The Farmer’s Dog is a US pet-food brand offering gently cooked meals delivered in personalised portions. Its recipes use animal proteins, vegetables and added nutrients, with frozen and shelf-stable product formats available.
But how nutritious is The Farmer’s Dog when you remove the water? Does its fresh food contain more protein than premium kibble? And is the higher subscription cost justified?
Based on the guaranteed-analysis figures supplied for this review, the four recipes produce illustrative dry-matter protein values ranging from 33.3% to 45.8%, with fat values ranging from 18.8% to 28.6%. These calculations show how moisture changes the apparent nutrient percentages.
However, those figures are not verified current laboratory averages. They cannot establish exact carbohydrate content, the proportion of calories from fat or which recipe is best for a particular dog.
The Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine explains that guaranteed-analysis figures provide minimums and maximums rather than exact nutrient concentrations. For meaningful nutritional comparisons, typical nutrient values expressed per 1,000 kilocalories are preferable.
This review examines The Farmer’s Dog’s chicken, beef, turkey and pork recipes, explains the dry-matter calculations, evaluates the company’s veterinary nutrition claims and compares the practical costs of fresh food and kibble.
The Farmer’s Dog Dry Matter Basis Analysis: Quick Comparison
The following table uses the nutrient figures supplied for this analysis. They have not been established as the current labels for every formulation sold in 2026.
| Recipe | Protein as-fed, minimum | Fat as-fed, minimum | Moisture, maximum | Calculated protein DMB | Calculated fat DMB |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicken | 11% | 6% | 76% | 45.8% | 25.0% |
| Beef | 11% | 8% | 72% | 39.3% | 28.6% |
| Turkey | 8% | 4.5% | 76% | 33.3% | 18.8% |
| Pork | 9% | 6.5% | 75% | 36.0% | 26.0% |
DMB means dry matter basis.
The calculated values assume that the guaranteed protein and fat minimums and moisture maximums represent actual concentrations. That assumption is useful for demonstrating the formula but does not produce a confirmed nutrient profile.
The figures should not be used to select a therapeutic diet or calculate exact nutritional intake.
For that, request the manufacturer’s current typical analysis for the specific product, ideally expressed as grams per 1,000 kcal.
What Is Dry Matter Basis in Dog Food?
Dry matter basis is a way of comparing pet foods after mathematically removing their water content.
It is particularly useful when comparing products with very different moisture levels.
Fresh food, canned food and kibble may have similar nutritional characteristics despite showing different percentages on their as-fed labels.
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As-Fed vs Dry Matter
As-fed means the nutrient percentage includes the water naturally present in the food.
Dry matter means the water has been removed from the calculation.
For example, a fresh dog food containing 76% moisture has approximately 24% dry matter if those are its measured values.
Protein and fat account for a larger proportion of that dry matter than of the original wet food.
Why Water Changes the Numbers
Consider two hypothetical foods:
- A fresh food containing 10% protein and 75% moisture.
- A dry food containing 25% protein and 10% moisture.
The fresh food appears much lower in protein when comparing the original labels.
However, using those values as exact measurements:
Fresh food
10 ÷ (100 − 75) × 100 = 40% protein DMB
Dry food
25 ÷ (100 − 10) × 100 = 27.8% protein DMB
The moisture-free comparison tells a different story.
However, neither percentage establishes the grams of protein the dog receives for each calorie consumed.
That distinction matters when evaluating complete diets.
How to Calculate Dry Matter Basis Step by Step
The standard dry-matter calculation requires two pieces of information:
- The nutrient percentage on an as-fed basis.
- The moisture percentage.
Step 1: Calculate Dry Matter
Dry matter (%) = 100 − Moisture (%)
If moisture is 76%:
100 − 76 = 24% dry matter
Step 2: Divide the Nutrient Percentage by Dry Matter
Nutrient DMB (%) = Nutrient as-fed (%) ÷ Dry matter fraction
Using the supplied chicken protein minimum:
11 ÷ 0.24 = 45.8%
Step 3: Repeat for Other Nutrients
For the supplied chicken fat minimum:
6 ÷ 0.24 = 25.0%
This method can be used for protein, fat, fibre and other nutrients when suitable data are available.
Why These Results Are Only Estimates
A guaranteed analysis typically lists:
- Minimum crude protein.
- Minimum crude fat.
- Maximum crude fibre.
- Maximum moisture.
The actual food may contain more protein or fat and less moisture than the guarantee indicates.
Therefore, the dry-matter calculations based on guaranteed values should not be reported as measured nutrient concentrations.
Does Dry Matter Show the Percentage of Calories From Protein?
No.
Dry-matter percentages describe proportions of food weight after removing water.
They do not directly describe how much dietary energy comes from protein, fat or carbohydrates.
Fat contributes more energy per gram than protein or carbohydrate.
Two foods with similar dry-matter fat percentages can have different proportions of calories from fat.
Veterinary nutrition professionals often prefer comparisons using grams of nutrients per 1,000 kcal.
For more detail, see Tufts’ Nutrition Math 101.
Chicken Recipe: Dry Matter Analysis
The supplied chicken figures are:
| Nutrient | Supplied guaranteed value | Illustrative dry-matter conversion |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | 11% minimum | 45.8% |
| Fat | 6% minimum | 25.0% |
| Moisture | 76% maximum | 24% assumed dry matter |
The calculation suggests a substantial protein proportion relative to the assumed dry matter.
However, this is not proof of the recipe’s current typical protein concentration.
Is the Chicken Recipe High in Protein?
The illustrative conversion produces a protein value above 40% DMB.
But interpreting whether that is high, moderate or appropriate requires context.
Dogs need sufficient protein and essential amino acids, but their requirements depend on life stage, physiological condition and total food intake.
A high calculated protein percentage does not automatically make a diet superior.
Is the Chicken Recipe Suitable for Active Dogs?
Active dogs may have greater energy requirements, but protein percentage alone cannot determine whether the diet is suitable.
Calorie density, fat intake, nutrient balance and actual activity demands are relevant.
What About Dogs With Pancreatitis?
The supplied fat calculation is not enough to establish whether the recipe is appropriate for dogs requiring fat restriction.
Dogs with pancreatitis or other conditions affecting fat tolerance may need carefully selected diets.
Do not use an ordinary recipe’s minimum fat percentage as proof that it meets a veterinary low-fat requirement.
Ask for the actual grams of fat per 1,000 kcal and consult the treating veterinary surgeon.
Beef Recipe: Dry Matter Analysis
The supplied beef figures are:
| Nutrient | Supplied guaranteed value | Illustrative dry-matter conversion |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | 11% minimum | 39.3% |
| Fat | 8% minimum | 28.6% |
| Moisture | 72% maximum | 28% assumed dry matter |
Among the supplied figures, beef produces the highest calculated fat percentage.
However, it cannot be established as the highest-fat current recipe without verified typical analyses.
Is Beef Better for Weight Gain?
Not necessarily.
Weight gain depends on the dog’s total calorie intake relative to energy expenditure, not simply the percentage of fat in one food.
A recipe with more fat may be energy-dense, but that does not automatically make it appropriate for an underweight dog.
Unexplained weight loss should be investigated before increasing food intake.
Does Beef Provide Iron and Zinc?
Beef and organ meats can contribute nutrients such as iron and zinc.
However, the ingredient list alone cannot establish exact concentrations or whether a finished recipe provides more of those nutrients than another complete dog food.
A complete nutrient analysis is needed for meaningful comparisons.
Turkey Recipe: Dry Matter Analysis
The supplied turkey figures are:
| Nutrient | Supplied guaranteed value | Illustrative dry-matter conversion |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | 8% minimum | 33.3% |
| Fat | 4.5% minimum | 18.8% |
| Moisture | 76% maximum | 24% assumed dry matter |
Turkey produces the lowest illustrative fat percentage among the four supplied sets of figures.
That does not establish it as a therapeutic low-fat diet.
Is Turkey the Best Lower-Fat Option?
The supplied calculations make turkey appear relatively lower in fat.
However, the comparisons use guaranteed minimums and maximum moisture values rather than actual average concentrations.
More importantly, a veterinary low-fat decision should account for grams of fat per 1,000 kcal.
A dog with a medical condition requiring fat restriction should not be switched to this recipe based on the table alone.
Is the Turkey Recipe Higher in Carbohydrates?
The assignment estimates approximately 38% carbohydrate on a dry-matter basis.
That figure cannot be verified from the supplied protein, fat and moisture guarantees.
Calculating carbohydrate by difference requires additional information, including fibre and ash, ideally using measured typical nutrient concentrations.
The Tufts guide to measuring carbohydrates in pet food explains these limitations.
Pork Recipe: Dry Matter Analysis
The supplied pork figures are:
| Nutrient | Supplied guaranteed value | Illustrative dry-matter conversion |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | 9% minimum | 36.0% |
| Fat | 6.5% minimum | 26.0% |
| Moisture | 75% maximum | 25% assumed dry matter |
Is Pork a Novel Protein for Dogs?
Pork can be a novel protein for an individual dog that has not previously eaten it.
However, novelty depends on the dog’s dietary history.
A dog regularly exposed to pork cannot automatically be considered new to that protein.
Is Pork Suitable for Food Allergies?
Not every commercial pork food is appropriate for diagnosing or managing a food allergy.
A veterinary elimination diet may require specific protein sources, careful control of cross-contact and a structured feeding trial.
Do not use the word novel as a guarantee that a recipe is hypoallergenic.
The Farmer’s Dog also offers multiple formats and formulations, so the exact ingredients should be checked for the product being considered.
How Much Carbohydrate Is in The Farmer’s Dog?
The supplied assignment gives approximate carbohydrate figures for all four recipes:
| Recipe | Supplied carbohydrate estimate | Verification status |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken | 20% DMB | Not independently verified |
| Beef | 21% DMB | Not independently verified |
| Turkey | 38% DMB | Not independently verified |
| Pork | 28% DMB | Not independently verified |
These figures should not be presented as laboratory findings.
How Is Carbohydrate Usually Estimated?
One common calculation is carbohydrate by difference, sometimes called nitrogen-free extract.
It subtracts measured percentages of moisture, protein, fat, fibre and ash from the total.
However, because guaranteed analyses generally provide minimums and maximums rather than actual concentrations, carbohydrate estimates based on them can be inaccurate.
Does More Carbohydrate Mean Lower Quality?
Not automatically.
Nutritional quality depends on digestibility, nutrient adequacy, energy balance and the needs of the individual dog.
Ingredients such as grains, legumes and vegetables can supply different nutrients and functions in a diet.
The total formulation matters more than assigning a simple quality rating from carbohydrate percentage.
Is The Farmer’s Dog Recommended by Board-Certified Veterinary Nutritionists?
This question requires distinguishing the company’s professional formulation claims from an independent endorsement.
The Farmer’s Dog states that its recipes are developed with board-certified veterinary nutrition expertise and formulated to meet AAFCO nutritional standards.
That is relevant information.
However, it does not mean every independent board-certified veterinary nutritionist recommends the brand for every dog.
What Does a Board-Certified Veterinary Nutritionist Do?
Veterinary nutrition specialists have advanced training in animal nutrition and its relationship to health and disease.
Their expertise can support diet formulation, nutrient evaluation and nutritional management.
However, the existence of qualified personnel at a pet-food company is only one factor in evaluating its products.
What Should Owners Ask?
The World Small Animal Veterinary Association’s guidance on selecting pet foods encourages owners to investigate manufacturers’ nutritional expertise, quality control, research and product information.
Useful questions include:
- Who formulates the recipes?
- What relevant qualifications do those professionals hold?
- Does the company conduct finished-product nutrient testing?
- Are feeding trials conducted?
- Can the manufacturer supply a complete typical analysis?
- Are nutrient levels available per 1,000 kcal?
- What quality-control procedures are used?
- How are ingredient and product safety monitored?
Does WSAVA Approve The Farmer’s Dog?
WSAVA provides guidance for evaluating pet-food manufacturers.
It does not simply issue a universal approval or ranking for every commercial pet-food brand.
A company saying it follows WSAVA-related recommendations should not be interpreted as an official WSAVA endorsement.
What Does AAFCO Complete and Balanced Mean?
An AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement identifies the intended life stage and the method used to substantiate nutritional adequacy.
For example, it may indicate that a food is formulated to meet an AAFCO nutrient profile or that nutritional adequacy has been demonstrated through feeding tests.
These are different substantiation methods.
Owners should check the statement for the exact recipe and product format they intend to buy.
How Much Does The Farmer’s Dog Cost Per Day by Weight?
The Farmer’s Dog uses personalised pricing, so there is no single daily cost for every dog in a particular weight band.
The company’s current FAQ advertises plans beginning at approximately US$2 per day.
However, this is a starting price, not the cost for every dog.
The actual quote can depend on:
- Bodyweight.
- Age.
- Body condition.
- Activity level.
- Calorie requirements.
- Recipe selection.
- Feeding plan.
- Subscription terms.
Estimated Cost by Dog Size
The assignment supplied proposed daily price ranges, but they have not been confirmed through current personalised quotations.
For a defensible 2026 comparison, obtain the following information directly from the manufacturer:
| Dog weight | Daily price | Monthly price | Verification needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 lb (4.5 kg) | Personalised quote required | Quote × 30 | Recipe, feeding plan and promotions |
| 30 lb (13.6 kg) | Personalised quote required | Quote × 30 | Recipe, feeding plan and promotions |
| 70 lb (31.8 kg) | Personalised quote required | Quote × 30 | Recipe, feeding plan and promotions |
| 90 lb (40.8 kg) | Personalised quote required | Quote × 30 | Recipe, feeding plan and promotions |
Although larger dogs often require more food and therefore may cost more to feed, weight alone cannot determine the exact subscription price.
What Should You Include in the Real Cost?
Before committing, check:
- Price after introductory discounts expire.
- Delivery charges, if any.
- Number of days covered by each shipment.
- Actual calories supplied.
- Any changes for different recipes.
- Subscription flexibility.
- Freezer-space requirements.
- Potential food waste.
A low introductory offer should not be used as the normal long-term price.
The Farmer’s Dog Fresh Food vs Premium Kibble Cost Comparison
Fresh food and premium kibble differ in moisture content, storage, packaging and often price.
However, comparing the cost of a fresh-food packet with a cup of kibble is not meaningful unless the calories are accounted for.
Compare the Cost per 1,000 Calories
A more useful method is:
Cost per 1,000 kcal = Price ÷ Total calories purchased × 1,000
For example, consider two hypothetical products:
| Metric | Hypothetical fresh food | Hypothetical kibble |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $30 | $60 |
| Total calories purchased | 5,000 kcal | 15,000 kcal |
| Cost per 1,000 kcal | $6.00 | $4.00 |
These are illustrative values, not actual 2026 prices for The Farmer’s Dog or any named kibble.
They show how to compare foods with different packaging sizes and calorie densities.
Is Fresh Food More Nutritious Than Kibble?
Fresh preparation alone does not establish nutritional superiority.
Both fresh food and kibble can be formulated to provide complete nutrition when appropriately manufactured.
The important questions include:
- Does the food meet the dog’s nutritional requirements?
- Is the formulation appropriate for the life stage?
- Is the food produced under effective quality controls?
- Are nutrients sufficiently digestible?
- Does the dog maintain a healthy body condition?
- Is the food appropriate for any medical condition?
Fresh Food Advantages
Practical advantages may include pre-portioned feeding, a soft texture and the convenience of a delivered meal plan.
Some owners may also prefer the appearance and consistency of gently cooked food.
These preferences do not independently prove superior long-term health outcomes.
Fresh Food Disadvantages
Frozen fresh meals require suitable cold storage.
Subscription delivery can introduce logistical considerations.
Costs may be relatively high compared with some shelf-stable foods, although a real price comparison requires current quotes.
Kibble Advantages
Kibble is generally convenient to store and transport.
A sealed bag can provide a relatively long shelf life when handled according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Many complete kibble diets are available in different nutritional formulations.
Kibble Disadvantages
Not every dog enjoys the same texture or flavour.
Food quality varies among manufacturers, and a high price or premium label does not guarantee a superior nutritional formulation.
How to Feed The Farmer’s Dog as a Meal Topper to Save Money
Using fresh food as part of an existing feeding routine can reduce the amount purchased compared with full fresh-food feeding.
However, the nutritional balance and total calories must still be considered.
Start With Your Dog’s Daily Calorie Needs
A veterinarian can help estimate an appropriate calorie allowance based on body condition, age and activity.
Do not calculate mixed feeding by assuming equal weights or volumes of different foods provide equal calories.
Understand the 10% Treat Guideline
The WSAVA generally advises keeping treats and nutritionally incomplete extras within approximately 10% of a dog’s daily calorie intake.
If fresh food is being added as a small optional topper rather than as part of a fully balanced feeding plan, this is a useful conservative principle.
However, when both foods are complete and balanced for the relevant life stage, a larger combined feeding plan may be possible with appropriate calorie and nutrient management.
Avoid Simply Adding Extra Food
If a topper is added without adjusting the rest of the diet, overall calorie intake rises.
Over time, excess calories may contribute to weight gain.
Instead, establish a suitable total feeding plan.
Calculate Savings Using Calories
Suppose a dog’s complete daily food plan provides 800 kcal.
If 100 kcal comes from fresh food, the remaining 700 kcal would need to be supplied by the rest of the balanced feeding plan.
This is an arithmetic illustration, not a feeding prescription.
The actual amounts should reflect the calorie densities of the chosen products and the dog’s requirements.
When a Topper May Be Inappropriate
Seek veterinary advice before making changes for dogs with:
- Pancreatitis.
- Food allergies.
- Kidney disease.
- Diabetes.
- Significant obesity.
- Chronic gastrointestinal illness.
- Prescription diet requirements.
Even a small addition can affect the intended composition of a medically managed diet.
How Long Does The Farmer’s Dog Last in the Fridge Once Opened?
The Farmer’s Dog currently offers different food formats, including Frozen Fresh and Instant Fresh.
Storage requirements are not identical.
Frozen Fresh Storage
According to the company’s feeding instructions, thawed Frozen Fresh packs can be kept refrigerated for up to four days.
The company recommends thawing frozen packs in the refrigerator, usually beginning around 12 hours before feeding.
Food should remain safely chilled.
What About Opened Packs?
Portions remaining after a pack is opened should be placed in a suitable container and refrigerated promptly.
Follow the product’s instructions and do not exceed the stated safe storage period.
How Long Can the Food Sit Out?
The manufacturer recommends discarding food left at room temperature for more than two hours.
When the ambient temperature exceeds 90°F (approximately 32°C), it recommends discarding the food after one hour.
Do not put food back in the refrigerator and assume it is safe after exceeding those limits.
What Is Instant Fresh?
The company’s FAQ describes Instant Fresh as shelf-stable before preparation.
It should not be confused with frozen packs.
Follow the exact storage and preparation instructions for the product format purchased.
Is The Farmer’s Dog Suitable for Puppies?
The company states that its Frozen Fresh options are formulated for different life stages, including puppies.
However, owners should verify the nutritional adequacy statement on the exact recipe.
Puppies have specific nutritional requirements for growth.
Large-breed puppies require particular attention to energy intake and mineral balance.
The fact that a food contains substantial protein does not establish suitability for growth.
Speak with your veterinary surgeon if your puppy has special nutritional needs or a history of abnormal growth.
Is The Farmer’s Dog Suitable for Senior Dogs?
Some senior dogs can eat a complete fresh-food diet.
However, age alone does not determine the ideal nutritional formulation.
Older dogs may develop conditions affecting their dietary needs, including kidney disease, diabetes, dental disease and gastrointestinal disorders.
A softer texture may be convenient for some dogs, but it cannot treat underlying dental or medical problems.
Evaluate the individual dog’s health and nutritional requirements before switching.
Is The Farmer’s Dog Good for Dogs With Pancreatitis?
No general recommendation can be made from the supplied dry-matter table.
Dogs with pancreatitis or a history of fat intolerance may require a controlled-fat feeding plan.
The relevant measurement is not simply crude fat as a percentage of dry matter.
Veterinary nutritionists may evaluate fat intake in grams per 1,000 kcal alongside the complete clinical picture.
The supplied guaranteed-analysis figures are insufficient for this decision.
Do not treat the turkey recipe or another apparently lower-fat option as a substitute for a prescribed veterinary diet without professional approval.
Is The Farmer’s Dog Worth the Cost?
The answer depends on what an owner values, whether the food is nutritionally appropriate and what it costs over time.
The Farmer’s Dog offers features such as personalised portions, gently cooked food and home delivery.
However, evaluating its value requires more than examining protein percentages or the appearance of the ingredients.
A balanced review should consider four questions.
1. Does the Recipe Meet Nutritional Requirements?
Check the exact product’s nutritional adequacy statement and intended life stage.
2. Can the Manufacturer Provide Meaningful Nutrition Data?
Request typical analyses, ideally expressed per 1,000 kcal.
This is particularly important for dogs with medical conditions.
3. Is the Price Sustainable?
Compare ongoing costs after promotions, not only introductory discounts.
4. Does the Food Suit the Individual Dog?
Monitor body condition, food tolerance and overall health with veterinary support.
A food that is convenient and well tolerated may suit one household but be impractical or inappropriate for another.
Frequently Asked Questions
Using the supplied guaranteed-analysis values, the illustrative conversions are 45.8% for chicken, 39.3% for beef, 33.3% for turkey and 36.0% for pork. These are not confirmed current typical nutrient concentrations.
The supplied turkey figures produce the lowest illustrative dry-matter fat percentage at 18.8%. However, actual comparisons require current typical analyses and, for clinical decisions, fat expressed per 1,000 kcal.
The exact carbohydrate values cannot be confirmed from the supplied guaranteed analysis. Reliable calculations require additional nutrient measurements, including fibre and ash.
The company states that its recipes are developed using board-certified veterinary nutrition expertise. That is not equivalent to an independent recommendation from all veterinary nutrition specialists.
WSAVA publishes recommendations for evaluating pet foods and manufacturers. It does not provide a blanket brand endorsement.
The company’s FAQ advertises plans starting at approximately $2 per day. Actual prices depend on the individual dog’s requirements, recipe and subscription conditions.
Neither food format is universally better. Nutritional adequacy, quality control, digestibility, calories and the dog’s individual needs are more important than whether the product is fresh or dry.
Yes, provided total calories and nutritional balance are appropriately managed. Dogs on therapeutic diets or with medical conditions may need veterinary guidance.
The manufacturer states that thawed Frozen Fresh packs can be refrigerated for up to four days. Follow the instructions for the particular product format.
That depends on the individual dog’s medical requirements and the exact nutrient composition of the selected food. Do not use a guaranteed-analysis fat minimum to determine clinical suitability.
Pork may be novel for a dog that has never eaten it, but it is not universally novel or automatically suitable for an elimination diet.
Final Verdict: The Farmer’s Dog Dry Matter Basis Analysis
The supplied figures indicate that removing moisture from The Farmer’s Dog’s guaranteed-analysis values produces substantially higher calculated protein and fat percentages than the as-fed labels suggest.
The illustrative dry-matter protein figures range from 33.3% to 45.8%, while fat ranges from 18.8% to 28.6%.
However, these are mathematical conversions from supplied guarantees, not verified typical laboratory measurements.
They cannot establish the exact carbohydrate content, the percentage of calories from fat, or whether a recipe is appropriate for a dog with a medical condition.
The Farmer’s Dog also involves practical considerations such as personalised subscription pricing, cold storage for Frozen Fresh meals and the option of using fresh food alongside an existing diet.
Before choosing a recipe, prioritise its nutritional adequacy statement, complete nutrient analysis, calorie density, manufacturing standards and suitability for your dog’s age and health.
Dry matter is a useful comparison tool, but the best diet cannot be selected from dry-matter percentages alone.
