When shopping for dog food on a budget, you’ve likely encountered Meat Up—an Indian brand that promises quality nutrition at wallet-friendly prices. With their frequent Buy 1 Get 1 Free promotions and claims of balanced nutrition, Meat Up has become increasingly popular among pet owners. But does this affordable option actually deliver on its promises, or are you compromising your dog’s health to save money?
After analyzing customer reviews, examining nutritional information, and researching the brand, here’s everything you need to know about Meat Up Dog Food Review before making your purchase decision.
What Is Meat Up Dog Food?
Meat Up is an Indian pet food brand manufactured by Abis Exports (India) Private Limited. The company offers a range of products including dry kibble for puppies and adults, wet food, treats, and even cat food. Their marketing emphasizes complete and balanced nutrition formulated to meet dogs’ ancestral dietary needs as carnivores.
The brand positions itself as an affordable alternative to premium options like Pedigree, Royal Canin, and Drools, with prices typically ranging from Rs. 284 to Rs. 999 depending on the product size. Their signature Buy 1 Get 1 Free offer makes the actual cost per kilogram even more competitive.
Product Range
Meat Up offers several formulations:
Dry Dog Food Options:
- Meat Up Puppy Dry Dog Food (Chicken Flavor)
- Meat Up Adult Dry Dog Food (Chicken Flavor, Meat and Rice)
- Meat Up Vegetarian Adult Dry Dog Food
Wet Food:
- Meat Up Fresh Dog Food (Chicken & Pumpkin, claiming 65% real chicken)
Treats:
- Meat Up Munchy Sticks
- Meat Up Chicken Flavor Sticks
- Meat Up Dog Biscuits with Real Chicken
- Meat Up Calcium Bones
Ingredient Analysis: What’s Actually Inside?
According to the packaging, Meat Up dog food contains chicken, egg, vegetables, vitamins, and minerals. The brand emphasizes:
- High protein content from chicken
- Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids support healthy skin and a shiny coat.
- Antioxidants for immune system support
- Glucosamine for bone and joint support
- Complete vitamins and minerals for balanced nutrition
However, the ingredient list lacks transparency. Unlike premium brands that clearly specify exact protein percentages and source quality, Meat Up provides minimal detailed nutritional breakdown. The primary protein source appears to be chicken, but whether this is whole chicken, chicken meal, or chicken by-products remains unclear from available information.
One concern raised by nutrition experts is that many budget dog foods use plant-based leftovers as fillers after humans have processed them for oils and nutrition. These essentially become waste products from human food manufacturing with diminished nutritional value.
The Good: What Pet Owners Love
1. Exceptional Value for Money
This is Meat Up’s strongest selling point. With the Buy 1 Get 1 Free promotion, you’re getting 6 kg of dog food for the price of 3 kg, making it one of the most affordable options available. For families with multiple dogs or those on tight budgets, this cost-effectiveness is significant.
Many customers specifically praise the affordability, noting they can feed their dogs quality food without breaking the bank.
2. Dogs Generally Enjoy the Taste
A substantial number of reviews report that dogs love the taste and eagerly eat their meals. Pet owners mention their dogs getting excited at feeding time and consistently finishing their bowls. Several reviewers specifically noted their picky eaters accepting Meat Up after rejecting other brands.
One customer shared that their three Indian street dogs absolutely loved it, and it improved their stomach health, particularly for one dog with a sensitive digestive system.
3. Visible Health Improvements
Several pet owners report positive health changes after switching to Meat Up:
- Shinier, healthier coats
- Better energy levels
- Improved body structure and healthy weight gain
- Better digestive health with firmer stools
- Easier chewing and digestion compared to harder kibbles
A Labrador owner noted visible improvement in their dog’s body structure, with healthy weight gain and a fluffier appearance after using the product.
4. Easy Transition
Many dogs transition smoothly to Meat Up without digestive upset when the switch is done gradually. The brand provides clear feeding guidelines suggesting a 10-day transition period, mixing increasing amounts of Meat Up with the dog’s current food.
5. Good for All Breeds
The adult formula is designed for all breed sizes, from Chihuahuas to Great Danes, making it a versatile option for multi-dog households with different breeds.
The Bad: Significant Concerns
1. Highly Mixed Palatability Reviews
While many dogs love Meat Up, an equally significant number completely refuse to eat it. Reviews frequently mention:
- Dogs rejecting the food after initial acceptance
- Complete refusal to eat, even when hungry
- Dogs that initially ate it for a few days then stopped
- Pets turning away when the bag is even opened
This inconsistency is concerning because it suggests potential batch-to-batch variation in quality or freshness.
2. Digestive Problems and Health Issues
Multiple customers report serious health issues after feeding Meat Up:
- Vomiting shortly after consumption
- Severe stomach problems
- Loose stools and diarrhea
- Dogs becoming ill within days of starting the food
- Loss of appetite for all food after eating Meat Up
One particularly alarming review stated their dog got sick after two days of eating the product, vomited from the smell of it, and refused all food for two days afterward.
3. Quality Consistency Problems
Perhaps the most troubling issue is inconsistent quality. Customer experiences vary dramatically, suggesting:
- Batch variations in freshness
- Potential quality control issues during manufacturing
- Problems with storage or handling during distribution
Some customers love the product and reorder repeatedly, while others from the same time period report receiving foul-smelling, potentially spoiled food.
4. Questionable Smell
Several reviews specifically mention unpleasant or foul smells emanating from the food. While dog food isn’t expected to smell pleasant to humans, consistently negative comments about odor suggest potential freshness issues or the use of lower-quality ingredients.
5. Packaging and Delivery Issues
Customers frequently report:
- Bags arriving with holes or tears
- Inadequate packaging leading to spillage
- Damaged products upon delivery
- Concerns about food exposure to air and contaminants
One reviewer mentioned receiving a packet with a hole, which could compromise the food’s freshness and safety.
6. Limited Nutritional Transparency
Compared to established brands, Meat Up provides minimal detailed nutritional information. The lack of transparency about:
- Exact protein percentage and quality
- Specific ingredient sourcing
- Manufacturing processes
- Quality control standards
This makes it difficult for informed pet owners to evaluate whether the food truly meets their dog’s nutritional needs.
Customer Review Analysis: The Numbers
Based on analysis of thousands of Amazon India reviews, Meat Up shows a mixed picture with concerning patterns. One analysis found that approximately 59% of reviews may be unnatural, raising questions about review authenticity.
Among genuine customer feedback:
- Positive experiences: Dogs loving the taste, good value for money, visible health improvements
- Negative experiences: Dogs refusing to eat it, digestive problems, quality inconsistency, unpleasant smell
The polarized nature of reviews—with customers either loving or hating the product—suggests significant quality control issues rather than simply dogs having different preferences.
Comparison to Other Brands
Meat Up vs. Pedigree
Pedigree costs more but offers better consistency and established quality control. While Meat Up might be half the price, Pedigree rarely has reports of dogs becoming ill from the food.
Meat Up vs. Drools
Drools occupies a similar price point but generally receives more consistent positive reviews. Many customers note Meat Up smells similar to Drools, suggesting comparable formulations.
Meat Up vs. Royal Canin
Royal Canin is significantly more expensive but offers breed-specific formulations, veterinary backing, and extensive research-based nutrition. For dogs with specific health needs, the premium price may be justified.
Meat Up vs. Homemade Diet
Several veterinarians and experienced pet owners suggest that homemade meals might be healthier than budget commercial foods, as you control ingredient quality completely.
Who Should Consider Meat Up?
Good For:
- Budget-conscious owners who simply cannot afford premium brands
- Multi-dog households needing to feed several pets affordably
- Dogs with no health issues and strong stomachs
- Trial purposes to see if your dog tolerates it well (buy smallest size first)
- Street dogs or community feeding where any nutrition is better than none
Not Recommended For:
- Dogs with sensitive stomachs or existing digestive issues
- Puppies under 4 months (despite having a puppy formula, some customers note it’s not suitable for very young puppies)
- Dogs with food allergies or specific dietary requirements
- Senior dogs with compromised health
- Immunocompromised dogs who need guaranteed quality nutrition
Tips If You Decide to Try Meat Up
- Start with the smallest package to test tolerance before committing to bulk purchases
- Transition very gradually over 10-14 days, not the suggested 7 days
- Inspect packaging carefully upon delivery for any holes or damage
- Check the smell before feeding—if it smells foul or unusual, don’t feed it
- Store properly in an airtight container away from heat and moisture
- Monitor your dog closely for the first two weeks for any digestive issues
- Keep clean, fresh water available at all times
- Watch for changes in energy, coat quality, stool consistency, and appetite
- Have a backup plan ready if your dog refuses or reacts poorly
- Consult your vet if you notice any health issues after switching
The Verdict: Is Meat Up Worth It?
Meat Up occupies an interesting position in the dog food market—it’s remarkably affordable and works well for some dogs, but quality inconsistency and health concerns make it a risky choice.
Bottom Line: If budget constraints leave you with no other options, Meat Up may provide adequate nutrition for healthy adult dogs with strong constitutions. However, the significant number of reports about dogs becoming ill, refusing to eat, or experiencing digestive problems suggests this isn’t a risk-free choice.
Our Rating: ★★½ out of 5 stars
Pros:
- Exceptional affordability with Buy 1 Get 1 offers
- Some dogs thrive on it with visible health improvements
- Convenient availability online
- Works for all breed sizes
Cons:
- Significant quality control inconsistencies
- Many dogs refuse to eat it or become ill
- Limited nutritional transparency
- Frequent packaging and delivery issues
- Questionable ingredient quality
Final Recommendation
If you’re considering Meat Up, approach it cautiously. Start with a small trial quantity and monitor your dog closely. If your dog tolerates it well and shows no adverse reactions, it can serve as an economical feeding option. However, be prepared with alternatives if problems arise.
For pet owners who can stretch their budget even slightly, investing in a more established mid-tier brand with better consistency and quality control is worth the extra expense. Your dog’s health is ultimately more valuable than the money saved on food.
Remember: cheap food today might mean expensive veterinary bills tomorrow. Choose wisely, prioritize your dog’s health, and always consult your veterinarian before making significant dietary changes.
Also read related article on why dogs run away.