As any pet parent knows, our furry four-legged babies are part of the family.
And, as someone who is particular about what I put on my plate, I don’t blame Tidley, my Pomeranian, for having her own strong opinions about food. My girl knows what she likes!
Since Tidley can’t shop for herself, I recently grabbed two popular dog food brands for a little taste test: Just Food For Dogs and Ollie.
Here's how they stacked up against each other in a tail-wagging showdown:
Convenience: Ready When You Are
Winner: Just Food For Dogs
I’m all about convenience but not at the expense of quality. I loved that both brands offered ready-to-eat options filled with fresh ingredients for my girl.
Both Ollie and Just Food For Dogs offer fresh dog food, but Just Food For Dogs takes it up a notch. With Just Food For Dogs, it's so easy and convenient. Their Pantry Fresh packages come ready-to-serve and can be stored unopened on the shelf for up to two years from the manufacture date. By comparison, with Ollie’s frozen food, I need be diligent about tracking and receiving my shipment and ensuring that I unpack and freeze it immediately – otherwise it could spoil. I also need to make sure I stay on top of thawing and defrosting the food to ensure that I always have some ready to feed Tidley.
Ingredient Quality: A Feast Fit for a King (or a Very Pampered Pooch!)
Winner: Just Food For Dogs
I’ve gotta say—I was very impressed by the ingredients these premium pet foods boasted. Just Food For Dogs and Ollie both promise meals composed of 100% human-grade ingredients, mirroring what you’d find in a wholesome home-cooked meal. We're talking real meats (not leftover by-products) with fresh fruits and vegetables.
Regardless of her paws and tail, Tidley firmly believes she’s one of us, so I love that I can give her human-grade food with both brands.
Nutritional Integrity: Science-Backed, Tidley-Approved
Winner: Just Food For Dogs
Nutrition isn’t just about filling the belly but actually nourishing the body. While both brands adhere to the National Research Council's guidelines and are tested through AAFCO feeding trials, Just Food For Dogs takes it several steps further with a year-long trial using 30 dogs that was even presented at a conference.
Just Food For Dogs ensures that their products hit the essential nutrition categories for dogs. They include high-quality proteins for tissue repair and maintenance, energy-dense fats for energy and skin health, whole-food carbohydrates with fiber for energy and digestion, minerals & vitamins for body functions, and water for hydration.
Ollie is nutritious enough, but Just Food For Dogs’ commitment to science-based formulation gives me confidence that Tidley is getting the absolute best.
Taste: Tail-Wagging Test
Winner: Just Food For Dogs
You might think all dog food tastes the same to our furry friends, but Tidley begs to differ. Regular ol’ kibble? She’d rather stage a hunger strike!
While both brands received a vigorous tail wag of approval, Just Food For Dogs was the favorite when I gave her both options. Luckily, with their variety pack, it’s easy to try all 4 of the recipes to find Tidley’s current favorite: the beef and russet potato meal.
Final Verdict: Just Food For Dogs Takes the Bone!
After trying Just Food For Dogs and Ollie, it’s clear which one leads the pack. Not only does Just Food For Dogs bring buffet-worthy variety that Tidley loves, but it also offers unmatched freshness, convenience, and evidence-based nutritional integrity.
While the $62.99 price of the Pantry Fresh variety pack (with four different recipes) made me pause at first, I now see it as a worthwhile investment in my dog’s health, especially with the 50% off first-time auto-ship discount (making it only $31.50). Plus, you get free shipping.
For any pet parent looking to upgrade their dog’s diet, I highly recommend giving Just Food For Dogs a try. Their website offers an easy ‘Get Started’ guide where you can answer a few questions, and they’ll recommend the best frozen products for your dog.
