JustFoodForDogs (JFFD) and The Farmer's Dog are two of the most respected fresh dog food brands. Both deliver gently-cooked, human-grade food. They have different histories, models, and strengths.
Quick Comparison
| Factor | JustFoodForDogs | Farmer's Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2010 | 2014 |
| Model | Retail stores + online + subscription | Subscription only |
| Starting price (50lb dog) | ~$7-10/day | ~$7-9/day |
| Recipe variety | Many (incl. Rx) | 4-5 recipes |
| Prescription line | Yes (vet-formulated) | No |
| Available at vets | Yes | Limited |
JustFoodForDogs Strengths
- Long-running brand (since 2010)
- Veterinary kitchen concept — pioneered fresh pet food
- Prescription/therapeutic line for medical conditions
- Available at retail "pantry fresh" (shelf-stable) for convenience
- Strong veterinary partnerships
- You can buy single meals without subscription
- Multiple price points (DIY blends, pre-made, shelf-stable)
JustFoodForDogs Concerns
- More complex product range (can be confusing)
- Subscription option less prominent
- Smaller variety than some competitors
Farmer's Dog Strengths
- Strong consumer brand awareness
- Streamlined subscription experience
- Excellent customer service
- Many vet endorsements
- Consistent recipe lineup
- Pre-portioned packs very convenient
Farmer's Dog Concerns
- No prescription/therapeutic options
- Subscription-only model
- Less flexibility for one-off purchases
Unique Features
JFFD's Prescription Line
The big differentiator. JFFD has fresh prescription diets for conditions like:
- Kidney support
- Liver support
- Pancreatic support (low fat)
- Joint support
- Hydrolyzed protein (allergies)
For dogs with medical conditions, this is a real advantage over Farmer's Dog.
JFFD's "Pantry Fresh"
Shelf-stable single-meal pouches you can buy at PetSmart or online. Good for traveling, emergencies, or trying the food without commitment.
Farmer's Dog's Streamlined Experience
Setup, delivery, and reordering are seamless. Less to think about than JFFD's broader product range.
For Specific Situations
Dog with medical condition
JFFD wins easily — their veterinary prescription line is a real advantage.
Healthy adult dog
Comparable. Both deliver high-quality fresh food.
Multi-format flexibility
JFFD — buy fresh, pantry fresh, or DIY recipes.
Simplest experience
Farmer's Dog — set it and forget it.
Cost Reality
For a 50-lb adult: Both around $210-275/month for fresh. JFFD pantry fresh (shelf-stable) is cheaper, around $4-6/day.
Which to Pick
Pick JustFoodForDogs if: Your dog has medical conditions needing prescription nutrition, you want flexibility (fresh + shelf-stable options), prefer ability to buy without subscription.
Pick Farmer's Dog if: You want streamlined subscription experience, your dog is healthy adult, you appreciate strong consumer brand.
FAQ
Is JFFD's prescription fresh food worth it vs prescription kibble?
For some dogs, yes — fresh food palatability with prescription benefits. Often costs more than kibble equivalent. Talk to your vet.
The Bottom Line
JFFD wins for medical conditions and flexibility. Farmer's Dog wins for simplicity and consumer experience. Both high-quality fresh food options.