7 Copycat Ollie Dog Food Recipes Your Pup Will Love

1. Hearty Beef & Sweet Potato Feast

Inspired by Ollie’s classic beef recipe, this dish is a crowd-pleaser for pups who love a rich, savory meal. It’s packed with high-quality protein for muscle maintenance and vibrant veggies for essential vitamins and fiber.

Ingredients

• 1 lb lean ground beef (90/10 or leaner)
• 1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced small
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 cup diced carrots
• 1 cup fresh spinach
• 2 tablespoons sunflower oil (or other dog-safe oil)
• 1/4 cup water
• Optional: 1 teaspoon of finely chopped parsley for fresh breath

Instructions

1. In a large skillet or pot, heat the sunflower oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
2. Drain off any excess fat from the beef.
3. Add the diced sweet potatoes, carrots, and 1/4 cup of water to the skillet. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat, cover, and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
4. Stir in the frozen peas and fresh spinach. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the peas are heated through and the spinach has wilted.
5. Remove from heat and let it cool completely before serving. You can stir in the optional parsley right before serving.

Pros & Cons

Verdict

This recipe is perfect for active dogs who need a hearty, energy-packed meal. It’s also a great starting point for anyone new to making homemade dog food due to its simplicity.

2. Wholesome Chicken & Carrot Medley

A take on Ollie’s popular chicken recipe, this dish is lighter and easily digestible, making it a fantastic choice for many dogs. Chicken is a lean protein source, and the addition of brown rice provides sustained energy.

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into small chunks
• 1 cup cooked brown rice
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 cup chopped spinach
• 1/2 cup green beans, chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chicken chunks and cook until they are lightly browned on all sides.
2. Add the water or broth, shredded carrots, and green beans to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 20 minutes.
3. Stir in the pre-cooked brown rice and chopped spinach. Continue to cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the spinach to wilt and the flavors to meld.
4. Let the mixture cool completely. Before serving, you can shred the chicken chunks with a fork for easier eating if your dog prefers it.

Pros & Cons

Verdict

An excellent everyday meal for the average adult dog. It’s gentle on the stomach and provides a well-rounded mix of protein, carbs, and veggies. It’s a go-to for dogs who may find richer red meats too heavy.

3. Tasty Turkey & Blueberry Bowl

This recipe, inspired by Ollie’s turkey formula, is a lean machine! Ground turkey is even lower in fat than chicken, and the addition of pumpkin is great for digestive health. Blueberries provide a wonderful antioxidant boost.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground turkey (93/7)
• 1 cup pumpkin puree (100% pure pumpkin, not pie filling)
• 1/2 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
• 1 cup chopped kale, stems removed
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil
• 1 cup water

Instructions

1. Melt the coconut oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook until fully browned.
2. Stir in the pumpkin puree, kale, rolled oats, and water. Mix everything together well.
3. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, until the kale is wilted and the oats have absorbed most of the liquid.
4. Remove from the heat and gently fold in the blueberries.
5. Allow the food to cool to room temperature before serving to your eager pup.

Pros & Cons

Verdict

This is a top-tier choice for dogs with sensitive digestive systems or those needing to watch their weight. The unique combination of ingredients makes it both a healthy and exciting meal.

4. Luscious Lamb & Cranberry Dish

For the dog with a more refined palate (or protein sensitivities!), this lamb recipe is a game-changer. Lamb is a novel protein for many dogs, which can be beneficial for those with allergies to beef or chicken. Butternut squash adds a dose of vitamins and fiber.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground lamb
• 2 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed
• 1/2 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
• 1 cup chopped fresh spinach
• 1 tablespoon flaxseed oil
• 2 cups water

Instructions

1. In a large pot, add the ground lamb and cook over medium heat until browned. Drain the excess fat.
2. Add the butternut squash cubes and water to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the squash is fork-tender.
3. Mash some of the squash with a spoon to create a thicker, gravy-like consistency, leaving some chunks for texture.
4. Stir in the cranberries and spinach, and cook for another 3-5 minutes until the spinach wilts.
5. Remove from heat and stir in the flaxseed oil. Let it cool completely before serving.

Pros & Cons

Verdict

This gourmet meal is perfect for dogs with food sensitivities to chicken or beef. The unique flavor profile and health benefits make it a fantastic rotational protein to add to your dog’s diet.

5. Perfect Pork & Apple Plate

Pork is another great protein source that’s highly palatable for dogs. Paired with the natural sweetness of apples and the fiber from green beans, this recipe offers a delicious and balanced meal that feels like a special treat.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground pork
• 1 medium apple, cored and diced (no seeds!)
• 1 cup chopped green beans
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cups water

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook the ground pork until it’s no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease.
2. Add the diced apple, green beans, oats, and water to the skillet. Stir to combine.
3. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the apples and green beans to soften and the oats to cook through. The mixture should thicken as the oats absorb the liquid.
4. Once cooked, remove from the heat and let it cool down entirely before it hits your dog’s bowl.

Pros & Cons

Verdict

This recipe is a fantastic choice for picky eaters who might turn their noses up at other foods. The slightly sweet and savory combination is often irresistible, providing a nutrient-dense meal they’ll gobble up.

6. Savory Salmon & Quinoa Mix

Time for some brain food! Salmon is a powerhouse of omega-3 fatty acids, which are amazing for a dog’s skin, coat, and cognitive function. Paired with the complete protein of quinoa, this is a truly supercharged meal.

Ingredients

• 1 lb salmon fillet, skin removed
• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 1 cup chopped broccoli florets (steamed or boiled until soft)
• 1/2 cup shredded zucchini
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil or salmon oil

Instructions

1. You can cook the salmon by baking, poaching, or pan-searing it with a little water (no salt or heavy oils). Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until it flakes easily with a fork.
2. While the salmon cooks, steam or boil your broccoli florets until they are tender.
3. In a large bowl, flake the cooked salmon apart.
4. Add the cooked quinoa, softened broccoli, and shredded zucchini to the bowl with the salmon.
5. Drizzle with the coconut or salmon oil and gently mix everything together.
6. Ensure it’s completely cool before serving.

Pros & Cons

Verdict

This recipe is ideal for dogs with dry, itchy skin, a dull coat, or those who could benefit from an anti-inflammatory diet. It’s a nutritional powerhouse that supports overall health from the inside out.

7. Farm-Fresh Duck & Squash Recipe

Duck is another fantastic novel protein that’s rich in flavor and packed with iron and amino acids. It’s often recommended for dogs with food sensitivities. Paired with nutrient-dense butternut squash, it’s a gourmet meal your dog deserves.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground duck
• 2 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed
• 1 cup fresh spinach
• 1/4 cup lentils, rinsed
• 2.5 cups water
• 1 tablespoon of chopped parsley

Instructions

1. In a large pot, cook the ground duck over medium heat until browned. Duck is higher in fat, so be sure to drain the rendered fat thoroughly.
2. Add the butternut squash cubes, rinsed lentils, and water to the pot.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the squash is soft and the lentils are fully cooked.
4. Stir in the spinach and parsley, and cook for another 2 minutes to allow the spinach to wilt.
5. Remove from heat and let it cool completely. You can mash the squash slightly to create a thicker consistency if desired.

Pros & Cons

Verdict

This is a wonderful option for a rotational feeding plan or for dogs who have exhausted other protein options due to allergies. It’s a rich, decadent, and highly nutritious meal for a special pup.

A Chef’s Guide to Making the Best Homemade Dog Food

Switching to homemade dog food is an amazing act of love, but it’s more than just mixing meat and veggies in a bowl. To ensure your pup is getting everything they need, keep these key points in mind.

Talk to Your Vet First

This is the most critical step. Before you start, have a conversation with your veterinarian or a board-certified veterinary nutritionist. They can help you understand your dog’s specific nutritional needs based on their age, breed, weight, and health status. They can also recommend essential supplements, like calcium or specific vitamin blends, to ensure the meals are balanced and complete for long-term feeding.

Balancing the Nutrients

A balanced canine diet typically consists of:

• High-Quality Protein: The cornerstone of the meal (beef, chicken, fish, lamb).
• Healthy Fats: Essential for energy, skin, and coat health (from protein, oils like flaxseed or salmon oil).
• Complex Carbohydrates: For energy and fiber (sweet potatoes, brown rice, oats, quinoa).
• Vitamins and Minerals: From vegetables and fruits (carrots, spinach, peas, blueberries).
• Calcium: Crucial for bone health. Homemade diets often lack calcium, so a supplement is usually necessary. Never use a human supplement without veterinary guidance.

Foods to ALWAYS Avoid

Some human foods are toxic to dogs. Never include these in your recipes:

• Onions, garlic, chives
• Chocolate
• Grapes and raisins
• Avocado
• Macadamia nuts
• Xylitol (an artificial sweetener found in many products)
• Alcohol or caffeine

Proper Storage is Key

Fresh food means no preservatives, so it’s perishable. Store homemade dog food in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For larger batches, portion out meals into freezer-safe bags or containers and freeze them. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Simply thaw a portion in the fridge the night before you need it.

Your Homemade Dog Food Questions, Answered!

How much homemade food should I feed my dog?

This is a crucial question that depends heavily on your dog’s size, age, and activity level. A general guideline is to feed 2-3% of their ideal body weight per day. For example, a 50-pound dog might eat 1 to 1.5 pounds of food daily, split into two meals. However, this is just a starting point. The best course of action is to consult your vet for a precise recommendation and monitor your dog’s weight and body condition, adjusting as needed.

Can I substitute ingredients in these recipes?

To some extent, yes. You can often swap one dog-safe vegetable for another (e.g., green beans for peas) or a healthy grain for another (e.g., quinoa for brown rice) if your dog has a preference or sensitivity. However, be cautious when substituting proteins or significantly altering the ratios, as this will change the nutritional profile of the meal. If you need to make major changes, it’s wise to run them by your vet.

How long does homemade dog food last?

Without preservatives, homemade dog food is highly perishable. You can safely store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. If you make a large batch, it’s best to portion it out and freeze it. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Is making dog food at home really cheaper than buying Ollie?

Generally, yes. While the upfront cost of buying fresh ingredients might seem high, the cost per meal is typically lower than a premium subscription service like Ollie, especially if you buy ingredients in bulk or when they are on sale. The exact savings will depend on the recipes you choose (lamb and duck are more expensive than chicken) and where you shop, but most pet parents find it to be a more economical option in the long run.