Ollie vs. The Farmer's Dog: Which Fresh Dog Food Is Right for Your Dog?
Fresh dog food subscriptions have exploded, and these two names come up the most. Both cook real-meat recipes, portion them for your dog's size and activity level, and ship them to your door. The differences are in the details: recipe options, how flexible the plans are, and which kind of owner each one fits best.
Side-by-side
| Ollie | The Farmer's Dog | |
|---|---|---|
| Food style | Fresh, gently cooked recipes, with other food styles offered alongside | Fresh, gently cooked recipes |
| Portioning | Custom portions based on your dog's profile | Custom portions based on your dog's profile |
| Plan types | Full meals or a partial plan mixed with your current food | Full meals, with smaller plans available |
| Delivery | Ships frozen on a recurring schedule | Ships frozen on a recurring schedule |
| Flexibility | Pause, change or cancel your plan online | Pause, change or cancel your plan online |
| Best for | Owners who want options and to ease into fresh food | Owners who want the simplest full fresh-food switch |
Recipes, prices and intro offers change often. Check each brand's site for the current lineup and your dog's exact price.
Ollie
Best for: owners on a budget who want to mix fresh food with kibble, or try fresh food without a full switch.
- More plan options, including partial plans that stretch your budget
- Personalized portions based on your dog's breed, weight and activity
- Easy to pause or adjust deliveries
The Farmer's Dog
Best for: owners who want to go all-in on fresh food with as little thinking as possible.
- A focused lineup of fresh recipes
- Pre-portioned packs labeled for your dog
- Straightforward subscription you can pause or cancel
Is fresh dog food worth it?
Fresh food costs more than kibble, so it isn't for every budget. Many owners like it for picky eaters or dogs who do better on simpler ingredients. A popular middle ground is a partial plan: a scoop of fresh food on top of your dog's regular kibble. You get most of the appeal at a fraction of the cost.
How to switch safely
Change foods gradually over about a week, mixing more of the new food in each day. Sudden switches can upset your dog's stomach. If your dog has allergies, a health condition or a special diet, check with your vet first.