A Pup Above Dog Food Review: Ingredients, Benefits and Quality
A Pup Above Dog Food is human-grade dog food made with human-grade ingredients cooked sous-vide, meaning slowly and gently. A Pup Above began operations in 2018 with a philosophy of “Transparency Meets Tasty.”
The food was packaged very well and my dogs loved the food! super easy to feed and has great ingredients.
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A Pup Above Dog Food is human-grade dog food made with human-grade ingredients cooked sous-vide, meaning slowly and gently. A Pup Above began operations in 2018 with a philosophy of “Transparency Meets Tasty.”
The brand offers four fresh, flash-frozen recipes and four air-dried recipes. A Pup Above’s formulas are single-protein recipes using chicken, turkey, pork, or beef and enriched with superfoods, such as kale, sweet potato, and turmeric, and superherbs, such as thyme and parsley.
The ingredients in A Pup Above Dog Food are all-natural and free from genetically modified organisms (GMOs), pesticides, antibiotics, and hormones. The dog food is made in USDA-certified human kitchens.
A Pup Above dog food is nutritionally dense and easily digestible. The recipes are delicious and simple to use. The fresh food recipes are available in 2-pound and 7-pound bags, and the air-dried recipes come in 2-pound and 4-pound bags.
A Pup Above delivers the dog food in vacuum-sealed bags for longer storage and convenience. The food is available in limited shopfronts. A Pup Above reviews are excellent, and dog owners report that their dogs love eating the food and are excited at meal times.
- Code: ONEVET50
- $50 off your 1st order of $100+ plus Free shipping
What are the Key Ingredients in A Pup Above Dog Food?
The key ingredients in A Pup Above Dog Food are human-grade chicken, turkey, pork, beef, organ meat, superfoods, and superherbs. High-quality animal protein is the number one ingredient. The second ingredient is an organ meat sourced from the same animal as the meat.
The balance of ingredients vary among food types and recipes. The fresh, snap frozen dog food contains lentils, peas, various vegetables, such as sweet potatoes, spinach, kale, carrots, and fruits, such as apples and pineapple, and superherbs, such as turmeric, parsley, and thyme, plus rice and bone broth.
The air-dried recipes contain eggs, oils, vegetables, fruits, pork plasma, and skimmed milk. Some formulas contain high-quality grains like oats and barley.
A Pup Above formulas are enriched with APA nutrient mix. The APA nutrient mix is A Pup Above proprietary blend of essential vitamins and minerals.
The meats used in A Pup Above are grown without antibiotics or hormones and the vegetables and fruits are pesticide-free and non-GMO.
How does A Pup Above Dog Food Ensure Quality and Freshness?
A Pup Above Dog Food ensures quality and freshness by using vet-formulated recipes made with human-grade ingredients. The ingredients are traceable and sustainably sourced.
A Pup Above formulas are prepared in USDA-inspected, human-grade kitchens using the sous-vide (“under vacuum”) cooking method. Sous-vide is a low-temperature, long-time (LTLT) cooking technique in which the ingredients are vacuum-sealed in a pouch and placed in a water bath. The sous-vide method maximizes nutrient retention, enhances flavor and delivers 50% more protein than other protein based dog food, according to A Pup Above.
A Pup Above offers two types of food, fresh and air-dried. The fresh recipes are gently cooked sous-vide and then flash-frozen for safe shipping and storage.
The dry formulas, known as Cubies, are gently cooked sous-vide, diced into cubes, and slowly air-dried to remove moisture and ensure shelf stability.
A Pup Above tests its foods for pathogens such as E. coli, Listeria, and Salmonella.
What Nutritional Benefits does A Pup Above Dog Food Provide for Dogs?
The nutritional benefits of A Pup Above dog food provides are listed below.
- High-Quality Proteins: A Pup Above uses generous amounts of human grade, named meats as the main animal protein source. The recipes feature single protein to minimize allergy risks. The brand formulas contain 10 grams of protein per 100 kcal.
- Healthy Fats: The brand uses healthy fats, such as omega-rich flaxseed, safflower oil, olive oil, and salmon oil.
- Essential Vitamins and Minerals: Each A Pup Above recipe is enriched with an APA nutrient mix that contains a blend of essential vitamins and minerals.
- Digestive Health: A Pup Above supports digestive health by being easily digestible and featuring gut-friendly ingredients such as bone broth. The brand offers recipes ideal for dogs with stomach sensitivities.
- Natural Ingredients: The natural and human-grade meat and vegetables in A Pup Above dog food are non-GMO and free from pesticides, antibiotics, and hormones. The ingredients are rich in nutrients and help with digestion, immunity, and joint, skin, and coat health.
- Enhanced Nutrient Absorption: A Pup Above has vet-formulated and sous-vide-made foods that are easily digestible and support optimal nutrient absorption. Unlike standard dog formulas, A Pup Above retains maximum nutrient density and flavor.
Are There Any Special Formulations for Different Dog Breeds or Ages?
No, there are no special formulations for different dog breeds or ages offered by A Pup Above. The recipes by A Pup Above are formulated and AAFCO-approved (Association of American Feed Control Officials) for any adult dog breed.
Puppies and senior dogs eating A Pup Above recipes exclusively require additional dietary supplementation. Puppies under 12 months old need extra calcium and protein for growth, while seniors need lower protein levels. A Pup Above formulas are excellent toppers for puppies and seniors.
Invest in a dog age test to confirm a dog’s age to ensure correct dietary requirements are met and maximize preventative care.
How is A Pup Above Dog Food Packaged and Delivered?
A Pup Above dog food is packaged and delivered responsibly. Each food box is packed with curbside recyclable box liners and dry ice.
The dry ice keeps the food cold and fresh while in transit. The brand determines the dry ice volume and whether a silver box liner is required based on the temperature at the delivery address. The food must be placed in a freezer as soon as it is delivered.
A Pup Above sends a shipping confirmation to notify the owner once the food is shipped. Each shipment has a tracking number.
The brand offers one-time purchases with a 15% discount on the first order. Customers are able to subscribe and save 10%. The brand offers bulk purchases and a 100% refund on the first order if the dog is unsatisfied. The brand offers free shipping and handling.
What are the Reviews About A Pup Above Dog Food?
The reviews about A Pup Above dog food are positive. A Pup Above has a 5-star rating on Dog Food Advisor and 4.3 stars on Trustpilot.
Customers are pleased with the recipes and extoll the brand’s transparency. The tasty nature of the food is one frequently mentioned advantage of A Pup Above. Owners with picky dogs love the recipes.
The main complaint is the website’s lack of a chat option, which makes communicating with customer service more time-consuming.
“A Pup Above is a great addition to Jasper’s rotation in meals. He’s a very picky pup and I am so grateful to be able to give him the best quality food!” (Trustpilot) “Mealtime is so much more fun with A Pup Above! Grizzly can sometimes be a picky eater, but watching him chow down his food when I add this to his meal is just so satisfying. Thanks for making mealtime so easy and delicious for us!” (Website) “Awesome food! My corgis are big fans of A Pup Above’s gently cooked frozen food. I love that they are made with human-grade ingredients and plenty of veggies. My pickiest eater of the three definitely loves this food, and he gobbles it right down.” (Trustpilot)
Is The A Pup Above Dog Food Good for Dogs?
Yes, A Pup Above dog food is good for dogs. The brand has a five-star rating from Dog Food Advisor, speaking volumes about its quality.
A Pup Above uses generous amounts of named meats as primary animal protein sources. The recipes are enriched with superfoods, such as kale, turmeric, and sweet potato, and are delicious. The brand offers two food types, fresh and air-dried, catering to the palates of all dogs.
- Human-grade dog food
- Traceable and natural ingredients
- Superfoods and superherbs included
- No GMOs, fillers, or preservatives
- Eco-friendly packaging
- Lacks formulas for puppies and seniors
- Takes up storage space in the freezer
- More expensive than standard dog food
Is the A Pup Above Dog Food Best for Large Breeds?
Yes, A Pup Above dog food is best for large breeds. The recipes are carefully formulated to be complete and nutritionally balanced for adult dog breeds.
A Pup Above offers food suitable for both small and large breed dogs. The fresh food is nicely textured, and the dry recipes are diced into medium-sized cubes. The human-grade ingredients and sous-vide cooking method ensure large dogs consume premium protein, making A Pup Above an ideal dog food for large breed dogs.
How does A Pup Above Dog Food Compare to Other Premium Dog Food Brands?
A Pup Above dog food is superior in comparison to other premium dog food brands on several levels, including ingredient sourcing and human-grade certification.
A Pup Above uses a single named protein ranging between 12.8% and 13.8% in each fresh food serving. The protein sources are chicken, turkey, pork, or beef. A Pup Above Dog Food has an average of 50% more protein than similar brands offering gently cooked food. The vegetables in the recipes are exclusively non-GMO. The brand uses superherbs, thyme, turmeric, and parsley for joint, immune, and digestive support.
A Pup Above prepares the food sous-vide, which retains the ingredients’ nutrients and flavor, unlike traditionally cooked dog foods. Bone broth is added to the recipes to increase moisture content and digestibility.
A Pup Above is more expensive compared to traditional dog food, ranging between $1.48 and $1.90 per meal. The A Pup Above cost-to-value ratio is excellent. Another disadvantage is A Pup Above food takes up storage space in the freezer.
How much is the Average Cost of A Pup Above Dog Food?
The average cost of A Pup Above Dog Food is between $1.48 and $1.90 per meal. The fresh food formulas are available in 3-pound and 7-pound bags, and the air-dried recipes come in 2-pound and 4-pound bags.
The price of the larger bag reduces the price by 12% per pound of food. The subscribe and save option gives a 10% discount. Bundles and sampler packs are slightly cheaper than single flavors.
A Pup Above dog food is unable to compete with the best cheap dog food. The brand uses human-grade ingredients and a sous-vide cooking method, offering the highest nutrient and protein levels, adding to the price.
What are Different A Pup Above Dog Food Formula?
The different A Pup Above dog food formulas are listed below.
- Texas Beef Stew Recipe: The food features beef, beef liver, and russet potatoes mixed with tomatoes, carrots, and green peas. The formula is enriched with safflower oil, beef bone broth, and superherbs, such as thyme, parsley, and turmeric.
- Turkey Pawella Recipe: The recipe has turkey, turkey hearts, turkey livers, and turkey gizzards as the primary ingredients. Green peas, rice, turkey bone broth, and superherbs are added for optimum nutritional value.
- Porky’s Luau Recipe: The dog food formula contains pork, pork liver, and sweet potatoes combined with green beans, pineapple, pork bone broth, and superherbs, including parsley, thyme, and turmeric.
- Chicka Chicka Bow Wow Recipe: The recipe uses chicken, chicken liver, and sweet potatoes as the primary ingredients. Other ingredients are apples, kale, spinach, rice, chicken bone broth, and superherbs.
- Grain-Free Beef Pot Roast: The pot roast formula of beef, beef heart, and sweet potato suits dogs sensitive to grains. The recipe contains plant-based protein sources such as eggs, red lentils, and yellow peas.
- Friendly Grains Chicka Pupatouille: The dog food formula contains chicken, chicken hearts, sweet potatoes, and ancient grains, such as barley and oats. The food combines eggs, salmon oil, pork plasma, fruits, and vegetables.
- Grain-Free Porky Porchetta: The A Pup Above dog food formula’s top three ingredients are pork, pork hearts, and sweet potatoes combined with protein-rich legumes like yellow peas and red lentils. Flaxseed and salmon oil are used as fat sources.
- Friendly Grains Turkey Pilaf: The A Pub Above pilaf dog food formula is a simple dry recipe featuring turkey, sweet potatoes, and healthy grains such as barley and oats. The formula is enriched with pork plasma, eggs, salmon oil, fruits, and vegetables.
- Gently cooked sous-vide
- Diced into cubes
- Slowly air dried
What are the Feeding Guidelines and Portions for A Pup Above Dog Food?
The feeding guidelines and portions for A Pup Above dog food are determined by the dog’s body weight and food type.
The feeding guidelines for the fresh recipes range from ¼ (4 oz) of a patty for a 5-pound dog to 2 patties (32 oz) for an 80-pound dog daily. The fresh portion size is halved with the air-dried food, Cubies.
The recommended portion size for the air-dried food or Cubies ranges from ½ cup for a 5-pound dog to 4 cups for a 100-pound dog daily.
A Pup Above recommends dividing the daily food amount into two separate servings to ensure the dog is always satiated.
Are Any Reported Side Effects or Allergies Associated with A Pup Above Dog Food?
No, there are no reported side effects of allergies associated with A Pup Above dog food. A Pup Above recipes have yet to be recalled since the brand was founded in 2018.
Switching a dog to the A Pup Above recipe without an adjustment period increases the risk of temporary stomach upset. The brand explains that switching to the A Pup Above recipe is similar to starting to eat juicy steaks after a rice cake diet. The stomach upset is mild and temporary.
Allergies to A Pup Above Dog Food are not reported. The brand has grain-free recipes for dogs sensitive to grains to avoid allergic reactions.
How does A Pup Above Dog Food Support Dog Health and Wellness?
A Pup Above dog food supports dog health and wellness by offering nutritious, gently cooked sous-vide recipes. The ingredients are entirely human-grade, carefully selected, and combined into complete and balanced formulas.
The sous-vide cooking method ensures maximum nutritional value, supporting digestion, immunity, joint wellness, and skin and coat health. A Pup Above offers grain-free formulas for dogs allergic to grain and poultry-free recipes for dogs sensitive to chicken and turkey.
The fresh foods are rich in moisture and support hydration. The Cubies have a crunchy texture and promote dental health.
What is the Company’s Commitment to Sustainability and Ethical Sourcing?
The company’s commitment to sustainability and ethical sourcing is admirable. The ingredients are ethically sourced from USDA-certified farms in the US.
The vegetables and fruits are non-GMO and pesticide-free. A Pup Above supports sustainability and selects ugly produce when possible to minimize food waste. The protein sources are natural and do not have added steroids and antibiotics.
Each A Pup Above dog food product has a lot number, which allows purchasers to trace each ingredient to its source for full transparency by inputting the lot number on the brand’s website.
The brand uses 100% recyclable packaging for sustainability. The boxes and box liners are curbside recyclable, and Terracycle collects the bags. A Pup Above donates 1% of revenue to the White Buffalo Land Trust annually to support regenerative agriculture.
Does A Pup Above Dog Food have Subscription Benefits?
Yes, A Pup Above dog food has subscription benefits. The brand offers a 10% discount on subscription plans, lowering the single meal price from $1.61 to $1.36.
The subscription option allows owners to choose the shipping frequency, from weekly to once every two months. The A Pup Above Dog Food subscription plan is practical and money-saving.
- Code: ONEVET50
- $50 off your 1st order of $100+ plus Free shipping
What Customer Service and Support Options Are Available for A Pup Above Dog Food?
A Pup Above dog food has excellent customer service and support options. The brand’s website features extensive articles answering common questions in detail. The questions are divided into different categories for simple navigation.
The website lacks a live chat option. Owners are encouraged to email contact@apupabove.com with questions and requests for information.
How Easy is It to Transition a Dog to A Pup Above Dog Food?
To transition a dog to A Pup Above dog food easily, follow the four steps below.
- Get the A Pup Above sampler pack. Order the brand’s sampler pack, which contains four different recipes. The brand has sampler packs for its fresh and air-dried food ranges.
- Start gradually introducing A Pup Above food. Choose one recipe from the pack and start the introduction. Give the dog 75% of current food and 25% A Pup Above food on days 1 and 2. Use 50% current food and 50% A Pup Above on the third and fourth day. Offer 25% current food and 75% A Pup Above food for the next few days.
- Switch to A Pup Above completely. Switch to 100% A Pup Above food after a week of mixing the old food with the A Pup Above recipe. The transition is slow, but it is important to allow the dog’s stomach to adjust.
- Try a different A Pup Above line from the pack. Introduce a new recipe from the sampler box when the dog is adjusted to A Pup Above food and experiment until the dog finds its favorite formula.
Are There Any Special Promotions or Discounts Available for A Pup Above Dog Food?
Yes, there are special promotions or discounts available for A Pup Above dog food. Customers joining the pack get a one-time 15% discount with registration, and subscribers receive a permanent 10% discount.
The special ONEVET50 code gives customers a 50% discount on the first order over $100 and free shipping. Customers enter ONEVET50 on checkout on the brand’s official website.
Does A Pup Above Dog Food have Probiotics?
No, A Pup Above dog food does not have probiotics. Probiotics are beneficial microorganisms, bacteria, and yeasts, that support gut health and digestion. Certain pet food brands enrich their formulas with probiotics.
A Pup Above does not add live microorganisms to its recipes. Standalone probiotic supplements are an option for dogs in need. Consult the vet before using probiotics for dogs.
Who owns A Pup Above dog food?
Ruth and Javier Marriott own A Pup Above Dog Food. A Pup Above was founded in 2018 because Ruth and Javier wanted to know exactly what goes into their dog, Lola’s, food bowl.
Lola inspired the founders to start the brand. Ruth and Javier’s focus is creating delicious and nutritious dog formulas while being fully transparent regarding ingredients and production practices.
Is A Pup Above AAFCO approved?
Yes, A Pup Above is AAFCO-approved. The brand’s formulas are AAFCO-approved for adult dogs with maintenance needs.
The AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) is a membership association that sets nutrient profile standards based on the latest research.
All A Pup Above recipes are formulated and inspected by veterinarian nutritionists to ensure they meet the strict AAFCO standards. The brand displays the AAFCO statement on the side of the food packaging.
Is A Pup Above human grade?
Yes, A Pup Above is human-grade. The brand uses human-grade ingredients and prepares the recipes in human-grade kitchens.
The ingredients are natural and carefully sourced. The kitchens are compliant with the USDA standards. Human-grade dog food means that the recipe is up to the highest standards and fit to be used by humans.