Can Fresh Food Help Your Dog Thrive? Key Benefits Explained

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Ollie is a dog-first company providing fresh, healthy food for dogs of all ages, breeds, and sizes.

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If you’re wondering whether switching to fresh dog food could make a difference in your dog’s health and happiness, you’re not alone. More pet parents are recognizing that their dog’s nutrition impacts everything from energy levels to coat shine, digestive health to longevity. Fresh dog food has emerged as a compelling alternative to traditional kibble, offering numerous research-backed benefits that could help your dog thrive.

What Is Fresh Dog Food?

Fresh dog food represents a return to simpler, more natural nutrition for your pup. Unlike heavily processed kibble that undergoes high-heat extrusion at temperatures between 125 to 150 °C [1], fresh dog food is processed at relatively low temperatures (75 to 95 °C) to kill pathogens without causing a detrimental loss in digestibility [1].

This minimal processing approach preserves more of the natural nutrients found in whole ingredients like real meat, fruits, vegetables, and grains. When you choose a premium provider like Ollie, you’re giving your dog protein-packed Fresh Dog Food recipes [that] are carefully crafted with whole foods and slow-cooked for maximum nutrition and flavor , ensuring every meal delivers optimal nutrition tailored to your dog’s specific needs.

The Science Behind Fresh Dog Food Benefits

Superior Digestibility and Nutrient Absorption

One of the most significant advantages you’ll notice with fresh dog food is its exceptional digestibility. Multiple research studies from universities confirm that fresh diets consistently outperform traditional kibble in nutrient absorption.

Ultimately, all the diets were highly digestible [2] in a University of Illinois study examining human-grade dog foods. The research found that these diets are not only highly palatable, they are more digestible than originally estimated [2]. When you feed your dog fresh food, you’re providing nutrition with exceptional results: digestibility values of the human-grade products were rock stars (> 90 percent), less total food was needed to maintain dogs’ body condition, and the human-grade foods produced lower volume of feces [3].

This superior digestibility means your dog’s body can extract and use more nutrients from each meal, making every bite more nutritionally valuable.

Enhanced Protein Quality and Amino Acid Availability

When you choose fresh dog food, you’re not just providing protein—you’re providing better protein for your dog. Research comparing different diet formats found that freeze-dried raw, hybrid freeze-dried raw, frozen raw and fresh diets outperformed the extruded diet in terms of higher amino acid digestibility coefficients and greater true metabolizable energy values [4].

The difference is substantial for your dog’s nutrition. Studies show that protein digestibility of the kibble was ~ 85 percent. Protein digestibility values for the four fresh foods were between 92 and 94 percent [3]. This means your pup gets significantly more usable protein from fresh food compared to traditional kibble.

A brown poodle mix dog pooping in a green lawn

Key Health Benefits You’ll See with Fresh Dog Food

Improved Digestive Health and Stool Quality

One of the first changes you’ll notice when switching your dog to fresh food is better digestive health. The improved digestibility means your dog’s body uses more of the nutrients, leaving less waste to eliminate. You’ll see increased energy levels, more excitement at mealtime, and healthier/smaller stools [5] as some of the quickest improvements.

This isn’t just anecdotal—it’s backed by the science of better digestibility and reflects the quality nutrition your dog receives from minimally processed ingredients.

Enhanced Skin and Coat Health

Fresh dog food can dramatically improve your dog’s appearance and comfort. The higher quality protein and fat sources in fresh dog food, along with essential fatty acids, can contribute to a healthier skin and coat. Many dog owners report shinier coats, reduced shedding, and less skin irritation after switching to fresh food. [6]

When you provide your dog with fresh food made from natural, real ingredients like beef, chicken, lamb, peas, spinach, carrots, and blueberries, you’re promoting heart health, increasing energy level, making coats shiny and breath smell better, improving eyesight [7] through superior nutrition.

Disease Prevention and Immune Support

Perhaps most importantly, fresh dog food may help prevent serious health conditions in your dog. Research shows significant health benefits:

A 2005 study by Purdue University found that adding fresh vegetables to a dog’s diet decelerated cancer cell growth by over 70% [5]
A Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (JAVMA) study reported that Scottish terriers who consumed green, leafy and yellow-orange vegetables three times a week had lower urinary bladder carcinoma rates than their counterparts who did not eat vegetables
Research suggests that dogs fed fresh diets can live up to 2.5 years longer than those on commercial diets [8]

Better Palatability for Picky Eaters

If you have a picky eater, fresh food might be the solution you’ve been looking for. It’s palatable. Picky eaters may prefer the taste over dry or canned food. [9] The minimally processed nature of fresh food retains natural flavors and aromas that dogs find irresistible.

When you choose Ollie’s fresh recipes, you’re providing your dog with meals that taste as good as they look, with real meat and vegetables that maintain their natural appeal.

Reduced Risk of Food Allergies and Sensitivities

Fresh dog food typically uses whole-food ingredients, making it easier to identify and avoid potential allergens for dogs with sensitivities. Limited-ingredient fresh food recipes are also readily available, further reducing the risk of allergic reactions in dogs. [6]

Many skin and digestive issues you might attribute to “allergies” may actually stem from nutritional deficiencies. According to veterinary experts, these problems are often just a deficiency. This dietary deficiency stems from unbalanced, filler-laden commercial foods that don’t supply the nutrition a dog needs to remain healthy.

An array of dog food, treats, and supplements displayed on kitchen counter

Why Ollie Leads the Fresh Dog Food Revolution

When you’re choosing a fresh dog food provider, quality and safety are paramount. Ollie stands out by combining scientific formulation with premium ingredients. Every recipe is developed with veterinary nutritionists, complete-and-balanced recipes, customized meal plans to ensure your dog receives optimal nutrition tailored to their specific needs.

What sets Ollie apart for your dog’s nutrition:

Expertly formulated recipes: Each meal is crafted with veterinary nutritionists
Human-grade ingredients: Only the highest quality ingredients make it into your dog’s bowl
Personalized nutrition: Custom meal plans based on your dog’s age, weight, breed, and activity level
Flexible options: Choose from fresh food, baked alternatives, or mixed meal plans
Convenient delivery: Regular deliveries ensure your dog never runs out of nutritious meals

Real results from Ollie customers demonstrate the difference you can expect to see in your dog:

My dog had severe skin issues before switching his food to Ollie’s. He scratched continuously and had red skin. Within just 5 weeks of eating Ollie’s food, his skin was completely normal. His fur grew back. It’s still unbelievable to me, but it’s true! I’m so grateful for this food.

A husky eating fresh Ollie dog food out of a red bowl in a kitchen

Making the Transition to Fresh Food for Your Dog

When you decide to switch your dog to fresh food, the transition should be done gradually over 5-10 days to prevent digestive upset. The transition between life stages should happen gradually over 5-10 days. This prevents digestive issues and keeps your pet comfortable during food changes. [8]

Working with your veterinarian is essential, especially if your dog has existing health conditions. Therefore, with each pet it is essential to work with your veterinarian or veterinary specialist to help ensure your pet is on a diet that is safe and effective. [10]

Ollie makes this transition easier by providing detailed feeding instructions and support from their canine care team throughout the process. You can learn more about how our system works to make the switch as smooth as possible for your dog.

What to Consider When Choosing Fresh Dog Food

While fresh dog food offers numerous benefits for your dog, it’s important to choose reputable companies that prioritize safety and nutritional completeness. The best fresh dog food comes from reputable companies who staff board-certified veterinary nutritionists and adhere to AAFCO nutrition guidelines. [9]

Fresh food does require proper handling and storage, typically needing refrigeration or freezing. However, the convenience of delivery services like Ollie makes this manageable, with pre-portioned meals arriving at your door on your schedule.

Transform Your Dog’s Health with Ollie

The research is clear: fresh dog food offers significant health benefits that can help your dog thrive. From superior digestibility and nutrient absorption to disease prevention and improved quality of life, the advantages are substantial and scientifically validated. When it comes to your dog’s health, investing in fresh food is an investment in a longer, happier life.

Ready to see the difference fresh food can make for your dog? Explore Ollie’s personalized meal plans.

Frequently Asked Questions

How quickly will I see results after switching my dog to fresh food?

You’ll notice improvements in your dog quite quickly after making the switch. Some of the quickest changes you will see in your pets when you start feeding fresh food will be increased energy levels, more excitement at mealtime, and healthier/smaller stools! [5] Most pet parents see improvements in stool quality within days, while coat and skin improvements typically become visible within a few weeks.

Is fresh dog food safe for all dogs?

Fresh dog food can be nutritionally equivalent to kibble if it’s made by a reputable company that relies on a veterinary nutritionist to help develop its diets. [9] However, some dogs with conditions like kidney disease may do better on a commercial kibble diet. [9] You should always consult with your veterinarian before making dietary changes for your dog.

Can I mix fresh food with my dog’s current kibble?

Yes! Many pet parents start by adding fresh food as a topper or mixing it with kibble. Research shows that even partial fresh feeding provides benefits, making it a great way to introduce your dog to better nutrition while managing your budget. Ollie offers flexible meal plan options that make it easy to incorporate fresh food into your dog’s current routine.

How should I store fresh dog food?

Yes, fresh dog food can usually be frozen and thawed for later consumption. This can be a great way to preserve fresh dog food past its typical shelf life. It’s best to freeze at 0 F or lower, and thaw and use within three months. [9] Ollie provides detailed storage instructions with every delivery to ensure your dog’s food stays fresh and safe.

Why is fresh dog food more expensive than kibble?

The higher cost reflects premium ingredients, minimal processing, proper storage, and often customized formulation. However, users of fresh food justify the extra expense by reasoning an improved diet and better health will lead to reduced veterinary bills in the long run. [11] When you consider the potential health benefits and longer lifespan for your dog, fresh food represents excellent value for their wellbeing.