10 Fresh Dog Foods Bought & Tested

The Farmer’s Dog Food Review

By Carl Uy Reviewed by Petful Veterinary Team Published Jun 17, 2025 Updated Aug 21, 2025
Photo of dog paws next to packages of The Farmer's Dog
8.8 Overall Score
Nutrition
Sub-CriterionWeightScore
AAFCO complete & balanced810.0
Macronutrient distribution86.5
Nutrient density49.0
Digestibility & bioavailability59.0
 8.5
Ingredients
Sub-CriterionWeightScore
Whole meats / organs88.8
Meals & legumes44.0
Artificial additives & preservatives44.0
Processing retention48.0
8.4
Sourcing
Sub-CriterionWeightScore
Named sourcing86.0
Traceability oversight45.0
Certifications / testing46.0
Transparency gaps45.0
 8.8
Safety
Sub-CriterionWeightScore
Recall / control55.0
Safety handling54.5
Scientific oversight54.5
 9.3
Feeding Trials
Sub-CriterionWeightScore
AAFCO trials54.5
Peer-reviewed studies42.0
 6.5
Taste
Sub-CriterionWeightScore
Flavor formulation2.52.3
User feedback2.52.2
 9.0
Labeling
Sub-CriterionWeightScore
Nutritional info2.52.0
Claim accuracy2.52.0
 8.0
Sustainability
Sub-CriterionWeightScore
Sustainable sourcing10.6
 6.0
Buy on The Farmer's Dog
Recommended in 1 article:
Best Fresh Dog Food of 2025: Top-Rated Refrigerated, Frozen, and Subscription Meals Reviewed
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Made In:United States
Sourced From:United States (general regions; specific farms not disclosed)
Breed Size:All Breeds
Price Range:$$$ (Premium; customized based on dog's weight and calorie needs)
Food Form:Fresh-Cooked, Refrigerated
Special Diet:Human-Grade, Gently Cooked, No By-Products, Grain-Free Option, Vet-Formulated
The Farmer's Dog is one of the most popular fresh dog food delivery services in the U.S.—and for good reason. Founded by two dog dads frustrated with the lack of healthy, honest options, the company offers human-grade, gently cooked meals tailored to your dog's needs and delivered straight to your door.Backed by veterinary nutritionists and made in USDA-approved kitchens, these meals have earned rave reviews from pet owners and professionals alike. Whether your dog has food sensitivities or you're simply seeking a cleaner, minimally processed diet, The Farmer's Dog makes real food easy. You can also check out our editorial review for this product or explore the cost breakdown based on your dog's size and breed.

Our Verdict

The Farmer’s Dog Food Review

8.8Overall Score
Nutrition
Sub-CriterionWeightScore
AAFCO complete & balanced810.0
Macronutrient distribution86.5
Nutrient density49.0
Digestibility & bioavailability59.0
 8.5
Ingredients
Sub-CriterionWeightScore
Whole meats / organs88.8
Meals & legumes44.0
Artificial additives & preservatives44.0
Processing retention48.0
8.4
Sourcing
Sub-CriterionWeightScore
Named sourcing86.0
Traceability oversight45.0
Certifications / testing46.0
Transparency gaps45.0
 8.8
Safety
Sub-CriterionWeightScore
Recall / control55.0
Safety handling54.5
Scientific oversight54.5
 9.3
Feeding Trials
Sub-CriterionWeightScore
AAFCO trials54.5
Peer-reviewed studies42.0
 6.5
Taste
Sub-CriterionWeightScore
Flavor formulation2.52.3
User feedback2.52.2
 9.0
Labeling
Sub-CriterionWeightScore
Nutritional info2.52.0
Claim accuracy2.52.0
 8.0
Sustainability
Sub-CriterionWeightScore
Sustainable sourcing10.6
 6.0

The Farmer's Dog offers one of the most complete fresh dog food experiences on the market—blending human-grade ingredients, veterinary nutrition, and made-to-order meal plans into a service that's as transparent as it is convenient. Meals are cooked in USDA-regulated kitchens using real meat and vegetables, then shipped frozen for maximum freshness.What sets the brand apart is its balance of formulation integrity and palatability—dogs who were once picky or sickly often show dramatic improvements in appetite, digestion, and energy. While the price may stretch budgets for large-breed households, many owners find the convenience and health benefits well worth the investment. The Farmer's Dog is an excellent option for pet parents seeking personalized nutrition with a strong focus on ingredient quality and digestive wellness.

Pros
  • Made with real, human-grade meat and vegetables
  • Recipes formulated by board-certified veterinary nutritionists
  • Prepared in USDA kitchens with strict food safety protocols
  • Fully customized meal plans based on age, weight, and activity level
  • Free shipping and eco-conscious packaging materials
Cons
  • Pricier than kibble or shelf-stable alternatives, especially for large dogs
  • Requires freezer space and ongoing subscription management
Buy on The Farmer's Dog

Change Log

Updated Jun 18 2025: Initial The Farmer's Dog product review published on Petful by Carl Uy.

Score Components

Nutrition

8.5
Macronutrient Distribution
29%
min
Protein
36%
minmax
Fat
35%
min
Carbohydrates
The Farmer’s Dog recipes meet AAFCO nutrient profiles for all life stages, ensuring complete and balanced nutrition when fed as directed. Formulated by board-certified veterinary nutritionists, each meal is designed to provide essential nutrients in appropriate proportions.
  • AAFCO complete & balanced: Meets all life stage standards; formulated under vet nutritionist oversight to exceed minimum nutrient requirements.
  • Macronutrient distribution: Average dry matter profile is ~29% protein, ~36% fat, and ~35% carbs. Protein is within the adult target range (20–30% DM), fat is above the recommended 10–20% range—suited for active dogs but may require portion control for less active pets. Carbohydrates land within the 30–50% DM range.
  • Nutrient density: Moisture-rich, gently cooked meals deliver high digestibility and calorie density; energy-dense portions tailored to each dog's needs.
  • Digestibility & bioavailability: Supported by internal feeding trials and third-party lab tests confirming nutrient absorption and digestive health support.
While high in bioavailable protein and healthy fats, the elevated fat percentage calls for mindful portion control in lower-activity dogs. Always consult your veterinarian when transitioning diets or adjusting feeding amounts.

Ingredients

8.4
The Farmer’s Dog emphasizes whole, human-grade ingredients with named animal proteins as primary sources of amino acids. Fresh vegetables contribute fiber, hydration, and essential micronutrients, while a targeted nutrient blend ensures AAFCO compliance. Meals avoid animal by-products, artificial additives, and generic fats, supporting quality and safety.
  • Whole meats/organs: At least 50% of each recipe comes from named muscle meats and organs (e.g., beef, chicken, pork, turkey), providing complete amino acid profiles.
  • Meals & legumes: Uses whole vegetables like carrots, broccoli, and spinach; minimal reliance on legumes compared to some fresh diets, reducing potential DCM concern.
  • Artificial additives & preservatives: Free from artificial colors, flavors, and chemical preservatives such as BHA/BHT; oils and nutrient blends are naturally sourced where possible.
  • Processing retention: Gently cooked at lower temperatures to preserve nutrient integrity and palatability while ensuring food safety.
Ingredient quality is consistently high, though the brand does not disclose full supplier identities or sourcing maps, preventing a perfect score.

Sourcing

8.8
The Farmer’s Dog promotes the use of human-grade ingredients and prepares meals in USDA-inspected kitchens, but offers limited detail on where its ingredients are sourced. While its quality control measures are solid, the lack of full sourcing disclosure affects transparency.
  • Named sourcing: States that all ingredients are human-grade but does not identify specific suppliers or farms.
  • Traceability oversight: Production occurs in USDA-inspected kitchens with veterinary oversight, but no farm-to-bowl traceability program is disclosed.
  • Certifications/testing: Conducts third-party batch testing for safety; however, there are no recognized food safety certifications such as SQF or GFSI.
  • Transparency gaps: Does not publish sourcing maps, ingredient origin lists, or independent audit results.
While ingredient quality control is strong, the absence of farm-level sourcing information, certifications, and published audit data prevents a higher score in this category.

Safety

9.3
As of July 2025, The Farmer’s Dog has no known recalls, reflecting a strong track record for product safety. Meals are produced in USDA-approved facilities with testing protocols in place, but full quality control details are not publicly disclosed.
  • Recall/control: No reported recalls to date, indicating effective safety management.
  • Safety handling: Prepared in USDA-approved kitchens with third-party lab testing on each batch for pathogens.
  • Scientific oversight: Formulated and reviewed by board-certified veterinary nutritionists to ensure compliance and safety.
Overall, the brand demonstrates strong safety performance through clean recall history and veterinary oversight, though the lack of publicly available manufacturing protocol details limits full transparency.

Feeding Trials

6.5
The Farmer’s Dog meets AAFCO nutritional adequacy standards and has conducted a long-term internal feeding trial, but results have not been peer-reviewed or published, limiting scientific transparency.
  • AAFCO trials: Completed internal trial exceeding basic AAFCO protocol, running for over 6 years and tracking more than 40 health markers.
  • Peer-reviewed studies: No published studies in scientific journals; trial data remains proprietary and unavailable for independent review.
While the brand invests in extensive internal testing, the absence of peer-reviewed publication or independent validation prevents a higher score in this category.

Taste

9.0
The Farmer’s Dog is known for its gently cooked, meat-forward recipes that appeal to a wide range of dogs, including picky eaters. Fresh preparation and high moisture content enhance palatability.
  • Flavor formulation: Meat-first recipes with fresh vegetables provide natural aroma and taste that encourage acceptance.
  • User feedback: Consistently high acceptance rates reported; most dogs transition smoothly, though a few may require gradual introduction.
Fresh ingredients, gentle cooking, and appealing textures contribute to strong palatability, making the brand suitable for even selective eaters.

Labeling

8.0
The Farmer’s Dog provides clear ingredient lists and personalized calorie information for each dog, but does not publish detailed macronutrient breakdowns for individual recipes.
  • Nutritional info: Personalized calorie counts and feeding instructions are provided for each dog’s plan.
  • Claim accuracy: Ingredient lists and marketing claims are accurate and free from misleading statements, though per-recipe nutrient data is not disclosed.
While labeling is generally clear and accurate, the absence of detailed per-recipe nutrient profiles limits full transparency for pet owners.

Sustainability

6.0
The Farmer’s Dog incorporates some eco-friendly practices, such as BPA-free packaging and recyclable shipping insulation, but does not publish broader environmental or sourcing sustainability goals.
  • Sustainable sourcing: No farm-level sustainability commitments or certifications disclosed.
  • Packaging: Uses BPA-free food packaging and recyclable insulation materials in shipping boxes.
While packaging choices reflect modest eco-responsibility, the lack of formal sustainability policies or public reporting limits performance in this category.

Ingredients Composition

Component Approx. Percentage Role in Formula
Whole meats/organs ≥ 50% Primary source of named animal protein and essential amino acids
Vegetables ~20–25% Provide natural fiber, hydration, and key vitamins/minerals
Vitamin and nutrient blend, oils 5–10% Ensures AAFCO nutrient completeness and supports skin, coat, and overall health
Approximate percentages are based on available product information and typical fresh-cooked dog food formulations; exact values may vary by recipe.

Differences

The Farmer’s Dog stands out for its heavy focus on customization and real-food formulation. While some fresh dog food brands offer static recipes, The Farmer’s Dog builds a personalized plan based on your dog’s age, weight, breed, and activity level.
  • No fixed recipes — all plans are tailored per dog profile
  • Multiple protein options: beef, turkey, chicken, and pork
  • Meals are cooked days before shipping and delivered frozen
  • Portions are pre-measured to your dog’s exact caloric needs
  • All plans are subscription-based with free shipping included

Competitors

We Feed Raw: Balanced raw meals made with whole meat, organ, and bone — ideal for pet parents seeking a biologically appropriate, minimally processed diet with added safety via HPP. Nom Nom: Board‑certified veterinary nutritionist-designed fresh meals, gently cooked and pre-portioned, ideal for sensitive or picky eaters Freshpet: Refrigerated, steam-cooked fresh food made in the USA with visible high‑quality proteins and vegetables, available in stores for convenient non-subscription feeding

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is The Farmer’s Dog per week?

Prices typically range from $17 to $150 per week, depending on your dog’s size, age, and activity level.

How much is The Farmer’s Dog per month?

Monthly costs generally fall between $70 and $600, with small dogs on the lower end and large or high-energy dogs on the higher end.

Where to buy The Farmer’s Dog food?

You can only order The Farmer’s Dog through their official website as it’s a direct-to-consumer subscription service.

Feeding Instructions

The Farmer’s Dog meals are portioned based on your dog’s weight, age, and activity level, and arrive in pre-measured packs. The table below is a general reference for fresh food feeding amounts and may not reflect your dog’s exact The Farmer’s Dog plan.
Weight (lbs) Less Active (cups/day)* Active (cups/day)*
4 ½ – 11¼ – ⅔½ – 1
11 – 22⅔ – 11 – 1 ½
22 – 441 – 1 ⅔1 ½ – 2 ½
44 – 661 ⅔ – 2 ¼2 ½ – 3 ½
66 – 882 ¼ – 2 ¾3 ½ – 4 ¼
88 – 1102 ¾ – 3 ⅓4 – 5
110 – 1323 ⅓ – 3 ¾5 – 5 ¾
*Based on average calorie density of fresh-cooked dog food (~1,200–1,400 kcal/lb). Always follow The Farmer’s Dog personalized feeding instructions for your dog. These values are provided as a general reference for fresh food feeding and may not match the exact portions in your plan.

Feeding Guidelines

Official Feeding Guidelines by The Farmer’s Dog
  • Meals are pre-portioned based on your dog’s profile: age, weight, breed, activity level, and body condition.
  • Each meal pack is labeled with your dog's name and daily feeding amount.
  • Meals arrive frozen; thaw in the fridge 12 hours before serving.
  • Serve cold or at room temperature — do not microwave.
  • Use opened packs within 4 days. Store unopened packs in the freezer.
  • To serve partial portions, cut the pack and store the rest in the provided container.
  • Transition to fresh food over 7–10 days, starting with 25% fresh and 75% old food.
Disclaimer: These instructions are directly based on The Farmer’s Dog’s official guidance and reflect how the brand delivers and recommends its food be handled and fed. Always follow the personalized plan included in your shipment.
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