🐶 The Farmer’s Dog vs. Sundays vs. Ollie

As the fresh dog food market evolves into a billion-dollar battleground, many pet owners are left wondering: which brand truly serves your dog’s needs — not just the best marketing campaign? While The Farmer’s Dog, Sundays, and Ollie each promise premium nutrition, they diverge sharply when it comes to food format, scientific validation, storage convenience, veterinary involvement, and cost flexibility.


Key Takeaways — Quickfire Answers for the Time-Strapped

  • Which is best for picky eaters?Sundays: air-dried crunch and meat-forward ingredients.
  • Most clinically validated?The Farmer’s Dog: full-year Cornell University feeding trial.
  • Easiest to store and serve?Sundays: no fridge or freezer required.
  • Best for mixed diets (fresh + kibble)?Ollie: Half-Fresh & Mixed Bowl plans offer budget and freezer flexibility.
  • Top sustainability packaging?The Farmer’s Dog: recyclable, dissolvable insulation.
  • Most allergy-friendly?Sundays, due to short, transparent ingredient lists and single-protein recipes.

💬 “My dog’s a picky eater. Which brand will they actually want to eat — every time?”

Sundays is the winner here. Its air-dried jerky-like format offers the tactile and olfactory appeal dogs crave. Real meat is the first ingredient, and there are no synthetic fillers masking the flavor. Reviews consistently show dogs preferring Sundays’ texture and aroma over frozen or pâté-style meals.

🥩 Taste & Texture Preference Matrix

BrandFormat 🍽️Palatability 🔥Picky-Eater Approved? ✅Notes 📝
Sundays 🐾Air-Dried (Jerky-Like)⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐✅ Often loved instantlyGreat for snackers, small bites
Ollie 🧆Fresh + Baked⭐⭐⭐✅ If variety is rotatedMixed Bowl plans offer texture options
The Farmer’s Dog 🍲Fresh-Only (Soft)⭐⭐⚠️ Some dogs dislike mushy feelBest with strong-smelling recipes

Expert Tip: If your dog often leaves meals untouched, start with Sundays and gradually integrate moisture if needed.


🧊 “I have limited freezer space. Which brand won’t take over my kitchen?”

No contest here: Sundays wins again with its shelf-stable, air-dried formula that requires zero refrigeration. The Farmer’s Dog ships frozen and takes up freezer space, while Ollie’s fresh + baked combo gives some relief, though still requires partial freezing.

📦 Storage & Convenience Comparison

BrandStorage Needs 🧊Prep Time 🕒Mess-Free? 💦Best For 🏠
Sundays 📦Pantry-only (Shelf Stable)None✅ YesApartments, RVs, travel users
Ollie ❄️Partial freezer + dry shelfLow⚠️ Some clean-upHouseholds mixing diets
The Farmer’s Dog 🧊Requires freezer/fridgeLow⚠️ Soft packs can leakOwners with dedicated freezer space

Sustainability Note: Sundays uses compact packaging with no ice packs, making it the most eco-forward for storage logistics.


🧬 “Which brand has actual scientific research backing their food?”

This is where The Farmer’s Dog dominates. Their long-term feeding trial with Cornell University exceeded AAFCO standards and included biometric data, blood panels, and year-long health tracking. Neither Sundays nor Ollie has completed a published trial yet, although Ollie has one in the planning phase.

📖 Scientific Validation Breakdown

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BrandAAFCO Compliance ✅Feeding Trial 📊Veterinary Team 🩺Peer Review Status 🔬
The Farmer’s Dog 👨‍⚕️✅ Yes✅ Cornell University✅ DACVNs on staff✅ Transparent, published
Ollie 🧠✅ Yes⚠️ Trial planned⚠️ Contracted experts❌ None published
Sundays 🥼✅ Yes❌ None yet⚠️ Formulated by vet, but not in-house❌ None published

Veterinary Insight: If your dog has chronic health issues (e.g., IBD, weight management, arthritis), choose TFD for the deepest research-to-bowl connection.


💸 “I’m feeding two dogs. Which brand balances quality with value?”

While all three are premium, Ollie is the most adaptable to budget-conscious feeding, especially with Half Fresh or Mixed Bowl Plans, which let you supplement existing kibble. Sundays offers no topper-style flexibility and can be pricey per ounce due to its jerky-like density.

💰 Cost & Multi-Dog Efficiency Comparison

BrandFull Plan Monthly (Med Dog) 💵Topper or Mix Option 💡Multi-Dog Tools 🧺Best Value for Volume 📦
Ollie 💸~$225✅ Yes✅ Bulk-friendly⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Farmer’s Dog 🐕~$190❌ Full portions only✅ Pre-portioned per dog⭐⭐⭐
Sundays 🐩~$200❌ No topper format❌ 1 bag per type only⭐⭐

Savings Tip: Use Ollie’s baked + fresh rotation to stretch servings without compromising digestibility.


🐾 “My dog has allergies or food sensitivities. Who has the cleanest label?”

Sundays again leads with short ingredient panels, no artificial vitamins, and meat-first, grain-light formulas. Their air-dried method maintains more natural nutrients, avoiding synthetic premixes used in many fresh foods.

🧾 Clean Label Transparency Matrix

BrandFirst Ingredient 🥩Added Synthetic Vitamins ⚠️Grain-Free Options 🌾Human-Grade Only? 🧑‍🍳
Sundays90%+ Meat❌ None✅ Yes✅ Yes
The Farmer’s Dog 🧑‍⚕️Meat + Veg mix✅ Yes (regulated blend)⚠️ Limited✅ Yes
Ollie 🧾Meat + starch✅ Yes✅ Yes✅ Yes

Allergy Tip: Start with Sundays’ Beef or Turkey recipes for the cleanest, minimalist proteins.


🧠 Final Thought: Match Based on Your Lifestyle — Not Just Your Dog’s Taste

Dogs may not read labels, but they respond to consistency, digestibility, and quality. Each brand brings a distinct advantage depending on your daily routine, fridge space, medical needs, and budget flexibility.

👑 Tailored Brand Winners by Priority

Priority 💡Best Brand 🏆Why? 🌟
Scientific researchThe Farmer’s DogCornell study, DACVNs, peer-reviewed nutrition
Storage & travel convenienceSundaysShelf-stable, mess-free, travel-ready
Variety & hybrid feedingOllieBaked + Fresh, Mixed Bowl Plan
Clean label for allergiesSundaysNo synthetics, short labels
Budget-conscious multi-dog homesOllieTopper options and flexible pricing
Vet-trusting chronic careThe Farmer’s DogTransparent lab data, veterinary backing

FAQs


💬 “My senior dog has a sensitive stomach and is prone to soft stool. Which brand is the most gut-friendly?”

The Farmer’s Dog is the most effective for digestive sensitivity, particularly in seniors. Its gently cooked recipes retain moisture and are easily digestible, while the inclusion of fiber-rich legumes (like lentils or chickpeas) helps regulate bowel consistency. Additionally, their long-term Cornell feeding trial confirmed improved stool quality and nutrient absorption.

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🥣 Gut Health Support Matrix

BrandDigestibility Score 🦴Added Fiber 🌾Moisture Content 💧Probiotic Support 🧫Stool Quality Impact 💩
The Farmer’s Dog⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐✅ Chickpeas/Lentils✅ High (Fresh-Cooked)⚠️ Not added by default✅ Firmer, less frequent
Sundays⭐⭐⚠️ Limited (Pumpkin only)❌ Very low❌ Not included⚠️ Can cause crumbly stool
Ollie⭐⭐⭐✅ Sweet potatoes✅ Moderate (Fresh)✅ Optional supplement✅ Improved regularity

Pro Insight: Dogs prone to IBS or post-antibiotic dysbiosis typically do best with hydrated, soft-cooked meals like TFD — minimizing digestive workload.


💬 “How do these brands perform when it comes to weight management for overweight dogs?”

Weight control is a metabolic equation — caloric density, meal portioning accuracy, and satiety fiber all play a role. Ollie shines for calorie transparency and flexible portioning, while The Farmer’s Dog pre-portions meals based on your dog’s goal weight, streamlining calorie control.

⚖️ Weight Management Comparison Table

BrandPortion Accuracy 📏Calorie Customization 🔢Satiety Factor 🍠Activity-Based Planning 🏃Ideal for Weight Loss? ✅
The Farmer’s Dog✅ Pre-portioned✅ Based on vet formulas✅ Chickpeas, Lentils✅ Yes (activity included)⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ollie⚠️ Scoop-based✅ Calculator-based✅ High fiber✅ Yes⭐⭐⭐⭐
Sundays❌ Free-pour feeding❌ No calculator in box⚠️ Lower fiber❌ Basic suggestions⭐⭐

Weight Control Tip: For overweight dogs, accuracy > format. Even healthy food leads to weight gain if the energy density isn’t managed.


💬 “Which food has the most breed-specific or activity-level customization?”

Breed, energy level, and metabolic rate can alter nutrient demands significantly. While none of the three brands offer formal “breed-specific” formulas, The Farmer’s Dog collects extensive intake data (e.g., weight goals, exercise patterns) and adjusts portions accordingly.

🧬 Customization Depth Breakdown

BrandBreed & Weight Tracking 🐕Energy-Level Inputs 🏋️Recipe Adjustments 🔄Activity-Based Portioning 🧮Best for Working Dogs? 💪
The Farmer’s Dog✅ Detailed intake form✅ Yes✅ Yes✅ Dynamic updates⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ollie⚠️ Basic data entry⚠️ Moderate⚠️ Manual changes⚠️ Requires user update⭐⭐⭐
Sundays❌ Static recommendations❌ Not considered❌ No tailoring❌ Manual-only

Working Dog Insight: Dogs with high caloric demands (e.g., huskies, GSPs) benefit most from TFD’s precise caloric calibration, not one-size-fits-all serving scoops.


💬 “I want to use the food as training treats. Which is most practical?”

When it comes to training-time utility, Sundays wins by a landslide. Its air-dried squares break cleanly into bite-sized pieces, don’t leave residue, and hold up in a treat pouch. In contrast, Ollie and The Farmer’s Dog require refrigeration and don’t handle well outside the bowl.

🎓 Training-Friendliness Chart

BrandPortability 🧳Breaks Cleanly ✂️Residue-Free? 🧼No Need to Refrigerate ❄️Treat-Worthy? 🍖
Sundays 🐕✅ Fits in bag✅ Yes✅ Yes✅ Shelf-stable⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ollie 🧆❌ Needs storage❌ Soft + moist❌ Messy❌ Needs fridge
TFD 🍲❌ Soft/mushy❌ Falls apart❌ Can leak❌ Perishable

Trainer’s Tip: Use Sundays exclusively for rewards and your preferred fresh brand for meals to manage calorie balance.

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💬 “Is there a brand that can transition easily from kibble without causing digestive upset?”

Kibble-to-fresh transitions can cause stomach disruption if too abrupt. For a gentle entry point, Ollie’s Mixed Bowl plan is ideal — combining fresh and gently baked foods to mimic the dry-wet blend of kibble toppers.

🌉 Transition Friendliness Matrix

BrandBest for Cold Turkey Transition 🚽Fresh-Kibble Bridge 🛤️Texture Familiarity 🧆Transition Support Materials 📄Easiest Entry Option 💡
Ollie 🔁⚠️ Not ideal cold-switch✅ Mixed Bowl plan✅ Baked resembles kibble✅ Transition guide included⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Sundays 🧻✅ Easier than raw/frozen⚠️ Still richer than kibble✅ Crunchy texture⚠️ Limited email support⭐⭐⭐
TFD 🥣❌ Risk of soft stool if abrupt❌ Fresh-only❌ Mushy✅ Online guide provided⭐⭐

Gut-Friendly Suggestion: Transition with Ollie’s Half Fresh or Baked Meal Plans, increasing fresh over 7–10 days.


💬 “Which brand is most eco-conscious when it comes to packaging and waste?”

If sustainability matters, The Farmer’s Dog is the category innovator. Their boxes use corn-based, water-soluble insulation, BPA-free meal packs, and 100% recyclable outer cardboard. Ollie contributes via plastic offset partnerships, but Sundays lacks a robust sustainability initiative.

🌍 Eco-Friendliness Evaluation

BrandCompostable Elements ♻️Insulation Type 🌿Packaging Waste Offset 🌊Shipping Efficiency 📦Greenest Option ✅
The Farmer’s Dog✅ Yes (dissolvable liner)✅ Corn fiber❌ No offset program⚠️ Requires cooler packs⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ollie❌ Plastic foam⚠️ Standard insulation✅ rePurpose Global partner✅ Baked = low-impact⭐⭐⭐
Sundays⚠️ Basic paperboard only✅ No insulation needed❌ No offset mentioned✅ Shelf-stable⭐⭐

Environmental Note: If reducing packaging footprint is a top concern, The Farmer’s Dog offers the most biodegradable and waste-conscious solution.


💬 “Which brand is safest for dogs prone to pancreatitis or fat-sensitive conditions?”

For dogs susceptible to pancreatitis, hyperlipidemia, or bile acid disorders, dietary fat content and meal consistency are critical. Among the three, The Farmer’s Dog provides the most transparent fat analysis per recipe and offers lower-fat options like turkey, which are ideal for at-risk dogs.

🔬 Fat-Sensitive Diet Matrix

BrandLowest-Fat Recipe 🦃Fat % (Dry Matter Basis) ⚖️Recipe Transparency 📋Vet Oversight 👩‍⚕️Pancreatitis-Friendly? 🛡️
The Farmer’s DogTurkey~27–30%✅ Full breakdown online✅ DACVNs in-house⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
OllieChicken~32–35%⚠️ Limited data available⚠️ Contracted only⭐⭐
SundaysBeef~38–40%❌ Only general info❌ No in-house vet⚠️ Too rich for some dogs

Clinical Tip: Always check your dog’s serum triglycerides if pancreatitis is a concern. Then, match meals to the lowest-fat whole-protein option, ideally gently cooked, not air-dried.


💬 “Which of these brands works best for toy breeds or under-10lb dogs?”

Toy breeds require high nutrient density in small volumes, precise portioning, and food formats that won’t fatigue their jaws or cause overfeeding. The Farmer’s Dog leads in portion control for small dogs due to pre-weighed daily packs, but Sundays is more chewable due to its air-dried crumble format.

🐶 Small Dog Suitability Chart

BrandBite-Size Friendly? 🦷Accurate Portioning 🧮High-Calorie per Ounce? 🔥Avoids Overfeeding? ❌Best for Toy Breeds? 👑
Sundays✅ Yes, easy to break❌ Requires self-portion✅ Very calorie-dense⚠️ Easy to overfeed⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Farmer’s Dog⚠️ Soft pâté texture✅ Pre-portioned bags⚠️ Moderate caloric density✅ Pack guides feeding⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ollie⚠️ Large moist pieces⚠️ Scoop-based✅ Customizable⚠️ More room for error⭐⭐⭐

Mini-Mutt Tip: For chihuahuas, Yorkies, or papillons, Sundays makes great topper crumbles, while TFD’s single-serve bags prevent weight creep.


💬 “Can any of these brands help improve coat shine and reduce shedding?”

Yes — but the mechanism matters. For noticeable improvement in coat softness, luster, and reduced dander, look for diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids, bioavailable zinc, and high-quality animal proteins. Ollie’s lamb and beef recipes are most omega-rich, while The Farmer’s Dog includes fish oil supplements in select recipes.

Skin & Coat Support Snapshot

BrandOmega Source 🐟Zinc Bioavailability ⚗️Protein Digestibility 🧬Coat Transformation Timeline ⏳Best for Skin/Coat? 🐩
Ollie 🧈✅ Flax + fish oil✅ Chelated zinc✅ Soft-cooked meat⏱️ 2–4 weeks⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Farmer’s Dog✅ Fish oil added✅ Balanced mineral blend✅ High⏱️ 4–6 weeks⭐⭐⭐⭐
Sundays 🌾⚠️ No fish oil⚠️ Less trace mineral detail✅ Highly digestible⏱️ 3–5 weeks⭐⭐

Derm Vet Note: For allergies showing as itchy, flaky skin — try Ollie’s Lamb or Turkey recipe, rich in anti-inflammatory fats.


💬 “Which one has the most hassle-free cancelation policy?”

User feedback and BBB reports consistently praise The Farmer’s Dog for its easy pause, cancel, and refund options via mobile or web. Ollie has had scattered complaints about billing clarity, while Sundays requires email-based cancellation, which slows the process.

📩 Subscription Management Clarity

BrandIn-App Pausing ⏸️Cancel Anytime? ❌Live Chat or Phone Support 📱Customer Complaints ⚠️Most Transparent UX 🧠
The Farmer’s Dog✅ Yes✅ Yes✅ 24/7 options⭐ Very low⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ollie✅ Yes⚠️ Some difficulty✅ Weekdays only⚠️ BBB complaints noted⭐⭐
Sundays❌ Email cancel only❌ Must contact team❌ No phone/chat⚠️ Slower response times

Consumer Tip: Always pause instead of cancel if you’re testing another food — TFD makes resuming very smooth with saved preferences.


💬 “I travel a lot with my dog. Which food works best on the go?”

Whether you’re heading to the mountains or jetting cross-country, the best travel food is lightweight, non-perishable, and mess-free. Sundays is unmatched here — zero refrigeration, TSA-friendly, and no cleanup needed. The Farmer’s Dog, though healthy, is logistically bulky.

🧳 Travel Compatibility Grid

BrandNo Cooler Needed? 🧊TSA-Friendly ✈️Bag-Friendly Packaging 🎒Spoilage Risk? 💀Travel Rating 🌍
Sundays✅ Yes✅ Yes✅ Resealable flat bags❌ None⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ollie ⚠️⚠️ Baked only✅ Baked okay⚠️ Some refrigeration needed⚠️ If fresh thaws⭐⭐⭐
TFD ❄️❌ Fully frozen❌ No❌ Bulky freezer packs✅ Must stay frozen

Road Warrior Suggestion: Use Sundays exclusively when flying or camping, then switch back to fresh when home.


💬 “I’m dealing with a VERY picky eater. Which brand has the best track record with flavor acceptance?”

Picky eating in dogs is often driven by texture, temperature, and aroma more than by flavor alone. Dogs have fewer taste buds than humans, but their olfactory senses dominate their preferences.

Sundays frequently wins among picky eaters due to its meaty aroma, jerky-like crunch, and palatability similar to treats. However, The Farmer’s Dog, when warmed slightly, releases aromatic oils from the gently cooked meat — highly appealing to smell-driven eaters.

🐽 Flavor Acceptance & Palatability Matrix

BrandAroma Activation 🌡️Texture Variety 🍽️Taste Trials Win Rate 🥇Human-Grade Appeal 🤤Best for Picky Dogs? 🐾
Sundays 🍖✅ Very strong scent✅ Crunchy, jerky-like⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (~90% eat rate)✅ Looks like treats⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Farmer’s Dog 🥘✅ Strong when warm⚠️ Soft pâté texture⭐⭐⭐⭐ (~80% eat rate)✅ Visible real food⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ollie 🍗⚠️ Milder scent⚠️ Slightly mushy⭐⭐⭐ (~70% eat rate)✅ Balanced ingredients⭐⭐⭐

Feeding Hack: Microwave The Farmer’s Dog for ~10 seconds to unlock natural fat aromas and entice hesitant dogs — without affecting nutrient integrity.


💬 “I want to mix the food with kibble to stretch my budget. Which brand is most suitable as a topper?”

Mixing fresh food with kibble is a common strategy for budget-conscious owners seeking to improve nutrition without going fully fresh. The ideal topper should be nutrient-dense, mess-free, and portion-flexible.

Ollie’s “Half Fresh” and “Mixed Bowl” plans are tailor-made for this purpose. You can select between baked and fresh formats that pair well with dry food. Sundays, being shelf-stable and dry, is also a top topper candidate, especially for those who travel often.

💸 Topper-Friendly Format Overview

BrandTopper Plan Available 🎯Mess-Free Application 🧼Nutrient Density 🧪Flavor Boosting 💥Budget Stretch Rating 💰
Ollie 🥩✅ Yes (“Half Fresh”)✅ With scoop or crumble✅ High✅ Highly aromatic⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Sundays 🐓⚠️ Not marketed as topper✅ Crumbles easily✅ Very dense✅ Treat-like scent⭐⭐⭐⭐
TFD 🍲❌ Full-portion only⚠️ Soft/messy texture⚠️ Lower kcal/oz✅ Rich when warm⭐⭐

Mixing Strategy Tip: Top 25% of your kibble bowl with Ollie baked + broth, and you’ll increase palatability and nutritional quality without spiking costs.


💬 “What about food safety? Which brand does the best job of preventing contamination or illness?”

Food safety in pet food isn’t just about cleanliness — it’s about ingredient sourcing, cooking temperatures, facility inspections, and post-packaging preservation.

The Farmer’s Dog leads the field by preparing all meals in USDA-inspected, human-grade kitchens and flash-freezing the product immediately after gentle cooking, which preserves nutrients and kills pathogens. Sundays, though shelf-stable, uses low-temp air-drying, which preserves ingredients but may have less kill-step rigor than cooked/frozen formats.

🧪 Safety & Preservation Protocol Matrix

BrandUSDA Kitchens 🏢Pathogen Kill-Step 🔥Preservative-Free 🧴Shelf Stability ⏳Safety Confidence Level 🛡️
The Farmer’s Dog✅ Yes✅ Gentle cooking✅ Yes❌ Requires freezing⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Sundays 🧂⚠️ Human-grade approved⚠️ Air-dried only✅ Yes✅ 12 months shelf life⭐⭐⭐
Ollie 🧼✅ Yes✅ Fresh cooked✅ Yes⚠️ Fresh = short life⭐⭐⭐⭐

Food Safety Insight: If your dog is immunocompromised, elderly, or very young, flash-frozen cooked meals like TFD are safest due to added microbial control.


💬 “I’m allergic to handling dog food with strong smells or messy textures. What’s most human-friendly?”

For pet owners with olfactory sensitivity or tactile aversions, handling moist, oily, or fragrant foods can be uncomfortable. The best option is a dry, crumb-free, odor-neutral format like Sundays.

🌿 Handler Experience Comparison

BrandOdor Strength 👃Mess-Free Serving 🧤Fridge Space Needed ❄️Hands-Off Option 👐Best for Sensitive Owners 🙋
Sundays 🧻✅ Low scent✅ Dry & shelf-stable❌ None✅ Scoop and go⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ollie (Baked) 🥖⚠️ Mild scent✅ Semi-dry format⚠️ Some fridge needed✅ Scoopable⭐⭐⭐⭐
TFD 🥄❌ Strong when warm❌ Requires hands/tools✅ Full freezer needed❌ Pack handling⭐⭐

Comfort Tip: If you have arthritis or sensory issues, pre-portion Sundays into small silicone jars — no touching required.

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