Does Ollie Food Need to Be Refrigerated? A Comprehensive Guide

October 27, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), pet owners should handle fresh pet food similarly to their own food to prevent contamination. Therefore, if you are asking, “Does Ollie food need to be refrigerated?”, the answer is a definitive yes for their Fresh recipes.

Quick Summary

Ollie's Fresh food, made with human-grade ingredients, must be refrigerated or frozen to maintain safety and freshness. Once thawed, packs are good for up to four days in the fridge, while unopened packs can be frozen for up to six months. Leaving it out at room temperature for extended periods increases the risk of bacterial growth, potentially making your dog sick.

Key Points

Ollie Fresh Food Requires Refrigeration: Due to its fresh, human-grade ingredients and high moisture content, Ollie's Fresh food must be kept refrigerated or frozen to prevent bacterial growth.
Treat It Like Human Food: The storage rules for Ollie's Fresh food are similar to cooked human food; it should not be left out at room temperature for more than one to two hours.
Freeze Unopened Packs: For long-term storage, unopened fresh food packs should be kept in the freezer, where they can last for up to six months.
Use Thawed Food Within Four Days: Once a fresh food pack is moved to the refrigerator and thawed, it must be used within four days to ensure freshness and safety.
Do Not Refreeze: Thawed fresh food should never be refrozen, as this can affect its texture and safety.
Ollie Baked Food Is Shelf-Stable: Ollie also offers a dry, 'Baked' food option that does not require refrigeration and can be stored at room temperature.

The Importance of Refrigeration for Ollie's Fresh Food

Ollie offers different types of food for dogs, but the most common concern regarding storage is the Fresh food line, which is made with real, lightly cooked, human-grade ingredients. Unlike traditional dry kibble that is shelf-stable, fresh food has a high moisture content, which creates an ideal environment for bacteria to multiply if not kept cold. The company's own guidelines explicitly state that their fresh food must be stored in the freezer until needed and then thawed in the refrigerator. This practice is a critical step in ensuring your dog's food remains safe and nutritious.

Why Proper Storage Prevents Bacterial Growth

Leaving fresh food out at room temperature for more than two hours—or one hour in warmer conditions—allows it to enter the temperature 'danger zone' where harmful bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli can rapidly multiply. This can lead to your dog experiencing gastrointestinal issues such as vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. By consistently refrigerating or freezing Ollie's Fresh food, you are actively preventing this bacterial proliferation and safeguarding your pet's health.

Storage Guidelines for Ollie Fresh and Baked Foods

Ollie provides clear instructions for storing their different product lines. Following these guidelines is crucial for maintaining the food's quality and safety. For the Fresh recipes, all packs should go directly into the freezer upon delivery. For a specific pack to be used, it must be thawed in the refrigerator. The company even includes a specific 'puptainer' with their welcome kits to help store opened food properly in the fridge. This thoughtful provision highlights the importance of keeping their fresh food cold.

Comparison Table: Ollie Fresh vs. Baked Food Storage


Feature	Ollie Fresh Food	Ollie Baked Food
Storage Requirement	Must be refrigerated or frozen.	Shelf-stable; no refrigeration needed.
Shelf Life (Unopened)	Up to 6 months in the freezer.	Long-term, non-refrigerated until opened.
Shelf Life (Opened)	Up to 4 days in the refrigerator.	Use within 6 weeks of opening.
Best Practice	Defrost in fridge 24 hours before serving.	Store in a cool, dry place.
Example	Fresh Chicken Dish	Baked Chicken Dish

The Correct Way to Handle and Serve Ollie Fresh Food

Once you are ready to serve a fresh meal, follow these steps to ensure optimal safety and freshness:

Thaw: Move a pack from the freezer to the refrigerator about 24 hours before you plan to serve it.
Store in Puptainer: Transfer the opened portion of food to the provided Ollie puptainer to seal in freshness and prevent contamination in your fridge.
Serve Correctly: Serve only the pre-portioned amount your dog needs for one meal. Do not leave leftovers in the bowl for more than one or two hours.
Refrigerate Leftovers: Any uneaten portion from the pack should be stored in the refrigerator and used within four days of opening.
Do Not Refreeze: Once a pack of fresh food has been thawed, it should not be refrozen.

What to Do If You Forget to Refrigerate

If you accidentally leave a pack of Ollie fresh food out at room temperature for an extended period, it is safest to discard it. While dogs' digestive systems can handle more than humans in some cases, fresh food left in the 'danger zone' for too long can harbor dangerous bacteria that could make your pet very ill. The risk is not worth taking, especially if the food shows any signs of spoilage, such as a sour smell or slimy texture.

Conclusion

In summary, the high moisture and fresh ingredients in Ollie's Fresh food recipes necessitate refrigeration to prevent bacterial growth and spoilage. Treating it like human food by storing it in the freezer and using the refrigerator for thawing and short-term storage is the safest and most effective method. For those seeking a simpler storage solution, Ollie's baked dry food provides a shelf-stable alternative. By following the proper storage guidelines, you can ensure your dog receives a safe, fresh, and nutritious meal every time.

For more detailed information on handling and food safety, you can refer to the FDA's pet food safety guidelines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Once thawed from the freezer, an unopened pack of Ollie Fresh food is good to serve for up to four days in the refrigerator. For opened packs, it is also recommended to use within four days and store in an airtight container.

When your Ollie delivery arrives, immediately transfer all Fresh food packs into your freezer. You can move one or two packs to the refrigerator to begin thawing for immediate use, a process that takes about 24 hours.

No, it is not safe to leave Ollie fresh food out overnight. Similar to human food, it should not be left at room temperature for more than one to two hours, as this can lead to rapid bacterial growth.

If your Ollie food arrives and is soft or not fully frozen, you can place it in the refrigerator and use it over the next four days. However, you should not refreeze these packs. If you have concerns, you can contact Ollie's customer service.

Unlike the Fresh food, Ollie's Baked food is dry and shelf-stable. Once opened, it should be used within six weeks, similar to regular dry kibble. It should be stored in a cool, dry place.

Signs of spoilage include a sour or off smell, a slimy or sticky texture, and any visible discoloration or mold. If you notice any of these signs, or if your dog refuses to eat the food, it's safest to throw it away.

No, gently warming Ollie's Fresh food does not negatively impact its nutritional value. The food is already fully cooked and is safe to serve straight from the fridge or slightly warmed. Just be careful not to overheat it.