A PUP ABOVE FRESH DOG FOOD Review

A Pup Above Fresh has 4 recipes that average 46% protein and 23% carbohydrate, as calculated on a dry matter basis. With a score of 8/10, it’s considered a low risk dog food.

When it comes to ingredient quality, this line loses a point for higher average carbohydrates of 23%, as calculated, obtained from starchy ingredients like sweet potatoes, potatoes and rice. The chicken recipe is even higher at 31% carbohydrate. These are higher levels than we expect to see in a lightly cooked dog food. 

Dogs have no nutritional requirement for carbohydrates. Excessive carbohydrate is an indicator of food quality as it can be used to reduce manufacturing cost. Foods that are rich in carbohydrates can increase insulin levels, increase the risk of obesity and cause unwanted changes to the gut microbiome. 

One recipe also uses safflower oil, which is a highly processed and inflammatory oil. It’s an inexpensive alternative to higher quality oils.

This line loses ingredient quality points for more than 5 added minerals. When minerals come from whole food sources, they include the full spectrum of cofactors, which makes them safe and bioavailable. While a couple of added minerals are acceptable, five or more implies the food is of poor nutritional value. Vitamin and mineral excesses, especially vitamin D and copper, can also result from vitamin premixes added to balance the food. The company states their added minerals are less than 2% by weight, but our criteria are based on the number of these added nutrients, not the weight.

It’s also worth noting that the line contains sodium selenite as a source of selenium. Dogs need selenium, and it’s usually added in very small amounts. However some research suggests that sodium selenite may be associated with potential toxicity, so selenium yeast is the preferred form of this mineral.

It’s good to note that these recipes are made with non-GMO produce. A Pup Above also states it uses pesticide-free (and presumably herbicide-free, too) produce.

This line of foods are gently cooked in vacuum-sealed bags to 160 degrees, and then frozen. They are moderately processed because they’re cooked, which costs an ingredient safety point. The only other ingredient safety concern is the use of rice in 2 recipes. Arsenic contamination is a significant concern with rice since it naturally absorbs arsenic which can contaminate the water it’s grown in. Arsenic is linked to chronic health issues.

Although A Pup Above provides the percentages of omega-6 and omega-3 fats on the nutritional breakdown, they don’t provide the omega-6:3 ratio. This isn’t unusual, but the ratio is always a concern because AAFCO allows a highly inflammatory ratio of 30:1.