As a content creator for foods.edu.vn and a self-proclaimed pet food expert (especially when it comes to finicky eaters!), I’m constantly on the lookout for dog food brands that stand out. My senior dog, Maggie, is the ULTIMATE food critic. Over our decade together, we’ve sampled what feels like a dozen different dog food brands. Even when she deigns to eat something, her mealtime routine is… unique. Think socks used as food bowl barricades – a bizarre ritual of “hiding” her kibble before cautiously eating around the edges. It’s truly a sight to behold!
For years, I’ve relied on the standard kibble-and-wet-food combo. However, I decided it’s high time Maggie enjoys her senior years with food she genuinely loves – and ideally, with a less perplexing eating habit. My quest began with neighborhood dog owners I chat with during our evening walks.
One evening, while admiring a particularly vibrant Golden Retriever, his owner, a friendly older gentleman, shared a suggestion that piqued my interest: Ollie Fresh Dog Food. He raved about how it keeps his dog happy and healthy. Intrigued, I rushed home to investigate. I was surprised to discover Ollie isn’t some obscure brand; they boast thousands of glowing 5-star reviews.
Keep reading for our comprehensive Ollie fresh dog food review – Maggie’s and mine! If you’re eager to jump ahead, you can explore Ollie directly here.
Getting Started with Ollie: Personalized Meal Plans
The first step to crafting Maggie’s personalized meal plan with Ollie was their in-depth online quiz. It’s impressively thorough! They inquired about everything: Maggie’s birthday, breed mix, weight, age, activity level, and even her poop habits! After inputting all the details, Ollie calculated a daily calorie recommendation of 300 calories for Maggie and presented a breakdown of their various meal plan options.
Ollie’s Meal Plans: Freshness and Flexibility
Ollie offers three distinct subscription plans to cater to different needs and budgets: Full Fresh, Mixed Bowl, and Half Fresh. It’s important to note that the pricing below reflects the cost for a small, 13-pound senior dog with low activity levels, like Maggie. Larger dogs, puppies, or highly active dogs will naturally require more food, resulting in a higher plan cost.
Full Fresh Plan
- Starting at $13.50/week (discounted from $27)
- 100% fresh dog food recipes
- Made with human-grade ingredients for optimal quality
- Provides 100% of your dog’s daily recommended calories
Mixed Bowl Plan
- Starting at $11.50/week (discounted from $23)
- A blend of half fresh dog food and half baked food (a gently processed kibble alternative)
- Crafted with human-grade ingredients
- Provides 100% of your dog’s daily recommended calories
Half Fresh Plan
- Starting at $9.45/week (discounted from $18.90)
- Fresh dog food intended as a supplement
- Made with human-grade ingredients
- Provides 50% of your dog’s daily calorie needs – perfect as a topper or supplement to your dog’s existing food
After careful consideration, I opted for the Full Fresh plan for Maggie. The core appeal of Ollie, for me, is its freshness. I loved the idea of feeding Maggie food that closely resembles what humans eat – real, wholesome ingredients. While I’m not planning on sampling Maggie’s meals myself, the fact that it’s human-grade is incredibly reassuring. (Important disclaimer: Dog food is for dogs! Resist the urge to snack on your pup’s dinner.)
Discover which Ollie plan is the perfect fit for your furry friend!
Ollie Recipes: Real Meat and Wholesome Goodness
Let’s delve into Ollie’s recipe options. Spoiler alert: I chose the Fresh Beef and Fresh Lamb recipes for Maggie, simply based on what I thought she’d enjoy most. Here’s a glimpse into the recipes and their key benefits:
If we continue our Ollie journey (spoiler alert – keep reading for the verdict!), I’m keen to try the chicken and perhaps the turkey recipes. Maggie has a somewhat sensitive stomach, but she’s also a bit of a chicken fiend. I have to monitor her chicken intake to prevent her from gulping it down too quickly – a genuine concern with this enthusiastic eater!
Ollie Fresh Dog Food: Pros and Cons
Like any dog food, Ollie has its advantages and disadvantages. Here’s a balanced look:
Pros of Ollie Fresh Dog Food:
- Easy-to-Serve Fresh Food: Convenient pre-portioned packs of fresh food.
- Human-Grade Quality: Made with ingredients fit for human consumption.
- Minimally Processed: Retains more nutrients compared to heavily processed kibble.
- High-Quality Ingredients: Premium meats, fruits, and vegetables.
- No Unwanted Additives: Free from preservatives, fillers, and artificial flavors.
- Meat-First Recipes: High in protein, with meat as the primary ingredient.
- Grain-Free Options: No corn, wheat, or soy – good for sensitive dogs.
- Made in the USA: Crafted in US facilities, ensuring quality control.
- Vet-Nutritionist Designed: Formulated by experts in canine nutrition.
- AAFCO Compliant: Meets the nutritional standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials.
- Appeals to Picky Eaters: The fresh taste and texture are enticing for fussy dogs.
- Supports Healthy Digestion: Gentle on the stomach, promoting better nutrient absorption.
- Promotes a Healthy Coat: Rich in omega fatty acids for a softer, shinier coat.
- Boosts Energy Levels: Provides balanced nutrition for increased vitality.
- Personalized Meal Plans: Tailored to your dog’s specific needs.
Cons of Ollie Fresh Dog Food:
- Requires Freezer Storage: Fresh dog food needs to be frozen until thawing, requiring freezer space.
- Subscription-Based: Available only through a subscription service.
- No Single Purchase Option: You can’t buy individual packs to try before subscribing.
- Limited Baked Food Options: No dedicated full baked food plan for those preferring kibble-style food.
Ollie Extras: Treats and Supplements
While my initial Ollie box focused on the fresh food, they also offer tempting add-ons! If we continue with Ollie, I definitely want to explore their extras:
- Beef and Sweet Potato Treats: Nutritious treats suitable for dogs of all ages.
- Chicken and Apple Treats: A source of antioxidants, protein, and fiber in a tasty treat.
- Sweet Potato Slices: Simple, single-ingredient sweet potato chews.
- Probiotic Chews: Designed to support gut health and aid digestion.
- Hip & Joint Chews: Formulated to promote healthy joints, especially beneficial for senior dogs.
- Calming Chews: For dogs who need help relaxing, perhaps during stressful situations.
Given Maggie’s age, the Hip & Joint Supplement Chews seem particularly beneficial, and I plan to update you on those if we try them!
Ollie Deals: Save on Your First Order
As mentioned earlier, my first two-week box of Ollie food was incredibly affordable at just $21.96, thanks to a 40% introductory discount. But even better news – you can currently save 50% on your first Ollie box! If you’re considering trying Ollie fresh dog food, this intro offer makes it a no-brainer.
The Verdict: Does Maggie Love Ollie Fresh Dog Food?
Intellectually, Ollie fresh dog food ticks all the boxes. But the ultimate question is: does my notoriously picky senior dog, Maggie, actually enjoy it?
Drumroll, please…
YES! She absolutely devours it!
Initially, Maggie was a bit hesitant, accustomed to the familiar clatter of kibble in her bowl. She gave the Ollie food a thorough sniff (and yes, attempted to bury it with a sock!), but then she dove in. She lapped it up with gusto, truly gobbling it down. We started with the Fresh Beef recipe, and her reaction to the Fresh Lamb was equally enthusiastic. She devoured both.
Will I Subscribe to Ollie?
The answer is a resounding yes. When it comes to Maggie’s nutrition, I’ve seen the light. She deserves the best, and Ollie fresh dog food provides just that. The focused look of pure enjoyment on her face as she savored her first taste of fresh food said it all.
If you want to treat your beloved dog to Ollie, claim your 50% discount on your first box today (no code needed)!
