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My dog wouldn’t eat her kibble, so I turned to fresh food.
When I adopted my fluffy girl, I had no idea she was going to be such a picky eater. I’d never had an issue with my dogs eating their food, but my new puppy was not interested in her kibble. I tried hydrating the food, topping it off, and even pretending to eat it myself–nothing I did could convince her to eat.
I noticed she wasn’t putting on enough weight, so I tried looking for alternative food options. That’s how I came across Ollie and The Farmer’s Dog. Each of these fresh food brands piqued her interest enough to get her excited for feeding time, but only one was consistent enough to have her licking her bowl clean after every single meal. Now that I’ve tried both, I’m here to tell you everything you need to know about fresh food and which of these brands is best (and why).
What Is Fresh Food?
Ollie and The Farmer’s Dog are fresh dog food brands that make their meals from real, whole, and natural ingredients. Unlike traditional kibble or canned food, which often contains processed and heavily cooked ingredients, fresh dog food is made using fresh, human-grade components that are gently cooked to retain their nutritional value. This approach to dog nutrition aims to provide a diet that more closely resembles what dogs would eat in the wild, promoting their overall health and well-being.
Benefits of Fresh Food
- Improved Digestion: Fresh food is easier for dogs to digest compared to highly processed foods. The gentle cooking process preserves vital enzymes and nutrients, aiding in proper digestion and reducing the chances of gastrointestinal issues.
- Enhanced Nutritional Value: Fresh food is rich in essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that contribute to a dog’s overall health. It provides a well-balanced and complete diet, promoting healthy skin, a shiny coat, strong bones, and a robust immune system.
- Weight Management: Fresh food often comes with precise portioning, making it easier to manage a dog’s weight. The right balance of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates can help maintain an ideal body condition and prevent obesity-related health problems.
- Increased Energy and Vitality: A diet consisting of fresh, nutritious ingredients can lead to increased energy levels and improved vitality in dogs. They may experience improved muscle mass and better physical performance, allowing them to lead active and happy lives.
- Allergy and Sensitivity Management: Many commercial dog foods contain common allergens or ingredients that can trigger sensitivities in dogs. Fresh food allows pet owners to avoid problematic ingredients, making it a suitable choice for dogs with food allergies or sensitivities.
Decoding the Optimal Fresh Dog Food Brand
Now that you have a basic understanding of what fresh food is and why it’s good for your dog, let’s talk about the top two brands out there: Ollie and The Farmer’s Dog.
As a dog owner, I have always strived to provide the best nutrition and care for my little girl. I’ve tried both of these dog food delivery services, but Ollie impressed me the most. Don’t get me wrong; The Farmer’s Dog is a reputable option too, but after experiencing both services, I can confidently say that Ollie stands out for its superior quality, customization, and commitment to my dog’s well-being.
Why Choose Ollie?
Customization and Flexibility
Every dog has unique dietary requirements, and it’s essential to cater to those specific needs. Ollie’s online platform offers a simple questionnaire that helps create a customized meal plan tailored to my dog’s age, breed, weight, activity level, and any specific dietary restrictions or allergies. This level of personalization was impressive and gave me confidence that my dog was getting precisely what she needed.
While The Farmer’s Dog also offers some customization options and a quiz, I found that the selection just wasn’t as extensive as Ollie’s. What I really appreciated about Ollie’s website and app is that they allowed me to update my dog’s profile as her needs changed, providing a seamless experience in adjusting her meal plan. Ollie keeps it simple and offers a variety of meal and treat options…
Meal and Treat Variety
Both of these fresh dog food brands offer different meal flavors, but Ollie comes out on top in terms of variety. The Farmer’s Dog offers only a fresh meal plan with flavor options of Beef, Pork, Chicken, and Turkey, all of which are grain-free. Meanwhile, Ollie has Beef, Chicken, Turkey, Lamb, and Pork with two grain-inclusive options and several types of plans.
Ollie ensures that fresh food is accessible for all dog owners with their Full Fresh Plan, Half Fresh Plan, and their Mixed Meal Plan (which includes their baked food). This feature is perfect if you’re a dog owner who prefers to mix fresh food with your dog’s dry food, and having grain-inclusive options is really important since veterinarians don’t typically recommend a grain-free diet unless your dog has outstanding allergies. Ollie also offers four all-natural and delicious dog treats, including Beef, Chicken, and Sweet Potato flavors, and supplements as well. This variety is what had me leaning toward Ollie after trying both brands, and I haven’t looked back since.
Convenience and Freshness
Both services offer the convenience of home delivery, sparing me from my notorious last-minute runs to the pet store. However, Ollie’s portioned and individually sealed meals made mealtime preparation effortless. The meals are also flash-frozen, preserving the freshness and nutritional value of the ingredients.
While The Farmer’s Dog meals were also fresh, I liked the convenience of Ollie’s pre-portioned packs more, especially while traveling or leaving my dog in the hands of someone else. The container Ollie sends with their food sends with their food was what actually transformed the game. To keep things sealed and hygienic in the fridge with The Farmer’s Dog, I had to constantly cover the dog food packets in plastic wrap, but Ollie’s complimentary storage box is a perfect match for the fresh food packs, making it simple to store a half-pack and get it out for dinner later.
Ollie Is Up To Snuff
My experience with Ollie and The Farmer’s Dog led me to choose Ollie as the better option for my dog’s fresh food diet. The superior quality of ingredients, customization options, transparency, and nutritional expertise provided by Ollie gave me confidence that I was making the best choice for my beloved furry friend. While The Farmer’s Dog is undoubtedly a reliable service, Ollie’s commitment to excellence won me over and has made a noticeable positive impact on my dog’s overall well-being. They really think of all the important details so I can focus on my dog’s happiness on the day-to-day.
