Ollie Dog Food Review – Our Pet-Tested Analysis of 7 Fresh and Baked Recipes [2023]
Vet-Checked • Pet-Tested • Owner-Approved
Tim Seidler – Head of Testing
At EasyPet, we are committed to presenting accurate and up-to-date information to assist you in your pet care journey. When appropriate, we consult licensed and practicing veterinarians to fact-check our professionally written articles.
Ollie is a subscription-based dog food company that cooks fresh, human-grade meals personalized for your dog based on his or her breed, age, weight, health, activity level, and allergies.
With the emergence of companies like Ollie, our pets are reaping the rewards of human-grade recipes packed with natural ingredients and nutrients from whole foods and protein sources.
These fresh-frozen diets are transitioning conventional thinking from processed foods, preservatives, and unnecessary fillers that are prominent in dry kibbles. The benefit to your dog is almost always improved physical and mental health – along with the delight of good tasting food.
The EasyPet team has ordered, tested, and reviewed Ollie’s recipes with our own dogs and after countless hours of research happily report that it’s as exceptional as it sounds.
In This Article...
Ollie Dog Food Review
Fresh Recipes
Ollie Fresh Beef w/ Sweet Potatoes
This vitamin rich Ollie Beef recipe is touted by the company as a popular choice compared to the others. It stands out for its high-quality ingredients – rich in protein, vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids. With its delicious blend of beef, vegetables, and organ meats, this recipe provides a well-rounded and nutritious meal that will keep your dog healthy, happy, and satisfied.
Ollie Fresh Beef Dish w/ Sweet Potatoes
| Our Rating | 6 Stars |
| Ingredient List | Beef, carrots, beef kidneys, potatoes, peas, sweet potatoes, beef livers, chickpeas, spinach, tricalcium phosphate, salmon oil, salt, taurine, zinc gluconate, vitamin E supplement, ferrous sulphate, copper amino acid chelate, manganese amino acid chelate, cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) supplement, riboflavin (vitamin B2), thiamine hydrochloride (vitamin B1), pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6), potassium iodide. |
| Guaranteed Analysis | Protein (9% min), Fat (7% min), Fiber (2% min), Moisture (72% min) |
Ollie Fresh Beef Dish w/ Sweet Potatoes
First and foremost, this beef recipe features real, high-quality beef as the primary ingredient. Packed with protein, it helps support strong muscles and provides essential amino acids for overall health and vitality. The beef is sourced from trusted suppliers to ensure the highest quality and taste.
Complementing the beef, carrots, potatoes, peas, and sweet potatoes have been added. These vegetables are not only delicious but also provide a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Carrots, in particular, are known for their beta-carotene content, promoting healthy eyesight in dogs.
To enhance the nutritional profile even further, this recipe incorporates beef kidneys and beef livers. These organ meats are nutrient powerhouses, packed with vitamins A, B, and iron. They contribute to a well-rounded diet, supporting your dog’s overall well-being.
For added nutritional value, they’ve included chickpeas, spinach, and tricalcium phosphate. Chickpeas are an excellent source of plant-based protein and fiber, while spinach offers a range of vitamins and antioxidants. Tricalcium phosphate aids in maintaining healthy teeth and bones.
To promote a shiny coat and support cognitive health, salmon oil, rich in omega-3 fatty acids has been included. These essential fatty acids not only contribute to healthy skin and a lustrous coat but also support brain development and function.
This recipe is carefully formulated to provide essential nutrients, including taurine, zinc gluconate, and vitamins E, D3, B2, B1, and B6. These ingredients help support a strong immune system, healthy heart function, and overall vitality.
Finally, safety and quality are prioritized by using salt in moderation. Minerals like ferrous sulfate, copper amino acid chelate, manganese amino acid chelate, and potassium iodide were also added to ensure a balanced diet.
Avg. cost per month : $260
Ollie Fresh Chicken w/ Carrots
This Ollie Chicken recipe is a top choice for discerning owners who have dogs with sensitive stomachs. With real, high-quality chicken as the main ingredient, complemented by rice, carrots, peas, and chicken livers, it offers a delicious blend of flavors and essential nutrients. Added spinach, cranberries, and salmon oil promote a strong immune system and healthy skin.
Ollie Fresh Chicken w/ Carrots
| Our Rating | 6 Stars |
| Ingredient List | Turkey, kale, lentils, carrots, turkey liver, oats, blueberries, pumpkin, tricalcium phosphate, chia seeds, sunflower oil, salt, salmon oil, zinc gluconate, ferrous sulfate, copper amino acid chelate, vitamin e supplement, manganese amino acid chelate, choline bitartrate, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin (vitamin b2), Vitamin d3, pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin b6), potassium iodide. |
| Guaranteed Analysis | Protein (8% min), Fat (3% min), Fiber (2% min), Moisture (74% min) |
Ollie Fresh Chicken w/ Carrots
At the heart of the recipe is real, high-quality chicken, packed with lean protein to support strong muscles and provide essential amino acids for optimal health and energy. The chicken is sourced from trusted suppliers, ensuring the highest quality and taste.
Complementing the chicken are rice, carrots, and peas, offering a delectable combination of flavors along with a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Carrots, in particular, are known for their beta-carotene content, promoting healthy eyesight in dogs.
The recipe includes chicken livers, nutrient powerhouses packed with vitamins A, B, and iron, contributing to a well-rounded diet and supporting overall well-being.
Potatoes and spinach are also featured, with potatoes providing easily digestible carbohydrates for energy and spinach offering a range of vitamins and antioxidants to promote a strong immune system.
For a burst of natural sweetness and added health benefits, cranberries are incorporated. These antioxidant-rich fruits support urinary tract health and provide a tasty touch to the meal.
To promote a healthy coat and support cognitive function, salmon oil, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, is included. These essential fatty acids contribute to healthy skin, a lustrous coat, and support brain development and function.
The recipe is carefully formulated to provide essential nutrients, including taurine, zinc gluconate, and vitamins E, D3, B2, B1, and B6. These ingredients support a strong immune system, healthy heart function, and overall vitality.
Safety and quality are prioritized, with salt used in moderation. Additionally, minerals like ferrous sulfate, copper amino acid chelate, manganese amino acid chelate, and potassium iodide are included to ensure a balanced diet.
Avg. cost per month : $260
Ollie Fresh Turkey w/ Blueberries
This weight management Ollie Turkey recipe is a standout choice, packed with high-quality ingredients that deliver a nutritional punch. With its premium blend of turkey, vegetables, fruits, and beneficial supplements, this recipe provides a balanced and flavorful meal that keeps dogs healthy, happy, and satisfied.
Ollie Fresh Turkey w/ Blueberries
| Our Rating | 6 Stars |
| Ingredient List | Turkey, kale, lentils, carrots, turkey liver, oats, blueberries, pumpkin, tricalcium phosphate, chia seeds, sunflower oil, salt, salmon oil, zinc gluconate, ferrous sulfate, copper amino acid chelate, vitamin e supplement, manganese amino acid chelate, choline bitartrate, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin (vitamin b2), Vitamin d3, pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin b6), potassium iodide. |
| Guaranteed Analysis | Protein (11% min), Fat (7% min), Fiber (2% min), Moisture (72% min) |
Ollie Fresh Turkey w/ Blueberries
At the core of this recipe is real, high-quality turkey, providing lean protein essential for building strong muscles and supporting overall health. Sourced from trusted suppliers, the turkey guarantees both quality and taste.
Complementing the turkey, the recipe includes kale, lentils, and carrots, offering a delightful combination of flavors and a rich array of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Kale provides a boost of antioxidants, while lentils contribute plant-based protein and added fiber.
To further enhance the nutritional value, turkey liver is incorporated, providing essential vitamins and minerals such as iron. This organ meat adds depth of flavor while supporting overall well-being.
Oats and blueberries are featured in the recipe, offering additional nutrients and a delicious touch. Oats provide a source of carbohydrates for sustained energy, while blueberries supply antioxidants and a burst of natural sweetness.
The inclusion of pumpkin adds a nutritional boost, promoting digestive health and providing a source of vitamins and fiber. Tricalcium phosphate contributes to the maintenance of healthy teeth and bones.
Chia seeds and sunflower oil are also included in this recipe, providing omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for healthy skin and a lustrous coat. These essential fatty acids promote overall well-being and support immune function.
Like the other Ollie recipes, salt is used in moderation. Additionally, the recipe incorporates salmon oil, zinc gluconate, ferrous sulfate, copper amino acid chelate, and other essential vitamins and minerals to ensure a well-balanced diet.
Avg. cost per month : $260
Ollie Fresh Lamb w/ Cranberries
The Ollie Lamb recipe is a great alternative meat formula for dogs with allergies; combining high-quality lamb, wholesome vegetables, and beneficial supplements to provide a nourishing and delectable meal. This recipe promotes general well-being, energy, and yummy goodness for canines of all breeds and sizes.
Ollie Fresh Lamb w/ Cranberries
| Our Rating | 6 Stars |
| Ingredient List | Lamb, butternut squash, lamb liver, chickpeas, kale, rice, cranberries, green beans, potatoes, tricalcium phosphate, chia seeds, salmon oil, salt, zinc gluconate, taurine, vitamin e supplement, ferrous sulfate, calcium pantothenate, thiamine hydrochloride, manganese amino acid chelate, vitamin d3, pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin b6), potassium iodide, folic acid. |
| Guaranteed Analysis | Protein (10% min), Fat (7% min), Fiber (2% min), Moisture (74% min) |
Ollie Fresh Lamb w/ Cranberries
At the core of this recipe is real, high-quality turkey, providing lean protein essential for building strong muscles and supporting overall health. Sourced from trusted suppliers, the turkey guarantees both quality and taste.
Complementing the turkey, the recipe includes kale, lentils, and carrots, offering a delightful combination of flavors and a rich array of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Kale provides a boost of antioxidants, while lentils contribute plant-based protein and added fiber.
To further enhance the nutritional value, turkey liver is incorporated, providing essential vitamins and minerals such as iron. This organ meat adds depth of flavor while supporting overall well-being.
Oats and blueberries are featured in the recipe, offering additional nutrients and a delicious touch. Oats provide a source of carbohydrates for sustained energy, while blueberries supply antioxidants and a burst of natural sweetness.
The inclusion of pumpkin adds a nutritional boost, promoting digestive health and providing a source of vitamins and fiber. Tricalcium phosphate contributes to the maintenance of healthy teeth and bones.
Chia seeds and sunflower oil are also included in this recipe, providing omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for healthy skin and a lustrous coat. These essential fatty acids promote overall well-being and support immune function.
Like the other Ollie recipes, salt is used in moderation. Additionally, the recipe incorporates salmon oil, zinc gluconate, ferrous sulfate, copper amino acid chelate, and other essential vitamins and minerals to ensure a well-balanced diet.
Avg. cost per month : $260
Ollie Fresh Pork w/ Apples
The light and lean Ollie Pork recipe is a newcomer to the fresh food lineup, combining high-quality pork, wholesome vegetables, and beneficial supplements to provide a nourishing and flavorsome meal. This recipe supports overall health, vitality, and taste satisfaction for all dogs throughout all life stages.
Ollie Fresh Pork w/ Apples
| Our Rating | 6 Stars |
| Ingredient List | Pork, pork livers, butternut squash, rice, sweet potatoes, oats, peas, carrots, spinach, apples, tricalcium phosphate, salmon oil, salt, taurine, zinc gluconate, vitamin E supplement, ferrous sulphate, copper amino acid chelate, manganese amino acid chelate, cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) supplement, riboflavin (vitamin B2), thiamine hydrochloride (vitamin B1), pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6), potassium iodide. |
| Guaranteed Analysis | Protein (9% min), Fat (7% min), Fiber (2% min), Moisture (72% min) |
Ollie Fresh Pork w/ Apples
At the core of this recipe is real, high-quality pork, delivering a rich and savory taste while providing essential protein for strong muscles and overall health. Sourced from trusted suppliers, the pork ensures both quality and taste.
Complementing the pork, the recipe features pork livers, butternut squash, rice, sweet potatoes, oats, peas, carrots, spinach, and apples. This diverse blend offers a delightful combination of flavors and a wealth of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Butternut squash, sweet potatoes, and apples contribute antioxidants, vitamins, and essential nutrients.
The inclusion of rice, oats, peas, carrots, and spinach further enhances the nutritional profile, providing a balanced source of carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
Tricalcium phosphate is incorporated to support healthy teeth and bones, while salmon oil provides omega-3 fatty acids for a healthy coat, skin, and overall well-being. These essential fatty acids support immune function and promote a shiny coat.
Salt is used sparingly. Additionally, the recipe includes taurine, zinc gluconate, vitamin E supplement, ferrous sulfate, copper amino acid chelate, and other essential vitamins and minerals to ensure a well-balanced diet.
Avg. cost per month : $260
Baked Recipes
Note: Although the website appears to let you order baked recipes, once you go through the questionnaire the only option that includes the baked dog food is a choice that pairs it with fresh food.
Ollie Baked Beef w/ Sweet Potatoes
The Ollie Baked Beef recipe hits the sweet spot with premium ingredients, carefully selected to provide a balanced and nutritious meal for your furry friend. From high-quality beef to beneficial supplements, this recipe supports overall health, vitality, and taste satisfaction.
Ollie Baked Beef w/ Sweet Potatoes
| Our Rating | 6 Stars |
| Ingredient List | Beef, oats, chickpeas, pea flour, beef livers, sweet potatoes, carrots, coconut oil, tricalcium phosphate, dicalcium phosphate, apples, salt, spinach, calcium carbonate, fish oil, rosemary extract, vitamin e supplement, choline bitartrate, zinc gluconate, potassium iodide, ferrous bisglycinate chelate, beta carotene (vitamin a), riboflavin (vitamin b2), copper amino acid chelate, niacin, cholecalciferol (vitamin d3), cyanocobalamin (vitamin b12), pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin b6), calcium pantothenate (vitamin b5), thiamine hydrochloride (vitamin b1), folic acid, potassium citrate. |
| Guaranteed Analysis | Protein (23% min), Fat (13.5% min), Fiber (4% min), Moisture (10% min) |
Ollie Baked Beef w/ Sweet Potatoes
This recipe is centered around real, high-quality beef; providing a rich and savory taste while offering essential protein for strong muscles and overall health. Paired with oats, chickpeas, and pea flour, it delivers a balanced combination of carbohydrates and plant-based protein for sustained energy.
Beef livers, sweet potatoes, and carrots are included, enhancing both taste and nutritional value. These ingredients provide essential vitamins and minerals, contributing to a well-rounded diet and supporting overall well-being.
Coconut oil is incorporated, adding beneficial fatty acids that promote a healthy coat and skin, along with various health benefits.
To ensure optimal bone health, tricalcium phosphate and dicalcium phosphate are included. These ingredients provide essential minerals necessary for strong teeth and bones.
Apples and spinach are incorporated, delivering antioxidants and essential nutrients that support a healthy immune system and overall well-being. Fish oil further contributes to a healthy coat and provides omega-3 fatty acids.
The recipe is fortified with essential vitamins, including vitamin E, zinc gluconate, vitamin A, vitamin D3, and various B vitamins, promoting overall health, immune function, and energy metabolism.
With a focus on safety and taste, only a moderate amount of salt is used. Rosemary extract is added as a natural preservative, ensuring the freshness and quality of the food.
Avg. cost per month : $138
Ollie Baked Chicken w/ Carrots
The Ollie Baked Chicken recipe stands out for its premium ingredients, carefully selected to provide a balanced and nutritious meal for your furry friend. This dry formula fashioned after it’s fresh counterpart is more affordable while still offering similar health benefits.
Ollie Baked Chicken w/ Carrots
| Our Rating | 6 Stars |
| Ingredient List | Chicken, oats, chickpeas, pea flour, chicken livers, whole dried eggs, carrots, sweet potatoes, tricalcium phosphate, dicalcium phosphate, apples, salt, spinach, calcium carbonate, fish oil, sunflower oil, rosemary extract, choline bitartrate, vitamin e supplement, zinc gluconate, potassium iodide, ferrous bisglycinate chelate, copper amino acid chelate, beta carotene (vitamin a), riboflavin (vitamin b2), niacin, cholecalciferol (vitamin d3), cyanocobalamin (vitamin b12), pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin b6), calcium pantothenate (vitamin b5), thiamine hydrochloride (vitamin b1), potassium citrate, folic acid. |
| Guaranteed Analysis | Protein (24% min), Fat (14.5% min), Fiber (4% min), Moisture (10% min) |
Ollie Baked Chicken w/ Carrots
This recipe begins with real, high-quality chicken, providing lean protein essential for strong muscles and overall health. Paired with oats, chickpeas, and pea flour, it offers a balanced combination of carbohydrates and plant-based protein for sustained energy.
Chicken livers and whole dried eggs are included to enhance both taste and nutritional value. These ingredients provide essential vitamins and minerals, contributing to a well-rounded diet and supporting overall well-being.
The addition of carrots and sweet potatoes offers a wealth of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, promoting a healthy digestive system and contributing to overall vitality.
To ensure optimal bone health, tricalcium phosphate and dicalcium phosphate are included in the recipe. These ingredients provide essential minerals necessary for strong teeth and bones.
Apples, spinach, and fish oil are incorporated, delivering antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids for a healthy immune system and a lustrous coat. Sunflower oil further adds beneficial fatty acids for overall well-being.
The recipe is fortified with essential vitamins, including vitamin E, zinc gluconate, vitamin A, vitamin D3, and various B vitamins, supporting overall health, immune function, and energy metabolism.
With the utmost attention to safety, only a moderate amount of salt is used. Rosemary extract is added as a natural preservative, ensuring the freshness and quality of the food.
Avg. cost per month : $138
Why I Love Ollie Dog Food
- Increased energy and vitality. I love to see my dog running and playing like a puppy again with more energy and endurance. Although he has always been an active dog, I can see a difference in his overall energy level and stamina and I don’t notice him nursing his sore knee nearly as much.
- I know I’m getting quality. I feel really confident that Ollie dog food is fresh and human-grade as they say, and I know that it is the best food for my pet. As Miles gets older, I want to know that I am giving him food that will increase his quality of life and make sure that he is part of our family for a long time. I believe in feeding the human members of my family whole foods as much as I can, so why not Miles, too?
- No more trips to the pet store. It’s pretty awesome to just have the food delivered to your doorstep, unpack it, and be ready to go. No more lugging dog food from the store to the car.
- My dog loves it. I love seeing Miles eat his food so quickly and with such excitement. I can tell that he really loves it. It never sits in the bowl for more than a few minutes. When I was feeding him dry dog food, sometimes it would take him an entire day to eat one dish of it.
Ollie Dog Food FAQ
What kind of dog food does Ollie offer?
Ollie started with 4 fresh dog food recipes (beef, lamb, chicken, and turkey); capitalizing on a new era of human-grade, direct to consumer, dog food subscriptions. Since then they’ve added another fresh recipe (pork) as well as two baked kibble formulas (beef and chicken).
The company also pairs treats and supplements as membership incentives to build your plan and subscribe to regular deliveries.
Let’s take a closer look at each of the Ollie dog food offerings.
How did Ollie start?
Ollie was founded by pet owners just like us, who were looking for a way to feed their dogs healthy food that, basically, didn’t have a bunch of ingredients they couldn’t pronounce on the label.
They wanted to combine food with the nutrients pets need with convenience that pet owners need. And with those ideas in mind, Ollie came to life!
They developed an algorithm that helps determine what recipe will be best for your pet based on information you provide, and the food is delivered to your doorstep, personalized for your dog – healthy and convenient just as they had hoped.
How much does Ollie dog food cost?
Ollie fresh food varies in cost according to your dog’s size and calorie needs. We ran the numbers for dogs at different weights and standardized our responses to 6 year old active dogs that aren’t neutered and have no allergies.
If your dog is sensitive to certain meats you have the option to customize which flavors you’d like to receive.
Ollie Fresh Dog Food Pricing
| Size of Dog | Cost Per Day | Cost Per Month |
|---|---|---|
| Miniature (5 lbs) | $3.14 | $95 |
| Small (15 lbs) | $4.71 | $143 |
| Medium (30 lbs) | $7.29 | $221 |
| Large (60 lbs) | $9.86 | $299 |
| Giant (100 lbs) | $11.85 | $360 |
After playing with the calculator we figured out that Ollie’s recommendations are tiered and not as dialed in as you might think. They recommended the same amount of food at the same price for a 45 lb dog and a 60 lb dog.
We’re not too bothered by this as it’s asking a lot for a company to package individualized food portions. Regardless, keep an eye on how much your dog is eating and if they’re leaving food in the bowl you could definitely save some money by adjusting your dog’s weight.
Moving on.
We imagine the normal dog falls somewhere between 30 and 60 lbs so we decided to run the numbers and average the pricing for a simple breakdown.
By our math the average cost for Ollie fresh dog food comes out to about $8.50 per day or around $260 per month (using a 45 lb dog as our standard). We were offered 50% off a 2-week trial order which would make the average initial investment $130 to sample Ollie. After that the price doubles.
How much does Ollie’s baked dog food cost?
As I explained above, Ollie doesn’t actually offer baked dog food as a standalone product. It seems like they’re using it more as a gateway drug to their fresh meals.
Since we did find a workaround and talked directly with customer service through their chat feature they quoted us at $135/month for the baked food for a 30 lb dog. A little more or a little less depending on the frequency you choose to have it delivered as their shipping costs will change.
If you want to know exactly what it would be for your dog’s weight we suggest getting in touch with Ollie’s customer service – who are very responsive and polite.
Should I get the mixed bowl plan with fresh and baked dog food?
You’ll certainly save a few dollars by going with the half kibble, half human-grade food option, but with the way the pricing is set up you’re not saving much and their are better work arounds.
If price is your main concern and you plan to mix dry food with your Ollie fresh food then our advice is to get a different super-premium kibble. A bag of Orijen won’t set you back as much and you’ll get all the same benefits… if not more.
If convenience is more important to you then we recommend you definitely splurge on the mixed bowl plan and remove the hassle of ordering from two separate companies.
What are the benefits of feeding my dog a fresh diet?
Ollie’s human-grade dog food is unlike the dog foods you are used to purchasing. It’s cooked to human standards at a low temperature and all the recipes are veterinarian-approved. A few benefits noted by real Ollie customers:
- Better digestion: Customers report less gas and digestive issues and more regularity from the bowels including firm poop that doesn’t smell bad.
- Weight maintenance: Whether your dog is overweight and needs to lose some pounds or is underweight due to a medical condition, Ollie customers praise their fresh food for maintaining a healthy weight.
- Increased energy: The fresh recipes and vital nutrients derived straight from the food will give your dog more energy to live an active and healthy life.
- Shiny, healthy coat: Ollie customers report that changing to a fresh food diet has helped their dog to have a shinier, healthier looking coat.
How is Ollie’s food personalized for my dog?
When you sign up for an Ollie subscription, you will be asked many questions about your dog. Ollie uses an algorithm specifically designed to select the right recipe for your dog. They will not only choose the right recipe for your pet, but they will also tell you how much your dog should be eating each day.
How does the food stay fresh?
The meals are delivered just days after being prepared and are packed with dry ice. They guarantee freshness when they arrive, or you can contact them for replacements. The meals should be taken from the box and placed in the freezer to maintain freshness. Ollie provides a container and scoop that perfectly fits a package of the food, as well, so that you can keep your thawed package in the refrigerator sealed and fresh, as well.
How does the delivery schedule work?
Ollie allows for flexible delivery that can be changed based on your needs. You are able to login to your personal account and update your delivery preferences, as needed. Ollie also sends real-time shipping and delivery update emails that are very helpful so that you are aware when your food is delivered and can retrieve it and get it in the freezer to stay fresh.
My Personal Experience with Ollie
So now that we have provided some background and basic information about Ollie, it’s time for the part you are probably most interested in! Our personal experience with Ollie!
We have an 8 year old pitbull/rottweiler mix (who I also believe has a bit of lab in him!) named Miles. We have 4 kids, so Miles is always pretty active, whether he is choosing to be or not. He is healthy, doesn’t have any allergies, and is at a good weight for his breed and age. Miles has a knee that sometimes bothers him, so this was something I was interested in paying close attention to as we made the change from his regular food to fresh, human-grade dog food.
He previously ate store-bought, average quality, grain-free dog food.
We have tried one other human-grade, subscription-based company prior to this, so we do have a little something to compare to, as well. (More on that another day, too!)
The Ordering Process
Ordering was pretty simple online. You are asked to create an account and then enter information about your pet such as his name, breed, age, weight, activity level, and any known allergies.
You can also then choose how often you would like your food delivered based on if you will be feeding your dog just part Ollie or an entirely Ollie diet.
Once you have set up your account and activated it, you receive an email letting you know that your Ollie is on the way!
The Delivery
When my Ollie arrived, I got an email letting me know that it was there. I saw the email about a half hour after it was delivered, and sure enough, it was there.
I like the notification email since the food needs to stay fresh. If no one was home, I am confident based on the packaging that the food would have been okay, but since we were home, I went right out and got it!
The Ollie was packaged in dry ice neatly in the box. Mine had only been outside for a very short time after delivery, and a few of the packages at the bottom of the box had already gotten a little bit soft. They weren’t warm at all, and inside the box they do say that if you are not confident the food is still fresh, you should contact them. I was confident that it was still fresh and not concerned that it was a bit soft. We decided to use those packages first since they had already thawed a bit.
I unpacked each of the frozen packages of food and the container they included with the scoop. Inside the container was some reading material about how to transition a dog from another food to fresh food as well as some other information about human-grade dog food. They also include an invoice and directions for how much to feed your pet.
I really love the packaging and the container and scoop!
The packaging of each dog food portion is easy to open and doesn’t create a mess when you are scooping it out. The side of the plastic peels back so you are able to scoop out all of the food rather than trying to squeeze out everything in the package.
I also really liked the container because it is a nice, clean way to store the thawed package in the refrigerator rather than just having an open package of dog food in there or having to stuff it in a plastic sandwich bag or something like that.
A Real Dog’s Opinion
We had tried fresh food dog before, like I said earlier, so I already knew that Miles was probably going to love it. I was right!
The first scoop I gave him was gone within a minute and he was pushing the bowl around with his nose trying to get every last bite. One thing I noticed about Ollie compared to the other brand was that the caloric intake they recommended was different and we have to give Miles more of the Ollie to fulfill his calorie needs, which means we will go through the Ollie faster than we did the other brand we have tried.
It didn’t seem to take Miles any time at all to get used to Ollie. He devours his meals each time. He always seems to be looking for more food after, but I don’t think it’s because he is hungry, I think it’s just because he loves it.
Benefits
I have definitely noticed some benefits of giving Miles fresh dog food, one of which is very obvious increased energy levels. He is a pretty active dog since we do have kids and we have a large yard for him to run and play, but I have noticed that he plays for a lot longer and is more rambunctious that he was when he was just eating his dry dog food.
As I mentioned, he has a back knee that sometimes bothers him, and I don’t notice as much limping after hours of running around outside. I do think that fresh dog food is giving him more of the nutrients he needs to support his joints and muscles and continue to live his active lifestyle. I am really interested to see what benefits we see over a longer period of time!
Potential Drawbacks
- Cost. If you’re used to buying dog food from the pet store or grocery store, Ollie is going to seem expensive. I like to think that you can’t put a price on the quality of life of a member of your family, but I am also really realistic. Over time, though, if we see many other health benefits by feeding our dog Ollie, we are potentially saving on veterinarian trips and medications, so the food might pay for itself in that way. Because of how much he loves it, the benefits I have already seen, the detail and care taken by Ollie as a company, and the convenience of it, I think it is definitely worth the price.
- It has to stay cold. If you travel with your dog, you might find that keeping the food cold, thawing, etc., might be more difficult than just bringing the dry dog food with you in a container.
The Final Verdict
Feeding your dog fresh, human-grade dog food is going to give him or her more energy, among other health benefits.
Our dog loves the taste of Ollie and we really love how detail-oriented the company is. We also really love the convenience of the ordering and delivery process. The packaging makes it easy to serve and store and the company obviously has both the pets and their owners in mind every step of the way.
I know that Miles is getting high quality ingredients that are minimally processed, and I am aware of everything that is in his food – no guesswork and no concerns about what he is eating.
As our dog gets older, it is really important to us to make sure he has the best quality of life and that he is part of our family for as long as possible, and I think that the human-grade dog food is the answer.
If you are looking for high-quality, healthy food to feed your dog, but you also need a streamlined, convenient way to do it, we highly suggest you give Ollie a try!
