Is finding the perfect dog food a constant balancing act between nutrition, convenience, and your furry friend’s discerning palate? The Pets Table Chicken & Sweet Potato Air-Dried Dog Food, 16-Ounce Bag Beef & Berries Grain-Free Air-Dried Dog Food, 16-Ounce Bag aims to simplify this with their air-dried formulas, promising a wholesome and easy-to-serve meal. This review dives into the details of their Variety Pack, considering both the product specifications and what real customers are saying.
What’s in the Bag?
The Pets Table Air-Dried Dog Food boasts a vet-crafted formula designed for all life stages. This variety pack includes two 16-ounce bags, one each of Chicken & Sweet Potato and Beef & Berries recipes. The Chicken & Sweet Potato option is grain-inclusive, featuring chicken, sweet potatoes, carrots, oats, barley, and spinach. The Beef & Berries recipe goes grain-free, opting for beef, eggs, and superfoods like beet powder and spinach. Both formulas emphasize high-quality ingredients made in the USA with globally sourced components, gently air-dried to preserve nutrients and flavor.
According to the product description, these recipes are formulated to support weight management, digestive health, appetite stimulation, and heart care. They are also shelf-stable and mess-free, appealing to busy pet owners.
Customer Sentiment: Convenience and Palatability Shine, Value Divides
Looking at customer reviews, a strong theme emerges: convenience. Many reviewers highlight how easy this food is to store and serve. One happy customer mentioned, “It’s very convenient for me since she doesn’t usually eat right away and this way her food won’t spoil while it’s waiting to be eaten.” Another echoed this, noting the “cute and easy to store packaging is a bonus!”. This shelf-stability is a clear advantage, particularly when compared to fresh food options that require refrigeration after opening.
Taste is another significant positive point. Reviewers frequently mention their dogs “loving” the food. One user found it “works great as both a meal and a treat,” and another stated their dog “licked his bowl clean and came back for seconds.” This palatability is crucial, especially for picky eaters.
However, value for money appears to be a more divisive issue. While some appreciate the “excellent value for the price” and find it “more affordable than other shelf stable air dried options,” others express concerns. One reviewer felt the “price will be too costly,” while another simply stated, “Good but TOO EXPENSIVE. The bags don’t hold much.” The smaller bag sizes, while convenient for trying out the food, might lead to a higher cost per pound compared to larger format dog foods.
Quality and Nutrition: Generally Positive, with Minor Concerns
Customers generally seem satisfied with the quality and nutrition. They appreciate the inclusion of “real beef, nutrient-rich berries, and no grains or fillers” in the Beef & Berries recipe, and the “high-quality ingredients” overall. The air-dried texture is also praised, being described as “soft but not crumbly” and smelling “like real food—not overly processed.”
However, some reviewers raised concerns about food quality. One mentioned that their dog experienced diarrhea with the chicken flavor, while another pointed out the inclusion of barley in the chicken recipe, questioning its suitability for dogs. It’s worth noting that while barley is a grain, it can be a source of fiber and nutrients for some dogs, but it’s not suitable for grain-free diets or dogs with grain sensitivities.
Pros Summarized from Reviews and Product Information:
- Convenient and Shelf-Stable: Easy to store and serve, ideal for busy pet owners and travel.
- Palatable: Dogs seem to enjoy the taste, making it suitable for picky eaters and use as treats.
- Nutritious Ingredients: Features high-quality meats, superfoods, and is vet-crafted.
- Mess-Free: Air-dried format minimizes mess compared to some fresh or raw foods.
- Variety Pack: Offers two flavors to cater to different preferences and dietary needs.
Cons Summarized from Reviews and Product Information:
- Value for Money: Some customers find it expensive, especially for the bag size.
- Grain-Inclusive Recipe (Chicken & Sweet Potato): May not be suitable for dogs with grain sensitivities, and some reviewers questioned barley as a filler (though it is listed as a wholesome grain).
- Potential Digestive Issues (Chicken Recipe): One reviewer reported diarrhea, although this could be an isolated incident or sensitivity specific to that dog.
- Expiration Dates: One reviewer received a package close to or past its best by date, highlighting a potential issue with inventory management.
Final Verdict:
The Pets Table Air-Dried Dog Food Variety Pack presents a compelling option for dog owners seeking a convenient, palatable, and seemingly nutritious food. The positive reviews emphasize ease of use and canine approval, aligning with the product’s marketing points. However, the price point and mixed feedback regarding value, along with some isolated concerns about digestibility and ingredient choices (like barley in the grain-inclusive recipe), suggest that it might not be the perfect fit for every dog owner or budget.
Recommendation:
If convenience and a palatable, nutritious air-dried food are top priorities, and you are willing to invest in a premium product, The Pets Table Air-Dried Dog Food is worth considering, especially with the variety pack allowing you to test both flavors. However, if budget is a primary concern, or your dog has known grain sensitivities or a history of digestive issues with chicken, you might want to explore other options or carefully monitor your dog’s reaction when introducing this food. As always, consulting with your veterinarian is recommended before making significant changes to your dog’s diet.