Are you committed to providing your dog with top nutrition but not keen on the shipping? We get it!

For those local pet parents looking for the best fresh dog food options in Bristol, TN, but not wanting to sacrifice quality, we might have exactly what you're looking for.

👉 In this post, we’ll share the best Farmer’s Dog alternatives you can find locally in Bristol, TN, so you can feed your pup fresh, human-grade meals without worrying about shipping delays or limited choices.

Understanding Fresh Dog Food

Why Fresh Dog Food?

Fresh dog food is a type of pet food, frequently made with human-grade ingredients, and minimally processed to retain its natural nutrients. Unlike dry dog food or kibble, fresh food is typically prepared with real meat, vegetables, and grains, providing a balanced and wholesome diet for your dog with benefits including:

• Better digestion

• Healthier skin and coat

• Increased energy levels

• Easier to maintain a healthy weight

👉 Want help choosing the best format? Check out our guide on choosing the best dog food.

Challenges with Farmer's Dog Food

While Farmer's Dog is a popular choice for fresh dog food delivery, it may not always be the perfect fit for every dog owner. Many pet owners are looking for Farmer's Dog alternatives for various reasons, including:

• Not wanting to have dog food delivered to their home, which can limit flexibility in feeding routines.

• Desiring more options for fresh food that can be sourced locally, allowing them to support local stores.

• Seeking fresh dog foods that offer a wider variety of protein options to meet their dog's specific dietary needs, especially for those with allergies (learn more about why rotating proteins can help here).

👉 Quick Overview: Farmer’s Dog vs. Black Dog Barkery Alternatives

• Farmer’s Dog: Subscription delivery only, limited proteins, no in-store browsing

• Black Dog Barkery Alternatives: Local pickup in Bristol, wide protein variety, trusted brands, VIP discounts

Local Alternatives to Farmer's Dog

Small Batch Lightly Cooked Options

For pet owners in Bristol, TN, and Bristol, VA, seeking excellent alternatives to the Farmer’s Dog, Small Batch fresh dog food offers a fantastic fresh, natural option.

Small Batch uses human-grade ingredients that are gently cooked to preserve their nutritional value. With convenient 1 oz. "slider" portions, Small Batch makes it easy to customize the amount your dog gets for each meal.

They offer protein options including:

• Beef

• Chicken

• Turkey

• Pork

• Lamb

In addition to fresh food, Small Batch offers other dog food options including frozen raw, freeze-dried raw, and treats.

Open Farm Gently Cooked Selections

Open Farm is another stellar alternative to the Farmer’s Dog, offering fresh dog food options with a focus on sustainability and ethical sourcing.

If you're environmentally-focused, their 8oz and 16oz packets are even recyclable through TerraCycle. They offer a variety of grain-free dog food as well as options with grains in a variety of protein choices: 

• Fish

• Beef

• Surf & Turf

• Lamb

• Chicken

• Turkey

• Puppy

Lamb is a notable option here as it's considered a novel protein which means it's generally better for dogs with allergies.

Open Farm has a large variety of dog food options and treats, including dehydrated raw and even a healthier kibble option if you're using fresh dog food as a meal topper!

👉 Looking for safe veggies to mix in? We’ve got a handy list of dog-friendly vegetables.

A Pup Above Fresh Food and Grain-Free Options

A Pup Above is a unique fresh dog food brand that brings something special to the table, especially if you're used to the Farmer's Dog: sous vide cooking.

This gentle cooking method locks in nutrients and flavors, making their fresh food incredibly palatable for even the pickiest eaters. They currently offer dog food proteins including:

• Beef

• Pork

• Chicken

• Turkey

• Turducken (a blend of Turkey & Duck)

A Pup Above doesn't just offer fresh food, they also carry air-dried options that are great for travel to avoid having to manage frozen dog food.

Why Choose Black Dog Barkery for Fresh Dog Food in Bristol, TN?

Local Availability

Black Dog Barkery offers local availability in Bristol, TN, and VA. We're more than just a pet food store; we're a local resource for local pet owners who want the best for their furry friends.

Unlike relying on a dog food delivery service, Black Dog Barkery offers the convenience of browsing and purchasing fresh dog food brands in person. Located on Volunteer Parkway in Bristol, TN, Black Dog Barkery is open Wednesday through Saturday, making it easy for you to pick up your dog's food when you need it.

This local presence allows you to support a small business while ensuring your dog gets the fresh, human-grade food they deserve. It is a natural alternative to many fresh dog food companies.

👉 Learn more about our Food Partners and why we only stock canine-nutritionist approved brands.

VIP Program Benefits for Pet Owners

If you've ever stopped in to see us, you'll know that we firmly believe in rewarding our loyal customers and making it easier than ever to provide your dog with the best nutrition. That's why we offer a VIP program specifically designed for pet owners in Bristol, TN, and Bristol, VA.

By joining our VIP program, you'll gain access to exclusive benefits, including discounts, special promotions, and early access to new products. It's our way of saying thank you for choosing Black Dog Barkery as your trusted source for fresh dog food brands and other pet food essentials, supporting their overall health and well-being.

This is perfect if you want to meet your dog's needs.

👉 Full details on our VIP Program

Sign Up for Our VIP Program

All local pet parents who purchase their dog's food through us are eligible for our VIP program. If you're interested in more details or curious about our dog food selection, you can get more details about the VIP program and sign up here.