Freshpet vs The Farmer’s Dog (2026): Refrigerated vs Fresh Delivery
Quick Verdict
| Category | Freshpet | The Farmer’s Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 8.3/10 | 9.0/10 |
| Delivery Model | Retail refrigerated rolls/bags | Subscription fresh delivery |
| Price (monthly avg) | ~$50–$120/month | ~$70–$180/month |
| AAFCO Compliant | Yes | Yes |
| Best For | Retail store accessibility, no subscription | Personalized fresh meals, human-grade |
Brand Overview
Freshpet is a publicly traded company (FRPT) founded in 2006 that pioneered fresh refrigerated pet food in retail stores. Freshpet rolls and bags are found in refrigerated sections at Walmart, Kroger, PetSmart, and thousands of other retailers. No subscription required.
The Farmer’s Dog was founded in 2014 and offers personalized, human-grade fresh dog food delivered to your door on subscription. Vet-developed recipes are made in USDA-certified kitchens and portioned based on your dog’s profile.
Ingredient Comparison
Freshpet Select Chicken Roll features chicken, chicken liver, brown rice, carrots, and spinach. Minimal processing—cooked fresh and refrigerated (not frozen). No preservatives. Ready to serve from the roll. Also offers grain-free and multi-protein options.
The Farmer’s Dog Turkey recipe features USDA turkey, broccoli, butternut squash, spinach, sunflower oil, and a vitamin/mineral mix. All ingredients are human-grade. Meals are pre-portioned in individual daily packs. Gently cooked, never frozen until shipping.
Nutritional Comparison
| Nutrient | Freshpet Select Chicken | Farmer’s Dog Turkey |
|---|---|---|
| Crude Protein (min) | 10% | 11% |
| Crude Fat (min) | 7% | 5% |
| Moisture (max) | 72% | 73% |
| Calories (per oz) | ~36 | ~30 |
*Note: Wet food percentages are not directly comparable to dry food—use dry matter basis for comparison.*
Pros and Cons
Freshpet
Pros
- No subscription required—buy when you need it at retail stores
- Widely available at Walmart, Kroger, PetSmart, and more
- Multiple protein options (chicken, salmon, beef, multi-protein)
- Fresh, minimally processed without preservatives
- Generally less expensive than subscription fresh brands
Cons
- Short shelf life once opened (3–5 days in refrigerator)
- Not human-grade (though high quality)
- Less personalized portioning than subscription services
- Roll packaging can be messy to portion
The Farmer’s Dog
Pros
- Human-grade USDA-certified ingredients
- Personalized daily portions based on dog’s profile
- Pre-portioned packs reduce overfeeding risk
- Vet-developed recipes
- Excellent for picky eaters and dogs coming off of commercial kibble
Cons
- Subscription required (though pause/cancel available)
- More expensive than Freshpet
- Requires freezer space for delivery boxes
- Not available in stores
Best For
Choose Freshpet if: You want fresh refrigerated food accessible at retail stores without a subscription commitment.
Choose The Farmer’s Dog if: You want human-grade personalized meal plans with the maximum freshness and ingredient quality.
Alternatives
- [Freshpet vs Ollie](/compare/freshpet-vs-ollie)
- [The Farmer’s Dog vs JustFoodForDogs](/compare/justfoofordogs-vs-farmers-dog)
- [Spot and Tango vs Farmer’s Dog](/compare/spot-and-tango-vs-farmers-dog)
- [Full Freshpet Review](/reviews/freshpet-dog-food)
- [Full The Farmer’s Dog Review](/reviews/farmers-dog-food)
FAQ
Is Freshpet refrigerated food better than kibble? Freshpet offers higher moisture content and less processing than kibble. Many dogs show improved digestion and coat quality. Whether it’s meaningfully healthier depends on the individual dog.
Is The Farmer’s Dog worth the price? For owners prioritizing ingredient transparency and human-grade nutrition, yes. The personalized portioning and convenience add value beyond just the ingredients.
How long does Freshpet last? Freshpet rolls last 7 days in the refrigerator once opened. Unopened, use by the best-by date (typically 4–8 weeks). The Farmer’s Dog packs can be frozen for up to 4 months.
Does The Farmer’s Dog require a long-term subscription? No. You can pause or cancel at any time. Most customers commit to a recurring subscription for the discount, but there’s no minimum term.
Which is better for picky eaters? The Farmer’s Dog’s human-grade fresh meals tend to be more palatable and are popular with picky eaters. Freshpet is also high palatability due to its fresh, minimally processed format.
*Disclosure: GetPetPros.com is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we’ve independently evaluated.*