Fresh Dog Food vs. Kibble: Which Is Better for Your Dog?

When it comes to feeding your dog, there’s no shortage of options — but not all dog food is created equal. Two of the most common choices are fresh dog food and traditional kibble. While kibble has been the standard for decades, more dog parents are making the switch to fresh food for its superior nutrition, quality, and health benefits.At Ollie, we’re passionate about helping pups live longer, healthier lives with fresh, human-grade meals delivered right to your door. Let’s dive into how fresh dog food compares to kibble — and why so many families are choosing Ollie.

What Is Fresh Dog Food?

Fresh dog food is made with real, minimally processed ingredients like meat, vegetables, and grains — the same foods humans eat. Meals are gently cooked at low temperatures to retain nutrients and flavor, then delivered fresh to your home.

At Ollie, we craft recipes with veterinary nutritionists to ensure every meal is complete, balanced, and tailored to your dog’s needs.

Key Features of Fresh Food:

• High quality meat, fruits, and veggies
• Cooked for safety and nutrient preservation
• No artificial additives, fillers, or by-products
• Personalized portioning based on your dog’s profile

What Is Kibble?

Kibble is a dry, shelf-stable form of dog food made by extrusion: a high-heat, high-pressure process that combines meat meals, grains, and other ingredients into dry, crunchy pellets.

Key Features of Kibble:

• Long shelf life (months to years)
• Typically more affordable upfront
• Often contains fillers, preservatives, and lower-quality meat meals
• Highly processed, which can degrade nutrient quality

According to a study from Wageningen University, the high heat used to create kibble (extrusion) can negatively impact nutritional quality by significantly reducing the total nutritional value of the food. In other words, the high heat used to manufacture kibble typically reduces and changes the protein, vitamins, minerals,and antioxidants that are essential to your dog’s health.

Fresh Dog Food vs. Kibble: A Quick Comparison

Feature	Fresh Food (like Ollie)	Kibble
Ingredient Quality	Human-grade	Often feed-grade
Processing	Lightly cooked	Highly processed at high temperatures
Nutrient Retention	High	Reduced by processing
Additives	None	Common (preservatives, fillers)
Customization	Personalized plans	One-size-fits-most
Shelf Life	Refrigerated, short-term	Shelf-stable, long-term
Cost	$2–$10/day	$1.00–$4/day

Health Benefits: Fresh Dog Food vs. Kibble

Dogs eating fresh diets can experience remarkable health improvements, including:

• Healthier skin and shinier coats
• Better digestion and smaller, firmer stools
• Improved energy levels
• Weight management support
• Fewer allergy symptoms

Dr. Hillary Wolfe, a veterinarian and food therapist, states, “I’m a huge advocate for fresh food because I’ve seen firsthand the improvements in both clinical outcomes and quality of life for pets.”

Cost Comparison: Fresh Dog Food vs. Kibble

• Fresh Dog Food (like Ollie): $2 to $10 per day depending on dog size and plan
• Kibble: Typically $1.00 to $4 per day

While kibble is cheaper upfront, many pet parents find they save money over time with fresh food because their dogs experience fewer health problems, fewer vet visits, and better long-term outcomes.

Andi Brown of the Whole Pet Diet states that “In my 30 years of experience working with thousands of animals, I’ve noticed that many disease signs can be turned around when the animal is given the correct nutritional support”.

Why Fresh Dog Food Is a Better Choice

1. Better Nutrition

Fresh food retains more vitamins, minerals, and amino acids compared to heavily processed kibble.

2. Higher Ingredient Standards

Ollie’s food uses human-grade meat and produce — the same quality you’d buy for yourself.

3. Customization for Your Dog

Ollie personalizes portion sizes and recipes based on your dog’s unique needs, helping support healthy weight, digestion, and energy levels.

4. No Unnecessary Fillers or Additives

Ollie’s meals are free from artificial preservatives, coloring agents, and mystery ingredients commonly found in kibble.

Why Ollie Makes Fresh Easy

• Personalized meal plans crafted with veterinary nutritionists
• Flexible delivery — skip, cancel, or adjust any time
• Fresh ingredients cooked gently for optimal nutrition
• Convenient packaging — no mess, no hassle

Ollie makes it simple to feed your dog the best food possible without the inconvenience or uncertainty of homemade diets.

Final Verdict: Fresh Dog Food or Kibble?

While kibble is convenient and affordable, fresh dog food offers far superior nutrition, ingredient quality, and health benefits. If you want to invest in your dog’s health and happiness, fresh food is the clear winner.

With Ollie, it’s easier and more affordable than ever to make the switch. Your pup will thank you with more tail wags, kisses, and happy years ahead.

Start your pup’s journey to better health — Take our personalized quiz today!