Behind the Bowl: A Q&A with BARK’s Sr. Product Developer on Bark in the Belly

Ever wonder what goes into making your dog's food? We sat down with BARK's Senior Product Development Manager, Laurel Desch, to dig into the delicious details behind BARK in the Belly, the latest innovation from the team that knows dogs best. 

From the ingredients to supporting dog-first causes, this Q&A gives a behind-the-scenes look at how BARK is keeping tails wagging and bellies full. 

BARK: Can you tell us a bit about your role and what goes into developing a dog food recipe?

LAUREL: The product development team makes Bark food using nutritious ingredients from all over the world for optimal tastiness in every bowl. We carefully select our ingredients based on what provides the best zoomie lifestyle for our beloved dogs. 

How do you balance nutritional science with things like palatability and ingredient sourcing?

Each bite is packed with all the vitamins and minerals every Bark dog needs to live their best lives, puppy to senior.

A few extra ingredients were added to make all of our Bark dog's lives just a little better:

• Pre-and probiotics help ensure healthy digestion and nutrient absorption
• Glucosamine and L-carnitine support mobility for a lifetime of tail chasing.
• Vitamin E, Selenium, and Zinc provide a powerhouse of antioxidant support.

Most importantly, Bark's food is made with Chicken (or Beef, depending on flavor) as the #1 ingredient. This makes our food ultra protein packed and uber delectable for dog's taste buds. 

Can you walk us through the biggest changes in the new formulation?

The new Bark food has even more protein than before to support strong muscles, all day energy, and of course... drool worthy tastiness. Bark believes in everyday PLAY and extra glucosamine in the new food helps ensure zoomies can be a regular occurrence in every household. 

Also, new to the food design is the ability to join the Bark pack at any age, puppy, adult, or senior. One food for a lifetime means an end to messy diet transitions for your dog, and a tasty meal they will love from the start. 

How do you stay up to date with the latest in canine nutrition?

Bark product developers partner with leaders in the Pet Food Industry for emerging insights into new ingredient innovation, processing techniques, and veterinarian trends. The team also regularly attends AAFCO and industry conferences throughout the year to stay up to date on regulatory needs and clinical discoveries in animal nutrition.

How do you approach protein levels, fat content, and other macronutrients depending on breed size, life stage, or activity level?

The new Bark food is designed to have high protein for all day energy and be suitable for all life stage feeding, puppy to senior. 

Do you have any tips for picky eaters?

Ah, the discerning diner! Some dogs have refined palates and strong opinions about their meals (we respect that). If your dog is giving you the "is this really the best you can do?" look, try mixing in some Bark in the Belly Toppers or their favorite Bark in the Belly Treats to make mealtime more exciting. Sometimes even the pickiest eaters just need a little extra convincing that dinner is worth their time.

What are you most excited about Bark in the Belly?

Bark in the Belly food will donate ALL of the profits to dog-first causes. Bark has always had a dog centric company culture and now we are shouting it from every dog park we possibly can. From being co-owned by dogs, to our financial contributions to help dogs in need, Bark is showing (not telling) just how important dogs are to our lives.

If you could tell dog parents one thing about how BARK approaches nutrition, what would it be?

Bark believes that dogs are family and deserve to live their best lives. Our products, both toys and treats, support everyday play and happy tail wags. Bark food's top notch nutrition is key to ensure a healthy dog from booper to pooper.