Is Farmer's Dog Good?

The Short Answer

The Farmer's Dog is a massive upgrade over highly processed kibble. It is expertly formulated by veterinary nutritionists and uses human-grade meat and vegetables.

However, the verdict depends on your dog's health and your budget. The recipes are grain-free, incredibly high in fat, and can cost over $18 a day for large breeds. Fresh Dog Food Vs Kibble

Why This Matters

The fresh dog food market is exploding, but most boutique brands lack actual scientific backing. They rely on slick marketing rather than clinical veterinary science. Healthiest Dog Food

The Farmer's Dog is a rare exception because it employs three full-time board-certified veterinary nutritionists. They are a WSAVA Diamond Partner and recently completed rigorous long-term feeding trials at Cornell University. What Dog Food Do Vets Recommend

But premium quality comes at a steep price. Feeding a large dog can cost up to $18 a day. That translates to over $500 a month just for dog food.

You also have to navigate the grain-free debate. The FDA has investigated diets heavy in legumes for potential links to canine heart disease. Because The Farmer's Dog uses chickpeas and lentils, some veterinarians recommend caution. Does Grain Free Cause Heart Disease

What's Actually In The Farmer's Dog

• Human-Grade Meat — They use whole muscle and organ meat instead of rendered powders, ensuring your dog gets highly digestible protein. Is Meat Meal Bad
• Fresh Vegetables — Broccoli, carrots, and green beans are gently cooked in, providing natural antioxidants and vital dietary fiber.
• Legumes & Tubers — Chickpeas, lentils, and sweet potatoes act as carbohydrate sources, which have been scrutinized for potential links to canine heart disease. Is Pea Protein In Dog Food Bad
• Salmon Oil — Added for a bioavailable source of Omega-3 fatty acids, which naturally supports joint health and a shiny coat. Is Fish Oil Good For Dogs

What to Look For

Green Flags:

• WSAVA Alignment — They actually meet global veterinary guidelines. Having full-time board-certified nutritionists is the gold standard for pet food safety.
• Human-Grade Facilities — The food is cooked in USDA-inspected kitchens. This avoids the frequent contamination issues that plague traditional pet food plants. What Dog Foods Have Been Recalled

Red Flags:

• High Fat Content — Some recipes contain up to 27% fat on a dry matter basis. This richness can trigger severe GI distress or pancreatitis in sensitive dogs.
• Grain-Free Formulas — The lack of traditional grains concerns some vets. If your dog is prone to cardiac issues, you need to discuss legume-heavy diets with your vet. Is Grain Free Dog Food Safe

The Best Options

If you decide to try the subscription, choosing the right recipe is critical for your dog's digestion. Here is how their main proteins stack up. Farmers Dog Vs Ollie

The Bottom Line

1. Talk to your vet first. You need to ensure a grain-free, high-fat diet is appropriate for your specific breed.

2. Transition incredibly slowly. Moving from dry kibble to rich, fresh food will cause explosive diarrhea if you switch faster than the recommended 10 days.

3. Use it as a topper. If the cost is too high, mixing a small amount with a high-quality kibble provides fresh nutrients on a budget. Is Kibble Bad For Dogs

FAQ

Does The Farmer's Dog cause pancreatitis?

There is no clinical proof that the food directly causes pancreatitis in healthy dogs. However, the fat content is significantly higher than average kibble. If your dog has a history of pancreatic or severe GI issues, you should absolutely avoid this food.

Is The Farmer's Dog raw?

No, the food is gently cooked to 165 degrees. This eliminates dangerous pathogens like Salmonella while preserving more nutrients than the extreme heat used to make kibble. Is Raw Dog Food Safe

Is The Farmer's Dog WSAVA compliant?

Yes, they meet or exceed global veterinary guidelines. Unlike many boutique brands, they employ full-time veterinary nutritionists, manufacture in FDA-compliant facilities, and run comprehensive feeding trials. What Dog Food Do Vets Recommend

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