Freshpet vs Farmer's Dog: Complete Fresh Dog Food Comparison Guide
Freshpet vs Farmer's Dog compared head-to-head: ingredients, cost per day, nutrition, convenience, and which fresh dog food brand fits your dog's needs best.
If you've decided to upgrade your dog's diet from kibble to fresh food, two names dominate the refrigerated and direct-to-consumer market: Freshpet and The Farmer's Dog. Both promise human-grade ingredients, balanced nutrition, and meals your dog will actually get excited about. But they deliver on those promises in fundamentally different ways — and choosing the wrong one for your household can mean wasted money, logistical headaches, or a dog that won't eat what you've ordered.
I've fed both brands to dogs in my care over the past several years, tracked the costs down to the per-meal dollar, and compared their formulations against AAFCO nutrient profiles for all life stages. Here's what you actually need to know before committing your monthly pet food budget to either brand.
Side-by-Side Comparison: Freshpet vs Farmer's Dog at a Glance
| Attribute | Freshpet | The Farmer's Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Delivery Model | Retail (in-store refrigerated) + some direct shipping | Direct-to-consumer subscription only |
| Ingredient Grade | Select recipes use human-grade; Vital line is human-grade | All recipes USDA human-grade |
| Number of Recipes | 12+ (across Freshpet Select, Vital, and Homestyle lines) | 4 protein options (Beef, Turkey, Chicken, Pork) |
| Customization | None — you pick a recipe off the shelf | Calorie-portioned based on dog's weight, age, activity, body condition score |
| AAFCO Compliance | All life stages (most recipes) | All life stages (all recipes) |
| Shelf Life (Refrigerated) | Up to 60+ days unopened (modified atmosphere packaging) | 3-5 days thawed in fridge (shipped frozen) |
| Storage Requirement | Refrigerator only | Freezer for storage, fridge for thawing |
| Cost Per Day (30 lb dog) | $3.50 – $5.50 | $4.00 – $8.00+ |
| Cost Per Day (70 lb dog) | $7.00 – $12.00 | $8.00 – $16.00+ |
| Availability | Nationwide — PetSmart, Petco, Target, Walmart, grocery stores | Online subscription only (ships to contiguous US) |
| Grain-Free Options | Yes (multiple grain-free recipes available) | All recipes are grain-free |
| Veterinary Nutritionist Formulated | Yes — formulated with board-certified veterinary nutritionists | Yes — formulated by board-certified veterinary nutritionists |
Head-to-Head: Category Winners
Every recipe lists whole-food ingredients you'd recognize from your own kitchen — USDA beef, sweet potato, spinach, sunflower oil. The Farmer's Dog publishes full ingredient lists and guaranteed analysis on their site. Freshpet's Select line uses some feed-grade ingredients and by-product meals in certain recipes, though their Vital and Homestyle lines use human-grade components. If knowing exactly what's in every bite matters to you, The Farmer's Dog has the edge.
You can walk into a PetSmart, Target, or most major grocery stores right now and buy Freshpet today. No subscription, no waiting for delivery, no managing freezer space. The modified atmosphere packaging gives you weeks of fridge life. The Farmer's Dog requires planning — you need freezer space for the biweekly shipments and must remember to thaw packs 24 hours before feeding. If you forget, you're scrambling.
The Farmer's Dog builds a profile for your specific dog — weight, age, breed, activity level, body condition score (BCS), health conditions — and pre-portions daily meals in labeled packs. Freshpet gives you feeding guidelines on the package, but you're doing the math and scooping yourself. For dogs needing precise calorie management (obesity, diabetes, pancreatitis), The Farmer's Dog removes guesswork.
Freshpet offers 12+ recipes across three product lines, including novel proteins like lamb and salmon, plus grain-inclusive and grain-free options. The Farmer's Dog has exactly four protein options: beef, turkey, chicken, and pork. If your dog has a protein allergy or needs a limited-ingredient rotation, Freshpet gives you more to work with on the shelf.
For a 30 lb (13.6 kg) dog, Freshpet typically runs $3.50–$5.50/day depending on the product line and where you buy it. The Farmer's Dog for the same dog starts around $4.00/day but often lands in the $5.50–$8.00 range once you factor in shipping. For larger dogs over 60 lb (27 kg), the cost gap widens significantly — Freshpet can be 30-40% cheaper per calorie.
The Farmer's Dog lets you pause, skip, or cancel anytime through your online dashboard. Freshpet doesn't require a subscription at all — buy what you need, when you need it. Both models work; it depends on whether you prefer automated delivery or on-demand purchasing.
What Freshpet and The Farmer's Dog Have in Common
Before diving into dealbreakers, it's worth noting the significant overlap between these two brands — they share more DNA than most owners realize:
- Both are AAFCO-compliant for all life stages. Whether you have an 8-week-old Labrador puppy or a 12-year-old Chihuahua, both brands meet the nutritional profiles established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials for growth, maintenance, and reproduction.
- Both are formulated with board-certified veterinary nutritionists. Neither brand is winging it on recipes. Both consult DACVN (Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Nutrition) professionals during formulation.
- Both are refrigerated/frozen fresh food. Neither uses the high-temperature extrusion process that produces kibble. This means both retain more natural moisture (typically 65-75% moisture content vs. 10-12% in kibble) and may be more palatable for picky eaters.
- Both cost significantly more than kibble. If you're currently spending $40-$60/month on a premium kibble, expect to spend $120-$300+/month on either fresh brand for a medium-sized dog. This is the biggest barrier for most households.
- Both have reported palatability advantages over dry food. In my experience, dogs that turn their noses up at kibble will typically eat both Freshpet and The Farmer's Dog enthusiastically. The higher moisture content and fresh protein aroma make a real difference for appetite-challenged seniors or convalescing dogs.
- Both require cold storage. You'll need refrigerator space for active-use packs and, for The Farmer's Dog, meaningful freezer space for the biweekly shipment (a 70 lb dog's two-week supply takes up roughly one full freezer shelf).
Key Differences: The Real Dealbreakers
Here's where the decision actually gets made. These are the factors that will push you clearly toward one brand or the other:
Ingredient Sourcing and Processing
The Farmer's Dog prepares meals in USDA-certified human-food kitchens. Every ingredient meets the same standards as food sold for human consumption. Their beef is USDA-inspected, their vegetables are the same grade you'd buy at a grocery store, and their recipes are gently cooked at lower temperatures than kibble extrusion.
Freshpet's standard Select line uses a mix of ingredients — some human-grade, some feed-grade. Their chicken meals may include mechanically separated chicken, and some recipes contain ingredients like carrageenan (a thickener that some owners prefer to avoid). However, their Vital and Homestyle Created lines use human-grade ingredients comparable to The Farmer's Dog. The catch: Vital and Homestyle are harder to find in stores and cost more per pound than Select.
The Subscription vs. Retail Model
This is the single biggest practical difference. The Farmer's Dog only sells through their website on a subscription basis. You complete a profile, they calculate your dog's caloric needs, and pre-portioned frozen packs arrive every two or four weeks. You can modify, pause, or cancel — but you can't walk into a store and grab a single meal.
Freshpet is available at over 30,000 retail locations nationwide. You can buy a single 4.5 lb roll at Target on a Tuesday night if you run out of food. This matters enormously for people who travel with their dogs, have unpredictable schedules, or simply don't want another subscription to manage.
Protein Options and Allergy Management
If your dog has a diagnosed food allergy or intolerance (confirmed via veterinary elimination diet trial, not a saliva "allergy test" — those are unreliable), recipe flexibility matters.
Freshpet offers recipes with lamb, salmon, turkey, chicken, and beef across their lines, plus grain-inclusive options with rice or oats. The Farmer's Dog offers four proteins: beef, chicken, turkey, and pork. All four are grain-free. If your dog is allergic to chicken (one of the most common canine food allergens per veterinary dermatologists), Freshpet gives you more non-chicken alternatives on the shelf.
Health Considerations and Breed-Specific Risks
Both brands produce nutritionally complete food, but there are health nuances worth discussing — especially if your dog falls into a higher-risk category.
Grain-Free and DCM Concerns
The FDA has been investigating a potential link between grain-free diets and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs since 2018. The investigation has not established a definitive causal link, but the correlation with diets high in peas, lentils, and potatoes (common grain-free legume substitutes) remains under study.
What this means for your choice: All Farmer's Dog recipes are grain-free and use sweet potato and chickpeas as carbohydrate sources. Freshpet offers both grain-free and grain-inclusive recipes. If your veterinarian has recommended a grain-inclusive diet for your dog (especially for breeds predisposed to DCM like Doberman Pinschers, Great Danes, or Golden Retrievers), Freshpet is the easier option — their Homestyle line includes recipes with brown rice and oats.
Moisture Content and Specific Conditions
Both brands deliver food with high moisture content (65-75%), which is beneficial for dogs with:
- Chronic kidney disease (CKD) — increased water intake helps reduce renal workload
- Urinary stone history — higher moisture dilutes urine, reducing struvite and calcium oxalate crystal formation risk
- Diabetes mellitus — fresh food's lower carbohydrate content (compared to most kibbles) can help with glycemic control
- Senior dogs with reduced thirst drive — food-based hydration compensates for decreased water consumption
Always consult your veterinarian before switching a dog with a diagnosed medical condition to a new diet. Your vet may recommend a prescription therapeutic diet that neither Freshpet nor The Farmer's Dog can replicate.
Caloric Density and Weight Management
Fresh food is less calorically dense per cup than kibble because of the water content. This can be an advantage for overweight dogs (they eat a larger volume for fewer calories) but a challenge for high-energy working dogs or hard-keeping breeds like Greyhounds who need calorie-dense meals. The Farmer's Dog pre-portions for your dog's specific caloric target; with Freshpet, you'll need to calculate portions based on the guaranteed analysis and your dog's daily caloric needs.
Cost Breakdown: What You'll Actually Spend
Fresh food pricing varies by dog size, recipe choice, and where you purchase. Here are realistic 2026 cost estimates based on current retail pricing and subscription rates:
| Dog Size | Freshpet Monthly Cost | Farmer's Dog Monthly Cost | Premium Kibble (for reference) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small (10-20 lb / 4.5-9 kg) | $60 – $100 | $75 – $130 | $25 – $45 |
| Medium (30-50 lb / 14-23 kg) | $110 – $170 | $130 – $240 | $40 – $70 |
| Large (60-80 lb / 27-36 kg) | $180 – $300 | $220 – $400 | $55 – $90 |
| Giant (90+ lb / 41+ kg) | $280 – $450 | $350 – $550+ | $75 – $120 |
Hidden cost factor: Many owners use Freshpet or The Farmer's Dog as a topper mixed with kibble rather than a full diet replacement. A 50/50 mix cuts your fresh food cost roughly in half while still providing palatability and moisture benefits. This is a practical middle ground I recommend to owners who want fresh food benefits without the full subscription price.
Lifestyle Matching: Which Brand Fits Your Household?
Choose Freshpet If You...
- Want to try fresh food without committing to a subscription
- Have multiple dogs of different sizes and need different recipes
- Travel frequently with your dog and need to buy food on the road
- Have limited freezer space but adequate refrigerator room
- Prefer grain-inclusive recipes for DCM-risk breeds
- Want to spend 20-35% less per month than a direct-to-consumer brand
- Have a dog that needs a novel protein like lamb or salmon
- Value being able to read the ingredient label in-store before purchasing
Choose The Farmer's Dog If You...
- Want precise, pre-portioned meals calibrated to your dog's exact caloric needs
- Have a dog with obesity, diabetes, or a condition requiring strict calorie control
- Prioritize USDA human-grade ingredients across every recipe
- Don't mind managing freezer space and thawing schedules
- Prefer the convenience of automated delivery over store trips
- Have a single dog or dogs of similar size (simplifies the subscription)
- Want grain-free recipes exclusively
- Value the "set it and forget it" model once your subscription is configured
Decision Flowchart: Still Unsure?
- Does your dog have a diagnosed food allergy requiring a specific protein?
→ If yes and the allergen is chicken, beef, or pork: Check Freshpet for lamb or salmon recipes
→ If yes and your dog tolerates one of Farmer's Dog's four proteins: Either works - Do you have dedicated freezer space for biweekly frozen deliveries?
→ If no: Freshpet (refrigerator-only storage)
→ If yes: Continue to next question - Is your dog's weight management a primary concern (overweight BCS 7+/9 or underweight)?
→ If yes: The Farmer's Dog (pre-portioned calorie control)
→ If no: Either works - Do you want grain-inclusive options due to breed DCM risk?
→ If yes: Freshpet (Homestyle line with rice/oats)
→ If no: Either works - Is monthly food budget under $150 for a medium dog?
→ If yes: Freshpet (or a 50/50 fresh + kibble mix with either brand)
→ If no: Either works
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I mix Freshpet and The Farmer's Dog together?
Yes. Both are AAFCO-complete for all life stages, so mixing them won't create a nutritional imbalance. Some owners alternate proteins between brands for variety. Just ensure your total daily portion matches your dog's caloric needs — don't simply add both full portions together.
Which brand is better for puppies?
Both are formulated for all life stages, including growth, so either is nutritionally appropriate for puppies. The Farmer's Dog has an advantage for large-breed puppies (Great Danes, Mastiffs, etc.) because their pre-portioned system helps prevent overfeeding, which is linked to developmental orthopedic diseases like hip dysplasia. However, you should always confirm your puppy's specific caloric needs with your veterinarian — growing puppies have rapidly changing requirements.
Is fresh food actually better than high-quality kibble?
"Better" depends on your dog. Fresh food provides higher moisture content, more intact nutrients (less heat damage from processing), and superior palatability. Studies published in the Journal of Animal Science have shown that gently cooked fresh diets have higher digestibility than extruded kibble. However, a high-quality AAFCO-compliant kibble from a WSAVA-recommended brand is still nutritionally adequate. Fresh food is an upgrade, not a necessity — and it should fit your budget sustainably. A stressed owner who can't afford their dog's food isn't doing anyone favors.
Can I cancel The Farmer's Dog subscription easily?
Yes. You can pause, skip a delivery, or cancel entirely through your online account dashboard. There's no cancellation fee and no minimum commitment period. Many owners pause during vacations or when they need to budget-tighten for a month.
Does Freshpet need to be cooked before serving?
No. All Freshpet products are fully cooked during manufacturing and are ready to serve straight from the refrigerator. Simply slice the recommended portion from the roll (or open the tray) and serve. The Farmer's Dog meals are also fully cooked — you just thaw and serve.
What if my dog refuses to eat either brand?
Food refusal with fresh food is uncommon but not unheard of, particularly in dogs accustomed to the strong flavor enhancers in some kibbles. Both brands offer satisfaction guarantees: The Farmer's Dog will refund your first order if your dog won't eat it, and Freshpet's retail presence means you can try a single small roll before committing to a larger purchase. If your dog consistently refuses multiple fresh food brands, consult your veterinarian — persistent inappetence can signal underlying dental disease, gastrointestinal issues, or other health concerns.
The information in this article is for educational purposes and does not replace professional veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian before making significant changes to your dog's diet, especially if your dog has existing health conditions. Sources referenced include the FDA's DCM investigation updates, Merck Veterinary Manual, and AAFCO nutrient profile guidelines.
Priya Sutaria
All our authors care for dogs every day — read more of their work on the authors page.
