Can I Make Fresh Dog Food Myself Instead?

If you’re thinking about switching your dog to a fresh food diet, you might be wondering: “Should I buy fresh dog food or make it at home?” It’s a fair question. Many pet parents like the idea of knowing exactly what goes into their dog’s meals, and making it yourself can feel like the most natural choice.

The truth is, you can make fresh dog food at home, but doing it right is more complicated than it sounds. From getting the nutrient balance correct to handling ingredients safely, there’s a lot to consider. That’s why many dog owners turn to trusted fresh dog food brands like Ollie, which offer the benefits of fresh food without the risks or hassle.

Fresh Dog Food vs. Homemade Dog Food: What’s the Difference?

Fresh dog food generally refers to commercially prepared meals made from whole, human-grade ingredients. Brands like Ollie gently cook the food at safe temperatures, portion it for your dog’s needs, and ensure each recipe meets AAFCO nutritional standards. These meals are ready to serve—no measuring, no cooking, no guesswork.

Homemade dog food is made entirely in your own kitchen. This could mean following a recipe you found online, consulting with a veterinary nutritionist, or simply cooking a mix of meats, vegetables, and grains. While homemade food can be fresh and wholesome, it’s often harder to ensure that it’s nutritionally complete, especially without professional guidance.

Take The Ollie Fresh Dog Food Quiz For Personalized Recommendations Based On Your Dog’s Age, Weight, Breed, And More!

Pros of Making Fresh Dog Food at Home

Making your dog’s meals from scratch can have some clear benefits:

• Ingredient Control – You decide exactly what goes into the food, which is helpful if your dog has allergies or sensitivities.
  
• Customization – You can adjust textures, flavors, and ingredients based on your dog’s preferences.
  
• Freshness – You know the food was just prepared in your own kitchen.

These are the same reasons some people cook for themselves instead of ordering out, it gives a sense of connection to the food. But when it comes to your dog’s nutrition, there’s more to think about than just the ingredients.

Challenges and Risks of Homemade Dog Food

While making your dog’s meals at home can be rewarding, it comes with significant challenges:

• Nutritional Imbalances – Dogs need precise levels of protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals to stay healthy. A 2013 UC Davis study found that over 90% of homemade dog food recipes lacked essential nutrients. Missing key elements—like the right calcium-to-phosphorus ratio—can cause long-term health issues.
  
• Time-Consuming Prep – Cooking balanced meals for your dog daily or weekly takes planning, shopping, and kitchen time.
  
• Food Safety Concerns – If you’re using raw meat, you risk bacterial contamination like salmonella or listeria. Even cooked meals can spoil quickly without proper storage.

Without professional guidance, it’s easy to unintentionally feed your dog an unbalanced diet.

Benefits of Buying Fresh Dog Food from a Trusted Brand

Choosing a reputable fresh food company like Ollie gives you the best of fresh feeding—without the guesswork:

• Vet-Formulated – Recipes are designed by veterinary nutritionists to meet AAFCO standards.
  
• Perfectly Portioned – Each meal is customized for your dog’s weight, age, and activity level.
  
• Safe Cooking Process – Meals are gently cooked at precise temperatures to kill harmful bacteria while preserving nutrients.
  
• Convenience – Delivered ready to serve—no measuring, chopping, or cooking required.
  

It’s everything you’d want from homemade food, but with the assurance of expert oversight and safety protocols.

How Ollie Bridges the Gap

Ollie offers fresh, human-grade meals that combine the quality and wholesomeness of homemade food with the precision of veterinary nutrition. We source premium meats and fresh vegetables, cook them gently in USDA-certified kitchens, and portion them to your dog’s exact needs.

With Ollie, you get the peace of mind that your dog’s meals are nutritionally complete, safe to eat, and incredibly tasty—without spending hours in the kitchen.

So, should you make fresh dog food yourself or buy it from a trusted brand? The answer depends on your time, resources, and ability to work with a veterinary nutritionist. While homemade food can be healthy, it’s challenging to get the balance right without professional guidance—and mistakes can have long-term health consequences for your dog.

Ollie takes care of the hard part for you—sourcing premium ingredients, cooking meals safely, and ensuring every recipe is nutritionally complete. You get the same freshness and quality you’d aim for at home, without the risks or hassle.

Take The Ollie Fresh Dog Food Quiz For Personalized Recommendations Based On Your Dog’s Age, Weight, Breed, And More!

FAQ: Fresh Dog Food vs. Homemade Dog Food

Is homemade dog food healthier than store-bought fresh food?

Not necessarily. While homemade can be healthy, it’s often lacking in certain nutrients unless formulated by a veterinary nutritionist. Ollie meals are balanced to meet your dog’s daily needs.

Can I switch between homemade and fresh commercial food?

Yes, but it’s best to transition gradually and ensure both are nutritionally complete to avoid digestive upset or nutrient gaps.

How do I make sure homemade food has enough nutrients?

Work with a board-certified veterinary nutritionist who can design a balanced recipe for your dog. Avoid relying on random online recipes.

Does Ollie use preservatives?

No. Ollie uses human-grade, whole-food ingredients without artificial preservatives. Meals are kept fresh through cooking, freezing, and refrigerated delivery.

What’s the biggest difference between Ollie and homemade dog food?

Ollie provides the freshness and real ingredients of homemade food—plus the safety, consistency, and nutritional precision of a professionally formulated diet.