The Farmer's Dog Fresh Dog Food
Owners who want human-grade fresh food with personalized nutrition plans
Merrick Grain Free Real Chicken Dinner
Grain-free advocates who want deboned meat as the primary protein
Score Comparison
Pricing & Features
Making Your Decision
When to Choose The Farmer's Dog Fresh Dog Food
Owners who want human-grade fresh food with personalized nutrition plans
The Farmer's Dog represents the premium end of wet dog food — human-grade ingredients, personalized plans, fresh-cooked and delivered to your door. Dogs consistently show strong preference for fresh food over canned. The price ($5-$7/day) is 3-5x more than premium canned food, making it a lifestyle choice rather than a budget one. For owners who can afford it, it's the closest to feeding your dog real home-cooked meals.
Strengths
- USDA human-grade ingredients — the highest food safety standard available for pet food
- Personalized meal plans based on your dog's breed, age, weight, and activity level
- Fresh-cooked and flash-frozen for maximum nutrient retention and palatability
Limitations
- Most expensive option at $5-$7/day — significantly pricier than any canned alternative
- Subscription-only with no retail or single-purchase option (DTC model)
- Requires refrigerator storage and has limited shelf life once thawed
When to Choose Merrick Grain Free Real Chicken Dinner
Grain-free advocates who want deboned meat as the primary protein
Merrick Grain Free wet food delivers on ingredient quality — deboned chicken first, no by-products, made in the USA. The grain-free formulation suits dogs with grain sensitivities, though the FDA DCM investigation is worth monitoring. At ~$9/day, you pay for genuine quality. Nestlé Purina ownership is a consideration for brand-conscious buyers.
Strengths
- Deboned chicken is the #1 ingredient — real meat, not meal or by-products
- Grain-free with no corn, wheat, soy, or artificial preservatives
- Made in the USA with strong ingredient labeling and sourcing claims
Limitations
- Premium pricing at ~$9/day puts it above most mid-range competitors
- Grain-free formula subject to FDA DCM investigation concerns
- Now owned by Nestlé Purina — corporate ownership may concern some buyers
