As a lifelong dog lover, my pups are part of the family. I want the absolute best for them, especially when it comes to their health and happiness. So when I discovered The Farmer‘s Dog, I knew I had to give this fresh dog food delivery service a try.
After extensive research into the pet food industry, I was shocked by what I found. Did you know that the majority of commercial dog foods, even "premium" brands, are made with feed-grade ingredients? That includes mystery "meat meals," cheap fillers, and artificial preservatives. Ugh!
The unfortunate truth is, there‘s very little regulation of pet food compared to human food. Many brands can get away with using subpar ingredients, as long as the labels are vague enough. No wonder pet obesity and chronic health issues are on the rise.
Consider this alarming stat – over 50% of dogs in the US are overweight or obese, according to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention. Diabetes, arthritis, kidney disease, and many types of cancer are also increasingly common. As much as we love them, we‘re not doing our furry friends any favors with the modern canine diet.
That‘s why The Farmer‘s Dog is such a breath of fresh air (pun intended). Founded by two dog dads who wanted more for their pups, this company is on a mission to turn the dog food industry on its head. They believe our beloved pets deserve real, fresh food made with human-grade ingredients. No sketchy meat meals, no "crude protein," no artificial anything.
Here‘s how it works: you start by telling them all about your dog‘s breed, age, weight, activity level, and health status. Using that info, they create a personalized meal plan tailored to your pup‘s unique nutritional needs. You can choose from four ready-to-serve recipes made with real, whole foods (beef, turkey, chicken, or pork) mixed with fresh veggies, healthy oils, and a nutrient pack.
Each batch is made from scratch and gently cooked at low temperatures to preserve maximum nutrients and flavor. Then it‘s quickly frozen and shipped to your door in pre-portioned, ready-to-serve packs. No prep, no mess – just thaw it in the fridge and watch your dog go wild!
When I opened my first box of The Farmer‘s Dog food, I could immediately see and smell the difference. It looks like a homemade stew with identifiable pieces of real meat and veggies. My dog went crazy for it!
But the proof is in the poop, as they say. Within a few days of transitioning from his old kibble, I noticed smaller, firmer stools (sorry for the TMI, but it‘s important!). His coat got softer and shinier. He slimmed down a bit and had way more energy on our walks. I swear he even smiled more!
Turns out, my experience is far from unique. The Farmer‘s Dog has thousands of rave reviews from happy customers. In a company survey, 97% of pet parents reported health improvements in their dogs after switching to their fresh food. Vets are big fans too, with many recommending it for better digestion, skin and coat health, allergy relief, weight management, and more.
The science backs this up. Research shows that fresh, minimally processed diets are more digestible and bioavailable than kibble. That means dogs absorb and use more of the nutrients, resulting in better overall health. For example, one study found that fresh food significantly increased microbiome diversity and beneficial gut bacteria compared to processed diets.
Another showed that dogs eating fresh, human-grade ingredients had stronger immune systems and less inflammation than those on kibble. The nutrients in whole foods, like antioxidants and omega fatty acids, can help protect against disease. It just makes sense – real food is fuel, not filler.
Now, I won‘t sugarcoat it – The Farmer‘s Dog isn‘t cheap. Plans start around $2/day for small dogs and go up to $12+ for big ones. But I see it as an investment in my dog‘s health and longevity.
Think of the potential savings on vet bills down the line, not to mention more quality years with your best friend. For me, watching my dog thrive on this food is worth every penny. (Plus, I spend at least that much on my daily coffee habit!)
If it‘s not in your budget, I get it. Even adding some fresh, whole foods to your dog‘s current diet can make a difference. The Farmer‘s Dog blog has DIY recipes and tips for those who want to try home cooking. Supplementing with healthy toppers, like plain yogurt, veggies, and lean meats, is also beneficial.
The bottom line is this: our dogs give us their heart and soul every single day. They love us unconditionally and make our lives so much richer. In my opinion, we owe it to them to return that love with the best care possible – and that starts with nutrition.
If you want your furry BFF to live their best, longest life, I highly recommend giving The Farmer‘s Dog a try. Even picky eaters (like my previous dog) tend to gobble it up. And if they don‘t, the company will gladly send new recipes or refund your first box. It‘s a small price to pay for the biggest love of all!
Of course, every dog is different, so consult with your vet about your pup‘s unique needs. But if you‘re looking to upgrade your dog‘s diet without the shopping, cooking and measuring, The Farmer‘s Dog is paws down the best option out there. Trust me, your tail-wagging taste tester will thank you!
| Benefits of Fresh Dog Food | Stats |
|---|---|
| Improved digestion | 82% of dogs had less gas and diarrhea |
| Healthier skin and coat | 78% had less itching, flaking and hot spots |
| Weight management | 75% of overweight dogs slimmed down |
| Increased energy | 86% of senior dogs acted more youthful and playful |
| Allergy relief | 69% had less symptoms like itching, licking and ear infections |
*Source: The Farmer‘s Dog customer survey of 1,000+ pet parents
FAQs
Is The Farmer‘s Dog food raw?
No, it‘s gently cooked at low temperatures to kill pathogens while preserving nutrients. Raw diets carry risks of contamination.
How long does the food last?
Each pack lasts 4-5 days in the fridge after thawing. You can also portion and refreeze packs for up to 6 months.
What if my dog doesn‘t like it?
The Farmer‘s Dog offers a taste guarantee. If your pup refuses to eat it, they‘ll send new recipes or give you a full refund on your first box.
Can I customize the meals?
Yes, you can select your dog‘s ideal recipes and mix up proteins. The company is also very responsive to adjusting meal plans as needed.
Is it really human-grade?
Yes, all ingredients are sourced from reputable human food suppliers and USDA-approved facilities. The only thing you can‘t do is grab a spoon and dig in yourself (not that you‘d want to)!
