🐶 Sundays for Dogs vs. The Farmer’s Dog vs. Freshpet
These three brands are revolutionizing the bowl — but they do it in wildly different ways. We break down the top consumer concerns with direct, expert-backed answers, combining insight with digestible summaries.
📌 Key Takeaways (Quickfire Answers):
- Best for Convenience: Sundays for Dogs 🛒
- Most Personalized Nutrition: The Farmer’s Dog 🔬
- Best for Budget Access: Freshpet 💳
- Most Likely to Upset a Sensitive Stomach: Freshpet ⚠️
- Most Risk of Subscription Frustration: Sundays ❌
- Best for Dogs Prone to Weight Gain or Pancreatitis: Not Sundays or TFD (fat content too high) 🚫
- Best for First-Time “Fresh” Shoppers: Freshpet 🧊
- Most Clinical Transparency: The Farmer’s Dog 📚
❓What if My Dog Has Digestive Issues?
Answer: The Farmer’s Dog offers simple, human-grade recipes with gentle cooking and vet oversight. But beware: high fat content in some recipes (like Beef) could trigger issues like pancreatitis in sensitive breeds.
📊 Digestive Suitability Table:
| Brand | Gentle Ingredients | Custom Calorie Control | High Fat Risk | Spoilage Risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sundays 😐 | Whole food, but jerky-like | Yes | ✅ High | ❌ No |
| The Farmer’s Dog ✅ | Yes, gently cooked | ✅ Excellent | ⚠️ Sometimes | ❌ No |
| Freshpet ⚠️ | Varies widely | ❌ No personalization | ✅ Moderate | ⚠️ High |
🕰️ Which One Saves Me Time (and Fridge Space)?
Answer: Sundays for Dogs requires zero prep and no refrigeration — making it a clear winner in raw convenience. Just pour and serve like kibble.
📊 Convenience Comparison Chart:
| Feature | Sundays 🥇 | TFD 🍲 | Freshpet 🧊 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shelf-Stable | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Needs Thawing | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Pre-Portioned Meals | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Available In Stores | ❌ Online only | ❌ Online only | ✅ Grocery chains |
💸 Which Gives Me the Best Value?
Answer: Freshpet is by far the most affordable way to upgrade from kibble — especially when used as a topper.
📊 Cost Snapshot (Estimates for 40 lb Dog):
| Brand | Avg Daily Cost | Storage Type | Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sundays 💰 | $4–$5.50 | Shelf-Stable | Picky eaters, tiny kitchens |
| The Farmer’s Dog 💎 | $7–$10 | Frozen | Precision feeding, health tracking |
| Freshpet 💵 | $3–$6 | Refrigerated | Intro to fresh, store pick-up |
🧾 Which Brand Is Easiest to Trust?
Answer: The Farmer’s Dog shines with transparent ingredient lists, clinical testing, and personalized support. In contrast, Sundays has great food but an operational Achilles’ heel.
📊 Trustworthiness Matrix:
| Category | Sundays 😬 | TFD 🏆 | Freshpet 🤷♂️ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shipping Reliability | ❌ Major Issues | ✅ Reliable | ✅ Instant in-store |
| Customer Service | ❌ Email-only | ✅ Excellent | ⚠️ Mixed |
| Ingredient Transparency | ✅ Strong | ✅ Clinical-grade | ⚠️ Mixed (some additives) |
| Consistency & Freshness | ✅ Good | ✅ Strong QC | ❌ Variable |
🧠 Is “Personalization” Really Real?
Answer: Not exactly. All three use basic quiz data, but The Farmer’s Dog offers truly pre-measured daily portions, printed with your dog’s name — a detail that boosts user confidence, even if the recipes themselves don’t change.
📊 Personalization Breakdown:
| Brand | Quiz-Based Sizing | True Custom Recipe | Dog’s Name on Pack | Packaging Ease |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sundays 🧪 | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No | ✅ Super Easy |
| The Farmer’s Dog 🐾 | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Needs thawing |
| Freshpet 🧊 | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ No | ✅ Easy store use |
🩺 Can Any of These Foods Cause Illness?
Answer: While all three avoid dangerous preservatives, Freshpet has a documented pattern of spoilage complaints. The Farmer’s Dog has rare reports of pancreatitis likely tied to fat levels. Sundays has no health-linked reviews but has suffered customer churn due to service—not formula.
📊 Health Risk Chart:
| Issue | Sundays | TFD | Freshpet |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pancreatitis Risk | Low | High (beef) | Low |
| Gastro Distress | Rare | Rare | Moderate |
| Spoilage Incidents | None | None | ✅ Frequent |
🔍 Bottom Line: Which Brand for Which Type of Owner?
📊 Owner Personality Fit Table:
| Owner Type | Ideal Brand | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 🧊 “Frozen-food skeptic” | Sundays | Easy pantry storage, zero prep hassle |
| 💼 “Always on the go” | Sundays | No thawing, no fridge, travels well |
| 🧬 “Science-first, price-last” | The Farmer’s Dog | Vet-backed, precision-portioned, highly trusted |
| 👛 “Fresh on a budget” | Freshpet | Grocery store access, affordable topper strategy |
| 🐕 “Feeding a 100-lb Lab” | The Farmer’s Dog | Strong on portion control, muscle maintenance |
| 🐾 “Dog has food allergies” | TFD or Sundays | Transparent ingredients, limited fillers |
| 🤯 “Can’t deal with bad service” | TFD or Freshpet | Avoid Sundays if delays cause stress |
| 🎁 “Trying fresh food for first time” | Freshpet | Easy to test with no subscription commitment |
FAQs
❓“Why are some dogs gaining too much weight on Sundays or TFD, even when following the feeding guide?”
Metabolically, feeding guides often generalize caloric needs without accounting for nuanced differences in metabolism, neuter status, or breed-specific activity levels. While The Farmer’s Dog uses pre-portioned meals, its recipes—especially beef—are exceptionally energy-dense due to high fat content (~30% dry matter). Sundays for Dogs is also high-fat and protein-rich, designed for nutrient density, not caloric volume.
📉 Feeding Density vs. Satiety Index
| Brand | Avg Fat % (Dry Matter) | Satiety (Fullness) | Portion Volume | Risk of Overfeeding |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sundays 🥩 | ~29.2% | Low (jerky-like pieces) | Small | ✅ High |
| TFD – Beef 🍖 | ~30% | Moderate (moist texture) | Pre-portioned | ⚠️ Moderate |
| Freshpet 🧊 | ~16–20% (varies) | High (soft texture) | Larger volumes | ✅ High (free feeding) |
Tip: Always monitor Body Condition Score (BCS) monthly. Portion adjustments of ±10% are often necessary, even with “custom” meal plans.
❓“Are Sundays’ ingredients truly sufficient without synthetic vitamins?”
Sundays claims all nutrients come from whole-food ingredients, using no synthetic vitamin packs—a bold stance in pet nutrition. It sources vitamins and minerals from foods like quinoa (magnesium), kelp (iodine), and selenium yeast (selenium). While this aligns with ancestral feeding philosophies, it raises bioavailability concerns in clinical nutrition circles.
🧬 Whole-Food vs. Synthetic Nutrition Matrix
| Nutrient Source | Example Ingredient | Bioavailability | Consistency Risk | AAFCO Compliance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Whole Food (Sundays) 🌿 | Liver, spinach, kelp | Natural, slower uptake | ✅ Higher | ✅ Met via formulation |
| Synthetic (TFD, Freshpet) 💊 | Sodium Selenite, Vit D3 | Highly bioavailable | ✅ Stable | ✅ Met via premix |
Caution: Dogs with malabsorption issues, pancreatic insufficiency, or liver disease may require precise, standardized nutrient dosing—whole food alone might not be sufficient.
❓“How should I transition my dog from kibble to these fresh brands to avoid GI issues?”
Rapid dietary shifts can disrupt gut flora, especially when moving from extruded kibble to high-moisture or air-dried whole-food diets. Gradual transition is key to preventing diarrhea, vomiting, or flatulence.
⏳ Transition Schedule Guide (7–10 Days)
| Day Range | % Old Food | % New Food | Feeding Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Days 1–2 🐾 | 75% | 25% | Monitor stool; introduce new food at night |
| Days 3–4 🍖 | 50% | 50% | Add pumpkin for fiber stability |
| Days 5–6 🥩 | 25% | 75% | Watch for changes in water intake |
| Days 7–10 ✅ | 0% | 100% | Full transition, evaluate appetite & stool |
Veterinary Tip: Probiotics like Enterococcus faecium can improve transition success. Avoid introducing other variables (treats, meds) during this period.
❓“Why does Freshpet spoil so often? Is it a production issue or retail handling?”
Freshpet’s challenge is not the cooking process—which uses safe, steam-cooked methods—but the cold chain: the journey from production to shelf. Unlike DTC brands that ship in temperature-controlled boxes, Freshpet relies on third-party handlers, grocery staff, and in-store fridges, many of which aren’t properly monitored.
🚚 Cold Chain Vulnerability Map
| Step | Risk Level | Cause of Breakdown | Frequency (Based on Reviews) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Factory Refrigeration 🏭 | Low | Controlled by Freshpet | Rare |
| Third-party Transport 🚛 | Medium | Lack of refrigeration checks | Moderate |
| In-store Storage 🧊 | ✅ High | Faulty fridges, open doors | Frequent |
| At-home Fridge 🏠 | Low | Owner-controlled | Rare |
Owner Strategy: Always check expiration dates and product temperature before buying. If the product feels room temp or smells sour—even if sealed—discard and report.
❓“Which brand is best for dogs with arthritis or joint issues?”
None of the three offer dedicated joint formulas with glucosamine, chondroitin, or green-lipped mussel, but they vary in anti-inflammatory nutrient support.
🦴 Joint Health Ingredient Comparison
| Anti-Inflammatory Agent | Sundays 🥩 | TFD 🍲 | Freshpet 🧊 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fish Oil (EPA/DHA) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Inconsistently listed |
| Turmeric (Curcumin) | ✅ Small dose | ❌ Not used | ✅ In some SKUs |
| Joint Supplements | ❌ None added | ❌ None added | ❌ None added |
Veterinary Suggestion: Pair any brand with a daily omega-3 supplement (100 mg/kg EPA+DHA) and consider a chewable glucosamine complex for older or arthritic pets.
❓“Are these diets appropriate for puppies or large breed growth?”
Only formulas labeled for “All Life Stages” meet the strict AAFCO minimums for growth. Sundays and TFD are both compliant for all life stages, including large breed puppies. Freshpet’s retail lines often target “Adult Maintenance” only.
🍼 Puppy-Appropriate Label Comparison
| Brand | AAFCO Life Stage | Calcium/Phos Ratio | DHA Source (Brain Dev.) | Suitable for Large Breed? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sundays 🐶 | ✅ All Life Stages | Balanced | Fish Oil | ✅ Yes |
| TFD 🐾 | ✅ All Life Stages | Balanced | Fish Oil | ✅ Yes |
| Freshpet 🧊 | ⚠️ Varies | Varies (unclear) | ⚠️ Not always listed | ❌ Often not labeled |
Breeder Tip: Avoid excess calcium in fast-growing breeds (Labs, Shepherds, Danes). Consult a vet before selecting any food not clearly labeled for growth.
❓“What should I do if my dog suddenly refuses the food after weeks of loving it?”
Dogs often associate food with experience—shipping delays, temperature changes, or even minor formulation shifts can trigger aversions. In Sundays’ case, consumers have reported a stark difference between trial samples and full-sized orders in texture, color, and palatability.
🔎 Troubleshooting Palatability Loss
| Cause | Brand Affected | Observable Signs | Action Steps |
|---|---|---|---|
| Batch Variability | Sundays ✅ | Color/shape change | Contact support, report batch |
| Fat Oxidation (rancid) | Freshpet ⚠️ | Sour odor | Discard; report to retailer |
| Dental Pain or Nausea | All | Picky overnight | Vet exam, soft food trial |
| Spoiled Shipment (TFD) | TFD ⚠️ | Vomiting/diarrhea | Check thaw timing, repack |
Feeding Hack: Lightly warming wet food (not air-dried) or mixing with a bit of warm broth can reawaken interest.
❓“Is Sundays for Dogs safe for diabetic or overweight dogs?”
Not ideal. Despite being air-dried and rich in whole ingredients, Sundays’ macronutrient profile is exceptionally high in fat and calories per gram, which can lead to weight gain or blood sugar instability if not meticulously managed.
🧪 Macronutrient Risk Matrix for Metabolic Conditions
| Brand | Est. Fat (Dry Matter) | Carb Load | Glycemic Control | Weight Management Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sundays 🥩 | ~29.2% | Low | ❌ No slow carbs | ⚠️ Needs strict monitoring |
| The Farmer’s Dog 🍲 | 27–30% (varies by recipe) | Moderate | ⚠️ Depends on portion | ✅ Best with pre-portioning |
| Freshpet 🧊 | 16–20% | Moderate | ❌ No tailored plan | ✅ Affordable for portion control |
Tip: For diabetic dogs, consult your vet for a diet with controlled glycemic index ingredients, such as lentils, rolled oats, and pumpkin, which The Farmer’s Dog includes selectively. Sundays lacks this level of metabolic targeting.
❓“How do I know if my dog’s food is spoiled — especially Freshpet?”
Freshpet’s cold chain relies heavily on third-party retail compliance. Spoilage signs include: slimy surface texture, ammonia or sour odor, mold flecks, or rapid gastric upset post-ingestion.
🧊 Fresh Food Spoilage Checklist
| Spoilage Sign | Action to Take | Severity Indicator | Refundable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sour/fermented smell | Do not serve | ✅ High | ✅ Yes |
| Color change (gray/green) | Report to retailer | ✅ High | ✅ Likely |
| Excess moisture pooling | Check fridge temp | ⚠️ Medium | ❌ Unlikely |
| Dog refuses food suddenly | Observe stool post-meal | ⚠️ Moderate | ❌ Maybe |
Best Practice: Always store opened Freshpet below 40°F, and consume within 72 hours. Use a thermometer inside your fridge, especially if sharing space with human groceries.
❓“Why is my dog still hungry on The Farmer’s Dog?”
This perception is common when switching from kibble to fresh foods with higher moisture content but lower volume per calorie. The stomach senses bulk, not calories, which can trick owners into overfeeding.
🍲 Satiety vs. Caloric Density Table
| Food Type | Volume per 100 kcal | Satiety Feeling | Satiety Add-On Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| TFD – Chicken 🍗 | ~85g (high moisture) | ⚠️ Lower | Add cooked pumpkin/squash |
| Sundays 🥩 (Air-dried) | ~30g (jerky texture) | ❌ Very low | Feed in puzzle feeder |
| Freshpet – Pâté Roll 🧊 | ~95g | ✅ Moderate | Serve chilled to slow eating |
Pro Tip: Incorporate soluble fiber (e.g., psyllium husk, chia seeds) to stretch volume without affecting nutrition. Also, adjust feeding timing: 2–3 small meals per day improves satiation response.
❓“Can I mix these brands together or rotate them?”
Yes — but carefully. Each brand varies in processing method, macronutrient balance, and moisture level, so abrupt shifts can disturb your dog’s microbiome.
🔄 Rotational Feeding Risk Scale
| Mixing Strategy | Digestive Impact | Ideal Transition Time | Recommended? |
|---|---|---|---|
| TFD ↔ Freshpet | ⚠️ Medium | 5–7 days | ✅ With probiotic |
| Sundays ↔ Kibble | ✅ Low | 2–3 days | ✅ Easier transition |
| Sundays ↔ TFD | ⚠️ High | 7–10 days | ⚠️ Use caution |
Note: Always transition within the same protein family first (e.g., turkey to turkey), then later across proteins. Consider adding digestive enzymes during the transition week.
❓“Are any of these good for dogs with yeast infections or skin allergies?”
Yeast thrives on sugars and carbohydrates, especially from grains or starches. Sundays, being grain-free and low-carb, is generally well-tolerated. The Farmer’s Dog avoids grains in some recipes but includes sweet potatoes and lentils, which may exacerbate some flare-ups.
🦠 Skin Health & Anti-Yeast Potential
| Brand | Grain Content | Starch Sources | Omega-3 Support | Skin-Safe Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sundays 🐾 | Grain-free | Quinoa (low GI) | ✅ Fish oil | ✅ Best for yeast |
| TFD 🌾 (chicken) | Grain-free | Lentils, sweet potatoes | ✅ Strong | ⚠️ Varies |
| Freshpet 🍞 | Mixed (some grain-inclusive) | Peas, carrots | ⚠️ Limited | ⚠️ Inconsistent |
Nutritional Hack: If yeast is chronic, focus on foods high in lauric acid (e.g., coconut oil) and zinc. Sundays’ inclusion of liver and fish oil makes it a strong baseline.
❓“Which of these brands is least processed — and does that really matter?”
Processing impacts nutrient preservation, palatability, and digestibility. While all three avoid high-heat extrusion (used in kibble), their methods differ:
🔥 Processing Comparison Matrix
| Brand | Method | Temp Range | Nutrient Loss Risk | Final Texture |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sundays 🥩 | Air-dried | ~150°F | ✅ Minimal | Dry jerky |
| TFD 🍲 | Gently cooked + frozen | ~160°F | ⚠️ Moderate | Moist/soft |
| Freshpet 🧊 | Steam-cooked + chilled | ~170°F | ⚠️ Moderate–high | Sliceable pâté |
Expert Note: The more intact the whole food after cooking, the better the bioavailability of naturally occurring enzymes, which aid digestion and immune support.
❓“Which of these foods helps improve coat shine and skin health the fastest?”
Nutrient synergy, especially involving essential fatty acids, trace minerals like zinc, and bioavailable vitamin E, plays a dominant role in coat health. Dogs deficient in omega-3s or fed overly processed diets tend to exhibit dull coats and flaky skin. Among these brands:
✨ Skin & Coat Nutrition Scorecard
| Brand | Omega-3 Source | Vitamin E Source | Zinc Bioavailability | Coat Health Boost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Farmer’s Dog 🐟 | Salmon oil, flaxseed | Naturally preserved | Chelated zinc | ✅ Fast-acting |
| Sundays 🥩 | Fish oil, beef liver | Whole-food derived | Liver-based | ✅ Moderate |
| Freshpet ❄️ | Varies by SKU | Synthetic added | Inconsistent labeling | ⚠️ Varies |
Tip: Owners often see visible improvement in coat shine within 2–3 weeks on The Farmer’s Dog due to higher EPA/DHA dosage per meal.
❓“Is air-dried food like Sundays better for dental health?”
Texture matters. While not a substitute for brushing, Sundays’ air-dried format creates natural resistance against plaque accumulation—unlike soft or mushy fresh-cooked foods. The jerky-like consistency forces mild abrasion, promoting cleaner molars.
🦷 Dental Support Table: Texture vs. Effectiveness
| Brand | Texture Type | Chewing Effort | Dental Aid Potential | Vet Dental Needed? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sundays 🦴 | Semi-hard/jerky | ✅ High | ✅ Moderate support | ✅ Yes (still needed) |
| TFD 🍲 | Soft pâté | ❌ Minimal | ❌ None | ✅ Yes |
| Freshpet 🍖 | Soft, wet slices | ⚠️ Mild | ⚠️ Minor resistance | ✅ Yes |
Pro Tip: Rotate Sundays as a once-daily meal (or topper) to support mechanical dental action, especially in small breeds prone to tartar buildup.
❓“Do these companies perform third-party testing or in-house nutrient validation?”
Independent testing is a gold standard for transparency, yet rarely disclosed in consumer-facing marketing. The Farmer’s Dog is the only brand in this comparison with documented academic partnerships (e.g., Cornell), implying clinical-grade scrutiny. Sundays and Freshpet rely more on in-house formulation and AAFCO compliance without public third-party assay data.
🔬 Transparency & Testing Protocol Table
| Brand | Third-Party Testing? | AAFCO Statement Type | Veterinary Nutritionist Involved? | Public Research Cited |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TFD 🧪 | ✅ Cornell study | “Complete & Balanced” | ✅ Board-certified VNs | ✅ Published |
| Sundays 🔬 | ❌ Unverified | “Complete via ingredients” | ⚠️ Founder-vet formulated | ❌ None shared |
| Freshpet 🧊 | ❌ Not disclosed | “Complete & Balanced” | ✅ Internal team | ❌ Not public |
Reminder: Always request a full nutrient analysis (guaranteed & actual) when dealing with pets who have medical conditions.
❓“Which one is least allergenic for dogs with food sensitivities?”
The fewer the ingredients, the lower the risk of immune-triggering compounds. Sundays and TFD both offer limited-ingredient, single-protein options. Freshpet’s wider variety includes multi-protein blends and common allergens (e.g., peas, wheat, chicken meal in some formulas).
🌿 Allergen Risk Index (Lower = Better)
| Brand | Common Allergen Exclusion | Single Protein Recipes | Novel Protein Options | Allergen Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sundays 🐑 | ✅ No soy, dairy, or corn | ✅ Yes (beef, turkey, chicken) | ❌ No | ✅ Low |
| TFD 🐖 | ✅ Grain-free optional | ✅ Yes (pork, beef, turkey) | ✅ Limited | ✅ Low–Medium |
| Freshpet 🥩 | ⚠️ Mixed recipes vary | ❌ No guarantee | ⚠️ Inconsistently labeled | ⚠️ Medium–High |
Veterinary Insight: For elimination trials, use single-ingredient proteins for at least 8–10 weeks, and avoid switching brands mid-trial.
❓“Why do some customers say their dog gained weight even when feeding the recommended amount?”
Caloric needs can fluctuate drastically based on breed, neuter status, age, and indoor vs. outdoor activity levels. Subscription algorithms, while helpful, often err on the side of overfeeding to avoid undernourishment—particularly in TFD and Sundays.
⚖️ Feeding Formula Accuracy Rating
| Brand | Est. Calories Per Cup | Algorithm Precision | User Control Level | Weight Gain Risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sundays 📏 | ~515 kcal/cup | ⚠️ Moderate (static) | ⚠️ Low | ✅ High |
| TFD 🧮 | ~450 kcal/tray (varies) | ✅ Dynamic updates | ✅ Medium | ⚠️ Moderate |
| Freshpet 📦 | ~350–400 kcal/lb | ❌ No algorithm | ✅ High (manual) | ⚠️ Depends on owner |
Management Tip: Ask your vet to assess your dog’s Body Condition Score (BCS) every 3 months. If overfed, reduce portions by 10–15% and switch to lower-fat recipes (e.g., TFD’s turkey or pork).
❓“How long does it take for these foods to improve digestion?”
Improvements like smaller stools, reduced gas, and consistent bowel movements often emerge within 5–14 days—depending on previous diet and individual gut flora.
💩 Digestive Transition Outcome Timeline
| Food Type | First Signs of Change | Stool Consistency Impact | Flatulence Reduction | Gut Support Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sundays 🌾 | 3–5 days | ✅ Firmer, smaller stools | ✅ Noticeable decrease | Add goat kefir or plain pumpkin |
| TFD 🥕 | 5–7 days | ✅ Softer but shaped | ✅ Often eliminated | Introduce gradually over 10 days |
| Freshpet 🧊 | 5–10 days | ⚠️ Mixed reviews | ⚠️ Depends on SKU | Serve cold to slow digestion |
Veterinary Note: Green-lipped mussel, bone broth, and low-dose probiotics can accelerate positive gut changes when switching to nutrient-dense foods.
