Choosing the best fresh dog food can feel overwhelming, especially when comparing top brands like Ollie vs Farmers Dog. Both offer high-quality ingredients and convenient delivery, but subtle differences may affect what suits your dogs needs best. This detailed guide will help you understand the strengths and weaknesses of these two popular options, so you can make an informed choice for your furry friends health and happiness.
Fresh Dog Food Overview
Fresh dog food has soared in popularity among pet owners wanting to provide meals closer to a home-cooked diet. Unlike traditional kibble, these options use whole, minimally processed ingredients and avoid fillers typically found in mass-produced dry foods.
Both Ollie and Farmers Dog tailor their recipes based on your dogs size, breed, and health needs. They source real proteins like chicken, beef, and turkey combined with nutrient-dense vegetables. The freshness and nutritional completeness align with recommendations from veterinarians and canine nutritionists.

Ingredients and Quality
What Ingredients Define Ollie vs Farmers Dog?
Ollie prides itself on simple ingredient lists featuring human-grade chicken, beef, or turkey. Each recipe usually focuses on one primary protein source, combined with wholesome veggies such as spinach, carrots, and pumpkin. The brand avoids artificial preservatives, fillers like corn or soy, and common allergens like wheat. According to experts at the AVMA, diets with limited by-products and fillers tend to be better for long-term canine health.
Farmers Dog also emphasizes whole cuts of meatchicken, beef, or porkpaired with fiber-rich vegetables like kale, sweet potatoes, and peas. Uniquely, Farmers Dog emphasizes recipes crafted in USDA kitchens with vet-approved formulas personalized for each pups caloric and nutritional requirements. They also avoid artificial additives and grains that can cause digestive issues.

| Suitable For | Key Ingredients | Price Range | Feeding Amount | Ingredients to Avoid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| All dog sizes & ages | Human-grade chicken, beef, turkey, vegetables | $3.00$5.50 per meal | 2035g per kg body weight daily | Fillers (corn, wheat, soy), artificial preservatives |
Subscription & Delivery
Both Ollie and Farmer‘s Dog operate on a subscription model, delivering fresh meals directly to your door. You complete a simple questionnaire about your dogs age, weight, and activity level to get personalized feeding recommendations.
Ollie offers flexible weekly or bi-weekly deliveries with options to pause or cancel anytime. Farmers Dog similarly provides customizable delivery schedules, plus the ability to skip a shipment when needed. Both companies use insulated packaging and cold packs to ensure the food arrives fresh and ready to serve, with clear storage instructions recommending refrigeration for up to 5 days after delivery.
Feeding Guidelines
How Much Should I Feed My Dog?
Feeding guidelines from Ollie and Farmers Dog are designed to maintain your dogs ideal weight and energy. Typically, you will feed roughly 2530 grams of fresh food per kilogram of your dogs body weight daily.
For example, a 20kg adult dog would receive about 500600 grams divided into 2 meals per day. Puppies and active dogs may need slightly higher amounts, while older or less active pets require fewer calories.
Always monitor your dogs weight and adjust portions accordingly, and consult your vet before making significant diet changes.
Price Comparison
Cost is often a deciding factor. Ollie generally falls in the $3.00 to $5.50 per meal range, depending on protein and portion size. Farmers Dog prices are similar, with meals typically between $3.50 and $6.00. Both brands offer discounts on larger subscription plans or longer-term commitments.
Though more expensive than standard kibble, these fresh meals can offset veterinary costs related to allergies or digestive problems that arise from low-quality foods. Because quality counts, investing in these options often means better overall wellness for your dog.

Health Benefits & Concerns
Both Ollie and Farmers Dog provide nutrient-dense diets promoting healthy skin, shiny coats, strong muscles, and steady energy. Their fresh profiles suit dogs with sensitive stomachs or food allergies because of transparent ingredient sourcing and lack of fillers.
That said, always watch for any adverse reactions when switching dietsexcess gas, vomiting, or diarrhea signal a need to reevaluate. Serious food allergies require veterinary guidance to identify safe options. Balanced fresh food can reduce obesity risk when fed correctly, but overfeeding during transitions is common among enthusiastic owners.
Is Ollie vs Farmer‘s Dog Suitable for Puppies?
Both brands tailor recipes specifically for puppies, providing higher protein and calorie densities to support growth. Puppies typically need 34 small meals daily with amounts adjusted by weight. Always confirm with your vet before shifting your pups diet to ensure all nutrient requirements are met.
Label Reading Tips
How to Read Fresh Dog Food Labels
When choosing between Ollie vs Farmers Dog, scrutinize the labels closely. Look for:
- Named meat sources: Whole cuts of chicken, beef, or turkey listed as the first ingredient.
- No fillers: Avoid products with corn, wheat, soy, or by-products that add empty calories.
- Avoid harmful additives: Watch out for xylitol, onion, garlic, excess salt, or artificial preservatives.
- Guaranteed analysis: Balanced crude protein, fat, fiber, and moisture levels consistent with AAFCO guidelines.
- Transparency: Clear sourcing and production information build trust in quality.
Dont be swayed by flashy marketing claims like human-grade without proof or vague ingredient lists. Transparency and simplicity usually mean better nutrition for your dog.

Pro Tips for Choosing
- One common mistake is choosing fresh dog food solely on price. Cheaper options may cut corners on ingredient quality or sourcing.
- Sign up for smaller trial portions first to see how your dog reacts before committing to a subscription.
- Always follow feeding guidelines closely and monitor your dogs weight and digestion.
- Consult your veterinarian if your dog has allergies or special dietary needs for personalized advice.
- Use the questionnaire tools these brands provide; they are designed to fine-tune portions and ingredients based on your dogs lifestyle.
The biggest difference between Ollie and Farmers Dog may come down to your dogs preference and your convenience with the subscription flexibility.
For more home-cooked recipe ideas, you can explore our guide on Best homemade dog food recipes that complement fresh food options.
Is Ollie vs Farmer‘s Dog safe for my dog?
Yes, both Ollie and Farmers Dog are safe for most dogs when fed according to the recommended amounts. Their vet-approved recipes meet AAFCO nutritional standards for complete and balanced diets. However, always introduce any new food gradually over 710 days to avoid digestive upset and consult your vet if your pet has specific health issues.
How soon will I see results feeding fresh dog food?
Many owners notice improved coat shine, energy levels, and stool quality within 13 weeks of switching to fresh food like Ollie or Farmers Dog. Full benefits, including weight regulation and allergy relief, may take 46 weeks or longer. Patience and consistent feeding are key.
Can my dog switch between Ollie and Farmers Dog?
Yes, dogs can switch between brands, but do so gradually by mixing increasing amounts of the new food over 710 days to minimize stomach upset. Monitor your dog closely during transitions.
Do these brands cater to dogs with allergies?
Both offer limited ingredient recipes suitable for some dogs with allergies. Still, always check ingredient lists carefully and work with your vet to identify safe proteins and avoid allergens like grains, soy, or artificial additives.
How should I store fresh dog food?
Keep unopened fresh dog food frozen or refrigerated as instructed by the brand. Once opened, store refrigerated meals securely and feed within 35 days to prevent spoilage.
What if my dog wont eat fresh food?
Dogs accustomed to kibble can take time to adjust. Try warming meals slightly to enhance aroma, mixing in a small amount of their current food, or hand-feeding to encourage acceptance.
Is fresh dog food more expensive than dry kibble?
Yes, fresh dog food generally costs more per meal than kibble. However, improved health outcomes and reduced vet visits may offset the initial expense. Consider your budget and your dogs specific nutritional needs when choosing.
More You Might Like
Explore the differences in fresh food options alongside our in-depth review of ollie‘s dog food to see how it stacks up against other meal brands. If you also care for cats, our insights on Best cat food brands wet provide great alternatives for feline nutrition.
Conclusion
Deciding on Ollie vs Farmers Dog depends on your dog‘s taste, dietary needs, and your lifestyle preferences. Both brands deliver fresh, vet-approved nutrition designed to support your pets well-being. Next time you shop, check the ingredient labels closely and consider trying a trial to see which fresh food your dog enjoys most. Your dogs journey to healthier meals starts with thoughtful choices like these.
FAQs
Is Ollie vs farmer's dog safe for my dog or cat?
Yes, both Ollie and Farmer's Dog offer safe, vet-approved fresh dog food that meets AAFCO nutritional guidelines. They use quality ingredients and personalized recipes, but always introduce new food gradually and consult your vet for pets with special health needs.
How long does it take to see results with Ollie vs farmer's dog?
Most dogs show improved coat shine, energy, and digestion within 1 to 3 weeks. Full benefits like weight management and allergy relief may take 4 to 6 weeks or more. Consistent feeding and patience are key during transitions.
How much Ollie or Farmer's Dog should I feed my dog daily?
Feed about 25 to 30 grams of fresh food per kilogram of your dog's body weight daily, split between meals. Adjust portions based on age, activity, and weight changes, and follow the brands’ personalized feeding guidelines.
What signs indicate my dog may have a problem with fresh dog food?
Watch for digestive upset such as vomiting, diarrhea, excessive gas, or decreased appetite. Any allergic symptoms like itching or swelling should prompt consulting your vet to adjust the diet appropriately.
When should I consult a vet regarding diet changes between Ollie and Farmer's Dog?
Consult your veterinarian before switching foods if your dog has allergies, chronic health issues, or shows negative reactions during transition. Vets can advise on suitable protein sources and proper feeding amounts for your pet’s needs.