Negative reviews for The Farmer’s Dog often mention the high fat content in some recipes, which can cause digestive issues like pancreatitis in sensitive dogs, and concerns about the transparency of nutritional information before signing up. Other complaints include the need for freezer space, difficulty navigating the website to find recipe details, and potential issues with automatic renewals after a credit card is changed. Some also report their dog developing a preference for human food after eating the fresh food.
Several users also feel the cost is significantly higher than traditional kibble and not always justifiable based on results. Additionally, some owners note that switching back to a more affordable food becomes difficult because their dogs have adjusted to the taste and texture of fresh food.
Why Some Owners Complain About The Farmer’s Dog
Not every dog responds the same to fresh food diets. While many customers praise the service, common negative reviews mention:
- high fat content in certain recipes
- digestive upset
- ingredient-related sensitivities
- storage and freezer requirements
- billing and auto-renewal issues
- difficulty accessing nutrition info pre-purchase
- dogs becoming “spoiled” or rejecting kibble after switching
These concerns don’t mean the brand is unsafe, but they’re important to understand before committing.
Are The Fat Levels Too High for Some Dogs?
One of the most frequent complaints in the farmer’s dog negative reviews is that the fat content in certain recipes is too high, especially for dogs that are prone to:
- gastrointestinal issues
- pancreatitis
- low-fat diet requirements
- obesity or weight maintenance challenges
Some breeds are particularly sensitive to fatty foods, including:
- Miniature Schnauzers
- Shetland Sheepdogs
- Yorkshire Terriers
- Cocker Spaniels
- Poodles
Symptoms of fat-related digestive distress can include:
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- bloating
- abdominal pain
- decreased appetite
If your dog has ever been on a low-fat veterinary diet, this is worth paying close attention to.
Ingredient Sensitivities: When Fresh Food Isn’t Better
A smaller but important portion of negative reviews come from dogs experiencing reactions to specific ingredients such as:
- sweet potato (can trigger yeast issues in some dogs)
- spinach (can increase risk of kidney or bladder stone formation)
- fish oils (can cause loose stools in sensitive dogs)
- choline bitartrate, controversially linked in one study to stone formation in rare cases
While these ingredients are not inherently bad, every dog’s biology is different.
If your dog has known allergies or sensitivities, this matters.
Storage and Practical Challenges
Fresh food sounds ideal until you deal with the logistics. Many customers complain about:
- needing significant freezer space
- thawing meals ahead of time
- food spoiling faster once opened
- inability to travel easily with the meals
- bulky packaging buildup
Dry kibble can sit safely in a sealed bag for weeks. Fresh food must be consumed quickly.
Nutritional Transparency Concerns
Another major theme in the farmer’s dog negative reviews centers around the limited access to nutrition data before signing up.
Customers often feel they must provide:
- phone number
- dog’s age, weight, and breed
before they’re shown:
- full nutritional profile
- macro breakdowns
- fat percentages
- ingredient sources
- calorie density
Many competing brands reveal full nutrition panels upfront. The Farmer’s Dog does not — and this frustrates potential buyers who want informed decision-making prior to giving personal data.
Billing, Subscription, and Customer Service Complaints
Some customers report:
- automatic renewals after cancellation attempts
- charges issued to an old or expired credit card
- delayed customer support response
- difficulty modifying orders
- unexpectedly large charges
The company scores well overall in customer satisfaction, but these complaints appear frequently enough to merit attention.
Behavior Changes: Dogs Becoming “Spoiled”
A surprising number of owners mention that after switching to The Farmer’s Dog, their dog:
- rejects kibble
- demands fresh food only
- begs more at mealtime
- refuses previously-accepted foods
- becomes pickier overall
This isn’t surprising — the smell and taste of fresh cooked beef versus dry kibble is a dramatic shift.
This transition is fine for some households, but for others, it becomes expensive and impractical.
Comparison Table: Is The Farmer’s Dog Right for Your Dog?
This quick breakdown helps you evaluate whether the brand aligns with your dog’s needs:
| Consideration | The Farmer’s Dog | Might Not Be Suitable If… |
| Fat content | Higher than average in some recipes | Your dog is prone to pancreatitis or fat-sensitive |
| Ingredient detail access | Locked behind sign-up | You want nutritional data before registering |
| Storage needs | Requires freezer & thawing | You lack freezer space |
| Cost | Much higher than kibble | You need budget-friendly feeding |
| Dog behavior effects | Dogs love it | Your dog already picky or food-motivated |
| Billing and auto-delivery | Subscription model | You prefer manual re-ordering |
| Ingredient variety | High | Your dog has multiple food sensitivities |
A Balanced Perspective
The Farmer’s Dog is not a bad product, and for many dogs, it’s an excellent upgrade from ultraprocessed kibble. But based on the farmer’s dog’s negative reviews, this service is not ideal for every dog or every owner.
It shines when:
- you have plenty of freezer space
- you want minimally-processed food
- your dog tolerates fat well
- cost and convenience are not a concern
It may not work well if:
- you need transparent nutrition before subscription
- your dog has a sensitive digestive system
- your dog is overweight or pancreatitis-prone
- your home cannot store large frozen deliveries
- you want fully manual control over billing
Should You Consult a Vet Before Switching?
Absolutely.
Switching diets dramatically — especially from dry to fresh — impacts:
- fat digestion
- pancreatic function
- stool consistency
- microbiome balance
- caloric intake
A vet may recommend:
- a slow transition
- a lower-fat fresh recipe
- mixing kibble and fresh food
- gradual introduction over 10–14 days
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is The Farmer’s Dog safe for all dogs?
No. Dogs with a history of pancreatitis or fat intolerance may not handle the richness of certain recipes.
2. Does The Farmer’s Dog cause pancreatitis?
Not directly — but high-fat meals can trigger flare-ups in susceptible dogs. This is why some veterinarians recommend caution.
3. Is it normal for dogs to refuse to kibble after eating The Farmer’s Dog?
Yes. Many owners report their dog becomes less interested in dry food once they’ve tasted fresh food.
4. Can I get nutritional information before subscribing?
Not fully. Many customers complain that the company requires sign-up before disclosing detailed nutrient ratios.
Final Thoughts
When reviewing the farmer’s dog negative reviews, the key takeaway isn’t that the product is bad, it’s that it isn’t universally suitable. Like any diet, it must match your dog’s health needs, fat tolerance, and your lifestyle preferences. If you’re considering switching, weigh the convenience, cost, freezer needs, and digestive impact before committing to a subscription.
It’s also wise to consult your veterinarian about whether a fresh, higher-fat meal plan aligns with your dog’s medical history. Ultimately, a well-informed decision will help ensure that your dog’s diet supports long-term health rather than simply following a popular trend.
