The Farmer’s Dog Food Costs
If you’ve browsed The Farmer’s Dog website and hesitated at the final checkout, you’re not alone. Yes, the food looks gourmet, the site is slick, and the testimonials read like miracle stories—but when you’re looking at $300+ per month for your Great Dane, the big question emerges:
❗Is The Farmer’s Dog worth it—or is it just fancy food in a fancy box?
📌 Quick Takeaways: Answers at a Glance
| ❓ Question | ✅ Short Answer |
|---|---|
| Why is it so expensive? | Pricing is based on your dog’s size and calorie needs—not fixed. |
| Is there a cheaper way to feed it? | Yes: Try the DIY kit or use it as a meal topper. |
| What are hidden costs? | Freezer space, prep time, and storage logistics. |
| Can I save on the subscription? | Use first-time offers (up to 70% off) and cashback sites. |
| Is it healthier than kibble? | Depends on what “healthier” means—digestibility, freshness, or clinical evidence? |
| How does it compare to competitors? | It’s often cheaper than Nom Nom, but not as research-backed as JustFoodForDogs. |
💰 “Why Am I Paying $500+ a Month?” – The Math Behind the Price
The Farmer’s Dog pricing isn’t random—it’s an algorithm. Once you input your dog’s age, breed, weight, and lifestyle, a backend calculator generates a custom caloric requirement, then builds your price around how much food your pup needs daily.
| 🐶 Dog Size | ⚖️ Weight Range | 💵 Est. Daily Cost | 📆 Monthly Estimate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tiny (Chihuahua) | 5–10 lbs | $1.41 – $4.32 | $42 – $130 |
| Small (Corgi) | 10–25 lbs | $3.43 – $6.36 | $105 – $190 |
| Medium (Bulldog) | 25–60 lbs | $4.73 – $11.30 | $145 – $339 |
| Large (Husky) | 60–100 lbs | $9.00 – $18.98 | $270 – $570 |
| Giant (Great Dane) | 100–200 lbs | $14.38 – $21.42 | $431 – $642 |
🔍 Pro Insight: You’re not paying more just because it’s “premium.” You’re paying based on portion size, which scales fast in big dogs.
🧊 “Where Do I Store All This?” – Freezer Space: The Silent Cost
No one talks about it until it’s too late: you need serious freezer real estate.
| ❄️ Storage Demand | 🏠 Real-World Problem |
|---|---|
| Food arrives frozen in multi-week packs | Each box can take up a third of a standard freezer |
| Pouches for big dogs can weigh 3–5 lbs | Apartment dwellers often need a second freezer |
| Daily thawing required | Forget to prep? Dinner’s a no-show. |
💡 Field Tip: Consider a chest freezer if you’re feeding a medium or large dog full-time. It’s a one-time investment that saves hassle.
🥘 “Can I Feed This Without Going Broke?” – Use These Real-World Hacks
There are ways to make it work without paying full price forever. Here’s how dog owners actually cut their monthly bill:
| 💡 Savings Strategy | 💸 How It Helps | 🔑 Pro Details |
|---|---|---|
| Use as a Topper | Stretch a full pouch across multiple meals | Great for picky eaters or seniors who need enticement |
| Switch to DIY Plan | Cook meals at home using their nutrient mix | Saves up to 60% monthly, but requires prep time |
| First-Time Offers | Up to 70% off first box | Stack with cashback portals like Rakuten for max value |
| Stretch Deliveries | Extend delivery from 4 to 6 weeks | Reduce auto-ship frequency and monthly billing |
🔍 Pro Insight: The DIY kit includes recipes and a custom vitamin mix, so your dog still gets vet-approved nutrition—even if you’re shopping at Costco for ingredients.
📦 “How Does It Compare to Other Fresh Foods?” – Honest Brand Match-Up
Here’s how The Farmer’s Dog stacks up against its closest rivals in cost, features, and customer experience:
| 🥩 Brand | 💲 Price | 🧪 Recipes By Vets? | ❄️ Storage Need | ⭐ Edge | ⚠️ Watch For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Farmer’s Dog | $2–$17/day | ✅ Yes (on-staff vet nutritionists) | ❄️ High | Great personalization, excellent customer service | Limited recipe variety |
| Nom Nom | $4–$13/day | ✅ Yes | ❄️ High | Nutrient-separated cooking process | Often the priciest |
| Ollie | $4–$11/day | ✅ Yes (consultants) | ❄️ High | More protein variety | Less precise customization |
| Spot & Tango | $2–$10/day | ⚠️ Partial | ❄️/🧺 Med | Also offers “UnKibble” shelf-stable option | Fewer fresh recipes |
| JustFoodForDogs | $2.20–$12/day | ✅ Extensive trials + Rx diets | ❄️ Very High | Closest to WSAVA standard | No pre-portioned meals |
🧠 Expert Tip: If you’re looking for clinical-grade diets, JFFD is your best bet. But for price, palatability, and DTC ease—TFD often wins.
🐶 “Is This Actually Healthier, or Just a Fad?” – The Long-Term Payoff
What’s the real return? It’s not necessarily weight loss or a shinier coat in week one. The deeper value is preventative: fewer vet bills, better aging, and longer healthspan.
| 📈 Reported Benefits | 🐾 What Owners See |
|---|---|
| Improved digestion | Smaller, firmer stools 💩 |
| Higher energy | Better play stamina 🐕🦺 |
| Healthier weight | Easier body condition management ⚖️ |
| Shinier coat | Reduction in itching/dullness ✨ |
| Reduced vet visits | Less GI upset, fewer flare-ups 💊 |
🧠 Clinical Caveat: These claims are anecdotal. While thousands of owners swear by the food, longitudinal peer-reviewed studies are still limited for most DTC fresh brands.
🧾 “Can I Stack Discounts or Find Loyalty Rewards?” – Yes, But Strategically
Don’t skip this: first-time offers + cashback portals = maximum savings. Here’s how real customers reduce their spend in month one:
| 💳 Discount Type | 🛒 Where to Find | 📌 Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| 50–70% Off First Box | Website, Honey, email promos | New customers only |
| Cashback ($5–$30) | Rakuten, ID.me, USAA | May not stack with other codes |
| Affinity Group Offer | ID.me (military, nurse, student, etc.) | 70% off for verified users |
| Miles/Points | American Airlines AAdvantage portal | 400 miles on first order |
💡 Expert Tip: Use a private browsing window when activating offers to ensure cookie tracking (for cashback) isn’t blocked.
✨ Final Call: Is The Farmer’s Dog Worth the Spend?
It’s not for everyone—but for those prioritizing food transparency, customized feeding, and visible wellness improvements, it hits the mark.
| 🧍 Consumer Type | ✅ Best Fit Strategy |
|---|---|
| Time-poor, quality-focused | Full subscription (high price, high convenience) |
| Budget-aware, health-conscious | Use trial box, then switch to DIY plan |
| Kibble skeptic, unsure about fresh | Use as a topper; observe digestion/energy changes |
| Science-first, WSAVA-aligned | Try JustFoodForDogs or consult with vet |
FAQs
💬 Q1: “Is The Farmer’s Dog actually better than premium kibble like Orijen or Farmina, or just hype?”
It’s not a simple binary—format, formulation, and function all differ. Premium kibble brands like Orijen and Farmina offer biologically appropriate, high-protein recipes using regional ingredients. But the key contrast lies in processing and moisture content, not just ingredients.
| 🥩 Feature | 🔬 The Farmer’s Dog (Fresh) | 🍽️ Orijen/Farmina (Premium Kibble) |
|---|---|---|
| Processing Method | Gently cooked below 165°F | High-heat extrusion (~400°F) |
| Moisture Content | ~70–75% | ~10% |
| Digestibility | Higher (fewer fillers, faster absorption) | Lower (complex carbs & fiber matrix) |
| Shelf Life | Frozen, ~4–6 months | Dry, up to 18–24 months |
| Ingredient Quality | Human-grade meats, USDA kitchens | High-end feed-grade, regional sourcing |
🧠 Expert Insight: If your priority is digestive ease, whole-food format, and ingredient transparency, The Farmer’s Dog has the edge. If you’re managing cost with quality still top of mind, Farmina and Orijen remain excellent alternatives.
💬 Q2: “My dog eats a lot. How can I make The Farmer’s Dog more affordable long-term?”
Portion cost scales fast with large, active dogs. But feeding fresh doesn’t have to mean feeding exclusively. The smartest approach for budget-conscious owners of big eaters is strategic meal layering.
| 💸 Budget-Friendly Strategy | 🐕 How It Works | 💡 Pro Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Topper Model | Use 25–40% TFD with base kibble | Improves palatability & digestion |
| DIY Plan | Home cook using their nutrient mix | Retains AAFCO compliance, cuts costs by ~60% |
| Partial Subscription | Reduce delivery frequency | Budget control + fridge space relief |
| Flash Promotions | Rotate intro offers via new emails/accounts | Short-term savings stackable with cashback |
📉 Real-World Example: A 70-lb lab costing ~$450/month on full TFD drops to ~$135/month using 1/3 portions as a topper with a WSAVA kibble base like Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach.
💬 Q3: “How does The Farmer’s Dog handle picky eaters?”
Palatability is where the brand shines. Gently cooked proteins retain aroma and texture, appealing to even hesitant dogs. The minimalist, transparent ingredients help dogs with previous sensitivities or negative associations with dry kibble additives.
| 🐾 Palatability Factors | 🍴 Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Steamed meat-based base | Resembles home-cooked food |
| Visible vegetable pieces | Offers textural variety |
| Mild seasoning (no artificial flavors) | Enhances natural scent profile |
| Pre-portioned meals | Reduces exposure to oxidation (fresh every time) |
💡 Tip: For ultra-picky eaters, slightly warming the food (without cooking it) amplifies the aroma—a game-changer for smell-driven breeds like Beagles and Dachshunds.
💬 Q4: “Is there any health science behind the claim that TFD reduces vet visits?”
While large-scale clinical trials are limited, the logic holds. The Farmer’s Dog is AAFCO-compliant and vet-formulated, so its foundation is nutritionally sound. Where fresh food excels is in supporting optimal gut health, weight control, and skin integrity, which are common reasons for vet visits.
| 🧬 Area | 🐶 Impact of Fresh Food |
|---|---|
| Digestive Health | Less stool volume, reduced gas, firmer output |
| Skin/Coat Condition | Shinier coat, reduced dandruff, fewer hot spots |
| Weight Management | More accurate caloric control, less overeating |
| Energy Regulation | Balanced blood glucose from whole foods |
🧠 Expert Analysis: Fresh food supports preventive wellness. It may not “cure” disease but can reduce frequency and intensity of chronic issues, particularly in sensitive dogs or seniors.
💬 Q5: “How does freezer space limit households from using TFD full-time?”
This is one of the brand’s few logistical downsides. Each shipment comes with multiple weeks of frozen food, and the pouches are thick, space-demanding, and rigid. For homes without a second freezer, this can bottleneck meal management.
| 🧊 Freezer Demand | 📦 For One Dog | 🏠 Freezer Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Small dogs (<20 lbs) | 1 shelf of a standard freezer | Use vertical stacking or silicone bins |
| Medium dogs (20–50 lbs) | 2 full freezer drawers | Buy a 3.5 cu.ft chest freezer (~$150) |
| Large dogs (50+ lbs) | Half a full-size freezer | Opt for biweekly shipping when available |
💡 Field Solution: Freeze half and refrigerate a week’s worth at a time. Or, combine with shelf-stable topper options like Honest Kitchen or Smack Raw to reduce freezer load.
💬 Q6: “Why doesn’t The Farmer’s Dog offer exotic proteins like duck or venison?”
It’s a deliberate formulation philosophy. The brand emphasizes universally digestible, hypoallergenic staples—chicken, turkey, beef, and pork—to limit reactivity and support sustainability.
| 🍗 Protein Type | 🧪 Reason for Inclusion/Exclusion |
|---|---|
| Chicken & Turkey | High bioavailability, easy digestion 🐓 |
| Beef & Pork | Iron-rich, calorically dense, palatable 🥩 |
| Venison, Duck, Lamb | Rare, allergenic triggers, less sustainable 🦌 |
| Fish | High omega-3s, but more prone to spoilage 🐟 |
💡 Expert Tip: If your dog has a true food allergy (confirmed by elimination trial), consult your vet for home-cooked exotic proteins combined with a TFD DIY nutrient mix.
💬 Q7: “Why is my dog’s poop smaller on The Farmer’s Dog?”
It’s actually a great sign. Smaller, firmer stools mean better digestibility and nutrient absorption. Kibble diets often contain fillers and indigestible fibers that bulk up waste. TFD’s whole-food base is more efficiently utilized.
| 💩 Diet Type | 📉 Average Daily Stool Output | 🧾 Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Generic Kibble | 2–3 large stools | High fiber, filler, low digestibility |
| Premium Kibble | 1–2 medium stools | Better ingredients, still extruded |
| TFD Fresh Food | 1 small, firm stool | Minimal waste, high nutrient uptake |
🧠 Bonus: Firmer stools also help reduce anal gland issues and mess during walks—especially beneficial for flat-faced breeds with hygiene challenges.
💬 Q8: “Can I feed The Farmer’s Dog intermittently, or does it have to be an all-or-nothing commitment?”
Intermittent feeding is not only acceptable—it can be highly strategic. Many pet owners use The Farmer’s Dog as a partial diet or rotational topper to balance cost, variety, and health benefits. As long as you ensure nutritional balance across the week, this method can enhance diet diversity without overextending your budget.
| 🍽️ Feeding Strategy | 🧠 Effect on Dog’s Diet | 💡 Pro Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time TFD | Highest nutritional consistency | Ideal for dogs with medical conditions |
| 50/50 Mix with Kibble | Boosts flavor & moisture | Pick a WSAVA-compliant base like Pro Plan |
| 3-day Fresh / 4-day Kibble | Digestive reset approach | Schedule fresh days after treats or GI upset |
| Topper-Only | Encourages appetite & nutrition | Start with 25% portion to avoid GI shock |
⚖️ Key Reminder: When switching between foods, adjust calorie counts to avoid overfeeding—TFD’s higher moisture content may deceptively reduce volume.
💬 Q9: “Is there a risk of nutritional imbalance if I use TFD as a topper with kibble?”
Not if you’re smart about ratios. The Farmer’s Dog is a complete and balanced food. When used as a topper on an already balanced kibble, the combination generally stays nutritionally sound. The risk only arises if you’re adding large volumes of unbalanced homemade extras (like plain chicken or rice) over time.
| ⚠️ Imbalance Risk Level | 🍛 Scenario | 📌 Correction Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| Low | 25–50% TFD + quality kibble | Monitor stool consistency, adjust as needed |
| Moderate | 70% TFD + unknown or homemade base | Consider TFD DIY nutrient mix |
| High | 100% homemade without supplementation | Nutritional deficiencies likely over time |
🧠 Field Insight: If you’re regularly rotating diets or cooking extras, ask your vet about a baseline micronutrient screening annually—especially for trace minerals like zinc or selenium.
💬 Q10: “Why doesn’t The Farmer’s Dog offer grain-inclusive options?”
Their recipes reflect a grain-free philosophy rooted in digestibility and allergy reduction—not a dismissal of grains entirely. Instead of using grains like rice or oats, The Farmer’s Dog favors legume-free, low-glycemic vegetables such as sweet potatoes and lentils (in limited recipes), offering fiber, antioxidants, and starch without common allergenic triggers.
| 🌾 Grains vs. Veggies | 🐾 TFD Ingredient Choice | 🍴 Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| White rice | ❌ Avoided | Low nutrient density, high glycemic index |
| Sweet potato | ✅ Preferred | High fiber, beta-carotene source |
| Oats | ❌ Not used | Grain sensitivities in some dogs |
| Chickpeas & lentils | 🟨 Minimal use | Used cautiously due to DCM concerns |
⚠️ Note: If your dog thrives on grains (e.g., brown rice), a brand like JustFoodForDogs may be more appropriate, especially for dogs with high energy demands or known legume sensitivity.
💬 Q11: “How does cooking method impact nutrition in The Farmer’s Dog?”
Gently cooking under controlled temperatures (~165°F) helps preserve the biological activity of vitamins and amino acids that are often lost in extrusion or high-heat sterilization processes used in kibble. This method maintains palatability and food safety without destroying fragile compounds like thiamine, folate, or taurine.
| 🔥 Cooking Method | 🍽️ Nutrition Outcome | ⏱️ Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Extruded (kibble) | High vitamin loss; requires synthetic re-fortification | ~30 seconds at 400°F |
| Raw | Max nutrients; high risk of pathogen load | None |
| Gently cooked (TFD) | Balanced nutrient retention + safety | Slow cooking under 165°F |
💡 Bonus: TFD flash-freezes food immediately post-cook, locking in nutrients without the use of preservatives—a key point for dogs with sensitivity to chemical stabilizers.
💬 Q12: “What if my dog is allergic to beef or chicken—are there alternative protein options?”
Yes, but options are currently limited. The Farmer’s Dog offers recipes with turkey and pork, both of which are considered novel proteins for many allergy-prone dogs. However, if your dog needs rare exotics like venison or kangaroo due to medical necessity, you’ll need to explore veterinary-exclusive diets or a homemade plan with TFD’s DIY nutrient base.
| 🥩 TFD Protein Options | 🌟 Allergy Risk Level | 🧬 Common Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken | 🟥 High | Lean protein, widely tolerated |
| Beef | 🟨 Medium | Iron-rich, calorie-dense |
| Turkey | 🟩 Low | Mild, hypoallergenic for many |
| Pork | 🟨 Medium | Great alternative for poultry-sensitive dogs |
🧠 Specialist Tip: If allergies are severe or systemic, ask your vet about an elimination trial using a hydrolyzed protein diet before testing whole-food brands.
💬 Q13: “How does switching from kibble to The Farmer’s Dog affect hydration?”
Fresh food introduces a significant hydration advantage. Unlike kibble, which contains about 10% moisture, The Farmer’s Dog offers roughly 70–75% moisture content. This means dogs receive hydration directly through their meals, reducing the strain on kidneys—especially critical for aging dogs or those prone to urinary tract issues.
| 💧 Hydration Factor | 🥩 The Farmer’s Dog | 🍪 Dry Kibble |
|---|---|---|
| Moisture Content | ~72% | ~10% |
| Digestive Support | Helps soften stool & ease GI movement | May cause constipation in some dogs |
| Kidney Function | Supports renal hydration | Increased water demand post-meal |
| Urinary Health | Reduces crystal formation risk | Requires higher external water intake |
💡 Field Tip: If your dog is a “lazy drinker,” especially in hot climates, this shift in water intake through food can help mitigate chronic dehydration symptoms like lethargy or flaky skin.
💬 Q14: “What are the environmental implications of using a service like The Farmer’s Dog?”
The sustainability equation is nuanced. While fresh food requires refrigerated shipping and packaging, The Farmer’s Dog offsets some environmental concerns by eliminating retail intermediaries, using compostable insulation, and minimizing food waste through custom portioning.
| 🌍 Environmental Element | ♻️ The Farmer’s Dog Approach | 📌 Sustainability Score |
|---|---|---|
| Packaging | Recyclable cardboard, biodegradable insulation | 🟨 Moderate impact |
| Shipping Emissions | Direct-to-door model reduces warehouse storage | 🟨 Tradeoff: refrigeration needs |
| Food Waste | Personalized portions = no leftovers | 🟩 Excellent |
| Ingredient Sourcing | Not certified organic but human-grade | 🟨 Room to improve |
🔬 Insight: While not zero-impact, their portion precision and ingredient transparency make them greener than mass-produced kibble with excess fillers and widespread waste.
💬 Q15: “Is there a difference in energy levels after switching to The Farmer’s Dog?”
Yes—and it often shows within days. Many dogs demonstrate brighter eyes, higher alertness, and more consistent playfulness. This is tied to bioavailable macronutrients and steady glycemic support from whole carbs like lentils or sweet potatoes.
| ⚡ Energy Influence | 🔍 Scientific Cause | 🐕 Visible Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Balanced Blood Sugar | Low-glycemic ingredients prevent spikes | Fewer crashes after meals |
| High-Quality Fats | Salmon oil, flaxseed = brain & cell fuel | Sharper focus, better engagement |
| Improved Gut-Brain Axis | Better microbiome = better mood | Decreased anxiety, more curiosity |
💬 Anecdotal Note: Particularly evident in older dogs or rescues—owners report behavioral “awakening” after consistent fresh feeding for 2–3 weeks.
💬 Q16: “Why do some dogs experience soft stool or diarrhea during transition?”
Dietary shifts affect the gut microbiome. Transitioning too quickly to a richer, fresher food can overwhelm the digestive enzymes, especially in dogs used to ultra-processed kibble. The issue is typically transitional, not pathological.
| 🌀 Cause of GI Response | ⏳ Duration | ✅ Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Sudden protein increase | 2–5 days | Gradual mixing over 7–10 days |
| New fats (fish oil, coconut) | 3–7 days | Use digestive enzymes or probiotics |
| Fiber shift (from grain to veg) | 4–8 days | Add pumpkin or psyllium for balance |
⚠️ Tip from Nutritionists: If stool issues persist past 10 days, log food, stool texture, and time of day. This can reveal timing mismatches or hidden sensitivities (e.g., sweet potato vs. lentil reactions).
💬 Q17: “Can I use The Farmer’s Dog as a recovery food post-surgery or illness?”
In many cases, yes—with a few caveats. TFD meals are easily digestible, high-moisture, and contain lean proteins, making them appropriate for post-op recovery or dogs reintroducing solids after illness. However, they are not therapeutic diets and may not suit conditions requiring protein restriction, like kidney or liver disease.
| 🩺 Use Case | ✅ Suitable for TFD? | 💡 Why/Why Not |
|---|---|---|
| Post-op recovery | ✅ Yes | High digestibility, low risk of GI upset |
| Pancreatitis | ❌ No | Fat content may exceed vet’s limits |
| Dental extraction | ✅ Yes | Soft texture, easy to swallow |
| Chronic kidney disease | ❌ No | Protein/phosphorus not dialed for renal therapy |
💬 Pro Insight: Always confirm with your vet. If you’re transitioning from a bland diet (boiled chicken/rice), mixing in small amounts of TFD turkey formula is often well-tolerated.
💬 Q18: “Does The Farmer’s Dog support breed-specific needs?”
Not explicitly—but it tailors to the individual. Unlike breed-targeted kibble (which is often more marketing than science), TFD bases its meal plans on true metabolic drivers: size, activity, age, and spay/neuter status—which matter more than breed alone.
| 🧬 Metric Used in TFD Formula | 📌 Why It Matters More Than Breed |
|---|---|
| Caloric expenditure | Varies widely even within same breed |
| Body condition score | Dictates fat/protein ratio better than breed name |
| Joint strain (weight-to-frame ratio) | Influences anti-inflammatory formulation |
| Growth phase vs. senior stage | Determines calcium and caloric need |
🐶 Example: A sedentary 2-year-old Lab and a high-drive 6-month-old German Shepherd won’t get the same plan, even if both are 60 lbs—and that’s more useful than a “breed” label.
