IntelliBowlBETA
Brand Comparison · 2026

The Farmer's Dog vs Wellness CORE

The Farmer's Dog (fresh-cooked subscription with the largest market share; meets 4 of WSAVA's 5 questions, with a feeding-trial affidavit but partner-kitchen production) and Wellness CORE (higher-protein boutique kibble with partial WSAVA compliance) compared head-to-head on WSAVA manufacturer-quality criteria, AAFCO substantiation, monthly cost, and which dog each is best for in 2026. The Farmer's Dog meets 4 of 5 WSAVA criteria. Wellness CORE is roughly 63% less than The Farmer's Dog.

The verdict

This is boutique kibble against fresh-cooked food. Wellness CORE is a higher-protein boutique kibble meeting 2 of 5 WSAVA criteria, owning its plants through Wellness Pet Company, at $55-95/month, but using formulation-only substantiation with no full-time board-certified veterinary nutritionist. The Farmer's Dog is a fresh-cooked subscription meeting 4 of 5, with on-staff board-certified veterinary nutritionists and an AAFCO feeding-trial affidavit for its Chicken Recipe, but cooked in partner kitchens, at $150-250.

The Farmer's Dog adds higher digestibility in published studies and strong palatability for finicky eaters, at 2-6x kibble's per-calorie cost with cold-chain shipping. Pick The Farmer's Dog for stronger nutritionist oversight and a picky dog or mild GI issues, if budget allows. Pick Wellness CORE for higher protein at a much lower price and shelf-stable convenience.

Key differences at a glance

Quick comparison

DimensionThe Farmer's DogWellness CORE
Parent companyThe Farmer's Dog Inc.Wellness Pet Company
CategoryFresh-cooked subscriptionBoutique dry kibble
WSAVA criteria met4 of 52 of 5
AAFCO substantiationMixedFormulation only
Full-time veterinary nutritionistYesPartial
Credentialed formulatorYesPartial
AAFCO feeding trialsYesNo
Owns manufacturing plantsNoYes
Quality control programYesYes
Typical monthly cost (50 lb dog)$150 – $250 / month$55 – $95 / month

The Farmer's Dog Inc.

The Farmer's Dog

Fresh-cooked subscription with the largest market share; meets 4 of WSAVA's 5 questions, with a feeding-trial affidavit but partner-kitchen production.

Strengths

  • Higher digestibility than typical kibble (published studies, 5-10 points higher)
  • Board-certified veterinary nutritionists on staff (Renee Streeter, Joe Wakshlag, Susan Wynn)
  • Vet-formulated with documented nutrient targets
  • Strong palatability for finicky eaters

Watch-outs

  • 2-6x more expensive than premium kibble per calorie
  • AAFCO feeding-trial affidavit covers the Chicken Recipe; other recipes are not confirmed to have one
  • Food is cooked in partner kitchens rather than owned plants
  • Cold-chain shipping complexity
  • No long-term outcome data

Best for: Owners with the budget for the price premium, finicky dogs, or dogs with mild transitional GI issues.

Avoid if: You travel frequently or board your dog often; budget cannot sustain $150-250/month.

Visit The Farmer's Dog ↗

Wellness Pet Company

Wellness CORE

Higher-protein boutique kibble with partial WSAVA compliance.

Strengths

  • Higher-protein formulations than mass-market alternatives
  • Owned manufacturing through Wellness Pet Company
  • Consistent ingredient sourcing

Watch-outs

  • Formulation-only AAFCO substantiation
  • No full-time board-certified veterinary nutritionist on staff
  • Not among the 16 brands the FDA's June 2019 update named most often; some individual complaints name grain-free CORE recipes

Best for: Owners who want higher protein content and accept partial WSAVA compliance.

Avoid if: Your dog is at risk of diet-associated DCM or you specifically want feeding-trial-substantiated food.

Visit Wellness CORE ↗

Which is better for your dog?

The right pick depends on your individual dog. The Farmer's Dog is the better choice when: Owners with the budget for the price premium, finicky dogs, or dogs with mild transitional GI issues. Wellness CORE is the better choice when: Owners who want higher protein content and accept partial WSAVA compliance.

On cost, Wellness CORE is roughly 63% less than The Farmer's Dog at the midpoint of typical premium spec for a 50 lb adult dog. On WSAVA manufacturer-quality criteria, The Farmer's Dog meets 4 of 5 vs 2 of 5 for Wellness CORE.

Checking one brand rather than the pair? See is The Farmer's Dog WSAVA-approved or is Wellness CORE WSAVA-approved.

Where to buy

Made your pick?

Check current pricing on whichever brand fits your dog. Prices and promotions change frequently, so it is worth comparing both before you commit to a bag or a subscription.

Shop Wellness CORE on Chewy →

Disclosure: these are affiliate links and IntelliBowl may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Commission does not influence the comparison above. See our methodology.

Personalized recommendation

Skip the brand decision and get a food matched to your specific dog.

IntelliBowl's free 60-second quiz ranks 14+ brands (including Wellness CORE) against your dog's age, breed, weight, activity, allergies, and budget. Completely free.

Take the free quiz →

Compare these brands against others

Methodology: WSAVA criteria reflect each brand's publicly documented manufacturer-quality practices as of October 2026, scored against the WSAVA Global Nutrition Committee's 5-question rubric. AAFCO substantiation reflects the dominant method used across the brand's main retail product line. Monthly cost reflects typical US 2026 retail for a 50 lb adult dog at premium spec, before autoship discounts. Recommendations are editorial and not influenced by affiliate relationships. See our recommendation methodology for IntelliBowl's quiz-engine ranking logic.