This article was produced in partnership with A Pup Above. Total.Vet received compensation from A Pup Above for publishing this sponsored article.

Pet families searching for the best fresh human-grade dog food often encounter two leading names: A Pup Above and Ollie. Both deliver whole-food meals, but the differences in cooking technique, nutrient profile, and transparency matter significantly for long-term health outcomes. When compared feature by feature, A Pup Above’s sous-vide approach, ingredient traceability, and nutrient density elevate it as the stronger choice for those who want reliable, science-backed nutrition.

Storage and Convenience: Sous-Vide Fresh vs. Gently Cooked

A Pup Above employs a sous vide cooking process, where vacuum-sealed food is gently cooked in a water bath at low temperatures, which helps thoroughly cook ingredients all at the same temperature without the risk of burning them.

  • Nutrient Preservation: Sous vide minimizes nutrient loss, particularly vitamins and minerals, compared to conventional cooking (Baldwin, 2012; Rondanelli et al., 2017).
  • Food Safety: The sealed cooking method ensures pathogen reduction, making meals both safe and highly palatable.
  • Storage Requirements: Like Ollie, A Pup Above meal requires freezer storage and thawing before use. However, the sous vide method maintains texture and nutrient density better than Ollie’s slow cooking.

While both brands demand freezer space, A Pup Above offers superior retention of nutrients and flavor integrity, making storage trade-offs worthwhile.

Nutrition and Preparation: Why Sous-Vide Preserves More

Nutrition is where A Pup Above separates itself most clearly.

  • Protein Density: A Pup Above delivers approximately 10 g of protein per 100 kcal, compared to Ollie’s 7 g, offering up to 43% more protein per calorie (A Pup Above vs. Ollie Report, 2024).
  • Digestibility: Fresh diets, such as A Pup Above, have an apparent digestibility of 84–90%, surpassing extruded kibble, which commonly ranges from 64% to 78% (Geary et al., 2024). Higher digestibility improves stool quality and nutrient absorption. A Pup Above claims 93% digestibility for its fresh food line and conducts digestibility studies to confirm the nutritional adequacy of its products. This aligns with AAFCO guidelines and provides reassurance to veterinarians recommending the brand. However, the brand has not published formal AAFCO feeding trial data and has no shared clinical or peer-reviewed research to validate these claims.
  • Functional Additives: Ingredients like turmeric provide curcumin, an anti-inflammatory compound with antioxidant effects (Hewlings & Kalman, 2017). Bone broth is a great natural source of collagen compounds and glycosaminoglycans, which benefit joints and digestive lining (Martínez-Puig et al., 2023).

Together, these features establish A Pup Above as not just fresh food, but functional nutrition designed for performance and longevity.

Recipe Variety: Options for Every Dog

A Pup Above offers four sous vide recipes with balanced macronutrients and added functional herbs:

Each recipe incorporates vegetables, herbs, and bone broth to enhance palatability and provide secondary health benefits. Compared to Ollie’s four gently cooked options, A Pup Above emphasizes functional botanicals and higher protein, providing greater versatility for sensitive dogs or those with specific performance needs.

Cost and Value: Premium Nutrition with Better Density

Premium, fresh food is an investment, but A Pup Above’s nutrient-rich ingredients enhance its value.

  • Average cost is $6–$7 per day for a medium-sized dog (A Pup Above vs. Ollie Report, 2024).
  • Higher protein per calorie creates more efficient nutrition, reducing the need for added toppers or supplements.

Ollie falls within the same premium cost bracket but delivers lower protein density and less nutrient retention. For households prioritizing health outcomes, A Pup Above represents a more efficient investment.

Transparency and Safety: Ingredient Integrity

One of A Pup Above’s strongest features is transparency.

  • Lot-Level Traceability: Families and veterinarians can track every ingredient back to its source.
  • Safety Testing: Meals undergo batch testing for pathogens after cooking, providing reassurance for households with children or immunocompromised pets.
  • USDA-inspected Kitchens: All meals are prepared in facilities that meet human food-grade standards and are inspected by the USDA.

By contrast, Ollie provides high-quality ingredient lists but lacks traceability and published testing protocols, making A Pup Above’s approach notably more robust.

Sustainability: Eco-Friendly Practices

Sustainability is a growing priority in pet nutrition, and A Pup Above integrates eco-conscious practices into its model.

  • BPA-free packaging is recyclable through Terracycle.
  • Recyclable boxes and insulation materials reduce waste streams.

Ollie emphasizes convenience in packaging but does not showcase comparable sustainability initiatives.

Purchasing Flexibility: Where and How to Buy A Pup Above

A Pup Above offers multiple purchasing options that enhance accessibility.

  • Online Direct: Orders placed directly through the A Pup Above website.
  • Retail Partnerships: Availability through specialty pet stores and select regional retailers.

This variety of channels provides convenience for last-minute needs, bulk purchasing, or exploring different recipes without being tied exclusively to a subscription.

Expert Review: An In-Depth Look at A Pup Above Fresh Recipes

Product NameMain IngredientsExpert OpinionOverall Product Review
Texas Beef StewRanch-raised beef, beef liver, potatoes, tomatoes, bone broth, carrots, peas, sunflower oil, turmeric, thyme, parsley, plus chelated minerals and essential vitamins (calcium, zinc, iron, copper, manganese, iodine, selenium, vitamins D and E)Beef and beef liver provide high-quality protein and iron, essential for building lean muscle mass, producing red blood cells, and enhancing immune resilience. Tomatoes supply lycopene, a heart-protective antioxidant. Bone broth provides collagen and glycosaminoglycans, supporting joint and gut health. Carrots and peas are rich in beta-carotene, fiber, and plant-based protein. Sunflower oil contributes linoleic acid for skin and coat health, while turmeric’s curcumin acts as a natural anti-inflammatory. Chelated minerals improve absorption, supporting bone, nerve, and metabolic function.A nutrient-dense and balanced recipe designed for active dogs, joint support, and all-around immune and cardiovascular health.
Chicka Chicka Bow WowCage-free chicken, chicken liver, sweet potatoes, bone broth, rice, apples, kale, spinach, turmeric, thyme, parsley, chelated minerals, and essential vitaminsChicken provides a lean, digestible protein source for daily maintenance. Chicken liver is rich in vitamins A and B, which are essential for maintaining healthy skin, vision, and immune function. Sweet potatoes provide complex carbohydrates and fiber to support digestive balance. Apples add vitamin C and antioxidants, while leafy greens like spinach and kale boost iron, magnesium, and phytonutrients. Bone broth contributes natural joint-supportive compounds. Curcumin from turmeric, when paired with antioxidant herbs like parsley and thyme, strengthens the body’s anti-inflammatory defenses.A highly digestible, antioxidant-rich formula well-suited for everyday feeding, weight control, and immune system resilience.
Porky’s LuauCrate-free pork, pork liver, sweet potatoes, bone broth, peas, pineapple, turmeric, thyme, parsley, chelated minerals, and essential vitaminsPork offers balanced amino acids and flavor, while pork liver enriches vitamin A, copper, and B vitamins. Pineapple contains bromelain, an enzyme that aids protein digestion and offers antibacterial properties. Sweet potatoes and peas support gut health through their fiber and plant-based protein content. Bone broth aids digestion and promotes joint health. Turmeric’s curcumin combats inflammation, while herbs such as parsley and thyme enhance antioxidant defenses and breath freshness. Chelated minerals optimize nutrient absorption for bone, blood, and nervous system health.A flavorful, digestion-friendly choice that supports joint function, metabolic energy, and immune defense while offering a unique tropical variety.
Turkey PawellaCage-free turkey, turkey hearts, turkey liver, turkey gizzards, tomatoes, carrots, bone broth, peas, rice, turmeric, thyme, parsley, chelated minerals, and essential vitaminsTurkey provides a lean protein base ideal for weight management and senior pets. Organ meats (such as heart, liver, and gizzards) are rich in taurine, glucosamine, and chondroitin, which support cardiovascular and joint health. Tomatoes deliver lycopene for heart protection, while carrots add beta-carotene for immune support. Bone broth boosts digestibility and joint lubrication. Rice and peas create a balanced carbohydrate and fiber profile. Turmeric reduces oxidative stress, complemented by antioxidant herbs like thyme and parsley. Chelated minerals ensure optimal uptake for maintaining the skeletal and nervous systems.A comprehensive, lean-protein formula excellent for senior dogs, joint-sensitive breeds, or pets needing a lighter but nutrient-rich diet.

Expert Review: An In-Depth Look at A Pup Above Fresh Recipes

The table below shows the comprehensive product comparison: A Pup Above Fresh Food vs. Ollie Fresh Dog Food

Feature / MetricA Pup Above (Fresh / Sous-Vide)Ollie (Fresh / Slow-Cooked / Gentle Cooking)
Unique Selling Point (USP)Sous-Vide Cooking, High Protein, Full TraceabilityPersonalized Meal Plans, Human-Grade Ingredients
Signature Cooking Method / ProcessingSous-vide cooking (Gentle, low-temperature water bath) in USDA-inspected human food facility, then batch testing for pathogensGentle/slow cooking in small batches to preserve nutrients
Protein Density / Claims• “10 g protein per 100 kcal” (high protein claims)
• Fresh line average protein ~ 42.6% (Turkey recipe) per DogFoodAdvisor review
• Up to 43% more protein than Ollie.		• Ollie’s fresh formulations: crude protein minimum ~ 9% (as fed) per sample listing
• On a dry-matter basis, typical Ollie protein ~ 35.7% (Turkey recipe) per DogFoodAdvisor review
Nutrient RetentionSuperior. Sous vide preserves more nutrients and vitamins than traditional cooking.Good. Gentle cooking is better than kibble extrusion.
Ingredient Quality / Sourcing• 100% human-grade ingredients, meats with no added hormones or antibiotics, non-GMO veggies, no fillers/preservatives
• Traceability via lot tracking on packaging/transparency tool.
• Single-source protein options (e.g., beef, turkey)		• Ollie uses 100% human-grade ingredients, no by-products, no fillers, no artificial preservatives
• Ingredients: real meats, fruits, vegetables, oils
• No mystery meats
• Single-protein recipes (e.g., beef, turkey, lamb, chicken) for allergy management options.
Transparency / Traceability• High transparency: ability to trace ingredient origins via lot codes
• Full disclosure of ingredient origin for several recipes (e.g., cage-free chicken, USA farms).		• Moderate transparency: Ollie discloses ingredient lists, sourcing from “trusted growers/producers” and states “U.S. kitchens”
• Less emphasis publicly on lot-level traceability or ingredient origin per individual batch.
Digestibility / Nutrient RetentionClaims “93% digestible” for fresh product vs lower digestibility in dry kibble. The sous vide method is argued to better preserve nutrients compared to harsher cooking methods (less thermal damage).Ollie emphasizes “gentle cooking for maximum nutritional value.” But fewer published quantitative digestibility values are found in external sources.
Safety & Quality ControlUSDA-inspected facility, batch testing for pathogens after sous-vide cooking; No preservatives, no artificial binders or thickeners.Ollie operates in USDA-inspected kitchens, using vet-formulated recipes that meet AAFCO standards. Our products are free from by-products, artificial preservatives, and fillers.
Sustainability & PackagingEmphasis on environmentally friendly packaging: cardboard and insulation are curbside recyclable; food bags are fully recyclable through Terracycle; and we use BPA-free materials.General commitment to quality ingredients/packaging, but less public emphasis on sustainability/recyclability in sources reviewed
Product Range / Variety• Fresh line (various protein recipes: beef, turkey, chicken, pork, turducken)
• Complementary air-dried line.		• Ollie’s fresh line includes beef, chicken, turkey, lamb, and pork recipes
• Baked foods (Baked Beef with sweet potatoes and Baked Chicken with carrots)
• Treats (Salmon and Coconut Jerky Strips, Beef and Sweet Potato Jerky Strips, Chicken and Apple Jerky Strips, and Dental Chews)
• Supplements (Hip & Joint Chews, Probiotic Chews, Calming Chews, and Skin & Coat Chews)
Feeding Flexibility / Trial & TransitionPermits rotation among recipes; provides a transition plan (gradual mixing over ~7 days)Subscription model with tailor-made meal plans; fresh food ships frozen, and instructions given for thawing and serving
OrderingFlexible: Subscription (10% off) or One-Time Order available. Free shipping.Primarily subscription-based with customized plans.
AAFCO StatusMeets AAFCO standards for Adult Dogs (All breeds/sizes).Meets AAFCO standards for All Life Stages.
Primary Pet Owner BenefitOptimized muscle support, enhanced nutrient absorption, and peace of mind from full traceability.Precisely portioned meals for tailored calorie/weight management.
Pros (Key Strengths)• Higher protein density / more meat content supports senior health and active dogs• Sous-vide maximizes nutrient bioavailability.
• Strong transparency & traceability
• More aggressive claims on digestibility & nutrient preservation
• Sustainability & recyclable packaging emphasized
• Strict safety controls via batch testing		• Strong customization questionnaire aids in managing specific caloric or sensitive diet needs
• Strong brand recognition & established subscription model
• Simpler, cleaner ingredient lists, single-protein options• Vet-formulated nutrition meeting AAFCO standards
• Gentler cooking to preserve nutrients
• Reasonable convenience via direct-to-consumer delivery
Cons / Considerations• Less customization for specific caloric/activity levels compared to Ollie’s questionnaire
• Higher claims may require rigorous validation / third-party studies
• Fresh food cost is relatively high (premium sector)
• Some dogs/regions may not have access
• Requires freezer / cold-chain logistics
• No fully public independent digestibility data (beyond their internal claims)		• Lower protein (on an as-fed basis) relative to premium brands for performance or muscle-building needs
• Paté texture may be less appealing to some dogs
• Less public traceability details (lot-level)
• Subscription-only model limits casual buyers
• Some recipes include grains/legumes, which may be less ideal for certain sensitivities
• Higher carbohydrate proportion relative to high-protein fresh brands (per DogFoodAdvisor)


Conclusion: Why A Pup Above Wins on Nutrition, Transparency, and Digestibility

When comparing A Pup Above to Ollie, both brands surpass traditional kibble in terms of freshness and ingredient quality. Ollie remains a reliable option with human-grade ingredients, gentle cooking, and strong subscription convenience. However:

  • A Pup Above offers higher protein density and superior nutrient preservation.
  • A Pup Above ensures lot-level ingredient traceability.
  • A Pup Above batch-tests meals for pathogens, enhancing safety.
  • A Pup Above integrates sustainability through eco-friendly packaging.

Ollie is suitable for families who prioritize convenience and moderate protein intake. Yet, for households and veterinarians seeking optimal nutrient density, transparency, and holistic health benefits, A Pup Above demonstrates more substantial advantages.

References

  • A Pup Above vs. Ollie Report. (2024). A Pup Above vs. Ollie: Fresh Dog Food Comparison for Veterinary Professionals and Pet Owners. Retrieved from https://apupabove.com/
  • Baldwin, D. E. (2012). Sous vide cooking: A review. International Journal of Gastronomy and Food Science, 1(1), 15–30. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijgfs.2011.11.002
  • Geary, E. L., Oba, P. M., Templeman, J. R., & Swanson, K. S. (2024). Apparent total tract nutrient digestibility of frozen raw, freeze-dried raw, fresh, and extruded dog foods and their effects on serum metabolites and fecal characteristics, metabolites, and microbiota of healthy adult dogs. Translational Animal Science, 8, txae163. https://doi.org/10.1093/tas/txae163
  • Hewlings, S. J., & Kalman, D. S. (2017). Curcumin: A review of its effects on human health. Foods, 6(10), 92. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods6100092
  • Martínez-Puig, D., Costa-Larrión, E., Rubio-Rodríguez, N., & Gálvez-Martín, P. (2023). Collagen supplementation for joint health: The link between composition and scientific knowledge. Nutrients, 15(6), 1332. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15061332
  • Rondanelli, M., Daglia, M., Meneghini, S., Di Lorenzo, A., Peroni, G., Faliva, M. A., & Perna, S. (2017). Nutritional advantages of sous-vide cooking compared to boiling on cereals and legumes: Determination of ashes and metals content in ready-to-eat products. Food Science & Nutrition, 5(3), 827–833. https://doi.org/10.1002/fsn3.469