Although Pet Awareness Month is coming to a close this October, healthy pups never go out of style, especially when it comes to feeding them healthy, nutritious food.
According to a study conducted by Forbes Adviser, 66% of U.S. households own a dog; sadly, 60% of dogs in the U.S. are overweight, with many pet parents blissfully unaware. If you consider your dog a part of your family (and 97% of pet owners do), treat them like your child to keep them around with a healthy and happy lifestyle.
Overweight dogs face long-term consequences that can significantly impact their quality of life, including joint issues, heart disease, and shortened lifespans. We know it can be challenging to sift through the right vet-approved dog food, so we’ve looked into the best products for you.
As a dog owner, I’ve seen the difference firsthand with my Mini-Sheepadoodle, Lucy. After several years of feeding her standard kibble filled with preservatives, I switched her to fresh dog food. As a result, she lost the five pounds our vet had been urging her to lose for the past two years and now enjoys mealtime more than ever. The same portions, but a much happier and svelte dog.
RELATED: Best dog food delivery services: top picks for happy, healthy pups
Ollie serves up fresh food without filler or harmful preservatives. Unlike other dog food services, Ollie provides free on-demand analyses with expert feedback and routine health screenings directly to your phone so you can customize and alter your dog’s food plan.
Your first kit comes with a scoop and dishwasher-safe container. It may sound like a small thing, but serving fresh dog food can get messy, and finding an easy way to store it can make it easier for everyone involved.
Ollie offers a wide range of food, from wet food to gently baked kibble still packed with nutrients, along with healthy dog treats and supplements. The brand has consulted with vet nutritionists to meet the highest human-grade standards designed for your four-legged friend’s digestive system.
Right now, first-time users can get 50% off their starter box. If your dog doesn’t like the food, the brand will refund your starter kit. So, really, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain by treating your dog like family.
Made in small batches at low temperatures, this food is free from preservatives and harmful fillers, with no corn, wheat, or soy added. Ingredients are carefully selected and vet-formulated to provide balanced, science-led pet nutrition at all life stages. With high-quality meat and plant-based proteins, your dog will have all the nutrition needed for a happier life. You have a choice of three alternative meal plans:
- Fresh Premium Dog Food: This plan consists entirely of fresh, high-quality ingredients starting.
- Fresh Plan Dog Food: This option combines your dog’s existing kibble with fresh ingredients, providing a balanced diet that enhances the kibble with nutritious fresh food, making it more cost-effective.
- Mixed Most Variety Dog Food: This plan offers a mix of fresh and baked foods, giving your dog a variety of textures and flavors in each meal. It is the best of both worlds and a more affordable option.
Fresh food can be stored in your freezer for up to 6 months. Once it’s in the refrigerator, use it within 4 days. If this doesn’t fit your lifestyle or you have limited freezer space, we recommend trying Ollie’s baked food.
Meet the newest treat: Beef and Sweet Potato Jerky Strips, which has simple and transparent ingredients: beef, oats, coconut glycerin, sweet potato, salt, and celery powder.
Ollie recommends that treats should have no more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake. If your dog isn’t a fan of jerky, Ollie offers a variety of other treats to accommodate different dietary needs and preferences.
Even your dog needs a chill pill now and then. Soothe their anxiety with a plant-based blend of ginko Biloba leaf, chamomile, passion flower, L-tryptophan, valerian root, and melatonin.
Ollie has all sorts of supplements and vitamins to help keep your dog healthy from probiotics to hip and joint chews.
This article was written by Emma Sutton-Williams, New York Post Commerce Reporter. Proud dog mom to a Mini Sheepadoodle named Lucy, Emma routinely tests top-rated pet products with her pup to find the best recommendations for fellow pet owners. In search of the best dog food brands, leashes, harnesses and more, Emma taps veterinarians and experts like Cesar Millan, better known as the “Dog Whisperer,” for pet health advice, FAQs and training secrets. In addition to her work at the Post, Emma’s byline has appeared in Rolling Stone, Oprah Daily, Parents, InStyle, StyleCaster and more.
Hunting for a headline-worthy haul? Keep shopping with Post Wanted.