2 tsp per 10 lbs body weight |
| Sardines in water (no salt) | Omega-3, skin/coat support | ½–1 sardine, 2x per week |
| Steamed zucchini or green beans | Low-cal bulk for satiety | ¼ cup per 20 lbs |
| Bone broth (low sodium) | Hydration & gut lining repair | 2–4 tbsp per meal |
| Kefir or plain Greek yogurt | Probiotic boost | 1 tbsp (small dogs), 2 tbsp (large dogs) |
Avoid add-ins like raw garlic, onions, avocado, and seasoned meats — these pose toxicity risks.
🗨️ “My vet recommended against fresh food. Should I trust them, or is it just kibble bias?”
Trust your vet — but ask why. Their hesitation may be grounded in real medical nuance, not bias.
Veterinarians who discourage fresh food often do so because many commercial “fresh” brands lack feeding trials, use co-packers, and have unstable fat levels that are risky for vulnerable dogs (geriatric, pancreatitis-prone, chronic GI patients).
It’s not about favoring kibble — it’s about prioritizing predictability, consistency, and data-backed safety. Kibble brands like Purina Pro Plan or Hill’s offer decades of peer-reviewed nutrition research, precision-controlled nutrient ratios, and WSAVA-compliant formulation teams.
If your dog is medically fragile or has a chronic illness, your vet’s recommendation might be rooted in this principle: fresh is not always safer — especially without tight clinical oversight.
🩺 Vet Trust Table: Fresh vs. Traditional
| 🧠 Concern | 🍖 Fresh Food | 🧪 Traditional Kibble |
|---|---|---|
| Nutritional variability | ⚠️ Higher | ✅ Highly controlled |
| Feeding trial history | ❌ Often proprietary | ✅ Peer-reviewed AAFCO/WSAVA |
| Ingredient transparency | ✅ Excellent | ⚠️ Often vague (e.g., “meat meal”) |
| Therapeutic formulas | ❌ Limited options | ✅ Extensive veterinary diets |
| Batch control | ⚠️ Co-packers used | ✅ In-house facilities common |
If you’re committed to fresh food, ask your vet to evaluate specific brands and recipes, not the category in general. Some may pass muster; others may not.
🗨️ “What do I do if The Farmer’s Dog food made my dog gain too much weight?”
Weight gain signals a caloric imbalance — not necessarily a flaw in the food, but how it’s portioned.
Fresh food is calorie-dense due to high fat and moisture content, and pre-portioned plans often default to “ideal weight”, which might overshoot for less active or neutered dogs. Even a 100-calorie/day surplus adds up fast.
Instead of switching brands, refine your feeding strategy:
⚖️ Weight Management Toolkit
| 🔄 Adjustment | 🔍 Why It Works | 📉 Expected Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Drop daily portion by 10–15% | Corrects overfeeding margin | 0.5–1 lb weight loss/month |
| Switch to Turkey recipe | Lowest fat & kcal per ounce | Lower daily caloric load |
| Add steamed green beans | Adds bulk without calories | Increases satiety |
| Split meals into 3 feedings | Stabilizes insulin spikes | Reduces fat storage |
| Daily weigh-ins for 10 days | Tracks progress in real time | Fine-tunes adjustments |
Request your dog’s actual kcal target from your vet, based on their current weight, age, and lean body mass. TFD’s default algorithm isn’t individualized enough for dogs with low metabolisms.
🗨️ “Is there a risk of over-supplementation with The Farmer’s Dog if I already give multivitamins?”
Yes — stacking nutrients without checking totals can backfire, especially for fat-soluble vitamins and minerals.
TFD recipes are designed to be complete and balanced on their own, meaning they already include added zinc, copper, Vitamin D3, E, taurine, and B-vitamins. Adding an all-purpose multivitamin risks nutrient toxicity, particularly:
- Vitamin A – Can cause liver damage, bone fragility
- Vitamin D – Overloads calcium/phosphorus regulation
- Copper – Especially risky in breeds with copper storage disease (e.g., Bedlington Terriers)
🚫 Supplement Stacking Risks
| 💊 Nutrient | 🧬 Risk of Excess | 🐕 Signs of Toxicity |
|---|---|---|
| Vitamin A | Liver damage, joint pain | Hair loss, lethargy, GI upset |
| Vitamin D | Soft tissue calcification | Vomiting, PU/PD, kidney issues |
| Zinc | Copper imbalance, anemia | Poor appetite, pale gums |
| Iodine | Thyroid dysfunction | Weight change, goiter |
Skip the multivitamin unless prescribed. Instead, supplement targeted deficits (e.g., omega-3s or joint support) — not broad-spectrum compounds.
🗨️ “Why is my dog always hungry on The Farmer’s Dog food?”
Because caloric density and satiety aren’t always aligned — especially in fresh diets with low fiber and high fat.
TFD’s recipes are moisture-rich and low in insoluble fiber, so while they deliver calories, they may not stretch the stomach enough to trigger satiety hormones like GLP-1 and leptin. Dogs used to kibble (which expands in the stomach) often feel “empty” even if their caloric needs are met.
Also, note that fixed feeding times, exercise habits, and even neutering status play roles in hunger signaling.
🍽️ Satiety Strategies
| 🥦 Addition | 📌 Why It Helps | 🐶 How to Use |
|---|---|---|
| Chia seeds (soaked) | Expands in stomach, adds fiber | ½ tsp per 10 lbs |
| Steamed pumpkin | Slows gastric emptying | 1–2 tbsp per meal |
| Low-sodium broth ice cubes | Distraction feeding | Between meals |
| Split meals into smaller portions | Prevents post-meal crash | Feed 3x/day |
Hunger isn’t always a sign of deficiency — it’s often behavioral or fiber-related. Monitor weight, not just appetite.
🗨️ “How do I know if The Farmer’s Dog is actually helping my dog?”
Measure outcomes that matter: clinical signs, not vibes.
Anecdotal improvement (shinier coat, more energy) is encouraging but can be placebo-influenced. The real test is whether fresh feeding improves objective markers of health.
Here’s how to track effectiveness over a 90-day trial:
📈 Fresh Food Success Metrics
| 🧪 Indicator | ✅ Positive Change | 📉 Warning Sign |
|---|---|---|
| Body weight | Stabilized or improving toward ideal | Sudden loss or gain |
| Stool quality | Firm, formed, brown | Loose, greasy, or bloody |
| Coat & skin | Reduced dandruff, shine, less itch | New hot spots, flare-ups |
| Energy level | Predictable, active | Hyperactive or lethargic |
| Lab values (optional) | Stable liver enzymes, triglycerides | Elevated pancreas/liver values |
Ask your vet to repeat bloodwork at 90 days if your dog has known health conditions. You’re not guessing — you’re evaluating.
