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When it comes to feeding our furry friends, the choices can feel…overwhelming to say the least. With so many dog food options on the market, how do you know which one to choose? Is there that much of a difference between fresh food and traditional kibble? Does fresh food actually have health benefits for pups? And do they taste or notice a difference? Needless to say, I’ve given this a lot of thought. And plenty of research, too.
If you’ve been debating between sticking with traditional kibble or making the switch to a fresher choice like Ollie, I’m here to break things all the way down. Below, we’ll dive into everything from nutritional value to convenience and cost. My hope is to give you a clear picture of which option might be the right fit for your pup’s health and happiness – and share my experience in case it’s helpful for you, too!
In Terms Of Quality…
Ollie: Ollie is serious about the quality of its recipes, which are 100% human-grade and made with natural ingredients like whole, human-grade meat, fruit, veggies, and grains. Ollie’s recipes are developed by experts in pets, food science, and vet nutritionists – and the brand uses pet parent feedback and diagnostic data from hundreds of thousands of dogs to continuously improve its formulations. That means Ollie’s recipes are refined over time thanks to the data the brand receives on everything from your pup’s dental health to digestion, weight, skin and coat. No wonder 90% of Ollie members see positive changes – like improved digestion and energy, plus allergy and weight control – in their pup!
Kibble: Kibble is typically made from a mixture of meats, vegetables, carbs, and fillers. While there are premium kibble brands that offer higher-quality ingredients, it’s worth noting that many standard kibbles rely on fillers and by-products to beef up their recipes. On top of that, the high-heat cooking process of making kibble can also strip away much of the food’s natural nutrients. In general, kibble varies in quality, and marketing terms can be deceptive – while there are certainly some good options, it’s important to be diligent in checking labels.
Nutritional Value
Ollie: Ollie is made with just whole, human-grade meat, fruit, veggies, and grains – and its ingredients are carefully sourced from our trusted growers and producers and cooked in U.S. kitchens. Just as important as what’s in Ollie’s food is what isn’t: no artificial flavors, by-products, or harmful fillers used here. Ollie is slow-cooked at low temperatures to gently preserve essential nutrients, offering a balanced diet rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals.
Kibble: Kibble, on the other hand, often loses a significant portion of its nutritional value during the high-heat cooking process. While it is fortified with vitamins and minerals post-production, the overall nutritional density is lower compared to fresh food like Ollie.
Health Benefits
Ollie: Dogs on Ollie often experience shinier coats, better digestion, and increased energy levels. The high-quality, fresh ingredients can also help reduce the risk of allergies and long-term health issues, leading to a happier, healthier life. The proof is in the numbers: 90% of owners who feed their pup Ollie see positive changes in their pups, 90% say their pups have good quality stool, and within 1-2 months, owners report that Ollie has helped their dogs reach their goal weight.
Kibble: While kibble provides basic nutrition, it generally doesn’t offer the same health benefits as fresh food. Some dogs on kibble diets might experience digestive issues, dull coats, or lower energy levels.
Convenience
Ollie: Ollie’s dog food is delivered straight to your door, so it’s nice not having to lug a giant bag from the store to your car, then inside. I will say, though, Ollie takes a bit more planning than a typical kibble routine, as the bricks of food arrive frozen and must be thawed ahead of meal time. If you’re a big traveler, it’s also worth noting that after thawing, the food must be used within four days, though Ollie also offers 2 Baked shelf-stable recipes as an alternative option to its fresh food.
Kibble: Kibble is undoubtedly convenient. It’s shelf-stable, easy to store, and quick to serve.
Winner: Kibble
Cost
Ollie: You get what you pay for, and this premium food is generally more expensive than kibble. It ranges anywhere from $15/week to $69/week depending on the plan you go with and the size of your dog. One note on the cost: while it may seem like a bigger investment upfront, many pet owners find it worthwhile for the long-term health benefits and reduced vet bills.
Kibble: Kibble is generally more affordable, especially for larger dogs or multi-pet households. Depending on the size of your dog, kibble costs anywhere from $5/week to $30ish/week.
Winner: Kibble
Overall Winner: Ollie
Serving up Ollie’s fresh food feels like you’re doing the right thing for your dog. You can see that the meals are made of natural, whole-food ingredients, including lots of vegetables.
While I do as much research for my pup as I can, I’m certainly no expert. Ollie on the other hand? Made by experts. And that peace of mind is totally priceless.
