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I recently updated a blog post about The Farmer's Dog and took advantage of a 50% discount for new subscribers. In this blog post, I'll share the ordering process, the proteins offered versus what I chose, the shipping, Rodrigo's thoughts, and my experience with The Farmer's Dog customer service.
I paid for the food that I ordered for Rodrigo; this is not a sponsored post.
Why I Wanted to Try The Farmer's Dog
Seven months after Rodrigo's eleventh birthday, he stopped eating raw eggs, so I started cooking eggs. He stopped eating raw dog food a month later, so I started cooking for him. Today, he eats a combination of cooked and raw dog food, and I poach eggs for all my dogs.
I've been told that it's not unusual for a dog's taste to change as they get older. I don't mind cooking for Rodrigo and wondered if a commercial-cooked food brand would be a good fit. I was already updating a blog post about the company; they've made The List by Truth About Pet Food for the past two years (2021 and 2022), so why not give it a shot? I've tried other cooked food brands, but never The Farmer's Dog.
The Farmer's Dog Ordering Process
I found the ordering process to be quick and easy. I tested it out initially by adding each of my dogs (four total), and it was an easy task. I went back later to create an account for Rodrigo but couldn't add additional dogs without contacting customer service. It's not a big deal, and I may have missed it. This stood out as someone who tries to speak to customer service as little as possible.
The Farmer's Dog offers four proteins – chicken, turkey, beef, and pork. Rodrigo doesn't do well on raw chicken and turkey, but he can eat these proteins when I cook them, so that I could have added one or both of them to his order. I added chicken to the following order because it's the only recipe without potatoes or lentils. I later learned that only the pork recipe contains white potatoes. Rodrigo does fine on sweet potatoes but struggles with white potatoes.
I placed my order on a Friday, and my first shipment arrived less than a week later. I was shocked at how much food I received – far more than I'd expected in an introductory offer (14 meals for $70).
The Farmer's Dog offers auto-ship, which I appreciate because it's one less thing I must do. If I continue feeding TFD, I would add a reminder to my phone for the shipments to give me plenty of time to postpone or change recipes.
The Farmer's Dog Food Packaging
I received 14 packages of food (seven of each protein), a container to store the food, and a freezer tote bag (I love those). The box the food arrives in, the plastic packaging holding the food, and the storage container can all be recycled. The insulation in the shipping box is made of corn and can be added to a compost pile. A rep from The Farmer's Dog shared that we can put the insulation in the sink, run water over it, and watch it dissolve down the drain. Wow!
The brand does use plastic; it is BPA-free and non-toxic.
My Order with The Farmer's Dog
One concern I had about The Farmer's Dog (or any cooked food brand) is using white potatoes or other starches to create a nutritionally complete meal. However, these foods, and others, have benefits, too, which we lose when we disregard them because we're missing the whole picture.
We started with the beef recipe and tried the pork recipe a day later. Both of these recipes contain sweet potatoes, which offer a host of benefits:
- great source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals
- supports gut health and the immune system
- rich in antioxidants
- beta-carotene supports eye health
- supports cognitive health
Potatoes in the beef recipe are an excellent source of Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, iron, and magnesium. Potatoes boost the immune system and support the nervous system.
The Farmer's Dog Beef Recipe
Beef, Sweet Potato, Lentils, Carrot, Beef Liver, Water, Kale, Sunflower Seeds, Fish Oil, Tricalcium Phosphate, Sea Salt, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Taurine, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Vitamin E Supplement, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Potassium Iodide, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (B6), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid.
The Farmer's Dog Pork Recipe
Pork, Sweet Potato, Potato, Green Beans, Cauliflower, Pork Liver, Fish Oil, Tricalcium Phosphate, Sea Salt, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Taurine, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Vitamin E Supplement, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Potassium Iodide, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (B6), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid.
The Farmer's Dog Chicken Recipe
Chicken, Brussels Sprout, Chicken Liver, Bok Choy, Broccoli, Fish Oil, Tricalcium Phosphate, Sea Salt, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Taurine, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Vitamin E Supplement, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Potassium Iodide, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (B6), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid
The Farmer's Dog Turkey Recipe
Turkey, Chickpeas, Carrot, Broccoli, Parsnip, Spinach, Tricalcium Phosphate, Sea Salt, Fish Oil, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Choline Bitartrate, Taurine, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Vitamin E Supplement, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin Supplement, Potassium Iodide, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (B6), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid.
The Farmer's Dog Fat Content
One review of The Farmer's Dog stated that it was too high in fat and gave a few dogs pancreatitis. This isn't a concern with Rodrigo because he has exocrine pancreatic insufficiency; his pancreas no longer produces digestive enzymes, so I add them to his meals. I don't restrict fat in Rodrigo's diet; a study found that a high-fat diet may be better tolerated than a low-fat diet for dogs with EPI.
After reading about the fat content, I was curious and looked at the recipes in Rodrigo's account:
- Beef – Protein: 41% Fat: 31% Fiber: 3%
- Pork – Protein: 39% Fat: 32% Fiber: 2%
- Chicken – Protein: 49% Fat: 37% Fiber: 1%
- Turkey – Protein: 38% Fat: 26% Fiber: 2%
According to the Whole Dog Journal, commercial dog food stays within “a range of 5-20 percent fat” and “25-50 percent of the daily energy requirement can be supplied by fat during periods of high caloric need such as growth, lactation, or physical exertion.” So, while The Farmer's Dog's fat percentages are higher than the standard, the amounts may be ideal for a puppy, a pregnant dog, or a very active or working dog.
Organ Meat in The Farmer's Dog
When looking at The Farmer's Dog ingredients, a protein is identified, but not the cut of meat. The Farmer's Dog does add liver to their pork, beef, and chicken recipes. When feeding my dogs, I ensure that there is liver and heart in the mix because I consider them nutritional powerhouses.
After reviewing the ingredients panels, it looks like turkey liver is supplemented with a Choline Bitartrate supplement; this essential nutrient helps regulate several systems in our bodies, including metabolism, cognitive health, cardiac health, and more.
The Farmer's Dog Bone Content
The Farmer's Dog doesn't add ground bone to their food; instead, they add Tricalcium Phosphate to supplement the calcium, replacing ground bone. Tricalcium Phosphate is a common additive in human food and has been deemed safe for humans and our dogs.
My only concern about supplements in pet food is the sourcing, which is why I must trust the brands that get my paycheck. If I had a dog prone to kidney stones or kidney disease, I would work with my vet to ensure I didn't inadvertently add food or treats to my dog's diet that increased the calcium to problematic levels.
The Farmer's Dog Carb Count
The Farmer's Dog shares the guaranteed analysis of their recipes on their website. I chose to use the numbers post-cooking. These are approximate numbers.
- Beef – Protein: 41% Fat: 31% Fiber: 3% = 25% carbs
- Pork – Protein: 39% Fat: 32% Fiber: 2% = 27% carbs
- Chicken – Protein: 49% Fat: 37% Fiber: 1% = 13% carbs
- Turkey – Protein: 38% Fat: 26% Fiber: 2% = 34% carbs
According to several websites, dogs have evolved to consume a diet that contains up to 50% carbs. I beg to differ. While not all carbs are bad, I know dogs don't have a biological need for carbs in their diet. I'm pleasantly surprised to see low-carb options in commercial-cooked dog food; I didn't think this was possible.
Ingredients Sourcing?
This topic created an informative discussion on Instagram when someone shared that The Farmer's Dog uses factory-farmed meats. I learned a lot over the next couple of days.
According to LiveKindly.co, “70.4 percent of cows, 98.3 percent of pigs, 99.8 percent of turkeys, 98.2 percent of egg-laying hens, and over 99.9 percent of chickens raised for meat come from factory farms.” 99% of the meat we buy at our local grocery store comes from a factory farm. While not all factory farms are cruel to the animals, we can't determine that by looking at the label on a package of meat.
I also learned that if the meat is USDA-approved, it will not be 3D and 4D (downed, disabled, diseased, dead) meat.
The Farmer's Dog sources all of its ingredients from US suppliers. When they can, they source ingredients from North America. All ingredients are processed in the US (USDA kitchens according to USDA facility standards). All ingredients are tested in the US before making the food.
About the Vitamin Mix
Yes, The Farmer's Dog does use a vitamin mix. I don't know of a fresh food brand that can create a nutritionally complete meal that is limited on ingredients, affordable, and meets AAFCO standards. Carna4 is a brand that doesn't use a vitamin mix, and the food is nutritionally complete; the food is also sold at a higher price point when compared to other kibble brands.
While many people in the fresh food community dismiss AAFCO, it's not as easy for pet food brands. I often ask about sourcing because I've accepted that vitamin mixes are used in commercial pet food. According to The Farmer's Dog, a few of their “supplements are sourced from Japan. These supplements go through the same process as our food ingredients and are processed/tested in the US.”
Warnings About Vitamin Mixes in Dog Food
I've read several articles that reference studies that prove that vitamin mixes are toxic to dogs; however, few link to these studies. I'm not a fan of synthetic vitamins, but I understand that, in some cases, they may be a necessary “evil” because…
- synthetic vitamins allow brands to provide a nutritionally complete diet
- synthetic vitamins keep costs lower
- synthetic vitamins help the brand maintain consistency, reducing the need to find new sourcing or reformulate when the cost of whole food ingredients changes
- synthetic vitamins lower the risk of nutrient deficiencies in pets
Although vitamin mixes may be necessary for the pet food industry, I prefer them to be a small part of my dogs' diet. When I use base mixes in my meal prep, I prefer Dr. Harvey's Raw Vibrance to the Paradigm due to the lack of synthetic ingredients. I limit synthetic vitamins because…
- Sourcing – I've read that many vitamin mixes are sourced from countries that lack stringent quality control. This can lead to nutrient toxicity in dogs. Example: Hill's canned dog food was recalled in 2019 due to toxic levels of Vitamin D
- Bioavailability – synthetic vitamins aren't as bioavailable as fresh food due to the lack of cofactors. Cofactors are nutrients that appear alongside vitamins and minerals that improve absorption so our dogs can benefit. Vitamins and minerals made in a lab may not contain those co-factors.
- It's Unnatural – and there is a question of whether or not the system will recognize synthetic vitamins as nutrients. I'm confident there is a scientific explanation of why synthetic vitamins work; however, the lack of regulation in the supplement industry makes me wonder who is holding these companies accountable.
Does The Farmer's Dog Discourage DIY Diets?
Yes, on their FAQ page, The Farmer's Dog states, “Recent research found 95% of recipes online to be lacking in crucial nutrients for dogs.”
In 2013, two veterinarians reviewed 200 homemade recipes “from 34 different sources, including veterinary textbooks, pet care books, and websites.” Each of the recipes was evaluated using a nutritional software program. It was discovered “that only nine of the 200 recipes —including eight of the nine written by veterinarians — provided all essential nutrients in concentrations that met the minimum standards established for adult dogs by the Association of American Feed Control Officials, while only five recipes — all written by veterinarians — provided essential nutrients in concentrations that met the National Research Council’s Minimum Requirements for adult dogs.”
As I was reading about this, I couldn't help but think of all the blogs, including mine, that have recipes that don't meet an adult dog's nutritional requirements if fed alone. Now that I have the Animal Diet Formulator software, I can go to each recipe post and add how I would balance the recipe for a sixty-pound dog while ensuring that the recipe is for supplemental feeding only.
As a raw feeder, I feel confident that my diet for my dogs is nutritionally complete. I also understand the risks of feeding a deficient diet to a dog of any age. The Farmer's Dog works with a nutritionist on their recipes to ensure they are nutritionally complete.
The Farmer's Dog is formulated for all life stages; this includes puppies eight weeks or older and large breed dogs with an adult weight of 70 pounds or more. And, for pet parents who prefer DIY, The Farmer's Dog offers a nutrient blend option – they'll formulate a recipe for your dog and send you the shopping list and the nutrient blend. This allows pet parents to save money because this option is more affordable while taking more control over their dog's meals.
My Thoughts on The Farmer's Dog Food
I received a lot of feedback from folks when I announced plans to try The Farmer's Dog food with Rodrigo. Some feedback was positive, some not so positive. I appreciated all the feedback because it helped me develop a list of questions, and I appreciate that The Farmer's Dog was so transparent in their responses.
What I Liked About The Farmer's Dog
Convenience: I like having someone else do the work. I have four dogs and a lot of responsibilities and I would love for someone to take over a few of the chores here and there. So, coming home to a box of food was fantastic. The ordering process was simple; all of my basic questions were answered on the website, and their customer service responded to a list of questions I'm sure they don't see often.
Transparency: transparency is essential to me. I do as much research as I have the time and brain space to handle, so I need to be able to have a frank discussion with a brand when I have questions. Their customer service is astounding, and they have answered my questions and followed up with emailed support.
DIY and Nutrient Blend: I appreciate the ability to continue feeding DIY using a nutrient blend offered by The Farmer's Dog. This is a more affordable way to feed a dog, The Farmer's Dog. I won't use it (I prefer Dr. Harvey's), but I appreciate the value to pet parents.
Dogs and the Texture: The dogs went crazy when I warmed up the food, and after some initial hesitancy, Rodrigo enjoyed the food. I think he struggled with the texture (more below). My dogs are used to chunky food that they chew – The Farmer's Dog has more of the consistency of oatmeal.
Rice and White Potatoes: The Farmer's Dog doesn't formulate with rice, and only one of their recipes contains white potatoes. Rodrigo doesn't do well on these ingredients, which I found common in other gently cooked/cooked brands.
What I Didn't Like About The Farmer's Dog
White Potatoes: I don't particularly relish feeding white potatoes (in the pork recipe). Because of my experience with cancer, I'm a bit hesitant about feeding potatoes. Thankfully, Rodrigo doesn't have cancer. And I'm not a fan of the lentils and chickpeas because I'm not a fan of feeding legumes; chickpeas cause slight digestive upset in my dogs.
Texture: As I stated above, Rodrigo hesitated at first, and based on how he was eating the food, I think it's because of the texture. I've tried other cooked food brands where the food was super thick, and Rodrigo didn't seem to like that texture either. Over time, Rodrigo began diving into his meals, so he quickly got used to the texture.
The Price: the price of the food needs to be mentioned because commercial pet food in the fresh food space isn't cheap. But I won't complain about the price because I'd be suspicious if the food were crazily affordable. We have four large breed dogs; feeding a commercial raw or cooked food to them full time is too expensive.
Do I Plan to Switch to The Farmer's Dog Food?
I do not plan to fully switch Rodrigo to The Farmer's Dog; instead, it'll be kept on hand and added to his menu. Not long after completing this review, Rodrigo began eating raw again. I started feeding my dogs' meals at room temperature, which made a difference. I still keep The Farmer's Dog and other commercial brands on hand to feed in rotation.
I don't feel comfortable feeding Rodrigo this food full-time because of the cost, legumes, and synthetic vitamins.
After a few weeks of research, I am pleasantly surprised by what I've learned about The Farmer's Dog. I went from not being interested in the brand to recommending the food. The Farmer's Dog is an excellent alternative for…
- pet parents who want to improve their pet's diet but aren't ready for raw
- pet parents who want to feed DIY but are nervous about meeting nutritional needs
- pet parents who are new to feeding fresh food
- pet parents who have a veterinarian who is anti-raw but okay with cooked dog food
- pet parents who want to add something fun to the rotation
- pet parents who want to add fresh food to their dog's kibble
- dogs that won't eat raw
When I placed my first order, The Farmer's Dog was offering 50% off that order. I'm unsure how often they offer that special; it may be periodic or permanent. Visit TheFarmersDog.com to place your first order.
