We Feed Raw Vs. Farmer’s Dog: My Honest Take As A Dog Owner Who Tried Both?

I’ve spent years figuring out the best way to feed my dogs, testing everything from standard kibble to homemade meals after watching them struggle with allergies, occasional digestive troubles, and coats that just didn’t shine the way I knew they could.

Switching to fresh options felt like a big step, but it paid off in ways I didn’t fully expect. In this article, I compare We Feed Raw and Farmer’s Dog based on my hands-on experiences, daily routines, and careful observations over several months with both.

My main intent is to give you a clear, balanced picture of how these two popular fresh food services stack up so you can decide what might suit your own dog’s needs, lifestyle, and your comfort level with raw or cooked diets.

I will walk through real differences, share what worked and what didn’t in my home, and help you think through the practical side of things.

Key Differences Between The We Feed Raw Vs. Farmer’s Dog

When I first started comparing these two, the differences jumped out immediately and influenced every part of my decision process. Here is a closer look:

• Raw vs Cooked Approach: We Feed Raw sticks strictly to a raw format, delivering patties that keep natural enzymes, probiotics from raw meat, and full nutrient profiles as nature intended.

 Farmer’s Dog uses gentle cooking, which makes the food safer in terms of bacteria reduction but can break down some heat-sensitive nutrients.

I noticed my dogs seemed to digest the raw version with more efficiency after the switch.

• Ingredient Focus: We Feed Raw emphasizes 80% or more meat content with organs and bone for that classic raw balance, keeping things minimal.

 Farmer’s Dog mixes in vegetables and sometimes other elements for added fiber and micronutrients right in the recipe.

 This made Farmer’s Dog feel more like a complete meal in one package, while We Feed Raw gave me control to add extras if I wanted.

• Safety and Processing: We Feed Raw sources from USDA-approved suppliers and uses facilities with strong protocols including high-pressure processing on some batches.

Farmer’s Dog relies on the cooking process itself for safety, which gave me reassurance during the early days when I was still cautious about raw handling.

• Convenience Level: Both services deliver straight to your door on a subscription, but We Feed Raw requires more planning around thawing frozen patties.

 Farmer’s Dog portions often thaw faster and feel more grab-and-go, which mattered a lot on hectic weekdays.

• Cost and Value: Monthly expenses landed in a similar ballpark for my medium-sized dogs, but I got more perceived value from We Feed Raw because of the dense nutrition and visible health improvements that potentially cut down on other expenses like supplements or vet trips.

These differences weren’t just theoretical for me. They showed up in how my dogs ate, how I managed my kitchen time, and even in weekly grocery and storage logistics.

Key Features Of We Feed Raw

• Multiple Protein Options: With choices like chicken, beef, lamb, turkey, duck, and venison, I could rotate proteins weekly.

This rotation helped prevent sensitivities and kept meals exciting. My dogs never got bored, and it was easy to spot which proteins agreed best with each one.

• Human-Grade USDA Ingredients: Every patty uses meat and organs I could recognize from my own grocery trips. No mystery fillers or by-products.

This transparency built my confidence, especially knowing the sourcing standards.

• Custom Meal Plans: After providing details about my dogs’ ages, weights, and activity levels, the portions arrived perfectly measured.

 No more eyeballing scoops or worrying about over or under-feeding. It adjusted smoothly as my pups grew or changed routines.

• High Meat Content: The formulas deliver substantial protein and natural fats that kept my dogs feeling full and energetic between meals.

 The moisture level from raw meat also supported hydration, something I tracked during warmer months.

• Freeze-Dried Options: These became lifesavers for weekends away or emergencies.

Rehydrate with a bit of water or broth, and you have a convenient raw-adjacent meal without the freezer hassle.

• Nutritionist-Formulated Balance: Recipes meet AAFCO guidelines thanks to a PhD animal nutritionist.

 I appreciated the limited-ingredient approach that focused on quality over volume.

These features made We Feed Raw feel like a thoughtful system rather than just another food delivery.

Pros Of We Feed Raw

• Superior Nutrient Bioavailability: Because the food stays raw, enzymes and delicate nutrients remain active.

My older dog showed better joint comfort and smoother digestion within weeks. I could see the difference in how efficiently they processed meals compared to cooked options.

• Allergy Management: The single-protein focus and lack of common allergens helped clear up itchy skin and ear issues that had persisted for months.

Rotating proteins prevented new sensitivities from developing.

• High Protein and Moisture: Meals kept my active dogs satisfied without constant begging.

 The natural moisture content meant they drank less water but stayed well-hydrated, which was noticeable in urine concentration and overall vitality.

• Picky Eater Success: Both of my dogs, one especially selective, started licking bowls clean.

 The aroma and texture of real raw meat won them over where other foods had failed.

• Transparency in Sourcing: USDA human-grade standards and clear labeling let me research every component.

It reduced the anxiety I used to feel about hidden ingredients in commercial foods.

• Long-Term Health Support: Coats became noticeably shinier and softer, teeth stayed cleaner thanks to the bone content, and energy levels stayed steady throughout the day.

These changes encouraged me to continue.

I elaborated my tracking by weighing my dogs weekly and noting activity. The raw approach supported lean muscle and playful behavior even as they aged.

Cons Of We Feed Raw

No product is flawless, and these hurdles tested my commitment at the beginning:

• Freezer Space Demands: Large boxes of patties required reorganizing my entire freezer.

I invested in better organization bins to make it manageable, but it took adjustment.

• Thawing Time: Planning meals a day ahead became essential.

 I learned to move portions to the fridge the night before, but occasional forgetfulness meant scrambling with safe quick-thaw methods in cold water.

• Higher Cost for Larger Breeds: For bigger dogs, the premium pricing adds up monthly.

I shopped around and maximized subscriptions to offset it, but it remains a consideration for multi-dog homes.

• Raw Food Handling: I adopted strict kitchen hygiene—separate cutting boards, immediate cleanup, and hand washing.

While their processing helps, vigilance is non-negotiable.

• Availability and Shipping: Early deliveries sometimes had packaging quirks, though improvements in dry ice and boxes fixed most issues.

Weather delays happened occasionally.

• Transition Period: Loose stools for a few days were common as guts adjusted.

 I eased it with bone broth and smaller portions, but it required patience.

These cons were manageable with routines, but they highlight why raw isn’t for every schedule.

Key Features Of Farmer’s Dog

My time with Farmer’s Dog revealed strengths that appealed to the practical side of pet parenting:

• Personalized Recipes: The initial quiz asked detailed questions and generated recipes tailored to my dogs.

It felt modern and attentive, with options that changed based on feedback I submitted later.

• Gently Cooked for Safety: The cooking process addressed many common worries about bacteria and digestibility.

I felt comfortable serving it sooner during transitions compared to raw.

Fresh Delivery in Portions: Packs arrived ready to portion out, and the texture was appealing.

It integrated easily into mealtime without extra tools or mess.

• Vet and Nutrition Backing: Emphasis on complete meals with research-backed claims gave it credibility.

I liked knowing they aimed for balanced macros in every batch.

• Variety with Veggies: Inclusion of produce added natural fiber and colors to the meals, which my dogs seemed to enjoy.

It made the food look more like a home-cooked stew.

• Subscription Ease: Managing pauses, changes, or recipe swaps was straightforward through their platform, and support responses came quickly when I had questions.

Farmer’s Dog felt approachable for anyone easing into fresh feeding.

Pros of Farmer’s Dog

Farmer’s Dog delivered convenience and results that I still appreciate in certain situations:

• Ease of Use: Minimal prep time fit my busy mornings perfectly. Open the pack, serve, and done—ideal for days when I needed simplicity.
• Balanced Nutrition Claims: Veggies built into the recipes provided fiber that helped regulate digestion without separate add-ins.
• Gentle Cooking Safety: The process lowered my initial worries, making it a comfortable entry point to fresh feeding for skeptical family members.
• Coat and Energy Boost: Visible improvements in fur quality and sustained playfulness matched many raw benefits but with less handling stress.
• Strong Customer Service: Quick replies and flexible adjustments made me feel supported throughout.
• Marketing and Personalization: The system felt user-friendly and responsive to feedback, which encouraged consistent use.

It bridged the gap nicely when I wanted a break from raw planning.

Cons Of Farmer’s Dog

My analytical side picked up on limitations that affected my long-term preference:

• Lawsuit Concerns: The class action regarding fat content and potential pancreatitis risks required me to review ingredients closely. While companies respond to such claims, it added caution.
• Cooking Reduces Some Benefits: Heat affects certain enzymes and nutrients, which I believe showed in slightly less dramatic energy or coat results compared to consistent raw feeding.
• Ingredient Variability: More plant matter diluted the meat percentage in some recipes, making it feel less dense for high-energy dogs.
• Cost Without Raw Purity: Similar expense but I questioned the added value versus the raw alternative’s nutrient density.
• Portion and Storage Limits: Packs needed fridge space post-delivery, and some batches had shorter post-thaw windows than expected.
• Transparency Issues: Questions around full disclosure in the lawsuit context made me double-check labels more carefully.

These factors led me to favor We Feed Raw for primary use while keeping Farmer’s Dog as a solid backup.

Nutrition Breakdown: Raw Power Vs Cooked Balance

Looking closely at macronutrients, We Feed Raw often provides higher protein percentages on dry matter, supporting muscle and satiety.

 Fats come from natural animal sources, which my dogs utilized well.

Farmer’s Dog balances with carbohydrates and veggies for steady energy but may lose some raw advantages.

I compared labels side by side and tracked body condition scores.

Raw supported better muscle tone in my observations, but cooked offered reliable fiber.

 Individual metabolism plays a huge role—my active dogs leaned toward raw benefits.

Convenience And Lifestyle Fit

Lifestyle compatibility varied. Farmer’s Dog integrated faster into rushed days, while We Feed Raw rewarded preparation with superior results.

I combined both at times: raw weekdays, cooked weekends.

Travel favored freeze-dried We Feed Raw. Storage solutions like extra freezers helped long-term.

Cost Analysis: Is It Worth The Investment?

Breaking down expenses, both run premium but deliver more than kibble in health returns. We Feed Raw’s meat focus justified costs through fewer issues.

 I calculated annual spends and factored in potential vet savings. Subscriptions with discounts made both accessible, but value tilted toward raw nutrition for us.

Health Outcomes And Real User Experiences

My dogs’ vet checkups showed positive trends on We Feed Raw—better weights, clearer skin. Friends with similar setups reported allergy relief and vitality.

 Farmer’s Dog eased transitions for others. Real outcomes depend on consistency and monitoring.

Also Read: Comparison Of Badlands Ranch And Sundays

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Wrapping Up

I’ve shared my detailed experiences comparing We Feed Raw and Farmer’s Dog so you can navigate your own choices confidently.

Whether you pick the raw benefits of We Feed Raw or the cooked convenience of Farmer’s Dog, moving toward fresh food can make a real difference for your dog.

 Pay attention to how your companion responds, work with your vet, and adjust as needed.

You know your dog best—use these insights to support their happiest, healthiest life together with you.