Roscoe n Stella

The post A Pup Above Dog Food Review 2024: Why This Food Has Won Over My Pups by Sara Seitz appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

In the world of fresh dog food, there are more choices than ever. From custom-preportioned meals to grocery store brands, all these choices present a problem for owners who just want the best for their pups. After all, how do you know which brands deliver on their promises and which are just good at marketing themselves?

I recently had the opportunity to test four recipes from A Pup Above, a dog food company with a unique approach to fresh food. They cook their human-grade meat via sous vide to retain more nutrients and protein than the competition. They also go the extra mile to ensure their ingredients are sustainably grown and humanely harvested.

My senior Chihuahua, Papyrus, has been loving this food and I am a pretty big fan too. Keep reading my A Pup Above brand review to discover why this take on fresh fare has won us over and if it’s the right choice for your pooch.

At a Glance: What We Received

Rating	Image	Product	Details
		Chicka Chicka Bow Wow	Cage-free chicken 41.5% protein (dry mass) Sweet Potatoes, spinach, rice	CHECK PRICE
		Porky’s Lua	Grain-free Crate-free pork 51% protein (dry mass)	CHECK PRICE
		Texas Beef Stew	Ranch raised beef 46% protein (dry mass) Tomatoes, carrots, green peas	CHECK PRICE
		Turkey Pawella	Cage-free turkey Multiple organ meats 43% protein (dry mass)	CHECK PRICE

About A Pup Above

A Pup Above started with a simple mission: make dog food that is more sustainable, easily traceable, and better for us, our dogs, and the planet. Today, the company takes this mission into account during every step of the process, from sourcing their ingredients to designing their packaging.

Who Makes A Pup Above and Where is it Produced?

A Pup Above was started by Ruth and Javier Marriott and their dog Lola in 2018 with a brand overhaul in 2020. They operate out of Austin, Texas, and all of their dog foods are made in USDA human-grade kitchens.

Which Types of Pets is A Pup Above Best Suited For?

Most dogs can benefit from a fresh, natural diet like the fresh recipes A Pup Above offers.

These meals are high in protein and fat, making them an especially great option for active, young, and working dogs. With proper portioning, they can also be a great choice for seniors and less active dogs.

A Pup Above recipes are tailored to the nutritional needs of adult dogs. They can be used as a topper for puppies, but should not be fed exclusively to dogs under one year of age.

Key Features

There are many things that set A Pup Above, well, above the competition. Here, we’ll look at how their ingredients, preparation, sourcing, focus on sustainability, and ordering options make them unique in the fresh dog food world.

Ingredients

The first ingredient in every A Pup Above fresh food recipe is meat. This is one reason these recipes are so much higher in protein than other fresh food options. The second ingredient in all recipes is organ meat sourced from the same animal as the muscle meat.

These high protein, nutritionally dense ingredients make up most of the food. I know this is true because you can see it!

From here, each recipe contains a handful of nutrient-dense vegetables such as sweet potatoes, spinach, and green beans. A few recipes also contain some less desirable plant ingredients, including potatoes, rice, and peas. But these make up such a small portion of the total ingredients that they don’t pose the same problems they do when used in large quantities as we see in many dry dog foods.

Each recipe also contains a plethora of superfoods. Bone broth, turmeric, thyme, and parsley are used in every flavor to provide unique nutrients and plenty of robust antioxidants.

A special blend of minerals and vitamins is also added to every batch to ensure your dog gets all the nutrients they need to thrive. While a lack of bone meal and whole prey ingredients makes these synthetic nutrients necessary, it is worth noting that this food has fewer added nutrients than most.

Notably, it does not have any added amino acids. This is a testament to how nutrient-dense the meat ingredients are and how well the preparation method preserves these nutrients.

Preparation

One of the most unique aspects of A Pup Above’s fresh food is how they cook it.

Raw food has many benefits largely because it contains more nutrients than cooked food. Heat breaks down enzymes and vitamins while reducing mass, which lowers the protein content. However, raw food also requires special handling, can cause issues for immune-suppressed dogs, and is more likely to harbor high amounts of dangerous bacteria.

Gently cooked fresh food is a compromise that provides safe food with a higher nutrient profile than traditionally cooked options. A Pup Above has taken this compromise to a new level by utilizing sous vide to cook their ingredients.

Sous vide cooking involves placing the ingredients in a vacuum-sealed container and putting them in a water bath. The vacuum conditions inside the container lower the boiling point of water, allowing the ingredients to cook at much lower temperatures.

These lower temperatures are less harmful to nutrients, keeping more of them intact throughout the cooking process. Additionally, less mass is lost during cooking and all of the juices are retained in the final product, leading to food with naturally higher amounts of macronutrients.

Sourcing

This company also goes above and beyond when it comes to sourcing their human-grade ingredients.

All of the meat ingredients come from farms that practice humane farming. The chicken, turkey, and pork are sourced from cage and crate-free facilities, while the beef comes from ranches, not feed lots.

The fruit and vegetable ingredients are non-GMO and sourced from farms that practice sustainable farming. Because of this, they are exposed to nourishing soils that are naturally higher in nutrients and antioxidants.

If you want to know more about where the food in your bags came from, you can use the best-by date to look up where each ingredient was sourced. For example, I know the pork in my bag came from Texas, Oklahoma, and Missouri, while the green beans came from Oregon, and the turmeric came from India.

I will note that this feature on the company’s website doesn’t always work flawlessly. Of the four bags I received, I could only recall accurate sourcing information on one of them.

Sustainability

Sourcing sustainably farmed ingredients is just one way that A Pup Above supports sustainability practices.

Their packaging, for instance, is also created with the planet in mind. All of their packaging is 100% recyclable. The boxes can be recycled curbside, while other parts of the packaging are recyclable through Terracycle and NexTrex.

A Pup Above’s fulfillment center runs on 100% renewable energy. And every year, the company donates 1% of their revenue to White Buffalo Land Trust. This farm is a working, producing example of regenerative agriculture and serves as an education space for farmers and ranchers in the region.

Ordering Options

When it comes to fresh food, A Pup Above offers four recipe options. Each contains ingredients from only one type of animal, making it easier to find options for dogs with protein allergies. If your dog doesn’t have restrictions, you can opt for the sampler pack and try all four recipes.

For all their options, you can opt for a one-time purchase, or use their subscribe and save feature to save 10% and have your food automatically delivered as often as necessary.

With their “100% tail wags guarantee,” you can try their food risk-free and return it for a full refund if your dog doesn’t like it.

Reviews of the A Pup Above Recipes We Received

1. Chicka Chicka Bow Wow

This recipe contains slightly less protein and fat than the other options, making it a great choice for less active adult dogs.

The chicken that supplies the meat, liver, and bone broth is 100% cage-free and sourced in the USA.

Chicka Chicka Bow Wow is not grain-free as it contains rice. But, as you can see by looking at the food, the amount of rice is quite a bit less than what you’ll get with other fresh food options.

Like other recipes from this company, this one is loaded with superfoods, including apples, spinach, turmeric, parsley, and thyme.

My Chihuahua, Papyrus, is a big fan of this recipe. It provided an easy and gentle transition option since his previous food was chicken-based.

2. Porky’s Lua

If you’re after a high-protein option for your senior pooch, the pork recipe is your best bet. This flavor is loaded with 51% protein but contains a lower calorie content. This makes it an excellent choice for older dogs who typically need more protein in their diet but have a reduced need for calories.

This recipe is made from crate-free pork farmed using humane methods. This is ethically better and produces meat with higher nutritional value.

In addition to pork meat, this recipe also contains pork liver and bone broth. Both of these ingredients are loaded with nutrition.

Porky’s Lua contains some unique ingredients, including pineapple and green beans, which bring their own benefits. Pineapple contains antioxidants celebrated for their anti-inflammatory properties while green beans are loaded with fiber.

My senior pup happily gobbled up this recipe without complaint.

3. Texas Beef Stew

This recipe contains the highest amount of fiber and fat out of all the options. It is a great choice for very active dogs and working dogs.

The beef that supplies the meat, liver, and bone broth is sourced from ranches rather than feedlots. Not only does this make it better for the environment, but it means the cattle receive better nutrition. This makes for more nutritious meat for your dog.

The third ingredient is russet potatoes, which isn’t my favorite starch to see so high up in the ingredients list. But again, you can tell from looking at the food that there is very little potato compared to meat.

Plus, this recipe contains plenty of nutrient-dense plant ingredients to offset that high starch content. Tomatoes, carrots, and parsley pack plenty of antioxidants to keep your pup healthy and happy.

Papyrus has always been a big fan of beef and this option was no exception.

4. Turkey Pawella

The turkey recipe from A Pup Above contains less moisture than the other options. This means that, while it has moderate protein and less fat than the beef recipe, it is the highest calorie option of the four. This makes it a great choice for dogs who need to gain weight and those who are very active.

Turkey Pawella is made using cage-free turkey, which supplies the meat, organs, and bone broth. One of the stand-out features of this recipe is that it contains three organ ingredients while the others only contain one.

Turkey hearts, livers, and gizzards all provide nutrients that meat alone cannot.

Turkey hearts are high in taurine and other amino acids as well as many B vitamins. Turkey livers are packed with iron and vitamin A. And turkey gizzards are incredibly high in protein and amino acids.

Papyrus was a big fan of the turkey recipe and I liked how gentle it was on his stomach.

Our Experience With A Pup Above

My dog, Papyrus, has rarely met a food he doesn’t like. Luckily, I am a bit more discerning. Not only am I very picky about the quality of ingredients that go into his dish, but I am also always on the lookout for dog food companies that go beyond quality to do better by livestock and the planet.

That is exactly why I was so excited to give A Pup Above a try.

Not only did the recipes look like they were packed with all the right stuff, but I was very encouraged by this company’s focus on sustainability and ethically sourced meat.

Since Papyrus doesn’t have any food allergies, I went all in on the sample pack and tested all four recipes.

What We Liked

As far as Papyrus is concerned, there is nothing not to like about this food. For the last week, he has been rotating through all four options and has eagerly devoured every one.

Despite the fast transition from his homemade fresh diet, he’s had no digestive issues. All four options seem to be treating him just fine.

As far as my opinion, I have also found a lot to love about this food. I like that I can see each ingredient clearly in the bowl. Even more, I love that there appears to be vastly more meat than plant-based ingredients.

I’ve tested and reviewed quite a few premium dog foods at this point, and this one rates very high on the list in terms of protein content. This is also one of the few companies I’ve reviewed who don’t have to add taurine to make up for nutritional loss during cooking. I have to assume the sous vide cooking method is responsible for this.

I also like that each recipe only contains ingredients from a single animal source. This makes it super easy for dogs with protein allergies and sensitivities to find a recipe they can eat.

Some of the recipes contain peas and white potatoes, which can reduce taurine absorption. Luckily, it is pretty clear from looking at the food that the amount used is very small and unlikely to cause issues.

The other area where this food impressed was the price. Now, that’s not to say these recipes are cheap. But when I compared the price per pound to other premium fresh food options, I only found one that cost less. And I didn’t find any cheaper options that compared in terms of protein content.

Where I Saw Room for Improvement

I only had one minor complaint about this food.

Each three-pound bag is broken up into three separate packages. For my seven-pound Chihuahua, these aren’t exactly small amounts, which means I have to thaw about five day’s worth of food at a time. Luckily, A Pup Above says the packs stay good in the fridge for up to seven days after being opened, which is longer than most companies recommend.

Overall, I have been really impressed with the quality of the recipes and the ingredients used. And even more impressed with the care that goes into sourcing these ingredients and how affordable the meals are considering this.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for fresh dog food that’s high in animal protein and goes above and beyond in terms of sustainability and ethical sourcing, look no further than A Pup Above.

Each recipe from this company contains only ethically sourced meats and sustainably farmed plant ingredients. These meals are impressively high in protein and contain nutrient-dense foods cooked via sous vide to retain as much protein, vitamins, and antioxidants as possible. If you’re wondering if they taste good, just watch how fast my Chihuahua gobbles them up.

The post A Pup Above Dog Food Review 2024: Why This Food Has Won Over My Pups by Sara Seitz appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

The post Greyhound Racing Banned in New Zealand – A Win For Animal Welfare by Nicole Cosgrove appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

Last week, New Zealand announced plans to ban greyhound racing, a move that has been described as both “monumental” and “devastating,” depending on whom you ask. If you ask us here at Dogster, the only thing devastating about it is the fact that it has taken so long to be banned in the first place. But this is a huge step in the right direction that will hopefully begin the snowball effect of global change in the sport. The decision, driven by persistent animal welfare concerns, marks the end of an era for the sport in the country.

Citing an “unacceptably high” rate of injuries, Racing Minister (and New Zealand’s Deputy Prime Minister) Winston Peters declared that the time had come to “make a call in the best interest of the animals.”¹ Despite progress in recent years, including reductions in euthanasia and some injury rates, Peters stated that the improvements were insufficient to justify the continuation of greyhound racing.

The government has outlined a 20-month transition period to allow the industry to wind down. During this time, the priority will be the rehoming of the approximately 2,900 racing greyhounds currently in New Zealand. Peters assured the public that the dogs would not be sent overseas to race and introduced a bill to prevent the unnecessary killing of racing dogs, which “will be passed under urgency.” Animal welfare organizations such as SAFE and SPCA are poised to assist with the rehoming efforts, though logistical challenges remain, the government is dedicated to helping, with Peters describing greyhounds as “superbly good pets … and clean.”

The Dark Side of Greyhound Racing

The sport has long faced criticism in New Zealand for its treatment of greyhounds, with some breeders accused of mistreatment and doping. Reviews over the past decade have consistently called for significant changes, and in 2021, the government placed the industry “on notice” following reports of over 230 deaths and 900 injuries in a single year. Subsequent monitoring by animal rights groups like SAFE recorded more than 2,500 injuries and nearly 30 deaths in the two-and-a-half years that followed, despite the pressure from the calls for change in practice.

However, the announcement was met with strong opposition from Greyhound Racing New Zealand (GRNZ). The organization’s chairman, Sean Hannan, and chief executive, Edward Rennell, both expressed their disappointment. Hannan described the decision as “profoundly disappointing” and highlighted the potential cultural and economic void it would create. Greyhound racing contributes 8.5% of New Zealand’s NZ$1.3 billion racing industry and supports over 1,000 full-time jobs.

Despite these claims, the government’s decision was informed by a decade of reviews that consistently recommended stricter oversight or closure. Former racing ministers, including Grant Robertson and Kieran McAnulty, had previously signaled that the status quo was unsustainable. McAnulty, who served as racing minister until the last election in 2023, stated in May last year “We are faced with two options: continue under strict conditions or closure.” Peters’ announcement makes clear that closure was deemed the only viable path forward.

The decision has also drawn criticism from industry stakeholders for the lack of prior consultation. Rennell noted that GRNZ had been providing quarterly reports to the minister and had requested a meeting to discuss the future of the industry, but those overtures were ignored. “The greyhound racing community is left reeling from the announcement,” said Hannan, voicing concerns over the livelihoods of those involved in the sport.

Celebrating the Win For Greyhounds

Nevertheless, Peters emphasized that protecting animal welfare was the primary motivator behind the decision. “Stopping greyhound racing is the right thing to do,” he said, adding that the decision was not a reflection of personal feelings but a necessary step for the welfare of racing dogs.

Animal rights advocates celebrated Tuesday’s announcement, hailing it as a “monumental win for animal rights.” SAFE campaign manager Emma Brodie expressed relief, saying, “This marks an end of an era of exploitation and a monumental win for animal rights in Aotearoa.” Brodie added that the decision reflects a growing sentiment among New Zealanders who oppose cruelty disguised as entertainment.

New Zealand’s oldest animal welfare charity, SPCA, shared in the celebration, calling the decision “ecstatic” and urging other countries to follow suit. Currently, commercial greyhound racing is permitted in only a handful of countries, including Australia, Ireland, the UK, and the US.

The Animal Welfare Paradox

While the decision to ban greyhound racing has been widely celebrated, it also highlights a paradoxical animal welfare stance in New Zealand. Despite taking a strong stance on greyhound racing, the country still permits live export of livestock, a controversial practice that subjects animals to long, stressful journeys overseas. Animal rights groups have repeatedly condemned live export, describing it as cruel and inconsistent with New Zealand’s otherwise strong animal welfare image.

Furthermore, the country lacks comprehensive animal rights laws, with only limited protections for animals raised for food, farming, and entertainment (and not for pets). This inconsistency raises questions about the government’s broader commitment to animal welfare. One could argue that this step forward could be smoke and mirrors amongst their reversal of the live export ban from the previous government. Regardless, it’s a win for these dogs, but for many activists, while the greyhound racing ban is a step forward, it also serves as a reminder of the work that remains to be done.

Congratulations on This Step Forward

New Zealand’s decision to phase out greyhound racing is a bold and commendable step forward for animal welfare. The sport has operated under a cloud of controversy for decades, with numerous reports highlighting the exploitation and mistreatment of these dogs. The statistics alone are shocking: thousands of injuries and hundreds of deaths over just a few years. No entertainment or industry can justify such a toll.

This move signals a broader shift in societal values, where the welfare of animals is increasingly prioritized over outdated forms of entertainment. It also sets an example for other countries where greyhound racing remains legal, proving that progress is possible even in deeply entrenched industries. While it is true that the decision will impact the livelihoods of those involved in the sport, the government’s commitment to a managed transition period and rehoming efforts demonstrates a balanced approach to addressing these challenges.

New Zealand is finding its place as a global leader in animal rights, and this decision will undoubtedly inspire further action worldwide. For the greyhounds who have suffered in silence, this is not just a monumental win – it’s a long-overdue liberation.

What Are Your Thoughts?

We’d love to hear from you on this topic. Is this enough? Should more be done? Would you want to adopt a greyhound?

Get in touch in the comments below to let us know your thoughts.

The post Greyhound Racing Banned in New Zealand – A Win For Animal Welfare by Nicole Cosgrove appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

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The post Ask Dr. Paola: Monday December 16, 2024 by Dogster Team appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” series, where every Monday we bring expert advice straight from Dr. Paola Cuevas (MVZ) to help our readers better understand their dog’s health and well-being.

Whether you’re a new pet parent or a seasoned dog lover, Dr. Paola is here to provide answers to your most pressing questions. From nutrition tips and preventive care to troubleshooting common behavioral issues, Dr. Paola is ready to offer insights that will keep your furry friend happy and healthy. Stay tuned for expert guidance on a range of topics that matter most to you and your dog, so you can make informed decisions and provide the best possible care for your canine companion. ‎Have‎ a ‎question? Send it in here!

Help! I Want to Start Making My Own Dog Food!

“ Hey Dr. Paola, I’m wondering what is the best way to go about making homemade dog food for my dog Bowdoin. Where do I begin? ” – Drew

Hey Drew!

Making homemade dog food for Bowdoin is a fulfilling way to manage his diet and ensure high-quality ingredients, but it’s critical to provide complete and balanced nutrition. Dogs have specific dietary needs that include essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals like calcium, iron, vitamin E, and vitamin B12. The most important point to understand here is that meeting these requirements can be challenging without careful planning and professional guidance so great efforts can have unfortunate results if not well executed.

To ensure Bowdoin receives a safe and balanced diet, start with recipes approved by a veterinarian or veterinary nutritionist. A professional can assess his dietary needs based on his breed, age, weight, activity level, and any health concerns. In many cases, supplements specifically designed for pets—such as those from BalanceIT or The Farmer’s Dog—will be necessary to meet nutritional standards.

Cooking at home also requires attention to ingredient quality and kitchen safety. Proper hygiene and handling practices are key to minimizing the risk of contamination while preparing, storing, and serving Bowdoin’s meals.

While it takes more effort to cook homemade dog food, it can be a very beautiful thing for both you and your dog. Best wishes on your dog food culinary journey!

Dr. Paola

Help! I Want to Keep My Dog Warm in Winter!

“My large black lab has terrible arthritis in his hips and legs. He’s only 7 years old and has had it since he was a puppy when he started growing fast and large. We live in the foothills of central California where the temperature has been dropping to freezing. Can we please get a little advice on how to keep warm and comfortable during the winter months? He won’t wear his jacket or anything else won’t come in if he sees us trying to put him in one?” – Mo

Hi Mo,

Sorry to hear about your lab having developmental joint issues since puppyhood. The pain and discomfort of arthritis are exacerbated by the cold temperatures. Some of the alternatives you could explore are providing him with a heated bed, or a heated dog house. Most dogs will naturally gravitate toward them when it gets cold.

You should also keep in mind that labs have a thick double-coat and were developed in the cold province of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. Their natural winter coat does quite a good job of protecting them against cold temperatures. It does not come naturally for many dogs to accept wearing a jacket but it can be achieved if, instead of forcing them, you gradually desensitize and train them to wear it. You will need to do this by using positive reinforcement methods.

We wish you the best with this and hope for an easy winter for your dog.

Dr. Paola

Help! My Dog Has High ALK Phosphatase Levels!

“Hello, my dog Izzy has perfect blood work except her ALK Phosphatase is 421. She is an 11-year-old mini schnauzer weighing 16 lbs. She is healthy and happy with no problems with arthritis at this time. Is it true that a mini schnauzer can have a higher ALK Phosphatase than other dogs?? please help with this question.” – Sandy

Sandi, it is true that Miniature Schnauzers can have elevated ALKP. It is also true that this marker has low specificity, which means this enzyme is produced by many cell types and can be found in the liver, bone, kidney, and intestine. Therefore, other biochemical tests are needed to interpret its significance.

ALKP is usually included in the liver panels because it is found in liver cell membranes and in the hepatic cells surrounding the small channels through which bile is released. One likely scenario is that ALKP is released into the blood when the biliary flow is slowed (the medical term for this is cholestasis). Fatty infiltrations of the liver can potentially lead to cholestasis. Therefore it is important to consider the results of other tests including TSBA, GGT, ALT, and AST, and very importantly to monitor serum triglyceride concentrations.

According to a study published by the American Veterinary Medical Association, anecdotal observations suggest that some Miniature Schnauzers with hypertriglyceridemia might develop hepatic insufficiency secondary to the pathogenic distension of the hepatic cells. Veterinarians work with different scrum chemistry panels when they make blood tests, so when you say all her blood work was perfect, I have no way of understanding what was tested. Have a chat with your vet to find out if additional diagnostic testing would seem appropriate, or if you would like some more detailed support, we recommend booking an online consultation with one of our experienced veterinarians at PangoVet. They will ask you some more questions, help provide information, and help you craft an action plan.

Best wishes!
Dr. Paola

The post Ask Dr. Paola: Monday December 16, 2024 by Dogster Team appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

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