The Farmer’s Dog Alternatives in 2026: Best Options Compared
The Farmer’s Dog is one of the most recognized names in fresh dog food delivery, but it’s not the only option worth considering. Whether you’re concerned about cost, looking for different protein sources, or simply want to explore what else is available, this guide covers the five best The Farmer’s Dog alternatives in 2026.
What Is The Farmer’s Dog?
The Farmer’s Dog is a fresh, human-grade dog food subscription service that delivers personalized meal plans directly to your door. $2–$12/day depending on dog size. It has built a loyal customer base thanks to its consistent quality, reliable delivery, and strong customer service—but it’s not perfect for every dog owner or every budget.
Common reasons dog owners look for The Farmer’s Dog alternatives:
- Higher price point than some budgets allow
- Dog has specific dietary sensitivities not covered by current formulas
- Desire to rotate between brands for nutritional variety
- Availability or shipping concerns in certain regions
- Preference for different protein sources or ingredient philosophies
Top 5 The Farmer’s Dog Alternatives in 2026
| # | Alternative | Type | Price (Approx.) | Key Pros | Key Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ollie | human-grade fresh dog food delivered weekly | $3–$8/day | Human-grade ingredients, vet-designed recipes, convenient delivery | Expensive for large dogs, requires freezer space |
| 2 | Nom Nom | fresh pet food delivery service with vet-formulated recipes | $3–$10/day | Pre-portioned packs, whole-food ingredients, great palatability | High cost, limited recipe variety |
| 3 | JustFoodForDogs | kitchen-prepared fresh dog food sold in retail stores and online | $4–$12/day | Available in stores, pantry-fresh option, USDA ingredients | Higher cost, bulky packaging |
| 4 | Spot & Tango | fresh and air-dried whole food subscription service | $2–$6/day | Air-dried option for convenience, whole ingredients, easy transition | Less brand recognition, smaller recipe range |
| 5 | PetPlate | USDA-certified fresh dog food with meal customization | $2–$7/day | USDA certified kitchen, variety of proteins, subscription flexibility | Premium pricing, frozen only |
1. Ollie
Ollie is human-grade fresh dog food delivered weekly. At $3–$8/day per delivery, it positions itself as a mid-range alternative to The Farmer’s Dog.
Price: $3–$8/day
Pros: Human-grade ingredients, vet-designed recipes, convenient delivery
Cons: Expensive for large dogs, requires freezer space
Best for: Dog owners who want [a reliable alternative with different formulation options](https://www.chewy.com/s?query=ollie)
2. Nom Nom
Nom Nom is fresh pet food delivery service with vet-formulated recipes. At $3–$10/day per delivery, it positions itself as a premium alternative to The Farmer’s Dog.
Price: $3–$10/day
Pros: Pre-portioned packs, whole-food ingredients, great palatability
Cons: High cost, limited recipe variety
Best for: Dog owners who want [a reliable alternative with different formulation options](https://www.chewy.com/s?query=nom+nom)
3. JustFoodForDogs
JustFoodForDogs is kitchen-prepared fresh dog food sold in retail stores and online. At $4–$12/day per delivery, it positions itself as a top-tier alternative to The Farmer’s Dog.
Price: $4–$12/day
Pros: Available in stores, pantry-fresh option, USDA ingredients
Cons: Higher cost, bulky packaging
Best for: Dog owners who want [a reliable alternative with different formulation options](https://www.chewy.com/s?query=justfoodfordogs)
4. Spot & Tango
Spot & Tango is fresh and air-dried whole food subscription service. At $2–$6/day per delivery, it positions itself as a value-oriented alternative to The Farmer’s Dog.
Price: $2–$6/day
Pros: Air-dried option for convenience, whole ingredients, easy transition
Cons: Less brand recognition, smaller recipe range
Best for: Dog owners who want [a reliable alternative with different formulation options](https://www.chewy.com/s?query=spot+&+tango)
5. PetPlate
PetPlate is USDA-certified fresh dog food with meal customization. At $2–$7/day per delivery, it positions itself as a budget-friendly alternative to The Farmer’s Dog.
Price: $2–$7/day
Pros: USDA certified kitchen, variety of proteins, subscription flexibility
Cons: Premium pricing, frozen only
Best for: Dog owners who want [a reliable alternative with different formulation options](https://www.chewy.com/s?query=petplate)
How The Farmer’s Dog Compares to Its Alternatives
When comparing The Farmer’s Dog to these alternatives, consider three primary factors: ingredient quality, convenience, and cost per day. The Farmer’s Dog excels in fresh, but some alternatives offer different strengths that may better suit specific dogs or lifestyles.
Cost comparison: The Farmer’s Dog tends to land in the $2–$12/day depending on dog size range. Budget-conscious owners may find more affordable options above, while those prioritizing maximum quality might prefer one of the premium alternatives.
Ingredient quality: Look for named meat proteins as the first ingredient, minimal fillers, and formulas tailored to your dog’s life stage and size.
Convenience: Consider whether subscription delivery, local availability, or auto-ship discounts fit your lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Farmer’s Dog worth the price?
The Farmer’s Dog offers consistent quality that justifies its price for many dog owners. However, several alternatives listed above provide comparable or superior nutrition at different price points. The best value depends on your dog’s specific needs and your budget.
Can I mix The Farmer’s Dog with other foods?
Yes, gradual food transitions mixing old and new food over 7–10 days reduce digestive upset. This approach works well when transitioning between The Farmer’s Dog and any of these alternatives.
How do I choose the best The Farmer’s Dog alternative for my dog?
Consider your dog’s age, size, activity level, and any dietary sensitivities first. Then evaluate price, ingredient quality, and delivery convenience. Many owners choose to rotate between two compatible brands seasonally for nutritional variety.
Are there any free-trial options for The Farmer’s Dog alternatives?
Several fresh food delivery services offer introductory trial boxes at reduced cost. Check each brand’s website for current promotions, as trial offers change frequently.
*Affiliate Disclosure: GetPetPros.com participates in affiliate programs including Amazon Associates, Chewy’s affiliate program, and other pet product affiliate networks. We earn a small commission on qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Our recommendations are based on independent research and editorial judgment.*