iHeartDogs is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.
Fresh dog food is rising in popularity, so Ollie vs Farmer’s Dog is a common comparison to make. Both companies specialize in fresh, personalized foods that most dogs adore. They may be more pricey than kibble, but they’re also more nutritious and specific to your dog’s needs, making them worth the extra cost.
If you’re interested in giving fresh dog food a try, it may be difficult to decide which option to start with. So, we’ll compare The Farmer’s Dog and Ollie based on several categories to help you choose which one will suit your dog’s needs best.
What is Fresh Dog Food?
Fresh dog food is a category of pet food that’s prepared using high-quality, human-grade ingredients and is minimally processed compared to kibble or canned dog food. The ingredients usually include real meats, vegetables, grains, and fruits, which are carefully selected for your furry friend’s nutritional benefits. The meals are cooked at low temperatures to preserve the nutritional value of the ingredients and then quickly frozen or refrigerated to maintain freshness.
Related: What’s the Cost of The Farmer’s Dog Food?
These companies usually offer a subscription model where meals are custom-made based on your pet’s age, size, breed, activity level, and health needs. The meals are then delivered to your door, ready to serve. The goal of fresh dog food is to provide dogs with a healthier, more natural diet that mirrors what they might eat in the wild, contributing to improved digestion, shinier coats, higher energy levels, and overall better health.
Overview of Ollie vs Farmer’s Dog
There are lots of great fresh dog food brands out there, and Ollie and The Farmer’s Dog are two of the most popular.
Ollie
Ollie is a premium dog food company that specializes in delivering fresh, high-quality meals directly to your doorstep. Their meals are crafted from human-grade ingredients, including real meats, fruits, and vegetables. Plus, the recipes are always free from fillers and by-products. Each meal is customized to meet the unique dietary needs of your dog, taking into account factors like age, breed, weight, activity level, and health conditions.
This company’s meals are cooked at low temperatures to retain nutritional value, then portioned and flash-frozen. The company is dedicated to offering nutritious, convenient, and personalized meals to improve and maintain the health of dogs. Their commitment to quality extends to transparency about their ingredient sourcing and nutritional content. Thus, Ollie is a trusted choice among pet parents for fresh dog food.
The Farmer’s Dog
The Farmer’s Dog is a fresh dog food delivery service known for providing high-quality, human-grade meals for dogs. Their meals are made with wholesome ingredients, such as lean meats, fresh vegetables, and healthy grains, avoiding the use of preservatives, fillers, or processed ingredients.
Each recipe is prepared in USDA kitchens, and the food is flash-frozen to retain its freshness and nutritional value. The Farmer’s Dog tailors its meals based on each dog’s specific needs, factoring in details like age, breed, size, activity level, and health status. Their goal is to improve the health and longevity of dogs through proper nutrition, offering a convenient service that delivers balanced, fresh meals directly to your door.
The Farmer’s Dog vs Ollie Comparison
There are a lot of similarities when comparing Ollie dog food vs Farmer’s Dog, so we’ll break it down into the following categories to make your decision easier:
- Ingredients
- Customization
- Variety
- Convenience
- Price
- Storage
- Customer Service
Ingredients
Both fresh dog food companies use human-grade ingredients that meet AAFCO standards, so you can feel good knowing your dog is getting the best quality.
Ollie
All the protein sources in Ollie are sourced from high-quality U.S. farms, except lamb sometimes comes from free-range Australian farms instead. The recipes are high in protein, containing over 60% meat, followed by beneficial fruits, vegetables, and starches. Ollie’s ingredients are more nutrient-rich than some of its competitors because they use organ meats for added vitamins and minerals.
The Farmer’s Dog
The Farmer’s Dog always gets its meat from reputable farms in the U.S. This company focuses on simple recipes to only include what your dog needs. They use about six human-grade ingredients in each formula, and they avoid fillers and grains to prevent allergic reactions in dogs.
Winner: The Farmer’s Dog
The Farmer’s Dog focuses on short ingredient lists so your dog only gets what they need, and all the ingredients are sourced in the U.S.
Variety
Both brands offer several protein sources for their food so your dog will get one they love.
Ollie
Ollie has four fresh food recipes: Chicken with Carrots, Lamb with Cranberries, Beef with Sweet Potatoes, Pork with Apples, and Turkey with Blueberries. You can choose between a full or half fresh plan. Ollie also offers baked food versions of their chicken and beef recipes, which is like kibble with less processing. The baked food only comes in a mixed plan with the fresh food.
The Farmer’s Dog
The Farmer’s Dog’s food comes in the same four proteins as Ollie: chicken, beef, turkey, and lamb. The company doesn’t currently offer any products other than fresh food.
Winner: Ollie
Even though Ollie and Farmer’s Dog have the same number of recipes, Ollie also offers baked food.
Customization
The sign-up process for Ollie and the Farmer’s Dog are similar, making it easy to personalize food for your dog.
Ollie
To get started with Ollie, you need to fill out a questionnaire about your dog’s needs. It will ask you about their weight, breed, sex, age, allergies, health issues, activity levels, and more. Then, Ollie will help you pick out the right recipe and portions for your pup.
The Farmer’s Dog
The Farmer’s Dog asks almost all the same questions about your dog when you’re signing up, however, they’re a bit more specific when it comes to health concerns. There are over 15 common health issues you can select, and there’s the option to add any not listed. That way, the company can help you choose the recipe that’s safest and most beneficial for your pup.
Winner: The Farmer’s Dog
Both companies share a similar customization process, but the Farmer’s Dog is more specific when it comes to addressing health concerns.
Convenience
These companies are both convenient because they ship fresh food to your door at the frequency of your choice.
Ollie
Ollie’s food comes in small packages that easily fit in the freezer. You’ll also receive detailed instructions for how to portion the food. Before you serve them to your dog, you’ll need to move them to the fridge for 24 hours to thaw. With your first order, you’ll get a free storage container and scoop so you can conveniently store any unfinished food in the fridge.
The Farmer’s Dog
This company’s fresh food packages are longer and bulkier than Ollie’s but they should still fit in your freezer and fridge just fine. Like Ollie, you’ll be given instructions on how to portion the food for your dog’s personalized meals.
Winner: Ollie
Ollie’s smaller packaging and reusable scoop make portioning and serving food more convenient.
Price
Both brands are priced similarly. They’re more expensive than the average dry dog food but less expensive than most competing fresh dog food brands. For reference, many kibble brands cost $1 to $2 per day.
Ollie
Ollie typically costs between $2 and $6 per day, but it may become more expensive for larger dogs. Prices vary greatly based on your dog’s size and dietary needs.
The Farmer’s Dog
The Farmer’s Dog costs between $2 and $8 per day, but like Ollie, prices could become higher depending on your dog’s size and needs.
Winner: Tie
These two brands are priced similarly enough that it’s a tie. Both of them start at around $2 per day and get more expensive depending on the size and needs of your furry friend.
Storage
Both brands need to be stored in the freezer. Then, before serving them to your dog, you’ll need to move them to the fridge for 24 hours to thaw.
Ollie
Ollie arrives at your door frozen with dry ice to keep the food cold. Your first order comes with a reusable storage container that you can store leftover food in, which is helpful if your dog’s serving is less than one package. Most of Ollie’s packaging is recyclable or made from recycled materials.
The Farmer’s Dog
The Farmer’s Dog’s shipments also arrived frozen at your door with dry ice, and the company uses eco-friendly packaging materials. Since the fresh food packages are longer and bulkier than Ollie’s, it may be harder to find room for them in the freezer.
Winner: Ollie
Both food options are easy to store, but Ollie’s packages are smaller and come with a high-quality storage container for leftovers, making storing food a breeze.
Customer Service
Both Ollie and The Farmer’s Dog have excellent customer service. Dog parents reported that both companies are very responsive and quick to answer questions and concerns.
Winner: Tie
No matter which brand you choose, it won’t be difficult to get a hold of someone if you need help. Both companies are committed to giving your dog the best diet possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Does the Customization Process Work for Ollie and The Farmer’s Dog?
For both Ollie and The Farmer’s Dog, the customization process begins with a questionnaire about your dog’s breed, age, weight, activity level, and health conditions. Based on the information you provide, the companies then generate a personalized meal plan tailored to your dog’s unique dietary needs. This ensures your dog receives a balanced diet that helps promote overall health and well-being.
How Often Do Ollie and the Farmer’s Dog Deliver Food?
Both Ollie and The Farmer’s Dog operate on a subscription model where meals are delivered to your home. The frequency of delivery varies based on the plan you choose and your dog’s needs, but typically, meals are delivered every 2 to 4 weeks. This schedule ensures a constant supply of fresh food while minimizing the need for excessive storage space.
Are Ollie and The Farmer’s Dog Approved By Veterinarians?
Both Ollie and The Farmer’s Dog work with veterinary nutritionists to develop their recipes, ensuring they’re balanced and healthy for dogs. The meals provided by these companies are typically designed to meet the nutritional standards established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). However, it’s always a good idea to consult your veterinarian before making significant changes to your dog’s diet.
Is Fresh Food Safe for Dogs?
Yes, fresh food is generally safe for dogs, as long as it’s properly prepared and balanced nutritionally. Many fresh dog food companies like Ollie and The Farmer’s Dog work with veterinarians and pet nutrition experts to ensure their meals meet established nutritional standards. However, it’s crucial to transition gradually from traditional dog food to a fresh food diet to avoid digestive upset. To ensure safety, consult your vet before switching your dog’s food.
Can Dogs of All Breeds and Ages Eat Fresh Food?
Yes, fresh food can be suitable for dogs of all breeds and ages, from puppies to seniors. The key is ensuring that the food is nutritionally balanced and appropriately portioned for the dog’s age, size, breed, activity level, and health status. Always consult with a veterinarian to determine the best dietary plan for your specific dog.
How Long Does Fresh Dog Food Last in the Refrigerator?
The exact shelf life of fresh dog food in the refrigerator can vary based on the specific ingredients and preparation method. However, on average, it’s safe to store for about 3-5 days after opening. Most fresh dog food delivery services, like Ollie and The Farmer’s Dog, recommend using their meals within this timeframe for optimal freshness and safety. Always refer to the package for specific storage instructions and “use by” dates.
Which Fresh Dog Food Company is Best?
Both Ollie and The Farmer’s Dog are excellent fresh dog food companies. Which one is best depends on what you’re looking for. Ollie excels in variety, convenience, and storage while Farmer’s Dog is known for its ingredients and customization. Both companies have reasonable prices and excellent customer service. So, think about which aspects matter most to you so you can choose the best option for your dog.
If you’re interested in comparing Nom Nom vs Farmer’s Dog vs Ollie, check out our articles about Nom Nom vs Farmer’s Dog and Nom Nom vs Ollie.
Ready to see the difference fresh food can make? For a limited time, Ollie is offering 70% off your first box and a free bowl, followed by 20% off your next two deliveries. It’s the perfect way to treat your dog to healthier, happier mealtimes. Offer valid 3/26–4/12.
