When I first adopted Finch, my now 16-year-old Poodle/Lhasa Apso mix, he was a frail shadow of the dog he is today. Rescued from a backyard breeder in Columbia, SC, he arrived malnourished, matted, and battling multiple health issues—brittle nails, itchy skin, and the effects of intestinal parasites.
On top of that, Finch has always been a notoriously picky eater, making it hard to keep his weight up. Finding food he’d both enjoy and thrive on was a constant struggle—until we discovered Ollie.
Getting Started with Ollie Dog Food
Finch’s history of extreme pickiness and skipped meals made feeding a challenge. Ollie’s fresh, human-grade ingredients and recipes, crafted with veterinary nutritionists, offer a convenient and healthy alternative to home cooking, which Finch loved but was costly and time-consuming to maintain.
Ordering was simple. I filled out a quick online questionnaire with Finch’s weight, activity level, and spay/neuter status. As a senior dog with missing teeth from dental disease, the Full Fresh Plan seemed like the best choice for his needs.
I selected the Chicken with Carrots, Beef with Sweet Potato, and Pork with Apples recipes based on Finch’s tastes. Next time, we might try Turkey with Blueberries or Lamb with Cranberries. Ollie makes switching recipes easy via my account or the app.
Finch’s two-week starter pack arrived in under a week, packaged with dry ice in an insulated box. A wave of cold air escaped when I opened it, revealing food packets coated in frost.
Finch’s box also included:
- A comprehensive transition and feeding guide to make a seamless switch to Ollie
- Food storage container
- Fresh food scoop
Mess-Free, Convenient Feeding with Ollie
The meals came sealed in easy-to-open, mess-free packages pre-portioned based on Finch’s dietary needs. His plan recommends half a package per day, split into a quarter in the morning and a quarter at night.
One of the standout features of Ollie’s fresh food starter box is the dishwasher-safe food storage container and scoop that comes with it. The scoop greatly reduces mess and makes portioning out Finch’s food a snap. Once his meal is ready to serve, the airtight silicone “Puptainer” keeps the rest of the package fresh in the fridge until next time.
The Real Test: Finch Tries Ollie
Finch has sampled various diets over the years, from kibble to a holistic vet-recommended homemade diet. While he enjoyed the latter, the cost, prep time, and balancing nutrients made it challenging.
I worried he’d resist switching to Ollie, but my doubts faded when I opened the first thawed package and saw the fresh chunks of meat and veggies. We tried the Chicken and Carrots recipe first. Finch sniffed curiously, inspected his plate, then cautiously took a bite. Once he got going, he didn’t stop until the plate was spotless!
Over the next few days, he tried Beef with Sweet Potato and Pork with Apples. To my surprise, pork became his favorite meal. Thanks to Ollie, Finch discovered new, nutritious flavors he otherwise would not have experienced.
The Health Benefits I Want + The Fresh Food Finch Craves
Ollie’s protein-rich recipes keep Finch excited about mealtime while delivering essential amino acids for a balanced diet. Each meal is packed with nutrient-dense superfoods like spinach and cranberries for vitamins and antioxidants, plus fiber-rich ingredients like butternut squash and carrots to support digestion—a far cry from the bland, processed food he once ignored.
After two weeks on Ollie, Finch’s dull, itchy coat is now soft and shiny, his nails are stronger, and his digestion has improved from sporadic, hard stools to well-formed daily poops. Best of all, his energy has soared—longer walks, playful moments, and more good days than bad. Even his vet noticed the difference!
But the biggest win? Finch loves his food. As a once-malnourished rescue, seeing him eagerly devour every meal and maintain a healthy weight is incredibly rewarding. Since starting Ollie, he hasn’t skipped a single meal—and that alone makes this journey worth it.
More To Love About Ollie:
Food Safety & Convenience
My top priority when feeding Finch is ensuring his food is safe and nutritionally complete. Knowing that Ollie meets or exceeds AAFCO standards—ensuring pet food is high-quality and clearly labeled—gives me peace of mind. Their strict safety and testing protocols, from production to delivery, assure me that Finch is getting the best nutrition possible.
The Ollie App: Health Screenings & Much More
Ollie’s convenient app offers more than just an easy way to order food—it also provides in-app health screenings. With a quick photo upload, I get personalized insights into Finch’s weight, digestion, skin, coat, and dental health. As a senior dog parent, staying proactive about Finch’s well-being is essential, and Ollie makes it effortless.
The app even simplifies managing Finch’s meals. I can adjust recipes, add treats or supplements, and modify deliveries with just a few taps—no calls, no hassle, just seamless customization and convenience.
The Verdict: Is Ollie Worth It?
Transitioning Finch to Ollie has been one of the best decisions I’ve made for his health and happiness. The combination of fresh, high-quality ingredients, expert-formulated recipes, and top-tier safety standards has given him a new lease on life. He’s more energetic, his coat is healthier, and he’s finally maintaining a good weight. For any dog parent—especially those with picky eaters or senior dogs—Ollie is worth every penny. Seeing Finch thrive in his golden years is priceless, and I have Ollie to thank for that.
Toledo, United States.