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A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Freshpet and The Farmer’s Dog both offer fresh dog food, but they solve different problems. Freshpet is easier to find in stores, does not require a subscription for its standard products, and usually costs less. The Farmer’s Dog is a direct-to-consumer service that creates a portioned meal plan for your individual dog and delivers it frozen.
The fairest comparison depends on more than the price printed on a package. Compare the cost per day for your dog, whether the recipe is a complete diet, how much refrigerator or freezer space you have, and how much preparation you are willing to do.
Freshpet vs. The Farmer’s Dog at a glance
| Category | Freshpet | The Farmer’s Dog |
|---|---|---|
| How it is sold | Retail packages through stores, plus an optional delivery service | Direct-to-consumer delivery subscription |
| Personalization | Standard retail products are not individually portioned; Freshpet Delivery uses a dog profile | Meals and portions are calculated from your dog’s profile |
| Typical storage | Refrigerator | Freezer for unopened packs; refrigerator for the pack being thawed |
| Starting delivery price | Half Plan from $1 per day; Full Plan from $2 per day | About $2 per day |
| Retail availability | Available through grocery, pet-supply, and other retailers, depending on location and stock | Primarily delivered to your home |
| Complete-diet options | Complete recipes are labeled as complete and balanced; Healthy Mixers and treats are not replacements for a full diet | Recipes are marketed as complete and balanced when fed as directed |
| Best fit | Owners who want fresh food with flexible purchasing and generally lower costs | Owners who want delivered, pre-portioned meals tailored to one dog |
Which food costs less?
For most dogs, standard Freshpet bought at retail is the less expensive option. Freshpet estimates the following costs when its food is fed as the dog’s entire diet:
| Dog size | Estimated daily cost | Estimated monthly cost |
|---|---|---|
| Small | $1–$2 | $30–$60 |
| Medium | $2–$4 | $60–$120 |
| Large | $4–$8 | $120–$240 |
Those are Freshpet’s estimates, not guaranteed prices. Your total changes with the dog’s weight, activity, recipe, local retailer prices, and whether you feed Freshpet as the complete diet or mix it with kibble.
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#1 Best Overall
- Clean Label Project Certified – Independently tested for over 100 contaminants to help ensure cleaner, safer food for your pet
- Healthy and Natural Fresh Dog Food
- High Quality Nutrition from U.S. Farm Raised Chicken and Veggies You Can See
- Gently Steam Cooked to Lock in Essential Nutrients
- Supports Healthy Digestion with High Quality, Easily Digestible Ingredients
Freshpet’s optional delivery service starts at $2 per day for its Full Plan, which is intended to provide 100% of the dog’s daily complete feeding requirement. Its Half Plan starts at $1 per day and supplies 50% of the daily amount to mix with another food. The actual quote is personalized using information such as weight, gender, body condition, activity level, recipe, and feeding amount.
The Farmer’s Dog says plans start at about $2 per day. It does not publish one universal monthly price because the quote depends on the dog’s age, weight, activity, recipe, and calorie needs. Larger or more active dogs can cost substantially more than the advertised starting price.
A real Freshpet retail example
When checked, Chewy listed Freshpet Complete Nutrition Chicken Recipe in 1.5-pound rolls at $52.40 for eight rolls. A 16-roll bundle was listed at $94.32, with a displayed Autoship price of $89.60 and a first-time Autoship price of $74.32 subject to the promotion’s limits. Chewy showed the item as frozen with free one-to-three-day delivery at the time checked.
That example is useful for showing how retailer discounts work, but it is not a universal Freshpet price. It also cannot be compared directly with a Farmer’s Dog shipment unless you convert both to the same measure—for example, dollars per day for a dog eating the same number of calories.
How the buying experience differs
Freshpet
Standard Freshpet products can be purchased without signing up for recurring deliveries. You can look for rolls, bags, roasted meals, puppy recipes, senior recipes, small-dog formulas, grain-free recipes, and Freshpet Vital products at local retailers. Availability varies by ZIP code and by store inventory, so finding a particular recipe may require checking more than one location.
Rank #2
- Clean Label Project Certified – Independently tested for over 100 contaminants to help ensure cleaner, safer food for your pet
- Healthy and Natural Fresh Dog Food
- High Quality Nutrition from Natural U.S. Beef and Veggies You Can See
- Gently Steam Cooked to Lock in Essential Nutrients
- Supports Healthy Digestion with High Quality, Easily Digestible Ingredients
Freshpet also offers a delivery program. That option is more similar to The Farmer’s Dog because it uses a dog profile to calculate feeding amounts and sends food to your home. Delivery availability depends on your ZIP code.
The Farmer’s Dog
The Farmer’s Dog starts with a questionnaire about your dog. The company uses the answers to create a feeding plan, select portions, and calculate the price. Its food is shipped in frozen packs, generally with enough food for a delivery period ranging from about one week to two months depending on the plan.
The convenience is substantial: meals arrive portioned for the dog rather than as a large retail roll that you must measure. The tradeoff is that you need to plan around deliveries, store the shipment in a freezer, and manage an automatic subscription.
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| Practical issue | Freshpet | The Farmer’s Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Where unopened food stays | Refrigerator until the package’s Sell By Date for delivery products | Freezer |
| After opening or thawing | Use an opened bag within 7 days | Move the next pack to the refrigerator to thaw; thawing takes about 12 hours |
| Freezing extra food | Unused portions can be frozen in airtight packaging; Freshpet recommends using them within one month for optimal freshness, although recipes may be frozen for up to six months | Most unopened packs remain frozen until needed |
| Portioning | Retail rolls usually need to be sliced and measured | Meals are portioned according to the dog’s plan |
| Space requirement | Mostly refrigerator space | Meaningful freezer space for the shipment |
For a small dog, Freshpet may be easier to manage because a refrigerator shelf is often enough. The Farmer’s Dog can be more convenient at mealtime but harder to accommodate if your freezer is already full. The company recommends clearing freezer space before the first box arrives.
Recipes and nutritional claims
Freshpet says its complete recipes are formulated to be 100% complete and balanced and to meet or exceed AAFCO nutritional standards. However, not every Freshpet-branded item is a complete diet. Healthy Mixers and treats are complementary products and should not replace a complete food.
Rank #3
- Clean Label Project Certified – Independently tested for over 100 contaminants to help ensure cleaner, safer food for your pet
- Healthy and Natural Fresh Dog Food
- High Quality Nutrition from U.S. Farm Raised Chicken, Beef, Egg, Salmon and Veggies You Can See
- Gently Steam Cooked to Preserve Essential Nutrients and Natural Flavor
- Rich in Omega3 and Omega6 Fatty Acids to Support Healthy Skin and Coat
The Farmer’s Dog says its recipes are formulated by on-staff Board-Certified Veterinary Nutritionists and are complete and balanced under AAFCO standards when fed as directed. The company offers beef, chicken, turkey, and pork recipes, including grain-inclusive and grain-free choices.
“Complete and balanced” does not mean either product is appropriate for every medical condition. A dog with pancreatitis, kidney disease, food allergies, urinary disease, or another diagnosed problem may need a veterinary therapeutic diet. Ask your veterinarian before switching a dog with a health condition to either brand.
Reviews: what customers report
Company-level review scores provide some context, but they are not controlled tests of nutrition or health. The brands are sold through different channels, and review sites may collect feedback from different types of customers.
| Brand | Trustpilot score when checked | Total reviews when checked | Important limitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freshpet | 4.6/5 | 1,081 | Trustpilot reported that Freshpet invites customers to review and had replied to 100% of negative reviews |
| The Farmer’s Dog | 3.9/5 | 1,684 | Trustpilot said the company had no recent history of asking customers for reviews, so the sample may not be representative; it had replied to 98% of negative reviews |
Trustpilot’s displayed Freshpet distribution was 73% five-star, 14% four-star, 5% three-star, 2% two-star, and 6% one-star. The Farmer’s Dog’s was 82% five-star, 5% four-star, 2% three-star, 2% two-star, and 9% one-star.
Positive comments about both brands commonly mention that dogs enjoy the food and that owners perceive improvements in appetite or digestion. The Farmer’s Dog profile also receives repeated praise for customer service. Price is a recurring complaint, especially for The Farmer’s Dog.
Rank #4
- Healthy and Natural Fresh Dog Food
- High Quality Nutrition from U.S. Farm Raised Chicken and Veggies You Can See
- Gently Steam Cooked to Lock in Essential Nutrients
- Supports Healthy Digestion with High Quality, Easily Digestible Ingredients
- Packed with Vitamins and Antioxidants from Farm Fresh Vegetables
For product-specific feedback, Chewy’s listing for Freshpet Complete Nutrition Chicken 1.5-pound rolls showed 4.4/5 from 849 ratings when checked. Reviews mentioned palatability and packaging, along with complaints about the roll’s dense texture. One customer reported a choking incident, but an individual review cannot establish that the product creates a general choking hazard.
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Changing your dog’s food
Do not replace the old food overnight unless your veterinarian specifically tells you to do so. Freshpet recommends a 7- to 10-day transition beginning with 25% new food and 75% old food. The Farmer’s Dog also recommends starting at roughly 25% new food and 75% old food, then increasing the new food gradually.
- Feed approximately 25% new food and 75% old food for the first few days.
- Increase the new food to about 50% if stools and appetite remain normal.
- Move to approximately 75% new food before feeding it as the entire diet.
- Slow down the transition if your dog develops persistent diarrhea, vomiting, refuses food, or appears unwell.
Contact your veterinarian for severe or continuing digestive symptoms, blood in the stool, repeated vomiting, lethargy, or signs of dehydration.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Subscription controls and cancellation
Freshpet’s delivery account provides clearly identified controls. To pause or cancel:
- Log in at deliver.freshpet.com/login.
- Open My Settings.
- Find Account Actions.
- Select Pause All Deliveries or Cancel All Subscriptions.
Freshpet says customers can change delivery details until the day the order is placed. It sends a notice five days before the scheduled order, but changes cannot be made after the order has already been placed. Food orders are not returnable; customers with quality concerns should contact customer service to ask whether a refund is available.
Best Value
- Made from fresh chicken vitamin-rich peas and carrots and high fiber brown rice this recipe is as tasty as it is healthy for your pup
- No preservatives
- All Natural
- Country Of Origin: United States
The Farmer’s Dog sends subsequent boxes automatically after the initial order and lets customers manage the plan through their account. Because labels and cancellation procedures can change, check the cancellation controls in your account rather than relying on an old set of instructions. Plan deliveries around thawing time and your available freezer space.
Safety and legal context
The FDA’s Freshpet recall page includes a completed and terminated recall involving one lot of Freshpet Select Small Dog Bite Size Beef & Egg Recipe with a Sell By Date of October 30, 2021. That historical recall should not be presented as an ongoing 2026 recall or as applying to all current Freshpet products.
The Farmer’s Dog is also involved in pending federal litigation. Trott v. The Farmer’s Dog, Inc., case 1:26-cv-03410, was filed in the Southern District of New York on April 24, 2026. The complaint makes allegations about fat levels and marketing or nutritional representations. The case was pending in the available docket information. A complaint contains allegations, not findings that the food causes pancreatitis, other illnesses, or a general safety defect.
Who should choose Freshpet?
- You want to buy food locally instead of maintaining a subscription.
- You want a lower-cost fresh-food option for a small or medium dog.
- You have refrigerator space but limited freezer space.
- You want to use fresh food as a topper or partial replacement rather than as the entire diet.
- You are comfortable measuring portions and checking the label to confirm that the specific product is complete and balanced.
Who should choose The Farmer’s Dog?
- You want meals calculated for one specific dog.
- You value pre-portioned packs more than the ability to shop locally.
- You have enough freezer space for the shipment.
- You prefer home delivery and are comfortable with recurring orders.
- You are willing to pay more for personalization and delivery convenience.
How to make the decision
- Identify whether you need a full diet. If you are buying a topper, a Freshpet complementary product may be suitable, but it should not be treated as the dog’s complete food.
- Calculate daily calories. Compare each service’s price for your dog’s actual feeding amount, not the price of one roll against the price of one shipment.
- Measure storage space. Freshpet generally needs refrigerator space; The Farmer’s Dog requires freezer capacity before delivery.
- Check your local Freshpet supply. A product that is inexpensive on paper is less useful if your nearby stores do not carry the recipe consistently.
- Ask your veterinarian about medical needs. Neither brand should replace a prescribed therapeutic diet without veterinary approval.
FAQ
Is Freshpet cheaper than The Farmer’s Dog?
Usually, standard Freshpet bought at retail costs less, especially for small and medium dogs. Freshpet estimates $1–$2 per day for small dogs, $2–$4 for medium dogs, and $4–$8 for large dogs when fed as the whole diet. The Farmer’s Dog starts at about $2 per day, but its actual price depends on the individual dog.
Does The Farmer’s Dog require a subscription?
The Farmer’s Dog is primarily a recurring delivery service. The initial box is followed by automatic deliveries, which customers can manage through their account. Check the account’s current controls for the exact pause or cancellation process.
Can Freshpet and The Farmer’s Dog be fed as a complete diet?
Both companies offer recipes they say are complete and balanced under AAFCO standards. Check the specific Freshpet label because Healthy Mixers and treats are complementary products, not complete diets. Feed either brand according to its feeding instructions.
Which is better for a dog with a medical condition?
Neither should automatically be considered a medical diet. Dogs with pancreatitis, kidney disease, allergies, or other conditions may need a veterinary therapeutic food. Ask your veterinarian before changing the diet, and do not treat online reviews or lawsuit allegations as proof that a food causes or cures a disease.
The Bottom Line
Choose Freshpet if price, local availability, and flexibility matter most—or if you want fresh food without committing to delivery. Choose The Farmer’s Dog if you want personalized portions delivered to your door and have the freezer space to store them. For either brand, compare the quoted daily cost for your dog’s calories, verify that the exact product is complete and balanced, and transition gradually.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
