As a proud dog parent of two energetic pups, I confess my home is a haven for canine comfort. With dog beds scattered across rooms, an arsenal of toys, treats, harnesses, and even life jackets, my dedication to their happiness knows few bounds. Yet, when it comes to their diet, I draw a firm line at home-cooking meals every day. While I admire those who prepare chicken, rice, and vegetables nightly for their pets, I sought a simpler yet nutritious solution. Enter The Farmer’s Dog, a fresh dog food brand that skyrocketed to fame after its heartwarming 2023 Super Bowl ad. Curious about the hype, my dogs, Rufio and Ace, became the ultimate taste testers. Here’s how The Farmer’s Dog performed.
What is The Farmer’s Dog?
Launched in 2015, The Farmer’s Dog was born out of a passion for providing healthy, convenient, and nutritious meals for dogs. Created by two devoted dog owners, the brand offers vet-designed meal plans made with human-grade ingredients. The goal? To make fresh, high-quality dog food accessible and affordable while adhering to rigorous safety standards.
The meals are tailored to each dog’s unique dietary needs and preferences, ensuring optimal nutrition. With flavors like beef, pork, and turkey, the meals promise to appeal to even the pickiest eaters.
Putting The Farmer’s Dog to the Test
For my trial, I received a 14-day supply of food for each of my dogs. Transitioning from dry kibble to fresh food required caution to avoid digestive upset, so I extended the recommended transition period. Initially, I mixed 25% of The Farmer’s Dog food with 75% kibble, gradually increasing the ratio until it became their sole diet.
Both Rufio and Ace sampled a variety of recipes, including beef, pork, and turkey. Based on the meal plans, each dog consumed half a package daily.
The Pros: Healthier Dogs and Happy Owners
My six-year-old Boston Terrier, Rufio, is notorious for his indiscriminate eating habits, which often result in digestive mishaps. Within just a few days of switching to The Farmer’s Dog, I noticed a remarkable improvement in his bowel movements—they became regular, firm, and easy to clean. This alone was a game-changer.
Both dogs eagerly awaited their meals, and they seemed satisfied and full after eating. Rufio, who often begged for scraps, displayed a noticeable reduction in his mooching behavior. While Ace, my younger dog, didn’t show dramatic changes—likely due to his boundless puppy energy—he appeared more enthusiastic during meal times.
The fresh, wholesome nature of the food seemed to make a tangible difference, particularly for Rufio, whose sensitivity to diet made the benefits more pronounced.
The Cons: Packaging Woes
While the food’s quality impressed me, the packaging left much to be desired. The slim, compact design is great for freezer storage but frustrating when feeding. Squeezing out the food often left remnants in the packaging, requiring a utensil to scrape it out—an effort I sometimes abandoned.
Additionally, the packaging isn’t resealable. Although a provided container allowed for fridge storage of opened packets, a resealable option would have been more convenient, especially during the initial transition phase when one packet lasted several days.
Final Thoughts: Worth the Hype?
The Farmer’s Dog exceeded my expectations in terms of health benefits and meal satisfaction for my pups. Rufio’s improved digestion and reduced begging behavior were standout results, while Ace enjoyed the fresh flavors. The packaging challenges, while annoying, were minor compared to the overall benefits.
If you’re a dog owner looking for a hassle-free way to provide nutritious, fresh meals for your pets, The Farmer’s Dog is certainly worth considering. With its human-grade ingredients and tailored meal plans, it’s a modern solution for busy pet parents who want the best for their furry family members.
