Ollie vs Farmer’s Dog: Which Fresh Dog Food Is Better?

Over the last few years, fresh dog food subscriptions have become one of the fastest-growing trends in pet nutrition. Instead of relying on heavily processed kibble, many dog owners are now choosing meals made with real meat, vegetables, and human-grade ingredients.

This shift isn’t just a trend. Pet parents are becoming more aware of what goes into their dogs’ bowls. Traditional kibble often contains fillers, artificial preservatives, and low-quality by-products, while fresh dog food focuses on simple, whole ingredients that are gently cooked to preserve nutrients.

Because of this growing demand, several fresh dog food brands have entered the market. Among them, two of the most talked-about options are Ollie and The Farmer’s Dog.

Both brands deliver fresh, pre-made meals tailored to your dog’s specific needs, shipped directly to your door on a subscription basis. But while they appear similar at first glance, there are important differences in areas like:

• Ingredients and recipe variety
• Nutrition and health benefits
• Customization and meal planning
• Pricing and subscription flexibility
• Packaging and delivery experience

Choosing the right food for your dog can feel overwhelming, especially with so many marketing claims. That’s why this guide takes a detailed, unbiased look at Ollie vs Farmer’s Dog, comparing everything from ingredient quality to overall value.

By the end of this article, you’ll know:

• Which brand offers better ingredient quality
• Which one provides more recipe variety
• Which option is more affordable
• And most importantly, which fresh dog food is better for your dog

Quick Summary

For readers who want a quick answer before diving deeper:

• Ollie is often best for owners who want more recipe variety and flexible meal plans, including baked food options.
• The Farmer’s Dog is often preferred by owners who want simple, pre-portioned fresh meals with straightforward pricing.

Later in the article, we’ll break down each category in detail so you can decide which option fits your dog’s needs.

2. Quick Comparison Table: Ollie vs Farmer’s Dog

Before exploring the details, it helps to see a side-by-side snapshot of how the two brands compare.

Both companies focus on human-grade dog food, meaning the ingredients are safe enough to meet human food standards.

Meals are also developed with veterinary nutritionists and designed to meet AAFCO nutritional standards, which ensures the food provides complete and balanced nutrition for dogs.

Because of these similarities, many dog owners struggle to choose between the two. However, once you examine ingredients, recipes, and pricing, the differences become clearer.

3. Brand Overview

Understanding the philosophy behind each company helps explain why their food and services differ.

3.1 What Is Ollie Dog Food?

Ollie was founded in 2016 with a simple goal: to create dog food made from real ingredients that resemble home-cooked meals rather than heavily processed kibble.

The company quickly gained popularity because of its focus on:

• Human-grade ingredients
• Transparent sourcing
• Personalized meal plans
• Minimal processing

Ollie meals are gently cooked at low temperatures, which helps retain nutrients while still making the food safe for dogs to eat.

Ollie’s Fresh Dog Food Philosophy

Ollie believes dogs should eat meals that are closer to real food rather than processed pellets.

Their recipes often include ingredients such as:

• Real meat
• Fresh vegetables
• Healthy oils
• Whole grains or alternative carbohydrate sources

Instead of fillers like corn gluten or artificial preservatives, Ollie recipes rely on natural ingredients and added vitamins to provide balanced nutrition.

You can learn more about the science behind balanced dog nutrition in this AAFCO dog food nutrient profile guide, which explains how commercial dog foods must meet minimum nutritional standards.

Meal Personalization System

One of Ollie’s standout features is its custom meal planning system.

When signing up, owners complete a short questionnaire about their dog, including:

• Breed
• Age
• Weight
• Activity level
• Allergies
• Health conditions

Based on this information, Ollie calculates the ideal calorie intake and recommends a feeding plan.

Fresh and Baked Food Options

Unlike many fresh dog food brands, Ollie offers two food formats:

1. Fresh food (gently cooked meals)
2. Baked food (a less processed dry alternative)

This flexibility allows owners to mix fresh food with baked options if they want to reduce costs while still improving their dog’s diet.

Because of this versatility, Ollie is often considered one of the more customizable fresh dog food subscriptions available today.

3.2 What Is The Farmer’s Dog?

The Farmer’s Dog launched in 2015 and quickly became one of the most recognizable fresh dog food brands in the United States.

The company built its reputation around a simple promise:

Dogs should eat food made from real, whole ingredients prepared in a human-grade kitchen.

Unlike Ollie, which offers multiple food formats, The Farmer’s Dog focuses exclusively on fresh, gently cooked meals.

Fresh Food Focus

Every recipe from The Farmer’s Dog is:

• Made with human-grade ingredients
• Slow-cooked at low temperatures
• Formulated by board-certified veterinary nutritionists

The company also emphasizes ingredient transparency, meaning customers can clearly see exactly what goes into each recipe.

Typical ingredients include:

• Real meats like chicken, beef, and turkey
• Vegetables such as carrots and spinach
• Whole grains or legumes
• Vitamins and minerals for balanced nutrition

Pre-Portioned Meals

One of the biggest advantages of The Farmer’s Dog is convenience.

Each meal arrives pre-portioned based on your dog’s calorie needs, so there’s no need to measure servings manually.

This makes feeding easier, especially for busy owners.

For people who struggle with measuring portions accurately, pre-portioned meals can help prevent overfeeding and weight gain, which are common issues among household dogs.

According to research shared in this veterinary nutrition overview, proper portion control plays a key role in maintaining a healthy weight and preventing obesity.

Simplicity and Convenience

The Farmer’s Dog focuses heavily on simplicity.

Instead of offering many recipe variations, they keep their menu smaller and focus on delivering:

• High-quality fresh food
• Easy portion control
• Simple subscription management

For owners who want a straightforward feeding system, this approach can be very appealing.

4. Ingredients Comparison

One of the most important factors when comparing dog food brands is ingredient quality.

Both Ollie and The Farmer’s Dog advertise human-grade ingredients, but the details of their recipes reveal subtle differences.

4.1 Ollie Ingredients

Ollie recipes usually start with real animal protein as the first ingredient, which is a strong sign of high-quality dog food.

Common protein sources include:

• Beef
• Chicken
• Turkey
• Pork
• Lamb

These proteins are paired with nutrient-rich vegetables to create balanced meals.

Vegetables and Fruits

Many Ollie recipes contain ingredients like:

• Sweet potatoes
• Peas
• Carrots
• Spinach
• Blueberries

These ingredients provide fiber, antioxidants, and essential vitamins.

Healthy Oils and Supplements

To support overall health, Ollie adds ingredients such as:

• Fish oil for omega-3 fatty acids
• Sunflower oil for skin and coat health
• Added vitamins and minerals to meet nutritional guidelines

Because the recipes avoid artificial preservatives, the meals must be refrigerated or frozen to stay fresh.

4.2 Farmer’s Dog Ingredients

The Farmer’s Dog also emphasizes real, recognizable ingredients.

Each recipe starts with a primary protein source, such as:

• Chicken
• Turkey
• Beef
• Pork

The protein is combined with simple vegetables and carbohydrates.

Typical Vegetable Ingredients

Many Farmer’s Dog recipes include:

• Carrots
• Lentils
• Sweet potatoes
• Green beans
• Chickpeas

These ingredients supply fiber and complex carbohydrates to support digestion.

Nutritional Balancing

Like Ollie, Farmer’s Dog recipes contain added vitamins and minerals to ensure they meet complete and balanced nutrition standards.

Because the food is gently cooked rather than raw, it also reduces the risk of bacterial contamination, which can sometimes occur with raw diets.

4.3 Ingredient Quality Breakdown

When comparing both brands, there are several key similarities.

Human-Grade Meat

Both Ollie and The Farmer’s Dog use human-grade meat sourced from reputable suppliers.

This means the ingredients meet the same safety standards required for human food production.

No Fillers or Artificial Additives

Neither brand uses:

• Artificial preservatives
• Meat by-products
• Corn or wheat fillers
• Artificial colors or flavors

This makes both options significantly cleaner than many commercial kibble brands.

Gentle Cooking Process

Both companies use low-temperature cooking methods designed to preserve nutrients while eliminating harmful bacteria.

This process helps maintain:

• Protein quality
• Vitamin levels
• Natural flavor

Because of this, fresh dog food often looks more like real meals than traditional dog food.

Recipes, Nutrition, Personalization & Pricing

5. Recipe Variety and Menu Options

One of the biggest distinctions between the two services is how many recipes they offer and how flexible the feeding plans are.

Some dogs thrive on consistency, but others get bored eating the same meal every day. If your dog falls into the picky category, recipe variety can be surprisingly important.

5.1 Ollie Recipe Options

Ollie currently offers multiple fresh recipes, along with an alternative baked format for owners who want a shelf-stable option.

Typical Ollie fresh recipes include:

• Beef Dish with Sweet Potatoes
• Chicken Dish with Carrots
• Turkey Dish with Blueberries
• Pork Dish with Apples
• Lamb Dish with Cranberries

Each recipe combines a primary animal protein with vegetables, fruits, and healthy oils to create a nutritionally balanced meal.

What makes Ollie stand out is that they also offer baked dog food, which is gently baked rather than extruded like traditional kibble. It’s still less processed than most dry dog foods but easier to store and more affordable than fresh meals.

Why Recipe Variety Matters

Rotating between proteins can help:

• Prevent boredom in picky eaters
• Reduce the risk of developing food sensitivities
• Provide a broader range of nutrients

Some veterinarians also recommend rotational feeding when dogs tolerate multiple proteins well.

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5.2 Farmer’s Dog Recipe Options

The Farmer’s Dog keeps things simpler. Their menu typically includes four core recipes:

• Chicken Recipe
• Beef Recipe
• Turkey Recipe
• Pork Recipe

Each formula is designed to deliver complete and balanced nutrition, meaning a dog could technically eat one recipe long-term without needing to rotate foods.

Because the menu is smaller, the company focuses on refining a few recipes instead of constantly adding new ones.

Simple, Focused Menu

While some owners wish Farmer’s Dog had more recipes, others appreciate the simplicity. A smaller menu means:

• Less decision fatigue
• Easier ordering
• Consistent ingredient sourcing

For dogs with sensitive stomachs, sticking with one recipe can sometimes be beneficial.

6. Nutrition and Health Benefits

Fresh dog food has gained popularity largely because of the potential health benefits compared with heavily processed kibble.

While not every dog requires fresh food to thrive, many owners report noticeable improvements after switching.

6.1 Nutritional Standards

Both Ollie and The Farmer’s Dog design their meals to meet AAFCO nutritional guidelines.

AAFCO standards ensure dog foods contain the essential nutrients required for:

• Growth
• Maintenance
• Energy production
• Organ health

Both brands also rely on veterinary nutritionists to develop their formulas.

This means the recipes are not simply home-style meals — they are carefully balanced with nutrients dogs require, including:

• Essential amino acids
• Omega fatty acids
• Vitamins and minerals
• Proper calcium-to-phosphorus ratios

6.2 Protein and Macronutrients

Dogs need the right balance of protein, fats, and carbohydrates to maintain overall health.

Here’s a general comparison of what you’ll find in these fresh meals.

Both brands rely heavily on whole food ingredients rather than synthetic fillers, which helps maintain a natural nutrient profile.

Protein Sources

The primary protein sources include:

• Chicken
• Turkey
• Beef
• Pork
• Lamb (Ollie only)

These proteins supply essential amino acids, which are necessary for muscle maintenance and immune system health.

6.3 Health Benefits of Fresh Dog Food

Many dog owners switch to fresh food after noticing issues with traditional kibble such as:

• Dull coat
• Digestive problems
• Food sensitivities
• Lack of appetite

While every dog is different, owners often report improvements in areas like digestion and energy after moving to fresh diets.

Common Benefits Owners Notice

Improved digestion

Fresh foods typically contain fewer fillers and more natural fiber, which may support smoother digestion.

Healthier coat and skin

Omega fatty acids found in fish oil and healthy fats can improve coat shine and reduce dryness.

More energy

Some dogs appear more energetic when eating diets higher in quality protein and lower in heavily processed ingredients.

Better appetite

Because fresh meals smell and taste closer to real food, many picky dogs eat them more enthusiastically.

Of course, these results vary from dog to dog. Some dogs transition easily, while others may need time to adjust.

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7. Personalization and Custom Meal Plans

One reason subscription dog food services have become so popular is personalized nutrition.

Instead of feeding the same generic formula to every dog, companies now tailor meals based on individual characteristics.

7.1 Ollie Customization Process

Ollie begins the process with a dog profile questionnaire.

The form asks questions about:

• Breed
• Age
• Weight
• Body condition
• Activity level
• Allergies or sensitivities

From there, Ollie calculates how many calories your dog needs per day.

Owners can then choose between several feeding options, such as:

• Full fresh plan
• Mixed plan (fresh + baked)
• Partial fresh plan

This flexibility allows owners to adjust the plan based on budget and feeding preferences.

7.2 Farmer’s Dog Customization

The Farmer’s Dog also uses a questionnaire system, but their approach focuses more heavily on precise calorie control.

After entering your dog’s details, the company calculates:

• Ideal daily calorie intake
• Recommended portion sizes
• Feeding schedule

Meals are then shipped pre-portioned, meaning each pack contains exactly the right amount for a meal.

This removes the guesswork from feeding.

Why Portion Control Matters

Many dogs become overweight because owners unintentionally feed too much.

Pre-portioned meals can help maintain a healthy weight by ensuring dogs receive exactly the calories they need.

8. Price Comparison

Cost is one of the most important factors for dog owners considering fresh food.

Because these meals use higher-quality ingredients and require refrigeration, they are naturally more expensive than standard kibble.

8.1 Ollie Pricing

Ollie pricing depends on several factors, including:

• Dog size
• Activity level
• Feeding plan
• Recipe choices

For a small dog, Ollie may cost roughly $2 to $4 per day.

For larger dogs, daily costs can rise to $8 to $12 or more.

The mixed plan option (fresh plus baked food) can help reduce the total cost.

Estimated Monthly Costs

These numbers vary depending on calorie requirements.

8.2 Farmer’s Dog Pricing

The Farmer’s Dog follows a similar pricing structure based on dog size and calorie needs.

Typical price ranges are slightly lower than Ollie.

Small dogs might cost around $2 per day, while large dogs could reach $10 per day or more.

Because meals are pre-portioned and exclusively fresh, there are fewer flexible pricing options.

8.3 Which Is Cheaper?

In many comparisons, The Farmer’s Dog tends to be slightly cheaper for full fresh feeding plans.

However, Ollie’s mixed plan option sometimes allows owners to lower costs by combining fresh food with baked recipes.

Ultimately, the best value depends on:

• Your dog’s size
• Calorie requirements
• Whether you want full fresh meals or a hybrid approach

Delivery, Taste Tests, Pros & Cons, and Final Verdict

In the earlier sections of this comparison, we covered ingredients, recipe variety, nutritional quality, personalization, and pricing. Those are obviously important factors, but they’re not the only things dog owners care about.

When people switch to a fresh food subscription, they also want to know things like:

• How easy the delivery and storage process is
• Whether their dog will actually enjoy the food
• How convenient the subscription system is to manage

So in this final part, we’ll look at the real-world experience of feeding these brands and answer some of the most common questions dog owners have when comparing Ollie vs Farmer’s Dog.

9. Packaging, Delivery, and Storage

Fresh dog food has a different storage process compared to traditional kibble. Since these meals contain real meat and fresh ingredients, they need to be refrigerated or frozen to stay safe.

Both Ollie and The Farmer’s Dog ship their meals frozen with insulated packaging, but the way they package portions is slightly different.

9.1 Ollie Packaging

Ollie meals typically arrive in flat, vacuum-sealed packs that can easily be stacked in the freezer.

Each delivery usually includes:

• Slim sealed food packs
• A Puptainer storage container
• A serving scoop
• Feeding instructions

The Puptainer is a reusable container designed to store thawed food in the refrigerator. Once a pack is opened, the food can be kept in the fridge for several days.

Portioning with Ollie

Unlike The Farmer’s Dog, Ollie doesn’t always ship food in pre-measured portions.

Instead, owners usually scoop the amount recommended for their dog’s weight and calorie needs.

For some owners, this approach offers more flexibility. For others, measuring portions can feel slightly less convenient.

9.2 Farmer’s Dog Packaging

The Farmer’s Dog takes a slightly different approach.

Each meal pack arrives pre-portioned, meaning every package already contains the correct serving size for your dog.

That means there’s no measuring required — you simply:

1. Open the pack
2. Serve the meal
3. Store the remainder if necessary

Packaging Design

The meals arrive in insulated boxes with:

• Frozen food packs
• Eco-friendly insulation
• Ice packs to keep the food cold during shipping

The packaging is designed so that meals stay frozen even during long delivery times.

Because the packs are pre-portioned, many owners find the feeding process quicker and simpler.

Storage Tips for Fresh Dog Food

Whether you choose Ollie or Farmer’s Dog, proper storage is important.

Fresh meals should be:

• Stored in the freezer until needed
• Thawed in the refrigerator before feeding
• Used within a few days after opening

Once thawed, the meals should never be left out at room temperature for long periods.

10. Taste and Palatability (What Dogs Prefer)

One of the biggest questions dog owners ask when switching foods is simple:

Will my dog actually eat it?

While taste can vary from dog to dog, both brands are known for producing meals that dogs usually enjoy.

Texture Differences Between the Foods

Both Ollie and Farmer’s Dog meals resemble real home-cooked food more than traditional kibble.

The texture is typically soft and moist, with visible pieces of meat and vegetables.

Some dogs find this texture much more appealing than dry food.

Ingredient Appearance

When you open a fresh meal pack, the ingredients look noticeably different from processed dog food.

You might see things like:

• Chunks of meat
• Pieces of carrots or sweet potatoes
• Bits of leafy vegetables

For many dog owners, this visual difference is reassuring. It looks much closer to real food than heavily processed kibble.

Dog Taste Test Results

Many reviews from pet owners suggest that dogs tend to eat both brands enthusiastically, especially if they are switching from dry kibble.

However, some owners report that dogs show a slight preference for The Farmer’s Dog recipes, possibly because of their higher moisture content and stronger aroma.

That said, taste preferences vary widely.

Some dogs love beef recipes, while others strongly prefer chicken or turkey.

Picky Eaters

Fresh food is often recommended for dogs that:

• Lose interest in kibble
• Refuse meals frequently
• Need encouragement to eat

Because the food smells and tastes closer to real cooked meals, many picky eaters respond well to it.

11. Pros and Cons

To make the comparison easier, it helps to look at the strengths and limitations of each brand.

11.1 Ollie Pros and Cons

Pros

More recipe variety

Ollie offers a wider range of proteins, including lamb and pork options.

Fresh and baked food choices

Owners can choose between fresh meals or baked alternatives, which can lower the cost.

Flexible feeding plans

Mixed plans allow dogs to receive both fresh and baked food.

Cons

Higher price

Ollie is sometimes slightly more expensive than Farmer’s Dog for full fresh plans.

Manual portioning

Owners typically need to measure servings themselves.

11.2 Farmer’s Dog Pros and Cons

Pros

Pre-portioned meals

Each pack is designed for a specific serving size, making feeding easier.

Slightly lower cost

In many comparisons, Farmer’s Dog ends up being marginally cheaper.

Highly digestible ingredients

Simple recipes can work well for dogs with sensitive stomachs.

Cons

Fewer recipe options

The menu is smaller compared to Ollie.

Fresh food only

There’s no baked or hybrid option to reduce cost.

12. Subscription and Ordering Experience

Both brands operate through subscription-based delivery systems.

This means meals are automatically shipped to your home on a regular schedule.

12.1 Sign-Up Process

Getting started is relatively similar for both services.

Owners fill out a short questionnaire about their dog’s:

• Age
• Weight
• Breed
• Activity level
• Health concerns

After submitting the information, the company recommends a custom feeding plan.

This step usually takes only a few minutes.

12.2 Delivery Frequency

Once the plan is set up, meals are shipped automatically.

Most subscriptions allow deliveries every:

• 2 weeks
• 4 weeks
• 6 weeks

Delivery frequency depends on how much food your dog consumes.

12.3 Subscription Flexibility

Both companies allow customers to:

• Pause deliveries
• Skip shipments
• Adjust meal plans
• Cancel subscriptions

This flexibility makes it easier for owners to adjust their orders if their dog’s needs change.

13. Which Dog Food Is Better for Different Dogs?

Every dog is different, so the “best” food often depends on the individual animal.

Here’s a quick breakdown of which brand might work better in different situations.

Dogs with food sensitivities may benefit from trying multiple recipes to see which works best.

14. Ollie vs Farmer’s Dog: Side-by-Side Comparison

15. Alternatives to Ollie and Farmer’s Dog

While these two brands are among the most popular fresh dog food subscriptions, they are not the only options available.

Some alternatives include:

Nom Nom

Offers fresh meals and vet-designed recipes.

JustFoodForDogs

Provides both fresh food delivery and veterinary therapeutic diets.

Spot & Tango

Known for both fresh and air-dried dog food options.

Freshpet

A refrigerated dog food brand commonly available in grocery stores.

Each option has its own strengths, so it may be worth comparing multiple brands before making a final decision.

16. Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ollie better than Farmer’s Dog?

It depends on what you value most. Ollie offers more recipe variety and flexible feeding plans, while Farmer’s Dog focuses on simplicity and portion control.

Which dog food is healthier?

Both brands meet AAFCO nutritional standards and use human-grade ingredients, making them healthier options than many processed kibble brands.

Which brand is cheaper?

In most cases, The Farmer’s Dog costs slightly less than Ollie for full fresh feeding plans.

Is fresh dog food worth the cost?

For some dogs, yes. Owners often report improvements in digestion, coat health, and appetite after switching to fresh food.

Do veterinarians recommend Ollie or Farmer’s Dog?

Many veterinarians support fresh diets that meet complete nutritional standards, although recommendations can vary depending on the dog’s health needs.

Can you mix fresh food with kibble?

Yes. Many owners mix fresh food with kibble to improve flavor and nutrition while reducing cost.

Are these foods safe for puppies?

Both brands offer meal plans designed for growing dogs, but it’s always best to confirm with your veterinarian.

Do these meals require refrigeration?

Yes. Fresh meals must be stored in the freezer and refrigerated after thawing.

17. Final Verdict: Ollie vs Farmer’s Dog

When comparing Ollie vs Farmer’s Dog, there isn’t a single winner that fits every dog.

Both brands provide high-quality fresh meals made with real ingredients, and both follow nutritional guidelines that ensure balanced diets.

However, the best choice often depends on what matters most to you as a dog owner.

Choose Ollie if you want

• More recipe variety
• Flexible meal plans
• Fresh and baked food options

Choose Farmer’s Dog if you want

• Simple pre-portioned meals
• Slightly lower cost
• Easy feeding with minimal measuring

At the end of the day, the most important factor is finding a food that keeps your dog healthy, energetic, and excited at mealtime.