Farm Food has been making waves in the UK dog food market with its distinctive approach to canine nutrition. Founded in 1982 by Dutch animal nutritionist Gerrit de Weerd, this family-owned company has maintained an unwavering philosophy: provide dogs with biologically appropriate nutrition that mirrors what they would eat in the wild. Unlike many commercial brands that create different recipes for various life stages and breeds, Farm Food boldly embraces an “All Life Stages” approach based on the observation that wolves consume identical prey regardless of their age or activity level.
The Farm Food philosophy
At its core, Farm Food revolves around three fundamental principles that set it apart from conventional dog food brands:
Biological appropriateness drives their formulations, reflecting ancestral canine diets while actively avoiding ingredients like chicken (due to growth hormone concerns) and potentially problematic legumes or potatoes. This approach focuses on what dogs have evolved to digest efficiently rather than following passing trends.
Production integrity represents another cornerstone of their methodology. Farm Food utilizes a unique cold-pressed manufacturing process, keeping temperatures below 75°C to preserve nutrients that would otherwise be degraded during standard extrusion methods (which typically exceed 120°C).
Metabolic efficiency completes their nutritional triangle. With impressive digestibility rates between 84-87%, Farm Food places less strain on canine livers while promoting overall systemic health. This efficiency often manifests in improved coat quality, better stool consistency and potentially increased longevity.
Farm Food HE: The flagship product
The HE (High Energy) line showcases Farm Food’s innovative approach to dry dog food. Using patented cold-pressing technology, they create stable kibble without resorting to high-temperature cooking methods that destroy vital nutrients such as heat-sensitive vitamins and omega fatty acids.
The HE range includes several variants to suit different nutritional needs:
- HE Classic: Their standard formula featuring beef/mutton meal, flaxseed oil and highly digestible pre-activated cereals.
- HE Scottish Salmon Oil: Replaces flaxseed with salmon oil for enhanced brain function and skin benefits.
- HE Gluten-Free: Utilizes sorghum and rice instead of wheat, catering to sensitive dogs while maintaining the 23% animal-based protein content.
- HE Mutton: Features mutton as the primary protein source with added prebiotic benefits.
What makes the HE line truly stand out is its protein profile – 75% derives from animal sources, ensuring high biological value without relying on poultry by-products that many dogs struggle to digest properly. Available in 8mm and 6mm pellet sizes, the kibble accommodates different breeds while delivering consistent nutrition.
Beyond dry food: The complete Farm Food ecosystem
Farm Food extends beyond traditional kibble with complementary products designed to work in harmony:
Fresh Menu consists of gently steamed meat meals (primarily beef tripe and heart) completely free from bones and artificial additives. These products synergize with HE kibble by supporting healthy gut microbiome development.
Dental Chews provide species-appropriate options like deer antlers and natural rawhide to promote oral health through mechanical cleaning rather than artificial ingredients. If you’re looking for alternatives to dental chews, you might want to check out our Wild Pack review, which discusses other natural approaches to dental health.
No.1 Milk Feed offers a goat milk-based formula developed for newborn puppies and recuperating adult dogs, addressing specific challenges during lactation and weaning.
Nutritional science and health benefits
Farm Food adheres to FEDIAF (European Pet Food Industry Federation) guidelines while incorporating unique nutritional strategies. The HE line features a balanced macronutrient profile (23% protein, 12% fat) that effectively supports both sedentary household pets and highly active working dogs through efficient metabolic processes.
Clinical observations from veterinarians and long-term users highlight several notable health outcomes:
Improved digestion features prominently in customer testimonials. The absence of synthetic binders combined with high-quality fiber (2.5% crude fiber) correlates with better stool quality and reduced incidence of inflammatory bowel conditions.
Skin and coat improvements frequently appear in user reports. Essential fatty acids from salmon oil variants and unprocessed beef fats enhance coat shine while potentially reducing dermatitis occurrences.
Extended longevity represents perhaps the most compelling anecdotal evidence. Many users report dogs exceeding typical lifespans, often living beyond 10 years with remarkable vitality in their senior years. Some owners describe a “second youth” phenomenon in older dogs after switching to Farm Food.
Recent preliminary research from Utrecht University’s Veterinary Faculty suggests a connection between HE consumption and lower serum alkaline phosphatase levels in geriatric dogs, potentially indicating hepatoprotective (liver-protecting) effects. While these findings await peer-reviewed publication, they align with the brand’s emphasis on metabolic efficiency.
Market position and value proposition
Within the competitive UK dog food landscape, Farm Food occupies an interesting middle ground between prescription veterinary diets and mainstream commercial brands. Price analysis positions it in the mid-premium segment:
HE Classic costs approximately £2.98/kg when purchased in 15kg bulk quantities, compared to £3.20/kg for Royal Canin Medium Adult formulations. Their Fresh Menu products retail around £4.15/kg, offering better value than some raw alternatives like Naturaw at £5.60/kg.
Beyond pure cost considerations, consumer feedback emphasizes behavioral improvements. A striking 68% of surveyed owners reported reduced hyperactivity and better stress management after transitioning to Farm Food HE. This aligns with the company’s hypothesis that eliminating synthetic additives (artificial flavors and colors) may help stabilize neurological function in sensitive dogs.
Ethical considerations and sustainability
While Farm Food lacks formal B-Corp certification (unlike some competitors), they demonstrate ethical commitments in several areas:
High-quality sourcing represents a non-negotiable aspect of their production. All animal ingredients meet European standards for human consumption, avoiding rendered by-products completely.
Energy-efficient manufacturing comes as a natural benefit of their cold-pressing technology, which reportedly reduces energy usage by approximately 40% compared to standard extrusion methods.
Extended shelf life through oxygen-free packaging enables products to remain fresh for up to 18 months without requiring chemical preservatives, reducing potential waste.
However, packaging sustainability remains an area for improvement. Farm Food currently utilizes plastic-lined bags rather than more environmentally friendly compostable materials adopted by some competitors.
What kind of dogs is this food suitable for?
Farm Food stands apart from many brands by deliberately rejecting the age-specific formula approach. Their “All Life Stages” philosophy means their products suit virtually all dogs regardless of age, breed or activity level. This universality stems from their belief that canine nutritional needs remain fundamentally constant throughout life, mirroring wolf feeding patterns in the wild.
The HE formula works exceptionally well for:
Active dogs benefit from the efficiently metabolized nutrition with 23% protein and 12% fat content, providing sustained energy without digestive burden. Working dogs, sporting breeds and highly active companions often thrive on this balance.
Senior dogs frequently show remarkable improvement on Farm Food due to its high digestibility reducing metabolic stress on aging organs. The cold-pressed production preserves natural enzymes that may assist older dogs with nutrient absorption challenges.
Sensitive dogs with food intolerances or allergies often respond positively to Farm Food’s limited ingredient approach and gluten-free options. The absence of chicken (a common allergen) and artificial additives makes it suitable for dogs with various sensitivities.
Puppies can safely consume Farm Food HE from weaning onwards, though careful portion control becomes necessary to prevent excessive growth in large breeds. The balanced calcium-phosphorus ratio supports appropriate skeletal development.
The only dogs who might need alternative options would be those with specific medical conditions requiring veterinary prescription diets, such as severe kidney disease, urinary crystals or diagnosed pancreatic insufficiency.
Is Farm Food dog food good? My honest conclusion
As a canine nutrition specialist, I find Farm Food represents one of the more intriguing options in today’s market. Their cold-pressed technology genuinely preserves nutritional integrity in ways conventional extrusion simply cannot match. The digestibility statistics (84-87%) speak volumes about metabolic efficiency, potentially reducing long-term strain on vital organs.
What particularly impresses me is their unwavering commitment to their founding principles over four decades. While many brands constantly reformulate based on marketing trends, Farm Food has maintained consistent product quality since 1984 while incorporating genuine scientific advancements.
However, several limitations prevent me from giving unqualified endorsement. Their relative lack of peer-reviewed research documentation leaves some health claims in the realm of anecdotal evidence rather than proven fact. Additionally, their packaging sustainability lags behind industry leaders, and some owners may prefer grain-free options not currently available in their lineup.
On balance, I would rate Farm Food as very good but not perfect. It offers exceptional digestibility, high-quality ingredients and a refreshingly straightforward approach to canine nutrition. For most healthy dogs, particularly those with sensitivities to artificial additives or common allergens, it represents a scientifically sound choice backed by decades of consistent results.
If you’re seeking truly exceptional nutrition, however, it’s worth noting that Butternut Box emerged as the number one option in our comprehensive comparison of the best dog food brands available in the UK. Their human-grade ingredients, personalized portions and gentle cooking methods represent the gold standard in modern canine nutrition. For a deeper dive into what makes Butternut stand out from competitors like Farm Food, take a look at our detailed Butternut Box review to determine if their fresh food approach might benefit your dog even more.
