The Farmer’s Dog is not “vet-approved” in the sense that no official organization or board certifies or “approves” commercial pet foods. However, The Farmer’s Dog is widely regarded as vet-recommended: its recipes are developed by board-certified veterinary nutritionists and are formulated to meet the complete and balanced nutrition standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) for all life stages. Thousands of veterinarians endorse or recommend The Farmer’s Dog’s fresh, human-grade meals for their patients, highlighting its commitment to quality, safety, and nutritional science.
Why Do So Many Vets Recommend The Farmer’s Dog?
- Developed by Veterinary Nutritionists: All recipes are crafted by on-staff, board-certified veterinary nutritionists. This ensures nutritional adequacy and scientific rigor for every meal, tailored for puppies, adults, and seniors.
- Meets AAFCO Standards: The Farmer’s Dog recipes are formulated to be “complete and balanced” for all life stages, according to AAFCO nutrient profiles—one of the gold standards for pet nutrition.
- Human-Grade, Minimally Processed: Meals are made from whole meats and vegetables in USDA-inspected, FDA-compliant, human-food facilities. This means higher safety and better digestibility compared to ultra-processed kibble.
- Research & Veterinary Community Investment: The Farmer’s Dog funds clinical nutrition residencies at top veterinary schools, supports primary research in pet wellness, and partners closely with veterinary professionals to advance evidence-based pet nutrition.
Vet-recommended. AAFCO-compliant. Human-grade.
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Related Questions
Why don’t all vets recommend The Farmer’s Dog?
While many veterinarians recommend The Farmer’s Dog for its ingredient quality and balanced recipes, some remain cautious. Their hesitation is often due to differences in how pet food brands conduct feeding trials, or personal preference for legacy brands with long-term, published study data. Some traditionalists prefer diets that have undergone formal AAFCO feeding trials, though The Farmer’s Dog now meets these requirements and is involved in current research, including long-term feeding and clinical trials.
What do veterinary nutritionists say about fresh food?
Veterinary nutritionists increasingly support gently cooked, human-grade diets for their digestibility, safety, and transparency. These experts help design Farmer’s Dog recipes to avoid common allergens, minimize processing, and personalize nutrition—a marked contrast to many commercial kibbles, which may use lower-quality ingredients and byproducts.
Does The Farmer’s Dog work with universities and conduct research?
Yes. The Farmer’s Dog funds veterinary nutrition residencies and invests millions in independent research and clinical trials, including full board-certified nutrition training at the University of Tennessee and grants for canine wellness studies. This deep engagement with research institutions ensures both innovation and scientific scrutiny in their formulations.
Are there downsides to choosing The Farmer’s Dog based on vet advice?
The primary drawbacks are cost (fresh meals are more expensive than kibble), storage needs (requires refrigeration or freezing), and rare cases where a vet may recommend a different diet for specific medical issues. Always consult your own veterinarian, especially if your dog has chronic health conditions or needs prescription nutrition.
The Bottom Line: Should You Trust The Farmer’s Dog’s Vet Credentials?
The Farmer’s Dog is not officially “approved” by regulators, but it is designed by board-certified veterinary nutritionists, rigorously tested for safety, and recommended by thousands of vets across the U.S. Its industry leadership in research, clinical nutrition, and commitment to pet health make it a highly credible, vet-endorsed option for owners seeking optimal, science-backed nutrition. If you’re ready for fresher, better meals for your dog—with the confidence of veterinary support—The Farmer’s Dog is a top choice for pet owners and animal professionals alike.
