In an exclusive interview with Edupet, Ms. Dharshankaur Khalsa, Co-Founder of Pets of Paradise, shares the philosophy behind the launch of Barkkins—a home-style, ready-to-eat dog food range built on the principles of fresh nutrition, simplicity, and safety.
Moving away from ultra-processed “mystery mush,” Barkkins focuses on gently cooked meals made with visible, human-grade ingredients, designed to support digestion, hydration, and long-term canine health. In this educational conversation, Ms. Khalsa explains what home-style feeding truly means, why pet parent trials matter, how to choose between grain and grain-free meals, and what feeding habits Indian dog parents must urgently unlearn.
Q: Barkkins positions itself as a home-style, ready-to-eat dog food range. From a nutritional standpoint, what does “home-style” truly mean, and how should pet parents interpret this term beyond marketing language?
Dharshankaur : At Barkkins, “home-style” means the food is gently cooked with real, authentic ingredients rather than being processed into mystery mush or slurries with flavour enhancers and fillers. Pet parents should interpret this as a commitment to transparency: every ingredient stays true to it’s nature, ensuring the meal is high-quality and smells and tastes like a gourmet, home-cooked meal and of course, with a lot of love.
Q: Fresh and natural feeding is gaining momentum among Indian pet parents. What gaps in conventional dog food options led to the development of Barkkins?
Dharshankaur: Conventional dog food often relies on processed powders, artificial flavors, and fillers that can lead to picky eating or digestive boredom. Barkkins was developed to fill this gap by providing “real food, real ingredients, and real nutrition” that is shelf-stable without preservatives, addressing the need for high-quality protein and hydration that standard kibble lacks.
Q: Barkkins meals are described as simple and highly nutritious. Could you explain how simplicity in ingredient selection contributes to better digestion and long-term health in dogs?
Dharshankaur: By using clean, human-grade ingredients like chicken, liver, and wholesome vegetables (pumpkin, carrots, green peas), the meals become highly digestible and easy for the body to absorb. This slow-cooked, “no-nonsense” approach reduces the risk of stomach upset and supports long-term health markers like strong bones, healthy skin, and a shiny coat.
“We created Barkkins to move dogs away from ultra-processed food and toward meals made with real protein, real vegetables, and transparent nutrition.”
Darshankaur Khalsa, Co Founder, Pets Of Paradise
Q: You conduct product trials with pet parents before final launches. What insights from these trials most commonly influence formulation changes or improvements?
Dharshankaur: Insights from pet parents and trial feeding often highlight the importance of aroma and texture for picky eaters. Feedback regarding dogs “licking their bowls clean” reinforces our commitment to non-mushy rice where “every single grain stands out,” ensuring the food remains appetizing for pets who get bored with traditional dry diets.
Q: The Barkkins range includes both grain-based and grain-free options. How should pet parents decide what is appropriate for their dog, and what misconceptions around grains would you like to address?
Dharshankaur: Pet parents can choose based on their dog’s specific sensitivities: the Grain-free Chicken Meal (75% meat) is ideal for those with grain intolerances, while the Chicken & Rice (Adult) provides a balanced powerhouse of protein and energy. We aim to address the misconception that grains are merely “fillers” by ensuring our grain-based meals use high-quality rice as a functional energy source that complements the 40% meat content.
Q: For first-time pet parents transitioning from commercial kibble to fresh meals, what feeding practices and precautions would you recommend to ensure a safe and smooth shift?
Dharshankaur: Since Barkkins is soft and highly digestible, it is gentle on the gut, but parents should always adjust portions based on their dog’s weight and activity level. For a smooth shift, we recommend a gradual introduction over several days to allow the dog’s digestive system to adapt to the rich protein and lack of artificial fillers found in fresh meals.
Q: Safety is a growing concern among informed pet parents. How does Pets of Paradise ensure ingredient quality, sourcing standards, and food safety across the Barkkins range?
Dharshankaur: Safety is guaranteed through Retort Processing, which locks in nutrients without any preservatives or chemicals. We use exclusively locally produced, human-grade meat and ingredients like chicken liver and heart, ensuring that every pouch meets the same safety standards as food meant for human consumption.
Q: Barkkins also offers a trial pack. Why is trial feeding important in natural diets, and how should pet parents assess whether a meal suits their dog?
Dharshankaur: Trial feeding is essential because it allows pet parents and pets some space to figure out what works best. For them to observe a bowl going empty in seconds. Parents should assess suitability by observing their dog’s enthusiasm (the “bowl test”), their energy levels, and the quality of their stool, ensuring the clean, real ingredients are being absorbed effectively.
Q: The inclusion of products like Rich & Creamy Broth indicates a focus on hydration and gut health. Could you elaborate on the nutritional role of such additions in a dog’s daily diet?
Dharshankaur: Additions like our Rich & Creamy Broth and Jelly Broth act as gourmet meal toppers that provide essential hydration. These are simmered with bone broth and anti-inflammatory ingredients like turmeric to support joint mobility and overall wellness, making them perfect for dogs who need extra moisture in their diet.
Q: As an educator at heart, what one feeding habit would you urge Indian pet parents to unlearn—and what healthier practice should replace it?
Dharshankaur: Unlearn the habit of feeding “mystery mush” or ultra-processed foods that rely on artificial scents. Replace it with the practice of feeding visible, real food where the quality of the meat and vegetables is clear, allowing your dog to attain a “zen-mode” of health and satisfaction.
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