Now that we're approaching summer, I'm revisiting my New Year’s resolution to get fit—this time more seriously. While planning out my goals, I noticed that Toa, my energetic dog, was unusually lethargic... and a little chubby.
This was our wake-up call. It was time to explore healthier options, which is how we found The Farmer’s Dog—a service offering fresh, gently cooked meals crafted by veterinary nutritionists.
Getting Ready
One of the main reasons I chose The Farmer’s Dog for Toa’s portion of the journey was how simple it was to get started.
Their three-minute quiz was cute and surprisingly thorough. It asked about Toa’s breed, age, weight goals, and food preferences to create personalized Beef, Chicken, and Turkey recipes. The packs ship to our door frozen and are portioned to her weight, so you're not playing a guessing game.
Armed with our first box, here’s how it went:
Week 1: Toa’s Energy is Back
Toa: To be honest, I wasn’t expecting any changes by week one. Right off the bat, Toa was way more more energetic. Normally he starts pulling on his leash right away, but we've extended his walks to a couple miles—we even ran one day. I also noted breath was fresher...something I wasn't expecting, but was super excited about!
Me: As for me, nothing has changed much yet, BUT... I’m feeling optimistic.
Week 3: Better Poops
Toa: Three weeks in, I see the benefits of Toa’s new diet. It turns out that the The Farmer's Dog's high-quality ingredients like human-grade meat and fresh vegetables are highly digestible and nutritious. The result? His poops are smaller and more consistent. Now, Toa is getting the most out of meal time.
Me: Meanwhile, I keep telling myself, "I swear I’m starting tomorrow..."
Week 6: Shinier Coat + Healthier Skin
Toa: Six weeks in, and I'm really noticing a difference in Toa—inside out. His coat looks shinier and softer, which I learned is thanks to the Omega-3 fatty acids, amino acids, and minerals in his new diet. He's less itchy and hasn't been rolling around on the carpet to scratch. His coat is so shiny, and we haven't been to the vet in months.
Me: I’ve been keeping up with my diet, too, but I haven't seen the success that Toa has had, that's for sure...
Week 9: Toa’s Weight Loss Success
Toa: After several weeks on The Farmer’s Dog diet, Toa lost solid 4 pounds!* I believe the fresh-food meals, proportioned to meet his needs, made it all possible. The ready-to-serve and pre-portioned packs make it so much easier to keep up with this diet. I’m no longer overfeeding him because I know exactly what he needs, and nothing he doesn't.
Me: I think I lost maybe a pound…but it could be water weight...
*Results may vary.
It's Time to Hop on The Farmer's Dog Train
As for us, there’s no going back—the difference is too clear to ignore. The Farmer’s Dog made Toa’s weight loss journey straightforward and stress-free. The unlock? The personalization of the meal plans, the convenience of receiving the shipment at our front door, and the high-quality ingredients.
Toa’s meal plan obviously had a big impact on his weight management and overall health, so for me, this is an investment in his long-term health. As for me, well...I'm just going to wait until next year rolls around!
