Are you uncertain about whether to switch your dog to Badlands Ranch or Farmers Dog Food? Do you find yourself struggling to decide which one is the best fit and one that makes the transition truly worth it?
Well, you’ve landed in the right spot.
Having nurtured (and nourished) various breeds for over two decades, I’ve found myself in your exact predicament.
Numerous times.
Comparing dog foods, mulling over brands and formulations.
In fact, I’ve consulted with many veterinarians and scrutinized countless ingredient lists over the years.
Of late, Badlands Ranch and Farmers Food have caught my attention.
They’ve quickly become some of the most sought-after rising stars in the premium dog food industry.
I keep seeing everyone, and chances are, you do too.
So, in this comparative guide, I am going to equip you with all the information you need to finally make a decision between them.
My aim is to offer an impartial overview of each and allow you to compare them side by side.
By the end, you will be able to make a well-informed decision about what is optimal for you and your dog.
In a rush and only want my perspective? Well, here is what I would choose if it were between Badlands Ranch and Farmers Dog Food:
Quick Verdict
Out of the two, I would opt for Badlands Ranch.
While these are both premium dog foods with countless benefits to offer, Badlands offers you the convenience factor and the opportunity to try it out with a one-bag purchase, opposed to getting a 2 week supply (which is the minimum you can get with Farmers)
Brand Overview
Badlands Ranch and Farmers Dog Food entered the pet food market driven by a shared passion for animal welfare, yet each brand has its own distinct origin story and principles guiding their offerings.
While the two brands share a passion for pet welfare, Badlands Ranch emphasizes air-dried foods and ingredients aligned with its founder’s activism, while Farmers Dog focuses on natural, fresh preparations based on its founders’ revelations about the pet food industry.
Both provide distinctive options for discerning pet owners seeking the best nutrition.
About Badlands Ranch
Badlands Ranch was founded by actress Katherine Heigl, known for her animal advocacy.
Named after Heigl’s own Utah animal sanctuary, the brand reflects her commitment to exceptional nutrition and overall wellbeing for pets.
Badlands Ranch’s products use an air-dried preparation method with ingredients sourced for optimal health.
About Farmers Dog Food
In contrast, Farmers Dog Food was started by owners Brett and Jonathan, who were dissatisfied with the mainstream pet food industry.
When Brett’s own dog improved on a home-cooked diet, it inspired the creation of Farmers Dog to provide fresh, human-grade meals for dogs.
Guided by their personal experiences, Farmers Dog delivers convenient, high-quality nutrition across the United States.
Badlands Ranch Vs Farmers Dog Food Comparison
| Category (And Winner) | Badlands Ranch | Farmers Dog |
| Dog Food Options & Flavors | ⭐ | |
| Ingredient Quality | ⭐ | |
| Nutritional Analysis | ⭐ | |
| Price | – | – |
| Preparation & Feeding | ⭐ | |
| Customer Service/Support | ⭐ | |
| Recall History | – | – |
| Totals | 4⭐ | 1 ⭐ |
– Indicates a draw/preference.
Dog Food Options & Flavors
When choosing dog food, both Badlands Ranch and Farmers Dog can meet your pet’s needs – just in different ways.
Badlands Ranch
Badlands Ranch offers two main formulas for you to choose from: Beef Superfood Complete and Chicken Superfood Complete.
These recipes aim to provide balanced nutrition with quality ingredients, aligning with the brand’s focus on animal welfare.
Farmers Dog
Farmers Dog takes a more customized approach.
You’ll take a survey about your dog’s unique needs and preferences. Then your pet’s meals arrive pre-made and pre-portioned based on their size, dietary restrictions, and other factors.
Farmers Dog covers proteins like beef, turkey and pork in recipes tailored for your individual dog.
Category Winner: Farmers Dog
While Badlands Ranch comes out on top for simplicity and ease of ordering (takes much less time), Farmers Dog does offer a much more personalized food, based on your dog’s specific needs.
Ingredient Quality
Badlands Ranch
Badlands Ranch uses an air-dried process to preserve nutrients in whole food ingredients like humanely raised meats, organ meat, salmon, and gut-healthy vegetables.
They also incorporate superfoods like chia seeds and turmeric.
Their focus is combining convenience with the benefits of minimally processed ingredients from humane sources.
Chicken, Chicken Heart, Chicken Gizzards, Chicken Liver, Salmon, Flaxseed, Sweet Potato, Pumpkin, Calcium Carbonate, Carrots, Broccoli, Chia Seeds, Blueberry, Ginger, Salt, Turmeric, Lions Mane Mushroom (Hericium erinaceus), Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin Supplement, Selenium Yeast, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Thiamine Mononitrate, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Calcium Iodate, Vitamin D3 Supplements, Mixed Tocopherols (preservative)
Badlands Ranch Chicken Superfood Complete Full Ingredient List
Farmers Dog
Farmers Dog highlights real, whole muscle and organ meats as 50% or more of their recipes.
Gentle cooking of meats like beef, turkey and chicken ensures digestibility.
They also uniquely feature a wide range of vegetables for vitamins, minerals and cancer-fighting nutrients. Supplemental foods provide balance.
Turkey, chickpeas, carrots, broccoli, spinach, parsnips, tricalcium phosphate, salt, fish oil, choline bitartrate, taurine, vitamin B12 supplement, zinc amino acid chelate, iron amino acid chelate, vitamin E supplement, copper amino acid chelate, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin supplement, potassium iodide, pyridoxine hydrochloride, vitamin D3 supplement, folic acid
Farmers Dog Turkey Recipe
Category Winner: Badlands Ranch
Out of the two, and with a closer inspection of the ingredients from the example recipes above, I think Badlands Ranch edges it.
Chicken Heart, Chicken Gizzards, Chicken Liver; three different very nutritious organ meats, compared to “turkey” in Farmer’s Dog food (what part of the turkey is it?)
Nutritional Analysis
When analyzing the nutrition in these brands, Badlands Ranch and Farmers Dog take somewhat different approaches to formulating their dog foods.
Badlands Ranch
Badlands Ranch offers a consistent nutritional profile across recipes.
Their foods contain a minimum of 30% crude protein and 14% crude fat to support muscle and provide energy.
Fiber runs around 5% to aid digestion, and moisture is 15% to maintain hydration.
This balanced formulation aims to meet dogs’ overall needs.
Farmers Dog
Farmers Dog recipes vary more in their nutritional makeup, and this will also depend on the customization offered.
Their foods generally range from 38-49% protein, emphasizing whole meat ingredients.
Fat content is also higher at 26-37% for energy. Fiber runs lower from 1-3%, while carbs are clearly labeled and range from 13-34% depending on the recipe.
This variability allows owners to select the right nutritional balance for their dog.
Category Winner: Farmers Dog
In summary, while both offer nutritious options, Farmers Dog provides more variability in protein, fat and carbs, while Badlands Ranch focuses on a consistent nutritional profile across recipes.
While this gives you a choice between set nutrition or customizable nutrition, remember that Farmers Dog will be more tailored toward your dogs needs, whereas Badlands will focus on the average dog standards.
Price
When it comes to pricing, Badlands Ranch and Farmers Dog take different approaches that fit their unique brands.
Let me break down how each one works so you can compare and see which model may work better for your needs.
Badlands Ranch
With Badlands Ranch, they sell by the bag rather than on a subscription.
One bag is $59.95. But you can get 5% off if you buy 3 bags at once, or 10% off if you purchase 6.
This lets you buy in bulk if you want to save money and stock up for a while.
You can also get extra discounts by creating a free account on their site.
The per-bag pricing gives you more flexibility to buy however much you need, when you need it. It’s great if you like having full control over when and how much food you purchase and stock up your own supplies.
Farmers Dog
Farmers Dog, on the other hand, ships you fresh food every 2 weeks on an auto-renewing subscription.
The monthly cost ranges from $60 for smaller pups to $250 or more for bigger dogs based on their appetite and recipe.
You get deliveries right on schedule so you never run out of food.
The subscription model makes things super convenient if you want deliveries handled for you without the effort of reordering. It adapts the servings to your dog too.
Category Winner: It Depends!
So Badlands Ranch offers flexible per-bag pricing, while Farmers Dog ships customized meals right to your door.
Depending on whether you prefer to stock up yourself or have auto-deliveries handled for you, one model may be better suited for your and your dog’s needs.
Preparation & Feeding
Badlands Ranch
With Badlands Ranch, there’s zero prep work on your end – you don’t even need to refrigerate or add water.
Just scoop out the right portion based on your dog’s weight and let them chow down!
You can pour their food in the bowl and be done in seconds.
It’s about as easy and convenient as it gets.
Farmers Dog
Farmers Dog requires a few extra steps from you since their fresh food has to stay refrigerated or frozen.
They try to make it easy by sending clear instructions, but you do need to plan ahead a little more.
Category Winner: Badlands Ranch
Personally, Badlands Ranch wins for ease of feeding in my book.
I love that there’s nothing I have to do – no heating, chopping, mixing, etc.
Just pour from bag to bowl and I’m done!
Farmers Dog seems to simplify their process given the refrigeration needs, but that extra planning may not fit a busy lifestyle quite as seamlessly.
Recall History
At the time of writing, neither Badlands Ranch nor Farmers Dog has had any product recalls.
Fantastic, reassuring stuff!
Final Verdict: Should You Transition To Badlands Ranch Or Farmers Dog?
Both Badlands Ranch and Farmers Dog offer high-quality, nutritious dog food options, each with its unique strengths, focusing on providing exceptional care and nutritional balance.
The decision essentially boils down to individual preference and lifestyle considerations—whether you value the convenience and simplicity of Badlands Ranch or the customized, refrigerated options from Farmers Dog.
The truth is: wouldn’t go wrong with either. Both are a huge upgrade to regular and typical kibble.
However, my recommendation leans towards Badlands Ranch for its unparalleled convenience, sheer ease of preparation, and focus on the highest quality organ meats (all freeze-dried for maximum nutrient retention).
And let’s be honest – time is our most valuable resource.
Related guides:
- Badlands Ranch Dog Food Review [Is Superfood Complete Ideal?]
- Sundays vs Badlands Ranch Dog Food [The One To Feed Is…]
I am an experienced pet owner with decades of experience owning a number of different pets, from traditional pets like dogs and cats, to the more exotic like reptiles and rodents. I currently own a Cockapoo (pictured) called Bailey. I am also the main writer and chief editor here at Pet Educate; a site dedicated to sharing evidence-based insights and guidance, based on my vast pet ownership knowledge, experience, and extensive research.