Ollie or The Farmer’s Dog which gives your pup the healthiest start?
Choosing the right dog food can feel overwhelming especially when fresh, human‑grade options like Ollie and The Farmer’s Dog offer premium ingredients and doorstep delivery. But which one actually gives your pup better nutrition, more convenience, and better value for your money? Let’s break it down in a way that helps you decide with confidence.
What Sets These Brands Apart
Both Ollie and The Farmer’s Dog are subscription‑based fresh dog food services designed to replace traditional kibble. They make meals from real meats, veggies, and balanced nutrients nothing like highly processed supermarket dry food.
What They Have in Common
Human‑grade ingredients meat and produce you’d find in your own kitchen
Fresh, not frozen or dehydrated meals
Tailored plans based on your dog’s age, weight, activity, and health needs
No fillers, artificial preservatives, or by‑products
The result? Meals that aim for better digestion, shinier coats, and overall wellness compared with most store‑bought options.
#1 Ingredients & Recipe Quality Ollie
Ollie uses whole proteins like turkey, beef, and salmon plus real veggies and fruits. All meals are formulated with vets and nutritionists. One of Ollie’s perks is extra recipe options and add‑ons like gently baked kibble‑style foods and supplements for joints or digestion.
The Farmer’s Dog
The Farmer’s Dog also uses real meats and fresh produce, delivered in pre‑portioned packs. Their focus is on simplicity and high digestibility minimal processing, no grain fillers, and balanced nutrition for all life stages.
In practice, both brands deliver excellent ingredient quality, but Ollie leans slightly more toward variety, while The Farmer’s Dog leans toward straightforward nutrition and prep convenience.
#2 Feeding Experience Customization & Planning
Both services customize meals based on your dog’s info but their plans differ subtly:
Ollie gives a bit more flexibility in recipes and meal size selections.
The Farmer’s Dog emphasizes accurate portioning and simple feeding steps (just open and serve).
Storage & Prep
Meals from both brands arrive fresh and need refrigeration or freezing. The Farmer’s Dog pre‑portions theirs, which some pet parents find more convenient especially for busy households.
If you want food that’s ready to serve with no measuring, The Farmer’s Dog has a slight edge.
#3 Cost Comparison
Fresh food isn’t cheap but for many owners, the health benefits are worth it.
On average:
Ollie is slightly more budget‑friendly for small to medium dogs.
The Farmer’s Dog can cost a bit more, especially for larger breeds that eat more.
Actual cost depends on your dog’s size, activity, and how much fresh food you feed versus mixing with kibble.
Tip: Both companies occasionally offer first‑order discounts or trial plans it’s smart to check current pricing before subscribing.
#4 Who Each Brand Is Best For
Here’s a quick way to decide based on your dog’s needs:
Best for Variety & Extras → Ollie
✔ You want multiple protein flavors ✔ You like having add‑ons (treats, supplements) ✔ You may alternate meals or mix with dry food
Best for Convenience & Simplicity → The Farmer’s Dog
✔ You want pre‑measured servings ✔ Your dog is a picky eater who does well with consistent meals ✔ You prefer ultra‑simple feeding with minimal prep
In other words:
Ollie = a bit more flexibility
The Farmer’s Dog = maximum ease
Real‑World Results: What Dog Parents Say
Many pet parents report:
Better digestion and less gas within 2–4 weeks
More energy and glossy coats
Fewer food allergies or sensitivities compared to cheap kibble
But some dogs take time to adjust, and fresh food means you’ll visit the fridge more often than with dry kibble!
Final Verdict: Which Is Better?
There isn’t a one‑size‑fits‑all answer both Ollie and The Farmer’s Dog are high‑quality fresh food brands that outperform most grocery store dog foods. Your choice boils down to:
Do you want variety and recipe options? → Ollie might suit you better.
Do you want ultra‑simple, pre‑portioned meals? → The Farmer’s Dog might be a better fit.
If you’re unsure, try small orders from each and see which one your dog prefers in taste, digestion, and energy that often tells you everything you need to know.