After months of watching Luna turn up her nose at yet another bowl of kibble, I knew something had to change. My 6-year-old chocolate Lab was getting pickier by the day, and honestly, it was starting to wear me down. That’s when I came across Ollie’s fresh dog food — their promise of human-grade ingredients sounded almost too good to be true.
What really drew me to Ollie was the transparency. No mysterious meat meals or sketchy “animal by-products,” just real, recognizable ingredients. On top of that, their vet-guided nutrition team actually tailors each recipe to your dog’s needs — not just some one-size-fits-all “adult dog” formula.
Luna’s your classic Lab: always hungry, full of energy. But at six, I started noticing changes. She’d put on about five pounds over the past year (up to 72 from her ideal 64–66), her coat had lost its shine, and most worrying of all, she just wasn’t eating like she used to. For a Labrador that usually inhales everything in sight, that was a real red flag.
So, I decided to put Ollie’s fresh food to the test for 30 days to see if it really lives up to the hype — or if it’s just another overpriced letdown. In this review, I’ll tell you exactly how it went
5/5
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The ordering process with Ollie is surprisingly thorough — in a good way. It starts with creating a profile for your dog, and they ask about everything: breed, weight, activity level, and even any health issues. With Luna, I was asked to describe her body shape too. It honestly felt like a vet intake form, only without having to leave the couch.
The questions are smartly designed. They want to know if your pup has allergies or if there are ingredients you’d rather avoid. For Luna, I mentioned her sensitive stomach and the fact that she’s carrying a little extra weight. Right away, the system calculated exactly how many calories she’d need each day to safely slim down.
Within minutes, I had Luna’s personalized meal plan. Ollie recommended two recipes: beef with sweet potatoes and turkey with blueberries. One detail I really liked — they show you the exact breakdown of protein, fat, and carbs in each meal. You can swap recipes anytime, which is perfect if your dog gets bored or doesn’t tolerate something well.
The meals come pre-portioned in daily packs. No measuring cups, no guesswork — just open the pack, pour it into the bowl, done. For Luna, my 70-pound Lab, that meant two packs a day, clearly labeled for morning and evening.
Our first box showed up in just four days, packed in a big insulated box. Everything was frozen solid with dry ice — honestly, it would’ve stayed frozen even if I hadn’t brought it in right away (though I wouldn’t recommend testing that). The packaging was minimal but thoughtful: recyclable materials, and even the labels had Luna’s name on them.
The meal packs themselves felt sturdy and high-quality — not flimsy like some other brands I’ve tried. Each pouch lists the exact ingredients and the expiration date, and they stacked neatly in the freezer.
What stood out most when I opened the first pack? It actually smelled like real food. No weird chemical odor, no greasy film — just the aroma of cooked beef and veggies. If you’re used to the dusty smell of kibble, it’s a bit of a shock. Luna, of course, was at my side wagging her tail within seconds, so the very first test was already a win.
Those first few days with Ollie felt like hitting the reset button on Luna’s mealtimes. You know that moment when your dog actually runs to the bowl with excitement? I hadn’t seen that in months.
For the first three days, I mixed 75% of her old kibble with 25% Ollie, just like they recommend. Luna, being clever, picked out every single bite of Ollie first — the difference between fresh meat and dry pellets was apparently a no-brainer. On day four, she had a little bit of diarrhea, which is pretty normal when switching foods.
By day six, she was eating a 50/50 mix without a hitch. The change in her energy was noticeable on our evening walk — it was like someone flipped a switch. For the first time in ages, she actually chased after the ball instead of just sniffing around.
Once we hit 100% Ollie, that’s when the real results kicked in. Luna’s appetite went through the roof — she was waiting by the bowl before I even tore open the pack. The beef with sweet potato was hands-down her favorite, while the turkey with blueberries came in second. Still, she ate both without hesitation, which for her was nothing short of a miracle.
Her energy level skyrocketed. She started hopping back up on the couch (something she hadn’t bothered with in months), tugging at her toys again, and her long afternoon naps got noticeably shorter. If you’ve got an older dog that’s slowing down, this food really can turn things around.
By the end of two weeks, her coat had that glossy shine like I’d just treated it with an expensive conditioner. That dull, dry chocolate-brown? Gone. People at the park actually started commenting on how great she looked. She’d dropped almost two pounds — not drastic, but definitely in the right direction.
Her stools? Smaller, firmer, and easier to clean up. Instead of going three times a day, she was down to twice. And those infamous Lab gassy moments? Almost completely gone.
Even her breath improved. No more harsh, chemical-smelling “dog breath” — just… neutral. For a dog who loves giving face kisses, that was a win for the whole family.
By week three, everything seemed to level out. Luna had settled into her ideal energy zone — lively without being over the top.
By day 30, the transformation felt complete. She was about three pounds lighter, her coat was gleaming, and she acted years younger. It honestly felt like I had my old dog back — the playful, bouncy Luna from when she was three.
After seeing such a big change in Luna, I wanted to dig deeper and figure out what it is about Ollie’s food that makes such a difference.
The first thing you notice when you open Ollie is that this is real food. No mysterious “chicken meal,” no vague “animal by-products” — just beef, carrots, spinach, the kind of ingredients you’d recognize in your own kitchen. Every recipe starts with fresh meat as the main ingredient, then adds organ meats like liver for an extra boost of nutrients.
The veggies and fruit aren’t just there for show either. Kale, blueberries, sweet potatoes — they’re carefully chosen for specific vitamins and antioxidants. And you won’t find cheap fillers like corn or wheat whose only purpose is to bulk up the bag.
Most kibble is blasted under extreme heat and pressure, which destroys a lot of the natural nutrients. Ollie, on the other hand, slow-cooks its meals at low temperatures, the same way you’d cook at home. That gentle process helps preserve vitamins, minerals, and enzymes that usually get lost in mass production.
The result? Meals that pack 30–35% protein compared to the 22% you see in most kibble. That extra protein translates into lean muscle, more energy, and a shinier coat. For senior dogs or super active pups, that bump in nutrition really matters.
Dry kibble has about 10% moisture. Ollie’s fresh food comes in at 70–75%, which is what you’d expect from real meat. It might sound like a small detail, but it’s a big deal for your dog’s health.
That extra hydration means:
And let’s be honest — most dogs don’t drink as much water as they should. This built-in hydration is an underrated health bonus.
Every portion includes fish oil rich in omega-3s (EPA and DHA). It’s not just tossed in as an afterthought — it’s carefully balanced with omega-6 at the ideal 5:1 ratio. Sounds technical, but here’s what it means in real life: a shiny coat, less itching, and better joint health.
For older dogs with stiffness or pups with sensitive skin, this balance can mean the difference between constant scratching and finally being comfortable. The anti-inflammatory benefits aren’t just marketing talk — they’re backed by science.
What I love most about Ollie is that they don’t treat every dog the same. A young, high-energy Border Collie doesn’t need the same diet as an eight-year-old Bulldog. Ollie’s system calculates exactly how many calories your dog should eat based on breed, age, weight, and activity level.
No more guessing with vague instructions like “2–3 cups per day.” You get pre-portioned packs that are spot-on every time. For overweight dogs, this is a game-changer — weight loss without the constant begging for more food.
There’s no sugarcoating it: Ollie is definitely more expensive than your average kibble. For a medium-sized dog, you’re looking at around $200–$250 a month for a full fresh plan. That’s about four to six times the cost of premium kibble, which usually runs closer to $45–$65 a month. But here’s the thing — you notice the difference right away. The food is fresher, easier to digest, and your dog simply gets more out of it. Less itching, a shinier coat, and better digestion are things countless dog parents rave about.
If I’m being honest, I’d say Ollie is best suited for owners who put health first and don’t mind paying a little extra for it. And compared to some of its competitors, Ollie isn’t even the priciest option. Brands like The Farmer’s Dog and Nom Nom often come in higher, while Ollie offers more flexibility in plans and recipes, making it a bit more accessible.
If the price tag feels steep, there’s a smart workaround: go for a half-fresh plan or use Ollie as a topper on your current kibble. That alone can cut costs significantly, while still giving your dog the benefits. I’ve heard from plenty of owners who say that even 30–50% Ollie in the bowl makes a big difference in their dog’s energy and appetite.
Sure, you’re spending more upfront, but I genuinely believe it pays off long term. Fewer vet visits, a dog that stays healthier as they age, and just more joy in everyday life — those are things money can’t really measure. Personally, I see it as an investment in my dog’s well-being.
Honestly, for what Ollie delivers and the impact it’s had on my pup, I think it’s a pretty fair deal. If you value your dog’s health and happiness, I’d say it’s absolutely worth it.
And right now, you can try it with 60% off your first order. I’d recommend every dog owner give it a shot, even if it’s just for a month, to see what kind of difference it makes for your pup.
Ollie definitely takes a little more planning than just ripping open a bag of kibble, but honestly, you get used to it pretty quickly.
The biggest adjustment is freezer space. For small dogs, it’s not a big deal — you can get by with just a corner of your freezer. But if you’ve got a medium or large pup, expect it to take up a good chunk of your freezer drawers — sometimes 25–40% of the total space.
A few tips that made life easier for me:
If freezer space is tight, the Mixed Plan is a smart workaround. Since part of the diet is dry food, it cuts freezer use nearly in half.
The rule of thumb is simple: at night, move what you’ll need the next day from the freezer to the fridge. By morning, it’s perfectly thawed. For a medium-sized dog, that’s usually one to two packs per day.
If you forget (it happens to all of us), you can:
What not to do: leave it sitting out on the counter. It might seem easier, but it raises the risk of bacteria.
The included scoop is a lifesaver. It makes portioning foolproof so you’re not over- or underfeeding. A lot of owners find it handy to measure out the full day’s food in the morning and then split it between meals.
Since Ollie doesn’t use preservatives, the shelf life is shorter than kibble. Unopened, the packs last up to six months in the freezer. Once thawed in the fridge, you’ve got about 14 days, but after opening, you’ll want to use it within four days.
One thing to keep in mind: don’t let it sit out too long. Two hours max at room temp, or just one hour if it’s really hot. If your dog doesn’t finish, it’s better to toss the leftovers.
After a full month on Ollie, I’m giving this food a solid 9.5/10. And that score is well deserved. The transformation I saw in Luna — from a sluggish, picky eater to a shiny-coated, energetic dog — was nothing short of impressive.
Why not a perfect 10? Honestly, the only downside for me was freezer space. Managing it with a medium-to-large dog takes some juggling.
Absolutely. For dogs with digestive issues, dull coats, extra weight, or low energy, Ollie can be a total breakthrough. Even picky eaters usually get excited about the fresh recipes. If your pup struggles with any of these issues, I really think it’s a no-brainer to give it a shot.
And to be fair, I wouldn’t not recommend it to anyone. In fact, I’d say every dog parent should try it at least once — especially since they offer 60% off your first box. It’s the easiest way to see for yourself what kind of difference fresh food can make.
Yes — though I did switch to the Mixed Plan. Feeding Luna a 100% fresh diet ran about $230 a month, which stretched my budget a little too far. With the 50/50 fresh-and-baked plan, I pay closer to $145. That’s much more manageable, and I still see amazing results.
What keeps me with Ollie is the flexibility. I can swap recipes whenever Luna gets bored, adjust portion sizes as needed, and tweak the plan over time. It’s an easy system to stick with.
Ollie is premium dog food — and it justifies its premium price with real, measurable results. This isn’t just marketing hype. You can actually see the improvements in health, energy, and overall happiness. For dogs that struggle on commercial kibble, Ollie is often the solution.
Is it perfect? No. It takes freezer space, and some dogs may still be finicky. But for most pups I’ve seen (including Luna), it’s been a lasting positive change.
My advice? Take advantage of the discount, commit to 30 days, and see what happens. For many dogs, this is the food that finally makes a difference. And really — is there anything better than seeing your dog excited about food and life again?
Expect anywhere from $60 to $330 depending on your dog’s size and plan. For small dogs, it’s not too bad, but for big eaters it adds up quickly. In my opinion, the price is only worth it if you truly value health and convenience.
Yes. It’s super simple through your account. You can pause deliveries, delay them, or cancel altogether. No contracts, no hassle.
These options make it easier to save money or ease into fresh food.
Yes — usually 50–60% off your first box. Seasonal promos (like Black Friday) can be even higher. My tip: sign up during a sale to maximize savings.
Typically 4–7 business days. Your box arrives frozen on dry ice and should go straight into the freezer. Shipping is always free.
It depends on your dog’s size. Small dogs: about 30 liters. Medium: 60 liters. Large: 90 liters or more. I’d recommend checking your freezer before ordering.
Don’t use it. Contact Ollie right away — they’ll usually replace it or refund you without any issues.
The ideal method is 24 hours in the fridge. In a pinch, you can place a sealed pack in cold water for 1–3 hours, but use that only if you forget.
Up to 4 days in the fridge. Thawed but unopened: about 14 days. Never leave it out for more than 2 hours (or 1 hour in hot weather).
No, it’s not safe. Plan ahead and only thaw what you’ll need.
Yes. All recipes are AAFCO certified for all life stages. Portions automatically adjust as your pup grows, so you don’t have to guess.
Often, yes. With short ingredient lists and single proteins like turkey or pork, many dogs with sensitive stomachs or itchy skin see improvement. Always check with your vet for severe allergies.
Yes, though it may look like less than kibble. Fresh food is about 40% more digestible, so your dog gets more out of less. If you notice weight or hunger issues, you can easily adjust portions in your profile.
Ollie offers a 100% money-back guarantee on your first order. With a 92–95% acceptance rate, chances are slim — but it’s nice to know you’re covered.
It happens occasionally in transit. Ollie will replace damaged packs right away. If it happens more than once, let them know so they can improve packaging for your deliveries.
I’ve scoured the internet to find the best deal on this dog food!
