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General
What is Chef K9?
Chef K9 is a fresh dog food company based in Fort Wayne, Indiana. We make small-batch, whole-food recipes for dogs using real ingredients you can recognize. Our goal is to make feeding fresh food easier, more convenient, and more accessible for local dog parents.
Where is Chef K9 located?
Chef K9 is proudly based in Fort Wayne, Indiana. We offer local delivery to Fort Wayne and select surrounding areas, along with local pickup. Because we are a small, home-based business, pickup details are provided after ordering for privacy and safety.
What kind of ingredients do you use?
We keep it simple and real. Our recipes are made with whole-food ingredients like real meats, vegetables, fruits, eggs, rice, lentils, split peas, bone broth, healthy oils, eggshells, and herbs. We do not use artificial preservatives, artificial flavors, or unnecessary fillers.
Are your recipes safe for dogs?
Yes. Chef K9 recipes are made with dog-friendly ingredients and prepared with care. That said, every dog is different. If your dog has allergies, medical conditions, or special dietary needs, we always recommend checking with your veterinarian before making a major food change.
Are Chef K9 recipes formulated as a complete diet?
We create our recipes with whole-food ingredients and do our best to build meals that support a healthy, well-rounded diet. However, Chef K9 recipes have not yet completed official nutritional testing or feeding trials, so we do not currently claim that our recipes are AAFCO complete and balanced.
If your dog has medical needs, allergies, is pregnant or nursing, or is still growing, we recommend speaking with your veterinarian before using Chef K9 as their main diet.
If your dog has medical needs, allergies, is pregnant or nursing, or is still growing, we recommend speaking with your veterinarian before using Chef K9 as their main diet.
Do you have calcium and phosphorus levels?
At this time, we do not have official lab-tested calcium and phosphorus values available for each recipe. We understand these numbers are important for many pet parents, especially those with puppies or dogs with specific health needs. As Chef K9 continues to grow, nutritional testing is something we plan to work toward.
Feeding & Storage
How much should I feed my dog?
Feeding amounts depend on your dog’s size, age, activity level, metabolism, and whether Chef K9 is being used as a full meal or mixed with another food. Every dog is different, but these recommendations can help you choose a starting point:
After starting Chef K9, watch your dog’s appetite, energy, weight, and body condition. If your dog still seems hungry, is losing weight, or needs more calories, you may need to increase their food intake. If your dog is gaining too much weight, you may need to slightly reduce the amount.
Small Dogs
10–20 lbs
1½ – 2½ cups per day
Medium Dogs
21–50 lbs
2½ – 4 cups per day
Large Dogs
51–80 lbs
4 – 5½ cups per day
Giant Breeds
81+ lbs
5½ – 7 cups per day
After starting Chef K9, watch your dog’s appetite, energy, weight, and body condition. If your dog still seems hungry, is losing weight, or needs more calories, you may need to increase their food intake. If your dog is gaining too much weight, you may need to slightly reduce the amount.
How do I transition my dog to Chef K9?
We recommend transitioning slowly over 10–12 days. Start by mixing Chef K9 with your dog’s current food, then gradually increase the amount of Chef K9 while decreasing the old food. A slower transition can help reduce upset stomach or loose stool.
Some dogs may need a little more time to adjust, especially if they have a sensitive stomach. If needed, slow the transition down and stay at each step for a few extra days.
Day 1–3
75% old food
25% Chef K9
Day 4–6
50% old food
50% Chef K9
Day 7–9
25% old food
75% Chef K9
Day 10–12
100% Chef K9
Some dogs may need a little more time to adjust, especially if they have a sensitive stomach. If needed, slow the transition down and stay at each step for a few extra days.
Should Chef K9 be served cold or warmed?
Most dogs enjoy Chef K9 cold straight from the refrigerator. If your dog prefers it warmer, you can gently warm the food before serving. Always check the temperature before feeding and avoid overheating.
How should I store Chef K9 meals?
Keep meals frozen until you are ready to use them. Once thawed and opened, store the food in the refrigerator and use it within 5–7 days.
How long does the food last?
Chef K9 meals last up to 5–7 days in the refrigerator after thawing and opening. Meals can also be stored in the freezer for 4–6 months for best quality.
How is the food packaged?
Chef K9 meals are packaged in vacuum-sealed bags and delivered frozen. This helps save freezer space, makes storage easier, and helps keep the food fresh.
What should I do after opening a package?
You can pour the food into a sealed container and scoop from there, or cut a corner of the bag and squeeze out the amount you need.
If you choose to keep the food in the bag, roll the bag down after each use, secure it with a bag clip, and store it in the refrigerator. After opening, keep the food refrigerated and use it within 5–7 days.
If you choose to keep the food in the bag, roll the bag down after each use, secure it with a bag clip, and store it in the refrigerator. After opening, keep the food refrigerated and use it within 5–7 days.
Orders, Pickup & Delivery
Do you offer local delivery?
Yes. We offer local delivery to Fort Wayne, Indiana and select nearby areas, including communities such as New Haven, Leo, Huntertown, and other approved delivery zones.
You can view our delivery area map here. At checkout, enter your address to see if local delivery is available.
You can view our delivery area map here. At checkout, enter your address to see if local delivery is available.
Do you ship orders?
No. Chef K9 does not currently offer nationwide shipping. Because our meals are frozen, we focus on local pickup and local delivery to keep orders fresh and safe.
Can I pick up my order?
Yes. Local pickup is available. Pickup details are shared after your order is placed. Because we are a small, home-based business, our pickup location is provided after ordering for privacy and safety.
When will I get my order?
Regular orders will follow the delivery or pickup date you select at checkout. Delivery orders are typically delivered in the late afternoon or evening.
Subscription orders are typically delivered the next business day after payment is processed. Subscription deliveries are also usually made in the late afternoon or evening.
Subscription orders are typically delivered the next business day after payment is processed. Subscription deliveries are also usually made in the late afternoon or evening.
What if I’m not home when my food is delivered?
If you are not home at the time of delivery, your order will be left safely at your door. Because meals are frozen, we recommend bringing them inside as soon as possible. If you will not be home for a while, please leave a cooler outside or choose a delivery date when you can store the food quickly.
Chef K9 is not responsible for food that spoils due to delayed refrigeration or freezing after delivery.
Chef K9 is not responsible for food that spoils due to delayed refrigeration or freezing after delivery.
Can I leave delivery instructions?
Yes. You can leave delivery instructions at checkout or message us directly if you need us to know something specific about your order.
How much does delivery cost?
All local delivery orders are charged a $5 delivery fee. This delivery fee will be shown at checkout before you place your order.
Subscriptions
What is a Chef K9 subscription?
A Chef K9 subscription is a recurring order that helps keep your dog’s food stocked without having to reorder each time. You choose your recipes, select how many pounds you want, and choose your delivery frequency.
Single purchases are $6.89 per lb, while subscription orders are discounted to $5.22 per lb. Subscribing is the best way to save while keeping your dog’s meals on a consistent schedule.
Single purchases are $6.89 per lb, while subscription orders are discounted to $5.22 per lb. Subscribing is the best way to save while keeping your dog’s meals on a consistent schedule.
Can I order Chef K9 without subscribing?
Yes. You can place a single-purchase order anytime without starting a subscription. This is a great way to let your dog try different recipes before committing to a recurring plan.
How do I build my subscription box?
Choose your dog’s favorite recipes, select the total pounds you want from each dropdown, add your recipes to the cart, then choose your delivery frequency in the side cart.
What delivery frequencies are available?
Subscription customers can choose a recurring schedule that works best for their dog: every 1 week, every 2 weeks, every 3 weeks, or monthly.
Can I choose more than one recipe?
Yes. You can mix recipes in your subscription. For example, you can choose Beef, Turkey, Salmon, Seasonal Bowl, or a combination that works best for your dog.
Can I subscribe for multiple dogs?
Yes. You only need one subscription for your household. Just order enough food to feed all of your dogs. If you are unsure how much to order, use our ordering guide or reach out and we can help.
How do I know how much food to order for my subscription?
Use our feeding and ordering guide as a starting point. You can also contact us directly with your dog’s weight, age, and activity level, and we’ll help you choose a good starting amount.
You can also start with single purchases until you figure out how much food your dog needs before setting up a subscription.
You can also start with single purchases until you figure out how much food your dog needs before setting up a subscription.
Can I change my recipes?
Yes. If you need to change recipes, reach out to us and we can help update your subscription.
How do I increase or decrease the amount of food I receive?
To adjust the amount of food you receive, please contact Chef K9 directly. We’ll be happy to update the total pounds on your subscription for you.
Call or text us at (260) 403-8984, or send us a message through the website.
Call or text us at (260) 403-8984, or send us a message through the website.
Billing & Payments
How does subscription billing work?
Subscription payments are processed automatically using your saved payment method before each scheduled delivery. Your order will not be prepared or delivered until payment has been successfully processed.
Can I cancel my subscription anytime?
Yes. There are no long-term commitments or cancellation fees. You can cancel your subscription through your account dashboard or by contacting us directly.
Can I pause my subscription?
Yes. If you need to pause your subscription temporarily, contact us and we can help adjust your plan.
What happens if my payment fails?
If your subscription payment does not go through, your subscription will immediately enter a 3-day grace period. During this grace period, the system may continue trying to process your payment.
If the payment is successfully processed during the grace period, your order will be added to the soonest available delivery route. If the payment is not successfully processed within the 3-day grace period, your subscription will be canceled.
Once a subscription is canceled, you will need to start a new subscription or place a single-purchase order to receive more food.
If the payment is successfully processed during the grace period, your order will be added to the soonest available delivery route. If the payment is not successfully processed within the 3-day grace period, your subscription will be canceled.
Once a subscription is canceled, you will need to start a new subscription or place a single-purchase order to receive more food.
Is there a trial period or money-back guarantee?
We do not offer a trial period or money-back guarantee on subscriptions. However, we highly recommend starting with a regular one-time purchase first so your dog can try the recipes before you sign up for a subscription.
We also offer free samples when available at the YLNI Farmers Market or by local pickup arrangement.
We also offer free samples when available at the YLNI Farmers Market or by local pickup arrangement.
Samples, Returns & Policies
Do you offer samples or trial packs?
We do not offer free trials or free trial packs. The best way to try Chef K9 at home is to purchase a small 1 lb or 2 lb package before placing a larger order.
When free samples are available at market events or by local pickup arrangement, they are limited and not guaranteed.
When free samples are available at market events or by local pickup arrangement, they are limited and not guaranteed.
What is your return policy?
Because Chef K9 meals are perishable food products, we cannot accept returns once an order has been delivered or picked up.
Are purchases final sale?
Yes. All food purchases are final sale due to food safety reasons. If there is an issue with your order, please contact us as soon as possible so we can review the situation.
What should I do if there is a problem with my order?
Please contact us right away. Call or text (260) 403-8984, or send us a message through the website. We’ll do our best to help.
Treats
Do you offer dog treats?
Yes. Chef K9 offers fresh dog treats when available. Treat availability may vary depending on current inventory, market events, and online ordering options.
How should I store Chef K9 treats?
Keep treats frozen until you are ready to use them. Once opened, store them in the refrigerator and use within 14 days.
Are the treats meant to replace meals?
No. Treats are intended for occasional feeding and should not replace your dog’s regular meals.