Is Fresh Dog Food Cooked or Raw?

When you hear “fresh dog food,” it’s normal to wonder if that means raw meat or something cooked. After all, fresh just means it’s not dry kibble or canned food packed with preservatives.

The truth is, not all fresh dog food is the same. Some brands make raw meals you serve straight from the fridge or freezer. Others, like Ollie, prepare fresh dog food that’s gently cooked to balance nutrition, safety, and taste.

If you’ve ever wondered if fresh dog food is cooked or raw, this guide will clear it up and help you choose what’s best for your pup.

Is Fresh Dog Food Cooked or Raw?

Fresh dog food can be either raw or cooked, depending on the brand and recipe.

Some fresh pet food companies make raw meals that include uncooked meat, bones, and organs. Others make gently cooked meals using real meat and vegetables cooked at lower temperatures than traditional pet food.

At Ollie, we believe in gently cooked fresh food. Our meals are made with real, human-grade meat and veggies, cooked gently to kill harmful bacteria while keeping the natural nutrients intact. The result is a safer, tastier option that’s easy for dogs to digest.

Feeding a clean, balanced diet like Ollie gently cooked meals helps support a healthy gut — and happier poops.

What Does ‘Gently’ Mean?

Gently cooked means the food is heated just enough to remove harmful bacteria, but not so much that it loses the flavor and nutrients that make fresh food so appealing.

For Ollie, that means:

• Real meat cooked at low temperatures
  
• No harsh processing like kibble
  
• No raw handling risks for pet parents
  
• Recipes designed with vets and pet nutritionists to keep nutrition balanced
  

This makes gently cooked fresh food the best of both worlds: safer than raw, healthier and tastier than overprocessed kibble.

Benefits of Gently Cooked Fresh Dog Food

Gently cooked fresh food offers benefits that raw or heavily processed diets often can’t match.

• Safer to Handle: Cooking removes harmful bacteria like salmonella that can pose risks to dogs and humans, especially kids or older adults in the home.
  
• Easier to Digest: Gentle cooking makes proteins easier to break down, which helps dogs with sensitive stomachs or allergies.
  
• More Appealing: Light cooking brings out the smell and taste of real meat and veggies, which can tempt picky eaters.
  
• Better Nutrition: Unlike kibble, gently cooked food keeps more nutrients intact by avoiding high-heat processing.
  

Many dog parents choose gently cooked food because it balances safety, taste, and real nutrition.

Raw vs. Cooked Fresh Food: What’s Safer?

Raw food can work well for some dogs, but it does come with more handling risk. Feeding raw meat means carefully managing bacteria to protect your dog and your household.

Veterinarians often recommend gently cooked food over raw, especially if there are young children, older adults, or anyone with a weakened immune system in the home. Cooking fresh food at low temperatures helps remove harmful bacteria while keeping food real and nutritious.

If you want fresh food without the stress of raw handling, gently cooked is often the safer choice.

How Ollie Prepares Fresh Dog Food

At Ollie, we believe dogs deserve the benefits of fresh food without the risks that come with raw meat. That’s why we gently cook all our meals in USDA-regulated kitchens using real, human-grade ingredients.

Every recipe is crafted with veterinarians and animal nutritionists, then gently cooked at low temperatures to lock in taste and nutrition. We portion each meal so you can thaw only what you need, store it easily in the fridge, and serve your dog real food you can feel good about.

No raw bones, no guessing, no extra worry, just safe, fresh meals ready for the bowl.

Feeding a clean, balanced diet like Ollie gently cooked meals helps support a healthy gut — and happier poops.

Why Vets Often Recommend Cooked Fresh Food

Many veterinarians recommend gently cooked fresh dog food because it offers the same whole-food nutrition benefits as raw, but with less risk of harmful bacteria. Cooking at low temperatures helps protect your dog and your household without stripping away the nutrients that matter.

For picky eaters, seniors, and dogs with sensitive stomachs, gently cooked meals are also easier to digest than raw diets or hard kibble. It’s one reason Ollie works so closely with vets and pet nutritionists to make sure every meal is balanced, safe, and easy on your dog’s system.

How to Store and Serve Cooked Fresh Food

Storing and serving gently cooked fresh dog food is simple when you follow a few easy steps:

• Keep unopened packs in the fridge or freezer until you’re ready to use them.
  
• Thaw frozen packs in the fridge for 24 hours before serving.
  
• Store opened packs in the fridge and use them within four days.
  
• Serve meals at room temperature for the best flavor and smell.
  
• Never refreeze thawed food.
  

Ollie includes clear instructions in every box to help you handle fresh meals safely from fridge to bowl.

Feeding a clean, balanced diet like Ollie gently cooked meals helps support a healthy gut — and happier poops.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is fresh dog food cooked or raw?

Fresh dog food can be either, depending on the brand. Ollie fresh meals are slow cooked for safety and nutrition.

Is Ollie fresh dog food raw?

No. Ollie is slow cooked to remove bacteria while keeping real ingredients fresh and tasty.

What does gently cooked mean?

Gently cooked means food is heated at lower temperatures to kill harmful bacteria but still keep nutrients and flavor.

Is raw dog food safe?

Raw can work for some dogs but requires careful handling. Many vets prefer lightly cooked fresh food for most dogs and families.

Why choose cooked fresh food over raw?

Gently cooked meals offer whole-food nutrition like raw but with less bacteria risk, easier digestion, and no raw meat mess in your kitchen.