How Does Fresh Food Compare to Other Dog Food Diets?

When it comes to your dog’s health and happiness, choosing the right food can mean a world of difference. But, what is the right food? And how can you make sure your pup is getting the most out of their meals? We’re digging deeper into what sets popular dog food diets apart to help you get the facts you need to make the best decision for your dog. 

What Is Fresh Dog Food? Key Features and Benefits

Fresh dog food is designed to provide your pup with meals made from whole, minimally processed ingredients. Unlike kibble, which is cooked at high temperatures and often contains preservatives, fresh dog food is gently cooked at lower temperatures to preserve nutrients and flavor[1]. This approach results in several key benefits:

Enhanced Nutrient Content

• Retains More Vitamins and Minerals: Fresh dog food keeps more of the original nutrients intact, especially sensitive vitamins like B vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids, which are crucial for your pup’s overall health[1][2].
• Higher Digestibility: Studies show that dogs eating fresh, whole food diets absorb more nutrients and produce up to 66% less waste than those on premium kibble[3][4].

Improved Digestive Health

• Easier on Sensitive Stomachs: The higher moisture content and simple ingredient lists in fresh food support better digestion and nutrient absorption, leading to smaller, firmer stools and fewer gastrointestinal issues[2][4].
• Reduced Allergy Risk: With fewer additives and more transparency in ingredients, fresh dog food makes it easier to avoid common allergens and tailor meals to your pup’s needs[2].

Healthier Skin and Coat

• Essential Fatty Acids: Fresh dog food often contains optimal ratios of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids, which help reduce inflammation and promote a shiny, healthy coat[3][4].
• Fewer Preservatives: By avoiding artificial preservatives, fresh food reduces the chemical load on your pup’s body, which can help prevent inflammation and related health issues[4].

Comparing Fresh Dog Food to Kibble and Canned Diets

Choosing the right diet for your pup means weighing the pros and cons of each option. Here’s a side-by-side look at how fresh dog food compares to kibble and canned food:

Criteria	Fresh Dog Food	Kibble	Canned Food
Processing Method	Gently cooked, minimal	High-heat, highly processed	Cooked, moderate processing
Nutrient Retention	High	Moderate to low	Moderate
Preservatives	Few or none	Many	Some
Digestibility	High	Moderate	Moderate
Ingredient Quality	Human-grade, whole foods	Variable, often by-products	Variable
Shelf Life	Short (requires refrigeration)	Long (room temperature)	Moderate (refrigeration after opening)
Price Point	Premium	Budget to premium	Moderate to premium

When Is Fresh Dog Food the Best Choice?

• For pups with food sensitivities or allergies
• For pet parents seeking transparency and control over ingredients
• For those prioritizing optimal nutrient absorption and digestive health

Fresh dog food is especially beneficial for puppies, senior dogs, and pups with sensitive stomachs or chronic health issues.

Fresh Dog Food for Puppies: Setting the Foundation for Lifelong Health

Puppies have unique nutritional needs. Their bodies are growing rapidly, and the right diet supports healthy development, strong bones, and a robust immune system. Fresh dog food offers several advantages for new puppies:

Top-Rated Puppy Nutrition

• Balanced, Expertly Crafted Recipes: Fresh food companies like Ollie work with veterinarians to create recipes that meet the specific needs of puppies, including the right balance of protein, fat, and essential nutrients.
• Gentle on Developing Digestion: The high digestibility of fresh food helps puppies absorb more nutrients, supporting healthy growth and reducing the risk of digestive upset.
• Custom Portion Sizes: Fresh food subscriptions can be tailored to your puppy’s age, breed, and activity level, ensuring they get exactly what they need at every stage.

Puppy Feeding Guide: The First Weeks

1. Start with small, frequent meals (3-4 times per day).
2. Gradually introduce fresh food by mixing it with your puppy’s current diet.
3. Monitor your puppy’s weight, stool quality, and energy levels.
4. Adjust portion sizes as your puppy grows.

Insight: Puppies fed fresh, balanced diets often show improved energy, better stool quality, and healthier coats compared to those on traditional kibble.

Fresh Dog Food Subscription Services: Cost, Convenience, and Customization

One of the most common questions from pet parents is about the price and convenience of fresh dog food. Here’s what you need to know:

Fresh Dog Food Price Points

• Premium Product, Premium Price: Fresh dog food typically costs more than kibble due to higher ingredient quality and the absence of fillers or by-products.
• Subscription Flexibility: Many fresh food companies offer customizable meal plans, allowing you to choose delivery frequency and portion sizes to fit your budget.
• Value for Health: While the upfront cost is higher, many pet parents find that investing in fresh food leads to fewer vet visits and long-term health savings.

Cost Comparison Table

Service Type	Average Monthly Cost (Medium Dog)	Customization	Ingredient Quality	Delivery Options
Fresh Dog Food	$100–$150	High	Human-grade	Weekly/Biweekly
Premium Kibble	$40–$70	Low	Variable	Store/Online
Canned Food	$60–$100	Low	Variable	Store/Online

Tip: Look for introductory offers or coupons to try fresh dog food at a lower cost.

Why Ollie? Our Approach to Fresh, Human-Grade Dog Food

At Ollie, we believe your pup deserves the same quality and care you expect for yourself. Here’s how we set ourselves apart:

Ollie’s Unique Value

• Personalized Meal Plans: Every Ollie meal is tailored to your pup’s age, breed, weight, and activity level, ensuring optimal nutrition at every stage.
• Human-Grade Ingredients: We use only whole meats, fruits, vegetables, and grains you’d recognize from your own kitchen.
• Expertly Crafted Recipes: Our meals are developed in partnership with veterinarians and animal nutritionists, meeting or exceeding AAFCO standards for all life stages.
• Flexible Delivery: Choose the schedule that works for you, with weekly delivery options and the ability to pause or cancel anytime.
• Transparent Sourcing: We’re committed to ingredient transparency, so you always know what’s in your pup’s bowl.

Example: A pet parent with a puppy prone to allergies switched to Ollie’s fresh, limited-ingredient recipe and saw a dramatic reduction in itching and digestive issues within a month.

Ollie for Puppies and Sensitive Dogs

• Portion Control: Our system calculates the perfect portion size for your puppy or sensitive dog, helping prevent overfeeding and supporting healthy growth.
• Allergy-Friendly Options: We offer recipes with limited ingredients and novel proteins to help manage food sensitivities.
• Support for Pet Parents: Our team is always available to answer questions about transitioning, portion sizes, or ingredient choices.

The Bottom Line: Is Fresh Dog Food Right for Your Pup?

From high-quality ingredients to increased digestibility, fresh food is a great option for pup parents who are looking to invest in nutrition that will support their dog’s long term health. This is especially true for puppies and dogs with allergies or sensitivities. 

Ollie’s fresh recipes make it easy to fill your dog’s bowl with the delicious flavors and perfectly balanced nutrition they need to live their happiest, healthiest lives. Ready to start fresh? Try our starter box at no risk with our clean bowl guarantee. 

Citations

[1]https://www.dogfoodadvisor.com/best-dog-foods/fresh-dog-food/

[2]https://spotpet.com/blog/pet-safety/is-fresh-dog-food-better

[3]https://dogish.com/blogs/news/fresh-dog-food-comparing-the-farmers-dog-ollie-and-nom-nom

[4]https://be.chewy.com/benefits-farm-fresh-pet-foods/