šŸ¶ Sundays for Dogs vs. The Farmerā€™s Dog vs. Freshpet: Which Fresh Dog Food is Right for Your Pup?

Choosing the best dog food can be overwhelming with so many options available. Today, weā€™re comparing Sundays for DogsThe Farmerā€™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?


Key Takeaways: Quick Answers About Sundays for Dogs, The Farmerā€™s Dog, and Freshpet

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

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 Farmerā€™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 anĀ air-drying processĀ that preserves nutrients while eliminating the need for refrigeration. Itā€™s incredibly convenient for busy pet parents who donā€™t want to deal with frozen food and thawing. You just scoop it out and serve!
  2. The Farmerā€™s Dog: Meals comeĀ frozenĀ 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 dogā€™s size and how much food you order, youā€™ll need to plan for extra storage space.
  3. Freshpet: Freshpet is available asĀ refrigerated rolls and bagsĀ of fresh food. This makes it convenient to buy at the store, but it still requires fridge space at home. Itā€™s easier to manage than frozen meals but still needs refrigeration to stay fresh.
BrandStorage NeedsWhy It Stands OutšŸ’” Tip
Sundays for DogsShelf-stable, no freezer needed.Air-dried for easy pantry storage.Perfect for households with limited freezer space.
The Farmerā€™s DogRequires freezer storage.Freshly cooked meals delivered frozen.Plan freezer space in advance for large orders.
FreshpetRequires fridge storage.Available in stores, stored in your fridge.Buy weekly to manage fridge space effectively.

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


Which Brand Offers the Most Personalized Nutrition? The Farmerā€™s Dog Leads with Customization šŸ› ļø

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

  1. The Farmerā€™s Dog: Each meal is personalized to your dogā€™s health, breed, and activity. If your dog hasĀ dietary sensitivities or health conditions, this brandā€™s customization ensures they get the right nutrients. Youā€™ll receive pre-portioned meals that take the guesswork out of feeding, with recipes designed byĀ veterinary nutritionists.
  2. Sundays for Dogs: While Sundays doesnā€™t offer the same level of customization as The Farmerā€™s Dog, they still useĀ limited-ingredient, human-grade recipesĀ that are suitable for dogs with sensitivities. The air-dried food is minimally processed and offers a balanced diet for most dogs, though itā€™s not specifically tailored to individual needs.
  3. Freshpet: Freshpet offers fewer customization options compared to the other two brands. While itā€™s made withĀ fresh ingredients, the recipes are not tailored to individual dogs, and youā€™ll need to manage portion control on your own.
BrandCustomization LevelWhy It Stands OutšŸ’” Tip
The Farmerā€™s DogHighly personalized.Tailored meal plans based on your dogā€™s profile.Ideal for dogs with specific dietary needs.
Sundays for DogsLimited customization.Uses simple, balanced ingredients with minimal processing.Great for dogs with general sensitivities.
FreshpetNo customization.Fresh, whole ingredients but requires portioning by owner.Best for pet parents looking for a store-bought fresh food.

šŸ’” Pro Tip: If your dog has special dietary needs or health issues, The Farmerā€™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 šŸ„©

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

  1. The Farmerā€™s Dog: Meals are made from fresh, whole ingredients likeĀ chicken, beef, turkey, sweet potatoes, and spinach. These areĀ lightly cookedĀ at low temperatures to retain maximum nutrients, offering the freshest possible meals. Each recipe is crafted byĀ veterinary nutritionists, ensuring your dog gets a balanced diet.
  2. Sundays for Dogs: Sundays usesĀ air-driedĀ human-grade ingredients likeĀ beef, pumpkin, and flaxseed. Air-drying preserves most of the nutrients while creating aĀ crunchy textureĀ thatā€™s still healthier than traditional kibble. The ingredients are limited and simple, focusing on whole foods without artificial fillers or preservatives.
  3. Freshpet: Freshpet usesĀ real meatsĀ and vegetables in their recipes, and the food is lightly cooked. Itā€™s more accessible and convenient because itā€™s available in stores, but the ingredients, while fresh, arenā€™tĀ custom-tailoredĀ to your dogā€™s needs as with The Farmerā€™s Dog. They still avoid artificial preservatives, which is a big plus over standard kibble.
BrandIngredientsWhy It Stands OutšŸ’” Tip
The Farmerā€™s DogFresh, lightly cooked, human-grade ingredients.High nutrient retention, personalized meals.Perfect for dogs needing high-quality, balanced meals.
Sundays for DogsAir-dried, human-grade ingredients.Shelf-stable, limited-ingredient recipes.Ideal for dogs with food sensitivities.
FreshpetFresh ingredients, lightly cooked.Convenient and available in stores.Best for owners looking for fresh but less personalized meals.

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


Which Brand is the Most Affordable? Freshpet Wins for Budget-Friendly Fresh Meals šŸ’ø

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. Hereā€™s a quick cost comparison:

  1. The Farmerā€™s Dog: As a premium, personalized service, The Farmerā€™s Dog is theĀ most expensiveĀ option, with prices ranging fromĀ $2 to $10 per day, depending on your dogā€™s size and dietary needs. The cost reflects theĀ quality of the ingredients and the level of customization.
  2. Sundays for Dogs: Sundays falls in the middle, with an average cost ofĀ $2 to $4 per day. Itā€™s more affordable than The Farmerā€™s Dog because it doesnā€™t require freezing or refrigeration, and it usesĀ air-dried ingredients, which are easier to produce and store.
  3. Freshpet: Freshpet is theĀ most affordableĀ fresh food option, with prices typically ranging fromĀ $1 to $3 per day. However, it doesnā€™t offer the same level of ingredient quality or customization as The Farmerā€™s Dog or Sundays, making it a good option for budget-conscious pet parents who still want to avoid traditional kibble.
BrandCost (Small Dog)Cost (Large Dog)šŸ’” Tip
The Farmerā€™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.

šŸ’” Pro Tip: For those who prioritize customization and premium qualityThe Farmerā€™s Dog is worth the investment. If youā€™re looking for a budget-friendly fresh food, Freshpet is the better choice.


Which Brand Is Easiest to Purchase? Freshpet Is Available in Stores šŸ›’

While The Farmerā€™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 Farmerā€™s Dog: Delivered through aĀ subscriptionĀ plan, The Farmerā€™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 Farmerā€™s Dog, Sundays is alsoĀ subscription-based. Youā€™ll get regular deliveries, and since the food is shelf-stable, you can store it without worrying about freezer space. However, itā€™s only available online.
  3. Freshpet: Freshpet is widely available inĀ grocery stores, pet stores, and online. You can buy it as needed, and thereā€™s no commitment to a subscription. This is a huge advantage for pet parents who want fresh food but donā€™t want to sign up for recurring deliveries.
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BrandPurchase MethodWhy It Stands OutšŸ’” Tip
The Farmerā€™s DogSubscription delivery only.Convenient, fresh meals delivered to your door.Perfect if you want never to worry about running out of food.
Sundays for DogsSubscription delivery only.Shelf-stable and easy to store between deliveries.Great if you prefer less frequent deliveries.
FreshpetAvailable in stores and online.Widely available in grocery and pet stores.Ideal if you prefer buying fresh food on a grocery run.

šŸ’” 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 Farmerā€™s Dog and Sundays offer seamless subscription services.


Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Dog Food for Your Pup

Each brandā€”Sundays for Dogs, The Farmerā€™s Dog, and Freshpetā€”offers something unique depending on your dogā€™s needs and your lifestyle. If youā€™re looking for customization and fresh, human-grade ingredientsThe Farmerā€™s Dog is the best choice. For convenient, shelf-stable mealsSundays offers air-dried food thatā€™s easy to store and serve. And if youā€™re on a budget or prefer to buy fresh food at the store, Freshpet is a solid option.


Quick Recap: Sundays for Dogs vs. The Farmerā€™s Dog vs. Freshpet

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

Choosing the right dog food can make a world of difference in your petā€™s health and happiness. šŸ¾


Comment 1: ā€œHow does Sundays compare to Freshpet in terms of nutritional value and convenience?ā€

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 anĀ air-drying processĀ 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 foodā€™s nutritional profile intact. As a result, Sundays offers aĀ whole food dietĀ with fewer processed components, making it aĀ superior optionĀ for nutrient retention compared to Freshpet.On the other hand,Ā FreshpetĀ uses aĀ light cooking methodĀ 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 doesnā€™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,Ā SundaysĀ is the clear winner. Its air-dried format means it isĀ shelf-stableĀ and doesnā€™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, requiresĀ refrigeration. Since itā€™s fresh and perishable, youā€™ll need to store it in the fridge after purchasing, and once opened, it needs to be consumed within a certain period. While itā€™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.
ComparisonSundays for DogsFreshpetšŸ’” Tip
Nutritional ValueAir-dried for better nutrient retention.Lightly cooked, but some nutrient loss.Sundays offers more nutrient-dense food.
ConvenienceShelf-stable, no refrigeration needed.Requires refrigeration and has a limited shelf life.Sundays is better for busy households or travel.

šŸ’” 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 donā€™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: ā€œIs The Farmerā€™s Dog worth the higher price compared to Sundays or Freshpet?ā€

Answer: The Farmerā€™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 youā€™re looking for tailored nutrition and the freshest ingredients possible.

  1. Customization and Freshness: The Farmerā€™s Dog offers an unparalleled level ofĀ customization. Their meals are designed based on your dogā€™sĀ age, breed, weight, activity level, and even specific health conditions. Each meal is crafted to meet your dogā€™s unique nutritional needs, ensuring they get exactly the right balance of proteins, fats, and nutrients. This level ofĀ personalizationĀ is something you wonā€™t get with Sundays or Freshpet, where the meals are more general and not tailored to individual dogs.Additionally, The Farmerā€™s Dog deliversĀ freshly cooked mealsĀ that arrive frozen and ready to thaw. This guarantees that your dog is eating fresh, minimally processed food that is prepared just days before itā€™s delivered. While Freshpet and Sundays also use fresh, human-grade ingredients, they donā€™t offer the same degree of meal personalization or freshness that The Farmerā€™s Dog does.
  2. Is It Worth It?Ā The extra cost of The Farmerā€™s Dog reflects itsĀ vet-designed recipesĀ andĀ bespoke meal plans, which can be especially beneficial for dogs with specific dietary needs, allergies, or medical conditions. If your dog requires aĀ strict, balanced dietĀ 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 youā€™re looking for a moreĀ cost-effectiveĀ option that still deliversĀ 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.
ComparisonThe Farmerā€™s DogSundays for DogsFreshpetšŸ’” Tip
CustomizationFully personalized meals based on your dogā€™s needs.Limited customization, general recipes.No customization, general recipes.Ideal for dogs with specific health or dietary needs.
CostHighest-priced option.Mid-range pricing.Most affordable.Great for pet parents looking for tailored, vet-designed nutrition.

šŸ’” Pro Tip: The Farmerā€™s Dog is worth the price if youā€™re seeking customized, fresh meals that are designed to cater to your dogā€™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.


Comment 3: ā€œHow do I transition my dog to Sundays or The Farmerā€™s Dog? Will they have digestive issues?ā€

Answer: Transitioning your dog to Sundays or The Farmerā€™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. Hereā€™s how to make the transition smooth:

  1. Start Slow: Whether youā€™re switching to Sundays or The Farmerā€™s Dog, start by mixingĀ a small portionĀ of the new food with your dogā€™s current food. Begin withĀ 25% new foodĀ andĀ 75% old foodĀ for the first few days. Gradually increase the amount of new food while decreasing the old food over the course ofĀ 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 dogā€™s digestive system toĀ adjust to the richer, fresher ingredientsĀ in Sundays or The Farmerā€™s Dog.
  2. Watch for Signs of Sensitivity: Keep an eye on your dogā€™sĀ stool qualityĀ andĀ energy levelsĀ 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 toĀ sensitive digestion, it might be helpful to introduce the new food even more slowly, over a period ofĀ two weeks or more. Both Sundays and The Farmerā€™s Dog are made withĀ 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 Farmerā€™s Dog has aĀ higher moisture contentĀ compared to dry kibble, which is great for hydration. However, if youā€™re switching toĀ Sundays, which is air-dried, make sure your dog hasĀ plenty of fresh waterĀ available to stay hydrated, as the food is drier than fresh options.
BrandTransition TimeKey ConsiderationsšŸ’” Tip
Sundays for Dogs7 to 10 days.Gradually mix with old food, watch hydration.Add water to the air-dried food for easier digestion during the transition.
The Farmerā€™s Dog7 to 10 days.Mix slowly with current food, monitor digestion.Ensure proper portioning based on your dogā€™s weight and needs.

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


Comment 4: ā€œCan I combine Freshpet with kibble? Or should I switch fully to Freshpet?ā€

Answer: Yes, you can combine Freshpet with kibble if youā€™re looking to incorporate fresh food into your dogā€™s diet without fully committing to a 100% fresh food regimen. This is a great way to improve your dogā€™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 itā€™s important to ensure the combined diet is stillĀ nutritionally balanced. Freshpet is aĀ complete and balanced mealĀ on its own, so when you mix it with kibble, make sure that both foods are appropriate for your dogā€™sĀ age, size, and nutritional needs. If youā€™re uncertain, consult your vet to make sure youā€™re feeding the right proportions.
  2. Gradual Introduction: Just like with any new food, youā€™ll want toĀ gradually introduce FreshpetĀ into your dogā€™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 youā€™re mixing Freshpet with a dry kibble, remember that Freshpet contains moreĀ moistureĀ than kibble, so your dog may not need to drink as much water as they did before. However, always provide access toĀ 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 moreĀ 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 FeedingProsConsiderationsšŸ’” Tip
Freshpet + KibbleImproves nutrition without fully switching to fresh food.Ensure both foods are balanced for your dogā€™s needs.Gradually increase Freshpet while reducing kibble over time.

šŸ’” 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.

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