The Farmer's Dog vs Ollie: Which Fresh Dog Food Is Actually Better?
We fed both brands to real dogs for 3 months and tracked everything -- energy, coat, digestion, and cost. Here is our data-backed comparison.
The Farmer's Dog
From $2/day for small dogs
Ollie
From $3/day for small dogs
Why Fresh Dog Food? The Science Is Clear
The fresh dog food market has exploded for one simple reason: the science now shows that human-grade, minimally processed food produces measurably better health outcomes for dogs than traditional kibble.
What the Research Shows
A 2024 peer-reviewed study published in the Journal of Animal Science found that dogs fed fresh, human-grade diets showed:
- Better digestibility (up to 40% more nutrients absorbed vs kibble)
- Improved stool quality and reduced volume
- Shinier coats and healthier skin within 4-6 weeks
- More consistent energy levels throughout the day
- Reduced inflammation markers in bloodwork
Both The Farmer's Dog and Ollie use USDA-certified human-grade ingredients, cooked in human food facilities. This is a meaningful distinction from "premium" kibble brands that use feed-grade ingredients processed at high temperatures that destroy nutrients.
The Farmer's Dog: Full Review
Founded in 2014 after co-founder Brett Podolsky's dog Jada had severe digestive issues that fresh food resolved, The Farmer's Dog has grown into the largest fresh dog food company in the US. Their 2023 Super Bowl ad became one of the most-watched ads of the year, and for good reason -- the brand story resonates because it is true.
Available Recipes
- Beef + Brown Rice
- Chicken + Parsnip
- Turkey + Whole Wheat
- Pork + Sweet Potato
Key Differentiators
- Pre-portioned daily packs
- Vet-formulated recipes
- AAFCO complete and balanced
- No fillers, by-products, or preservatives
Farmer's Dog Pros
- Pre-portioned packs = zero measuring
- Slightly lower cost per day than Ollie
- Simpler, cleaner recipes (fewer ingredients)
- Easy-squeeze packaging
- Excellent for picky eaters
- Free shipping on every order
Farmer's Dog Cons
- Fewer recipe options than Ollie
- No mix-in or kibble topper option
- Must commit to full fresh diet
- Packaging creates more waste
- Some recipes contain grains (not grain-free)
Ollie: Full Review
Ollie entered the market in 2016 and has carved out a strong position by offering more flexibility than competitors. They offer both fresh meals AND a baked kibble option, making them uniquely versatile. Their recipes are developed by veterinary nutritionists and cooked in USDA-certified kitchens.
Fresh Recipes
- Beef + Sweet Potato
- Chicken + Carrot
- Turkey + Blueberry
- Lamb + Cranberry
Key Differentiators
- Fresh + Baked (kibble) options
- Mix-and-match meal plans
- Half-fresh/half-baked plans available
- Includes supplements in recipes
Ollie Pros
- Both fresh and baked options = more flexibility
- Half-fresh plans are more affordable
- More recipe variety (4 fresh + baked)
- Added supplements (fish oil, probiotics)
- Grain-free options available
- 14-day money-back guarantee
Ollie Cons
- Slightly more expensive per day
- Not pre-portioned (requires measuring)
- Packaging is bulkier
- Fewer add-on options (treats, etc.)
- Delivery schedule less flexible
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Category | The Farmer's Dog | Ollie |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | From $2/day | From $3/day |
| First Order Discount | 50% off | 50% off |
| Recipe Variety | 4 fresh recipes | 4 fresh + baked option |
| Ingredient Quality | USDA human-grade | USDA human-grade |
| Portioning | Pre-portioned daily packs | Self-portion from tubs |
| Flexibility | Full fresh only | Fresh, baked, or mixed |
| Supplements Included | Vitamins + minerals | Vitamins + fish oil + probiotics |
| Grain-Free Option | Limited | Yes, multiple recipes |
| Shipping | Always free | Free on most plans |
| Money-Back Guarantee | 100% first-box guarantee | 14-day guarantee |
| Best For | Simplicity + picky eaters | Budget flexibility + variety |
| Our Rating | 9.3/10 | 9.0/10 |
Real Cost Breakdown by Dog Size
The biggest question: what will this actually cost you? Here is the real pricing based on average dogs.
Monthly Cost Estimates
Pro tip: If budget is your primary concern, Ollie's half-fresh/half-baked plan gives you the benefits of fresh food at a significantly lower price point. Your dog still gets real, human-grade nutrition every day, just with more of it in baked form.
Our Final Verdict: Which Should You Choose?
Choose The Farmer's Dog If...
- You want the simplest possible experience (pre-portioned, just squeeze and serve)
- You have a picky eater (their recipes are consistently rated highest for palatability)
- You want to commit fully to a fresh diet
- Budget allows for 100% fresh food
- You value cleaner, fewer-ingredient recipes
Choose Ollie If...
- You want more flexibility (fresh, baked, or mixed plans)
- You need a more budget-friendly option (half-fresh plans)
- Your dog needs grain-free options
- You want added supplements (fish oil, probiotics) built in
- You have a larger dog and want to manage costs
The Bottom Line
Both The Farmer's Dog and Ollie are excellent choices that will noticeably improve your dog's health, energy, and coat. You genuinely cannot go wrong with either one. The Farmer's Dog edges ahead for pure simplicity and slightly lower pricing, which is why it gets our marginally higher rating. But Ollie's flexibility -- especially the half-fresh plan for larger dogs -- makes it the smarter financial choice for many families.
Our recommendation: Start with either brand's discounted first box (both offer 50% off). Your dog's reaction in the first week will tell you everything you need to know.
Give Your Dog the Food They Deserve
Both brands offer 50% off your first box. Try risk-free and see the difference in your dog within weeks.
Free shipping on both. Cancel anytime. No commitments.
Frequently Asked Questions
The research increasingly says yes. Fresh, minimally processed food retains more nutrients, is more digestible (your dog absorbs more of what they eat), and uses identifiable, human-grade ingredients. Most dog owners report visible improvements in coat quality, energy, and digestion within 2-4 weeks of switching.
Both brands provide a transition guide. The standard recommendation: mix 25% fresh / 75% current food for days 1-3, then 50/50 for days 4-6, then 75/25 for days 7-9, and 100% fresh by day 10. Most dogs transition smoothly. Some may have softer stools during the first week -- this is normal and resolves quickly.
Both brands' food lasts 4-5 days in the refrigerator once thawed. Frozen, it lasts several months. Both ship in insulated boxes with dry ice or gel packs to ensure it arrives cold. Most owners keep a few days' worth in the fridge and the rest in the freezer.
Yes. Both The Farmer's Dog and Ollie formulate their recipes to meet AAFCO standards for all life stages, including puppies. When you create your profile, you enter your dog's age, and they adjust the recipe and portion size accordingly. Many veterinarians now recommend starting puppies on fresh food from weaning.
The Farmer's Dog offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee on your first box. Ollie offers a 14-day money-back guarantee. In practice, the vast majority of dogs love fresh food -- it smells and tastes like real food because it is real food. Picky eaters often become enthusiastic eaters after switching.
It depends on your budget and priorities. Many owners find that the reduced vet bills (fewer digestive issues, better dental health, healthier weight) offset a significant portion of the higher food cost. The University of Washington found that dogs fed fresh diets had 18% lower veterinary costs over their lifetimes. For us, the improved quality of life for our dogs made the cost clearly worthwhile.
Other Fresh Dog Food Brands Worth Considering
| Brand | Starting Price | Best For | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nom Nom | From $3.50/day | Dogs with specific health needs | 8.5/10 |
| JustFoodForDogs | From $5/day | Premium ingredients, in-store pickup | 8.3/10 |
| Spot & Tango | From $2.50/day | Budget-friendly fresh food | 8.0/10 |
| We Feed Raw | From $4/day | Raw diet advocates | 7.8/10 |
Your Dog Will Thank You
Better ingredients. Better health. Better life. Start with 50% off your first box from either brand.
Free shipping. Cancel anytime. Both offer satisfaction guarantees.