BARK Food Review

Subscription dog food options are becoming more and more popular. Owners love the convenience, and many of these subscription-based services offer incredibly high-quality food catered to each dog’s needs. BARK Food is a company that has entered the dog food market recently but has a much longer history as part of the parent company, BARK. BARK Food can be set up as a subscription box, and all items can also be purchased individually, making it a versatile choice.

Owners have a lot to consider, especially when considering a monthly subscription box. While this can be an excellent option to bring a pup top-of-the-line, exclusive nutrition not found in stores, owners must look at everything from brand history, recalls, ingredients, and recipes. Price also plays a significant role.

This company offers some options other brands do not, and most customers are quite satisfied. Perhaps this is your first try at a monthly nutrition box, or you are looking for a breed-specific formula. Either way, we took a look and tried out some of the products BARK Food has to offer. Let’s get into the details about this subscription box of dog food.

At a Glance: BARK Food Flavor Favorites

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Brand History

BARK Food is the pet food branch of the subscription dog toy box company BARK which hit the pet scene in 2012 and has since served millions of dogs. The company started with monthly subscription boxes of dog toys and expanded into other product lines, including wellness, bedding, dog food, and apps. BarkBox has millions of loyal customers, as owners appreciate being able to personalize their monthly dog toy boxes.

BARK Food is relatively new to the dog food market. The subscription service was launched in March 2020 and is a monthly meal subscription service. Boxes are breed and size specific. The breed list is growing, and owners can find one similar to their pooch even if they do not have every specific breed listed. Price varies depending on the dog’s size and food plan.

Currently, the brand offers kibble made with freeze-dried raw meats. Ingredients are sourced in the U.S., and kibble is manufactured in the U.S and Canada. Food meets all AAFCO nutrient profile standards. The company offers the “same price forever” guarantee on subscriptions, regardless of inflation. Along with that, the company has a 100% Happy guarantee. Special offers and new products are available as well.

BARK, the brand’s parent company, also runs BarkBox, Super Chewer, Bark Bright (Dental), Bark Essentials, BarkPost, and Bark Buddy.

Recall History

Recalls can happen for a variety of reasons. The good news is that BARK Food has never been the subject of a recall. This is excellent information for pet owners to know. We always want the food we feed our fur babies to be top-quality, and BARK Food meets that challenge with high-quality standards.

Range Of Recipes

Currently, BARK Food provides breed-specific recipes for ten different canine breeds. These are Chihuahua, Labrador, Pitbull, German Shepherd, Dachshund, Golden Retriever, Boxer, Doodle, French Bulldog, and Aussies. The company is continually working on adding new breed-specific options. However, pet owners who do not see their dog’s breed can pick the breed most similar to their pup. Recipes all contain at least 26% protein and 14% fat. These recipes are part of the brand’s new rollout in August 2022. BARK Foods offers Gobble Gobble Grain-Free Gibble and allergy options for all breeds. Currently, there is no fresh meal option.

Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
Formulated by an animal nutritionist	A limited selection of flavors
Customizable delivery	No fresh food options
Convenient	Not all breeds have specific formulas
One-time purchase available
Small and large options
Life-long price lock
Always free shipping (except Alaska & Hawaii)
Can purchase only food
Working on adding more breeds
Grain-free and allergy options

The Itty-Bitty Chicky recipe has farm-raised chicken and rice. This chow is developed expressly for the small-bodied yet high-energy Chihuahua. It can be used for dogs up to thirty pounds. U.S.-sourced chicken is the number one ingredient, and a chicken meal is the second. Includes a fiber blend with prebiotics and live probiotics to promote healthy digestion and provide optimum nutrition. Whole grains are gently cooked, and the recipe includes dried eggs. Food has 26% crude protein and 385 calories per cup.

The Chihuahua box comes with a bag of tasty hip and joint supplements. Additionally, a 100% beef liver topper powder is also included. It is all beef liver and can give pups a huge boost of flavor and an extra punch of protein. A reversible bandana can be included to keep dogs looking fresh and clean.

Kibble is developed for Labradors and dogs up to one hundred pounds. Natural dog food with farm-raised chicken and rice. A natural fiber blend, live probiotics, and gently cooked grains promote healthy easy digestion. Rich in omega fatty acids for skin support, as well as builds muscle and burns fat. Box comes with Hip-Hop Hooray Hip & Joint supplements. 365 calories per cup. 26% crude protein and 14% fat.

The maze bowl feeder is an added option. Perfect for Labradors, who are known to gobble down their meals in the blink of an eye. Bowl is non-slip and dishwasher safe.

The Pitbull-specific formula is a blend of Alaskan pollock and brown rice. Wild-caught Alaskan pollock is a nutrient-rich protein source. For Pitties and dogs up to and over one hundred pounds. Has 390 calories per cup. 26% protein. Kibble is formulated for easy digestion and is a good option for dogs with sensitive stomachs. A skin and coat supplement are add-on options. These add flavor and omega fatty acids to boost skin and coat health. Option available to add a Yeti dog bowl. Bowl is dent-resistant, non-slip, and dishwasher-safe.

The German Shepherd and similar breed boxes have the Cock-A-Doodle-Chew farm-raised chicken and brown rice formula. Recommended to be used with hip and joint supplements. Option to add a kibble puzzle toy. Kibble is 26% protein and 14% fat. 390 calories per cup. It can be fed to dogs of all sizes and larger breeds like the German Shepherd.

The Dachshund box has the Itty-Bitty Chicky chicken and rice formula. Additionally, it has two recommended supplements. Hip and joint health, as well as skin and coat. Beef liver powder for extra flavor and protein. It can be fed to dogs of all sizes. 385 calories per cup.

This box includes Cock-a-Doodle-Chew, farm-raised chicken, and rice recipes for the regal Golden Retriever. The formula supports a healthy metabolism, is rich in omega fatty acids, and supports bone and joint health. Hip and joint supplements, as well as skin and coat health treats. 385 calories per cup.

Nutritional Analysis

BARK Food recipes are designed to meet AAFCO guidelines. Premium kibble has a great taste and is easy to chew. Small dog kibble is small enough for pups to chow down easily. Ingredients are U.S.-sourced and high quality. Formulas follow the WSAVA global nutrition guidelines as well. Recipes contain at least 26% protein and 14% fat. These are highly nutritious and flavorful recipes. They are simple, without a lot of added ingredients or any fillers. Nutrition is preserved through careful preparation methods, high-quality farm-raised proteins, and wild-caught pollock.

Where Do They Make the Food?

Kibble is made in the United States and possibly Canada. The company has manufacturing facilities in Kansas and has also had facilities in Ohio. The company headquarters are in New York City.

How Does BARK Food Work?

Subscriptions for each breed are simple to set up. Owners can opt for a one-time purchase or set up a profile and subscription. Delivery can be as often as every two weeks or as spaced out as every eight weeks. Owners can pick and choose if they want supplements, toys, bowls, or just food. Shipping is always free, the price is locked in for the dog’s lifetime, and subscriptions can be modified if needed.

How Much Does it Cost?

Subscription boxes range in price from $23 to over $50 a box, depending on the breed picked and add-ons like supplements. The frequency of delivery will not affect the price but will affect the overall amount spent. Orders ship out the first two weeks of every month.

Review

“I tried the Chihuahua box for my 15-pound, one-and-a-half-year-old Poogle. We were sent the Itty-Bitty Chicky, Hip-Hop Hooray treats, and Beef Liver powder. My pup immediately took to the kibble. We mixed it in with his regular brand, and he went right for it. In fact, he ate all the new kibble first, spitting out his other kibble until he ate all the new stuff. In the meals afterward, he was quite excited and seemed to look forward to the new chow.

The flavor was a big hit. He did like the beef liver powder, but it was not necessary with this kibble. We did try the powder on some other food, which he enjoyed. The treats were a huge success, and we had to make sure to keep them out of his reach, as he always wanted another.

This small-sized chow has been great for his digestion, and he has had no straining or other complications. It also kept him very supported energy-wise. Overall, he really enjoys the food, is energetic, and always seems to want more. We appreciate that he has not had any significant gas issues.” Danielle. D LYD.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my subscription after the first delivery?

Yes. Subscriptions can be modified after the first delivery. Additionally, customers have the option to buy kibble and other items individually. The customer service team will assist and help find the right fit for every pup. Customers can email, call, and text to get resolutions.

How do I switch my dog to BARK Food?

Allow your dog to taste the kibble, and then mix some with their regular chow. Let your pup be the judge of how fast to make a total switch. Keep in mind that switching too quickly can cause stomach upset and some digestive issues.

Are there more breed-specific recipes coming?

Yes. The company is working on adding more breed-specific recipes all the time. Owners can sign up by breed to be notified when a new line is available. It is a slow process, but the company has no plans to stop until they have as many breeds as possible covered.

Final Thoughts

BARK Food is a newer subscription dog chow service created by the minds behind BarkBox. Owners and pets alike love the food and convenience. While they do not have as many options as some other brands like Ollie and The Farmer’s Dog, they offer high-quality kibble tailored to specific breeds at very affordable prices. Kibble is made with freeze-dried meats for ultimate flavor and nutrition. Though they lack wide flavor variety, this chow is nutritionally balanced, high in protein, and very filling.

BARK is a company that strives to give back and works hard to support fostering for all dogs that need homes. So far, this brand has no recalls, and dogs love the taste. This is a very affordable option for a subscription dog food service from a company with a stellar reputation. Because they are both affordable and high quality, we would highly recommend BARK Food.