The Farmer's Dog Review & Alternatives 2026

Is The Farmer’s Dog worth the premium price? This comprehensive review examines The Farmer’s Dog fresh food delivery service and compares it to top alternatives like Ollie, Nom Nom, and JustFoodForDogs to help you find the best fresh dog food for your pet’s health and your budget.

Our team analyzed pricing, ingredient quality, nutritional formulation, customization options, and real customer health results across the top fresh dog food delivery services. Here’s what you need to know about The Farmer’s Dog and its leading alternatives in 2026.

Quick Comparison

Our Top Picks in Detail

The Farmer’s Dog In-Depth Review

What Makes The Farmer’s Dog Different

The Farmer’s Dog pioneered the fresh dog food delivery model by combining veterinary nutritionist expertise with human-grade ingredients and complete personalization:

Veterinary-Formulated Recipes: Every recipe is developed by board-certified veterinary nutritionists to meet AAFCO standards for complete and balanced nutrition across all life stages.

Complete Personalization: Unlike generic meal plans, The Farmer’s Dog customizes portions based on your dog’s specific breed, age, weight, body type, activity level, and health goals. This precision ensures your dog receives exactly the right calories and nutrients.

Human-Grade Quality: All ingredients are sourced from USDA-certified suppliers and prepared in USDA-approved kitchens—the same standards required for human food production.

Gentle Cooking Process: Ingredients are gently cooked at low temperatures to retain maximum nutritional value, then flash-frozen within hours to lock in freshness without preservatives.

Eco-Friendly Packaging: All packaging is 100% recyclable, reducing environmental impact while maintaining food safety and freshness.

The Farmer’s Dog Pricing Breakdown

Understanding the actual cost helps determine if The Farmer’s Dog fits your budget:

Daily Costs by Dog Size:

• Small dogs (10-20 lbs): $2.50-$4.87/day ($75-145/month)
• Medium dogs (30-50 lbs): $4.44-$8.00/day ($135-240/month)
• Large dogs (70+ lbs): $8-$11.30/day ($240-340/month)
• Extra-large dogs (100+ lbs): Up to $21.42/day (up to $640/month)

Price Comparison: At $6.76 per pound, The Farmer’s Dog sits in the middle of the premium fresh food market—more expensive than Ollie ($5.44/lb) but less than Spot & Tango ($9.84/lb) and A Pup Above ($12.66/lb).

Cost-Saving Options:

• 50% off first box: New customers receive substantial discount to try the service
• Partial fresh plans: Mix The Farmer’s Dog with current food to reduce costs
• DIY nutrient mix: Purchase just the vitamin/mineral supplement to add to home-cooked meals

Shipping: Always free with no minimum order requirements, saving $10-20 per delivery compared to competitors with shipping fees.

Recipe Options and Nutrition

The Farmer’s Dog offers four protein-based recipes:

Beef Recipe:

• USDA beef as primary protein
• Sweet potatoes, peas, carrots
• Fish oil for omega-3 fatty acids
• Appropriate for most dogs including those with chicken sensitivities

Chicken Recipe:

• Human-grade chicken breast
• Most economical protein option
• Lower cost per day within each size category
• Highly digestible for most dogs

Turkey Recipe:

• Lean turkey protein
• Ideal for weight management
• Lower fat content than beef or pork
• Good alternative for food sensitivities

Pork Recipe:

• Heritage pork as protein source
• Higher palatability for picky eaters
• Good option for dogs with common protein allergies
• Slightly higher cost than chicken

All recipes include veterinary-approved ratios of vegetables, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals to create complete and balanced nutrition.

Health Results and Benefits

The Farmer’s Dog customers report measurable improvements:

Digestive Health:

• Firmer, more consistent stools within 3-7 days
• Reduced gas and bloating
• Better nutrient absorption from highly digestible ingredients

Weight Management:

• Precise portions help dogs reach target weight within 2-3 months
• Easy to adjust portions as goals change
• No guesswork about proper serving sizes

Coat and Skin:

• Shinier, softer coat within 2-4 weeks
• Reduced shedding in many dogs
• Improved skin health and reduced itching

Energy Levels:

• Increased playfulness and vitality
• Better stamina during exercise
• More alert and engaged behavior

Long-Term Health:

• Better dental health with fresher breath
• Reduced allergy symptoms
• Support for healthy aging in senior dogs

How The Farmer’s Dog Works

1. Create Your Dog’s Profile: Complete a detailed questionnaire about your dog’s breed, age, weight, body condition, activity level, health issues, and food preferences. This takes about 5 minutes.

2. Receive Customized Plan: The Farmer’s Dog calculates precise daily caloric needs and creates a meal plan with recommended portions. You can adjust the plan or select specific recipes before ordering.

3. Choose Delivery Frequency: Select delivery every 2, 4, 6, or 8 weeks based on your dog’s consumption rate and freezer space. Adjust frequency anytime.

4. Receive Fresh Meals: Meals arrive frozen in pre-portioned packs. Store in freezer and move to refrigerator 24-48 hours before serving to thaw.

5. Serve and Monitor: Serve at room temperature or slightly warmed. Monitor your dog’s response and adjust portions through your account if needed.

How We Evaluate Fresh Dog Food Services

Our comprehensive evaluation examines every critical aspect of fresh dog food services:

Ingredient Quality

We analyze sourcing and nutritional value:

• Human-grade certification: USDA-approved ingredients fit for human consumption
• Protein sources: Quality whole muscle meats without by-products or fillers
• Vegetables and grains: Whole food ingredients with nutritional benefits
• Additives: Absence of preservatives, artificial flavors, or colors
• Sourcing transparency: Origin and quality of all ingredients

Nutritional Formulation

We verify professional standards:

• Veterinary oversight: Board-certified nutritionist involvement in recipe development
• AAFCO compliance: Meets Association of American Feed Control Officials standards
• Life stage appropriateness: Suitable formulations for puppies, adults, seniors
• Special dietary needs: Options for allergies, sensitivities, health conditions
• Macronutrient balance: Proper protein, fat, and carbohydrate ratios

Customization Capabilities

We assess personalization depth:

• Profile-based customization: Consideration of age, breed, weight, activity level
• Portion accuracy: Precise serving sizes based on caloric needs
• Recipe flexibility: Ability to rotate proteins or accommodate preferences
• Plan adjustability: Full fresh, partial fresh, or topper options
• Dietary restrictions: Accommodations for allergies and sensitivities

Price and Value

We compare costs against quality delivered:

• Price per pound: Cost comparison across services
• Price per 1,000 calories: True nutritional value comparison
• Plan flexibility: Options to reduce costs while maintaining nutrition
• Shipping costs: Free delivery thresholds or additional fees
• Discounts and guarantees: Promotional offers and satisfaction guarantees

Health Results

We examine documented outcomes:

• Digestive improvements: Stool quality and consistency changes
• Weight management: Success rates for weight goals
• Coat and skin: Improvements in appearance and health
• Energy levels: Vitality and activity changes
• Long-term health: Overall wellness improvements

Fresh Dog Food vs. Traditional Kibble

Ingredient Processing

Fresh Food:

• Gently cooked at low temperatures to retain nutrients
• Ingredients recognizable and identifiable
• No high-heat extrusion that destroys nutrients
• Fresh or flash-frozen within hours of preparation

Kibble:

• High-temperature processing (up to 400°F) reduces nutrient availability
• Ingredients ground and mixed before extrusion
• Often requires nutrient supplementation after processing
• Long shelf life through preservatives

Moisture Content

Fresh Food:

• 60-70% moisture content aids hydration and digestion
• More palatable for picky eaters
• Easier to digest and absorb nutrients

Kibble:

• 10% moisture requires additional water intake
• Can be less palatable
• May sit heavily in stomach

Nutritional Quality

Fresh Food:

• Whole muscle meats as primary protein
• Whole vegetables provide natural nutrients
• No by-products or meat meals
• Human-grade ingredients

Kibble:

• Quality varies widely by brand
• May contain meat meals or by-products
• Often includes fillers like corn or wheat
• Ranges from low to high quality

Cost Comparison

Fresh Food (2026 Pricing):

• Small dogs: $75-130/month
• Medium dogs: $180-300/month
• Large dogs: $300-700/month

Premium Kibble:

• Small dogs: $30-50/month
• Medium dogs: $60-100/month
• Large dogs: $100-180/month

Budget Kibble:

• Small dogs: $15-25/month
• Medium dogs: $30-50/month
• Large dogs: $50-90/month

The Farmer’s Dog vs. Top Alternatives

The Farmer’s Dog vs. Ollie

The Farmer’s Dog Advantages:

• More precise personalization algorithm
• No price increases since 2019
• Better price stability and transparency
• Simpler recipe selection process

Ollie Advantages:

• Lower cost per pound ($5.44 vs $6.76)
• Seven recipe options vs four
• Mixed variety plans at $1.36/meal
• Both fresh and baked format options

Winner: Ollie for budget-conscious buyers; The Farmer’s Dog for maximum personalization.

The Farmer’s Dog vs. Nom Nom

The Farmer’s Dog Advantages:

• Lower average daily cost ($2.50-11.30 vs $2.40-6.50)
• Better price value per pound
• Frozen delivery allows bulk storage
• More flexible delivery frequencies

Nom Nom Advantages:

• Fresh-cooked weekly, never frozen
• Documented 100% digestive improvements within 3 days
• 80% weight management success rate
• Stronger clinical evidence for health results

Winner: Nom Nom for proven health outcomes; The Farmer’s Dog for value and convenience.

The Farmer’s Dog vs. JustFoodForDogs

The Farmer’s Dog Advantages:

• Simpler ordering and customization
• Always free shipping (vs $19.99 under minimums)
• Better for standard healthy dog diets
• More user-friendly experience

JustFoodForDogs Advantages:

• 25 recipes including prescription formulas
• Veterinary consultation for medical diets
• DIY kits for cost savings
• Retail locations for immediate purchase

Winner: JustFoodForDogs for medical needs; The Farmer’s Dog for everyday nutrition.

The Farmer’s Dog vs. Spot & Tango

The Farmer’s Dog Advantages:

• Better price per pound ($6.76 vs $9.84)
• More established brand reputation
• Simpler product line
• Better value for money

Spot & Tango Advantages:

• UnKibble dried option at $1/day
• Both fresh and shelf-stable formats
• Can reduce costs significantly with UnKibble
• Innovative low-temperature drying process

Winner: Spot & Tango for format flexibility; The Farmer’s Dog for fresh food value.

Cost Management Strategies

Half-Fresh Plans

Many services offer hybrid approaches to reduce costs:

• 50% fresh food: Mix with current kibble for balanced cost
• Topper plans: Add nutrition boost to regular food at 25% of full cost
• Transition tool: Gradually increase fresh food percentage over time
• Budget solution: Get major benefits at 41-50% cost reduction

Understanding True Value

Compare costs accurately beyond simple pricing:

Price Per Pound Comparison:

• Ollie: $5.44/lb (most affordable)
• PetPlate: $6.55/lb
• The Farmer’s Dog: $6.76/lb
• Nom Nom: $7.04/lb
• Open Farm: $7.92/lb
• Spot & Tango: $9.84/lb
• A Pup Above: $12.66/lb (most expensive)

Price Per 1,000 Calories:

• Ollie: $8.53
• PetPlate: $10.42
• The Farmer’s Dog: $10.88
• Spot & Tango: $15.58

Maximize Savings

Smart strategies to reduce fresh food costs:

1. Take advantage of starter discounts: Most services offer 50% off first boxes
2. Use supplemental plans: Half portions save 41-50% while maintaining benefits
3. Choose optimal delivery frequency: Longer intervals may reduce per-delivery costs
4. Compare per-calorie costs: Look beyond per-pound pricing for true value
5. Mix with quality kibble: 25-50% fresh food still provides significant benefits
6. Consider partial fresh during transition: Start small and increase as budget allows

Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Farmer’s Dog worth the cost?

For most dog owners seeking premium nutrition, yes. The Farmer’s Dog provides veterinary-formulated, human-grade meals with complete personalization at a mid-range price point ($6.76/lb) among fresh food services. The 50% off first box lets you test with minimal risk, and health improvements often justify the ongoing cost.

How much does The Farmer’s Dog cost per month?

Costs range from $75-145/month for small dogs (10-20 lbs), $135-240/month for medium dogs (30-50 lbs), $240-340/month for large dogs (70+ lbs), and up to $640/month for extra-large dogs over 100 lbs. Exact costs depend on your dog’s age, activity level, and protein selection.

Can I mix The Farmer’s Dog with kibble?

Yes. The Farmer’s Dog offers partial fresh plans specifically designed to supplement kibble. You can mix 25-50% fresh food with your current kibble to reduce costs while still providing improved nutrition. Many customers use this approach successfully.

How long does The Farmer’s Dog food last?

Frozen meals last 6-9 months in the freezer. Once thawed and refrigerated, food stays fresh for 4-5 days. Each shipment includes pre-portioned packs making it easy to thaw only what you need for the upcoming days.

Is fresh dog food better than kibble?

For most dogs, yes. Fresh food provides human-grade ingredients, better nutrient retention through gentle cooking, higher moisture content (60-70% vs 10%), and no preservatives. Studies show measurable improvements in digestion, weight, coat quality, and energy within weeks.

Does The Farmer’s Dog help with weight loss?

Yes. The Farmer’s Dog’s precise portion control based on target weight makes weight management significantly easier than measuring kibble. Customers report dogs reaching healthy weight within 2-3 months, and portions can be easily adjusted as goals change.

What if my dog has food allergies?

The Farmer’s Dog works well for allergies because you can select specific single-protein recipes and exclude problem ingredients. During profile creation, you specify any allergies or sensitivities. Many dogs with chicken allergies thrive on beef, turkey, or pork recipes.

How do I transition my dog to The Farmer’s Dog?

Gradually transition over 7-10 days. Start with 25% The Farmer’s Dog mixed with 75% current food. Every 2-3 days, increase fresh food by 25% until fully transitioned. This prevents digestive upset and allows your dog’s system to adjust.

Can puppies and senior dogs eat The Farmer’s Dog?

Yes. All recipes meet AAFCO standards for all life stages, including growth and reproduction. The customization algorithm adjusts portions for puppies’ higher caloric needs and seniors’ reduced activity levels, providing age-appropriate nutrition.

Is The Farmer’s Dog available everywhere?

The Farmer’s Dog delivers free to all 48 contiguous United States. Unfortunately, they cannot currently ship to Alaska or Hawaii due to shipping and freshness constraints with frozen food.

How does The Farmer’s Dog compare to Ollie?

Ollie costs less per pound ($5.44 vs $6.76) and offers more recipes (7 vs 4), making it better for tight budgets. The Farmer’s Dog provides more precise personalization and better price stability. Both offer excellent quality—choose Ollie for value, The Farmer’s Dog for customization.

What happens if my dog doesn’t like The Farmer’s Dog?

While rare due to high palatability, you can cancel or pause your subscription anytime. Many customers try different protein options to find their dog’s preference. The 50% off first box minimizes financial risk while testing the service.

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Sources

• The Farmer’s Dog Cost | 2026 Pricing Table and Review
• How Much Does The Farmer’s Dog Food Cost? 2026 Pricing Update – Dogster
• The Farmer’s Dog Cost — and Value
• How Much Does Ollie Fresh Dog Food Cost? 2026 Price Guide – Dogster
• How Much Does Nom Nom Dog Food Cost? 2026 Update – Dogster
• Spot & Tango vs. Sundays 2026: Best for Your Dog?
• Fresh Dog Food Price Comparison [Top Brands & The Costs]