This site is supported by our readers. We may earn a commission, at no cost to you, if you purchase through links.
If you’re searching for an a pup above dog food review, you’ll find this brand puts your dog’s health front and center.
Founded in Austin, it uses human-grade ingredients and cooks meals sous-vide, just like a fancy restaurant.
You get four recipe choices—beef, chicken, pork, or turkey—all made in USDA-inspected kitchens.
Each meal is high in protein and traceable, so you know exactly what’s in your pup’s bowl.
The price is premium, but quality and safety are top notch.
Curious how it stacks up against other brands or what those Whole Food Cubies are all about? Stick around for the scoop.
Table Of Contents
- Key Takeaways
- A Pup Above Overview
- Dog Food Ingredients
- Preparation Methods
- Nutrient Profile Analysis
- Health Benefits
- Cost and Pricing
- Feeding Guidelines
- Pros and Cons
- Comparison to Competitors
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Is A Pup Above safe for puppies?
- Is a puppy above dog food good?
- Who is a puppy above?
- Who makes a puppy above dog food?
- Where are A Pup Above meals cooked?
- Is A Pup Above a good dog food brand?
- What is A Pup Above?
- What is the number one healthiest dog food?
- Is A Pup Above better than a farmers dog?
- Where is A Pup Above dog food made?
- Conclusion
Key Takeaways
- You’ll pay premium prices for A Pup Above – around $332 monthly compared to competitors like The Farmer’s Dog at under $200, making it one of the most expensive fresh dog food options available.
- You’re getting human-grade ingredients cooked sous-vide in USDA-inspected kitchens with complete traceability, so you know exactly what’s in your dog’s bowl and where it came from.
- You’ll find higher protein content than most competitors – 10-14% as fed in fresh recipes and 26-31% in air-dried options – but only four recipe choices (beef, chicken, pork, turkey) which may limit variety for picky eaters.
- You should be aware of mineral imbalances, particularly low calcium levels at 0.46-0.51% that fall below AAFCO standards for puppies, making this unsuitable as exclusive puppy food despite the premium quality.
A Pup Above Overview
A Pup Above started in 2018 when Ruth and Javier Marriott founded the Austin-based company to create human-grade dog food using USDA-inspected kitchens.
You’ll find four 5-star rated recipes that feature 100% traceable ingredients, sous-vide cooking methods, and both fresh and air-dried options for your dog’s nutritional needs.
Company History
Ruth and Javier Marriott founded A Pup Above in 2018, launching their dog food review journey with human-grade ingredients as their cornerstone.
The company’s founders story began in Austin, Texas, where they established their brand origins around USDA inspected kitchens and traceable ingredients.
After a significant brand overhaul in 2020, their business model evolved from wet food focus to include air-dried options by 2024, marking substantial company growth and product evolution.
Product Range
A Pup Above offers four Recipe Options in their fresh dog food lineup, each earning five-star ratings from Dog Food Advisor.
You’ll find beef, chicken, pork, and turkey Flavor Profiles designed to satisfy different taste preferences.
The Product Lines include both fresh-frozen meals and air-dried Whole Food Cubies for Food Variety.
Their Meal Plans focus on high-protein formulas with humangrade ingredients, giving you flexibility to mix fresh and dry options for ideal pet food comparison results.
Some owners also seek food that meets breed-specific needs.
Key Features
What sets A Pup Above apart from typical dog food brands? The company’s commitment to quality shows in every aspect of their production process and ingredient selection.
Here are the standout features that make A Pup Above unique:
- Human-Grade ingredients prepared in USDA-inspected kitchens for maximum safety
- Traceable Sourcing guarantees you know exactly where every ingredient comes from
- Grain Options available with both grain-inclusive and grain-free fresh dog food recipes
- Ethical Production methods using gentle air-drying and sous-vide cooking techniques
- Tail Wags guarantee offers risk-free trials for your pet’s satisfaction
Dog Food Ingredients
When you’re choosing dog food for your furry friend, you’ll want to know exactly what’s going into their bowl.
A Pup Above stands out by using 100% human-grade ingredients that you can actually trace back to their sources, with named meats like turkey, beef, chicken, and pork leading every recipe, making it a great choice due to its transparent sourcing.
Human-Grade Ingredients
Unlike traditional feed-grade dog food, A Pup Above’s human-grade ingredients meet USDA standards for human consumption.
Your dog deserves the same quality meat you’d find at your grocery store
Your dog gets the same quality meat you’d find at your grocery store. All ingredients come from trusted U.S. farms with no antibiotics or hormones.
USDA-inspected kitchens provide regulatory oversight while ethical sourcing practices justify the premium cost for nutritional superiority.
To manage their rapid expansion, A Pup Above required scalable CRM solutions.
Named Meats
A Pup Above prioritizes named meats as the cornerstone of protein quality in their dog food review.
You’ll find turkey, beef, chicken, and pork clearly listed as first ingredients, ensuring meat traceability and ethical sourcing.
These named meats support muscle health through complete amino acid profiles.
Turkey hearts, livers, and gizzards provide concentrated nutrition.
This transparency in dog food ingredients helps you understand exactly what protein sources fuel your dog’s diet.
Traceable Ingredients
How can you trust what’s really in your dog’s bowl? A Pup Above prioritizes ingredient transparency through complete supply chain tracking.
You’ll know exactly where each ingredient comes from and how it’s sourced.
- Single-source proteins from verified farms guarantee ethical animal welfare standards
- USDA-inspected kitchens maintain strict quality control throughout production processes
- Named meats provide clear identification of protein sources without mystery ingredients
- Traceable vegetables come from pesticide-free, non-GMO farms with documented origins
- Supply chain transparency builds consumer trust through open ingredient sourcing practices
This level of transparency addresses ethical concerns while giving you confidence in your dog’s nutrition.
Preparation Methods
A Pup Above takes preparation seriously by using two distinct cooking methods that preserve nutrients while ensuring food safety.
You’ll find their fresh recipes are made using sous-vide cooking in USDA-inspected kitchens, while their newer air-dried kibble uses gentle low-temperature processing at 60-70°C to ensure food safety.
Sous-Vide Cooking
A Pup Above’s sous vide cooking method gently heats fresh dog food at precisely controlled temperatures, maximizing nutrient retention while ensuring complete food safety.
This restaurant-quality technique creates exceptional flavor profiles in their humangrade recipes.
The controlled cooking temperature preserves vitamins and minerals that traditional high-heat methods often destroy, making their fresh dog food nutritionally superior for your pet’s health.
Their products are available at the Pup Above website.
Air-Dried Processing
A Pup Above expanded beyond sous-vide cooking in 2024 with their air-dried kibble option.
This gentle drying process operates at 60-70°C, preserving nutrient retention while creating shelf stability.
The low-temperature method maintains kibble texture without excessive energy usage.
This air-dried approach offers fresh dog food benefits in a convenient format, giving you human-grade nutrition with extended storage capabilities.
While convenient, it’s important to note that kibble impacts digestibility compared to fresh options.
USDA-Inspected Kitchens
When you’re feeding your dog A Pup Above fresh dog food, you’ll appreciate knowing their USDA-inspected kitchens meet rigorous inspection standards.
These facilities maintain exceptional kitchen cleanliness and food safety protocols during ingredient handling.
This regulatory compliance guarantees your pup’s meals are prepared with the same standards as human food, giving you confidence in quality and safety.
Nutrient Profile Analysis
When you’re evaluating A Pup Above’s nutritional value, you’ll find protein levels that consistently exceed industry standards across their recipe lineup.
The brand’s focus on meat-first formulations delivers impressive macronutrient profiles that support your dog’s health and energy needs.
Protein Content
You’ll find A Pup Above delivers impressive protein levels that set it apart from typical dog foods.
Their fresh recipes contain 10-14% protein as fed, with beef and turkey formulas reaching 13.5%.
This protein content doubles what you’ll see in conventional wet foods.
Their air-dried Cubies pack even more punch at 26-31% crude protein.
All protein sources feature complete amino acid profiles from single-source, human-grade meats.
Fat Levels
A Pup Above’s fat content averages 23.2% across recipes, providing essential energy for your dog’s daily activities.
A Pup Above delivers the fuel your active dog craves with 23% fat content for sustained energy and coat health
This moderate level supports healthy coat shine and nutrient absorption without contributing to obesity concerns when portioned correctly.
| Recipe | Fat Content | Fat Sources | Breed Suitability | Activity Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Turkey Pawella | 22.3% | Turkey fat, organs | Medium-large breeds | Moderate-high |
| Beef recipe | 24.1% | Beef fat, bone marrow | All breeds | High activity |
| Chicken recipe | 23.8% | Chicken fat, skin | Small-medium breeds | Low-moderate |
| Pork recipe | 22.7% | Pork fat, organs | Large breeds | Moderate |
| Average range | 22-24% | Named animal fats | Breed-specific needs | Activity-dependent |
The fat-to-protein ratio sits at approximately 51%, creating ideal ratios for muscle maintenance. These fat sources come directly from the named meats rather than generic oils, ensuring better nutrient analysis results in your dog food review.
Carbohydrate Content
After looking at fat levels, it’s smart to check the carbohydrate content.
A Pup Above keeps carbs moderate, focusing on quality Carb Sources like peas, rice, and veggies.
These have a lower Glycemic Index, helping with Weight Management and steady Energy Levels.
You’ll also find good Fiber Content, supporting digestion.
This dog food review shows a balanced dog food ingredients breakdown for solid dog food nutrition.
It’s worth noting that similar to human foods, dog food may also contain added vitamins and minerals to supplement their diet.
Health Benefits
A Pup Above’s human-grade recipes deliver exceptional health benefits through their high-quality protein sources and carefully balanced nutrition.
You’ll find essential vitamins, minerals, and amino acids that support your dog’s overall wellness, muscle development, and immune system function.
High-Quality Protein
With high-quality protein sources like turkey, beef, and organ meats, A Pup Above delivers essential amino acids your dog needs.
These protein sources offer excellent protein digestibility, supporting muscle health and overall wellness.
The brand’s focus on named meats and organ meats provides superior nutrition compared to generic protein meals found in many commercial dog foods, offering superior nutrition.
Essential Vitamins
Your dog’s body needs vitamins to stay healthy, just like yours does.
A Pup Above adds essential vitamins to guarantee complete nutrition in every meal.
These vitamins support your pet’s immune system, energy levels, and overall well-being.
- Vitamin D3 – Supports bone health and calcium absorption for strong teeth
- Vitamin E – Acts as antioxidant protecting cells from damage and aging
- B-Complex vitamins – Boost energy metabolism and nervous system function
- Vitamin A – Maintains healthy vision, skin, and immune response
- Folate – Supports proper cell division and red blood cell formation
Mineral Balance
Beyond vitamins, you’ll want to examine A Pup Above’s mineral content carefully.
While the brand includes chelated minerals for better mineral absorption, some concerning mineral imbalances exist.
The calcium levels sit critically low at 0.46-0.51%, creating poor calcium-phosphorus ratios that fall below AAFCO standards for ideal puppy growth.
| Mineral | A Pup Above | AAFCO Minimum | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calcium | 0.46-0.51% | 1.2% (puppies) | Below Standard |
| Phosphorus | Variable | 1.0% (puppies) | Imbalanced Ratio |
| Chelated Forms | Yes | N/A | Enhanced Absorption |
Cost and Pricing
You’ll want to budget carefully for A Pup Above since it’s one of the pricier fresh dog food options on the market.
Fresh meals cost around $332 monthly (or $282 with subscription), which puts it substantially above competitors like The Farmer’s Dog at under $200 per month, making A Pup Above a substantially more expensive choice.
Daily Price
A Pup Above’s dog food price averages $11-15 daily for medium dogs.
Price Per Calorie varies by Serving Size and Breed Differences, making larger breeds more economical per pound.
Subscription Savings reduce costs by 15%, though A Pup Above remains pricier than competitors.
Dog food delivery convenience justifies higher Long-Term Cost for many owners seeking premium nutrition, and the Subscription Savings can be a significant factor.
Monthly Price
Looking at monthly costs helps you plan your budget better than calculating daily expenses.
A Pup Above’s monthly dog food pricing averages $332 for two 15-pound dogs without subscription savings, or about $282 with their 15% discount. This puts A Pup Above among the priciest options in dog food reviews.
- Subscription Savings: Monthly plans reduce costs by 15%, making long-term budgeting more predictable
- Competitor Pricing: The Farmer’s Dog costs under $200 monthly, while A Pup Above charges nearly double
- Bulk Discounts: Larger bag purchases lower per-pound costs by approximately 12% for better budgeting options
Discounts and Coupons
With subscription savings, you’ll access better dog food pricing through A Pup Above’s ongoing promotions.
First order customers typically save $50 on purchases over $100, while bundle deals provide additional discounts on dog food subscription services through promo codes available at dog food online retailers.
For pet owners, budgeting should also consider average grooming costs to maintain your dog’s hygiene.
| Discount Type | Savings Amount | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| First Order Bonus | $50 off | Orders $100+ |
| Subscription Savings | 15% off | Monthly auto-delivery |
| Bundle Deals | Up to 25% off | Multi-bag purchases |
| Loyalty Program | Varies | Repeat customers |
The key savings come from subscription savings, bundle deals, and the first order bonus, with discounts including 15% off and up to 25% off, making it essential to plan your dog food pricing strategically.
Feeding Guidelines
You’ll find A Pup Above offers clear feeding guidelines based on your dog’s weight and activity level.
The brand provides instructions for their fresh-frozen meals, dry Whole-Food Cubies, and mixing both options together.
Fresh-Frozen Feeding
When you serve A Pup Above’s fresh frozen meals, proper thawing methods guarantee food safety and maintain palatability.
Transfer portions from freezer to refrigerator 24 hours before feeding. Never use microwave or hot water for thawing, as this compromises nutritional integrity from USDA-inspected kitchens.
Many pet owners are now exploring fresh frozen options for their dogs.
- Thawing Methods: Move meals from freezer to fridge 24 hours ahead
- Portion Control: Divide daily servings based on your dog’s weight guidelines
- Food Safety: Use thawed fresh dog food within 3-4 days of refrigeration
- Storage Duration: Keep frozen meals up to 6 months for maximum freshness
Dry Whole-Food Cubies Feeding
A Pup Above offers Whole Food Cubies as their dry food format, providing convenient air-dried nutrition.
These cubies require proper hydration methods and careful portioning based on your dog’s weight.
| Aspect | Requirement | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Cubies Storage | Cool, dry place | Maintain freshness and prevent spoilage |
| Cubies Portioning | Follow weight guidelines | Measure accurately for ideal nutrition |
| Cubies Introduction | Gradual introduction | Mix with current food over 7-10 days |
The dog food ingredients list includes air-dried meats and vegetables that maintain nutritional integrity.
Cubies Palatability remains high due to gentle processing at low temperatures, preserving natural flavors dogs crave.
Mixing Fresh and Dry Food
Combining A Pup Above’s fresh frozen meals with their Whole Food Cubies creates excellent texture variety while boosting palatability.
This mixing strategy helps maintain nutritional balance through portion control and serves as effective changeover strategies between food types.
Start with 75% familiar food, gradually adjusting ratios based on your dog’s preferences and nutritional needs for ideal results, using portion control to achieve the best outcome.
Pros and Cons
You’ll find A Pup Above has clear advantages and some drawbacks worth considering before making your decision.
The premium pricing and limited recipe options may give you pause, even though the high meat content delivers exceptional nutritional value, which is a key aspect to consider when evaluating the product’s overall nutritional value.
High Meat Content
A Pup Above fresh dog food delivers exceptional Protein Sources through its high meat content approach.
You’ll find real meat as the first ingredient in every recipe, supporting ideal Muscle Development and Digestibility for your dog’s health.
Here’s what makes their meat content stand out:
- First four ingredients are meat and organ meats – providing complete Amino Acids your dog needs
- 50% more protein than competitors – surpassing brands like Nom Nom and The Farmer’s Dog
- Named meats only – turkey, beef, chicken, and pork for superior Palatability
- Organ meat inclusion – hearts, livers, and gizzards boost the dog food nutrient content naturally
Limited Recipe Variety
Choice can feel overwhelming when you’re shopping for your furry friend.
A Pup Above offers just four recipes—beef, chicken, pork, and turkey—which might leave picky eaters craving more options.
This limited recipe variety can lead to flavor fatigue if your dog gets bored easily.
While ingredient rotation helps prevent dietary restrictions, the narrow selection makes it harder to accommodate dogs with multiple food sensitivities or allergies.
The narrow selection is particularly concerning for dogs with multiple food sensitivities or allergies, as it limits the options available to them.
Premium Pricing
Beyond the quality ingredients and careful preparation, A Pup Above’s fresh dog food carries premium pricing that reflects its human-grade standards.
You’ll pay around $10 daily or $300 monthly for this subscription-based service.
While the cost alternatives like traditional kibble seem cheaper upfront, portion control with nutrient-dense recipes may offer subscription value.
Consider your budgeting impact carefully—this dog food cost represents a significant investment in your pet’s health.
Comparison to Competitors
When you’re comparing A Pup Above to other fresh dog food brands, you’ll want to look at three key areas: nutrient content, pricing, and overall brand reputation.
This comparison will help you decide if A Pup Above’s premium price tag matches its quality claims against competitors like The Farmer’s Dog and Nom Nom.
Nutrient Content
Nutritional excellence sets A Pup Above apart from competitors through superior protein sources and balanced formulations.
Their nutrient analysis reveals impressive advantages across key categories.
| Nutrient | A Pup Above | Typical Competitors |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | 43% dry matter | 25-35% dry matter |
| Fat Ratios | 22% with omega balance | 15-20% standard |
| Carbohydrates | 22-31% whole-food sources | 35-45% grain-heavy |
The brand’s amino acids profile excels through organ meat inclusion, while mineral balance and vitamin density exceed AAFCO standards.
Carb quality focuses on sweet potatoes and peas rather than cheap fillers.
Pricing Comparison
While A Pup Above delivers premium nutrition, the dog food price reflects this quality commitment.
At $13 per pound, subscription costs substantially exceed competitor pricing like The Farmer’s Dog ($7/lb).
This budget impact challenges many pet parents despite the value proposition.
| Brand | Price per Pound | Monthly Cost (50lb dog) |
|---|---|---|
| A Pup Above | $13 | $449-$528 |
| The Farmer’s Dog | $7 | $100-$200 |
| Ollie | $6 | $100-$200 |
| Premium Kibble | $3-5 | $50-$100 |
Cost justification centers on human-grade ingredients and USDA facilities, though dog food affordability remains questionable for budget-conscious households seeking dog food brand value.
Brand Reputation
Beyond premium pricing lies the reputation that sets brands apart.
A Pup Above maintains strong customer reviews and brand transparency through their ethical sourcing and sustainability practices.
With no recall history, this dog food brand reputation reflects positive consumer reviews and expert opinions supporting their commitment to customer satisfaction.
| Reputation Factor | A Pup Above | Competitors |
|---|---|---|
| Customer Reviews | 5-star ratings | Mixed 3-4 stars |
| Recall History | Clean record | Some incidents |
| Transparency | Full ingredient traceability | Limited disclosure |
| Sustainability | Renewable energy, donations | Varies by brand |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is A Pup Above safe for puppies?
A Pup Above isn’t recommended as exclusive puppy food.
While nutritionally complete for adult dogs, the formulas don’t meet ideal growth requirements for puppies due to mineral imbalances below AAFCO minimums.
Is a puppy above dog food good?
Like choosing between fast food and fine dining, A Pup Above offers premium nutrition but comes with drawbacks.
You’ll get human-grade ingredients and high protein content, but you’ll face higher costs, limited customization options, and some mineral imbalances.
Who is a puppy above?
A Pup Above is a premium dog food company founded by Ruth and Javier Marriott in Austin, Texas. They create human-grade, fresh-cooked meals using sous-vide cooking methods in USDA-inspected kitchens.
Who makes a puppy above dog food?
Surprisingly, you’ll discover Ruth and Javier Marriott founded A Pup Above in Austin, Texas back in
They completely revamped their brand in 2020, creating human-grade dog food in USDA-inspected kitchens using sustainable ingredients.
Where are A Pup Above meals cooked?
A Pup Above prepares their meals in USDA-inspected kitchens that meet human-grade food standards. They’re cooked in Austin, Texas facilities using sous-vide methods to preserve nutrients and quality.
Is A Pup Above a good dog food brand?
Think of dog food like choosing a restaurant – you’ll pay more for farm-to-table quality.
A Pup Above offers human-grade ingredients and high protein content, but you’ll pay premium prices compared to competitors like The Farmer’s Dog.
What is A Pup Above?
A Pup Above is a premium dog food company founded in Austin, Texas that creates human-grade fresh meals using USDA-inspected kitchens and traceable ingredients for your pup’s nutrition.
What is the number one healthiest dog food?
There isn’t one definitive "healthiest" dog food since every pup’s needs differ by age, breed, and health conditions.
However, you’ll want foods with whole meat as the first ingredient, minimal processing, and complete nutritional profiles meeting AAFCO standards.
Is A Pup Above better than a farmers dog?
A Pup Above offers higher protein content and human-grade ingredients, but The Farmer’s Dog costs substantially less—under $200 monthly versus A Pup Above‘s $332, making affordability a key factor.
Where is A Pup Above dog food made?
A Pup Above produces their dog food in Austin, Texas, using USDA-inspected kitchens that meet human-grade standards. You’ll find their fresh recipes prepared in these certified facilities.
Conclusion
Studies show 95% of pet owners consider ingredient quality the top factor when choosing dog food.
This a pup above dog food review reveals a brand that delivers on that priority with human-grade ingredients and sous-vide cooking methods.
You’ll pay premium prices, but you’re getting restaurant-quality meals made in USDA-inspected facilities.
The limited recipe options and higher cost won’t suit every budget, but if you want traceable, high-protein nutrition for your dog, A Pup Above stands out from typical kibble brands.
