🐶 Sundays for Dogs vs. The Farmer’s Dog vs. Freshpet

Choosing the best dog food can be overwhelming with so many options available. Today, we’re comparing Sundays for Dogs, The Farmer’s Dog, and Freshpet, three popular brands offering fresh, nutritious meals. Each brand has unique features, from air-dried to frozen and fresh options, but how do they really stack up?

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Key Takeaways: Quick Answers About Sundays for Dogs, The Farmer’s Dog, and Freshpet

• Which is the easiest to store? Sundays for Dogs is shelf-stable, so it doesn’t require refrigeration or freezing.
• Which offers the freshest ingredients? The Farmer’s Dog provides freshly cooked, human-grade meals tailored to your dog’s needs.
• Which is the most convenient to buy? Freshpet is available in many grocery stores, while the other two are subscription-based.
• Which is the most affordable? Freshpet is typically cheaper per meal, though not as personalized or as fresh as The Farmer’s Dog.

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Which Brand Is Best for Storage Convenience? Sundays Wins for Shelf-Stable Simplicity

If storage is a top concern for you, Sundays for Dogs is the easiest to manage. Unlike The Farmer’s Dog and Freshpet, which both require refrigeration or freezer space, Sundays is air-dried and shelf-stable, meaning it can sit in your pantry like dry kibble but with much better nutritional value.

1. Sundays for Dogs: This brand uses an air-drying process that preserves nutrients while eliminating the need for refrigeration. It’s incredibly convenient for busy pet parents who don’t want to deal with frozen food and thawing. You just scoop it out and serve!
2. The Farmer’s Dog: Meals come frozen and need to be thawed before serving. This ensures the food is as fresh as possible, but it does require freezer and fridge space. Depending on your dog’s size and how much food you order, you’ll need to plan for extra storage space.
3. Freshpet: Freshpet is available as refrigerated rolls and bags of fresh food. This makes it convenient to buy at the store, but it still requires fridge space at home. It’s easier to manage than frozen meals but still needs refrigeration to stay fresh.

Brand	Storage Needs	Why It Stands Out	💡 Tip
Sundays for Dogs	Shelf-stable, no freezer needed.	Air-dried for easy pantry storage.	Perfect for households with limited freezer space.
The Farmer’s Dog	Requires freezer storage.	Freshly cooked meals delivered frozen.	Plan freezer space in advance for large orders.
Freshpet	Requires fridge storage.	Available in stores, stored in your fridge.	Buy weekly to manage fridge space effectively.

💡 Pro Tip: If you’re short on space, Sundays for Dogs is your best option for long-term storage without refrigeration. For fresh meals, consider The Farmer’s Dog for high-quality, human-grade food, but make sure you have enough freezer space.

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Which Brand Offers the Most Personalized Nutrition? The Farmer’s Dog Leads with Customization 🛠️

The Farmer’s Dog stands out for its high level of personalization. When you sign up, you’ll fill out a detailed profile about your dog’s age, weight, breed, activity level, and dietary preferences. Based on this information, they create a meal plan that’s specifically portioned and tailored to your dog’s unique nutritional needs.

1. The Farmer’s Dog: Each meal is personalized to your dog’s health, breed, and activity. If your dog has dietary sensitivities or health conditions, this brand’s customization ensures they get the right nutrients. You’ll receive pre-portioned meals that take the guesswork out of feeding, with recipes designed by veterinary nutritionists.
2. Sundays for Dogs: While Sundays doesn’t offer the same level of customization as The Farmer’s Dog, they still use limited-ingredient, human-grade recipes that are suitable for dogs with sensitivities. The air-dried food is minimally processed and offers a balanced diet for most dogs, though it’s not specifically tailored to individual needs.
3. Freshpet: Freshpet offers fewer customization options compared to the other two brands. While it’s made with fresh ingredients, the recipes are not tailored to individual dogs, and you’ll need to manage portion control on your own.

Brand	Customization Level	Why It Stands Out	💡 Tip
The Farmer’s Dog	Highly personalized.	Tailored meal plans based on your dog’s profile.	Ideal for dogs with specific dietary needs.
Sundays for Dogs	Limited customization.	Uses simple, balanced ingredients with minimal processing.	Great for dogs with general sensitivities.
Freshpet	No customization.	Fresh, whole ingredients but requires portioning by owner.	Best for pet parents looking for a store-bought fresh food.

💡 Pro Tip: If your dog has special dietary needs or health issues, The Farmer’s Dog offers the most customized solution. For dogs with general sensitivities or those on a simpler diet, Sundays for Dogs is a solid option.

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Which Brand Has the Best Ingredients? All Three Brands Offer Human-Grade, But with Key Differences 🥩

When it comes to ingredient quality, all three brands use human-grade ingredients, but the way those ingredients are processed and delivered differs. Let’s break it down:

1. The Farmer’s Dog: Meals are made from fresh, whole ingredients like chicken, beef, turkey, sweet potatoes, and spinach. These are lightly cooked at low temperatures to retain maximum nutrients, offering the freshest possible meals. Each recipe is crafted by veterinary nutritionists, ensuring your dog gets a balanced diet.
2. Sundays for Dogs: Sundays uses air-dried human-grade ingredients like beef, pumpkin, and flaxseed. Air-drying preserves most of the nutrients while creating a crunchy texture that’s still healthier than traditional kibble. The ingredients are limited and simple, focusing on whole foods without artificial fillers or preservatives.
3. Freshpet: Freshpet uses real meats and vegetables in their recipes, and the food is lightly cooked. It’s more accessible and convenient because it’s available in stores, but the ingredients, while fresh, aren’t custom-tailored to your dog’s needs as with The Farmer’s Dog. They still avoid artificial preservatives, which is a big plus over standard kibble.

Brand	Ingredients	Why It Stands Out	💡 Tip
The Farmer’s Dog	Fresh, lightly cooked, human-grade ingredients.	High nutrient retention, personalized meals.	Perfect for dogs needing high-quality, balanced meals.
Sundays for Dogs	Air-dried, human-grade ingredients.	Shelf-stable, limited-ingredient recipes.	Ideal for dogs with food sensitivities.
Freshpet	Fresh ingredients, lightly cooked.	Convenient and available in stores.	Best for owners looking for fresh but less personalized meals.

💡 Pro Tip: If you prioritize fresh, minimally processed meals and are okay with storing frozen food, The Farmer’s Dog is the best option. Sundays provides a balance between fresh ingredients and convenience with its air-dried formula.

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Which Brand is the Most Affordable? Freshpet Wins for Budget-Friendly Fresh Meals 💸

For pet parents on a budget, Freshpet is generally the most affordable of the three brands, though it comes at the cost of less personalization and freshness. Here’s a quick cost comparison:

1. The Farmer’s Dog: As a premium, personalized service, The Farmer’s Dog is the most expensive option, with prices ranging from $2 to $10 per day, depending on your dog’s size and dietary needs. The cost reflects the quality of the ingredients and the level of customization.
2. Sundays for Dogs: Sundays falls in the middle, with an average cost of $2 to $4 per day. It’s more affordable than The Farmer’s Dog because it doesn’t require freezing or refrigeration, and it uses air-dried ingredients, which are easier to produce and store.
3. Freshpet: Freshpet is the most affordable fresh food option, with prices typically ranging from $1 to $3 per day. However, it doesn’t offer the same level of ingredient quality or customization as The Farmer’s Dog or Sundays, making it a good option for budget-conscious pet parents who still want to avoid traditional kibble.

Brand	Cost (Small Dog)	Cost (Large Dog)	💡 Tip
The Farmer’s Dog	$2 to $5 per day.	$8 to $10 per day.	Great for pet parents who want high-end, personalized meals.
Sundays for Dogs	$2 to $4 per day.	$6 to $8 per day.	Ideal for those who want healthy, air-dried meals at a mid-range price.
Freshpet	$1 to $3 per day.	$6 to $7 per day.	Best for those who need a budget-friendly fresh option.

💡 Pro Tip: For those who prioritize customization and premium quality, The Farmer’s Dog is worth the investment. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly fresh food, Freshpet is the better choice.

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Which Brand Is Easiest to Purchase? Freshpet Is Available in Stores 🛒

While The Farmer’s Dog and Sundays for Dogs are both subscription-based services, Freshpet stands out for its availability in local grocery stores and pet stores. If you prefer not to commit to a subscription or want the flexibility to pick up food during your regular grocery run, Freshpet offers the most convenience.

1. The Farmer’s Dog: Delivered through a subscription plan, The Farmer’s Dog sends meals on a regular schedule, ensuring you never run out of food. This is great for convenience but may be less flexible if you prefer to buy as needed.
2. Sundays for Dogs: Like The Farmer’s Dog, Sundays is also subscription-based. You’ll get regular deliveries, and since the food is shelf-stable, you can store it without worrying about freezer space. However, it’s only available online.
3. Freshpet: Freshpet is widely available in grocery stores, pet stores, and online. You can buy it as needed, and there’s no commitment to a subscription. This is a huge advantage for pet parents who want fresh food but don’t want to sign up for recurring deliveries.

Brand	Purchase Method	Why It Stands Out	💡 Tip
The Farmer’s Dog	Subscription delivery only.	Convenient, fresh meals delivered to your door.	Perfect if you want never to worry about running out of food.
Sundays for Dogs	Subscription delivery only.	Shelf-stable and easy to store between deliveries.	Great if you prefer less frequent deliveries.
Freshpet	Available in stores and online.	Widely available in grocery and pet stores.	Ideal if you prefer buying fresh food on a grocery run.

💡 Pro Tip: If you prefer a no-commitment option, Freshpet is widely available in stores, making it the easiest to access. For hands-off convenience, both The Farmer’s Dog and Sundays offer seamless subscription services.

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Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Dog Food for Your Pup

Each brand—Sundays for Dogs, The Farmer’s Dog, and Freshpet—offers something unique depending on your dog’s needs and your lifestyle. If you’re looking for customization and fresh, human-grade ingredients, The Farmer’s Dog is the best choice. For convenient, shelf-stable meals, Sundays offers air-dried food that’s easy to store and serve. And if you’re on a budget or prefer to buy fresh food at the store, Freshpet is a solid option.

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Quick Recap: Sundays for Dogs vs. The Farmer’s Dog vs. Freshpet

• Sundays for Dogs: Shelf-stable, air-dried food that’s easy to store. Best for those with limited freezer space.
• The Farmer’s Dog: Fresh, customizable meals delivered frozen. Ideal for dogs with specific dietary needs.
• Freshpet: Fresh, store-bought food that’s budget-friendly and convenient for grocery shopping.

Choosing the right dog food can make a world of difference in your pet’s health and happiness. 🐾

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Comment 1: “How does Sundays compare to Freshpet in terms of nutritional value and convenience?”

Answer: When it comes to nutritional value, both Sundays and Freshpet use high-quality, human-grade ingredients, but they differ significantly in their processing methods, which affects nutrient retention and convenience.

1. Nutritional Value: Sundays uses an air-drying process that helps retain a large portion of the natural nutrients found in raw ingredients, without needing to add artificial preservatives or fillers. The air-drying method gently removes moisture while keeping the food’s nutritional profile intact. As a result, Sundays offers a whole food diet with fewer processed components, making it a superior option for nutrient retention compared to Freshpet.On the other hand, Freshpet uses a light cooking method to prepare its meals, which ensures a fresh product but can lead to some loss of nutrients due to the heat involved in the process. While Freshpet is still a great upgrade over traditional kibble, the lightly cooked preparation doesn’t retain as many nutrients as air-drying does. Both brands avoid artificial ingredients, but Sundays has the edge with its less processed approach.
2. Convenience: When it comes to convenience, Sundays is the clear winner. Its air-dried format means it is shelf-stable and doesn’t require refrigeration or freezing. You can store it just like kibble, making it incredibly easy to feed on the go or for pet parents with limited fridge or freezer space. You simply scoop out the desired amount and serve, with no need to thaw or prepare in advance.Freshpet, on the other hand, requires refrigeration. Since it’s fresh and perishable, you’ll need to store it in the fridge after purchasing, and once opened, it needs to be consumed within a certain period. While it’s available at many grocery stores, the extra step of storing and managing fresh food can be a downside for pet parents seeking an ultra-convenient feeding routine.

Comparison	Sundays for Dogs	Freshpet	💡 Tip
Nutritional Value	Air-dried for better nutrient retention.	Lightly cooked, but some nutrient loss.	Sundays offers more nutrient-dense food.
Convenience	Shelf-stable, no refrigeration needed.	Requires refrigeration and has a limited shelf life.	Sundays is better for busy households or travel.

💡 Pro Tip: If you value nutritional density and ease of storage, Sundays is a superior choice. For those who prefer to buy fresh food on grocery runs and don’t mind refrigeration, Freshpet offers a more budget-friendly solution, but with some trade-offs in nutrition and convenience.

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Comment 2: “Is The Farmer’s Dog worth the higher price compared to Sundays or Freshpet?”

Answer: The Farmer’s Dog is indeed priced higher than both Sundays and Freshpet, but the added cost comes with several key benefits that could make it worth the investment, especially if you’re looking for tailored nutrition and the freshest ingredients possible.

1. Customization and Freshness: The Farmer’s Dog offers an unparalleled level of customization. Their meals are designed based on your dog’s age, breed, weight, activity level, and even specific health conditions. Each meal is crafted to meet your dog’s unique nutritional needs, ensuring they get exactly the right balance of proteins, fats, and nutrients. This level of personalization is something you won’t get with Sundays or Freshpet, where the meals are more general and not tailored to individual dogs.Additionally, The Farmer’s Dog delivers freshly cooked meals that arrive frozen and ready to thaw. This guarantees that your dog is eating fresh, minimally processed food that is prepared just days before it’s delivered. While Freshpet and Sundays also use fresh, human-grade ingredients, they don’t offer the same degree of meal personalization or freshness that The Farmer’s Dog does.
2. Is It Worth It? The extra cost of The Farmer’s Dog reflects its vet-designed recipes and bespoke meal plans, which can be especially beneficial for dogs with specific dietary needs, allergies, or medical conditions. If your dog requires a strict, balanced diet for optimal health, or if you want the peace of mind that comes with a meal plan that is fully tailored to your pet, the higher price is justified.However, if you’re looking for a more cost-effective option that still delivers healthy, whole ingredients, both Sundays and Freshpet can meet those needs at a lower price point. Sundays offers a healthy, air-dried alternative that is nutrient-dense, while Freshpet gives you the benefit of fresh food at a more accessible price, though without the same degree of customization.

Comparison	The Farmer’s Dog	Sundays for Dogs	Freshpet	💡 Tip
Customization	Fully personalized meals based on your dog’s needs.	Limited customization, general recipes.	No customization, general recipes.	Ideal for dogs with specific health or dietary needs.
Cost	Highest-priced option.	Mid-range pricing.	Most affordable.	Great for pet parents looking for tailored, vet-designed nutrition.

💡 Pro Tip: The Farmer’s Dog is worth the price if you’re seeking customized, fresh meals that are designed to cater to your dog’s individual needs. If your dog has no special dietary requirements, Sundays offers a more affordable way to provide high-quality nutrition, while Freshpet gives you the benefits of fresh food at a budget-friendly cost.

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Comment 3: “How do I transition my dog to Sundays or The Farmer’s Dog? Will they have digestive issues?”

Answer: Transitioning your dog to Sundays or The Farmer’s Dog should be done gradually to avoid digestive upset, especially if your dog has been eating kibble or another type of food. Both brands use high-quality ingredients, but any diet change can cause a bit of digestive disruption if not handled carefully. Here’s how to make the transition smooth:

1. Start Slow: Whether you’re switching to Sundays or The Farmer’s Dog, start by mixing a small portion of the new food with your dog’s current food. Begin with 25% new food and 75% old food for the first few days. Gradually increase the amount of new food while decreasing the old food over the course of 7 to 10 days.For example, after the first few days, move to a 50/50 mix, then to 75% new food, and finally 100% of the new food by the end of the transition period. This gradual approach allows your dog’s digestive system to adjust to the richer, fresher ingredients in Sundays or The Farmer’s Dog.
2. Watch for Signs of Sensitivity: Keep an eye on your dog’s stool quality and energy levels during the transition. Loose stools or mild digestive upset (like gas) are common as your dog adjusts, but if the symptoms persist or worsen, it may be a sign that the transition is happening too quickly, or your dog may have a sensitivity to certain ingredients.If your dog is prone to sensitive digestion, it might be helpful to introduce the new food even more slowly, over a period of two weeks or more. Both Sundays and The Farmer’s Dog are made with whole, minimally processed ingredients, so they are easier on the stomach compared to traditional kibble, but every dog is different.
3. Hydration is Key: Fresh food like The Farmer’s Dog has a higher moisture content compared to dry kibble, which is great for hydration. However, if you’re switching to Sundays, which is air-dried, make sure your dog has plenty of fresh water available to stay hydrated, as the food is drier than fresh options.

Brand	Transition Time	Key Considerations	💡 Tip
Sundays for Dogs	7 to 10 days.	Gradually mix with old food, watch hydration.	Add water to the air-dried food for easier digestion during the transition.
The Farmer’s Dog	7 to 10 days.	Mix slowly with current food, monitor digestion.	Ensure proper portioning based on your dog’s weight and needs.

💡 Pro Tip: Take it slow! Gradually increasing the portion of Sundays or The Farmer’s Dog will help your dog’s digestive system adjust without causing major upsets. Keep an eye on their stools and energy levels to ensure a smooth transition.

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Comment 4: “Can I combine Freshpet with kibble? Or should I switch fully to Freshpet?”

Answer: Yes, you can combine Freshpet with kibble if you’re looking to incorporate fresh food into your dog’s diet without fully committing to a 100% fresh food regimen. This is a great way to improve your dog’s nutrition while balancing cost and convenience. However, there are some important things to consider when mixing these foods:

1. Nutritional Balance: Mixing Freshpet with kibble can be a great compromise, but it’s important to ensure the combined diet is still nutritionally balanced. Freshpet is a complete and balanced meal on its own, so when you mix it with kibble, make sure that both foods are appropriate for your dog’s age, size, and nutritional needs. If you’re uncertain, consult your vet to make sure you’re feeding the right proportions.
2. Gradual Introduction: Just like with any new food, you’ll want to gradually introduce Freshpet into your dog’s diet. Start with a small amount of Freshpet mixed with their kibble and slowly increase the proportion of Freshpet over the course of a week or two. This will help your dog adjust to the fresh ingredients without causing digestive issues.
3. Hydration: If you’re mixing Freshpet with a dry kibble, remember that Freshpet contains more moisture than kibble, so your dog may not need to drink as much water as they did before. However, always provide access to fresh water, as kibble still requires extra hydration.
4. Cost-Effective Solution: Combining Freshpet with kibble is also a smart way to make fresh food more affordable. If feeding 100% fresh food feels too expensive, mixing it with kibble allows you to still provide your dog with the benefits of fresh ingredients while keeping costs lower.

Combination Feeding	Pros	Considerations	💡 Tip
Freshpet + Kibble	Improves nutrition without fully switching to fresh food.	Ensure both foods are balanced for your dog’s needs.	Gradually increase Freshpet while reducing kibble over time.

💡 Pro Tip: Mixing Freshpet with kibble is a great way to give your dog some of the benefits of fresh food without fully transitioning. Just be mindful of portion sizes and the overall nutritional balance of the combined diet.