FAQ's

We’re so happy you’re here — and even happier to be part of your pup’s wellness journey. At PUPTOWN PUPS , we’re all about real food, real love, and real convenience for dog parents who want the best for their four-legged family.

Below, we’ve answered the most common questions we hear from our amazing Upper East Side clients. If there’s anything else you’re curious about, don’t hesitate to reach out — we’re always just a tail wag away.

Products

Below are some common questions about our products

What makes your dog food different?
  • Our meals are made with fresh, whole ingredients — no added preservatives, fillers, or artificial additives. Just gently cooked food crafted with quality in mind.
What ingredients do you use?
  • We use fresh meats, vegetables, and whole grains (depending on the recipe). Every ingredient is selected for quality and digestibility, with no added artificial colors, flavors, or chemical preservatives. Our meals are prepared in small batches using ingredients you'd recognize from your own kitchen, giving your dog a wholesome, real-food experience.
Are your meals cooked or raw?
  • Our meals are fully cooked at controlled temperatures to help reduce harmful bacteria while maintaining nutritional integrity. We aim to strike a safe, balanced approach to fresh feeding using methods suitable for home preparation.
Is your food suitable for all dog breeds and sizes?
  • We currently offer a standard portion size formulated for healthy adult dogs. We’re actively developing options tailored for puppies, seniors, and larger breeds — stay tuned!

⚠️ Note: Always consult your veterinarian before changing your dog’s diet, especially if they have pre-existing conditions or unique dietary needs.

How do I store the food?

Our meals are made fresh and contain no added preservatives, so proper storage is essential to maintain safety and freshness:

  • Refrigerate up to 3–4 meals immediately upon delivery and use within 4 days.
  • Freeze any remaining meals right away and thaw in the refrigerator as needed (ideally overnight).
  • Do not leave meals unrefrigerated or at room temperature for extended periods.

Important Note on Ingredients:

Meals containing rice or quinoa should be handled with extra care. These ingredients are more prone to bacterial growth if stored too long in the fridge.

⚠️ Disclosure:

  • Meals with rice should be frozen within 1 day of refrigeration (2 days max).
  • Meals with quinoa should be frozen within 2 days of refrigeration.

If meals are left out or stored longer than the timelines listed above, harmful bacteria such as Bacillus cereus may develop. When in doubt, always freeze sooner rather than later.

What’s the shelf life of the food?
  • In the refrigerator: Up to 4 days
  • In the freezer: Best within 3 months for optimal freshness and texture

⚠️ Note: Shelf life assumes meals are stored in airtight containers and kept under consistent, safe refrigeration or freezer conditions (below 40°F for fridge, 0°F for freezer). Discard meals if they show signs of spoilage or if storage conditions were compromised.

How should I serve the meals?
  • Serve straight from the fridge, or let the meal sit at room temperature for a few minutes.
  • If your dog prefers warm food, place the bowl in warm (not hot) water to gently heat.
  • Do not microwave in plastic containers. If microwaving, always transfer to a microwave-safe dish and heat in short intervals, testing temperature before serving.

⚠️ Note: Avoid overheating the food to preserve nutrients and prevent hot spots that could burn your dog’s mouth.

What if my dog has allergies or a sensitive stomach?
  • If your dog has known allergies or sensitivities, we strongly recommend consulting your veterinarian before introducing any new food.
  • We’re happy to walk you through our ingredients and help you identify potential concerns.
  • We offer an allergy sampler with small portions to help you test for tolerance before ordering full meals.
  • We’re also developing limited-ingredient and allergy-conscious recipes for pups with dietary restrictions.

⚠️ Disclaimer: While we take great care in sourcing and preparing our meals, we are not veterinary professionals. Always check with your vet before making dietary changes for dogs with medical conditions or food sensitivities.

Where do you source your ingredients?
  • We hand-pick our ingredients from trusted retail outlets that offer high-quality, human-grade products. All meats are USDA-inspected, and we only use fresh vegetables and grains you’d feel good serving at your own table. Our goal is to keep things simple, transparent, and wholesome.
Are your meals made with preservatives?

No artificial preservatives here! Our meals are made fresh and kept safe through proper refrigeration and freezing — not shelf-stable additives.

We do not use added chemical preservatives, but because our meals are perishable, it’s important to store them correctly and use within the recommended timeframes to ensure safety and freshness.

⚠️ Note: As with all fresh food, spoilage can occur if meals are left out or improperly stored. Always refrigerate or freeze promptly upon delivery.

⚠️ Disclaimer: We are not responsible for any food safety issues resulting from improper storage, delayed refrigeration, or handling after delivery. Please follow all storage and usage instructions carefully.

Orders & Subscriptions

Below are some common questions about orders

How much food comes in each order?
  • Each order includes 7 individually packaged daily meals — enough for one week for a single dog, typically divided into two meals per day.

⚠️ Note: Portion sizes are based on average adult dogs. Specific feeding needs may vary by breed, age, weight, and activity level.

How do I transition my dog to your food?

Gradual is best! Over 5–7 days, begin by mixing 25% of our food with your dog’s current food. Slowly increase the portion of our food each day until it becomes the full meal.

For sensitive pups, you can extend the transition over 10 days or more.

⚠️ Note: Every dog is different. Monitor your dog’s digestion and energy levels throughout the transition. If you notice any issues or have concerns, consult your veterinarian before continuing.

Can I subscribe or set up recurring deliveries?

Not just yet — we’re currently offering one-time orders as we fine-tune our operations and gather feedback.

Subscription plans are coming soon, and you'll be the first to know when they launch!

Want early access? Join our email list to stay in the loop on new features and exclusive offers.

Do you cater to multi-dog households?

Absolutely! At checkout, just adjust the quantity to match the number of dogs or meals you need. For example, two dogs = 2 meal packs per week.

We’re also exploring bulk and family-style packaging to make feeding multiple pups even easier — stay tuned!

Do you offer samples or trial packs?

Yes! Our Bundles Trial Option lets you try up to three different meal types before committing to a full order.

It’s a great way to find out what your pup loves — and ease into fresh feeding.

⚠️ Note: Trial packs are heavily discounted and intended for sampling only. As such, refunds are not guaranteed unless there’s a quality issue with your order.

What if my dog doesn’t like the food?

If your pup isn’t loving it, don’t worry — we’re here to help. Reach out and we’ll walk you through tips, feeding tricks, or explore alternative meal options that might be a better fit.

In some cases, we may offer a partial refund or credit, depending on the situation.

⚠️ Note: Refunds are discretionary and evaluated on a case-by-case basis. We do our best to make things right while balancing the fresh nature of our products.

Shipping & Returns

Below are some common questions about shipping, returns, and exchanges

Where do you currently deliver?

As a boutique small business, we currently serve the Upper East Side of Manhattan. Keeping things local allows us to maintain the highest standards in freshness, quality, and personal delivery.

Pickup is available upon request — just reach out via our contact page and we’ll coordinate with you directly.

Expansion plans are in the works! If you’re outside our zone and interested, let us know — your input helps shape where we grow next.

How quickly will I receive my order?

Orders are typically delivered within 24 hours of purchase.

You’ll receive a text or email notification when we’re on our way — and another once your delivery has been dropped off safely.

⚠️ Note: We currently deliver locally to ensure fast turnaround and freshness. For any special timing requests, feel free to reach out via our contact page!

Can I track my delivery?

We personally handle all deliveries — no third-party couriers here!

You’ll receive a text or email update when your order is on the way, so you know exactly when to expect it.

What’s your cancellation and return policy?

As a small business offering fresh, made-to-order meals, we’re unable to accommodate most returns once food has been prepared or delivered. Please review the following carefully:

  • Order cancellations must be made within 6 hours of purchase — and before delivery is dispatched — to qualify for a full refund.
  • Due to the perishable nature of our products and strict food safety standards, we do not accept returns on any orders that have been delivered, opened, or improperly stored.
  • In rare cases, if an error or quality issue occurs on our end, we’ll work with you to make it right.

⚠️ All refunds and credits are issued at our sole discretion and in compliance with local health regulations. If you have questions or concerns about your order, please contact us within 12 hours of delivery.

Didn’t find your answer?

Don't hestitate to contact us

Disclaimer: All Puptown Chefs meals are intended as supplemental feeding options for healthy adult dogs unless otherwise noted. We are not veterinarians or licensed animal nutritionists. Please consult your vet before switching your dog’s diet or introducing new foods, especially if your pet has underlying health conditions or dietary restrictions.