Bark Food Review 2024: How It Works

Overview

If you want a breed-specific kibble that caters to your dog's unique dietary needs, check out Bark Food. It’s a premium brand that goes beyond conventional pet food options. Previously known as Bark Eats, Bark Food offers a range of tailored kibble formulas designed to support your furry friend's health and well-being.

Bark Food understands the importance of providing dogs with nourishing meals. And it's brought to you by the same company behind the popular BarkBox, which delivers themed subscription boxes of toys and treats. As a result, it’s extended its expertise to create a line of high-quality kibble that complements the BarkBox subscription service.

In this article, I’ll delve deep into the world of Bark Food. I’ve explored the breed-specific kibble options to get the lowdown on nutrition, the ordering process, and whether it’s the right choice for your pup. Keep reading to learn all you need to know – including the most unique item I’ve ever seen on the menu from a dog food delivery service!

Bark Food Meals

What sets Bark Food apart is its focus on breed-specific nutrition. It recognizes that different breeds have varying dietary requirements, and the kibble formulas are carefully crafted to meet these specific needs. Whether your dog is a small breed, a large breed, or falls somewhere in between, Bark Food offers tailored options to support optimal health and vitality.

Plans and Recipes

Bark Food currently lists 10 different breeds that have dedicated suggested products. When you select a dog, it’ll recommend the best food for them, along with any additional supplements, treats, and toys that are most suited to that breed.

The French Bulldog page, for example, lists the small dog recipe as the most suitable. It also suggests supplements and a particularly dashing bandana to accessorize your pooch. 

You can still find a suitable recipe if you own a breed not listed on the site. You can either choose a breed that’s most similar to your dog or contact customer service for more details. 

The current breed list is:

• Australian Shepherd

• Boxer 

• Chihuahua

• Dachshund

• Doodle

• French Bulldog

• German Shepherd

• Golden Retriever

• Labrador Retriever

• Pit Bull

There are 3 adult dog recipes including 1 grain-free recipe. These are all sold in 15 lb bags. Let’s take a look at each recipe in more detail.

Cock-a-Doodle-Chew

This recipe is specially formulated for gentle digestion. It contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to support skin health. There’s glucosamine and chondroitin for bone and joint health, too. It’s also high in protein, with 26% minimum crude protein.

Kibble of the Sea

This seafood recipe is particularly suited to support sensitive skin issues. It’s created with sustainably-sourced Alaskan pollock and brown rice. The prebiotics and probiotics are great for promoting a healthy gut and digestive system, too.

Gobble-Gobble Grain-Free Gibble

This is a limited ingredient, grain-free recipe suitable for dogs with sensitive tums. It contains sweet potato, pumpkin, and butternut squash instead of the brown rice in the other 2 adult recipes making it easier to digest.

There are also another 2 recipes available. One for small dogs, and the other for puppies. The small breed recipe is sold in 4 lb bags, and you have the option of 4 lb or 15 lb bags for the puppy recipe.

Itty-Bitty Chicky

This is the most suitable recipe if you have a small dog. The kibble is a smaller size to fit those little doggy mouths more easily. As with all the other recipes, it contains prebiotics and probiotics to support digestive health and L-carnitine to help burn fat and maintain a healthy weight.

Little Buddy Bites

The nutrient levels of this recipe are targeted specifically for puppies. It’s a complete and balanced food that’s suitable for the growth of large breeds. It’s fortified with DHA, which is particularly beneficial for your pup’s cognitive health.

In addition to the bags of kibble, there’s another unexpected listing. You can actually purchase an empty box that smells of food. As the description says: “Sometimes it's not time for food. But it's always time for destroying boxes that smell like food.” So if you have a hungry and destructive pooch, this sounds like the perfect option!

At first, I was convinced this was a joke listing. But a quick email to customer service confirmed that it is indeed an actual product, and doggy customers are big fans of it.

In addition to the kibble, you can also order dental products, treats, supplements, and a BarkBox. These are all separate subscriptions that can be managed under 1 account.

The supplements are often recommended by Bark Food for particular breeds of dog. Breeds that suffer from hip and joint issues or skin irritations can choose the Hip & Joint or Skin & Coat supplements. I also like the Calming Aid chews. These can be given before any stressful events to help chill your pup out.

Ingredients

All of Bark Food’s recipes are wheat, corn, and soy-free. Plus, there are no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. I like that each recipe contains a blend of prebiotic fibers and live probiotic bacteria to help support gut health.

The kibble, supplements, and toppers are all made in the US. Bark Food also makes an effort to source ingredients as locally as it can. For example, the Alaskan Pollock used in the Kibble of the Sea recipe is wild-caught in the Bering Sea.

Here is the full ingredient list for the most popular kibble recipe – the Chicken and Brown Rice recipe.  

Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, White Rice, Oatmeal, Pearled Barley, Alaska Pollock Meal, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Dried Beet Pulp, Dried Eggs, Brewer’s Dried Yeast, Potato Protein, Flaxseed, Natural Flavors, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Taurine, Choline Chloride, L-Carnitine, Vitamins (Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin, Folic Acid, Biotin, Calcium Pantothenate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C, Vitamin B12 Supplement), Minerals (Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Zinc Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite), Mixed Tocopherols (Preservative), Rosemary Extract, Dried Enterococcus Faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Casei Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product.

It’s worth noting that the recipes aren’t human-grade. If this is a concern for you, I recommend checking out The Farmer’s Dog’s recipes that are made with fresh, human-grade ingredients in USDA kitchens.

Nutrition

All Bark Food meets AAFCO guidelines for all life stages. Recipes contain at least 26% protein and 14% fat. They’re created by a Ph.D. Animal Nutritionist to guarantee they meet your pup’s nutritional needs. Let’s look in detail at the nutritional information for the Kibble of the Sea recipe.

Guaranteed analysis: 

Crude Protein: min 26.0% 

Crude Fat: min 14.0% 

Crude Fiber: max 3.5% 

Moisture: max 10.0% 

Vitamin E: min 250 IU/kg 

Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C): min 100 mg/kg 

L-Carnitine: min 50 mg/kg 

Selenium: min 0.35 mg/kg 

Taurine: min 0.15% 

Omega 6 Fatty Acids: min 2.4% 

Omega 3 Fatty Acids: min 1.5% 

Lactic Acid Bacteria: min 100,000,000 cfu/lb 

Kcal/kg: 3,655 or 390 kcal/cup

What Makes it Different?

In addition to the breed-specific kibble, Bark Food offers plenty of extras, too. You can find a wide selection of supplements, treats, and toys to enhance your dog's overall well-being. This helps you create a personalized experience for your canine companion to give them the highest quality nutrition and enjoyment.

BarkBox

You can also try a BarkBox subscription, which is a monthly themed subscription box containing 2 toys, 2 treats, chews, and activities to try with your dog. If your pup is a determined chewer, you can opt for the Super Chewer box instead, which includes extra tough toys.

Dental Chews

I really like the option to purchase dental kits, too. These contain dental chews and toothpaste that you squirt onto the chews for extra teeth-cleaning power. These can be a one-time purchase or subscribe to save 20%.

Bundles

There are a few options on Bark Food to purchase bundles to help you save more money. There are a few treat and toy bundles, topper bundles, and even themed bundles. For example, the Father’s Day BBQ Bundle includes BBQ-themed treat dispenser toys, toppers, and treats.

Unboxing

Orders are delivered in branded boxes that are made with 97% recycled materials. These boxes can be recycled with your regular curbside collection.

All the food is shelf-stable and packs can be resealed after opening. Meals aren’t pre-portioned. You’ll need to follow the guidelines given on the pack for portioning your pet’s food.

Unfortunately, the packaging for the kibble isn’t currently recyclable. This is disappointing, as there are other companies that make the effort to introduce eco-friendly measures. For example, the food packs from The Farmer’s Dog can be recycled after they’ve been rinsed.

Prices

Bark Food offers a 10% discount for all subscriptions, providing affordable options to suit your dog's needs. Depending on the kibble you choose, prices range from $25 to $48 (without subscription). For example, the Cock-a-Doodle-Chew (Chicken & Brown Rice) is the most budget-friendly option, priced at $42 for a one-time purchase of a 15 lb bag. 

The supplements start at $15, while treats and toppers are available from $10. If you're looking to add some interactive playtime, the toys are priced from $10. For even more savings, consider exploring its bundled options, which combine popular items at discounted rates. To maximize your savings, you can also use this discount code: Get your first 15lb bag of Kibble for only $10. Use code: FOOD15.

Bark Food also shows appreciation for the military and veterans by offering a 15% discount, providing an additional benefit to those who have served.

Shipping & Delivery

Deliveries can be shipped throughout the 48 contiguous states via FedEx. Shipping isn’t yet available for Alaska, Hawaii, or Canada. 

You can either choose to place a one-time order or a repeated delivery. You can schedule your delivery either every 2, 4, or 8 weeks, depending on how often you want to receive it. If you need to make any changes to this, you can edit the frequency on your account or contact customer service.

How Bark Food Works

You can either make a one-time order with Bark Food or choose a repeated delivery. These are the steps you need to follow if you want to set up a repeated order.

How to Sign Up

1. Choose your items and add them to the cart. Select Subscribe & Save and edit the delivery schedule to suit.

2. From your cart, click Checkout, and you’ll need to enter your email to create your account. 

3. Enter your shipping address and choose the only available shipping option – free!

4. Enter your payment details – you can pay by credit card or PayPal.

Note that your final order cost will be subject to taxes, which are confirmed after you’ve submitted payment.

Managing Your Subscription

You can easily manage your subscription via your online account. Simply log in, and you will see all the available options on the left side of your screen. Click on Manage Subscription, and you can make any changes to the frequency of your delivery or update address details.

If you want to cancel your Bark Food subscription, you must cancel before the first day of the month following a subscription period, or it will automatically renew and you’ll be charged for the following month. You can’t cancel your subscription online and must contact customer services.

Customer Service

My experiences with contacting Bark Food customer services were very positive. The live chat feature is available at any time, according to one of the agents I chatted with. All the agents I contacted were very friendly and took the time to follow up on my queries.

I liked that the customer support agents took the time to follow up on my questions. I wasn’t just given a link to a page on the website. It felt like I was chatting with people who really cared about the products and genuinely wanted to help.

You can also complete a contact form or send an email directly to food@bark.co. My emails were responded to in a matter of hours and didn’t feel like a stock response. One of my questions naturally concerned the empty box for sale.

Unfortunately, there doesn’t appear to be an option to contact Bark Food by phone. I also felt the FAQ were very limited in scope compared to other dog food delivery companies like Ollie. I feel these could cover much more detail, as I was left wondering about things that are generally covered by other companies FAQ or blogs.

Bark Food Recalls

It’s good news for you and your pups as there haven’t been any Bark Food recalls.

How Bark Food Compares to Other Pet Food Services

• Bark Food vs. The Farmer’s Dog: The Farmer's Dog stands out for its fresh, human-grade, and minimally processed meals. Compared to Bark Food which only offers kibble, it uses high-quality, whole food ingredients, providing a fresh and balanced diet that closely resembles homemade meals.
• Bark Food vs. Ollie: Ollie also offers a mix of fresh, human-grade meals and baked kibble, providing variety and flexibility in feeding options. It creates a personalized meal plan, making Ollie an appealing choice for dog owners seeking diverse meal options. Bark Food doesn’t provide the same level of individual customization and variety as Ollie's personalized plans.

The Bottom Line: Is Bark Food Worth It?

Bark Food can be worth it for several reasons. It offers breed-specific kibble options, recognizing the unique dietary requirements of different dog breeds. Bark Food's subscription model provides convenience by delivering regular supplies of kibble directly to your doorstep.

It's important to note that while Bark Food is high-quality, it’s not fresh or human-grade. If this is a significant concern for you, and you prioritize feeding your dog exclusively with human-grade ingredients, Bark Food might not be the best choice, and I recommend checking out our list of the Best Human-Grade Dog Food Delivery Services of 2024.

FAQ

How do I switch my dog to Bark Food?

To switch your dog to Bark Food, it’s recommended to make the transition gradually. Over the course of a week, mix a small amount of Bark Food with your dog's current food and increase the proportion of Bark Food each day. Observe your dog's response and adjust the transition pace as needed. Contact customer service for additional support.

Does Bark Food use healthy ingredients?

Bark Food uses high-quality ingredients that are sourced locally where possible, providing a focus on quality and nutrition for your dog's meals. While the ingredients may not be human-grade, Bark Food strives to ensure that the ingredients used in its kibble are healthy and meet AAFCO quality standards.

Is Bark Food good for dogs with allergies?

While Bark Food doesn’t offer allergy-specific recipes, it does provide a grain-free option, which can be beneficial for dogs with grain allergies or sensitivities. It's important to consult with your veterinarian for specific dietary recommendations, but the grain-free recipe from Bark Food may be a suitable option for dogs with allergies related to grains.

Are there more breed-specific recipes coming?

Bark Food may introduce more breed-specific recipes in the future to expand its offerings and cater to a wider range of dog breeds. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it would be best to reach out to Bark Food directly or keep an eye on its official announcements and updates.