FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Why should I change my pup to cooked food?

If you have been contemplating a change from processed dog food to cooked or even possibly feeding raw – this may be the time to make a change! To name a few reasons, their digestive system seems to easily process everything they eat, no gas! My dogs do not eat anything processed. Their “poop” (let’s be totally honest) is not as smelly as other dogs who eat processed dog food. Their eyes are bright white, their coats are shiny and soft, their paw pads are soft and cushiony, they each seem to be able to maintain a healthy weight and our pups seem fully satisfied after their dinner – no hunger pains! No late-night counter surf (being totally honest they may peek in the kitchen on occasion, once they discover no food is left out, they do not continue a search, their bellies are satisfied)! If your pup is a finicky eater, we can almost guarantee you will have success moving your pup to our fresh dog food prep. We are here to support you through this journey.
Do I need to refrigerate the food?

Yes! We would need to confirm you have space in your freezer depending on what subscription plan you choose. We will provide specific instructions, so you are aware of how to prep your pup’s food daily, “From our kitchen to your freezer to your pup’s food bowl!” It’s very easy.
Do I need to cook the food I purchase?

No, not at all. We prepare for you. We will deliver individual dog food prep bags according to your subscription. For easy preparation prior to mealtime, take out of the freezer one day before and leave in the refrigerator to begin to thaw out. The next day when the food will be consumed place in a sink filled with hot water early in the morning. By doing this first thing in the morning will allow the food to prepare for mealtime.
Where is your fresh food made?

Every meal is prepared in our home kitchen, we are a small mom/pop business.
How do “I” know that “you” know what kind of food my dog can eat?

We have researched since we started cooking for Achilles (and our other dogs) what foods can make any dog sick internally. We would not include any ingredient that is not safe for any pup in any of our meals or snacks. Could your pup develop a sensitivity to an ingredient we use that is labeled “safe”? Absolutely. For example, perhaps your pup’s system doesn’t like zucchini. You let us know on your account if your pup has any allergies and we’ll ensure we do not ever include with your pup’s meals – ever! We will continue researching, to ensure will add valuable nutrition to our dog food prep meals – our dobies and your dog(s) deserve this!
Should I check in with my Vet before starting?

Yes! Please check in with your veterinarian to ensure your pup is a great candidate for fresh cooked food. Checking in with your vet will also ensure you are comfortable with your decision to change your food plan for your pup.
Can I cook dog food at home? Will you share the recipes?

You can absolutely cook at home! I can only imagine how happy your pup would be! You would need to research a recipe on your own, now that we are a business, we are not sharing our full recipes and instructions on how we prepare. We will share all of our ingredients.
When will my dog food prep order arrive?

First time orders will be delivered within 4 business days of placing the order. When placing your order a date will populate, you will only need to confirm the time you are available to accept the delivery. Once you sign up for a subscription, we will deliver the next set of 14 or 28 days by the end of the third day prior to when you would run out.
Do you think dogs mind eating the same meal every day?

Absolutely not. In fact, our experience is – they know what is about to happen and they are so excited for dinner.
What if my pup doesn’t like the dog food prep I purchased?

It could happen. We do not take it personally. We want your pup to be happy. If your pup ends up not really liking our dog food, let us know, we will work with you. We would like to offer to provide your pup a different recipe to try as a first option. Or you can choose a refund. For refunds we would only ask that any unused dog food would be kept in the freezer to be picked up from one of our team members.
How will I submit payment for my subscription?

We have a few options for secure payment. We have security on our site to make your account information private and inaccessible by anyone but you. You can pay electronically by setting up automated payments within your subscription, safely and securely. You also have the option to pay via Zelle, Venmo, PayPal, Cash App or COD (cash or check). *If paying by check, if returned for non-sufficient funds, check would no longer be an option for payment.
How does the subscription work?

We don’t want you to have any concerns with running out of dog food for your pup, once you make your initial purchase, let our team ensure we deliver to you on your expected delivery dates. Depending on your freezer space you would choose your subscription plan. You can setup your subscription to receive the same recipe each delivery or you can choose meals from the current recipes available that you want delivered. You can make changes at any time. If your changes are made after your current order has been prepared, any changes you make will take affect with your next delivery. Within your online account, you can choose multiple recipe’s or only one. You can adjust the size of meal prep you receive (small, medium or large), manage your delivery date, update your address, delay your delivery date, pause or cancel your subscription at any time.
Can I cancel or reactivate my subscription anytime?

Yes. Absolutely. Life happens, we know this. You can easily request delay in delivery, pause your subscription to a certain date or cancel your subscription. You are also able to reactivate your subscription.
Can I change when my next order will arrive?

Yes! Within your subscription section of your online account, you can easily reschedule your upcoming order to receive it sooner, or to delay the shipment.
Can I send my shipment to another location which is not my home?

Definitely! As long as the delivery address is within 40 miles of Denver, Colorado or surrounding suburbs. We will travel up to 40 miles from the zip code 80221. Please login to your account to update/change the delivery address on your next order. Please indicate if a one-time delivery change or if this will be ongoing and become the main address for delivery.
What should I do if I’m traveling?

Is your pup travelling with you? We could arrange to deliver to you earlier than usual. If your pup is not going with you, do you have a dog sitter who will be at your house? If, yes, nothing further to do (you would just provide them information on how to prepare the meal daily). Is your pup going to board and train? You would need to talk to the boarding company and find out if providing them food prep packages is something they can handle. At this time, we are not able to send to any destination outside of the 40 miles we will travel. We currently are only licensed to sell in Colorado.
What ingredients do you use?

We use fresh fruits, vegetables and proteins in all our fresh dog food prep meals. We believe our pups are family, we would not prepare any meals that did not have their best health interest at heart. Also, you may want to try a bite – we need to make sure you are simply amazed with our cooking! All ingredients are listed on the site by each recipe.
Is Achilles Heal meals good for any pups with medical concerns?

We currently are not able to provide any assistance with specific diet restrictions or special needs for any individual pups. We strongly recommend you consult with your veterinarian, perhaps show our web page so they can review our recipes and provide you a detailed, informative response - they have your pup’s medical history and knowledge for your pup’s specific needs.
Is there a specific way to transition our pup from processed dog food to fresh cooked food?

When discussing with our veterinarian back 7 years ago, knowing that Achilles had horrible digestion issues with processed dog food, he agreed with me that we could change his routine immediately. I did. Within three days he no longer had gas that would burn our eyebrows off! TMI, his “poop” went from not as smelly and healthy looking almost immediately. This may not be the same for your pup. I strongly advise discussing with your vet. Transition will take 7 or more, with change taking place every two days. The transition is meant to assist your pup’s “gut” adapt to the new diet and hopefully alleviate any “poop” concerns, let’s be honest – none of us like picking up diarrhea poop, right! The below is most advised transition timeline: Day 1 & 2 – mix in 25% of Achilles Heal fresh dog food prep, ratio 25% AH 75% current dog food, now going to be known as the old dog food Day 3 & 4 – mix in 50% of Achilles Heal fresh dog food prep, ratio 50% AH 50% old dog food Day 5 & 6 – mix in 75% of Achilles Heal fresh dog food prep, ratio 75% AH 25% old dog food Day 7 going forward – 100% Achilles Heal fresh dog food prep! Enjoy!
What is your return policy?

If you receive any subsequent order, we will first try to see if you want to try another recipe. If this is not an option for you and your pup, we will work with you directly - first sending a team member to pick up any unused frozen meals stored in your freezer. We will then assist with cancelling your subscription and arrange to refund a percentage of the purchase price back to you depending on notification. 85-95% of the order returned frozen – 100% refund 75-84% of the order returned frozen – 85% refund 65-74% of the order returned frozen – 70% refund Anything 64% or less returned frozen – 50% refund