Theo started leaving kibble behind in his bowl…
I’d never known Theo to skip a meal, but all of a sudden, the kibble we’d sworn by for a year wasn’t cutting it. I kept an eye on him as soon as I saw the change, and I scheduled a vet visit when I noticed that he was losing weight.
Our family vet suggested we look into fresh dog food, and thus began my search for the most nutritious, whole-ingredient-forward fresh recipes on the market.
Throughout my research, Ollie and Sundays for Dogs consistently emerged as top contenders.
TL;DR
Although both Ollie and Sundays for Dogs are marketed as “fresh” dog food, Ollie felt more deserving of the title… and that’s why I chose them.
- Preparation styles: Ollie’s Baked and Fresh food options felt intuitive (vs. Sundays’ treat-esque air-drying).
- Authentic appearance & taste: I loved that Ollie’s food looked (and, according to reviews, tasted) so real. I wouldn’t want dried food forever, and I didn’t want that for Theo either.
- Variety & flexibility: Ollie’s 7 total recipe options and 3 adaptable meal plans gave me confidence that they could keep Theo entertained.
- Personalization: Ollie customized a menu and serving schedule for Theo, which made me feel extra confident in my decision. It felt like the team truly knew and supported my dog.
“Fresh” Dog Foods Go Head-to-Head
Ollie and Sundays for Dogs are (self-proclaimed) “fresh” dog food brands that strive to replicate the whole quality of foods an animal might eat in the wild, and to in turn improve their overall health. They both:
- Use human-grade ingredients
- Are formulated with vet nutritionists
- Include NO fillers or artificial flavors
- Are slow-cooked to preserve nutritional value
- Meet AAFCO & WSAVA guidelines
- Made in US kitchens
But that’s where the similarities end.
After comparing the two and their interpretations of the word “fresh” it became clear that Ollie was the best match for us. Let me explain…
Defining “Fresh”
The truth is, any dog food brand can call their food “fresh.” What actually makes it fresh is up for debate. So while both Ollie and Sundays for Dogs tout this label, I learned that their definitions of “fresh” are rather different.
Ollie:
- Method: Gently cooks human-grade ingredients slowly at low temperatures to preserve nutrients (vs. the speedy overcooking of many kibbles/canned foods)
- Safety: Recipes are cooked to an internal temp of 165°F (in compliance with CDC guidelines) to kill bacteria/pathogens
- Storage:
- Unopened (frozen packs): up to 6 months in the freezer
- After thaw/open: 4 days in the fridge
- Bonus: Complimentary Puptainer helps store leftovers
- Crude moisture content: 70%
- For context, most raw meats (what dogs historically ate) are about 75% moisture
- Texture: Comparable to casserole; you can see the ingredients
Sundays for Dogs:
- Method: Gently air-dries at low temps to maximize nutrition
- Format: One dry, shelf-stable style; packaged in resealable pouches
- Storage:
- Unopened: up to 12 months
- After opening: up to 8 weeks
- Crude moisture content: 15%
- Texture: Monochrome, chewy chunks, often compared to dog treats
What makes any food “fresh” (for humans and dogs alike) is how similar the prepared meal feels to the ingredient itself.
Sundays for Dogs’ food felt several irreversible steps away from the organic states of its ingredients. On the other hand, in the photos of Ollie’s recipes I found online, I could see flecks of ingredients listed on the package.
Why We Ultimately Went With Ollie
Food Format & Variety
Ollie:
- 5 Flavor options (Chicken, Lamb, Beef, Pork, Turkey)
- Choose between “Baked” dry food or “Fresh” wet food, flash-frozen to preserve quality
- 3 Meal plans (Full Fresh, Half Fresh, Mixed) provide a range of textures
Sundays for Dogs:
- 3 Flavor options (Chicken, Beef, Turkey)
- All food is air-dried with the same chewy texture
Customization & Flexibility
Ollie:
- 50% Off Starter Box
- Treats & supplements are optional additions to every order
- Digital meal transition instructions
- Access to unlimited free health screenings and on-demand support through the Ollie app (for example, the Diet Transition Screening, which uses stool samples to ensure the seamless integration of Ollie into your dog’s diet)
Sundays for Dogs:
- 20% Off first order
- Printed mealtime guide
Convenience & Freshness
Ollie:
- Free “Puptainer” to store leftovers
- Free scoop for serving
- Vacuum-sealed Fresh recipes simplify portioning
- Fresh food must defrost in the fridge for roughly 24 hours prior to serving
Sundays for Dogs:
- Shelf-stable
With Ollie, We Lived Happily Ever After
Needless to say, Theo’s bowl is regularly emptied now that we’ve made the switch to Ollie dog food. He shows undeniable enthusiasm while eating, and his energy levels no longer dip post-meal. I swear he seems happier daily, although maybe that’s my own personal bias (nothing cheers me up like a good meal!).
In Ollie, I found not only a quality fresh dog food supplier but a support system, an array of resources, and the peace of mind that Theo is eating the right food and portions for him and him alone.
Put an end to the dog days of basic kibble—save on your first Ollie delivery today.
