A Pup Above Dog Food Reviews: Hands-On, Tasting Test, Price & More

ByCanine Bible
A Pup Above Dog Food Review

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This is the most comprehensive A Pup Above Dog Food review.

If you’re like most dog parents, your dog is family, and you want the best for them, including providing top-notch nutrition. That means feeding them the best food, which is why you might consider switching to a fresh and healthier option like A Pup Above (formerly Grocery Pup). But does this brand really deliver on its promises? Is this high-quality dog food worth the price? Are their formulas really human-grade and free of preservatives and additives?

Our research team and dog testers decided to put it to the test and do a hands-on review of A Pup Above to answer every question about this company. We also include our dog’s experiences, exclusive video reviews, and tasting analyses of their recipes. Plus, after feeding them A Pup Above for a month, we evaluate nutrient and ingredient quality and our dog’s health results.

This in-depth review will help determine if this company suits your dog. Let’s dive right in!

A Pup Above Dog Food Reviewed

Our favorite A Pup Above dog food products at a glance.

Fresh Food

Beef Stew

Their fresh recipes offer the
most optimal nutrition. Made with
human-grade meats and ingredients.

Visit Website

Read Review ↆ

Dry Food

Chicka Pupatouille

Cubis provides the benefits of fresh
dog food but with the convenience
of kibble at a more affordable price

Visit Website

Read Review ↆ

Combo

Mix Fresh + Dry

Pick the best of the best worlds that
A Pup Above has to offer. Mix and
match fresh and dry food.

Visit Website

Read Review ↆ

A Pup Above Dog Food Review  — At A Glance

A Pup Above Dog Food

A Pup Above is a fresh dog food company that offers premium dog meals made from human-grade ingredients.

Canine Bible

Ingredientes quality
Price
Nutrition
Personalization
Variety
Customer support
Brand Trustworthiness

Our Verdict & Summary

A Pup Above is one of the most transparent fresh dog food brands in terms of traceability and ingredient safety. We love they test every batch before it leaves their USDA-certified facility — results are available on their website. They also win high marks for being super eco-friendly and sustainable and have strict animal welfare ingredient sourcing standards.

In terms of food, we like that their fresh recipes are protein-focus and low-carbohydrate, making them a perfect lean option for maintaining a healthy weight and growth. In addition to being made from only human-grade ingredients, we were impressed with the flavor these recipes pack. A pup uses sous-vide cooking (a cooking method used by high-end restaurants), and their recipes come with bone broth which yields a super-moist, tasty and flavorful final product that dogs love. A Pup Above also offers a new kind of fresh food called “Cubies.” It’s fresh food but with the convenience of dry dog food. These cube-shaped kibbles are less processed than kibble.

My dog sure loved the taste of A Pup Above meals. We loved it even more because fresh recipes are associated with multiple health benefits.

Needs Improvement & Downside: It’s expensive like all other fresh pet foods, but it’s expected from fresh dog food manufacturers. They also lack a customization feature to cater to each specific dog’s needs which most brands in this category offer.

What Makes It Unique: Unlike competitors in this category, A Pup Above uses a unique cooking method known as Sous Vide cooking for maximum nutrition and flavor. Their recipes also have more protein per pound than other fresh dog food brands.

Best For: While any adult dog can enjoy A Pup Above, it can be especially great if your dog is a picky eater or suffers from a lack of appetite.
Many pups with various health-specific nutritional requirements, such as allergies or sensitivities, also do great on their meals.

Bottom Line: A top-notch fresh dog food brand with more protein than most competitors and manufactures its food through planet-conscious practices.


4.6

Product Details

Products & Recipes
Fresh food and dry food recipes: 8 recipes in total

Price
Plans start at $3 per day (price varies by age, size, health, activity level, and more)

Customization
No customization, they sell fixed-sized packaging, much like traditional dog food.

Ingredients Source & Quality
USDA-sourced human-grade ingredients from local farms and fresh food suppliers in the U.S.

Manufacturing Location & Facility
1401 Lavaca Street #204, Austin, TX 78701

Nutrition
All of their recipes exceed the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profile standards.

VISIT A PUP ABOVE
The Full Review

All About A Pup Above Dog Food

Ch 2 | Ch 3

A Pup Above Dog Food — Company Overview

A Pup Above is headquartered in the city of Austin, TX. It was founded in 2020 by pet parents Ruth and Javier Marriott and their pup, Lola Marriott. When they got Lola, they found it “almost impossible to know what was in her food or where it was coming from, and that was frustrating.” stated the founders.

A Pup Above was born to make it super simple to know what’s in your dog’s bowl and provide the highest quality ingredients. They claim their food is good enough for humans and believe in making food more sustainable so it’s better for humans, pups, and the planet. 

What Is A Pup Above Dog Food?

A Pup Above is a fresh dog food brand offering fresh and dry dog food (or a sampler pack containing one of each), and they’ll be shipped straight to your door. These recipes are 100% human-grade ingredients and are prepared through a unique cooking method that yields protein-packed and low-carbohydrate final recipes that your dog will gobble up. It’s real food for dogs, and every ingredient is good enough for humans.

Why Feed A Pup Above To Your Dog? Benefits & Research

Below are a few benefits of feeding your pet A Pup Above.

  • Healthier digestions
  • Better skin and coat
  • Helps with food allergies
  • No additives or harmful chemicals
  • Weight management
  • Helps with heart health
  • Boost energy levels and vitality
  • Better stools
  • Helps with digestive issues
  • Great for picky eaters
  • Environmentally friendly
  • Live longer
  • And much more!

Third-Party Research-Backed Benefits

Here is what the research on feeding fresh food like A Pup Above to canines says.

  • Longer lifespan. Research shows that dogs that eat fresh food diets are linked to a 20% longer lifespan than those who don’t. A year-long study of 522 dogs by Lippert and Sapy found that dogs fed high-quality, freshly made, real food had an average life expectancy of 13.1 years versus just 10.4 years for dogs fed commercially processed pet food.[1] That’s an extra two and a half years added to your dog’s lifespan.
  • Increases macronutrient digestibilities. Human-grade dog food improves protein digestibility, increases amino acid availability values (indicators of protein quality), and reduces fecal output compared to dogs consuming extruded diets (kibble). Digestibility of dry matter, fat, nitrogen-free extract, and calories were significantly higher in all four fresh foods.[2]
  • Higher protein absorption. Protein digestibility values for fresh dog food were between 92% and 94% (versus 82% for kibble).
  • Less and better stools. Dogs fed the fresh-cooked foods had significantly lower fecal (poop) frequency and volume than when fed the kibble.[3]
  • Improved microbiome diversity, coat and immunity. A study revealed that when dogs are fed fresh food compared to dogs fed dry pet foods, pets’ digestion improved, their immune systems are strengthened, their skin and coats were healthier, and their vitality increases.[4]

Furthermore, feeding your dog fresh dog food filters out fillers, preservatives, and highly processed ingredients in commercial dog food. All those fillers, preservatives, and highly processed ingredients in commercial dog food can affect your dog’s health over time, whereas a fresh, human-grade diet produces increased energy and improved long-term health. Sadly, studies have shown that feeding your dog processed foods like kibble throughout their life may increase their cancer risk due to the presence of toxic chemicals, mycotoxins, free radicals and carcinogenic chemicals. [5],[6],[7]

How Does A Pup Above Dog Food Work?

Unlike other fresh dog food brands, with A Pup Above, you are not required to fill out a dog profile and answer a questionnaire.

Here is a step-by-step guide on how A Pup Above works.

Step 1:

To get started, you can click here to get their biggest discount—50% off your first order.

Step 2:

Once on their website, you will be presented with three options.

  • 1. Select food type: Fresh, dry or combo.
  • 2. Pick flavor: Determine which recipe flavor suits your dog best.
  • 3. Decide bag size (3 or 7 pounds): Reference their feeding guidelines chart to figure out how much food you need.
  • 4. Choose between a single shipment or subscribe (auto-ship): Subscribing ensures your dog’s food will be shipped to you regularly and helps you save money, as a subscription comes with an added discount of 10%. Our readers can get an extra 25% discount with the code CANINEBIBLE at checkout.
  • 5. Check-out: Click the “Add to Cart” button, enter your basic shipping and credit card information, and you’re done.
A Pup Above’s website homepage. Three options to choose from fresh, dry, or combo.
After selecting your food type, pick the flavor, size and plan you want.
Fill in your information and check out. It’s that simple.

NOTE:  If you are unsure which recipe your dog will like, you can order a sampler pack of all four recipes. 

Step 3: Delivery

Once your order is placed, they will ship the food. Depending on where you live, shipping usually takes 1-3 business days, but it could take up to five days, depending on where you live and when you place your order. They do not ship on weekends.

VISIT A PUP ABOVE

*A Pup Above dog food subscription can be canceled at any time. A Pup Above accepts returns.

A Pup Above Dog Food Key Features

Listed below are some of the top key features of A Pup Above.

  • More protein than other brands. A Pup Above recipes contains 50% more protein than other major dog food manufacturers on the market. That includes big names like Nom Nom and The Farmer’s Dog. 
  • Sous vide cooking. They use a slow cooking method, aka sous vide cooking, that keeps all of the food’s vitamins and minerals.
  • Sustainability. Operates under various sustainable practices and processes. It takes sustainability more seriously than other brands by using ugly produce, renewable energy, regenerative agriculture and recyclable practices. More on it is below.
  • Recyclable packaging. All packaging is 100% recyclable.
  • Animal welfare. They source their meats from farmers that have strict animal welfare standards.
  • Third-party tested. The complete nutritional profile for each A Pup Above Dog Food recipe and lab test results can be found on their website.
  • Nutritionally balanced and vet-formulated. Veterinarian nutritionists formulate and review all recipes to ensure they meet appropriate AAFCO guidelines.
  • Grain-free & friendly grains. A Pup Above offers both grain-inclusive and grain-free fresh food recipes.
  • Human-grade ingredients. All-natural ingredients, easy-to-digest food made from pure, byproduct-free ingredients. USDA meats and non-GMO produce are sourced from the USA.
  • Convenient packaging. Food comes in vacuum-sealed bags that won’t spill open or cause the food to go bad over time. Its packaging makes it easy to transport and very convenient.
  • Beneficial. Fresh recipes are formulated to keep them active and healthy. They are associated with multiple health benefits, including a shinier coat, healthier skin, smaller stools, brighter eyes, more energy, and more.
  • Subscription optional: You can purchase their food without a subscription.
  • Guaranteed: You can get a refund for your 1st meal delivery if your pup doesn’t love the food.

A Pup Above Dog Food Sourcing & Manufacturing

Who makes and how is A Pup Above produced?

Sourcing

All ingredients sourced are human-grade and USDA-certified. All veggies are non-GMO, pesticide-free, and meats are free of added hormones and antibiotics.

Manufacturing

A Pup Above dog food manufacturing facility is located on Lavaca Street #204, Austin, TX. A Pup Above meals are cooked slowly and evenly to preserve the nutrients in a certified USDA-inspected human food facility using 100% human-grade ingredients.

All recipes are formulated and reviewed by Drs. Sarah Abood and Rebecca Remilliard, veterinarian nutritionists, boarded the American College of Veterinary Nutrition (ACVN). These veterinarians have a combined experience of more than ten years. They are also members of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), the American Academy of Veterinary Nutrition (AAVN), and their respective state veterinary medical societies. Food scientists are also involved in the processes.

What Sets A Pup Above Apart from the Competition?

Three food manufacturing practices differentiate A Pup Above from the competitors:

  • Sous-vide cooking method
  • Sustainable practices
  • Ingredient safety and traceability.

A Pup Above Dog Food Sous-Vide

The main difference between A Pup Above meals and competitors is how the meals are cooked. Unlike traditional kibble brands that use high-temperature cooking methods that can leave your dog’s food dry and create nutrient loss, A Pup Above uses a unique cooking process known as Sous-vide.

If you’re unfamiliar with sous vide cooking, it involves vacuum sealing raw foods in a plastic bag, then submerging them in a water bath. The water is heated to a relatively low cooking temperature, so the food is cooked gently over a long period. This process produces a juicer, tastier, and more flavorful final product for your dog. It creates raw-like nutrient-rich dog food but is safer since it’s fully cooked. 

A Pup Above veterinarian nutritionist mix their ingredients, portion them into BPA-free packages, and sous vide cooks their meals under non-boiling water for over 2 hours at 180 Co . Once cooked, the meals are cooled and frozen to preserve freshness. 

Benefits of sous-vide cooking include:

  • More flavor: This creates a natural meat gravy that pups love.
  • More nutrients: All the nutrients are retained since everything cooks inside a bag and cannot be lost to the cooking water.
  • More healthy protein: With this unique cooking method, they can pack 50% more protein than other gently cooked dog food brands.

A Pup Above Sustainability

A Pup Above makes significant efforts to fight against environmental destruction. They are one of the major sustainable dog food brands to adopt eco-friendly practices.

Here’s what they’re doing to make food more sustainable for humans, dogs, and the environment.

  • 100% recyclable packaging: Their bag, cardboard box, insulation, and box liners are all curbside recyclable, thanks to Terracycle’s partnership. Our food bags are also made from BPA-Free materials and are non-toxic.
  • Use ugly produce: By using ugly produce that would otherwise go to waste, they reduce food waste and prevent unnecessary resources such as fuel and labor from being wasted. This helps to reduce the strain on landfills and the environment. Additionally, using ugly produce allows the brand to save money, which they can then pass on to consumers. However, the main focus here is on the environmental benefits of reducing food waste.
  • Contributing to regenerative farming: The company donates 1% of its revenue to White Buffalo Land Trust annually to support its flagship farm, which exemplifies regenerative agriculture and is a resource for farmers and ranchers. Carbon is captured from the environment in regenerative farming, and soil and water are restored.
  • Energy and sourcing: Source locally and use renewable energy where they can. Their fulfillment center runs on 100% renewable energy.

Third-Party Tested & Traceability

The company also focuses on ingredient safety and transparency. Every food pouch is tested for ingredient safety and comes with a lot number you can type into their site to trace the source of each ingredient in your bag.

We reviewed the traceability and lab test sheets for one of their most popular recipes (Turkey Pawella) to confirm label accuracy. Here is what we found.

  • Non-detectable E. coli
  • Non-detectable Salmonella
  • Non-detectable Listeria
  • Most ingredients are sourced from the United States, with a few from countries from India, Spain, and France.

Below are both reports for your reference.

Analysis report performed by Food Safety Net Services (FSNS) on August 07, 2020, for the Turkey Pawella dog food recipe.

A Pup Above Dog Food Ingredients

All A Pup Above recipes is formulated to be 100% complete and balanced according to AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profile for Adult Maintenance.

A Pup Above Nutrient Mix (Proprietary Mix)

Additionally, A Pup Above meals are fortified with A Pup Above Nutrient Mix (APA Nutrient Mix) of vitamins and minerals. All their formulas include a proprietary blend of balanced vitamins and minerals to ensure maximum nutritional value. This mixture contains minerals such as dicalcium phosphate, calcium carbonate, potassium chloride, sodium bicarbonate, magnesium oxide, zinc amino acid chelate, iron amino acid chelate, copper amino acid chelate, manganese amino acid chelate, potassium iodide, and sodium selenite—vitamins such as vitamin D3 supplement, vitamin E supplements.

Their meals also include taurine to help maintain cardiovascular health.

A Pup Above Ingredients Characteristics

A Pup Above ingredients vary by recipe, but these are the main characteristics across all recipes

  • 100% human-grade: They use USDA-certified ingredients that you would eat yourself. 
  • Non-GMO veggies: They only source non-GMO produce, and their veggies are grown in nourishing soils high in antioxidants and nutrients. 
  • Single source protein: Cage-free meat without antibiotics, steroids, or growth hormones.  
  • Bone broth included (natural gravy): It contains collagen and amino acids for good health. (only fresh recipes)
  • High protein: Every 100 calories contain 11 grams of protein.
  • Superfoods (and superherbs): For joint, immunity and digestive support.
  • Low-carbohydrates: Recipes are only 4 to 5% carbohydrates, which makes them great low-carb choices.

Other important ingredient qualities

  • Vet recommended
  • Locally source
  • No added fillers
  • No artificial flavors
  • Real flavor
  • Free thickeners or gums
  • The majority of ingredients are sourced from the United States
  • No elements come from China

Higher Protein Ingredients

A key difference between A Pup Above and its competitors is protein level. 90% of the protein comes from the meat guaranteeing your pup is getting the highest quality source of protein to fuel their life.

With 50% more protein than other brands, A Pup Above recipes help you control your dog’s weight, build muscle and skin, and keep their joints healthy.

A Pup Above Dog Food Reviews

A Pup Above offers a total of 8 tasty recipes.

  • Fresh food (4 flavors)
  • Dry food (4 flavors)

A Pup Above Fresh Food Recipes

We decided to try the four recipes of A Pup Above fresh food to provide an insight review and help you determine which recipes would be most appropriate for your dog. You can choose between two grain-free formulas and two friendly grains recipes.

Below are the four flavors available:

A sampler pack (all recipes in one box) is also available for owners trying the brand for the first time.

NOTE: A Pup Above is a great topper option for puppies, making even the pickiest eater lick their bowl. However, puppies should not be fed A Pup Above exclusively. A puppy’s growth relies on extra calcium and other vitamins and minerals. Dogs can generally transition to adult food once they are a year old or older. The exception is giant breed dogs (>80 pounds), which can take up to two years to reach full maturity.

VISIT A PUP ABOVE

A Pup Above Dry Food

A Pup Above offers a unique dry food called “Cubies Dry Food“. They use a unique cooking process called Nutridry™ which gently dries out whole foods to preserve nutrients and flavor, providing the flavor of fresh food and the convenience of dry food.

Cubies from A Pup Above use the same proteins and fresh ingredients as their fresh recipes. The only difference in their ingredient composition is that A Pup Above adds cranberries to the Cubies. Cranberries are rich in antioxidants and nutrients that help support your pet’s immune system and decrease inflammation.

You have the following options:

  • Beef Pot Roast (grain-free)
  • Porky’s Porchetta (grain-free)
  • Chicken Pupatouille (friendly grains)
  • Turkey Pilaf (friendly grains)

Another difference is that they use eggs and pork plasma as natural food binders, both great protein sources. These binders give the Cubies their iconic cube shape.

Why & When Should You Consider This Recipe?

I would pick A Pup Above’s fresh recipes if you want the ultimate nutrition. However, Cubies are an excellent choice if you want the convenience of feeding fresh dog food without worrying about freeze space, thawing, or the higher cost associated with fresh dog food. It’s also perfect for dog parents that are constantly traveling. You can scoop and serve and store it anywhere at room temperature. It’s less processed than kibble and better than air-dried or freeze-dried food.

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How Much Does A Pup Above Cost?

Our team did some calculations and determined A Pup Above’s average price per pound.

You can expect to pay between $8 to $13 per pound when you purchase their fresh dog recipes.

Compared to a decent mass-market kibble brand, A Pup Above dog food price is higher than a decent mass-market kibble ($1.97 per pound) brand and high-end kibble ($3.45 per pound).

Even though A Pup Above is more expensive, it is significantly healthier for your dog than traditional kibble. Healthy food is a long-term investment. Although it will cost more now, your dog will likely suffer from fewer health problems over their lifetime. You will save money and stress on medication and vet bills and make your dog happy.

A Pup Above dog food day and monthly cost will depend on your pet’s weight and size. A Pup Above costs as little as $3 per day for small dogs, and larger dogs, the cost can go up to $20 per day.

The following table breaks down A Pup Above’s daily and monthly pricing by dog size.

A Pup Above Daily Price

Daily Price Per WeightNo SubscriptionNo SubscriptionSubscription (10% off)Subscription (10% off)
Pup's WeightBag 3 lbs ($39,99)Bag 7 lbs ($77.99)Bag 3 lbs ($35.99)Bag 7 lbs ($58.49)
5 lbs$3.33$2.79$3.00$2.09
10 lbs$4.44$3.71$3.99$2.78
15 lbs$6.67$5.57$6.00$4.18
20 lbs$10.00$8.36$9.00$6.27
40 lbs$16.66$13.93$15.00$10.44
60 lbs$23.33$19.50$20.99$14.62
80 lbs$26.66$22.28$23.99$16.71

A Pup Above Monthly Price

A Pup Above Monthly PriceNo SubscriptionNo SubscriptionSubscription (10% off)Subscription (10% off)
Pup's WeightBag 3 lbs ($39,99)Bag 7 lbs ($77.99)Bag 3 lbs ($35.99)Bag 7 lbs ($58.49)
5 lbs99.9883.5689.9862.67
10 lbs133.17111.30119.8583.47
15 lbs199.95167.12179.95125.34
20 lbs299.93250.68269.93188.00
40 lbs499.88417.80449.88313.34
60 lbs699.83584.93629.83438.68
80 lbs799.80668.49719.80501.34

A Pup Above Dry Food Price

A Pup Above dry dog food price is $106.98 for the 2-pound bag and $190.08 for the 4-pounds bag.

Coupon

Our readers have access to save 25% off their first A Pup Above order when using the code CANINEBIBLE. Just use this link to get started.

What We Like & What We’d Change

Pros

  • We love they include bone broth in their fresh which makes the flavor of their recipes pack a punch of meaty flavor
  • Combats food waste by using “ugly produce” in their recipes. Ugly produce is as good as any product, but it has weird shapes and sizes so that grocery stores won’t stock it
  • The package was easy to open and serve. You don’t have to worry about a lot of wet food sticking to the sides and needing to be scooped out, which can get messy
  • A Pup Above has added superfoods, such as turmeric, thyme, and parsley, for joint, immune, and digestive support.
  • They use 100% recyclable material to package their food
  • I like how the meat texture is mushy or oily
  • They conduct feeding and palatability trials using a variety of methods. A Pup Above uses pets of their staff and family friends in relaxed home conditions
  • Do not undertake any invasive animal testing, and it’s against their policy
  • High-quality packaging and the food is vacuum packed
  • They test each batch for pathogens (e.g., Coli, listeria, salmonella) to ensure it is safe for your kitchen and pet.
  • Fantastic flavor, taste and smell
  • Formulated by veterinary nutritionists
  • Made in a USDA human food facility
  • Local sourcing
  • The food is priced competitively when it comes to small and medium breeds
  • No recalls
  • You can order a sample of the product before you subscribe
  • 100% human-grade
  • Sous-vide cooked
  • Simple ordering process
  • Highest protein among competitors
  • Eco-friendly packaging
  • USDA-sourced meats and produce
  • Grain-inclusive or grain-free option
  • Low-carb
  • Traceable ingredients
  • Sustainable practices
  • Non-GMO ingredients
  • Donates 1% of sales
  • Pause or cancel your subscription anytime
  • Never use fillers or preservatives
  • Money-back-guarantee
  • Subscribers get extra savings
  • Subscriptions are not required

Cons

  • More expensive than traditional kibble
  • Not individually portioned
  • You will likely need a large freeze to store your dog’s food if you have large dogs. Similarly, buying larger dogs can be more expensive than other fresh food dog food brands.
  • Not currently available outside of the United States.
  • Does not produce any recipes for specific age ranges like puppies or Senior dogs. A Pup Above does not recommend that you exclusively feed their recipes to puppies but only as toppers
  • Doesn’t provide customization options
  • Does not recommend specific recipes or deliver exact calorie counts for your dog
  • Not individually portioned meals, unlike some other fresh food delivery services. However, they provide excellent guidelines for portioning.
  • There are no treat options available from A Pup Above. Services, such as Spot and Tango, offer treats
  • Not for puppies, only as toppers
Chapter 2: My Experience

Our Dog’s Experience

Ch 1 | Ch 3

The Judges

We picked one Canine Bible dog to give us their paw-honest opinion and verdict.

A Pup Above Unboxing

The products arrived as described. Everything was labeled and well organized. The food was fresh and frozen. Our food came in a nondescript cardboard box with a big perishable and dry ice label. The box has an insulated liner material to ensure the food arrives in a cold state. The liner is a plastic-wrapped recycled denim liner made from upcycled materials and can be recycled through store collection bins. The box is curbside recyclable, which is fantastic.

Here is what we found in the box:

  • A caution letter stating there is dry-ice
  • Two packs of dry ice to keep the food frozen
  • 4 seven-pound bags for four different recipes
  • Food is packed in frozen vacuum-sealed containers
  • Feeding instructions
  • Receipt and shipping label

Our four meals arrived in perfect condition. We love the attractive bag design, quality and that it’s recyclable. You can tell the product, and its contents are high quality.

My A Pup Above Dog Food Video Review

Watch our canine judge Bandit test A Pup Above.

My Personal A Pup Above Testimonial

Our Bandit Loved It!

Bandit was so excited to try A Pup Above fresh dog food. He had always been a picky eater and had grown tired of kibble. We did some research and decided to give A Pup Above a try. The first thing Bandit noticed was how good the food smelled! He couldn’t wait to dig in. We watched as he gobbled up his meal, and they were happy to see that he seemed to enjoy it. True story, but we bought a slow feeder bowl to make sure Bandit doesn’t gobble down his meal too fast.

I’m not going to lie; I was pretty skeptical when switching our dog’s food to A Pup Above. But I figured, what did we have to lose? We started feeding our pup fresh dog food about two weeks ago, and wow, Bandit is definitely a fan of A Pup Above.

The food did not look as visually appealing in person as other fresh food recipes our dog had tried, but that’s probably because we did not break it up when we served it. I can assure you that it didn’t bother our dogs one bit. Bandit loved every last bit.
Anna
Bandit’s owner

My Dog’s Experience With A Pup Above

Day 1

  • As soon as I opened the bag, Bandit’s nose went into overdrive. He can smell the delicious aroma of real meat, vegetables, and fruit and can’t wait to dig in. Bandit gobbles it up in seconds.

Week 1

  • I’m happy to see our dog enjoys the taste and seems to have more energy after eating it. We do not notice any adverse effects. On the contrary, Bandit appears to be healthier already.

Week 2

  • Our dog has more stamina when playing, and his coat seems slightly shinier. Bandit’s bowel movements look normal and don’t seem to have any digestive issues.

Week 3 -4

  • Bandit has enjoyed A Pup Above. We’ve used it as a meal and topper on some occasions. Our dog loves the meaty taste and moistness of the food. We will continue to feed him this food.

A Pup Above Ordering & Delivery

Ordering and getting our meals delivered to our home was a breeze. Unlike other fresh dog food delivery services, we appreciated the simplicity of A Pup Above’s ordering process and not having to create a profile to view products and place an order.

After placing our order, we got an order confirmation follow-up e-mail. When our order shipped, we got an on the status with a tracking number and expected delivery date. We received our box three days after ordering it.

Other things we love:

  • No lengthy sign-up process. It is super easy to visit their site, pick a food, and get it shipped to your front door
  • Fresh dog food delivery takes all the hassle out of shopping for pet food
  • Offers a subscription to get their food as often as you want it
  • One-time order option, just in case you’re new to fresh food or you’re not sure if your dog will like it
  • Recipes can be ordered at different shipping intervals, allowing you to order more of your dog’s favorite recipe and less of another.
  • You can choose between grain-inclusive or grain-free recipes
  • Detailed information about their four recipes and safety lab test is available

A Pup Above home delivery is available in 48 states – excluding Alaska and Hawaii. Their shipping typically takes 1-3 business days, depending on where you live. Keep in mind that depending on the timing of your order, it can take up to five days total to arrive at your doorstep.

Our A Pup Above Customer Service Experience

A Pup Above provides excellent customer service. We tested A Pup Above’s customer service by having a few of our dog owner friends inquire about their products through e-mail to gauge their responsiveness, attentiveness and helpfulness. Overall, our pet parents were satisfied with the answers they received.

Unfortunately, they don’t offer live chat or a phone number for direct contact like some competitors.

Chapter 3: Tips, FAQs & More

Additional Key Information To Know

Ch 1 | Ch 2

A Pup Above Feeding Guide

There are three key aspects of feeding your dog A Pup Above.

  1. How much to feed
  2. How to serve and feed
  3. Transitioning to a new food

How Much A Pup Above Dog Food To Feed My Dog?

Not sure of the amount your dog needs? This table gives you a guide based on their weight.

How to Serve A Pup Above Dog Food?

Here is how to properly serve A Pup Above dog food to your dog.

Note: Do NOT microwave the food.

How Do I Transition To A Pup Above dog food?

Feeding your dog new food requires a slow transition process so your pup’s stomach can adjust to the new food.

Below is the recommended transition guide by the company. 

  • Days 1-2: 75% old food + 25% A Pup Above
  • Days 3-4:  50% old food + 50% A Pup Above
  • Days 5-6: 25% old food + 75% A Pup Above
  • Days 7+: 100% A Pup Above goodness!

Transitioning your dog’s food can take up to a week and sometimes two weeks, especially if your pup has eaten kibble their whole life.

What Customers Think About A Pup Above

Here is what real-verified customers had to say about this A Pup Above.

A Pup Above Positive Review

I had to go out of my way to write a positive review for this site. I own a small Maltipoo who is the world’s pickiest eater. She really needs to win an award for how picky she is. She would literally rather starve herself than eat any type of dog food. And she’s been living like that for the past 11+ years. The closest thing I got for her to like was a dog food brand called Just Food For Dogs. However, she only tolerated it. And she would only eat if she was absolutely starving. So you can imagine my stress. I don’t like to see my dog go hungry, but I also knew that giving her table scraps all the time can be harmful to her. So I kept searching for different dog foods online and made different purchases for her, but they all failed. Finally, I found A Pup Above. I was absolutely surprised at how much my dog loved its food. She not only finished her plate her first meal, but she would eat it over and over again throughout her next meals. I have never ever seen her act like this. My dog absolutely hates dog food, but A Pup Above is not just something she can tolerate. She loves and enjoys eating it. And that puts a big smile on my face 🙂

– TJ, TrustPilot 12/18/2021.

My Goldendoodle Gwen is absolutely obsessed with her turkey pawella! She does this little dance while I get it ready and it makes me so happy to see how excited she gets. I used to feed her dry pellets, but she would sniff around and often not even eat. She’d give me this look and I felt so awful that she didn’t enjoy her meals. I would often add cooked rice or yogurt to her bowl so she would eat. I love food so much and I think it’s important that our fur babies love theirs too.

– Kayla B., Google Reviews, 1 year ago.

As my dog has gastrointestinal issues and was prescribed Royal Canine in Gastrointestinal by my vet, after a period of time, my dog no longer liked the Royal Canine food. I had to try a different food for my dog, and was very worried that he would have the same soft stool from A Pup Above – but he did not !! Giving him A Pup Above slowly (over a two-week period mixed with the dog food that he stopped liking), happily, he had no soft stool issues. He loves A Pup Above – both the turkey and chicken. I will keep giving him A Pup Above. Plus, I am glad to stop the Royal Canine because it contains corn and meat by-products which are not healthy for dogs. A Pup Above is a winner.

– Gary L., Google Reviews, 2 months ago

A Pup Above Negative Reviews

My lab loves all of the flavors and gobbles it up, but my golden retriever will not try it. She just sniffs it and walks away.

– Verified buyer, 03/13/2022

Our dog just hates leftovers. So once we opened her pack of food, she needs to be able to eat it all and she is only 10 pounds. I don’t hold it against the food. I’m sure it’s very good, or she wouldn’t eat it at all.

– Verified buyer 11 months ago.

I have three pups and they r boarded sometimes. If you ever do a food that is packaged in single servings per PUP, I would be on board in a minute. Right now when I board my dogs, I have to weigh and measure every meal two times a day for each pup. I need individual servings of foods

– Verified buyer, 5 months ago.

A Pup Above Reddit Reviews

We haven’t seen any threads yet.

A Pup Above Vs Other Dog Food Companies

Here is how A Pup Above stacks up to other fresh dog food companies.

A Pup Above vs Farmer’s Dog

There are a few differences between A Pup Above and The Farmer’s Dog subscription-based dog food delivery services. The Farmer’s Dog offers a way to make a custom dog’s meal, and A Pup Above allows the customer to determine the amount of food given to their dog based on their weight, physical activity, and size. Despite offering four meal plans, A Pup Above meals has more protein. A Pup Above focuses on the part of the meat that has the most nutrients, while The Farmer’s Dog offers more ecologically friendly options. Although both brands have relatively similar prices, A Pup Above offers two options: a subscription or a single purchase. Both brands use USDA-approved meat.

A Pup Above Recall

As of the date of this review, December 2022, A Pup Above has not been recalled.

A Pup Above Dog Food Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some popular questions people ask about Wild Earth dog food.

Should You Get A Pup Above For Your Dog? Alternatives

A Pup Above human-grade dog food is an excellent investment if you want to feed your pet healthier food free from nasty chemicals.

We highly recommend their recipes. Our dogs loved every recipe they offered, and we couldn’t be happier with the results. We’ve tested their four recipes, and they’re all impressive. They also get two thumbs up (and paws up) from us for their transparency, mission, food quality, ease of use, and packaging. While they did not make our sustainable dog food list for this year, they are a solid sustainable company.

Other human-grade dog food alternatives might better fit your budget and dietary needs.

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Canine Bible uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

[1] Lippert & Sapy, [2] TAS  [3] PubMed: Nutrient Digestibility, [4] MDPI, [5] Springer, [6] Feed The Dog, [7] Processed Foods May Raise Cancer Risk


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