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This morning, our dogs devoured their final pouch of Lyka's pre-portioned cooked meals, and the silence at dinner tonight will likely be deafening. They savoured every last bite, leaving us with the distinct impression that their canine taste buds have been officially spoiled rotten! If you're searching for the best fresh dog food in Australia or a healthy dog food delivery service, read on.
We first experienced the Lyka Pet Food subscription service back in 2019, when freshly cooked dog recipes delivered to your door was a novel concept.
We were impressed then, but revisiting Lyka a few years later in 2021, it was clear they'd significantly elevated their game.
Lyka has garnered significant trust among Australian dog owners, demonstrated by an impressive 65 million bowls licked clean and an average 4.9-star rating from over 5,700 reviews.
Forget highly processed kibble! Lyka's recipes are only lightly cooked below 90°C, using a gently steamed process to lock in nutrients and flavour. This means more goodness for your dog's body to absorb, and a chunkier texture that even the fussiest eaters will adore.
Your Dog's Custom Lyka Journey: How to Order Lyka Dog Food
Ready to dive into the world of fresh dog food delivery in Australia? Here's how easy it is to get started with a Lyka meal plan:
1. Tell Lyka About Your Pup: Just answer a few quick questions about their breed, size, current body shape, activity level, and any dietary quirks or specific health issues*.
Our Lyka Unboxing: A Frozen Feast!
✔️ The shipping box is 100% recyclable.
✔️ The wool insulation is biodegradable and compostable.
✔️ The food pouches are made with an innovative bioplastic, an Australian first for vacuum-packed food, and can be recycled via soft plastic collection bins (Lyka’s actively working on solutions given recent REDcycle challenges). It's no wonder they're a Certified B Corporation dog food brand!
While the boxes are fine on your doorstep for a few hours, we recommend popping those meals into the freezer as soon as possible. Thawing is a breeze – just move a pouch to the fridge overnight. In a pinch, a quick warm water bath does the trick! You can even warm the meals slightly before serving for a cosy treat as the weather cools. Each defrosted pouch lasts 3-4 days unopened in the fridge, and 2 days after opening.
Our Verdict: A Howling Success!
Not a single bowl was left unlicked – across all four recipes! We’re talking top marks for palatability (the food even smelled good to us!) and impressive digestibility. No upset tummies or "rearranging" of meals here (if only our cat could learn from this...).
Lyka has truly elevated their presentation. The pouches are beautifully designed with clear labelling and manufacturing dates, and their accompanying leaflets are incredibly informative.
Keying in our dogs' birthday details, a pop-up window appeared with tailored information for senior dogs and accompanying customer reviews. That's next-level customisation and very clever marketing!
The only thing to remember for your first order is the 7 to 10-day processing time for delivery, so plan your pup's first meal experience well ahead.
Price & Where to Buy: Is Lyka Worth the Investment?
Facebook: www.facebook.com/lykapetfood
Instagram: www.instagram.com/lykapetfood/
Their marketing was top-notch, and based on their thriving community (reportedly 2,472 dogs are on board in our local area alone), their 2025 offering is even wider with the addition of Lyka treats and Lyka supplements, making it an even better value!
The Heart Behind the Healthy Lyka Bowls
Lyka's origin story is as heart-warming as their meals are delicious. It was founded in 2018 by Anna Podolsky, a devoted animal lover and dog mum to her Border Collie, Lyka.
When her beloved Lyka began exhibiting signs of ill health – low energy, bald patches, and even tooth decay – despite consuming "premium" commercial pet food, Anna instinctively knew something was amiss. Her investigative work revealed that her dog's "premium" kibble boasted an astonishing shelf life of up to 25 years!
This was the pivotal moment that set her on a mission: to create fresh, home-cooked meals for Lyka.The transformation was incredible. Within weeks, Lyka's health dramatically improved, inspiring Anna to share the magic of a real food diet with all Australian dogs. And just like that, Lyka Bowls were born! This focus on natural dog food and human-grade ingredients for dogs is a key differentiator.
A Menu Designed by Vets, Loved by Dogs: Lyka Recipes Explained
Dr. Matthew Muir, an Integrative Veterinarian and Lyka’s co-founder, is the brilliant mind behind these nourishing recipes. He ensures every meal meets the strict nutritional guidelines of AAFCO and FEDIAF, providing the perfect balance for every dog, no matter their age or breed.
Dr. Matthew Muir, an Integrative Veterinarian and Lyka’s co-founder, is the brilliant mind behind these nourishing recipes. He ensures every meal meets the strict nutritional guidelines of AAFCO and FEDIAF, providing the perfect balance for every dog, no matter their age or breed.
This commitment to veterinarian-formulated dog food provides peace of mind.
The result? A fantastic line-up of fresh, minimally processed, wholefood dog meals. Dr. Muir does stress the importance of a slow transition, especially if your pup is used to commercial kibble.
Both our Malinois eat a fresh food (raw or cooked) diet, so we confess we skipped the gentle seven-day transition. Our dogs opted for the "gobble and go" approach from day one, starting with what was then (and still is) their favourite recipe, the "Barn-raised Turkey Bowl" with a smooth texture.
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| Aramis patiently waiting the 'okay' to sample the new Lyka Turkey Bowl recipe |
Both our Malinois eat a fresh food (raw or cooked) diet, so we confess we skipped the gentle seven-day transition. Our dogs opted for the "gobble and go" approach from day one, starting with what was then (and still is) their favourite recipe, the "Barn-raised Turkey Bowl" with a smooth texture.
Lyka has significantly expanded their menu, now offering six delicious Lyka dog food recipes to keep tails wagging and tummies happy:
- Grass-fed Beef Bowl: A delicious all-rounder, packed with protein and perfect for everyday energy.
- Grass-fed Lamb Bowl: Rich and flavourful, a fantastic choice for pups with sensitive skin or those needing a novel protein.
- Barn-raised Turkey Bowl: Low in fat, highly digestible, and infused with Turmeric – fantastic for sensitive tummies, allergies, and senior dogs seeking anti-inflammatory support!
- Free-range Chicken Bowl: One of their lowest-fat options, ideal for pups with digestive issues or those on a weight-loss journey.
- Wild-caught Kangaroo Bowl: Ultra-lean and protein-packed, this is a winner for dogs needing weight management or with pancreatic concerns.
- Rangeland Goat - Hypoallergenic Pro: A fresh therapeutic diet for dogs with food allergies, skin conditions, and gut sensitivities. Formulated with goat, a unique single novel protein.
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| Porthos unable to resist the temptation of Lyka Beef Bowl's chunky texture |
Our two Malinois, Porthos and Aramis, sampled the Beef Bowl, Turkey Bowl, Lamb Bowl & Kangaroo Bowl recipes over a two-week meal plan, devouring 700g daily. This was the recommended quantity based on their weight and desired health outcomes.
The best part? Every recipe prioritises quality protein dog food (minced for easy eating) and includes ethically sourced ingredients like wild-caught, grass-fed, or free-roam meats.
The best part? Every recipe prioritises quality protein dog food (minced for easy eating) and includes ethically sourced ingredients like wild-caught, grass-fed, or free-roam meats.
One noticeable change was the chunkier texture of some of the recipes for the Kangaroo Bowl or Beef Bowl, making them even more appealing.
But it’s not just about the meat!
But it’s not just about the meat!
You’ll see a vibrant mix of fresh fruits and vegetables (think carrots, pumpkin, cauliflower, kale, berries) and powerful superfoods (like kelp, spirulina, and flaxseed oil) in every bowl.
These are visible, real ingredients – not mystery powders or (our pet hate) vitamins and minerals added back in! Plus, 85-95% of each recipe uses Australian ingredients, meaning you're supporting local Australian producers with every bite.
Forget highly processed kibble! Lyka's recipes are only lightly cooked below 90°C, using a gently steamed process to lock in nutrients and flavour. This means more goodness for your dog's body to absorb, and a chunkier texture that even the fussiest eaters will adore.
Your Dog's Custom Lyka Journey: How to Order Lyka Dog Food
Ready to dive into the world of fresh dog food delivery in Australia? Here's how easy it is to get started with a Lyka meal plan:
1. Tell Lyka About Your Pup: Just answer a few quick questions about their breed, size, current body shape, activity level, and any dietary quirks or specific health issues*.
* Lyka meals are already free from gluten, soy, dairy, lactose, and sugar. Lyka's clever algorithm will whip up a customised plan tailored to your dog's needs. For our senior dogs, this included specific considerations for their reduced activity level.
2. Pick Your Plan: Choose between a Full or Half Bowl Plan, or grab a Lyka Starter Box to test the waters. Lyka gives you the flexibility to choose a continuous plan or let the starter box convert later – no pressure!
3. Doorstep Delivery: Your dog's delicious, freshly made meals arrive frozen right at your door, with free shipping across 70% of Australia. It's a flexible dog food subscription service, so you can pause, modify, or cancel anytime directly from your online account. They've even expanded manufacturing to Victoria for quicker deliveries!
Our Lyka Unboxing: A Frozen Feast!
Be warned: if you have big dogs like ours, you'll need some serious freezer space! We received two large boxes, each packed with 14 pre-portioned 700g pouches. That's nearly 20kg of fresh food for our two pups every two weeks – a true frozen feast!
Lyka’s commitment to sustainability shines through their packaging:
Lyka’s commitment to sustainability shines through their packaging:
✔️ The shipping box is 100% recyclable.
✔️ The wool insulation is biodegradable and compostable.
✔️ The food pouches are made with an innovative bioplastic, an Australian first for vacuum-packed food, and can be recycled via soft plastic collection bins (Lyka’s actively working on solutions given recent REDcycle challenges). It's no wonder they're a Certified B Corporation dog food brand!
While the boxes are fine on your doorstep for a few hours, we recommend popping those meals into the freezer as soon as possible. Thawing is a breeze – just move a pouch to the fridge overnight. In a pinch, a quick warm water bath does the trick! You can even warm the meals slightly before serving for a cosy treat as the weather cools. Each defrosted pouch lasts 3-4 days unopened in the fridge, and 2 days after opening.
Our Verdict: A Howling Success!
Not a single bowl was left unlicked – across all four recipes! We’re talking top marks for palatability (the food even smelled good to us!) and impressive digestibility. No upset tummies or "rearranging" of meals here (if only our cat could learn from this...).
Lyka has truly elevated their presentation. The pouches are beautifully designed with clear labelling and manufacturing dates, and their accompanying leaflets are incredibly informative.
Their website is a dream to navigate, and their customer communication – from ordering to "on-bowling" tips – is timely and professional.
The only thing to remember for your first order is the 7 to 10-day processing time for delivery, so plan your pup's first meal experience well ahead.
Price & Where to Buy: Is Lyka Worth the Investment?
For Porthos, a customised Full Bowl Plan (700g daily) comes in at around $13.45/kg or $8.05/kg for the Half Bowl Plan (350g daily), not taking into account special offers.
At $131.74/box every fortnight, this would be an investment for large dogs!
But consider this: the average price for grass-fed mince is usually $10.00/kg at the supermarket – with no added fruits, vegetables, or superfoods, and no home delivery! When you factor in the quality ingredients, vet-backed nutrition, and sheer convenience of Lyka dog food delivery, Lyka starts looking incredibly reasonable.
But consider this: the average price for grass-fed mince is usually $10.00/kg at the supermarket – with no added fruits, vegetables, or superfoods, and no home delivery! When you factor in the quality ingredients, vet-backed nutrition, and sheer convenience of Lyka dog food delivery, Lyka starts looking incredibly reasonable.
It’s definitely an option we’d love to use more regularly, especially with their now super-flexible subscription model. Pause or cancel at anytime.
To dip your toes in, Lyka is currently offering a special discount on your first two deliveries through their website (first time customers only).
Ready to treat your best friend to the fresh food revolution for dogs? Head over to lyka.com.au!
You can also fetch more fun and updates from Lyka Pet Food on their socials:
To dip your toes in, Lyka is currently offering a special discount on your first two deliveries through their website (first time customers only).
Ready to treat your best friend to the fresh food revolution for dogs? Head over to lyka.com.au!
You can also fetch more fun and updates from Lyka Pet Food on their socials:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/lykapetfood
Instagram: www.instagram.com/lykapetfood/
Disclaimer: A complimentary 2-week trial (mixed box of four recipes) was provided to us by Lyka Pet Food in order to complete this review.
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