Is Ollie Worth the Subscription?
The Breakdown
If you’ve been scrolling through Instagram ads or hearing the hype about “human-grade” fresh dog food, chances are Ollie has popped up in your feed. The sleek packaging, the “customized for your dog” promise, the celebrity endorsements, it’s easy to see why so many pet parents are tempted. But as a veterinarian with 15+ years in clinical practice and the creator of the PSS™ (Pet Food Scoring System), I’m here to cut through the marketing noise and give you the real nutritional truth.
A subscriber sent me Ollie’s full nutrient chart (thank you!), and I ran every recipe, fresh and baked, through the PSS™. Spoiler: Ollie scores 2–5/10. That’s not a typo. Let’s break it down step by step so you can decide if it’s worth the $8–$12/day price tag.
TL;DR (For the Busy Pet Parent)
Ollie is NOT optimized for full-time adult or senior feeding.
Best use: <10% topper for flavor (not nutrition).
Red flags: Puppy-level minerals, 25–31% fat, zero calorie control, no NASC seal on supplements.
Better alternative: Evermore – scores 6–7/10, adult-optimized, free vet consults (check out that video here: https://youtu.be/MQV2nC6GpuY
Download the free Ollie PSS™ chart below and follow along.
Download Your Free Ollie Nutrient + PSS™ Chart
The 4 Big Red Flags (Why Ollie Fails as a Complete Diet)
1. All Recipes Are Puppy Food in Disguise
Ollie labels everything “All Life Stage,” which sounds inclusive—but AAFCO defines this as meeting puppy growth requirements. That means excess calcium and phosphorus (1.6–2.0% DM vs. adult ideal 0.8–1.2%). Over years, this can strain kidneys and contribute to skeletal issues in adults and seniors. No adult-specific option = –1 point across the board.
2. Fat Levels Are Sky-High (25–31%)
Most Ollie recipes exceed 30% fat on dry matter—that’s double the ideal for adult maintenance (12–18%). High fat is a known trigger for pancreatitis, especially in breeds like Schnauzers, Yorkies, and Cocker Spaniels. Even healthy dogs can develop issues with chronic high-fat feeding.
3. Zero Calorie Control
Ollie’s subscription model decides your dog’s portions. You can’t adjust calories without changing the entire plan. Obesity is the #1 nutritional disease in pets—and studies show lean dogs live 2–3 years longer. Without control, you’re gambling with your dog’s lifespan.
4. Supplements Lack NASC Seal
Ollie’s blog recommends the NASC seal for supplement safety—but none of their products have it. That means no third-party verification of label claims. Pass.
Can You Use Ollie as a Topper?
YES – but strictly <10% of total diet.
Here’s the truth:
<10% = Adds flavor, no nutritional impact (good or bad).
>10% = Unbalances your base food (excess fat/minerals throw off ratios).
If your dog is a “picky eater” or you just love the ritual, go for it. But don’t fool yourself into thinking it’s “healthier”—it’s a treat, not a meal.
Final Verdict
Ollie = expensive flavor, not nutrition. Use as a <10% topper if you love it. For full-time feeding? Stick to adult-specific, grain-inclusive kibble + vet check-ins.
What’s your Ollie experience? Did your dog love it? Gain weight? Comment below – I read every one.
