We Feed Raw vs. Farmer’s Dog vs. Just Food for Dogs 🐾: The Ultimate Dog Food Showdown

Published on: December 8, 2024December 8, 2024Author: Bestie Paws

Choosing the best food for your dog isn’t just about what’s convenient—it’s about what’s best for their health, happiness, and long-term well-being. With options like We Feed Raw, Farmer’s Dog, and Just Food for Dogs, you’re looking at some of the highest-quality pet food on the market. But how do they really stack up?

Key Takeaways at a Glance:

Nutritional Approach: We Feed Raw focuses on raw feeding, while Farmer’s Dog and Just Food for Dogs offer gently cooked meals.
Customization: Farmer’s Dog leads in personalizing meals to your dog’s specific needs.
Convenience: Just Food for Dogs offers both in-store and online purchasing, while We Feed Raw and Farmer’s Dog are subscription-based.
Price: We Feed Raw and Farmer’s Dog are premium options, but Just Food for Dogs has flexible price points with bulk purchasing options.
Ingredient Quality: All brands use human-grade ingredients, but We Feed Raw offers a biologically appropriate raw diet for those seeking to follow ancestral feeding practices.

Which Brand Offers the Best Nutritional Approach?

When it comes to nutrition, each brand takes a very different approach. Let’s break down what makes them unique and how they cater to your dog’s dietary needs:

Brand	Food Type	Main Nutritional Focus	Customization	Ideal For
We Feed Raw	Raw diet	Biologically appropriate, high-protein	Moderate	Dogs needing ancestral diets
Farmer’s Dog	Fresh, gently cooked	Personalized, whole-food meals	Highly customizable	Dogs with specific health needs
Just Food for Dogs	Fresh, cooked or frozen	Nutrient-dense, vet-designed	Some customization	Dogs with health concerns or allergies

We Feed Raw: True to its name, this brand offers a 100% raw diet, focusing on biologically appropriate feeding that mimics what dogs would eat in the wild. This means high-protein, grain-free meals composed primarily of raw meat, bones, and organs. If you’re looking for a primal, ancestral diet, this is a solid choice for promoting lean muscle mass, healthy teeth, and digestion.
Farmer’s Dog: Farmer’s Dog provides human-grade, gently cooked meals designed for optimal nutrition. They focus on personalized meals based on your dog’s unique needs, such as breed, age, activity level, and any health conditions. If your dog has specific dietary concerns (like weight management or digestive issues), Farmer’s Dog customizes their meals to offer a balanced, fresh-food approach.
Just Food for Dogs: Known for their vet-formulated meals, Just Food for Dogs offers fresh, lightly cooked meals designed to meet the standards of the AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials). Their meals are created in collaboration with veterinary nutritionists, ensuring balanced nutrition, particularly for dogs with health issues like kidney disease, joint problems, or allergies.

👉 Verdict: If you’re focused on raw, biologically appropriate feeding, go with We Feed Raw. For personalized nutrition based on your dog’s health, Farmer’s Dog takes the lead, while Just Food for Dogs excels in providing meals crafted by veterinary professionals.

How Do These Brands Handle Convenience and Availability?

Convenience is important, especially if you’re balancing a busy life. Let’s compare how easy it is to get your hands on these top-tier meals:

Brand	Availability	Subscription Option	In-Store Purchasing	Storage
We Feed Raw	Online only	Yes	No	Frozen
Farmer’s Dog	Online only	Yes	No	Frozen
Just Food for Dogs	Online & in-store	Optional	Yes	Frozen or fresh

We Feed Raw: Exclusively available through their subscription service, We Feed Raw ships directly to your door in frozen portions. Since it’s raw, you’ll need adequate freezer space and be mindful of thawing the meals before serving. Though convenient for raw feeders, it requires more planning to handle frozen deliveries.
Farmer’s Dog: Similar to We Feed Raw, Farmer’s Dog also delivers its meals frozen to your door via a subscription model. The meals arrive pre-portioned and require freezer storage. You’ll need to thaw each meal in the fridge, which adds a step to your feeding routine but ensures maximum freshness.
Just Food for Dogs: Just Food for Dogs wins for availability because you can buy their food both online and in physical stores (including their own kitchens and certain pet stores). You can opt for frozen or fresh meals depending on what’s available near you. This flexibility gives you more freedom to buy in bulk or on-the-go, and you don’t have to commit to a subscription.

👉 Verdict: If store availability and flexibility matter to you, Just Food for Dogs is the easiest option. Both We Feed Raw and Farmer’s Dog offer subscription-only services, which are convenient but require freezer space and a bit more planning.

Which Brand Offers the Best Ingredient Quality?

When it comes to feeding your dog, the quality of the ingredients can make all the difference in their health, energy levels, and long-term wellness.

We Feed Raw: We Feed Raw offers human-grade, USDA-certified meats and focuses exclusively on raw feeding. Their ingredients are completely free of grains, fillers, and preservatives, making it one of the purest diets available. Each meal is carefully balanced to include raw meat, bones, and organs, providing essential nutrients like calcium and phosphorus, which are crucial for your dog’s overall health.
Farmer’s Dog: Farmer’s Dog also uses human-grade ingredients, with a focus on high-quality proteins, fresh vegetables, and nutrient-dense components. The meals are designed to offer optimal nutrition through whole foods that are gently cooked to retain as many nutrients as possible. Each ingredient is sourced transparently, with an emphasis on quality and freshness.
Just Food for Dogs: Known for their open kitchens, Just Food for Dogs is as transparent as it gets. You can watch them prepare meals using human-grade meats, fresh vegetables, and minimal processing. Their commitment to using whole ingredients without artificial preservatives, coloring, or fillers ensures that your dog gets nutrient-rich meals.

👉 Verdict: If you’re committed to raw feeding, We Feed Raw is the cleanest, most natural option. For gently cooked, high-quality ingredients, both Farmer’s Dog and Just Food for Dogs provide exceptional meals, with Just Food for Dogs offering more transparency in their preparation process.

How Do They Compare on Price?

When considering which brand to choose, price can be a deciding factor. Let’s see how each stacks up in terms of cost:

Brand	Price Range (Per Meal)	Bulk Discounts	Customization
We Feed Raw	$$$	Yes	Limited
Farmer’s Dog	$$$	No	High
Just Food for Dogs	$$	Yes	Moderate

We Feed Raw: As a premium raw food brand, We Feed Raw tends to be more expensive than traditional kibble or canned food. Depending on the size and dietary needs of your dog, meals can range from $6–$10 per day. They do offer bulk discounts, which can help bring down the cost for larger dogs or multi-dog households.
Farmer’s Dog: Farmer’s Dog also falls on the higher end of the price spectrum, averaging $8–$10 per meal. The price reflects their customized meal plans and human-grade ingredients. While you don’t get bulk discounts, the personalized service adds value, especially if your dog has unique dietary needs.
Just Food for Dogs: In terms of price, Just Food for Dogs offers more flexibility. With meals priced around $5–$8, they’re a bit more affordable, especially if you’re feeding larger dogs. They also offer bulk buying options in-store and online, allowing you to save money if you’re buying in larger quantities.

Discover Best Dog Food for Boston Terriers: A Tailored Guide to Nutrition for Your Lively Companion 🐾🥗

👉 Verdict: For a more affordable option with room for bulk purchasing, Just Food for Dogs takes the edge. Both We Feed Raw and Farmer’s Dog are premium options, offering superior quality but at a higher cost.

Which Brand Should I Choose for My Dog?

Ultimately, the right choice depends on your dog’s specific needs and your lifestyle.

Choose We Feed Raw if you’re committed to a raw feeding lifestyle and want a biologically appropriate, high-protein diet that mimics what dogs would eat in the wild.
Opt for Farmer’s Dog if your dog requires personalized nutrition with fresh, gently cooked meals tailored to their health needs. Their custom meal plans are perfect for dogs with specific dietary concerns.
Go with Just Food for Dogs if you want the flexibility of in-store purchasing, affordable pricing options, and meals designed by veterinary nutritionists to address your dog’s health conditions.

Quick Comparison Recap:

Feature	We Feed Raw	Farmer’s Dog	Just Food for Dogs
Best For	Raw feeding	Customization	Convenience & flexibility
Price Range	$$$	$$$	$$
Availability	Subscription only	Subscription only	In-store & online
Customization	Limited	High	Moderate
Storage	Frozen	Frozen	Frozen or fresh

🐾 Choose wisely for your furry friend! 🐾

Comment 1: “Can I mix these brands together for variety, or would that upset my dog’s stomach?”

Answer:
When it comes to mixing different types of dog food, it’s essential to consider your dog’s digestive system and the type of food being combined. Each of these brands follows a very different nutritional approach, and while mixing can offer variety, it requires careful planning to avoid digestive upset.

We Feed Raw: Since this is a raw diet, it’s generally not recommended to mix raw meals with cooked or processed foods like those from Farmer’s Dog or Just Food for Dogs in a single meal. Raw food digests differently from cooked food, and combining them can sometimes cause gastrointestinal distress, especially in dogs with sensitive stomachs. If you want to incorporate We Feed Raw with other cooked foods, it’s best to feed them at different times of the day (e.g., raw in the morning and cooked in the evening).
Farmer’s Dog and Just Food for Dogs: These two brands both provide gently cooked, human-grade meals, and are more compatible when it comes to mixing. If you’re looking to offer variety between them, you could rotate meals every few days or weeks. Since both brands focus on whole foods without fillers or artificial ingredients, they’re generally safe to alternate without causing digestive issues. However, as with any food switch, you should introduce new proteins and meals gradually to monitor how your dog reacts.

If variety is your goal, alternating between Farmer’s Dog and Just Food for Dogs can add diversity without major stomach issues, but avoid mixing raw and cooked foods in the same meal to prevent digestive upset.

Comment 2: “What about dogs with allergies? Which of these brands is best for managing food allergies?”

Answer:
When it comes to managing food allergies, the ingredient transparency and customization of each brand can play a pivotal role in reducing allergic reactions. Here’s how each brand supports dogs with food sensitivities or allergies:

We Feed Raw: Raw diets like We Feed Raw can sometimes help alleviate food allergies because they provide a limited ingredient profile that’s biologically appropriate for dogs. The meals consist mainly of single protein sources (like beef or turkey) and contain no grains, artificial additives, or fillers, which are common allergens. By offering a raw, unprocessed option, this diet can reduce inflammation and minimize the chances of allergic reactions. However, if your dog is specifically allergic to raw proteins or certain meats, this may not be the best option.
Farmer’s Dog: If your dog has specific food allergies, Farmer’s Dog is an excellent choice due to their customized meal plans. During the sign-up process, you can indicate any known allergies or sensitivities, and the meals will be tailored accordingly. By using whole, limited ingredients, and avoiding common allergens like corn, wheat, and soy, Farmer’s Dog minimizes the risk of triggering allergic reactions. They also offer multiple protein options, making it easy to avoid specific allergens.
Just Food for Dogs: Just Food for Dogs goes a step further with their Prescription Diets designed specifically for dogs with allergies and other health conditions. They work closely with veterinary nutritionists to create formulas that are hypoallergenic and meet specific dietary needs. They offer special recipes like their Fish & Sweet Potato formula, which is ideal for dogs with protein sensitivities. Additionally, their kitchens allow you to work with a vet to craft a diet tailored to your dog’s allergy profile.

For managing food allergies, Just Food for Dogs stands out due to its vet-formulated, hypoallergenic diets, but Farmer’s Dog is a close second with its customized meal plans. We Feed Raw can also be effective if you’re looking for a simple, limited ingredient approach, but it’s crucial to ensure your dog isn’t allergic to the raw proteins.

Comment 3: “Is a raw diet like We Feed Raw really better for my dog than cooked food?”

Answer:
This question often sparks a lot of debate among pet nutritionists and dog owners alike. Both raw and cooked diets offer unique benefits, and what’s “better” often depends on your dog’s individual health needs and your personal preference. Here’s how the two approaches compare:

We Feed Raw: A raw diet is based on the idea that dogs thrive on biologically appropriate food, similar to what their ancestors would have eaten in the wild. The raw diet includes muscle meat, organs, and bones, which are rich in natural nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and enzymes that can improve digestion, promote healthy skin, and strengthen teeth and gums. Supporters of raw feeding often cite improvements in coat shine, energy levels, and lean muscle mass. However, raw diets also require careful handling to avoid bacterial contamination like salmonella, and not all dogs may digest raw proteins easily, especially if they have compromised immune systems.
Farmer’s Dog and Just Food for Dogs: These brands take a different approach by offering gently cooked, human-grade meals. The benefit of cooked food is that it can reduce the risk of bacterial contamination, which is a concern with raw feeding. Cooking also makes some nutrients more bioavailable, which can improve digestion for dogs with sensitive stomachs or certain health conditions. Both brands focus on whole, fresh ingredients that are carefully balanced for nutritional adequacy. Cooked food is generally easier to store, prepare, and serve compared to raw diets.

Discover 🐾 What is the Best Dog Food for a Beagle? Expert Nutrition Tips for a Healthy, Happy Pup 🐶

The main difference is that raw feeding offers a more natural, ancestral approach, while cooked diets like those from Farmer’s Dog and Just Food for Dogs offer a safer, more convenient way to ensure complete nutrition. Ultimately, both can be highly beneficial depending on your dog’s individual needs. Raw diets may work better for highly active dogs or those with specific health goals, while cooked food is often preferred for ease of digestion and safety.

Comment 4: “How long do the meals stay fresh? Do I need to worry about spoilage with these brands?”

Answer:
The shelf life and freshness of these meals vary depending on how they’re packaged and stored. Let’s break it down by brand:

We Feed Raw: Since this is a frozen raw food brand, the meals come pre-portioned and delivered to your door frozen. As long as they remain frozen, they can be stored for several months without any risk of spoilage. Once thawed, you should serve the food within 2-3 days to ensure it stays fresh and safe to eat. Raw food requires proper handling—just like raw meat for humans—so be mindful of how you thaw and store the meals to prevent bacterial growth.
Farmer’s Dog: Farmer’s Dog meals also arrive frozen and need to be stored in your freezer until you’re ready to use them. Once thawed, they stay fresh in the fridge for about 4 days. Each meal is pre-portioned, which makes it easy to manage without much waste. Since the meals are gently cooked, they’re slightly more stable than raw food but still need to be handled with care to prevent spoilage.
Just Food for Dogs: Just Food for Dogs offers both frozen and fresh options. If you choose their frozen meals, they can be stored for months in the freezer and should be used within 4 days of thawing. Their fresh meals, available in-store or for delivery, typically come with a shorter shelf life and need to be refrigerated and consumed within 3-5 days. However, they also offer the option of vacuum-sealed packaging, which can extend freshness for slightly longer.

👉 Spoilage is minimal with all three brands as long as you follow their storage and thawing instructions. We Feed Raw requires the most careful handling due to its raw nature, while Farmer’s Dog and Just Food for Dogs are slightly more forgiving with their gently cooked and vacuum-sealed options.

Comment 5: “Are there any benefits to these foods for older dogs with joint issues?”

Answer:
Yes, diet plays a significant role in supporting older dogs with joint issues like arthritis or hip dysplasia. Let’s see how each of these brands caters to senior dogs or those with joint health concerns:

We Feed Raw: A raw diet can benefit older dogs by providing a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet that helps maintain lean muscle mass and reduce inflammation, both of which are crucial for joint health. Additionally, the presence of natural glucosamine found in raw bones can support joint function. However, raw diets may not include specific supplements like omega-3 fatty acids or chondroitin, which are known to improve joint health, unless you add these to the meals separately.
Farmer’s Dog: Farmer’s Dog excels at customization, which means if your senior dog has joint issues, they can formulate meals to include ingredients known to reduce inflammation, such as omega-3 fatty acids from fish or flaxseed. These ingredients help lubricate joints and ease stiffness. The gentle cooking process preserves the nutrients without denaturing them, making it a great option for older dogs needing joint support through a tailored, balanced diet.
Just Food for Dogs: Just Food for Dogs specifically caters to dogs with health conditions, and they offer meals that are enriched with joint-supporting nutrients like glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega-3 fatty acids. Their Joint & Skin Support Diet is formulated to reduce inflammation and promote healthy joints, making it an ideal choice for older dogs suffering from arthritis or similar conditions. Additionally, their prescription diets ensure that your dog gets the right nutrients for long-term joint care.

For senior dogs with joint issues, Just Food for Dogs offers the most targeted support, but Farmer’s Dog also provides flexibility in adding joint-supportive ingredients. We Feed Raw can support lean muscle and reduce inflammation but may need additional supplementation for optimal joint care.

Comment 6: “What about portion sizes? How do I know if I’m feeding the right amount from each of these brands?”

Answer:
Portion control is essential for ensuring your dog gets the right amount of nutrients without overeating or becoming undernourished. Each brand handles portioning differently, offering clear guidance based on your dog’s weight, age, and activity level. Let’s dive into how each brand helps with portion control and how you can ensure your dog is getting the right amount of food:

We Feed Raw: Raw feeding requires precise portion control to ensure your dog is getting the correct balance of nutrients. We Feed Raw offers feeding guidelines based on your dog’s weight and activity level, typically recommending feeding around 2-3% of your dog’s body weight per day. For example, if your dog weighs 50 lbs, you would feed about 1 to 1.5 pounds of raw food daily, divided into meals. Since raw diets are denser in nutrients compared to kibble, it’s crucial to weigh the portions accurately to avoid overfeeding or underfeeding.
Farmer’s Dog: One of the standout features of Farmer’s Dog is its customized portioning. When you sign up, they ask detailed questions about your dog’s breed, weight, activity level, and health goals. Based on this information, they provide pre-portioned, individually packaged meals. This means there’s no guessing involved—each package is tailored to your dog’s caloric and nutritional needs. If you’re ever unsure about portion adjustments, their customer service can assist in recalculating portions if your dog’s weight or activity level changes.
Just Food for Dogs: Just Food for Dogs offers feeding guidelines on each package that are based on your dog’s weight and activity level. They also provide detailed instructions for gradual transitions to ensure your dog adjusts to their new diet without digestive upset. Additionally, they have veterinary consultations available, which is especially helpful if your dog has special dietary needs. For owners of large dogs or those needing to manage weight, they offer guidance on adjusting portions for specific health goals.

Discover 🐾 Is Beef Good for Dogs with Allergies? A Comprehensive Guide

👉 Verdict: Farmer’s Dog makes portioning effortless with their customized, pre-portioned meals, while Just Food for Dogs gives you flexibility with guidelines and the option for vet consultations. If you choose We Feed Raw, be prepared to weigh out meals according to the recommended percentage of your dog’s body weight, ensuring accuracy for balanced nutrition.

Comment 7: “How are these brands with sustainability? Do they consider the environment in their packaging and sourcing?”

Answer:
Sustainability is becoming a bigger priority for many dog owners, and these brands have varying degrees of commitment to eco-friendly practices. Let’s look at how each brand approaches sustainable packaging and sourcing:

We Feed Raw: Raw food companies like We Feed Raw generally focus on delivering ethically sourced meats, but sustainability in packaging can sometimes be a challenge due to the need for keeping raw food frozen. We Feed Raw uses recyclable packaging for their meal shipments, but because the food must remain frozen, the insulation and cooling materials may not always be the most environmentally friendly. However, they do make an effort to source meat from suppliers who follow ethical practices in farming, ensuring the humane treatment of animals and sustainable sourcing.
Farmer’s Dog: Farmer’s Dog is one of the more sustainability-conscious companies in the pet food industry. They use eco-friendly packaging that is biodegradable and recyclable, minimizing their environmental footprint. The meals come in vacuum-sealed bags to reduce food waste and preserve freshness, and they have return programs for packaging to encourage recycling. Additionally, they prioritize local ingredient sourcing, which reduces the carbon footprint associated with long-distance transportation of ingredients.
Just Food for Dogs: Just Food for Dogs also makes strides toward sustainability with their recyclable packaging and energy-efficient kitchen operations. Their use of locally sourced, whole ingredients helps support sustainable agriculture and reduce emissions from transportation. Moreover, their open-kitchen concept allows customers to see the food preparation process, emphasizing transparency and their commitment to using fresh, ethically sourced ingredients.

👉 Verdict: Farmer’s Dog takes the lead with its biodegradable packaging and emphasis on local sourcing. Just Food for Dogs also focuses on sustainable practices and ingredient transparency, while We Feed Raw is committed to ethical sourcing, though their packaging is less eco-friendly due to the requirements of raw food preservation.

Comment 8: “Do any of these brands offer options for dogs with medical conditions like kidney disease or diabetes?”

Answer:
Dogs with medical conditions require specialized diets to manage their health, and each of these brands offers different levels of support for specific conditions like kidney disease, diabetes, or obesity. Here’s how they handle therapeutic diets:

We Feed Raw: Raw diets can be beneficial for some dogs, but they are not typically recommended for dogs with certain medical conditions like kidney disease or diabetes without veterinary supervision. We Feed Raw does not offer specific therapeutic formulations, so if your dog has a complex medical condition, it’s crucial to work with a veterinarian to ensure that the diet is balanced and safe for their needs. Raw diets are high in protein, which can sometimes be problematic for dogs with kidney issues, so this may not be the best option unless modified under professional guidance.
Farmer’s Dog: Farmer’s Dog offers the advantage of customized meal plans that can be tailored to support dogs with specific health conditions. If your dog suffers from issues like kidney disease or diabetes, you can provide this information during the sign-up process, and they will adjust the formulation to meet your dog’s dietary restrictions. However, these are not prescription diets, so if your dog has a severe or complex medical issue, you may still want to consult a veterinarian for more detailed guidance.
Just Food for Dogs: Just Food for Dogs excels in providing prescription diets designed for dogs with medical conditions. They have therapeutic formulas specifically crafted for dogs with issues like kidney disease, liver disease, and diabetes. Their Renal Support Low Protein formula, for example, is designed to reduce the workload on the kidneys while still providing complete nutrition. Just Food for Dogs works closely with veterinary professionals to develop these diets, and they offer consultations to ensure your dog’s health is fully supported.

👉 Verdict: For dogs with serious medical conditions, Just Food for Dogs is the best option due to their prescription diets and close collaboration with veterinary nutritionists. Farmer’s Dog offers customized meal plans that can be tailored to less severe health issues, but it’s not a substitute for therapeutic diets. We Feed Raw should only be considered for dogs with medical conditions under the strict guidance of a vet.

Comment 9: “How do these brands cater to highly active dogs or working breeds that need more calories?”

Answer:
Highly active dogs, such as working breeds or dogs involved in sports, need a higher calorie intake and a balanced diet rich in proteins and fats to sustain their energy levels. Here’s how each brand meets the needs of active dogs:

We Feed Raw: We Feed Raw is an excellent option for highly active dogs because raw diets are naturally high in protein and fat, which provide long-lasting energy and support muscle maintenance. The meals consist of raw meat, organs, and bones, which are rich in essential nutrients and ideal for dogs with high energy requirements. For working dogs, the high-protein, high-fat profile of raw diets like this helps maintain lean muscle and endurance. However, portion sizes may need to be adjusted based on your dog’s activity level to ensure they get enough calories to match their output.
Farmer’s Dog: Farmer’s Dog customizes meals based on your dog’s activity level. If your dog is particularly active, you can indicate this during the sign-up process, and they will adjust the caloric content of the meals accordingly. The meals are rich in high-quality proteins and healthy fats, which are essential for maintaining stamina and muscle mass in active dogs. Additionally, the fresh, whole-food ingredients help sustain energy throughout the day, making it a great choice for dogs involved in high-performance activities.
Just Food for Dogs: Just Food for Dogs offers nutrient-dense meals that are suitable for active dogs, though their focus is more on balanced nutrition than high-calorie, performance-oriented diets. They do offer consultation services with veterinary nutritionists, so if your dog needs an extra boost for their activity level, they can help customize the diet to increase protein, fats, and calories. Their meals are ideal for maintaining health and energy in active dogs, but for working breeds that need significantly more calories, you may need to supplement or adjust portion sizes.

👉 Verdict: For highly active dogs or working breeds, We Feed Raw provides the high-protein, high-fat content that can fuel long-lasting energy. Farmer’s Dog is a great alternative for those wanting customized calorie intake based on activity level, while Just Food for Dogs works well with vet consultations to adjust meals for active dogs, though it may not naturally offer the higher calorie density of raw feeding.