What Is Bark Eats?
Picking the perfect food for your pup can feel like a daunting task with so many options out there. You want something that‘s nutritious, delicious, and tailored to your dog‘s specific needs, but who has time to become a canine dietary expert? That‘s where Bark Eats comes in.
This monthly subscription service delivers pre-portioned, personalized meals right to your doorstep. All the recipes are designed by veterinary nutritionists to keep your dog healthy and happy. Simply share some info about your furry friend, and they‘ll craft a customized meal plan. No more guesswork, messy measuring, or boring brown kibble.
Bark Eats is part of the Bark & Co. family, which was founded in 2012 with the mission to make dogs as happy as they make us. You may know some of their other popular offerings like BarkBox toys and treats, Super Chewer, and Bark Bright dental care. With over 1.7 million Instagram followers, Bark has been featured by top media outlets like CBS News, CNBC, and Reuters for "taking a bite out of the $99 billion pet industry."
How Does It Work?
Getting started with Bark Eats is easy and fun. It all begins with a simple online quiz about your pup‘s age, weight, breed, and dietary needs or restrictions. You‘ll also share your delivery and contact preferences.
Next, a Bark Eats nutrition expert will reach out via text to learn more about your dog‘s favorite flavors, allergies, health concerns, and activity level. They really aim to understand your unique pooch inside and out in order to develop a comprehensive nutrition plan and portion sizes.
Then, sit back and wait for your first box of Bark Eats to arrive on your doorstep! It‘ll include 28 daily pre-portioned meal packs to keep things simple. The vacuum-sealed pouches lock in freshness and make the food easy to serve at home or on the go. The subscription renews and ships automatically each month for uninterrupted deliveries.
Have a picky eater? Not to fear – your plan includes flavored Meal Toppers and chews to entice them. Concerned about a sensitive stomach or specific health condition? Just let the Bark Eats team know, and they can adapt the meals accordingly. It‘s all about finding the perfect fit through expert guidance and hassle-free home delivery.
Bark Eats Meal Plans & Recipes
Bark Eats offers 5 veterinarian-developed recipes optimized for different life stages and dietary needs:
- Puppy Recipe with Chicken & Rice
- Grain-Free Adult Recipe with Turkey & Sweet Potato
- Fish & Brown Rice Adult Recipe
- Small Breed Recipe with Chicken & Brown Rice "Lil‘ Bites"
- Chicken & Brown Rice Adult Recipe
The Puppy blend supports healthy development with lean proteins, DHA, and antioxidants. Grain-free and Fish recipes accommodate common allergies and sensitivities. Small kibble suits petite jaws. All the poultry and fish is USA-sourced, and you won‘t find any corn, wheat, soy, or artificial nasties.
Each recipe contains 24-28% protein to support strong muscles, probiotics for digestion, and a balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for skin and coat health. Bark Eats also adds glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health.
For dogs who need extra encouragement to chow down, Bark Eats offers 3 all-natural Meal Topper powders with savory flavors like chicken, beef liver, and duck liver. You can also add omega-rich Pollock Chews or Joint Health Soft Chews if your dog needs additional support.
Essentially, Bark Eats handles all the tricky nutritional calculations and preparations so you can focus on enjoying time with your happy, healthy pup. Just tear open a pouch and serve – it‘s as easy as that!
Bark Eats vs. Ollie
Ollie is another popular option for fresh, human-grade dog meals delivered to your door. So how does it compare to Bark Eats? Let‘s take a look:
Similarities:
- Both offer personalized meal plans tailored to your dog‘s profile
- Pre-portioned servings and auto-ship subscriptions for convenience
- Multiple protein-rich recipes to choose from
- Formulated by veterinary nutritionists
- Made in the USA with no artificial additives
Differences:
- Ollie meals are fresh and non-processed with human-grade ingredients (thus require refrigeration)
- Ollie allows you to get multiple recipes per box
- Ollie offers a 2-week trial starter box before committing to a subscription
- Ollie meals start at $4 per day on average (Bark Eats starts around $1/day)
Both services have their merits – it really depends on your budget, schedule, and storage preferences. If you want the ultimate in freshness and don‘t mind a higher price tag, Ollie is a great choice. If you prefer a more affordable and shelf-stable option, Bark Eats is the way to go. You can‘t go wrong either way!
Pricing
Exact pricing for your Bark Eats plan depends on your dog‘s size and caloric needs, but subscriptions start at just $1/day and generally range from $29 to $80 per month. The bigger your dog or the more Toppers and Extra Chews you add, the higher the cost.
For context, the 2022 Pet Nutrition Alliance report found most dog owners spend an average of $49/month on dog food, with fresh and custom diets at the high end closer to $99. So Bark Eats falls right in the middle while providing better quality than generic kibble brands.
Shipping is free for all subscriptions, and new customers get 50% off their first box. You can also score a $20 discount for referring a friend. Active military families are eligible for 10% off single-dog plans and 15% off multi-dog plans. Overall, it‘s a lot of premium nutrition for your buck.
Customer Reviews
Bark Eats customers rave about the service, from the quality of food to the caliber of support. Here are some excerpts from verified buyers:
"My picky and sensitive older pup has never been so excited to eat. Her coat looks amazing and her poop is great too – sorry for the TMI but it‘s important! The nutrition team worked with me to find just the right recipe and portion size. Game changer." – Andrea L.
"The personalized plans and pre-portioned pouches take all the stress out of mealtime. My work schedule is crazy so I love that it just shows up at my door right when I need it. Plus my dog went nuts for the liver Toppers! Will definitely keep my subscription going." – Mike R.
"I was spending so much time researching foods and measuring out complicated rotations for my two dogs. Bark Eats makes it dummy-proof and I know they‘re getting balanced nutrition. Also appreciate that they use sustainable proteins and minimal, recyclable packaging. Just wish I could customize delivery frequency a bit more." – Sophie K.
The brand‘s social media is filled with adorable doggy meal pics and words of praise. A few reviewers noted issues with canceling subscriptions or reaching support at first, but Bark Eats always followed up to resolve concerns. The resounding theme is convenience, quality, and canine joy.
Final Verdict
So, is Bark Eats worth the hype? If you‘re looking for a convenient way to upgrade your dog‘s diet without any hassle, it‘s a resounding yes. The expertly crafted plans, simple system, and responsive support make it a stellar choice for busy pet parents who want the best for their BFFs.
With 5 drool-worthy recipes, tasty toppers, and chews for any age or ailment, Bark Eats offers unparalleled customization. All the buzz about improved digestion, shinier coats, increased vitality, and excitement at mealtimes holds up. The fact that it requires no prep, shopping, or guesswork is the cherry on top.
Pricing is on par with or less than comparable fresh food subscriptions, so you get maximum nutrition and service for your dollar. Between the generous new customer offer, friend referrals, and military discount, you can definitely snag a great deal.
Of course, no plan is one-size-fits-all. If your dog has an extremely rare allergy or you want more control over ingredients and delivery, it may not be ideal. But for most dogs and owners, Bark Eats checks all the boxes and provides unbeatable value.
Ready to revolutionize your dog‘s diet and make mealtime a breeze? Visit BarkEats.com to build your pup‘s profile and get started. Your dog will thank you!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I cancel my Bark Eats subscription?
A: Easily adjust or cancel your plan anytime by logging into your account and navigating to your Subscription Settings. You can also email support at [email protected] for assistance.
Q: What is the shipping policy?
A: Bark Eats provides free shipping for all subscriptions in the contiguous United States (no Alaska or Hawaii). Boxes go out within the first 2 weeks of each month via FedEx or UPS and arrive within 2-8 business days. Expedited options are sometimes available for a fee.
Q: What is the return policy?
A: Due to the perishable nature of food, Bark Eats typically does not accept returns. However, they encourage you to donate any products your dog doesn‘t enjoy to a local shelter. If you have any issues with your order, reach out to the support team for guidance.
Q: Where is Bark Eats dog food made?
A: All Bark Eats recipes are formulated by US veterinary nutritionists using only whole ingredients sourced in the United States. The meals are slow-cooked at low temperatures and then air-dried to preserve nutrients at facilities in Illinois.
