How much is the farmer’s dog per month?

Many dog lovers ask “How much is The Farmer’s Dog per month?” because feeding choices affect both the budget and a pet’s health. Whether you’re planning monthly expenses, thinking about switching a sensitive eater to a fresh diet, comparing fresh food to kibble or homemade meals, or figuring costs for multiple dogs or a temporary gift subscription, a realistic monthly estimate helps make a confident decision.

Behind the question: why owners ask about The Farmer’s Dog monthly price

Budget planning is the most immediate reason people check monthly pricing. In my experience, owners want to know whether a fresh-food subscription will push their monthly pet spending beyond what they’ve allotted for food, grooming, and care. Fresh food tends to shift costs from a predictable bag-of-kibble model into a personalized, delivered service, which can feel like a different kind of household expense.

Health is often the other strong motivator. Owners considering diet changes for allergies, digestive issues, or weight management want to weigh the likely nutritional benefits against recurring costs. I typically see people bring lab work, weight history, or notes about stool quality to their vet visit before committing to a subscription so they can decide if the potential clinical benefits are worth the expense.

Finally, comparisons matter: some people are deciding between fresh subscription food, premium kibble, or crafting homemade recipes. Others in multi-dog homes need to know how much adding a second delivery will change the bill, or whether a short-term subscription as a gift or while away from home is affordable.

The Farmer’s Dog monthly rates — a clear snapshot

Typical monthly costs for The Farmer’s Dog vary widely — commonly around $60–$300 per month — because the company tailors portions to individual dogs. A small, low-activity dog of 10–15 lb often ends up near the lower end of that range, while a very active 70–90 lb dog can push toward the upper end. Expect medium dogs (25–50 lb) to fall into the middle of that band in many cases.

When translated to daily or per-meal figures, the range often looks like roughly $2–$10 per day, which is about $0.70–$3.50 per meal if you feed twice daily. Those are rough conversions and will change with the dog’s caloric needs: growing puppies, pregnant dogs, or athletic breeds require more calories and higher monthly totals.

Delivery cadence affects totals. Choosing two smaller deliveries per month versus one larger box won’t usually change the food cost itself but can alter shipping fees and how much you buy to stay within refrigeration windows. Promotions, introductory trials, or multi-dog discounts often lower the first month or subsequent charges, so the very first invoice may be atypical compared with steady-state monthly billing.

How The Farmer’s Dog determines what you’ll pay each month

Ingredient quality is a primary driver. The Farmer’s Dog emphasizes human-grade proteins and fresh produce, and these raw materials cost more than the commodity ingredients used in many mass-produced kibbles. A pound of fresh meat and vegetables that meet inspection and handling standards during procurement will raise per-meal cost compared with dried, shelf-stable ingredients.

Personalized formulations add work and cost. Each plan is portioned to a dog’s weight, age, and activity level, and that tailoring requires intake data, recipe selection, and individualized packaging. That extra labor and data-handling is part of what you’re paying for versus one-size-fits-all bags of kibble.

Cold-chain packaging and shipping are significant expenses. Fresh food must remain refrigerated from production to your doorstep; insulated liners, gel packs, and expedited shipping cost more than shipping dry kibble. Smaller-batch production and the logistics of maintaining food safety across many regional facilities also push per-unit cost higher than high-volume factory-made dry food.

Common reasons your monthly bill may rise or fall

Dog-specific variables are the most predictable cost drivers. Weight matters because portion sizes scale with weight; age and life stage change caloric density needs; activity level can double or triple required calories for very active dogs compared with sedentary ones. A diagnosed condition that increases energy needs or requires higher-protein recipes will change the monthly total.

Recipe choice matters. Beef or pork-based recipes may cost differently than turkey or chicken recipes depending on meat prices at the time you order, and specialty formulations (for weight management or added calories) can influence cost. Allergy-friendly or novel-protein options may be priced differently as well.

Operational and geographic factors also cause fluctuations. Choosing weekly or biweekly deliveries changes how the service parcels food into boxes, which may slightly affect shipping fees. Your shipping region matters; remote addresses often incur higher delivery costs. Promotional offers, multi-dog discounts, pause/resume behavior, and switching plans will change your bill from month to month.

Health considerations: medical risks and warning signs to watch for

Switching to a fresh diet can reveal or alter medical issues, so monitor your dog closely during the transition and for the weeks that follow. Persistent vomiting or diarrhea beyond a short adjustment phase may suggest a food intolerance, infection, or other problem and usually warrants contacting a veterinarian sooner rather than later.

Rapid weight loss or unexpected weight gain is another warning sign. If portion recommendations appear to cause steady weight changes over two to four weeks, reassess intake and consult a veterinarian or nutritionist. Skin reactions—new rashes, extreme itching, or swelling—may indicate an adverse reaction or allergy and should prompt an exam.

Other red flags include lethargy that’s out of character, blood in the stool, or severe appetite changes such as complete refusal to eat for more than 24–48 hours. Those signs may be linked to the diet but can also be unrelated medical issues; a timely veterinary evaluation helps determine cause and necessary treatment.

Estimate your monthly cost with a straightforward calculation

Estimating your dog’s monthly bill can be straightforward if you follow a few steps. First, use The Farmer’s Dog online cost calculator — enter the dog’s current weight, life stage (puppy, adult, senior), and a realistic activity level. The algorithm usually outputs a recommended daily portion and a projected monthly price. I advise double-checking the weight entry; small errors can change the plan meaningfully.

Next, choose recipes and a delivery cadence and note any shipping fees. Model a full month and then add expected extras: treats, toppers, or supplements you plan to purchase separately. If you have multiple dogs, model them both in the calculator because some subscription services offer combined-shipping discounts that lower the total compared with two independent plans.

Finally, factor in real-world waste and transition periods. During the first two weeks of switching diets, some dogs eat less or refuse meals, and you may need to supplement while transitioning. Add a buffer of 10–20% to the calculator’s total for the first month to account for that variability; subsequent months tend to be more stable.

Day-to-day feeding and safe storage practices for fresh dog food

Proper storage and thawing preserve both safety and the expected monthly usage rate. Most fresh-dog-food providers recommend refrigerating unopened servings and using refrigerated portions within a few days; if you expect to store portions longer, freezing unopened packages keeps them safe for several weeks. I usually advise owners to check the specific storage guidance on their shipment and to date and label any containers they move to the freezer.

Safe thawing is usually done in the refrigerator overnight; rapid thawing at room temperature increases bacterial risk. Avoid microwave thawing for packaged meals because uneven heating can create hot spots and change nutrient availability. Once thawed, serve at room temperature or slightly warmed (placing the sealed package in warm water), and never leave perishable bowls out for more than two hours in a warm home.

Consistent feeding schedules and portion control reduce both waste and unwanted weight changes. Using the recommended portions as a starting point, weigh your dog every one to two weeks until you see a steady weight trend. In multi-dog homes, supervise feeding or use separate rooms or crates to prevent one dog from eating another’s portions, which can quickly throw off monthly consumption estimates.

Essential equipment you’ll need to store and serve fresh meals

A few simple tools make fresh-food feeding safe and convenient. A kitchen scale helps ensure precise portioning when packages are for multiple meals or you want to split servings. Airtight containers and clear labels make it easy to organize thawed portions in the fridge or freezer and to track use-by dates. Insulated cooler bags or a lined car box help keep deliveries cold if you can’t get home quickly; gel packs are a useful backup. Measuring scoops, food-safe prep trays, and a designated cleaning routine for bowls and prep surfaces reduce cross-contamination risk and help make the feeding routine predictable.

Sources and references consulted

• The Farmer’s Dog — Pricing & Plans (https://www.thefarmersdog.com/pricing)
• The Farmer’s Dog — FAQs: Feeding, Storage, and Delivery (https://www.thefarmersdog.com/faq)
• Merck Veterinary Manual — Canine Nutrition (https://www.merckvetmanual.com/management-and-nutrition/nutrition/canine-nutrition)
• AAFCO — Official Publication: Dog Food Nutrient Profiles (Association of American Feed Control Officials)
• U.S. Food & Drug Administration — Pet Food: Storage, Handling, and Safety (https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/other-resources/pet-food)
• Dog Food Advisor — The Farmer’s Dog Review and Consumer Feedback (https://www.dogfoodadvisor.com/dog-food-reviews/the-farmers-dog/)