Do you know what DOG ESSENTIALS you are missing out? Find out now!
Zack Keithy, our author, is a certified veterinarian technician (UC Blue Ash) for over 6 years (contact him here). The articles written here are based on his expertise and experience, combined with a review by our expert vet reviewers including Dr M. Tarantino. Learn more about us here.
We’ve all heard the saying “you are what you eat” and as dog owners, we know that our dogs are basically just children who can’t talk back. But what does that mean when it comes to food?
Well, if your dog’s diet is lacking in nutrients, then he or she isn’t getting the nutrition they need to grow and thrive. And guess what? That can affect their behavior!
No surprise if you are searching for a suitable diet for your dog, one that consists of all-natural real food, and that’s where Ollie dog food appears on your radar.
You probably find yourself asking a ton of questions like is Ollie dog food good for dogs?
In this Ollie dog food review, I will cover the company and its product thoroughly and help you to make an informed investment.
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Navigate this post
- My Experience and Review of Ollie Dog Food
- What is Ollie Dog Food? Key Points Explained
- Ollie Dog Food Recipes
- Is Ollie Better Than Kibble?
- How to Transition From Kibble to Ollie?
- Ollie Dog Food Ingredients
- Has Ollie Dog Food Been Recalled?
- Is Ollie Dog Food Vet Approved?
- Is Ollie Dog Food Good for Dogs?
- What Type of Dog is Ollie Dog Food Best For?
- How Much Does Ollie Dog Food Cost?
- Is Ollie Dog Food Sold in Stores?
- Is Ollie Dog Food Human-grade?
- Reviews of Ollie Dog Food on Other Platforms
- Is Ollie Dog Food Worth It?
- Other product lines from Ollie
- Ollie Dog Food Alternatives
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- In Conclusion: is Ollie Dog Food Good for Dogs?
My Experience and Review of Ollie Dog Food
Having been a dog owner for several years, I’ve tried a number of dog food brands in my quest for the perfect nutrition for my fur baby.
However, my experience with Ollie dog food has been a total game-changer.
The moment I opened the first Ollie meal pack, I was instantly struck by the quality of the food.
The real, fresh ingredients were visible to the naked eye, and the aroma was genuinely appetizing – a far cry from the typical canned or kibble dog food smell.
This high-quality, human-grade food is crafted with an attention to detail that’s hard to find elsewhere, and it’s clear that Ollie takes the health of our pets seriously.
But what really sets Ollie apart is the enthusiastic response from my girl.
Molly’s excitement at mealtime has noticeably increased since switching to Ollie, and the clean bowl afterwards is a testament to the food’s palatability.
Not to mention, I’ve observed positive changes in her energy levels, coat health, and overall demeanor since we’ve made the switch.
It’s not just about the food being good—it’s about the food being good for them.
With Ollie, it seems I’ve found a solution that balances both these aspects perfectly, making mealtimes a joy for both me and my four-legged companion.
What is Ollie Dog Food? Key Points Explained
Ollie is a pet food subscription service that allows you to order healthy, delicious, and human-grade dog food for your pup directly to your door.
But with so many other pet nutrition companies out there, how does Ollie stand out?
It’s simple: transparency and quality ingredients—all at affordable prices.
With Ollie Dog Food, you’ll know exactly what’s going into your pup’s mouth!
When was Ollie dog food founded?
Ollie dog food was founded in October 2016 by Randy Jimenez, Alex Douzet, and Gabby Slome as a way to disrupt the dog food business which has been dominated by a small handful of big companies.
Who is the CEO of Ollie?
Nick Stafford is currently the CEO of the company, having taken on this role since 2019.
How Does Ollie’s Dog Food Work?
To get started, you will need to take a short quiz that asks you basic questions about your dog, including your dog’s:
- age
- breed
- current and desired weight
- activity levels
- food allergies
The company then uses its proprietary algorithm to determine the right amount of food that your pet needs and makes its recommendation.
At this point, you may proceed with the pre-selected flavors, or customize your preferred meats from either, beef, chicken, turkey, or lamb.
This is the starter box that will last your dog for 2 weeks.
Right now, you can get 60% off your first order and receive a free gift too through this link, greatly sweetening the deal (you will likely find 50% offers elsewhere only!).
Take note, the plan will automatically renew on a recurring basis according to the meal schedule, which by default is 8 weeks.
This means you will receive 8 weeks’ worth of food on your next delivery unless you specify otherwise in your account.
Unfortunately, you cannot make one-time purchases but you can cancel your subscription anytime.
Where is Ollie Dog Food Made? Is Ollie made in USA?
Ollie dog food is made in their kitchens located in New Jersey, USA.
They source their ingredients throughout the United States and to a smaller extent, in Australia, and make sure that they are safe for your dog.
All of its meats pass USDA certification and their suppliers also need to achieve an internal certification before they are used.
Here’s an interview with their Head of Food if you want to learn a bit more.
What Do You Get in Your Ollie Subscription Box?
In your starter box, you will receive 2 weeks’ worth of food that is frozen and packed into an insulated box.
Super impressed by the packaging as it keeps the food ice cold even though we were only able to get home an hour and a half after it was delivered.
Inside, you will also find a free scoop that lets you portion the food accurately and easily, plus a Puptainer (kind of like a Tupperware box) to store the food.
Also included is a handy custom feeding guide that will teach you how to transition your dog from its regular food to the Ollie diet.
Ollie Dog Food Recipes
Ollie offers a variety of dog food recipes crafted to cater to different taste preferences and nutritional needs.
Here are the options available to you now:
- Beef with Sweet Potatoes
- Turkey with Blueberries
- Chicken with Carrots
- Lamb with Cranberries
Is Ollie Better Than Kibble?
When considering whether Ollie is better than kibble, you first need to understand what sets it apart.
Kibble, while convenient and often more affordable, can sometimes lack the fresh, whole ingredients that are key to a dog’s well-rounded diet.
On the other hand, Ollie is crafted with human-grade ingredients, thoughtfully sourced, and precisely tailored to your dog’s individual nutritional needs.
This often translates into higher digestibility and better nutrient absorption, promoting overall health.
Ollie’s meals are gently cooked to preserve their nutritional integrity and then flash-frozen to maintain freshness.
This contrasts with many kibbles, which are heavily processed and may include artificial preservatives.
With Ollie, you have the peace of mind of knowing exactly what’s in your dog’s bowl – real, recognizable food that contributes to their well-being.
While both kibble and Ollie can form part of a balanced canine diet, the freshness, quality, and personalization of Ollie’s offerings make it a standout choice for me, so yes, I do think that Ollie is better than kibble.
How to Transition From Kibble to Ollie?
Transitioning from kibble to Ollie is a straightforward process that ensures the change is easy on your pup’s digestive system.
Just like most experts, Ollie recommends a gradual transition over about 7 days.
- Start by serving 25% Ollie with 75% of your dog’s current food on days 1 and 2. Pay close attention to your pup’s response, looking out for any changes in their digestion or behavior.
- On days 3 and 4, increase the serving to 50% Ollie and 50% old food. Again, keep an eye out for any changes.
- If your dog is adjusting well, move on to 75% Ollie and 25% old food for days 5 and 6.
- From day 7 onwards, your dog should be ready to enjoy 100% Ollie meals.
Keep in mind that each dog is unique and might take more or less time to adjust.
Ollie Dog Food Ingredients
Here is the full list of ingredients used in each of the 4 meat flavors.
You might be interested to know that taurine is added to the lamb recipe as lamb naturally possesses fewer amounts of it.
| Flavor | Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Fresh beef with sweet potatoes | Beef, peas, sweet potatoes, potatoes, carrots, beef kidney, beef liver, spinach, blueberries, dicalcium phosphate, chia seeds, salt, fish oil, zinc gluconate, rosemary, vitamin E supplement, pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6), riboflavin (vitamin B2), potassium iodide. |
| Fresh chicken with carrots | Chicken, carrots, peas, rice, chicken liver, potatoes, spinach, dicalcium phosphate, whole dried eggs, fish oil, blueberries, chia seeds, calcium carbonate, salt, cod liver oil, zinc gluconate, rosemary, copper gluconate, choline bitartrate, vitamin E supplement, manganese gluconate, potassium iodide, pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6), riboflavin (vitamin B2). |
| Fresh turkey with blueberries | Turkey, kale, lentils, carrots, coconut oil, turkey liver, blueberries, pumpkin, dicalcium phosphate, chia seeds, salt, calcium carbonate, cod liver oil, zinc gluconate, iron sulfate, choline bitartrate, manganese gluconate, manganese sulfate, copper gluconate, vitamin E supplement, thiamine hydrochloride, pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6), potassium iodate. |
| Fresh lamb with cranberries | Lamb, butternut squash, lamb liver, kale, rice, chickpeas, cranberries, green beans, potatoes, dicalcium phosphate, chia seeds, cod liver oil, salt, calcium carbonate, zinc gluconate, taurine, vitamin E supplement, iron sulfate, calcium pantothenate (vitamin B5), manganese gluconate, thiamine hydrochloride, pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6), potassium iodate, folic acid. |
Ollie Dog Food Guaranteed Analysis
The following are the guaranteed analysis readings for Ollie. You will need to convert the numbers to dry matter basis (calculator) if you want to make a comparison with anything else.
| Nutrient | Data | Dry matter basis |
|---|---|---|
| Crude protein | 9% min | 30% |
| Crude fat | 7% min | 23.3% |
| Crude fiber | 2% mx | 6.67% |
| Moisture | 70% max | – |
Quality of Ingredients
I personally think that Ollie truly shines when it comes to the quality of their ingredients.
They pride themselves on using only human-grade components, which means every ingredient that goes into your dog’s food could just as easily find its way onto your dinner plate.
Ollie sources high-quality meats, fruits, and vegetables, prioritizing sustainable and responsible sourcing practices.
The meals are free from fillers, by-products, artificial flavors or preservatives that are commonly found in many commercial dog foods.
The variety of ingredients is also impressive, with options such as chicken, beef, turkey, and lamb, combined with nutrient-rich superfoods like kale, blueberries, and chia seeds.
Each recipe is formulated by veterinary nutritionists, ensuring your pup gets a balanced meal full of the necessary proteins, fats, and micronutrients.
This attention to ingredient quality results in a product that not only tastes great to your pet but also promotes their overall health and longevity.
Comparison to other dog foods
A few things stand out to me when comparing to other similar dog food:
- Commitment to fresh, high-quality, human-grade ingredients
- Transparency about sourcing and their detailed ingredient lists truly exemplify this commitment.
- Level of personalization that is often unmatched
- Customer service is another aspect that stands out
Does Ollie dog food contain grain?
At the moment, all recipes except Beef and Sweet Potatoes contain grains, including rice and oats.
Does Ollie dog food have rice?
Yes, all Ollie dog food recipes except Beef and Sweet Potatoes contain rice.
Has Ollie Dog Food Been Recalled?
No, Ollie dog food has never been recalled since its inception in October 2016. This is a strong testament to their commitment to an excellent production process that is sanitary and safe for dogs.
Is Ollie Dog Food Vet Approved?
There isn’t actually any official association where vets approve or disapprove of dog foods, but Ollie certainly does well in the sense that the recipes are created by veterinary nutritionists.
They also meet the nutritional guidelines set out by AAFCO, The Association of American Feed Control Officials.
Is Ollie Dog Food Good for Dogs?
Ollie dog food is made with fresh ingredients that are sourced locally where possible.
It’s also a great option for dogs that have allergies, as they don’t use corn, wheat, or soy in their chicken recipes.
I love that they use simple yet premium ingredients to produce the recipes, utilizing a method of low-heat cooking that preserves the nutritional values of each and every one of them.
Not only that but based on several accounts by fellow dog owners (including ourselves!), dogs seem to love Ollie!
I know my Molly does, which is very evident each time it gets close to mealtime. You should see how excited she gets!
Beyond the taste and ingredients used, good dog food can also help your dog become healthier and maintain a beautiful coat.
That is one of the key reasons I made the switch to feeding real, natural dog food.
Compared to some other dog food brands, Ollie does not contain any useless fillers, preservatives, or coloring.
What Type of Dog is Ollie Dog Food Best For?
Ollie dog food is great for any dog, big or small.
There is really no specific type of dog that cannot benefit from this food.
The only thing is if your dog has a food allergy or is sensitive to certain types of ingredients, it might be best to consult with your veterinarian before using Ollie dog food as a full-time diet.
How Much Does Ollie Dog Food Cost?
As you might expect, a high-quality diet like this will cost a pretty penny and is certainly not for every dog parent.
That said, it is also important to consider the overall well-being of your dog and its quality of life over several years.
A healthier dog means a happier dog, and also one that is less prone to illnesses, which means fewer visits to the vet.
It is also unlikely that you will need to purchase additional supplements to make up for certain deficiencies.
Over the long term, it does work out to be a pretty good deal.
So how much is Ollie dog food exactly?
The price ranges from $4 per day to an average of $8 per day, depending on the size of your dog and its activity levels.
You can actually lower the cost slightly by opting for its baked products instead or consider mixing it with the regular food that you feed your dog.
Take the quiz first so that you can figure out exactly how much it is going to cost you.
How Much Does Ollie Dog Food Cost Per Month?
This will likely work out to be between $120 per month to $240 per month depending mainly on the size of your dog and its activity levels.
Can I cancel Ollie at any time?
Yes, you can cancel your Ollie dog food subscription at any time.
You will need to first log into your account, go to the “My Info” tab, head to “Your subscriptions”, and hit the “Cancel subscription” button.
All recurring orders will be stopped, but if one is in the process of delivery, you won’t be able to cancel that.
Is Ollie Dog Food Sold in Stores?
No, Ollie dog food is not sold in stores at the moment.
You can only sign up for a subscription through their website.
Signing up through this link gets you 60% off plus a freebie! (compared to only 50% elsewhere)
Is Ollie Dog Food Human-grade?
Yes, Ollie dog food is human-grade.
The ingredients used in their recipes are sourced from USDA-certified suppliers that are free of any additives or preservatives and contain no refined grains.
This means that the meat used in their products comes from animals that have been raised in farms similar to those that produce meat for humans.
You can rest assured that you are only feeding your dog the best quality food possible.
Reviews of Ollie Dog Food on Other Platforms
On Trustpilot, one of the largest review sites in the world, Ollie is rated at 4.5 stars with over 900 reviews to date.
I can’t possibly list each and every one of them, so I picked out a few that caught my attention:
“My 18 y.o pup has been on the fresh beef recipe for almost 3 years. She loves it. However, when they came out with the baked version, I knew I had to try it due to it being more convenient. We transitioned her need baked with her fresh 50-50 for several days. All is well. Finally, when she was on 100%, she woofed the baked down so fast with her tail wagging the whole time. It sounded like she was inhaling her food. I’m so glad I made the switch due to convenience and her enthusiasm for it. Her poops were all the same as before the change.”
“I have never seen a company with better customer service than Ollie. Any time I have questions about how to help my dog lose weight and/or increase her energy level, Ollie is here to help me figure it out. Or even if it is my fault that the package of food arrived on a day when I was not able to receive it, they send me a new box free of charge and encourage me to throw out any packets that weren’t fully frozen on my receipt. Over the years I’ve been with Ollie, I have called them on a not infrequent basis and they have always been there for me. Thank you, Ollie!”
“My dogs enjoyed Ollie the first day and a half then afterwards wouldn’t touch it. Even my little one who’ll eat anything turned up her nose. The other girl literally quit eating for 2 days she hated it so much. I emailed requesting the order be cancelled and based on a couple reviews I hope that happens and I’m not billed for any more. Had to throw out the uneaten food tonight and go back to the old. Good thing I still had some. Very disappointed.”
It is also worth noting that the company has responded and reached out to almost all of the negative reviews it got, which is very reassuring for me as a consumer.
Is Ollie Dog Food Worth It?
It’s a tough call, as there are many factors that go into the quality of food you feed your dog.
Personally, I find that Ollie Dog Food is worth it if you are looking for a high-quality product that’s made in the USA with good ingredients and is reasonably priced (I do think you get your money’s worth).
I love that there are actual chunks of meat in its products and not some undistinguishable mush that pervades many unknown brands (I would totally avoid those).
I’m not saying that every single product from Ollie Dog Food is amazing – there are definitely some misses in their lineup – but for the most part, I think it’s a good choice for dog owners who want to feed their pets better quality food without breaking the bank.
A good test is to try out the 2-week starter box, see if your dog takes to it well, and decide from there on.
Other product lines from Ollie
Besides the regular fresh food meal plans from Ollie, dog owners like yourself can also consider their baked goods.
Right now, there are two options available, and they can be used as part of a mixed meal plan:
- Beef and Sweet Potatoes
- Chicken and Carrots
From a nutrition point of view, they are similar to the fresh version, but this gives you a different textured option and has a longer shelf life.
Ollie Dog Food Alternatives
For sure, Ollie is not for every dog owner.
You might be looking for a lower-price alternative or simply want more options when it comes to recipes or choice of ingredients.
Here are a few other brands that are worth considering too:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long is Ollie Dog Food good for?
Unopened Ollie dog food packs can last up to 6 months in the freezer, while opened ones can be frozen and stored in the freezer for up to 4 days.
What is Ollie dog food’s shipping policy?
Ollie provides free shipping on every order to all 48 continental states in the US. They do not ship their products anywhere else at this moment.
Is Ollie dog food raw or cooked?
Ollie dog food is not raw but freshly cooked. The food produced by Ollie is cooked in low temperatures to ensure gentle cooking and to maximize the nutritional benefits of the ingredients.
Is Ollie dog food high in fat?
No, the 4 recipes offered by Ollie dog food are well-balanced and fall below the recommended limit of 25% fat calories for dogs.
In Conclusion: is Ollie Dog Food Good for Dogs?
Ollie dog food is a great product that comes with many benefits.
It is made out of natural ingredients and contains no artificial flavors or preservatives, and is available in 4 meat varieties, including lamb, beef, chicken, and turkey.
I have had great results with my own dogs, but of course, this is subjective.
One major disadvantage seems to be the high price point, so you definitely want to take the quiz and figure out how much it is going to cost you first.
I’m sure you and your dog will love it!
