Top Choices for the Healthiest Dog Food Today

As dedicated dog parents, we always want to give our dogs the best. However, when it comes to mealtimes, it can be difficult to know what actually makes some options better than others, especially when considering your dog’s age, breed, and size. In this article, we’ll dig deeper into why fresh, minimally processed food is emerging as a top choice for pup parents everywhere.

What Defines a Healthy Diet for Your Dog?

Just like people, dogs rely on six essential nutrients to thrive. A truly healthy diet provides these components in the right balance to support everything from energy levels to immune function.

The six essential nutrients for dogs are:

• Water: Crucial for nearly every bodily function, as dogs, like humans, are made of a significant percentage of water.
  
• Proteins and Amino Acids: The fundamental building blocks for strong muscles and healthy tissue.
  
• Fats: Necessary for energy and the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, with omega-3 fatty acids being particularly important.
  
• Carbohydrates: A key source of energy for your pup’s daily activities.
  
• Minerals: Essential for healthy organ function, strong bones, and balanced blood chemistry.
  
• Vitamins: Support the immune system, healing processes, and hormone regulation.
  

The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) sets the nutritional standards for commercial pet foods. A diet that is “complete and balanced” according to AAFCO guidelines contains all the necessary nutrients in the proper ratios [1]. As veterinarians and veterinary nutritionists often advise, the goal is to provide your dog with the highest quality food you can, featuring a short list of real, recognizable ingredients.

The Rise of Fresh Dog Food: A Healthier Alternative

While traditional dry kibble offers convenience, it is heavily processed. Many pet parents are now turning to fresh food, which offers a powerful combination of nutritional benefits and high palatability. Unlike kibble or conventional canned food, fresh dog food is made from human-grade ingredients that are gently cooked at low temperatures to preserve their nutritional integrity [2]. It’s free from the fillers, artificial preservatives, and by-products often found in mass-marketed options.

Key Benefits of a Fresh Food Diet

Switching your dog to a fresh diet can lead to noticeable improvements in their overall well-being. The benefits are rooted in the quality and digestibility of the ingredients.

• Improved Digestion: Fresh food is minimally processed and highly digestible, which can be a game-changer for dogs with sensitive stomachs or food allergies [3]. Ingredients like pulses (lentils and peas) also provide fiber that promotes digestive health and stable blood sugar [4].
  
• Enhanced Palatability: Because it’s made from real meat and vegetables, fresh food is often far more appealing to dogs, making it an excellent solution for picky eaters [3].
  
• Better Nutrient Absorption: The gentle cooking process helps protect vital nutrients, allowing your dog’s body to absorb and utilize them more effectively than nutrients from highly processed kibble [2].
  
• Visible Health Improvements: Pet parents who switch to fresh food often report a shinier coat, healthier skin, increased energy levels, and even better breath [2].
  
• Supports Long-Term Health: Diets rich in antioxidants and high-quality protein from fresh sources can help support a strong immune system. While some studies suggest that diet quality can impact longevity and health, more research is needed to conclusively determine the long-term effects of fresh diets compared to commercial canned food.
  
• Ingredient Transparency: With fresh food, you can often see the real ingredients, like chicken, carrots, and peas. This transparency gives pet parents confidence in the quality of what they’re feeding their pup [3].
  

How Ollie Makes Fresh Food Simple and Safe

At Ollie, we saw an opportunity to elevate the quality of pet food while making it incredibly convenient for pet parents. We’ve taken the guesswork out of feeding fresh.

Our fresh recipes are designed with veterinary nutritionists to be complete and balanced, meeting AAFCO standards. We consider your dog’s unique needs—including age, breed, activity level, and allergies—to create a personalized feeding guide and plan. Each meal is perfectly portioned and delivered right to your door, ensuring your dog’s food is always fresh and you never waste a bite. It’s the perfect intersection of taste, nutrition, and convenience.

Ready to see the difference fresh food can make? Find your pup’s perfect meal plan today!

Important Considerations for Your Dog’s Diet

While a high-quality diet is the foundation of good health, it’s also crucial to be aware of potential hazards and unnecessary extras.

Foods to Always Avoid

Some human foods are toxic to dogs and should never be shared. The consequences of even a small bite can be serious. Keep the following out of your dog’s reach:

• Methylxanthines: Found in chocolate and caffeinated products, this compound can cause seizures and organ failure.
  
• Xylitol: An artificial sweetener in sugar-free gum, some peanut butters, and other products. It can cause a dangerous drop in blood sugar and nervous system damage.
  
• Alliums: This family includes onions, garlic, shallots, and chives. Whether raw, cooked, or powdered, they are harmful to a dog’s red blood cells.
  
• Alcohol: Even a small amount is toxic to dogs.
  
• Grapes and Raisins: These are highly toxic to dogs, though the exact reason is still unknown.
  
• Macadamia Nuts: These nuts contain compounds that are toxic to dogs and can lead to significant health problems.
  
• Raw Meat and Eggs: These can contain harmful bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli. Fresh food diets like Ollie’s are gently cooked to eliminate this risk [5].
  

Are Supplements Necessary?

With a truly complete and balanced diet, most supplements are unnecessary. When your dog’s food already provides the full spectrum of vitamins and minerals they need, any excess is typically excreted from their system. A food-first approach, centered on high-quality, nutrient-rich ingredients, is almost always the best path to ensuring your dog gets everything they need for long-term health.

Take the Guesswork Out of Your Dog’s Nutrition

By choosing a professionally formulated fresh diet, you can stop worrying about nutrition and focus on what matters most: spending quality time with your best friend. Whether you have a new puppy or want to upgrade your adult dog’s current food, Ollie has your back.

Ready to take your dog’s dinner to the next level? Explore Ollie’s fresh recipes!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is fresh dog food really better than kibble?
Fresh dog food is minimally processed and made with human-grade ingredients. It is gently cooked to preserve nutrients, making it more digestible and bioavailable than high-heat processed kibble. It also avoids the fillers and artificial additives common in many dry foods, focusing instead on whole-food ingredients.

2. Is fresh dog food safe for all dogs?
Fresh food is a safe and healthy option for most dogs. Because it’s cooked, it eliminates the risk of pathogens like Salmonella that can be found in raw diets [5]. For dogs with specific health conditions, it is always best to consult your veterinarian before making any dietary changes [6].

3. Will fresh food help my picky eater?
Fresh food has a much higher moisture content and is made with real meat and vegetables, making it significantly more aromatic and palatable than dry kibble. This makes it a highly effective choice for dogs with picky appetites [3].

4. How do I know if a fresh food diet is nutritionally complete?
Look for brands that work with veterinary nutritionists to formulate their recipes and explicitly state that their food meets AAFCO’s standards for a “complete and balanced” diet [2]. Reputable companies like Ollie are transparent about their formulation process and nutritional credentials.

Citations

• [1] https://www.chewy.com/education/dog/food-and-nutrition/fresh-dog-food
• [2] https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/fresh-raw-kibble-dog-food/
• [3] https://www.petmd.com/dog/nutrition/pros-and-cons-fresh-dog-food
• [4] https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/animal-science/articles/10.3389/fanim.2025.1506003/full
• [5] https://www.petmd.com/dog/nutrition/raw-vs-fresh-dog-food
• [6] https://ocm.auburn.edu/experts/2019/04/151146-pet-food.php