Sundays for Dogs vs The Farmer’s Dog (2026): Air-Dried vs Fresh
Quick Verdict
| Category | Sundays for Dogs | The Farmer’s Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 8.6/10 | 9.0/10 |
| Delivery Model | Air-dried, shelf-stable, no refrigeration | Subscription fresh delivery (human-grade) |
| Price (monthly avg) | ~$60–$140/month | ~$70–$180/month |
| AAFCO Compliant | Yes | Yes |
| Best For | Convenience, no fridge needed, scoop-and-serve | Maximum freshness, personalized, vet-developed |
Brand Overview
Sundays for Dogs was founded in 2019 by a veterinarian and offers USDA-certified, human-grade air-dried dog food. The unique selling point: no refrigeration required. Air drying preserves nutrients without high heat, and it’s shelf-stable for up to 18 months (unopened). It ships in eco-friendly packaging and you just scoop it like kibble.
The Farmer’s Dog (2014) is the leading fresh dog food subscription service, with personalized human-grade meals developed by veterinary nutritionists and delivered frozen in pre-portioned packs.
Ingredient Comparison
Sundays USDA Beef recipe features beef, beef organs (liver, heart, kidney), pumpkin, carrots, spinach, blueberries, eggs, coconut oil, and a complete vitamin/mineral mix. 95% animal ingredients in some formulas. No fillers, no artificial additives.
The Farmer’s Dog Turkey recipe features USDA turkey, broccoli, butternut squash, spinach, sunflower oil, and a custom vitamin complex.
Nutritional Comparison
| Nutrient | Sundays Beef (air-dried) | Farmer’s Dog Turkey (fresh) |
|---|---|---|
| Crude Protein (min) | 36% | 11% |
| Crude Fat (min) | 20% | 5% |
| Moisture (max) | 10% | 73% |
| Calories (per oz) | ~125 | ~30 |
*Note: Air-dried and fresh foods have very different moisture levels—compare on dry matter basis or kcal/day cost.*
Pros and Cons
Sundays
Pros
- No refrigeration needed—shelf-stable up to 18 months
- USDA human-grade ingredients
- High protein on dry matter basis (36%+)
- Scoop like kibble—no portioning packs
- Founded and formulated by a veterinarian
Cons
- Higher kcal density—smaller serving size may feel insufficient
- Not as widely known as Farmer’s Dog
- Air-drying, while gentle, is a different process than fresh gently-cooked
The Farmer’s Dog
Pros
- Gently cooked fresh—maximum moisture and palatability
- Personalized daily portions
- Strong vet nutritionist credentialing
- Pre-portioned packs for easy feeding
- Widest fresh dog food recognition
Cons
- Requires freezer space
- Subscription-required model
- More expensive for large dogs
Best For
Choose Sundays if: You want human-grade nutrition without refrigeration/freezer requirements, and the convenience of kibble-like feeding with premium ingredients.
Choose The Farmer’s Dog if: You want personalized fresh gently-cooked meals with maximum palatability and vet-developed precision portioning.
Alternatives
- [Spot and Tango vs Farmer’s Dog](/compare/spot-and-tango-vs-farmers-dog)
- [Sundays vs Ollie](/compare/sundays-vs-ollie)
- [Full Sundays Review](/reviews/sundays-dog-food)
- [Full Farmer’s Dog Review](/reviews/farmers-dog-food)
FAQ
Is air-dried food as nutritious as fresh? Air-drying removes moisture at low temperatures, preserving most nutrients better than high-heat extrusion (kibble). It’s generally considered nutritionally superior to kibble and comparable to fresh on a dry matter basis.
Does Sundays need to be refrigerated? No. Sundays’ air-dried formula is shelf-stable. Once opened, store in a cool, dry place and use within 60 days.
Does The Farmer’s Dog use air drying? No. Farmer’s Dog gently cooks and then chills their food. It ships frozen and you thaw in the refrigerator.
Which is easier to travel with? Sundays wins hands down—no refrigeration needed, scoop into a bag, done. Farmer’s Dog requires carrying frozen packs or thawed refrigerated food.
Which is more affordable for large dogs? Sundays tends to be slightly more cost-effective for large dogs because of the high caloric density (fewer ounces needed per day). Compare per-day cost on each brand’s website using your dog’s weight.
*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.*