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Both ship fresh dog food on subscription with portions set for weight and activity. The Farmer’s Dog focuses on refrigerated fresh meals; Ollie also offers baked recipes. Compare calories, daily price and how your Lab’s stool quality and weight respond after switching. Answer page →
Why Lab owners consider fresh food
For a breed where overfeeding is the #1 controllable health risk, the main appeal of fresh subscriptions isn’t “human-grade” marketing. It’s portioning. Both services calculate a daily amount from your dog’s weight, age and activity and ship it in measured packs.
Side by side
The Farmer’s Dog
Ollie
Food format
Fresh, refrigerated
Fresh plus baked options
Portioning
Pre-portioned to your dog’s calorie needs
Pre-portioned; full meals or toppers
Delivery
Subscription
Subscription
Topper / partial plans
Available
Available
Best fit
Owners who want simple, measured fresh meals
Owners who want to mix fresh and baked
Plan details and recipes change. Check each site for current options and AAFCO statements.
Cost reality for a 70 lb Lab
Fresh food is priced by calories, and Labs eat a lot of them. Expect it to cost noticeably more than mid-range kibble. Some owners use fresh food as a 25–50% topper on kibble to keep cost down while improving palatability. Remember to reduce the kibble by the same calories.
Who should skip it
Puppies under a vet-directed growth plan (use a large-breed puppy food unless your vet approves)
Dogs on prescription diets
Owners without freezer and fridge space
Try it sensibly
Start with the trial box, weigh your Lab before and after 4 weeks, and adjust using our calorie calculator.
Products mentioned
Fresh food subscription
The Farmer's Dog
The Farmer's Dog
Best for: Pre-portioned fresh food for weight control
Fresh, refrigerated food delivered on a subscription
Portions calculated for your dog’s weight and activity
Recipes formulated to AAFCO standards (per company)
We don't list prices because they change often. Check the current price with the seller.
Frequently asked questions
Is fresh food better than kibble for Labs?
Not inherently. Both can be complete and balanced. Fresh food's practical advantage for Labs is pre-portioned meals, which can make weight control easier.
Is fresh food expensive for a large dog like a Lab?
Fresh food is generally priced per calorie and usually costs more than kibble for a 60–80 lb dog. Many owners use it as a topper to cut cost. Get a quote for your dog's weight.
Best Dog Food for Labrador Retrievers How to choose a food for an adult Lab using WSAVA criteria, plus a shortlist of kibble and fresh options that fit Labs' weight and joint needs.
How Much Should I Feed My Lab? Daily calorie chart for Labradors by weight, neuter status and age, using the veterinary RER formula, plus a free calculator and puppy feeding schedule.
Chocolate Lab Nutrition: The Essentials Nutrition fundamentals for Labs: calories, large-breed puppy calcium limits, protein, AAFCO statements, grain-free and DCM, and how to choose a food.
