Caption: An image of a dog enjoying a meal from The Farmer's Dog
When it comes to transitioning your furry friend from kibble to fresh food, the number of choices can be overwhelming. With so many companies offering fresh food options, it can be challenging to decide where to go. Two popular brands in the market are The Farmer’s Dog and Just Food For Dogs. While these companies might seem similar at first glance, there are some significant differences in their offerings. In this in-depth comparison, we will explore what we like about each company and help you make an informed decision.
A Sneak Peek at the Winner: Just Food For Dogs
We love both The Farmer’s Dog and Just Food For Dogs, but Just Food For Dogs has a slight edge in our book. They offer a broader range of food options and varieties, including novel proteins, specialty diets, and grain-inclusive options. Just Food For Dogs also excels in nutrition. However, The Farmer’s Dog shouldn't be underestimated, as they offer convenience and affordability. Let's dive deeper into what we like and dislike about each brand.
About The Farmer's Dog
The Farmer’s Dog is a popular fresh food company that operates on a subscription service. All their food is freshly prepared in USDA-certified kitchens. Their meals consist of a mixture of fresh meat, vegetables, and added vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy and preservative-free choice. Once you provide your dog's information, The Farmer's Dog calculates ideal portion sizes and delivers a variety of fresh meals regularly.
About Just Food For Dogs
Just Food For Dogs, established in 2010, prioritizes transparency. Similar to The Farmer's Dog, they offer fresh pet food as their main line and allow customers to witness the food preparation process in their kitchens across the country. They also have a line of dry food. Just Food For Dogs uses fresh meat, fruits, veggies, and added vitamins and minerals in their recipes. Their ingredient list is comprehensive, providing explanations for each ingredient's impact on your dog's health.
The 3 Most Popular The Farmer’s Dog Food Recipes
- Turkey
- Beef
- Chicken
The 3 Most Popular Just Food For Dogs Food Recipes
On a dry matter basis, this food contains 29% protein, 11% fat, and 4% fiber. It is suitable for older or overweight dogs but may not provide enough protein for large breeds or highly active dogs.
This food contains about 32% protein, 13% fat, and 10% fiber. It is an excellent option for most dogs, striking a balance between protein and fat content. Active dogs might prefer a higher fat diet.
Recall History of The Farmer’s Dog and Just Food For Dogs
Both companies have a clean track record with minimal dog food recalls. The Farmer’s Dog has had no recalls, while Just Food For Dogs had a recall in 2018 due to a type of listeria contamination in their green beans. Just Food For Dogs promptly recalled the affected food and resolved the issue, ensuring the safety of their products.
The Farmer’s Dog vs Just Food For Dogs Comparison
Taste
Both The Farmer’s Dog and Just Food For Dogs offer delicious, well-crafted meals that most dogs will enjoy. The preferred taste will depend on your dog's personal preference. Both brands prioritize high-quality meat and vegetables, making it a tie in terms of taste.
Winner: Tie
Nutritional Value
Both brands use fresh, high-quality ingredients and offer a high-protein diet, with protein levels ranging from 30-40%. The Farmer’s Dog meals are generally higher in fat and lower in fiber compared to Just Food For Dogs. The inclusion of legumes in The Farmer's Dog recipes may be linked to health issues. Just Food For Dogs offers a wider variety of meal options, including weight management and specialized diets. They have also conducted extensive clinical research to ensure their food's long-term health benefits.
Winner: Just Food For Dogs
Price
Fresh food comes at a price, but small differences can add up. Just Food For Dogs offers the cheapest fresh meal option, Turkey and Whole Wheat Macaroni. However, The Farmer's Dog may end up being more cost-effective if you opt for a variety of foods. Both brands offer free shipping on subscriptions, with additional shipping options for one-time purchases. The Farmer's Dog offers a partial meal plan, allowing a combination of kibble and fresh food, providing flexibility in budget.
Winner: It Depends
Selection
When it comes to selection, The Farmer’s Dog has a limited variety, offering only four meals: chicken, beef, turkey, and pork. These meals are similar in nutritional value and may not cater well to dogs with specific dietary needs. Just Food For Dogs provides a broader range, including grain-inclusive options and novel proteins like lamb and venison. They also offer veterinary foods for specialized diets and a line of dry food for those who prefer it.
Winner: Just Food For Dogs
Convenience
The Farmer’s Dog operates solely on a subscription basis and offers a straightforward and user-friendly experience once set up. On the other hand, Just Food For Dogs provides both subscription and one-time purchase options. Although Just Food For Dogs offers a questionnaire to match your dog's needs, it does not provide pre-portioned meals like The Farmer's Dog. The Farmer's Dog's partial meal plan allows for the combination of kibble and fresh food, giving them an edge in convenience.
Winner: The Farmer’s Dog
Overall
Just Food For Dogs stands out in terms of nutrition, variety, and ingredients. Their transparency and dedication to creating nutritious meals are commendable. However, The Farmer's Dog remains a strong contender, particularly for those seeking convenience or grain-free options. Consider your dog's specific needs to make the best choice.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Just Food For Dogs emerges as our top choice due to its excellent nutrition, wide range of options, and high-quality ingredients. We appreciate the company's transparency and dedication to providing delicious and nutritious meals. However, The Farmer's Dog is by no means a poor choice. If convenience or grain-free options are your priorities, The Farmer’s Dog may be the better fit for your furry companion.
