๐Ÿ“– Usage Guide

Feeding Guide

Everything you need to know to feed your dog right โ€” from storage and portioning to transitioning from kibble.

Storage Serving Portions Transition Important Notes FAQ
1

Storage

Bark in Bowl is made fresh, cooked without preservatives. Proper storage is essential to keep it safe and nutritious.

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Freezer (Unopened)

Store frozen. Use within 1 month of receiving your order for best freshness.

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Fridge (After Opening)

Once opened or thawed, consume within 5 days stored in the chiller (0โ€“4ยฐC).

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Pre-portion on Arrival

Divide into individual meal portions as soon as you receive your order โ€” this avoids repeated freeze-thaw cycles.

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Avoid Re-freezing

Repeated freeze-thaw cycles reduce food quality and safety. Pre-portioning prevents this entirely.


2

How to Serve

Fresh food is best served at room temperature. Follow these steps for a safe and enjoyable meal.

1

Portion the food according to your dog's needs (see the portion table below). If frozen, defrost first โ€” either overnight in the fridge, or at room temperature for a few hours.

2

Serve at room temperature, or warm briefly in the microwave for ~30 seconds. Always transfer to a microwave-safe bowl first โ€” never heat in the plastic packaging.

3

If your dog seems reluctant to eat, try adding a splash of warm water or bone broth to enhance the aroma and palatability.

4

Always provide a bowl of fresh, clean water alongside every meal.


3

Daily Portion Guide

Portions are calculated as a percentage of your dog's body weight per day, split across meals. Use this table as a starting point and adjust based on your dog's energy and condition.

Life Stage % of Body Weight / Day Meals per Day
Puppy (2โ€“4 months)8โ€“10%4x daily
Puppy (4โ€“6 months)6โ€“8%3x daily
Puppy (6โ€“12 months)4โ€“6%2โ€“3x daily
Adult (1โ€“7 years)2โ€“3%2x daily
Senior (7+ years)1.5โ€“2.5%2x daily
Example: A 10kg adult dog needs 10,000g ร— 2โ€“3% = 200โ€“300g per day, split into 2 meals (100โ€“150g per serving).
Active / Working DogAdd +10โ€“20% to daily portion
Less Active / OverweightReduce by 10โ€“20%
Nursing MotherUp to 2โ€“3x normal portion

4

Transitioning from Kibble

Switching your dog's diet too quickly can cause digestive upset. A gradual 7โ€“10 day transition gives your dog's gut time to adapt.

Day Kibble (old food) Bark in Bowl
Days 1โ€“275%25%
Days 3โ€“450%50%
Days 5โ€“625%75%
Days 7โ€“100%100%
Mixing tips: Combine both foods in one bowl at each meal served at room temperature. Alternatively, alternate โ€” kibble in the morning, Bark in Bowl in the evening โ€” while gradually reducing the kibble portion.

What to watch: Stool condition, appetite, vomiting, gas, and energy levels.

Sensitive stomachs: Extend each phase to 3โ€“4 days (total 14โ€“21 day transition).
โš ๏ธ If issues arise: Mild loose stools in the first few days are normal and usually resolve within 2โ€“3 days. If diarrhoea persists beyond 3 days, vomiting recurs, or your dog seems lethargic โ€” step back to the previous ratio for 2โ€“3 days, then continue more slowly. If symptoms don't improve, consult your vet.

5

Important Notes

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Always transition gradually from your dog's previous food (see Section 4 above).

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Never heat food in its plastic packaging. Transfer to a microwave-safe bowl before warming.

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For puppies, senior dogs, or dogs with existing medical conditions, consult your vet before starting on a fresh food diet.


6

Frequently Asked Questions

The most common questions from our customers โ€” answered.

How long does Bark in Bowl keep? โ–ผ
Up to 1 month frozen (from the date received). Once opened or thawed, consume within 5 days stored in the fridge at 0โ€“4ยฐC.
Does it contain any preservatives? โ–ผ
No. Bark in Bowl is made fresh and cooked without any preservatives or artificial additives. This is why proper storage is important.
How do I defrost frozen food? โ–ผ
Move the portion you need to the fridge the night before, or leave it at room temperature for a few hours before serving. Avoid leaving food at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Can I heat it in the microwave? โ–ผ
Yes โ€” about 30 seconds is usually enough. Always transfer to a microwave-safe bowl first. Never heat inside the original plastic packaging.
Can I refreeze thawed food? โ–ผ
We strongly advise against it. Repeated freeze-thaw cycles reduce quality and food safety. This is why we recommend pre-portioning your order on the day it arrives.
How much should I feed my dog? โ–ผ
Use the portion table in Section 3 โ€” portions are calculated as a percentage of your dog's body weight based on their life stage. Adjust up or down based on activity level and body condition.
How do I switch from kibble without upsetting my dog's stomach? โ–ผ
Follow the 7โ€“10 day gradual transition plan in Section 4. Mix the two foods slowly, increasing Bark in Bowl while reducing kibble over time. Dogs with sensitive stomachs may need 14โ€“21 days.
My dog has diarrhoea or is vomiting after starting. What should I do? โ–ผ
Mild loose stools in the first few days are common and usually resolve on their own within 2โ€“3 days. If symptoms persist beyond 3 days, or your dog seems lethargic or is vomiting repeatedly โ€” step back to the previous kibble ratio for a few days, then continue the transition more slowly. If it doesn't improve, consult your vet.
Is Bark in Bowl suitable for puppies and senior dogs? โ–ผ
Yes, it's suitable for all life stages. However, for puppies, senior dogs, or dogs with existing health conditions, we recommend consulting your vet before starting.
Can I mix Bark in Bowl with other foods? โ–ผ
Yes โ€” especially during the transition period. Serve the mixture at room temperature. Avoid microwaving mixed kibble-and-fresh meals together.

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