The Farmer Dog has made a significant impact on the pet food industry with its promise of fresh, human-grade meals tailored to each dog’s specific needs. Their marketing campaigns are sleek, their website is convincing, and thousands of dog owners across the country have been singing their praises. But in a market flooded with flashy claims and social media testimonials, one critical question still remains unanswered:
Are there any negative reviews of The Farmer’s Dog, and if so, should you be concerned?
Despite the glowing endorsements and polished packaging, no product is perfect. In this article, we’ll explore the most common negative reviews and criticisms of The Farmer’s Dog, backed by real customer feedback and expert observations. We’ll examine the potential issues with their product, service, and pricing so you can decide with full confidence whether this trendy dog food service is the right choice for your furry companion.
The Price Tag: A Premium Product at a Premium Cost
One of the most frequent criticisms of The Farmer’s Dog is its high price point. Many pet owners report sticker shock after using the subscription-based service for just a few weeks.
What Customers Are Saying:
- “I was paying nearly $300 a month to feed my two medium-sized dogs. That’s more than my family spends on groceries!”
- “It’s great food, but the cost just isn’t sustainable long-term, especially for families with multiple dogs.”
While the price is reflective of the quality—fresh ingredients, no fillers, no preservatives—it can be a major hurdle for budget-conscious pet parents. For many, this makes The Farmer Dog more of a luxury than a necessity.
Subscription Service Problems: Not as Convenient as It Seems
The Farmer’s Dog operates on a subscription-only model, which isn’t ideal for everyone. Several users have reported difficulties with pausing, modifying, or canceling their subscriptions.
Reported Issues Include:
- Difficulty reaching customer service
- Auto-renewals that occur even after attempts to cancel
- Delays in receiving refunds
- Lack of flexibility in adjusting delivery frequency
This rigid subscription structure can be frustrating for users who travel often, want to feed The Farmer Dog occasionally, or simply decide to stop using the service.
Shipping and Packaging Concerns
Because the food is delivered frozen and must stay cold, The Farmer’s Dog relies on insulated packaging and timely shipping. Unfortunately, many users have reported issues with damaged boxes, late deliveries, and thawed food upon arrival.
Key Complaints:
- “The box sat in the sun all day and the food was warm when I opened it.”
- “Two deliveries were completely spoiled by the time they reached my doorstep.”
- “The packaging is excessive and not eco-friendly.”
While these problems don’t affect every customer, logistics and shipping reliability can vary greatly depending on location, time of year, and carrier.
Digestive Troubles in Some Dogs
Despite being marketed as healthy and vet-approved, not all dogs react well to The Farmer’s Dog meals. Some pet owners report digestive issues like diarrhea, vomiting, or lack of appetite when switching to this food.
Common Complaints:
- “My dog had soft stools for over two weeks after starting this food.”
- “We followed the transition plan, but my dog refused to eat the meals.”
- “The food made my dog sick, and we had to switch back to kibble.”
Although digestive upsets are common with any diet change, the intensity and duration of these issues reported by some customers are concerning.
Limited Variety and Picky Eaters
Currently, The Farmer Dog offers a limited selection of protein options, such as beef, turkey, pork, and chicken. While these may be sufficient for some, dogs with food sensitivities or allergies might not find a suitable option.
User Feedback:
- “My dog is allergic to chicken, and two out of four recipes include it.”
- “My picky eater wouldn’t touch the food, even after multiple tries.”
Some users feel the brand needs to offer more variety, including exotic proteins or grain-inclusive recipes, to cater to a wider range of dogs.
Misleading Marketing? Not Entirely Transparent
The Farmer’s Dog uses the phrase “human-grade,” which appeals to health-conscious dog owners. But several critics argue that this label can be misleading or misunderstood.
Concerns Raised:
- “Just because something is ‘human-grade’ doesn’t mean it’s the best for dogs.”
- “Marketing makes it sound like it’s scientifically better, but there’s no clear evidence.”
- “I expected more information about the sourcing of ingredients, but details were vague.”
Some veterinarians also caution that human-grade does not automatically equal nutritionally superior to well-formulated commercial dog food.
Environmental Impact and Packaging Waste
Many customers who are environmentally conscious have expressed concerns about the excessive use of plastic packaging in each delivery.
Common Remarks:
- “Each pack of food is sealed in plastic, and none of it is recyclable.”
- “There’s so much waste for a two-week supply—it doesn’t feel sustainable.”
While the company has made some efforts toward eco-friendliness, many users feel there is room for significant improvement in this area.
Availability and Delivery Delays
Because The Farmer’s Dog is a direct-to-consumer product, it’s not available in stores. This means you’re completely reliant on their shipping process, which can be inconvenient during emergencies or travel.
Reported Delivery Issues:
- “My order was delayed by five days, and I had nothing to feed my dog.”
- “The courier lost my box and the company took too long to respond.”
While rare, such delays can seriously disrupt feeding schedules, especially for dogs who can’t easily transition back to another type of food.
Lack of Personalized Nutritional Support
Despite promising tailored meal plans, some users felt the customizations were limited or too generic.
Customer Feedback:
- “They asked for my dog’s weight and age but didn’t account for medical issues.”
- “I expected more vet involvement or follow-up after signing up.”
While The Farmer Dog does use algorithms and vet-formulated recipes, the level of personalization may fall short for dogs with specific dietary or medical needs.
Conclusion
The Farmer’s Dog has undoubtedly set a new standard in the dog food world with its fresh ingredients, easy delivery, and high-quality meals. But it’s clear from hundreds of reviews and user testimonials that this service is not without its drawbacks.
Here’s a quick recap of the key negatives:
| Issue | Common Complaints |
|---|---|
| High Cost | Too expensive for long-term use |
| Subscription Hassles | Difficult to pause, cancel, or modify orders |
| Shipping Problems | Late or thawed deliveries, spoiled food |
| Digestive Reactions | Diarrhea, vomiting, or food refusal |
| Limited Options | Not ideal for picky eaters or dogs with allergies |
| Misleading Marketing | Lack of transparency about health claims |
| Environmental Concerns | Excessive packaging waste |
| Delivery Reliability | Risky if orders are delayed or lost |
| Lack of Detailed Customization | Insufficient for dogs with medical conditions or special diets |
In the end, The Farmer’s Dog may still be a great fit for some pet parents, especially those who value convenience and are willing to pay a premium for quality. But it’s not a universal solution—and these negative reviews highlight areas where the brand can improve.
If you’re considering switching your dog to The Farmer Dog, proceed with caution. Try a trial box before committing to a long-term plan, monitor your dog’s reaction closely, and always keep an alternative food on hand in case things go wrong.
Remember, what works for one dog may not work for another, and the best dog food is the one that meets your pet’s unique needs without compromising your peace of mind.
