FAQs – Bark Bistro

FAQs

Why should my dog eat homemade dog food vs. kibble? 

A whole food diet enables your dog to get the full benefit of healthy fats, nutrients, and vitamins contrary to many commercial kibble and wet foods that have been processed and altered from their original state and filled with preservatives to enable a longer shelf life and lower cost.

 Check out all of the scary kibble dog food and dog treat recalls here.

Why are homemade dog food diets becoming so popular? 

Dogs evolved from wild wolf to domesticated woof and humans are now recognizing the health benefits of a natural whole food diet for their pets. A fresh diet requires someone to invest the time and labor in preparing a balanced recipe, and then actually cook every meal. Most owners don't have the time or knowledge to do this, and rely on the convenience of dog foods such as kibble or wet foods that can be easily picked up at a pet store (or delivered), and then served with no additional steps needed.

Fortunately, it is now possible to have Bark Bistro fresh food for dogs delivered, making it even more convenient to serve the healthiest fresh diet possible. 

Can I feed my dog kibble and Bark Bistro food?

We think fresh, preservative-free food is the best food for any animal, and we don't think your furry BFF is an exception. Bark Bistro food is designed to remove all kibble from your dogs diet, but if you feel better giving your dog a mix of kibble & homemade dog food it may be mixed with Bark Bistro food. Just monitor how much your feeding them for any unwanted weight gain and make sure to reduce the amount of dry food you give your pet to prevent overfeeding.

Is Bark Bistro food raw?

No, ALL of Bark Bistro menu items are gently and fully cooked to maintain the nutritional value of the fresh ingredients. 

Where is the food cooked?

Our food is cooked by hand in commercial human-grade kitchens. 

How do I transition my dog to a fresh food diet?

For dogs who have previously eaten a kibble or wet food diet, we recommend a seven-day transition period to allow the bacteria in a dog's stomach to adjust to a whole food diet. You can transition your dog by slowing mixing more and more fresh food in with their current food.

Once my dog is on a whole food diet can he/she eat any of the menu items? 

Yes! Once you transition your dog from kibble to a whole food diet you can switch amongst the menu items that are best tailored for your pets needs without a 7 day transition period from one menu item to another.

How do I thaw my food? 

You can defrost your frozen food by leaving it in the refrigerator for 1-2 days or you can leave it out on the countertop or emerged in cold water in the sink for a 1-2 hours. Do NOT put it in the microwave to defrost or cook it on the stove. 

How do I store my food?

You can store it in your freezer and its good up to 1 year or you can place in air tight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. 

Does the food contain preservatives?

We do not use preservatives in our food at all. 

How much should I feed my dog?

Dog Weight - Depends on build & activity level of dog. 

Average   1 -10 lbs                1/4 cup - 1 cup  

Small       11-30 lbs                1/2 cup - 2 cups 

Medium   31lbs-50 lbs            1 cup - 3 cups 

Large       51lbs - 70 lbs          2 cup- 4 cups

Giant        71lbs - 90 lbs          3 cups - 5 cups 

What if my dog seems to be gaining weight on the food? 

 If you see your dog gain unwanted weight, then scale back on the feeding amount until he reaches the desired weight or consult your veterinarian. All dogs (like people) have their own metabolism so it’s impossible to know how much each dog should consume just by knowing their weight. It’s a process and no one is in a better position to judge the results than you.