How Is Fresh Dog Food Made?

Wondering how fresh dog food is made? You’re not alone. More and more pet parents are asking this question as they rethink what’s in their dog’s bowl. Fresh dog food isn’t just a trend—it’s a shift toward feeding our dogs the way we feed ourselves: with real, whole ingredients.

At Ollie, we believe your dog deserves food that’s both nutritious and delicious. That’s why every meal we make is crafted with care, from sourcing to cooking to delivery. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at how we turn high-quality ingredients into fresh meals that dogs can’t get enough of.

What Is Fresh Dog Food?

Fresh dog food is made with the same kind of ingredients you’d find in your own kitchen: real meats, fresh veggies, and healthy fats. It’s gently cooked—not highly processed—so your dog gets more of the good stuff without all the additives, fillers, and preservatives found in traditional kibble.

According to the American Kennel Club, many dog owners report better digestion, shinier coats, and higher energy levels after switching to fresh food. That’s because fresh food retains more nutrients, uses fewer mystery ingredients, and skips the heavy processing that can strip away natural benefits.

Think of it like this: if kibble is fast food, fresh dog food is a home-cooked meal.

Step-by-Step: How Do They Make Fresh Dog Food?

Step 1: Ingredient Sourcing

It all starts with clean, high-quality ingredients. At Ollie, we use USDA-certified meats like chicken, beef, turkey, and lamb. We pair these proteins with fresh vegetables such as spinach, peas, and carrots—plus superfoods like chia seeds and blueberries. No by-products. No artificial flavors. Just food you’d feel good about eating yourself.

Step 2: Vet-Formulated Recipes

Every Ollie recipe is created with help from veterinary nutritionists. We carefully balance each meal to meet the nutritional standards set by AAFCO (the Association of American Feed Control Officials). This ensures your pup gets the right mix of protein, fat, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals in every bite.

Step 3: Gentle Cooking Process

Here’s where things get tasty. We cook our meals at low temperatures in small batches to preserve as much natural nutrition as possible. No high-heat extrusion. No shortcuts. Just slow, gentle cooking that locks in flavor and keeps nutrients intact.

Take The Ollie Dog Food Quiz For Personalized Recipes For Your Pup!

Why Fresh Dog Food Preparation Matters

The way fresh dog food is made has a direct impact on your dog’s health. Unlike kibble, which is cooked at extreme temperatures and often packed with preservatives, fresh food is cooked gently to retain its nutrients. That means your dog is actually getting the benefits of the ingredients—not just the calories.

This matters even more if your dog has a sensitive stomach, food allergies, or a picky appetite. With Ollie, each ingredient serves a purpose: proteins help build muscle, veggies provide fiber and antioxidants, and healthy fats support skin and coat health. And because our meals are made in small batches with strict quality control, there’s less risk of contamination or nutrient loss.

Simply put, how fresh dog food is made makes a difference you can see in your dog.

How Ollie Makes Fresh Dog Food

At Ollie, we’re not just making dog food—we’re making it personal. Every dog is different, so we start by learning about yours. When you sign up, we ask about your pup’s age, breed, weight, activity level, and allergies. From there, we create a personalized meal plan that fits their unique needs.

Our food is then gently cooked in U.S.-based kitchens using the same standards you’d expect for human food. Meals are portioned specifically for your dog and sealed for freshness. They’re shipped frozen or chilled straight to your door on a schedule that works for you. All you have to do is defrost, scoop, and serve.

It’s real food, real simple.

Is Fresh Dog Food Safe?

Yes, and we take food safety seriously. Every Ollie meal is cooked to precise temperatures that destroy harmful bacteria without overprocessing the ingredients. Our kitchens follow strict protocols and quality checks to make sure every batch meets our safety standards.

All recipes are complete and balanced to meet AAFCO guidelines, meaning they provide all the nutrients your dog needs for a healthy life. And because meals are delivered frozen or chilled, they stay fresh without the need for artificial preservatives.

As our team likes to say, “If we wouldn’t serve it to our own dogs, we won’t send it to yours.”

Try Fresh, Vet-Crafted Food With Ollie

Say goodbye to mystery kibble and hello to real food. At Ollie, we craft fresh meals using premium meats and veggies, cooked gently to keep nutrition intact. Whether your dog needs help with digestion, allergies, or just deserves better food (spoiler: they do), Ollie makes it easy to feed fresh.

Start your dog’s personalized meal plan today

FAQ: How Is Fresh Dog Food Made?

How do they make fresh dog food at Ollie?

At Ollie, fresh dog food is made from USDA-certified meats, fresh vegetables, and nutrient-rich ingredients. Recipes are developed by veterinary nutritionists and gently cooked in small batches in U.S. kitchens. Meals are then chilled and delivered straight to your door.

What’s the difference between fresh dog food and kibble?

Fresh dog food is minimally processed and made with real, whole ingredients. Kibble is typically cooked at high temperatures and contains fillers and preservatives. Fresh food retains more natural nutrients and is often easier for dogs to digest.

Is fresh dog food safer than other types of dog food?

Yes, when made correctly. Ollie follows strict safety protocols, cooks food at safe temperatures, and stores meals chilled or frozen to preserve freshness without artificial preservatives. All meals meet AAFCO standards for complete nutrition.

Do vets recommend fresh dog food?

Many vets support fresh diets when they’re properly balanced. Ollie works directly with veterinary nutritionists to ensure every meal is safe and complete. According to the American College of Veterinary Nutrition, well-formulated fresh food can be a healthy choice for dogs.

Can I switch my dog from kibble to fresh food?

Yes! Most dogs transition easily to fresh food. Ollie provides easy feeding guidelines and a gradual transition plan to help your pup adjust smoothly.