Chewy or The Farmer’s Dog? Here's What I Learned Trying Both for My Pup

Deciding on dog food can be very overwhelming for many. I’ve been there. I’ve stood in pet stores, browsed online for hours, and still felt unsure. After testing both Chewy and The Farmer’s Dog, I figured I’d share what worked (and what didn’t) for me and my dog, Max.

This isn’t some expert review. Just one dog parent talking to another.

What Is Chewy Like?

Many people who buy pet items online are probably familiar with Chewy. It plays the role of Amazon for all the pet needs. You can buy every type of dog food here, including dry, wet, raw, grain-free and others.

What I liked:

I could compare a ton of different brands side-by-side.

Their auto-ship saved me when I forgot to reorder.

Prices were good, especially with deals or bundles.

What I didn’t love:

I spent way too much time reading labels.

Not all brands are top quality — it’s a mixed bag.

Max wasn’t super excited about kibble most days.

What is The Farmer’s Dog?

Freshly produced dog food is delivered by The Farmer’s Dog to pet parents. They look at your pet’s information, for example, how old, how much they weigh, and their eating habit, and create meals specifically for them. It was made with chicken, carrot, and lentils, and its smell was the same as other food (I didn’t sample it).

What stood out:

It looked and smelled like homemade food.

Max loved it. Tails wag every time.

Meals are portioned out, so no guessing how much to feed.

Downsides?

It’s pricey—more than kibble.

You need freezer space.

It took some trial and error to find the right feeding schedule.

Comparing Ingredients: What’s Inside?

This is where I saw the biggest difference.

Chewy carries lots of brands. Some use good ingredients, others… not so much. You really have to check labels. Some have meat as the first ingredient, others sneak in corn or by-products.

The Farmer’s Dog? The ingredient list is short and clear. You see stuff like beef, sweet potato, and spinach. That’s it. No fillers, no weird stuff.

If your dog has allergies or a sensitive tummy, that clean label might be a game-changer.

What About Price?

Here’s the truth:

Chewy is easier on the wallet. I could get a month’s supply of decent food for under $50.

The Farmer’s Dog cost me about $90–$120/month for Max, a medium-sized dog.

Is it worth it? For me, yes—especially when I noticed Max scratching less and pooping more regularly (TMI, but hey, it matters).

Convenience: Which One’s Easier?

Both were pretty simple, just in different ways.

Chewy: Order whenever, auto-ship, and you can toss in treats or toys. Super convenient.

The Farmer’s Dog: Meals arrive on a schedule, frozen. I had to remember to thaw them the night before. Not hard, but different.

So it depends: want full control (Chewy), or want it done for you (Farmer’s Dog)?

Which One Did My Dog Like More?

No contest here—Max LOVED The Farmer’s Dog. He’d run to his bowl. With kibble from Chewy, some days he’d eat, some days he’d just sniff and walk away. Dogs can be weird like that.

Final Thoughts: Which Should You Choose?

Here’s my take:

If you’re budget-conscious or like picking from lots of options, Chewy is a great bet.

If your dog’s health is a priority, or if they’re picky eaters, The Farmer’s Dog might be worth the splurge.

No right or wrong—just depends on you and your pup.

Bonus Tips

Switch foods slowly to avoid tummy issues.

Freeze extra Farmer’s Dog meals ahead of time so you’re never caught off guard.

Mix in a spoonful of wet food or topper with Chewy kibble for extra flavor.

Final word? Try both if you can. Start with Chewy, and if your dog’s not loving it, or you want to go fresh, give The Farmer’s Dog a shot. Either way, you’re doing your best for your furry friend. And that’s what counts.