Ensuring your dog has a consistent diet is crucial for their digestive health. To avoid sudden dietary changes, it’s important to have their preferred dog food brand and recipe readily available. Many dog owners find online shopping convenient, as it allows them to have their canine’s meals delivered directly to their homes. When considering Where To Buy Dog Food, several factors come into play, including selection, price, convenience, and the type of food your dog needs.
To identify the best retailers for purchasing dog food, we gathered feedback from 407 dog parents, inquiring about their preferred dog food brands and shopping destinations. We also gathered insights applicable to dogs of various sizes, ages, and breeds. This guide will help you navigate the numerous options and make informed decisions about where to buy your dog food.
Top Retailers for Dog Food
Here’s a breakdown of some of the best places to buy dog food, both online and in-store:
Chewy
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What We Like:
- Huge selection of dry, wet, and specialized dog foods.
- Autoship option with discounts and access to veterinarians.
- Frequent sales on various pet supplies.
- Excellent customer service.
What We Don’t Like:
- No physical store locations.
Chewy is a top choice for its vast selection of dog food, boasting thousands of options in dry and wet food, as well as veterinary diets, raw food, fresh meals, and dehydrated food. Customers appreciate Chewy’s quick delivery and reliable stock availability. Autoship subscribers receive discounts and access to veterinary professionals for health and behavioral inquiries. Free shipping is available for orders over $49, and returns often involve donating the food to a local shelter.
Amazon
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What We Like:
- Wide variety of products and sizes available.
- Subscription service for recurring deliveries.
- Free shipping for Prime members (or on orders over $25).
What We Don’t Like:
- Risk of inauthentic products from third-party sellers.
- No physical store.
Amazon offers an extensive selection of dog food, from high-end brands to budget-friendly options. Prime members enjoy free, fast shipping, and a subscription service allows for convenient, regular food deliveries. However, it’s crucial to buy directly from Amazon or the manufacturer to avoid counterfeit or expired products sold by third-party sellers.
PetSmart
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What We Like:
- Numerous physical stores across the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico.
- Large online selection of dog food.
- Autoship options, same-day delivery, and curbside pickup.
What We Don’t Like:
- Fewer in-store options compared to online.
PetSmart operates a vast network of physical stores and maintains a significant online presence. They offer a wide range of dry, canned, and veterinary diets, along with food toppers, fresh food, and frozen food. Free shipping is available for orders over $49, and same-day delivery and curbside pickup options provide added convenience.
Petco
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What We Like:
- Extensive network of physical locations, including in-store vet clinics.
- Same-day delivery and curbside pickup options.
- Repeat delivery and rewards programs.
What We Don’t Like:
- Limited in-store food selection compared to online.
Petco boasts a large number of stores across the U.S. and Mexico, including in-store veterinary clinics. Their online selection offers a wide variety of dog food options, from dry and canned to freeze-dried, fresh, and veterinary diets. Petco provides free same-day delivery on many in-stock items, as well as curbside pickup. Repeat delivery enrollment ensures automatic shipments with discounts.
Walmart
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What We Like:
- Numerous stores throughout the United States.
- Large selection of popular and premium brands online.
- Delivery and curbside pickup options.
What We Don’t Like:
- Limited premium brands available in-store.
With thousands of stores nationwide, Walmart offers a convenient option for purchasing dog food. Both in-store and online, you can find popular, cost-effective brands. The online selection also includes premium brands. Walmart provides free two-day delivery on orders over $35 and free curbside pickup.
Target
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What We Like:
- Extensive network of stores.
- Multiple options for shipping and pickup.
- Frequent sales events.
What We Don’t Like:
- No veterinarian-prescribed or high-end brands.
Target offers a variety of popular dog food brands and convenient shopping options. You can purchase products in-store or have them shipped to you. Free shipping is available for orders over $35 or when using a Target credit card. Curbside pickup and same-day delivery are also available for many items.
Pet Flow
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What We Like:
- Free shipping on orders totaling $49 or more.
- Wide range of pet products, including food, pharmacy items, and accessories.
- Responsive customer service via chat, text, or phone.
What We Don’t Like:
- Returns are not free.
- No physical locations.
Pet Flow is an online retailer offering a vast selection of products for various pets, including dogs. They provide free shipping on orders of $49 or more and discounts for autoship subscribers. Pet Flow also fills prescriptions issued by veterinarians and offers a variety of prescription-required foods for pets.
Hollywood Feed
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What We Like:
- Good selection of natural dog food brands.
- Multiple pickup and delivery options.
- Price-match and satisfaction guarantee.
What We Don’t Like:
- Limited locations.
- Does not carry popular, mass-market brands.
Hollywood Feed specializes in natural dog food brands. This regional chain offers same-day curbside pickup, free shipping on orders over $49, and same-day delivery on select items.
Pet Supplies Plus
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What We Like:
- Numerous stores across many states.
- Autoship options, curbside pickup, and free same-day delivery.
- Rewards program.
What We Don’t Like:
- Franchise, so service may vary by location.
Pet Supplies Plus is a large franchise chain that offers a broad selection of dry, wet, frozen, fresh, and freeze-dried foods. Curbside pickup and free same-day delivery are available for qualifying orders. They also have an online pharmacy for prescription medications and veterinarian-recommended diets.
Bentley’s Pet Stuff
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What We Like:
- Brands are all-natural and thoroughly researched.
- Loyalty program.
- Multiple locations in several states.
What We Don’t Like:
- Pickup only in stores; no shipping available.
- Smaller brand selection than some retailers.
Bentley’s Pet Stuff focuses on offering healthy products for pets. They carry natural brands and provide personalized service in their stores.
Pet Food Express
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What We Like:
- Free, same-day local delivery.
- Offer discounts with repeat purchases
- Auto delivery options.
- Do not carry foods with filler ingredients.
What We Don’t Like:
- Limited to California with local delivery only.
- Smaller brand selection compared to some retailers.
Based in California, Pet Food Express offers free same-day delivery for orders over $50. They carry a good selection of dry and wet dog food, as well as gently cooked, raw, frozen, freeze-dried, and dehydrated options.
BaxterBoo
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What We Like:
- Save with autoship options.
- Responsive customer service.
- Wide range of specialty brands and recipes.
- Weekly deals and membership rewards.
What We Don’t Like:
- No physical locations.
BaxterBoo is an online retailer specializing in organic, sustainable, and Earth-friendly pet products. They offer a vast selection of dog and cat products and provide customer service via email, chat, and phone.
Pet Supermarket
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What We Like:
- Ships to many states.
- Numerous store locations.
- Autoship and loyalty programs.
What We Don’t Like:
- Primarily located in the Southeast and Texas.
Pet Supermarket carries a wide variety of food brands and offers dry, wet, and freeze-dried foods, as well as meal toppers. They provide online ordering with in-store pickup or home delivery.
Mud Bay
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What We Like:
- Free local delivery and curbside pickup.
- Specializes in natural foods.
- Grooming and dog waste composting services.
What We Don’t Like:
- Located only in Washington and Oregon.
Mud Bay is a regional chain specializing in natural dog foods with fewer ingredients. They offer free local delivery and curbside pickup and stock a variety of harder-to-find brands.
DoorDash
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What We Like:
- Convenient and quick service.
- Order and track on the app.
What We Don’t Like:
- Limited retailer selection.
- Prices may be higher than in-store.
DoorDash allows you to order dog food from local retailers and have it delivered to your doorstep. While the selection may be limited by your location and prices might be higher, it’s a convenient option for quick delivery.
The Farmer’s Dog
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What We Like:
- Customized food plans.
- No preservatives in the ingredients.
- Free shipping to many states.
What We Don’t Like:
- Only offers one brand of food.
The Farmer’s Dog is a fresh dog food delivery service that specializes in customized meals made with fresh ingredients. Plans are tailored to your dog’s specific needs, and food is individually packaged with no preservatives.
Chuck & Don’s
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What We Like:
- Selection of natural pet foods.
- Healthy pet treats and supplies.
- Free shipping nationwide and free same-day local delivery.
What We Don’t Like:
- Physical stores only in a few states.
Chuck & Don’s focuses on holistic wellness for pets, offering a selection of natural brands and healthy treats. They also provide grooming, daycare, training classes, and veterinary care in some locations.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Where to Buy Dog Food
Selection
Retailers specializing in pet supplies tend to offer a broader range of brands and food types, including veterinary diets and premium options.
Autoship
Many retailers offer autoship or subscription programs that allow you to schedule regular deliveries and often provide discounts.
Prices
Compare prices among different retailers and consider price-matching policies and frequent sales.
Delivery/Pickup Options
Evaluate shipping costs, delivery times, and availability of same-day delivery or curbside pickup.
Local Independent Stores
Consider supporting local businesses, which often provide excellent customer service and knowledgeable staff.
Finding the Best Deals on Dog Food
Avoid waiting until you run out of food to shop, allowing you to take advantage of sales. Check if retailers offer price matching. Larger quantities are generally more cost-effective, but ensure proper storage to maintain nutritional value.
Avoiding Counterfeit or Expired Dog Food
When shopping online, especially on platforms like Amazon, prioritize purchasing from Amazon directly or the dog food manufacturer to minimize the risk of counterfeit or expired products.
Wet vs. Dry Dog Food
The choice between wet and dry food depends on your dog’s individual needs. Wet food can be easier for senior dogs and picky eaters, while dry food is typically more cost-effective and beneficial for dental health.
Why Trust This Guide?
This guide is based on feedback from hundreds of dog owners and insights from experienced pet professionals. We strive to provide accurate and reliable information to help you make the best choices for your pet’s health and well-being. By considering these factors and exploring the various retailers, you can confidently decide where to buy dog food that meets your dog’s needs and your budget.
