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Every season ushers in a new routine, and in spring/summer, it’s food shopping at the farmer’s market. I love chatting with the vendors, buying new vegetables, and learning what’s in season. The benefits aren’t just social… they’re also nutritional, and by extension, physical. My energy levels increase as I get into a rhythm of eating fresh produce, and the whole experience is a much-needed refresh.
My dog Theo loves being outside in the spring just as much as the next pup, but I often wish he could experience the same rejuvenation I do each year when I return to the open arms of local produce. It wasn’t until I discovered Ollie that I realized my dream could become a reality.
Fresh Turkey & Blueberries?!
I was visiting an old friend, casually sipping coffee in the kitchen, when two of her dogs started making a ruckus near their food bowls. She jumped up to the fridge and carefully unwrapped a packet of Ollie’s Lamb with Cranberries Dish. I had to ask what it was—I’d never seen dog food like it!
As it turns out, she had been feeding her pups with Ollie dog food for nearly two years. Lamb with Cranberries was their second favorite recipe (the first was Fresh Turkey with Blueberries). Initially, she used the Mixed Ollie plan, which included both Baked and Fresh food (more on this later). Her description was the only elevator pitch I needed… I got home and logged onto the Ollie website right away.
Ollie… Who?
Ollie is a dog food brand with a premium delivery service that was founded by dog lovers, for dog lovers, in 2016. Their mission is to treat dogs like the human-adjacent figures they are: with meals that maximize flavor and nutrition and account for each dog’s needs.
Several companies have sprouted up to follow in the footsteps of Ollie, but unsurprisingly Ollie continues to attract lots of attention (and praise) for their efforts. They’ve received press coverage from The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, and Business Insider (among others). Even the beloved dog-walking app Rover named Ollie their Top Pick for the Best Fresh Dog Food on the market.
Planning our first Ollie delivery took less than 20 minutes, faster than any run to the pet store or farmer’s market. Once I got onto the website, the “Get Started” button led me to an introduction survey where I shared Theo’s breed, age, weight, and more specific info like food sensitivities and stool patterns (demonstrative of digestive health).
My results were recipe recommendations picked especially for Theo and his needs. I explored them all before landing on the Fresh Chicken with Carrots and the Baked Chicken recipes.
Fresh vs Baked
First things first: all of Ollie’s food is decidedly fresh. The difference between recipes is that Fresh Ollie food is wet (and must be refrigerated or frozen), while Baked food is dry and can be stored at room temperature. Both versions of food are made with whole, human-grade ingredients, prepared in small batches, and hand-packed for delivery.
Another production detail that resonated with me is that Ollie’s food is slow-baked. Many commercial kibble brands are cooked too quickly at high temps, which means that the ingredients (already lacking in quality) are further stripped of necessary nutrients. Ollie takes care to source meats, fruits, and vegetables of the highest possible quality, and to preserve the quality of these ingredients from start to finish. Their method reminds me of the way I’ll make dinner after a farmer’s market run… carefully, with extra appreciation for my ingredients.
Ollie Made a Noticeable Difference
I remember feeling nervous the day Ollie arrived (promptly) on our doorstep. What if Theo didn’t even like the meals I’d chosen, after all of this? He waited for his food like any other day, but finished more quickly than ever before… a good sign. Over the next couple of days, I watched him start to relax when he realized Ollie’s meals weren’t just a treat—they were his new normal.
It’s Been Two Months Since That Fateful Day…
… And we’ve had three more Ollie deliveries (we opted for shipments every two weeks as opposed to three). I can confidently say that upgrading Theo’s food is the best decision I could have made. My sweetheart is noticeably more energetic, and his activity level (especially when she’s outside) is much higher. She was never not excited about eating, but Ollie’s meals elicit more enthusiasm than his old kibble ever did.
Ollie is the Upgrade Your Pup is Craving
These days, before I start chopping my latest farmer’s market finds, I unwrap an Ollie dish for Theo first. That way, we can celebrate the experience of whole, real ingredients at the same time. Registering for Ollie food deliveries is the closest I’ll ever get to a farm share for my dog (and it’s pretty darn close). Plus, my farmer’s market closes for the winter but Ollie delivers year-round… Theo definitely got the better end of the deal!
