A Pup Above Review
A Pup Above Review
Table of Contents
A Pup Above Dog is a fresh dog food company established in 2018 by Ruth and Javier Marriott. After adopting their pomsky Lola in 2016, they became increasingly frustrated with the lack of variety and transparency in dog food. A Pup Above dog food is meticulously crafted using 100% human-grade meats and non-GMO vegetables in USDA-certified facilities. The staple of a Pup Above is its sous vide cooking method to better retain essential nutrients and flavors. The company adheres to the philosophy of “Transparency Meets Tasty.”
What is A Pup Above?
A Pup Above is a dog food company committed to providing healthy, nutritious alternatives to the more traditional dry kibble. The brand currently offers five fresh, flash-frozen recipes. Each formulation consists of premium, high-quality proteins like ranch-raised beef, cage-free chicken, crate-free pork, or cage-free chicken, complemented by nutrient-rich superfoods such as kale, sweet potatoes, and turmeric, along with beneficial herbs like parsley and thyme.
All recipes are free from GMOs, pesticides, antibiotics, and hormones, and are prepared in USDA-inspected, human-grade kitchens. The meals are nutritionally dense, highly digestible, and deemed safe for consumption. Fresh recipes are available in 1-pound patties, 3-pound bags, or 7-pound bags.
A Pup Above ensures that its food is delivered vacuum-sealed for optimal freshness, utilizing curbside recyclable packaging and insulation. Customer reviews are overwhelmingly favorable, with pet owners reporting increased enthusiasm at mealtimes, improved coat conditions, and enhanced digestion in their pets.
Why Choose A Pup Above Pet Food?
Customers should choose A Pup Above for the following reasons:
- 100% human-grade meats
- Made with organic, non-GMO ingredients
- Sous-vide cooking technique that preserves more nutrients compared to other cooking methods
- Higher protein content in their products
- Fresh recipes: gently cooked sous-vide, then flash-frozen for storage and safe shipping.
- Traceability via lot tracking on packaging / transparency tool
- Environmentally friendly packaging, fully recyclable material, BPA free and non-toxic
Their products feature high-quality ingredients such as:
- Human-grade meats and organ meats (beef, chicken, turkey, pork, or a combination of these, such as a turducken) are the primary ingredients.
- Superfoods and vegetables such as kale, spinach, carrots, sweet potatoes, apples, and pineapple.
- Super-herbs like turmeric, thyme, and parsley for immune, joint, and digestive support.
- Bone broth for added hydration and gut health.
- APA Nutrient Mix, a proprietary blend of essential vitamins and minerals, ensures complete and balanced nutrition.
All ingredients are non-GMO and sustainably sourced.
Every batch is tested for pathogens, including E. coli, Listeria, and Salmonella, before it is released from the kitchen.
What Nutritional Benefits does A Pup Above Dog Food provide for Dogs?
A Pup Above delivers several nutritional benefits, some of which are listed below.
● High-quality protein: A Pup Above recipe averages 10g of protein per 100 kcal, which is up to 43% more than many competitors.
● Healthy fats: Omega-rich oils (such as salmon oil, olive oil, flaxseed oil, and safflower oil) support the health of the skin and coat.
● Digestive support: Bone broth and nutrient-dense vegetables aid gut health and hydration.
● Immune system support: Superfoods and superherbs provide antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.
● Optimal absorption: Sous-vide preparation ensures nutrients remain bioavailable.
Are There Any Special Formulations for Different Dog Breeds or Ages?
A Pup Above does not currently offer recipes tailored to specific breeds, puppies, or senior dogs. All formulas are AAFCO-approved for adult maintenance and provide complete and balanced nutrition for healthy adult dogs of all sizes.
For puppies under 12 months, additional calcium and protein are often necessary to support rapid growth. Therefore, A Pup Above is best used as a meal topper rather than the sole diet for puppies. Senior dogs sometimes benefit from lower-calorie or joint-supportive formulas, which are not part of A Pup Above’s current line. However, the brand’s emphasis on high-quality protein, digestibility, and nutrient density makes it a strong supplemental option for dogs at different life stages.
Pet owners are encouraged to work with a veterinarian to ensure age-appropriate supplementation when feeding A Pup Above exclusively.
How Effective Is A Pup Above Food?
Pet parents regularly report that dogs fed A Pup Above experience noticeable improvements in several areas. Many say their pups have shinier, healthier coats and show more energy and vitality at playtime. There are also frequent comments about improved digestion — fewer digestive upsets, more regular bowel movements, and less filler-bloating, which owners attribute to the food’s high-quality, human-grade ingredients. Finally, many reviewers note their dogs are clearly more excited about mealtime, coming to their bowls eagerly, and finishing meals enthusiastically — a strong sign of palatability and satisfaction.
Is A Pup Above Food Safe for All Dog Breeds?
Yes, A Pup Above dog food is highly rated for quality and nutrition. The generous use of named meats as the first ingredients, combined with organ meats, vegetables, fruits, and superfoods like kale, turmeric, and sweet potato, makes the recipes both nutrient-dense and palatable.
The brand’s offerings of fresh sous vide meals provide flexibility for different feeding preferences. Independent ratings, such as the 5-star score from Dog Food Advisor, reinforce its reputation as a top-tier choice for canine nutrition.
A Pup Above is well-suited for large breeds thanks to its high protein content and nutrient density. The recipes are complete and balanced for adult maintenance, making them appropriate for dogs of all sizes, including larger, more active breeds that require premium protein for muscle support.
The fresh meals are moist and easy to portion. The inclusion of bone broth and omega-rich oils also supports joint health, skin, and coat, which are areas of concern in bigger dogs.
For large breed owners seeking a nutrient-dense, high-quality diet, A Pup Above stands out as an excellent option.
What Specific Health Needs in Dogs are Addressed by A Pup Above Food Products?
The specific health needs that A Pup Above addresses with their food products are:
- Joint and mobility health
- Skin and coat
- Digestive health
A Pup Above supports dogs’ health with human-grade animal proteins (plus organ meats), bone broths for gut support, omega-rich oils for skin and coat, and antioxidant-rich vegetables and herbs for immune and anti-inflammatory support. Bone broth and other animal organs are rich in naturally occurring collagen and vitamins that support joints, skin and coat, as well as digestive health. Sous-vide cooking preserves more moisture and heat-sensitive nutrients, improving palatability and nutrient bioavailability.
What Are A Pup Above Best Selling Products?
A Pup Above offers a diverse lineup of recipes, all gently cooked using the sous vide method to retain flavor and nutrients. The formulas are listed below.
● Texas Beef Stew: A blend of beef, beef liver, and russet potatoes, combined with carrots, peas, and tomatoes, enriched with bone broth, safflower oil, and herbs like turmeric and parsley.
● Turkey Pawella: Turkey, turkey hearts, livers, and gizzards blended with rice, peas, turkey bone broth, and herbs for enhanced digestibility.
● Porky’s Luau: Pork, pork liver, and sweet potatoes paired with pineapple, green beans, and pork bone broth, plus turmeric and thyme.
● Chicka Chicka Bow Wow: Chicken, chicken liver, and sweet potatoes with apples, kale, spinach, rice, and antioxidant-rich herbs.
● Turducken: A multi-protein recipe (turkey, duck, and chicken) combined with vegetables and herbs; available in 1-lb patties or multipacks (3 lb, 7 lb).
How do you introduce your dog to A Pup Above Food Smoothly?
A gradual transition is recommended (7 days): start with 25% A Pup Above + 75% current food and increase the A Pup Above ratio every 2 days until it reaches 100% (or appropriate topper usage). The brand publishes a sampler pack for fresh to test palatability before committing to a larger order.
What are the Possible Side Effects of A Pup Above Food?
No widespread or systemic allergy signal or recalls have been reported for A Pup Above. As with any diet change, abrupt switching can cause temporary GI upset (looser stools or mild digestive upset). For dogs with known food sensitivities, consider grain-free recipes or consult a veterinarian before making a complete switch to a grain-free diet. The brand also highlights that recipes are designed for adult maintenance and often work well as toppers for puppies or seniors if vet guidance and supplementation are used.
Are there Dog Allergy Considerations in A Pup Above Products?
As with any food, there could be specific ingredients that could cause allergic reactions in dogs who are susceptible to that specific ingredient. Considering that all of the A Pup Above products are made with 100% human-grade meats, pet owners should verify that their dog is not allergic to any of the ingredients such as chicken or beef, which are among the most common allergens in dogs.
What are the Feeding Guidelines and Portions for A Pup Above Dog Food?
Feeding amounts depend on dog weight and whether the meal is fresh (patties) or air-dried:
● Fresh (patties): 1 patty = 1 lb. A Pup Above provides a feeding chart on each product page; for example, tiny dogs may eat approximately ¼ patty/day (≈4 oz), while large dogs require multiple patties. Fresh patties are sold individually, sealed in 1-pound packages, and are available in multi-bag options (3-pound and 7-pound bags are standard). Always consult the feeding chart on the product page for recipe-specific guidance.
Divide the daily amount into two feedings for most adult dogs, adjusting for activity, age, and body condition.
How does A Pup Above Dog Food compare to Other Premium Dog Food Brands?
A Pup Above stands out among premium fresh brands because of:
● Sous-vide cooking (most competitors kettle cook or steam)
● Higher protein levels (averaging 43% more protein than many fresh food competitors)
● Ingredient traceability through their “A Pup Above Promise”
● Sustainability commitment with recyclable and Terracycle-supported packaging
The brand is more expensive than kibble or standard wet food but provides higher nutritional value and quality. For pet parents prioritizing health and transparency, A Pup Above offers excellent value for the cost.
How much is the Average Cost of A Pup Above Dog Food?
Based on available data, the fresh/frozen formulas of A Pup Above typically start at around $11.99 per 1-pound patty and scale upward depending on bag size and subscription discounts. Many full-feeding cost estimates suggest daily expenses in the $1–$7+ range, depending on the dog’s size and feeding regimen (e.g., one reviewer reported approximately $332/month for a whole fresh diet).
Overall, A Pup Above sits in the very high end of the fresh food market in terms of cost per pound or per serving.
Promotions vary over time. The site offers bundle savings, first-time discounts on select landing pages, and the standard Subscribe & Save discount (10%) for ongoing orders. (Any third-party coupon codes should be verified at checkout.) For published per-meal examples and current promo pricing, see the product pages and the brand’s promo landing pages.
How to Buy A Pup Above Products?
What is the Delivery and Shipping Process for A Pup Above?
A Pup Above takes sustainability and convenience seriously.
● Fresh food: Shipped frozen in recyclable boxes with insulation and dry ice. Meals must be frozen upon arrival and refrigerated after thawing, with a shelf life of up to 7 days in the refrigerator.
The brand partners with Terracycle to ensure bags are recyclable, while all boxes and insulation are curbside recyclable. Customers can choose between one-time purchases and subscription plans, offering 10% savings.
The quality of the food is above all others! My dogs devour the frozen patties in minutes. -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!
My corgis are big fans of A Pup Above’s gently cooked frozen food… My pickiest eater of the three definitely loves this food … he gobbles it right down.
How does the Subscription Service for A Pup Above Work?
A Pup Above offers a Subscribe & Save option (commonly 10% off on subscription pricing) and flexible shipping frequencies (weekly to every several weeks). Product pages and the account/checkout flow display subscription savings and per-meal cost estimates for various bag sizes and bundles.
What is the Return Policy for A Pup Above?
Because A Pup Above’s fresh dog food products are perishable, they do not accept traditional returns or exchanges. However, their policy offers flexibility via what they term a Happiness Guarantee and a limited refund/replacement framework.
If a customer is dissatisfied with a meal, they must contact A Pup Above (via email) within seven (7) days of delivery. Depending on the situation—and at the company’s discretion—they may replace the meal, issue a full or partial refund, or provide credit toward future orders in their Meal Subscription. Additionally, in many cases, they might request either a return of the item (if feasible) or photographic proof of the issue before approving a refund or replacement. For first-time orders or when trying a new flavor, they appear especially accommodating: the refund or replacement option is limited to up to 4 × 3 lb bags (equivalent to one sampler pack) for online customers.
How to Contact A Pup Above Customer Support?
Primary support is via the website’s Help/FAQ and email/contact forms; the Help center and product pages are extensive. The site offers shipping tracking, transparency tools (including lot-level traceability), and Terracycle recycling registration. The site does not feature a 24/7 live chat widget; for many shoppers, customer service is handled through the Help Center and the email channel, contact@apupabove.com.