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How Much Does The Farmer's Dog Cost And Is It Worth It?
See our 2026 breakdown of the farmer's dog cost by day, week, and month using real survey data. Includes updated pricing tables, analysis, and current promo details.

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Petful is reader supported. As an affiliate of platforms, like Amazon, we may earn a commission when you buy through links on this page. There is no extra cost to you.
Curious about The Farmer's Dog cost and if a fresh food diet for your dog is worth it?
Yes, we did it again. In February 2026, we completed The Farmer's Dog subscription questionnaire multiple times, testing different dog sizes, ages, activity levels, and protein selections to evaluate how each variable affects pricing. In August 2026, we re-verified our numbers against The Farmer's Dog's published plan examples and current promotions, and added new details on Walmart availability and post-trial price changes.
- 1For adult dogs up to 60 lbs, pricing generally ranges from about $2.31 to $8.67 per day.
- 2For very large dogs between 150 and 180 lbs, costs can reach up to about $26.77 per day depending primarily on calorie needs.
- 3Weekly costs typically range from about $16 to $187 depending on your dog’s size and portion requirements.
- 4Your dog’s weight is the biggest pricing factor. Breed can create small pricing differences due to calorie calculations, but size remains the primary driver.
- 5Puppies under 4 to 6 months typically cost more due to higher calorie needs. By 6 to 8 months, pricing usually approaches adult levels.
- 6For adult dogs, protein choice such as turkey, beef, chicken, or pork may create price differences, but weight remains the dominant driver.
- 7The Farmer's Dog is also available through Walmart.com as of April 2026 (online only, not in store aisles).
- 8Prices re-verified in August 2026 against The Farmer's Dog's published plan examples.

Vet-formulated fresh meals delivered to your door. Custom portions tailored to your dog. No fillers, no by-products.
- Vet-formulated fresh meals made with human-grade ingredients, no fillers or by-products
- Custom portion plans tailored to your dog
- 50% off your first box
Trusted by hundreds of thousands of dog parents
Petful may earn a commission when you click through to The Farmer's Dog, at no extra cost to you.

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The Farmer's Dog Cost
The Farmer's Dog currently costs approximately $2.31 to $26.77 per day based on our survey testing, with pricing driven primarily by weight and calorie needs. Smaller adult dogs sit near the bottom of that range, medium dogs land in the middle, and large or giant breeds reach the top, with the exact quote set by your dog's profile. Puppies under 6 months typically cost more due to higher growth-related calorie requirements.
To determine these ranges, we tested a wide variety of breeds, weights, and ages throughout the subscription sign-up process.
We also tested the puppy weight ranges for various breeds and found a correlation between higher expected growth months and increased costs.
The Farmer's Dog Cost Chart
We analyzed The Farmer's Dog cost by going through the subscription survey over a hundred times, testing how different variables affect pricing.
What We Tested
To calculate accurate pricing ranges, we varied: Breed and size Age (puppy vs adult) Weight Activity level Recipe selection (turkey, beef, chicken, pork)
What the Chart Shows
The charts below summarize typical The Farmer's Dog food prices: the daily cost range based primarily on weight and calorie needs. All pricing reflects the total cost per day, with free shipping included and no hidden fees added at checkout.
These ranges represent what most customers can expect to pay after completing the subscription survey.
In August 2026, we cross-checked these ranges against The Farmer's Dog's own published plan examples, which include $2.80 per day for an 11 lb Yorkshire terrier and $10.39 per day for a 75 lb Labrador retriever mix. Lightly active small dogs can quote below our tested minimums, so treat the chart as a typical range rather than a floor.
The Farmer's Dog Cost Chart For Adult Dogs
| Weight Class | Weight (lbs) | Estimated Min ($/day) | Estimated Max ($/day) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Extra Small (Chihuahua) | 1-10 lbs | $2.31 | $4.12 |
| Small (French Bulldog) | 10-25 lbs | $5.24 | $5.75 |
| Medium (Border Collie) | 25-60 lbs | $7.98 | $8.67 |
| Large (Labrador Retriever) | 60-100 lbs | $9.99 | $16.77 |
| Giant (Great Dane) | 100+ lbs | $15.73 | $26.77 |
The Farmer's Dog Cost Chart For Puppies
| Size example (2 months) | Example Weight (lbs) | Min ($/day) | Max ($/day) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Extra Small Puppy (Chihuahua) | 3 lbs | $4.44 | $4.84 |
| Small Puppy (French Bulldog) | 12 lbs | $9.99 | $10.98 |
| Medium Puppy (Australian Shepherd) | 15 lbs | $14.23 | $18.54 |
| Large Puppy (Labrador Retriever) | 20 lbs | $7.50 | $8.16 |
| Giant Puppy (Great Dane) | 30 lbs | $11.10 | $12.29 |
How Much Does the Farmer’s Dog Cost
Dog parents can expect to spend approximately $16 to $187 per week on food from The Farmer’s Dog, depending primarily on their dog’s weight and calorie needs.
The monthly cost of The Farmer’s Dog generally ranges from about $70 to $800 per month, depending on size and feeding plan.While these estimates help set expectations, billing does not always occur monthly. Plans are charged when a new shipment is sent which may range from every 2 weeks for larger dogs to every 8 weeks for smaller dogs.
How Much Is The Farmer's Dog Per Month?
The Farmer's Dog generally costs about $70 to $800 per month, based on our survey of more than 100 subscription quotes in 2026. That works out to roughly $16 to $187 per week depending on size. If you are pricing the Farmers Dog cost for a 50 lb dog, budget about $240 to $260 per month from our tested $7.98 to $8.67 per day medium-band range; for a 100 lb dog, the monthly cost climbs to roughly $470 to $800 at the giant-breed tier. Billing follows shipments rather than calendar months: boxes ship roughly every 2 weeks for large dogs and up to every 8 weeks for small dogs, so a single charge can look larger than your true monthly average.
The Farmer's Dog Price Analysis: What Impacts the Cost?
As part of our February 2026 retesting, we ran the sign-up questionnaire dozens of additional times, adjusting one variable at a time to isolate what truly affects pricing. Here is what consistently moves the cost.
Factors That Impact Price
- Weight and calorie needs: The largest pricing driver. Heavier dogs require more calories, which directly increases the daily cost.
- Age: Puppies under 6 months cost more due to higher growth-related calorie needs. After the early growth stage, pricing shifts primarily to weight-based calculations, increasing as the dog becomes heavier.
- Neutered or spayed status: Dogs that are not neutered or spayed typically receive slightly higher quotes due to higher estimated calorie needs.
- Recipe selection: Turkey, beef, chicken, pork, and the recommended blend can produce price differences. The most expensive option varies by size and calorie needs.
- Activity level: The "Pro Athlete" selection increases pricing. Other activity selections produce minimal pricing differences.
- Breed: Breed can create small pricing differences at the same weight and age, but the impact is minor compared to weight.
Factors That Have Little or No Impact on Price
- Sex: No consistent pricing difference between male and female dogs.
- Personality or trait selections: No pricing impact.
- Eating preference: No meaningful pricing impact.
- Current food type or brand: No pricing impact.
- Treats and scraps: Does not change the base plan cost.
- Health issue selections: Most do not change pricing, though certain formulas may not be available.
- Location: Pricing does not vary by zip code.
- Shipping: Shipping is free.
- Prescription diets: Prescription diets are not offered.
- Promotions: First-time orders are eligible for a 50% discount on the first box that lasts 14 days.
Note: The largest factor in determining the price of your plan is your dog's weight and estimated calorie needs. Puppies under 6 months are priced higher due to growth-related calorie requirements. After the early growth stage, pricing is driven primarily by weight, with smaller adjustments for neuter status, activity level, and recipe selection.
Why Your Bill May Jump After the First Box
The most common surprise is the end of the introductory discount: the 50% offer applies only to your first box, so your second charge is the full plan price. Quotes can also change when you update your dog's profile, because plans are repriced by calorie needs. Here are the most common causes of a Farmer's Dog price increase after sign-up:
- Trial ends: the 50% discount applies to your first box only, so plan on roughly double that first charge from your second box onward.
- Profile updates: adding weight or moving a puppy to adult portions triggers a new calorie calculation and a new price.
- Shipment billing: charges land per box rather than per calendar month, which can front-load costs for large dogs.
- Mixed feeding: combining smaller fresh portions with your current food is the most common way owners bring the daily subscription cost down.
Can You Buy The Farmer's Dog at Walmart?
Yes. Walmart does carry The Farmer's Dog: as of April 2026, the brand is available through Walmart.com, its first retail partnership since launching as a subscription-only service. The company announced the move in March 2026, and personalized fresh meal plans, including Chicken & Grain and Beef & Grain sets, can now be ordered directly through Walmart's website.
Pricing through Walmart.com mirrors the subscription model, so the dog food cost is the same personalized quote you would get directly. Listings we checked in August 2026 showed a matching 50% introductory discount on first orders, for example a personalized starter set at about $30 against a $60 regular price. Availability is online only for now: this is a Walmart.com partnership, and the fresh meals are not stocked in refrigerated store aisles.
For households that already shop Walmart online, this adds a convenient second way to start. Ordering directly from The Farmer's Dog works the same way and includes the same personalization and first-box discount.
Pros and Cons of The Farmer’s Dog Cost
Now that we've broken down the numbers, here's a clear summary of what you're paying for, and what to consider before subscribing.
- Fresh, human-grade ingredients - No fillers or artificial preservatives.
- Customized meal plans - Portions tailored by age, weight, and activity level.
- Pre-portioned delivery - Meals arrive ready to serve.
- Transparent ingredient sourcing - Full ingredient lists and preparation details available.
- Higher cost - More expensive than most traditional dry or canned dog foods.
- Refrigeration required - Must be stored in the fridge or freezer.
- Limited recipe variety - Fewer protein options compared to some competitors.
- Price increases with dog size - Large breeds can cost significantly more per week.
Is The Farmer’s Dog Worth the Cost?
Whether The Farmer’s Dog is worth the cost depends primarily on your dog’s size and your budget.
For small to medium dogs, daily pricing typically aligns with other fresh subscription services. When compared against premium kibble, it is more expensive, but the difference may be reasonable for owners who prioritize fresh, portioned meals.
For large and giant breeds, cost increases significantly because pricing scales directly with calorie needs. In these cases, weekly expenses can become substantial. In short:
- If you value ingredient transparency, personalization, and convenience, the higher cost may feel justified.
- If minimizing monthly food expenses is your top priority, traditional kibble remains the more economical option.
For a deeper look at ingredient sourcing, formulation, and overall performance, see our full The Farmer's Dog review.
Who Should Consider It
The Farmer’s Dog may make the most financial sense for:
- Owners of small to medium dogs, where daily pricing remains moderate.
- Pet parents who prefer fresh, minimally processed meals.
- Owners who want pre-portioned deliveries and reduced feeding guesswork.
- Dogs with specific calorie or portion needs that benefit from customized plans.
Who Should Skip It
It may be less practical for:
- Large or giant breed owners with high calorie requirements.
- Multi-dog households where subscription costs compound quickly.
- Owners who are primarily budget-driven.
- Those without adequate refrigerator or freezer space.
In this video, I show you exactly what arrives in the box, and what my canine reviewer thought about The Farmer’s Dog:
Other Dog Food Brands vs. The Farmer's Dog Cost
When evaluating whether the farmer's dog cost fits your budget, it helps to compare it against other common dog food categories.
| Food Type | Small Dog (20 - 25 lbs) | Medium Dog (40 lbs) | Large Dog (75 - 100 lbs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget Kibble | ~$1 - $2/day | ~$2 - $3/day | ~$3 - $4/day |
| Premium Kibble | ~$2 - $4/day | ~$3 - $5/day | ~$4 - $6/day |
| Fresh Grocery Brand | ~$3 - $6/day | ~$5 - $9/day | ~$8 - $12/day |
| Fresh Subscription Brands | ~$5 - $8/day | ~$7 - $12/day | ~$10 - $20+/day |
| The Farmer's Dog | $5.24 to $5.75/day | $7.98 to $8.67/day | $9.99 to $16.77/day |
What This Comparison Shows
When evaluating the farmer's dog cost, it helps to compare categories rather than just numbers.
- Kibble remains the most affordable option. Budget dry food can cost as little as $1 to $3 per day for small to medium dogs, with premium kibble slightly higher.
- Fresh food costs more because it scales with calories. As a dog’s weight increases, portion sizes increase, which directly raises daily cost.
- Personalized subscription meals sit at the higher end. Services like The Farmer’s Dog factor in weight, age, and calorie needs, which can raise pricing significantly for larger dogs.
However, this is not a direct apples-to-apples comparison.
Traditional kibble and fresh cooked meals are fundamentally different products. A fresh meal made from whole ingredients and delivered to your home is not directly comparable to shelf-stable dry food in terms of production method, formulation, or delivery model. In short:
- If minimizing cost is your primary goal, dry kibble is the least expensive route.
- If ingredient quality, customization, and fresh preparation matter more, subscription fresh food will naturally cost more.
According to The Farmer’s Dog website, the company states that its ingredients are human-grade and sourced from restaurant suppliers, local farms, or other human food purveyors. The company also states that it does not use feed-grade ingredients and does not process meals to be shelf-stable.You can review their full ingredient sourcing and subscription details directly on the official The Farmer’s Dog website.
Cheaper Alternatives to The Farmer's Dog
Yes, there is a cheaper alternative to The Farmer's Dog, and you have more than one. These options keep quality up without paying the full fresh-subscription price:
- Mixed feeding: keep The Farmer's Dog as a topper over quality kibble. Because plans are priced by calories, halving the fresh portion roughly halves the subscription cost.
- Fridge-fresh grocery brands: Freshpet sells fresh-style rolls and meals at grocery prices with no subscription; our Freshpet review breaks down whether it holds up.
- Premium kibble: well-formulated dry foods meet AAFCO nutritional standards at a fraction of the daily cost; start with our guide to the best dog food brands.
- Other fresh services: competing fresh brands tend to price in the same range, so switching rarely saves much; our breakdown of whether The Farmer's Dog is worth it compares the tradeoffs.

How Much Does It Cost to Feed Your Dog?
The amount you spend on dog food depends largely on your dog’s size and the type of food you choose.
According to Petfinder, the average dog owner spends up to $550 per year on food for their dog. However, this figure typically reflects standard dry kibble and may not account for premium or fresh subscription diets. Food costs generally break down like this:
- Budget dry kibble: Often the least expensive option, typically a few hundred dollars per year for small to medium dogs.
- Premium dry food: Higher ingredient quality, usually costing more annually than budget brands.
- Fresh or personalized subscription meals: Can range from roughly $800 to several thousand dollars per year, depending on your dog’s size and calorie needs.
- Several factors influence total cost:
- Weight: Larger dogs require more calories and therefore more food.
- Age: Puppies often cost more during the early growth stage.
- Activity level: More active dogs may require additional calories.
- Food quality and preparation method: Fresh, minimally processed meals typically cost more than shelf-stable kibble.
While fresh food options cost more upfront, many owners choose them for ingredient transparency and customization.

Food is only one piece of a dog's lifetime cost. A single accident or illness can dwarf any monthly food bill, which is why many owners pair a quality diet with coverage like Lemonade pet insurance to cap their exposure to big vet bills.
Why Fresh Dog Food Costs More
Fresh dog food typically costs more than traditional kibble because of how it is made, stored, and delivered. Unlike shelf-stable dry food, fresh meals are:
- Cooked with whole ingredients rather than rendered meal.
- Portion-sized based on calorie needs.
- Refrigerated or frozen to preserve freshness.
- Delivered directly to your home.
These production and logistics differences increase cost compared to mass-produced kibble.
That does not automatically mean fresh food is better for every dog. Many reputable dry foods meet established nutritional guidelines and are formulated by veterinary nutritionists.
However, fresh subscription services price meals based on calories and portion size. As a dog's weight increases, cost increases proportionally. This is why large-breed pricing can rise significantly compared to small dogs. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your dog's size, health status, and your budget.

The Farmer’s Dog cost varies primarily based on your dog’s weight and estimated calorie needs. Smaller adult dogs may start around $2 to $3 per day, while medium-sized dogs typically range between $7 and $9 per day. Large and giant breeds can exceed $20 per day as portion sizes increase.
For a hands-on look at what the subscription includes, read our full experience after we tried The Farmer’s Dog.
The Farmer's Dog – 50% Off Trial
For a limited time, you can get an amazing 50% off your first order right now. No promo code required. Give The Farmer’s Dog a try today and get your pup thriving on a healthy, wholesome diet that’s just about the closest thing to homemade out there!

Vet-formulated fresh meals delivered to your door. Custom portions tailored to your dog. No fillers, no by-products.
- Vet-formulated fresh meals made with human-grade ingredients, no fillers or by-products
- Custom portion plans tailored to your dog
- 50% off your first box
Trusted by hundreds of thousands of dog parents
Petful may earn a commission when you click through to The Farmer's Dog, at no extra cost to you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The Farmer's Dog cost ranges from approximately $2.31 to $26.77 per day, based on our survey testing of more than 100 subscription quotes. Smaller adult dogs fall near the lower end of the range, medium dogs land in the middle, and very large dogs can reach the upper end depending primarily on weight and calorie needs. The same tested ranges held when we re-checked the company's published plan examples in August 2026.
Puppies typically cost more than adult dogs because they require additional calories for growth. In our testing, The Farmer's Dog cost for puppies ranged from about $4 to $11 per day for small breeds, with medium puppies reaching up to $18.54 per day during peak growth months. By roughly 6 to 8 months old, quotes usually settle toward adult pricing as calorie needs level off.
Dog owners can expect The Farmer's Dog to cost approximately $16 to $187 per week, depending on their dog's weight, age during the puppy stage, and overall calorie needs. Small adult dogs sit near the bottom of that weekly range, while giant breeds with high calorie requirements drive the top end. Shipping is free, so the weekly figure reflects the full food cost.
The Farmer's Dog cost per month typically ranges from about $70 to $800 depending on your dog's size and feeding requirements, which makes this the widest budget spread of any billing view. Note that the company bills per shipment rather than on a strict monthly cycle: deliveries arrive roughly every 2 weeks for large dogs and up to every 8 weeks for small dogs, so compare charges against your true monthly average.
There are two places where you can buy The Farmer's Dog food: directly through thefarmersdog.com as a subscription, with boxes of fresh food delivered to your door, and since April 2026 through Walmart.com, where personalized meal plan sets can be ordered online. It is not sold in grocery aisles or pet stores. Both channels quote the same personalized plans, and first orders through either route carry the 50% introductory discount.
The Farmer's Dog is located at 214 Sullivan Street in New York City, where the company is headquartered. According to the company, its recipes are cooked to human-food standards at FDA-registered facilities and shipped frozen directly to subscribers, with free shipping included in every quoted plan price. The brand also publishes its ingredient sourcing and safety standards on its official site.
The Farmer's Dog is expensive compared with kibble because it uses fresh, human-grade ingredients cooked to human-food standards rather than rendered meals, and every plan is portioned to your dog's calorie needs. Refrigerated storage, pre-portioned packs, and home delivery add real production and logistics cost that shelf-stable dry food does not carry. That is why pricing scales sharply with your dog's size.
Yes, Walmart does carry The Farmer's Dog. Since April 2026, the fresh food brand has been available through Walmart.com in personalized meal plan sets such as Chicken & Grain and Beef & Grain, with the same style of 50% first-order discount. The partnership is online only, so you will not find the fresh meals stocked in refrigerated store aisles.
Yes, there is a cheaper alternative to The Farmer's Dog, and you have several. The most effective is a mixed plan that uses smaller fresh portions as a topper over quality kibble, which cuts the subscription cost roughly in half because plans are priced by calories. Fridge-fresh grocery brands like Freshpet and well-formulated premium kibbles also deliver solid nutrition at a lower daily price than a full fresh subscription.
Dave Baker is a journalist and editor who has worked at The New York Times and The Nation magazine. He was also part of the 2006 Pulitzer Prize–winning team at The Times-Picayune newspaper of New Orleans. After the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, he moved to Brooklyn, New York, where Petful is now based. A longtime advocate for pet food safety, Dave tracked pet food recalls for nearly 15 years.

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