A Pup Above Dog Food Review (Formerly Grocery Pup)
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A Pup Above meals are made with fresh, whole food, human-grade, non-GMO ingredients in a USDA-certified kitchen. What makes this fresh delivery service different from all the rest is the way the food is prepared.
A Pup Above utilizes sous vide, an immensely popular cooking method that locks in the nutrients of the whole food ingredients instead of traditional cooking methods where nutrients are lost.
A Pup Above also allows you to purchase recipes individually without a subscription, which is not being done by many of their competitors.
In this article, we tested and reviewed the three recipes offered by A Pup Above.
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A Pup Above Dog Food: Top 3 Recipes Reviewed
| Product Name | Food Type | Protein | kcal/patty |
| A Pup Above Texas Beef Stew Recipe | Wet | 12.16% | 549 kcal/patty |
| A Pup Above Chicka Chicka Bow Wow | Wet | 12.8% | 626 kcal/patty |
| A Pup Above Porky’s Luau Recipe | Wet | 19.81% | 633 kcal/patty |
| A Pup Above Turkey Pawella Recipe | Wet | 12.32% | 543 kcal/patty |
About A Pup Above
A Pup Above is an Austin, Texas-based company that offers homemade, fresh dog food. The founders, Ruth Stedman and her husband, started the company after their puppy disliked raw food, so they created a unique alternative to canned or kibble dog food.
A Pup Above meals are cooked sous vide, which locks in nutrients, taste, and texture in the meats, whole vegetables, and fruits. They claim their recipes contain more protein than their competitors, up to 11 grams of protein.
They currently offer the four following recipes on their website:
- Chicka Chicka Bow Wow: Chicken, chicken liver, sweet potatoes, spinach, apples, rice, kale, tumeric, parsley, thyme, and A Pup Above’s nutrient mix.
- Porky’s Luau: Pork, pork liver, sweet potatoes, green beans, pineapple, turmeric, thyme, parsley, and A Pup Above’s nutrient mix.
- Texas Beef Stew: Beef, beef liver, tomatoes, carrots, green peas, potatoes, safflower oil, turmeric, thyme, parsley, and A Pup Above’s nutrient mix.
- Turkey Pawella: Turkey, turkey liver, tomatoes, carrots, green peas, rice, turmeric, thyme, parsley, and A Pup Above’s nutrient mix.
Sourcing And Manufacturing
A Pup Above’s stated suppliers must provide proof of food origins, screening, handling, cleaning, and more. Their website also claims that if suppliers don’t meet their standards, they will not use their product.
A Pup Above dog food is made in a USDA human food kitchen in Texas. This guarantees the food is made with the same rigorous safety standards as human food. All of the ingredients are human-grade, non-GMO, and pesticide-free. They do work with a vet nutritionist to build recipes that are formulated and tested to exceed AAFCO standards.
A Pup Above is unique because of their cooking method, sous vide, which involves placing food in a BPA-free plastic bag, submerging it in temperature-controlled water, and cooking it up to 160F. The benefits of this cooking method are that it destroys any pathogens and harmful bacteria while also retaining more of the nutrients and flavor that are often cooked off at higher temperatures.
Recalls
Based on our research, we do not believe that A Pup Above products have ever been recalled, making them a recall-free dog food brand.
How Does A Pup Above Work?
Many fresh dog foods require an enrollment process and a subscription. In addition, they may ask you to complete a lengthy questionnaire about your dog’s breed, health, and activity levels.
However, A Pup Above is different because they make ordering simple and do not require you to answer a bunch of questions or sign up for a subscription. A Pup Above offers a 100% tail-wag guarantee. If you or your dog do not love the food, they will refund your entire first purchase.
To order from A Pup Above:
- Choose the recipes you want for your dog, which can include a sample pack.
- Decide on the size of bag you want, which comes in at 3 and 7 pounds.
- Choose whether you want to make a one-time purchase or opt for a subscription. You can save money by signing up for 2, 4, 6, or 8 weeks worth of food as part of the A Pup Above subscription choice.
- Click on the “Add to Cart” button, then enter the basic shipping and credit card information, and you are done!
- Wait for your order to arrive at your doorstep.
Unboxing
I received 4 bags of food, which included all four recipes, and each package has 3 smaller packs inside. The food was very frozen and came with a brochure and instructions.
Each package of food is a pound, and depending on the size of your dog, it can be sectioned per meal. Because of this serving method, you will want to keep several pouches thawed in the refrigerator. Additional pouches can be frozen and thawed at a later time, but if you remove them from the labeled bags, you may not know what flavor you are serving.
Compared to other fresh dog food delivery services, A Pup Above has no frills. Its a box with food and instructions—nothing more, nothing less. However, I did opt to try the sampler pack, and maybe subscription holders get more perks.
Analysis/Review
A PUP ABOVE TEXAS BEEF STEW RECIPE
Product Info
- Crude Protein (Min): 12.16%
- Crude Fat (Min): 6.52%
- Crude Fiber (Max): 1.1%
- Calories: 580 kcal/patty ME
Ingredients
Ground Beef, Beef Liver, Green Peas, Tomatoes, Russet Potatoes, Carrots, Non-GMO Canola Oil, MonocaIcium Phosphate, Dicalcium Phosphate, Calcium Carbonate, Sodium Bicarbonate, Potassium Chloride, Magnesium Oxide, Salt, Ferrous Sulfate, L-Tryptophan, Zinc Oxide, Selenium, Copper Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Calcium Iodate, Vitamins D3 and E.We are starting with the beef recipe for this review. This recipe uses beef ingredients including ground beef, and beef liver. Out of the 3 recipes Grocery Pup offers, this one is the highest in fat. However, a high fat content can help with healthy skin and coats.
The carbohydrate ingredients in this recipe are green peas, tomatoes, russet potatoes, and carrots.
Green peas are are a good source of vitamins, including A, K, and the B vitamins as well as minerals like iron, zinc, potassium, and magnesium. They are also rich in protein and high in fiber. Peas also contain lutein, an anti-oxidant good for skin, heart, and eye health
Tomatoes, when ripe and cooked, have lots of soluble and insoluble fiber which helps to support healthy digestion and maintain your dog’s steady blood sugar levels.
Russet potatoes, when cooked, contain vitamin C, vitamin B6, iron, magnesium, and many other nutrients that dogs need
Carrots and are high in complex carbohydrates and rich in B vitamins, fiber and other essential nutrients.
A PUP ABOVE TURKEY PAWELLA RECIPE
Product Info
- Crude Protein (Min): 12.32%
- Crude Fat (Min): 5.86%
- Crude Fiber (Max): 0.5%
- Calories: 500 kcal/patty ME
Ingredients
Ground Turkey, Turkey Liver, Tomatoes, Carrots, Green Peas, Rice, Monocalcium Phosphate, Dicalcium Phosphate, Calcium Carbonate, Sodium Bicarbonate, Potassium Chloride, Magnesium Oxide, Salt, Ferrous Sulfate, L-Tryptophan, Zinc Oxide, Selenium, Copper Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Calcium Iodate, Vitamins D3 and E.The protein in this recipe is sourced from ground turkey and turkey liver making it rich in ten essential amino acids required for a dog to sustain life.
The recipe also includes a mix of tomatoes, carrots, green peas, and rice which provides a modest sum of carbohydrates and fiber.
Tomatoes, when ripe and cooked, have lots of soluble and insoluble fiber which helps to support healthy digestion and maintain your dog’s steady blood sugar levels.
Carrots and are high in complex carbohydrates and rich in B vitamins, fiber and other essential nutrients.
Green peas are are a good source of vitamins, including A, K, and the B vitamins as well as minerals like iron, zinc, potassium, and magnesium. They are also rich in protein and high in fiber. Peas also contain lutein, an anti-oxidant good for skin, heart, and eye health.
Rice is a grain that it’s easy to digest, and low in fiber. Rice helps to bind the stool in cases of diarrhea.
A PUP ABOVE PORKY'S LUAU RECIPE
Product Info
- Crude Protein (Min): 19.81%
- Crude Fat (Min): 5.24%
- Crude Fiber (Max): 0.6%
- Calories: 570 kcal/patty ME
Ingredients
Ground Pork, Pork Liver, Sweet Potatoes, Green Beans, Pineapple, Monocalcium Phosphate, Dicalcium Phosphate, Calcium Carbonate, Sodium Bicarbonate, Potassium Chloride, Magnesium Oxide, Salt, Ferrous Sulfate, L-Tryptophan, Zinc Oxide, Selenium, Copper Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Calcium Iodate, Vitamins D3 and E.This Pork recipe has a high protein content level like the beef recipe. Protein comes from ground pork and is naturally rich in all ten essential amino acids required by a dog for a healthy life. Pork liver is also listed second and is a good source of fat and vitamin A.
The next group of ingredients are sweet potato, pineapple, and green beans. Sweet potato is naturally rich in dietary fiber and beta carotene.
Pineapple is high in vitamin C, along with thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, and folate. It is a nutrient-dense food and plays an important role in your dog’s immune system and digestive health.
Green beans are healthy vegetables that are a great source of fiber, vitamins K, vitamin C, calcium, potassium, and folate. They can be beneficial for your dog’s vision, blood, liver, muscles, immune system, among other things.
A PUP ABOVE CHICKA CHICKA BOW WOW
Product Info
- Protein: 12.8% Min
- Fat: 5.2% Min
- Fiber: 1.8% Max
- Calories: 626 kcal/patty
Ingredients
Chicken, chicken liver, sweet potatoes, chicken bone broth, rice, apples, spinach, kale, turmeric, thyme, parsley, minerals [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, sodium selenite], vitamins [vitamin D3 supplement, vitamin E supplement].This chicken recipe has a high protein content level like the beef recipe. Protein comes from chicken, chicken liver and chicken bone broth and is naturally rich in all ten essential amino acids required by a dog for heart health. Chicken broth is also a good ingredient for joint rejuvenation and gut health.
The next group of ingredients are sweet potatoes, rice, apples, spinach, and kale. Sweet potato is naturally rich in dietary fiber and beta carotene. Spinach is high in magnesium and iron while kale is high in antioxidants.
Apples are high in vitamin C, along with thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin and fiber. It is a nutrient-dense food and plays an important role in your dog’s immune system and digestive health.
Parsley is a detoxifying herb that not only aids in digestion but helps freshen your dogs breath. Thyme on the other hand helps sooth the stomach and process food.
Taste Test
Sampson tried all three flavors of A Pup Above Dog Foods on a rotation over the course of a week. Here is what the enclosed paper recommends when starting your dog on A Pup Above:
- Days 1-2: Serve 25% of A Pup Above mixed in with 75% of old food
- Days 3–4: Serve 50% of A Pup Above mixed in with 50% of old food
- Days 5–6: Serve 75% of A Pup Above mixed in with 25% of old food
- Days 7+: Time for 100% A Pup Above
I started him out with a quarter of a patty, as recommended in the paperwork, and gradually added more every other day. The patties are packaged in vacuum-sealed bags and can easily be defrosted in water for at least 30 minutes before serving. It is on the side, so you may want to chop it up to make it easier for your dog to eat.
Once opened, the patties can be stored in the refrigerator for up to seven days.
My dog, Sampson, devoured this food in minutes, no matter which recipe he was eating. He didn’t seem to have a preference between the beef, pork, or chicken and could hardly control himself when he saw me opening the packages.
The Downside Of A Pup Above
A Pup Above is a fresh dog food delivery service, and it may cost you about $151 every two weeks for a 50-pound dog. This is quite a bit more expensive than a bag of kibble, but much better food for your pup. However, they are competitively priced when compared to other similar companies.
How Much Does A Pup Above Dog Cost?
A Pup Above offers a sampler pack, which includes two 3 pound or 7 pound bags, each of which will be one of the four flavors that you choose. Those are: Chicka Chicka Bow Wow, Turkey Pawella, Texas Beef Stew, and Porky’s Luau, which will cost you $80 for the 3 pounds or $166 for the 7 pounds.
Opting for a subscription saves you 10%, and you can always cancel, change recipes, or change shipping frequency. Also, the larger bags will save you another 15%, while ordering at least three bags at a time will waive the shipping fee.
A Pup Above Monthly Cost Comparison
| DOG FOOD BRAND | DOG SIZE | MONTHLY COST |
| A Pup Above | 45 to 55 Pounds | $ 151.00 to $ 315.00 |
| The Farmers Dog | 50 to 65 Pounds | $ 205.00 to $ 240.00 |
| Nom Nom | 50 To 80 Pounds | $ 224.00 to $ 280.00 |
| Ollie | 45 To 75 Pounds | $ 210.00 to $ 260.00 |
| Pet Plate | 50 To 65 Pounds | $ 180.00 to $ 224.00 |
| Spot and Tango | 50 to 60 Pounds | $ 252.00 to $ 275.00 |
A Pup Above does only offer four recipes currently, which is less than many of its competitors. Because it is fresh food, it must be refrigerated, and this can be problematic if you need to travel with your dog.
Another thing A Pup Above could improve upon is packaging. The packages are not easy to open and will require scissors, which means a messy process when feeding your pup.
Is A Pup Above Worth It?
A Pup Above is a great fresh dog food delivery service because it does offer options for dog owners who do not want to be locked into a subscription. Besides that, they do offer very competitive pricing when compared to other delivery services. Because of this and the quality of the food, I do recommend A Pup Above.
My own dog enjoyed every recipe and seemed to look forward to the next meal.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What if my dog doesn’t like A Pup Above food?
If, for any reason, your dog does not enjoy A Pup Above Dog Food, they will issue you a full refund. Just message them at contact@apupabove.com.
Is A Pup Above Dog Food grain free?
A Pup Above Dog Food does include rice in the Turkey Pawella recipe, making it not grain-free. The beef and chicken recipes appear to be grain-free.
Does A Pup Above dog food need to be refrigerated?
The vacuum-sealed patties are good in the refrigerator, unopened for 14 days. Once opened, food is good for up to 7 days. We recommend storing the food in an air tight container to preserve freshness once opened.
Any additional food that you don’t think you’ll use within 1-2 weeks, you can store in the freezer.
