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The Farmer’s Dog Cost – Worth It or Not? – An Honest Opinion

By: Justin Palmer
Justin Palmer is a Certified Pet Food Nutrition Specialist and co-founder of iHeartDogs.com. Inspired by his rescued husky, Splash, he dedicated himself to learning about extending both the length and quality of her life. Splash lived and thrived until 18 years old, and now Justin is on a mission to share what he learned with other dog owners.Read more
| March 11, 2024

In the evolving landscape of pet nutrition, The Farmer’s Dog has emerged as a frontrunner, championing the cause of fresh, high-quality meals tailored to the individual needs of dogs. As interest in such premium, subscription-based dog food services rises, so does curiosity about their cost. Specifically, for The Farmer’s Dog, prices vary significantly depending on the size of your dog, their activity level, and any special dietary requirements they might have. On average, the cost for a small dog starts around $2 per day but can escalate to over $10 per day for larger breeds, reflecting a tailored approach to canine nutrition. But how does this stack up against the traditional staple of dry dog food?

The Price of The Farmer’s Dog – A Cost Per Day Breakdown

The following chart represents an estimate of the daily cost to feed The Farmer’s Dog by Weight & Breed. Please note costs do change periodically, and vary by your dog’s activity level.

 

The Price of Farmer's Dog by Breed/Weight

 

When assessing the cost of The Farmer’s Dog, it’s essential to recognize the influence of various factors:

  • Dog Size and Activity Level: Smaller, less active dogs require fewer calories, thus lowering the cost of their meal plan compared to larger, more energetic dogs.
  • Subscription and Discounts: Opting for a subscription or availing discounts for multiple dogs can affect the overall price.

To give you an idea, a medium-sized, moderately active dog might incur a cost of approximately $4 per day on this plan. This estimation helps pet owners gauge the monthly expenditure, which, for our example, would roughly translate to $120.

Dry Dog Food Cost Analysis

In contrast, the market for dry dog food offers a wide array of choices, ranging from budget-friendly options to premium brands. The average cost per meal for a medium-sized dog using a popular mid-range brand could be less than $1. This stark difference in cost underscores the premium you pay for fresh, personalized meals from The Farmer’s Dog.

One Interesting Option for Saving Money on the Cost of Farmer’s Dog

An important consideration for pet owners intrigued by The Farmer’s Dog but concerned about cost is that it’s not an all-or-nothing proposition. Integrating The Farmer’s Dog meals with your dog’s existing diet can be a balanced approach, offering the benefits of fresh, whole-food nutrition while managing overall feeding expenses. This hybrid feeding strategy allows your pet to enjoy the health advantages of premium, fresh food, such as better digestion and enhanced vitality, without the full cost burden of exclusive feeding. Mixing The Farmer’s Dog food with a high-quality dry dog food not only stretches the value of each meal but also provides dietary variety for your dog, which can be beneficial for their overall health and well-being. This approach offers a practical solution for pet owners who wish to elevate their dog’s nutrition within a manageable budget.

Direct Cost Comparison

When comparing costs directly, it’s clear that The Farmer’s Dog is a premium service. For a medium-sized dog, the cost difference could be significant over a month, with The Farmer’s Dog costing potentially three to four times more than traditional dry dog food. Yet, it’s crucial to consider the value behind the cost, including the benefits of fresh, customized meals for your pet’s health.

Consumer and Expert Perspectives

Feedback from pet owners who’ve made the switch often highlights not just the health improvements in their dogs, but also the peace of mind knowing they’re feeding their pets high-quality meals. Veterinarians and canine nutrition experts also weigh in on the debate, with many supporting the move towards fresher, less processed foods for dogs, though opinions vary regarding cost-effectiveness and necessity.

Our Thoughts – Is Farmer’s Dog Worth the Price?

In our view, any amount of fresh food you choose to feed your dog will likely improve their health in the long term. If you can afford to feed fresh, then yes, its 100% worth it. However, if you can’t there’s always an option to feed a percentage of your dog’s meal with fresh food. While you can accomplish this at home by adding chicken, eggs, fresh fruits and veggies to your dog’s meal, you do have to be careful to not unbalance the food. (Keep to around 10-15%). The nice thing about mixing with a fresh brand like Farmer’s is that it is already complete and balanced, so you can give it in any amount.

Concluding Thoughts

The decision to invest in a service like The Farmer’s Dog hinges on multiple factors, including budget, beliefs about pet nutrition, and the specific needs of your dog. While significantly more expensive than traditional dry dog food, the cost is justified by the premium ingredients, personalized nutrition, and convenience offered by The Farmer’s Dog.

As the pet food industry continues to evolve, with a growing emphasis on quality and nutrition, services like The Farmer’s Dog are at the forefront, challenging conventional feeding practices and setting new standards for pet care. Whether the premium is worth it depends on individual priorities, but for those who can afford it, The Farmer’s Dog offers a compelling blend of quality, convenience, and care.

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