How much does fresh pet cost per day

By Isabella Storyclaire

last updated September 16, 2024

Contributions sourced from

Comparing The Cost of The Top Fresh Dog Food Brands

Key Takeaways

Since every brand calculates a dogs nutritional requirements in different ways, a better fresh dog food price comparison should be on a dollars/pound basis.
Other calculations based on your preferred category are the dollars/1,000kcal and dollars/100g of protein bases.
The cost of fresh dog food on the dollars/pound basis ranges from $5 to $13 depending on the brand.

The pet food market is changing, and todays pet owners are spending more than ever on high-quality foods.

Already decided to switch your pet to a fresh, high-quality diet? If so, youre probably wondering how the prices for fresh dog food compare across brands. Read my guide to help you decide on your next buy.

In this fresh dog food price comparison, Ill share three different ways you can evaluate the cost of six popular brands on an apples-to-apples basis.

Im not going to use the $/day or $/week breakdowns that the brands give you after you complete their questionnaires. Thats because every brand uses a different calculation to determine your dogs nutritional requirements, so its not a reliable point of comparison.

Its important to remember that all prices in this review are from before any discount is applied. If your pup is eager to try a new fresh dog food brand, be sure to use my links below to get the best current deals and discounts I know about. Ill always keep these up to date.

CLICK HERE: See my best deal for Ollie CLICK HERE: Try PetPlate Today CLICK HERE: Get my best deal for The Farmers Dog CLICK HERE: See my best deal on Nom Noms fresh dog food CLICK HERE: See my best deal for Spot & Tango Try A Pup Above today and SAVE $50

How We Calculated and compared costs

A quick note before we dig into the numbers: I want to explain our calculation methods. All information was pulled directly from the brands websites.

First, remember that all fresh dog food brands (with the exception of A Pup Above) require you to fill out a questionnaire. After you complete the questionnaire, they send you a recommended meal plan for your pet.

The recommended meal plan includes breakdowns for price per day, portions per day, and $/lb value. To keep things fair, we based our calculations for A Pup Above on their 3-lb multipack. Their multipack offers a similar amount of food and variety as the other brands.

We also created a fictional profile for the dog who would be eating the food. This is important, because it shows how different brands calculate the nutritional needs for the same pet.

Heres the profile for the dog we used when completing the questionnaires. The dog:

is a male Labrador retriever weighting 73 pounds
has been neutered (which makes me feel bad, but its probably for thebetter)
was born in January 2018
maintains an active lifestyle, but not higher than average
does not have any allergies, sensitivities, or other health concerns

Lastly, for the purpose of this review, we limited our comparison to three recipes from each brand. In general, we compared beef, chicken, and turkey. The only exception was Spot & Tango, which by comparison only offers beef, turkey, and lamb (no chicken).

Alright lets see the results!

The Dollars-per-Pound Basis

I like looking at the $/lb comparison first. Not only is it something tangible, but its also reflects how we tend to buy food at the grocery store.

Its also reasonably fair because the moisture content for each brand is pretty similar. In other words, the amount of water youre paying for doesnt vary that much.

On a strictly $/lb basis, the cheapest is Ollie, which comes in at $5.44/lb.

In second place is PetPlate, which averages $6.55/lb.

The Farmers Dog comes in third place at $6.76/lb, and Nom Nom is $7.04/lb. Altogether, these four are close to comparable.

Spot & Tango is on the high end at $9.84/lb, while A Pup Aboves $12.66/lb made it the most expensive. As you can see, theres quite a bit of variation.

The Dollars-per-/1,000KCal Basis

Next, lets take a look at each brands value based on $/1,000 kcal, or $/1,000 Calories with a capital C, like were used to seeing on a nutrition label. I like this method because it shows how much usable energy (caloric value) each brand offers for the price.

Once again, Ollie is the cheapest at $8.53 per every 1,000 Calories. PetPlate follows them at $10.42 per 1,000 Calories.

The Farmers Dog came in at $10.88 per 1,000 Calories while Nom Nom costs $11.79 per 1,000 calories.

And again, Spot & Tangos $15.58 per 1,000 Calories and A Pup Aboves $19.12 per 1,000 Calories puts them both on the high side.

So when we look at it on a $/1,000 Calories basis, the brands rank in the same order as they do when comparing $/lb. Thats why I still think $/lb is a fair metric that really makes sense to our human minds.

The Dollars-Per-100g of Protein Basis

Last but not least, well look at each brands value based on $/100g of protein. I appreciate this method because it respects the fact that protein is often the most expensive element of food. While Im certainly not a vet, Id also guess that protein is the most relevant macronutrient for a dog.

On a strictly $/100g of protein basis, Ollie is (for the third time!) the cheapest at $12.11 per 100g of protein. The Farmers Dog comes in second place at $15.21 per 100g of protein.

Up next is PetPlate at $15.95 per 100g of protein, followed by Spot & Tango at $17.64 per 100g of protein.

After Spot & Tango is Nom Nom, at $17.72 per 100g of protein. Finally, A Pup Above came in last place at $20.75 per 100g of protein.

No matter which comparison we use, Ollie is consistently the cheapest and A Pup Above is the most expensive.

A FEW MORE TAKEAWAYS

Of course, there are more things to think about than price when buying fresh dog food. Always consider which brand can offer the best macronutrient profile for your dog (your vet is the best person to help you with this).

You may also want to examine how each of these brands recipes look, smell, and taste. Lucky for you guys, Ive already done this taste test included!

And remember, if you choose any of these brands for your pup, make sure to use my links to get the best deals that I have access. Ill always keep these up to date.

Summary: Fresh Dog Food Price Comparison

Average Cost Of Fresh Dog Food Brands

Brand	$/lb	$/1,000 kcal	$/100g protein
Ollie	5.44	8.53	12.11
Petplate	6.55	10.42	15.95
The Farmer's Dog	6.76	10.88	15.21
Nom Nom	7.04	11.79	17.72
Spot and Tango	9.84	15.58	17.64
A Pup Above	12.66	19.12	20.75

FAQs

1. What is the average cost of fresh dog food?

Each fresh dog food retailer has its own average meal plan cost. The average cost of a meal delivery service is between $25 and $33 per week.

2. Whats the cheapest fresh dog food?

Just Food for Dogs and Spot & Tango offer meal plans starting at $2.61 per day.

3. Is there a cheaper alternative to The Farmers Dog?

The Farmers Dog has an average price for meal delivery services. There are cheaper alternatives to The Farmers Dog.

4. Is fresh dog food more expensive?

Kibble costs an average of less than $1 per day. However, fresh food offers a healthier option. The expense of fresh food pays dividends toward your poochs quality of life.

How Much Does The Farmers Dog Cost And Is It Worth It?

Petful is reader-supported. As an affiliate of platforms, like Amazon, we may earn a commission when you buy through links on this page. There is no extra cost to you.

Wondering how much The Farmers Dog costs and if it is worth it? Review this article.

If you have a dog, youve hopefully already factored the cost of pet care into your budget.

When it comes to feeding your dog, however, youre not always better off buying the packaged kibble thats on the grocery store shelf. It may not contain the best nutrients, especially if your dog has allergies, digestive issues or special needs.

But can you afford to pay for something like The Farmers Dog, a freshly made dog food with human-grade ingredients? I think you might be surprised.

DONT MISS THIS OFFER!Save 50% on The Farmers Dog right now through this exclusive link.

How Much Does It Cost to Feed Your Dog?

The average person spends up to $550 a year on food for their dog, according to Petfinder.

Food expenses vary, though. Your dogs size and activity levels dictate the amount of food consumed. Of course, the quality of the food also affects the price.

Heres the deal: You get what you pay for. When you go with a highly processed commercial dog food, you could end up paying more down the road in veterinary bills.

Not only can you see the signs of improved health with a more natural dog food, writes Jeffrey Levy, DVM, PCH, but you will also save money in the long run due to fewer and lower veterinary bills.

The healthier your pet is, the less likely s/he will be to have fleas, skin problems, allergies and many other common disease problems.

Other Brands vs. The Farmers Dog Cost

For commercial kibble from a decent mass-market brand, you will spend about $1 per day for a 25-pound dog, and around $2 per day for a 55-pound dog.

On the other hand, an adequate amount of fresh dog food made from real cooked meat and vegetables for the same dog is more expensive.

The Farmers Dog cost is:

Around $4 to $5 per day for a 25-pound dog
Around $8 to $9 per day for a 55-pound dog

But, again, this isnt exactly comparing apples to apples. First, a well-rounded meal thats made from whole ingredients is not comparable to many kibbles.

All of our ingredients are human-grade and sourced from restaurant suppliers, local farms or other human food purveyors, according to The Farmers Dog website. We never use feed-grade ingredients, and we dont process our ingredients to be shelf-stable, getting the most natural nutrients available.

In this video, I show you exactly what arrives in the box, and what my canine reviewer thought about The Farmers Dog:

Farmers Dog Review

Farmers Dog has carved a niche in the pet food industry by offering fresh, human-grade meals that cater to the health and well-being of our canine companions. The brand emphasizes transparency, quality, and personalization, a refreshing contrast to many off-the-shelf pet foods.

Pros:

Fresh Ingredients: Farmers Dog uses fresh, human-grade ingredients which are a noticeable step up from many traditional dog foods that contain fillers, by-products, and artificial preservatives. This is why your pets meals have to be stored in the fridge.
Customized Meals: The food is tailored for individual dogs based on factors like age, breed, activity level, and health needs. This personal touch can be especially beneficial for dogs with special dietary needs.
Convenience: Meals are pre-portioned, eliminating the guesswork of how much to feed your dog. Theyre packed with insulation and delivered directly to your door, making the process hassle-free.
Transparency: Farmers Dog lists all ingredients clearly and provides insights into their sourcing. The brands transparency extends beyond just the ingredients; theyre also forthright about their preparation processes.
Positive Reviews: Many dog owners have reported positive changes in their dogs health, energy levels, and coat condition after switching to Farmers Dog.

Cons:

Cost: High-quality ingredients and tailored meals come at a price. Farmers Dog is notably more expensive than many mainstream dog food brands. However, for many pet owners, the benefits justify the higher cost.
Storage: Because the food is fresh and doesnt contain preservatives, it needs to be stored in the refrigerator or freezer. This might be inconvenient for those with limited space.
Limited Variety: While the brand offers a few different recipes, some dogs or owners might desire a wider variety of flavors or ingredients.

Conclusion:Farmers Dog provides a fresh and wholesome alternative to traditional dog food options. The focus on high-quality, human-grade ingredients and personalization stands out in an industry that often prioritizes mass production. While it may be a pricier option, the potential health benefits and convenience might make it worth the investment for many pet owners. However, as with any pet food, its essential to consult with a vet to ensure it meets your dogs specific needs.

If youd like a more in depth review, check out my article here.

What Type of Food Is Best for Your Dog?

Veterinarians knowledge of canine nutrition has come a long way in the past few decades. Thirty years ago, experts believed that dogs were carnivores. They now understand that dogs are omnivores.

Still, many dog food manufacturers use sneaky tricks to lead consumers to believe theyre buying balanced and nutritious products for their pets. Some proteins are not easily digestible. For example, corn, a primary ingredient in many conventional dog foods, is one of the least digestible proteins, according to PetMD. Corn is much less digestible than muscle meats, organ meats and egg whites.

Many raw materials that are unfit for human consumption can be legally added to dog food. To add carbohydrates, some manufacturers use cheap grains, which deliver energy but not many other vitamins and minerals.

Plus, most dog foods that you find on grocery store shelves are formulated to meet the average dogs minimum nutritional requirements. Your dogs health and metabolism might be very different from those of the typical canine.

All of this might make you wonder if youre better off cooking fresh dog food from scratch. Theres a convenience factor involved in feeding your pet, though. Many people would balk at the idea of spending time cooking separate meals for their dogs. Fortunately, there is a happy medium.

Is The Farmers Dog Worth It?

Yes. The Farmers Dog subscription is worth the cost, in our opinion. You get personalized meal plans formulated by veterinary nutritionists to give your dog the fresh food ingredients they really need. The recipes are made from fresh, human grade food in their kitchens before the food is frozen, and delivered in an insulated cardboard box to your door.

Instead of providing a one-size-fits-all solution, The Farmers Dog gives your pet customized nutrition. Their custom meal plans are grain-free and typically include ingredients such as: chicken, beef, turkey, pork, carrots, green beans, broccoli, sweet potatoes, chickpeas, lentils, spinach, etc.

To create your customized meal plan, they have a short questionnaire where you follow theinstructions, fill out the form (dogs name, age, weight,breed, allergies, etc.) and at the end, receive a fewboard-certifiedmeal plans for your pet.

The Farmers Dog cost varies. You might spend $3 a day for a small dog or about $8 for an energetic Lab mix. Every animal is unique, and this high-quality dog foods ingredients and pricing reflect your pets distinctive needs.

I love seeing comments like these from Facebook:

Try out The Farmers Dog. Your dog will feel the difference and youll see it.

The Farmers Dog 50% Off Trial

For a limited time, you can get an amazing 50% off your first order right now. No promo code required. Give The Farmers Dog a try today and get your pup thriving on a healthy, wholesome diet thats just about the closest thing to homemade out there! Learn more here.

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Written by Dave Baker

Dave Baker, founder and publisher of Petful, is a journalist and editor who has worked at The New York Times and The Nation magazine. He was also part of the 2006 Pulitzer Prizewinning team at The Times-Picayune newspaper of New Orleans. After the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, he moved to Brooklyn, New York, where Petful is now based. A longtime advocate for pet food safety, Dave has been passionately tracking pet food recalls for nearly 15 years, and nearly 40,000 pet parents are subscribed to his recall alerts which often arrive faster than even the recall alerts put out by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Howmuch doesFarmers Dogcost?

Kibbletypically costs around $1 per 25lbs per day (ie a 50lbs dog would cost around $2 per day inkibble.Farmers Dogcosts roughly $4 per 25lbs per day.

Where is theFarmers Doglocated?

TheFarmers Dogs headquarters is located at 214 Sullivan Street, New York.

Why is theFarmers Dogso expensive?

TheFarmers Doguses fresh,human-grade ingredientsin their customrecipes. Their food is filler-free,grain-freeandboard-certified. Their preparation process and use of high-gradeingredientsall contribute the price of their premium dog meal subscriptions.

Where to buy the Farmers Dog food?

The Farmers Dog is a subscription based direct to consumer business model. In other words, you pay a subscription fee every couple weeks and the box of frozen-fresh dog food gets delivered to your door.