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What to Buy Dog Products Dog Food

Freshpet vs. The Farmer’s Dog: Which Fresh Dog Food Service Has the Upper Paw?

Both delivery options offer customizable meal plans for your pup.

By
Maddie Topliff
Maddie Topliff
Maddie Topliff is a full-time copywriter and content creator from Des Moines, Iowa. She was previously an intern at Daily Paws, another Dotdash Meredith brand. Her work has been seen on Daily Paws, Entertainment Weekly, People.com, and The Spruce.
Learn more about The Spruce Pets' Editorial Process
Updated on 05/22/23
Reviewed by Marla Fischl
Person holding out a bowl with dog food to a black and white dog

Os Tartarouchos / Getty Images

In This Article

With so many options available on the market, choosing the right food for your dog can be a headache. What are the health benefits of fresh versus dry food? Is raw food a good idea? What ingredients should you look for or avoid? Is ordering customized food worth it? Should you buy dog food on your regular grocery run or get it delivered? So many questions.

For a lot of people, dog food delivery services like Freshpet and The Farmer’s Dog provide some answers. Both brands deliver high-quality, nutritionally balanced, and customizable meal plans straight to your door. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at both Freshpet and The Farmer’s Dog to help you determine if either brand is the best choice for your dog’s diet.

Tip

Always consult with your veterinarian before making changes to your dog's diet, and work with your vet to find the best food option for your dog's individual needs.

About Freshpet

Freshpet pioneered the development of fresh dog food. The company was founded in 2006 by Scott Morris, Cathal Walsh, and John Phelps, who all wanted to make healthier and more convenient food for dogs. They set out to create fresh food made with high-quality ingredients that would retain maximum nutrition and flavor. After several years of research and development, Freshpet took off with its line of fresh, refrigerated dog food.

Today, in addition to the refrigerated products you can find in your local supermarket, Freshpet offers a custom meal plan subscription in partnership with Petco. Both multiprotein recipes, like beef and chicken, and single-protein recipes, like shredded chicken, are developed by veterinary nutritionists and shipped fresh to your door. The partnership provides you with a convenient way to get fresh pet food delivered together with any other pet supplies you may need. But—and this is a big “but”—Freshpet’s custom meal subscription is currently available in just 15 states. The company, however, plans on rolling out national availability in the near future.

To see if the service is available where you live, enter your ZIP code on Petco’s website. If it is, you can then fill out a brief questionnaire about your pet’s activity level, food sensitivities, and more. When you’re done, Freshpet will provide you with recommendations from its current assortment of custom recipes. After you set up your dog’s meal plan, you can modify your delivery at any time in your Petco customer account. 

freshpet meals

Freshpet

About The Farmer’s Dog

Frustrated by the lack of decent fresh dog food on the market, Jonathan Regev and Brett Podolsky founded The Farmer’s Dog in 2014 with the goal of creating a more personalized alternative to traditional commercial dog food. The Farmer’s Dog offers customized meal plans designed to meet the specific nutritional needs of individual dogs, including those with allergies, digestive issues, or other special dietary needs. Additionally, all meals are formulated to meet Association of American Feed Control Officials standards for complete and balanced nutrition. 

The Farmer’s Dog creates its meals with proteins that include beef, chicken, turkey, and pork; fresh veggies like green beans, carrots, and broccoli; and fiber-rich ingredients like lentils and sweet potatoes to aid digestion. If you or your dog have particular preferences, you can select which recipes you’d like to get delivered. In addition to its regular subscription, The Farmer’s Dog also has a DIY plan that provides you with shopping lists, easy-to-follow recipes, and nutrient mixes should you want to create your own fresh dog food from scratch.

To get started with The Farmer’s Dog, you’ll fill out a questionnaire that asks about your pup’s breed, age, weight, activity level, and any health concerns. After a two-week trial period, you can modify your subscription at any time.

Freshpet vs. The Farmer’s Dog: How Do They Compare?

Specs Freshpet The Farmer's Dog
Base price $3/day $2/day 
Free shipping?  Yes  Yes 
Types of food  Fresh  Fresh 
Customizable meals?  Yes  Yes 
Delivery frequency  Monthly  Weekly 
Storing instructions Food should be refrigerated Food should be refrigerated or put in the freezer
New member discount? Yes; 50% off first box Yes; 50% off first box 

Plans & Pricing

Freshpet

Plan Price 
Multi-Protein Starting at $2.55 per day
Shredded Chicken Starting at $2.75 per day
Beef and Chicken Starting at $2.56 per day

The Farmer’s Dog

Plan Price
Fresh Food Starting at $2.07 per day
DIY Starting at $3.75 per week

Freshpet Customer Reviews

Freshpet customers praise the company for formulating recipes that use quality ingredients and taste good enough to keep their dogs coming back for more day after day. Some customers have also noted that after switching to Freshpet, their dogs’ health and energy levels improved.

A few customers have encountered issues with customer service being unresponsive. Others have mentioned that the quality of their dog’s food upon delivery is inconsistent. Overall, however, reviews indicate that customers like the company for its commitment to fresh, healthy dog food options.

The Farmer’s Dog Customer Reviews

The Farmer’s Dog gets generally positive reviews, with many customers reporting purported improvements in their pets’ health and well-being after switching to the company’s customized meal plans. Customers appreciate the convenience of getting fresh, pre-portioned meals delivered to their door and have noted that their dogs love the taste of the food. Some customers have also praised the company’s customer service, noting that The Farmer’s Dog team is responsive and helpful when addressing any concerns or issues.

A few customers have reported issues with late deliveries or inconsistent billing. Still, most reviews are positive and show that customers generally love the convenience and quality food the company provides.

the farmer's dog meals

The Farmer's Dog

Pros & Cons

Freshpet

Pros

  • Provides same-day delivery through Petco

  • Several protein combinations to choose from

  • Established fresh food brand

  • Meals contain locally sourced ingredients

Cons

  • Only available in 15 states

  • Costs more than in-store dog foods

The Farmer’s Dog

Pros

  • Customizable meal plans

  • Flexible delivery schedule

  • Actively involved in veterinary nutrition research

  • DIY plan allows you to make the meals yourself

Cons

  • Costs more than traditional dog food

  • Has a limited range of products

Other Dog Food Delivery Services

When choosing a dog food delivery service, it’s important to compare more than two options to ensure that you’re making an informed decision that’s best for your pet. Different services offer different food formulations, delivery schedules, and pricing structures, so comparing multiple options can help you identify the one that best meets your dog’s needs and fits your lifestyle. Additionally, by researching and comparing multiple services, you can learn more about the quality of ingredients used in each service’s recipes.

Ollie

  • Base Price: $2/day
  • Free Shipping? Yes
  • Types of Food: Fresh, dry

Ollie offers freshly made dog food in both wet and dry recipes. The company uses ingredients such as USDA-inspected meat and fresh produce to create balanced, nutrient-rich meals for dogs of all ages and sizes. Ollie’s recipes are formulated by veterinarians and canine nutritionists to provide optimal nutrition for your furry friend. The company also offers personalized meal plans based on your dog’s age, weight, activity level, and dietary needs.

Spot & Tango

  • Base Price: $3.03/day
  • Free Shipping? Yes
  • Types of Food: Dry, fresh

Spot & Tango offers personalized meal plans based on a dog’s specific needs, taking into consideration factors such as breed, weight, age, and activity level. Its meals are formulated by veterinarians and animal nutritionists to ensure they’re nutritionally balanced. The company offers a range of recipes made with beef, turkey, lamb, and chicken to cater to different tastes and dietary requirements.

JustFoodForDogs

  • Base Price: $2.39/day
  • Free Shipping? Yes
  • Types of Food: Fresh, frozen

JustFoodForDogs specializes in producing fresh dog food made with USDA-certified ingredients. The company was founded by a veterinarian and a team of animal nutritionists who were concerned about the quality of ingredients in some commercial dog foods. It offers a range of recipes to cater to different dietary needs, including grain-free options and recipes for dogs with health issues. JustFoodForDogs also offers supplements, treats, and DIY dog food kits, so you can make your own fresh dog food at home if you want.

Final Thoughts

Both Freshpet and The Farmer’s Dog offer excellent fresh dog food and customizable meal plans that are based on your dog’s specific needs. Freshpet is an ideal option if you want to get dog food and other pet supplies all delivered from one place, though that convenience is currently limited to only 15 states. The Farmer’s Dog is a better choice if you live in a state where Freshpet doesn’t deliver or if you want a completely personalized meal plan tailored to your dog’s unique nutritional needs.

FAQ
  • How Do I Know What Food Is Best for My Dog?

    Choosing the best food for your dog depends on their age, size, activity level, health condition, and other factors. The best way to determine the ideal diet for your dog is to consult with your veterinarian, who can provide recommendations on the appropriate type and amount of food to feed your dog based on their specific needs. A great time to do this is at your dog’s annual physical. That way, your veterinarian's recommendations will be the most timely and relevant.

  • Is It Cheaper to Buy Dog Food In-Store or Online?

    The price of dog food in stores and online is pretty comparable. A larger difference in pricing is between in-store dog food and custom dog food delivery services. A customized fresh meal plan is going to be more expensive than a bag of kibble due to the extra time and care it takes to provide recommendations for your individual dog and prepare the meals.

  • Are There Dog Food Delivery Services for Dogs With Sensitive Stomachs?

    Yes. Many dog food delivery services ask pet owners to note any food allergies or sensitivities their dog has before providing them with recommendations, and some services formulate their dog food without common allergens, making it easier for dogs with sensitive stomachs to digest their meals. Additionally, some dog food delivery services publish ingredient lists online, so you can check for any problematic ingredients before you place an order.

  • Is Wet Food or Dry Food Better for Dogs?

    Both wet food and dry food boast health benefits for dogs. Wet food’s moistness helps keep your pup hydrated and helps prevent problems with their urinary tract. It often has a stronger smell and taste than dry food, which can make it more appealing to picky eaters. Some wet dog food is formulated with a higher meat content and fewer fillers than dry food, meaning it can provide more complete and balanced nutrition for your dog.

    Dry dog food is easy to store and serve and can be left out in a bowl for your dog to eat at their leisure. Its crunchy texture can also help scrape away plaque and tartar from your dog’s teeth, promoting dental health. It can be a good option for dogs who need to gain weight or maintain a healthy weight, as it typically has more calories and carbohydrates per serving than wet food, thanks to its lower moisture content and higher concentration of nutrients.