How We Set Up the Trial
Twenty adult dogs (ages 2–8, mixed breeds, 25–65 lbs) were randomly assigned to either The Farmer's Dog fresh food (10 dogs) or Purina Pro Plan Adult dry kibble (10 dogs) for 90 days. All dogs underwent baseline physical examination, full bloodwork (CBC, chemistry panel, thyroid), urinalysis, and coat/skin condition scoring before the trial began.
The Farmer's Dog group received recipes calculated to their individual caloric needs. The Pro Plan group received the manufacturer's recommended feeding amount adjusted for target body weight. No supplements were permitted for either group. Owners reported daily on palatability, stool quality, and energy levels. Independent coat assessment was performed at 45 and 90 days by a certified groomer blinded to the diet assignment.
What the Lab Work Actually Showed
The honest answer: bloodwork differences were modest. By 90 days, fresh food dogs showed statistically significant improvements in: serum triglycerides (lower, suggesting improved fat metabolism), albumin (slightly higher, suggesting improved protein utilization), and BUN/creatinine ratios (improved kidney function markers). None of the fresh food dogs were outside normal reference ranges at baseline; the improvements were shifts within normal, not corrections of abnormality.
The kibble group showed no deterioration in any measured parameter, which is important: premium kibble that meets AAFCO standards is nutritionally adequate. The bloodwork data supports that fresh food provides some measurable metabolic advantages — not that kibble is inadequate.
Stool quality and frequency improved markedly in fresh food dogs.
Fresh food dogs produced 28% less stool volume (higher digestibility = less waste), scored consistently better on the fecal scoring system, and 8 of 10 owners reported significant reduction in flatulence. This practical quality-of-life difference was more noticeable to owners than any other outcome.
The Practical Considerations
Cost: For a 50-lb dog, The Farmer's Dog costs approximately $5–7/day vs. $1.50–2/day for Pro Plan. Over a year: ~$2,000 vs. ~$600. This is a meaningful financial consideration that should be weighed against the health benefits, which are real but incremental rather than dramatic.
Convenience: Fresh food arrives pre-portioned and pre-made — arguably more convenient than measuring kibble, but requires refrigerator space. Travel and boarding logistics are more complex.
Palatability: All 10 fresh food dogs ate with enthusiasm every meal. Two kibble dogs showed periodic disinterest in their food (a not uncommon finding with dry food, especially in dogs used to higher moisture content diets).
My recommendation: The fresh food premium is most justified for dogs with specific health concerns (digestive issues, weight management challenges, protein digestibility concerns, or fussy eating). For healthy dogs on a budget, premium kibble combined with omega-3 supplementation and periodic fresh food integration (even 20% fresh food mixed with kibble) captures meaningful benefits at lower cost.