To ensure your dog’s well-being and contentment, it’s best to give them specially tailored fresh food. Nonetheless, since each fresh food has its unique qualities, it’s crucial to select the appropriate one that matches your dog’s specific necessities.
In the category of fresh, human-grade dog food, three of the top companies are Ollie, Nom Nom, and Farmer’s Dog. We will analyze and compare the features of each brand to help you determine the optimal choice for your furry friend.
Head to Head: Ollie vs Farmer’s Dog vs Nom Nom
Most four-footers can benefit from the nutritional and palatable qualities of these top-tier foods, which we will discuss thoroughly in the following sections. However, at this point, let’s examine some crucial distinctions among each brand in the chart provided.
| Characteristic | Ollie | Farmer’s Dog | Nom Nom |
|---|---|---|---|
| Made in USDA kitchens? | Yes — Ollie’s recipes are made in USDA kitchens. | Yes — the Farmer’s Dog recipes are made in USDA kitchens. | No — while Nom Nom’s ingredients are certified USDA Grade A, their recipes are not made in USDA kitchens. |
| Who creates or approves the recipes? | Ollie recipes are designed by veterinarians . | Farmer’s dog recipes are approved by board-certified veterinary nutritionists . | Nom Nom’s recipes are designed by a board-certified veterinary nutritionist . |
| Where are the ingredients obtained? | Ollie’s proteins are sourced in the USA, but they source other ingredients globally. | Though Farmer’s Dog is made in the US, not all of their ingredients are sourced from the United States. | All Nom Nom ingredients are sourced in the United States. |
| Do they offer lot tracing numbers? (See description below.) | No | No | No |
| Customized for your dog? | Yes — Ollie takes your dog’s age, weight, neuter/spay status, breed, activity level and food allergies into account when formulating your pet’s food. | Yes — The Farmer’s Dog takes your dog’s age, weight, ideal weight, neuter/spay status, breed, activity level, and food allergies into account when formulating your pet’s food. | Yes — Nom Nom takes your dog’s asks for your dog’s weight, spay/neuter status, breed, activity level, and food allergies into account when formulating your pet’s food. |
| Price? | $$$ | $$$$$ | $$$$ |
| Discount available? | Yes – get 50% off your first order | Yes, you can get 50% off your first order | Yes, you can get 50% off a trial order |
| How easy is it to portion/serve? | Very easy. Ollie gives you a reusable leftover container, scooper and has well-designed, convenient-to-use packages. | Moderately easy. The Farmer’s Dog meals are packaged in squeezable, pre-portioned bags which makes them fairly simple to serve. | Can be tricky. Nom Nom foods are packaged in pre-portioned bags, but they’re somewhat easy to spill, making meal-time a little tougher. |
| How easy is it to store? | Ollie is the easiest fresh food to store with an included leftover container. | The Farmer’s Dog foods can be stored in the fridge, but you’ll need to use your own containers. | Nom Nom foods can be stored in the fridge, but you’ll need to use your own containers. |
| Subscription required? | Yes. You have to enroll in a subscription program to buy Ollie foods. | Yes. You have to enroll in a subscription program to buy The Farmer’s Dog foods. | No! You can purchase single meals from the sampler variety pack on the website, though keep in mind that these aren’t personalized for your furry friend. |
| Nutritional bonuses? | Ollie recipes are packed with whole meat, plenty of veggies, and natural antioxidants like blueberries. | The Farmer’s Dog prioritizes simple recipes with plenty of protein and vitamins to sustain your furry friend. | Nom Nom utilizes minimally processed ingredients and gives you the option to buy a probiotic add-on to include with your shipment of food. |
Fresh Food Basics: What Are the Benefits of Fresh Foods?
Although fresh foods are a desirable option for several pets, other balanced and delectable dog food alternatives such as high-quality kibbles and canned options are available. Additionally, they are more affordable than fresh choices and provide nutrition.
Fresh dog food is undoubtedly beneficial for the majority of dogs. Below, we will elaborate on a few reasons why.
Fresh Foods Are Tasty and Made from Fresh, Premium Ingredients
To begin with, fresh foods utilize only fresh ingredients, and top fresh food manufacturers (including the three mentioned) employ superior quality ingredients compared to numerous kibble producers.
Not only does this boost owners’ confidence in the food they provide their pets, but it also elicits excitement and enjoyment from the animals as these meals are definitely more palatable than commercially manufactured options.
Fresh Dog Foods Are Convenient
When it comes to convenience, online ordering of dog food and doorstep delivery is unbeatable.
The three fresh foods will be delivered to you frozen to avoid spoilage, and you’ll only have to defrost them before feeding. To increase their appeal to your furry friend, you may also warm them up slightly in the microwave after thawing. Furthermore, these foods may be kept in the freezer, eliminating the need for a large bag of kibble in your kitchen.
Fresh Foods Are Customized for Your Canine
Fresh foods are a great option for all dog breeds, as the majority of them are tailored to meet your dog’s specific needs, serving the purpose of providing nourishment for your Great Dane as well as a snack for your Maltese.
In order to get personalized dog food for your pet, you will be required to complete a survey during the ordering process. The questionnaire will usually inquire about your dog’s breed, age, energy level, and weight. Some brands, like the three mentioned earlier, may also ask questions relating to your dog’s health conditions and potential dietary restrictions.
This is a more attractive option for the majority of pet owners as opposed to providing their furry friend with generic kibble or canned food that’s made to cater to all dog breeds.
Most Fresh Foods Are US-Made
The three fresh dog food brands we’re discussing, along with many popular options, are prepared in kitchens located in the United States. As a result, they are often considered to be more secure compared to certain kinds of kibbles and canned foods that are manufactured in foreign countries.
Nom Nom, a fresh food brand, ensures an extra level of safety and peace of mind for pet owners by sourcing all ingredients within the United States.
BONUS: How to Choose the Best Dog Food
If we lived in a perfect world, there would be no difference in quality among dog food brands. However, pet owners are flooded with numerous choices, each asserting to be the ultimate dog food available. It can be vexing to sift through these options to find a dog food brand that meets all the requirements- nutritious, reasonably priced, and satisfying to your pet. As a solution, we have put together professional guidance to assist you in minimizing your options.
What Makes a Dog Food “Good”?
Dry kibble or canned wet food are the most common types of dog food that people provide for their dogs. Although they may not seem appetizing to us, these manufactured foods consist of all the essential nutrients that dogs require to maintain their well-being. Commercial dog food products of high quality adhere to stringent regulations and have been thoroughly evaluated by veterinary experts. Therefore, what exactly are the ingredients contained in these forms of dog food?
Cats are strict carnivores, but dogs have a more varied diet. Although meat is the main component of a domestic dog’s diet, they can also obtain nutrients from grains, fruits, and vegetables. These non-meat items are not merely fillers, but can provide necessary vitamins, minerals, and fiber. A great dog food will incorporate meat, vegetables, grains, and fruits. The most excellent dog foods will contain premium versions of these components that are suitable for your dog’s digestive health.
Dog Food Nutrition
To satisfy your dog’s dietary requirements, opt for dog food that meets the criteria. Although commercial dog food brands generally meet the minimum nutritional standards for dogs, keep in mind that every dog’s dietary necessities aren’t identical.
Throughout their lives, dogs need various nutrients in varying amounts. Puppies have distinct nutritional needs that differ from adult dogs; hence, it’s advisable to feed them with “all life stages” food or puppy formula. In case you’re unsure about the differing nutritional needs of puppies and adult dogs, you can find a list of recommended nutrients by weight and age for dogs in the Merck Veterinary Manual. Nutritional requirements of large breed dogs and puppies differ from those of small breed dogs and puppies.
Dog Food Myths and Misinformation
On the Internet, there exists a lot of false information and myths about dog nutrition. To sift through this, follow one important rule: verify your sources. Some people may make claims about dog nutrition, but they lack scientific evidence. During your research, ensure that the information comes from a reliable source such as a veterinarian, a canine nutritionist or a scientific study. Practicing skepticism is a good practice as well. If something sounds too good to be true, it most likely is.
Dog owners frequently have queries about dog food choices such as grain-inclusive or grain-free, pea-free, and those containing animal byproducts. If your dog is diagnosed with a grain-induced food allergy, your veterinarian may advise you to switch to a grain-free diet. However, for most dogs, grains are a valuable source of nutrition. Animal byproducts, such as organ meats and entrails, are also nutritious, and often contain more nutrients than muscle meat which is consumed by humans. It’s important to note that regulated byproducts do not encompass hooves, hair, floor sweepings, intestinal contents, or manure. If you have any queries related to your pet’s food, consult your veterinarian.
How to Read a Dog Food Label
Reading the label of a dog food is a helpful method for distinguishing between good and bad choices. However, this can be challenging due to the fine print and the bulky nature of the product. Furthermore, pet owners should be aware of the potential for deceitful labeling, as highlighted in the Merck Veterinary Manual. The FDA mandates that dog food labels must provide eight important details, while state-level regulations may also be in place.
- Product name
- Net weight of the product
- Name and address of the manufacturer
- Guaranteed analysis
- List of ingredients
- Intended animal species (i.e. dog or cat)
- Statement of nutritional adequacy
- Feeding guidelines
Product Name
The name of the product provides valuable information about its contents. “Beef” must make up a minimum of 70% of the product, while “beef dinner,” “beef entrée,” or “beef platter” only require at least 10% beef. “With beef” requires just 3% beef, and “beef flavor” indicates that the product contains some beef for flavoring, but less than 3%. The same principle applies to ingredients like “chicken.”
Ingredients
When reading the ingredient list on a dog food label, it is important to note that it may not indicate the quality or origin of the ingredients. Manufacturers may also list corn in various forms separately to make the distribution of ingredients more equal, which can push corn down on the list even if it constitutes a high proportion of the food. Additionally, meat poses challenges because whole meats often contain a significant amount of water weight, causing the overall percentage of meat to appear lower than it really is after processing. Conversely, meat meal may seem less appetizing to some consumers, but often contains more meat than whole meats because it does not include water weight in its nutritional value.
Although the quality of the ingredients is not highlighted in the ingredient list, it does provide information on the constituents of the food. This is crucial for canines with unique diet requirements or allergies and can also benefit pet parents who want to regulate their dog’s intake of particular fibers, proteins, and carbohydrates.
Choosing the Best Dog Food
It is your responsibility as a dog owner to decide what the ideal food for your pet is. Since you are the one who interacts with your dog frequently, you can determine if the dog is healthy based on its consistent bowel movements, vitality, fitness, and healthy appetite. Therefore, if your dog has all of these characteristics, the dog food you provide is likely to be satisfactory.
During this process, your veterinarian can be an invaluable source of information. They are well-versed in pet nutrition, surpassing the knowledge of most pet owners, and have access to exclusive research and resources. Your veterinarian can assist you in selecting the right food for your dog by offering guidance and answering any questions you may have. You can rely on them for expert assistance and support.
