How Is Fresh Dog Food Made?

Unlike standard kibble that undergoes high-heat processing, fresh dog food maintains the natural integrity of ingredients while avoiding artificial additives and fillers. But what exactly goes into making fresh dog food, and how does the manufacturing process differ from conventional dog food production? This guide explores the intricate process behind fresh dog food manufacturing, from ingredient sourcing to delivery.

What Is Fresh Dog Food?

Fresh dog food is made with ingredients you would find in your own kitchen—real meats, fresh vegetables, and healthy fats. The key difference from traditional kibble lies in the gentle cooking process rather than high-heat extrusion. This approach preserves optimal nutrition without unnecessary additives, fillers, or artificial preservatives.

Many pet parents report noticeable improvements in their dogs’ digestion, coat quality, and energy levels after switching to fresh food ^[1]. This is largely because fresh dog food retains more nutrients, uses fewer processed ingredients, and avoids the intense heat processing that can diminish natural benefits.

The Fresh Dog Food Manufacturing Process

Creating fresh dog food involves multiple carefully controlled steps that prioritize ingredient quality and cooking methods.

Step 1: Human-Grade Ingredient Sourcing

High-quality fresh dog food begins with human-grade ingredients that meet the same safety and quality standards as food for people. Ollie uses:

• USDA-certified meats: Including chicken, beef, turkey, and lamb
  
• Fresh vegetables: Such as spinach, peas, and carrots
  
• Nutrient-rich superfoods: Like chia seeds and blueberries
  
• Strict exclusion policy: No by-products, artificial flavors, or fillers
  

Step 2: Veterinary Nutritionist Formulation

Each recipe is developed with board-certified veterinary nutritionists to ensure meals are carefully balanced to meet or exceed the nutritional standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). This guarantees every serving contains the proper ratio of protein, fat, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals for optimal canine health.

Step 3: Gentle Cooking Process

Meals are gently cooked at low temperatures in small batches. This method preserves the natural nutrition and flavor of ingredients—a crucial difference from highly processed kibble, where extreme temperatures can destroy essential nutrients and create Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs) ^[2].

Step 4: Quality Control and Safety

Every batch undergoes rigorous quality control measures following Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) protocols. This ensures food safety while maintaining nutritional integrity throughout the manufacturing process.

Fresh Dog Food vs. Kibble: A Detailed Comparison

Feature	Fresh Dog Food	Traditional Kibble
Ingredients	Human-grade, whole meats, vegetables, healthy fats	Feed-grade, meat meals, by-products, grains, fillers
Processing	Gentle cooking at low temperatures	High-heat extrusion (often >250°F / 120°C)
Nutrient Quality	Preserves natural vitamins, minerals, antioxidants	Significant nutrient degradation due to high heat
Digestibility	High (up to 95% apparent total tract digestibility) [3], [4]	Lower (typically around 75%) [3]
Moisture Content	High (typically 70-80%)	Low (typically <10%)
Additives	Minimal to none (natural preservatives where needed)	Artificial flavors, colors, and synthetic preservatives

Health Benefits of Fresh Dog Food Manufacturing

The manufacturing process directly impacts the nutritional value and health benefits dogs receive from fresh food. The gentle preparation methods preserve nutrients and offer several advantages:

Enhanced Digestibility

Dogs absorb more nutrients from fresh food, with total tract digestibility reaching up to 95%, compared to approximately 75% for typical kibble ^[3]. This improved digestion often results in better stool quality and overall gut health ^[5].

Improved Skin and Coat Health

Essential fatty acids and vitamins remain more bioavailable in gently cooked fresh food, supporting healthier skin and shinier coats ^[4].

Increased Energy and Vitality

Optimal nutrient absorption from minimally processed ingredients leads to increased activity levels and overall vitality ^[1].

Reduced Inflammation

Diet significantly impacts canine gut bacteria and metabolism, potentially improving inflammatory markers ^[5]. This is particularly beneficial for dogs with sensitivities or chronic digestive issues ^[2].

Scientific Evidence and Research Limitations

Research Foundation: Studies comparing fresh dog food to traditional kibble have measured various health markers, including nutrient digestibility coefficients, inflammatory markers, and owner-reported health improvements ^[3], ^[4].

Current Limitations:

• Many studies are observational or short-term feeding trials
  
• Variability in ‘fresh food’ definitions affects direct comparisons
  
• Research often relies on owner-reported outcomes
  
• Limited large-scale, long-term randomized controlled trials
  

Future Research Needs: Comprehensive, long-term clinical trials are essential to further validate the benefits of fresh dog food manufacturing processes.

Fresh Dog Food Delivery Systems

Modern fresh dog food companies like Ollie have revolutionized pet nutrition through personalized subscription services. The process begins with a detailed assessment of your dog’s age, breed, weight, activity level, and dietary requirements to create customized meal plans ensuring tailored nutrition ^[9].

Delivery Process Overview:

1. Personalized Portions: Meals are precisely measured for individual nutritional needs
   
2. Gentle Cooking: Food is prepared in U.S.-based kitchens following human food safety standards
   
3. Flash Freezing: Individual packaging preserves freshness without artificial preservatives
   
4. Direct Delivery: Temperature-controlled shipments arrive at your door on schedule
   

Safety Standards in Fresh Dog Food Manufacturing

Food safety represents a critical component of fresh dog food production. Manufacturing facilities implement strict safety protocols including:

• Temperature Control: Cooking to specific temperatures eliminates harmful bacteria without over-processing
  
• HACCP Compliance: Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points protocols ensure consistent safety standards ^[1]
  
• Quality Assurance: Regular testing and batch monitoring maintain product integrity
  
• AAFCO Standards: All recipes meet complete and balanced nutrition guidelines
  

The flash-freezing process eliminates the need for artificial preservatives while maintaining nutritional value and safety during storage and transport.

Choosing Fresh Dog Food: Key Considerations

When evaluating fresh dog food options, consider these manufacturing-related factors:

• Veterinary Nutritionist Formulation: Ensures science-backed, balanced nutrition
  
• Human-Grade Ingredient Standards: Guarantees superior quality and safety
  
• Gentle Processing Methods: Preserves essential nutrients and natural flavors
  
• Personalized Nutrition: Accommodates individual dietary requirements
  
• Transparent Sourcing: Clear information about ingredient origins and quality standards
  
• Delivery Infrastructure: Reliable cold-chain logistics for product integrity
  

Making the Switch to Fresh Dog Food

Transitioning from highly processed kibble to fresh food can significantly impact your dog’s health and well-being. Companies like Ollie make this transition simple by providing meals formulated with veterinary-nutritionists using premium ingredients and gentle cooking methods.

Whether your dog requires digestive support, allergy management, or simply deserves optimal nutrition, understanding how fresh dog food is made helps you make informed decisions about their diet. The manufacturing process—from ingredient sourcing through delivery—directly impacts the nutritional value your dog receives.

Ready to explore fresh food options? Try Ollie to see how fresh dog food can benefit your pet’s health and happiness.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is fresh dog food made at Ollie?

Fresh dog food at Ollie is manufactured using USDA-certified meats, fresh vegetables, and nutrient-rich superfoods. All recipes are developed with board-certified veterinary nutritionists, and then gently cooked in small batches in U.S. facilities following human food safety standards. Meals are flash-frozen and delivered directly to customers.

What makes fresh dog food manufacturing better than kibble production?

Fresh dog food manufacturing uses minimal processing with human-grade, whole ingredients. The gentle cooking process at lower temperatures preserves nutrients, while traditional kibble undergoes high-temperature extrusion that may destroy beneficial compounds. Fresh food also avoids fillers and artificial preservatives common in kibble production ^[3].

Is the fresh dog food manufacturing process safe?

Yes, when properly executed. Reputable manufacturers follow strict HACCP safety protocols, cook food to safe temperatures, and use flash-freezing to ensure freshness without artificial preservatives. All meals must meet AAFCO standards for complete nutrition and undergo rigorous quality control testing.

Do veterinarians recommend fresh dog food?

Many veterinarians support fresh diets when they are nutritionally balanced and properly manufactured. The American College of Veterinary Nutrition recognizes well-formulated fresh food as a healthy option for dogs when produced following proper manufacturing standards ^[11].

How do fresh dog food manufacturing facilities ensure quality?

Fresh dog food facilities implement multiple quality control measures including ingredient testing, temperature monitoring during cooking, batch tracking, microbiological testing, and nutritional analysis. Manufacturing occurs in USDA-inspected facilities following human food safety standards.

What are the benefits of human-grade manufacturing standards?

Human-grade manufacturing standards ensure ingredients meet the same safety and quality requirements as human food. This results in superior nutrient quality, enhanced digestibility, reduced contamination risk, and transparent ingredient sourcing. Studies suggest dogs consuming human-grade fresh food may experience improved health outcomes including better digestion and increased energy ^[4].

Citations

[1] https://fortresstechnology.com/the-scoop-on-human-grade-pet-food-processing

[2] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12053874

[3] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34278234

[4] https://ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8174467

[5] https://frontiersin.org/journals/veterinary-science/articles/10.3389/fvets.2024.1328513/full