Top 10 Best Places to Buy Dog Food

Top 10 Best Places to Buy Dog Food

Online shopping has revolutionized the way that we can shop for dog food and supplies. Rather than hauling heavy bags of dog food from the grocery store or heading to your local pet store only to find that they just sold the last bag of your preferred brand, it’s now easier than ever before to find your dog’s food online.

You can also easily find other supplies, like supplements, medications, first aid equipment, or a new collar. We’ve reviewed our favorite places to buy your dog’s food and supplies online.

We’ve included pros and cons for each supplier, so you can quickly work out which one sounds the best for you and your pup.

The 10 Top Online Pet Stores

Amazon

dog food eating pixabay

Almost all of us have shopped at the behemoth that is Amazon, and its selection of pet products is so massive that there’s a high chance that it’ll have exactly what you need. While it’s not a pet-specific store, Amazon offers a wide range of different dog foods, from premium high-end brands to budget-friendly options and everything in between.

Most of us are super familiar with Amazon’s layout, so it’s easy to sort your results by price, star ratings, or brands. Delivery is quick and easy to arrange, and if you’re already signed up to Prime, it’ll be free as well!

Cons
  • Products can be dispatched from different suppliers
  • Customer service can be slow
  • No prescription medications
Pros
  • Easy to find products
  • Large product range
  • Free shipping if you use Amazon Prime
  • Many reviews available

Chewy

chewy

Chewy is, by far, our favorite when it comes to buying dog food and supplies online. Whatever you need, it will probably have it. Because Chewy specializes in pet products, it stocks an extensive range of dog food and supplies covering anything you need, as well as quite a few products that you didn’t know you needed!

Chewy offers plenty of options that you won’t find elsewhere, including a large range of specialized dog foods such as grain-free, organic, and varieties for dogs with allergies.

If you’re ready to give Chewy a go for your next dog food order or if you found the perfect new toy for your pup, we have a great deal for you, which offers not only 30% off your order but also free shipping!

The auto-ship option is great, so once you find your dog’s preferred brand, you can simply set it up to ship automatically. You never need to worry about running out of food, and you save money because most brands are offered at a discount when you select the auto-ship option.

Chewy has an online pet pharmacy, which is excellent if you need to order a specific prescription medication for your dog. Simply add the product you need to your cart, and add your vet’s details. Chewy will contact your vet to verify the prescription and ship your order. It couldn’t be easier and saves time.

Cons
  • Can be difficult to find a new product on their website
Pros
  • Online pharmacy
  • Huge range of products
  • Auto-ship options
  • Same-day shipping if ordered before 4 p.m.
  • Specialist pet store
  • 24/7 helpline
  • Excellent review system

White Dog Bone

White Dog Bone

White Dog Bone specializes in unique canine diets, including raw and canned foods. They offer a lot of perks for frequent shoppers, such as free delivery on orders over $49 and automatic shipping.  However, it only applies to the lower 48 states without weekend processing or delivery. The shipping conditions are confusing, with state rules and a minimum order requirement for certain products.

The company is USA-based and strives to deal with manufacturers based in the United States. They also offer other pet-related products, such as dog beds and stain control. You’ll also find a rotating set of hot deals if you’re looking to treat your pup to something new. On the downside, they carry boutique brands of food instead of more familiar names like Iams and Purina

PetSmart

petsmart

PetSmart has a huge range of choices when it comes to brands, and the prices online are often cheaper than within the physical stores. You can get free delivery if you order over $49 worth of products, but they usually have a discount offer when you choose to collect curbside or in store as well.

The PetSmart site is easy and intuitive to use, so while it stocks 1,500 different dog foods, you’ll easily be able to filter these to show just the option you’re interested in.

Cons
  • Delivery can be slow
Pros
  • Savings when buying online
  • Free shipping over $49
  • Currently offer curbside pickup
  • Online pharmacy

Walmart

walmart

Walmart might be better known for its human groceries and supplies, but you can also order stuff online for your dog! It stocks a huge range of different dog foods, from premium brands to budget offerings. The website is easy to use, and you can narrow down your results using all sorts of different options.

While Walmart is great for dog food, you won’t find such a wide range of other supplies like treats, toys, and medications. You can’t pick up prescription medications here either. But if you’re looking for an easy way to get your dog’s food delivered, it’s a great option.

Cons
  • Not as many supplies as specific pet retailers
  • No online pharmacy
  • No auto-ship option
Pros
  • Free shipping if you spend over $35
  • Wide range of dog foods
  • Can pick up in store
  • Easy-to-use website

Costco

costco

Costco is another wholesale club. It ranks a distant second to Sam’s Club at nearly an annual revenue of over $166 billion. It also offers a wide range of products other than dog food. The company bills itself as a full-service outlet, which it is. You can fill prescriptions, which is essential if your pup has a chronic health condition. Membership costs more than Sam’s Club with similar benefits.

On the downside, the selection of dog foods is extremely limited, with the focus on its exclusive Kirkland Signature brand. You can’t even view some prices unless you sign in as a member of the site. The other stickler is the varying shipping costs because some come directly from the manufacturer

 

Target

target

This is another great choice if you’re looking to buy dog food online at the same time as your groceries. Target has a large range of dog food brands on offer, so unless your dog has a very specific diet, you should find it easy to get their food here. You can choose to pick up your entire order in store or arrange for home delivery.

Target also has the option of an auto-ship, thanks to Target Restock. You can choose a number of items to be delivered on a specific schedule, so you’ll never run out of the essentials ever again. Because it’s not a pet-specific store, you can’t get prescriptions fulfilled here, and you won’t find such a large range of supplies as you would with an online pet store.

Cons
  • Not so many supplies to choose from
  • No medications available
Pros
  • Large number of dog food brands stocked
  • Pick up in store
  • Home delivery
  • Auto-ship option

Midwest Greyhound Supply

Midwest Greyhound Supply

Midwest Greyhound Supply’s client base are kennels and breeders who prefer only a few products to feed 10 or more dogs. If you need food by the pallet load, it’s a great place to start. The company’s unspoken emphasis is on building relationships with long-term users. If that describes your situation, it’s an excellent place to start.

The Kansas-based business specializes in personalized service with free delivery to sweeten the deal. It’s not the best choice for the typical pet owner, but it can serve your needs well if you keep a lot of dogs on-site

Sam’s Club

sams club

Sam’s Club is more than just a pet food fulfillment center. It is a full-fledged grocery store with an estimated annual revenue of up to $100 billion for this private company. The best value for buying bulk foods comes from becoming a Club Plus member. That way, you’ll get free shipping, which can save you a ton of cash. You’ll also qualify for cash-back rewards, which make it an even better value.

The company offers several exclusive deals, which is great if you buy those brands. Otherwise, the selection is limited. The benefits of buying bulk dog food come from the other perks you can get by being a member

Petco

petco

Petco is a well-known online pet retailer, so you’ll find a great selection of products. From specialist foods from smaller suppliers to a budget kibble from one of the bigger brands, you’ll find it all here. If you don’t want to wait for home delivery, you can also pick up your order in any Petco store.

While Petco stocks a huge range of foods, you can also order any number of supplies for your dog, from collars and leashes to training tools and treats, it’s all here! It also has an online pharmacy, so it’s easier than ever to get your dog’s medications.

Cons
  • Customer service is not great
Pros
  • Online pharmacy
  • Pick-up-in-store option
  • Huge product range
  • Free 1-2 day shipping on orders over $35
  • Price-match guarantee

How can I avoid counterfeit or expired dog food?

When shopping on Amazon, look for items that are sold and shipped by Amazon or directly by the dog food manufacturer. Shoppers have reported instances of counterfeit products with nearly identical packaging. If you buy directly from Amazon, you are also able to return food if it is expired or there is a problem with it.

Is it cheaper to buy dog food online?

Not necessarily, but it’s smart to shop around. Many retailers will price match with other stores and sometimes the price you see online doesn’t match the price in the store. We have found premium brand dog food that was cheaper in a local independent store, but other food that was definitely cheaper to order online. Like anything, do a little research before you buy

How do I find the best deals on dog food?

Try not to wait until you’re out of food to shop. That way, you can buy food when you find a sale. If you find a good price but there’s another retailer that’s more convenient or can get the food to you faster, see if they’ll match the price. Some retailers have regular sales on dog food and other supplies, so keep an eye out.

Tip: Larger quantities are cheaper than smaller, but always store dry food in an airtight container and keep it in a cool, dry place. That preserves the nutritional value and keeps it from spoiling

Final Thoughts

Those are six of our favorite places to buy dog food and supplies online. Some are specific pet stores, like Chewy, which have a huge range of products and the ability to fulfill prescriptions and auto-ship dog food. Others, like Walmart, are super convenient if you want to add dog food to your existing online food cart.

We should mention that even if you buy most of your dog food and supplies online, it can be nice to support your local independent pet store if you can! While they may not stock your preferred feed brand, they’ll probably have a great range of other supplies, like collars, leashes, and toys. They will usually love to see your dog in the store as well! Sometimes it can be useful to try a collar on your dog to check the fit or pop in and pick up treats if you happened to run out.

Edward Hollon is an avid dog lover and writer, knowing all there is to know about our furry friends. Edward has been writing for petdii for three years now, wanting to use her knowledge for good and share everything she can with new dog owners. Edward has two dogs herself - a German shepherd called Banjo and a chocolate labrador called Buttons. Edward knows more than anyone how adjusting to new life with a puppy can turn your life upside down, and she wants to ease some of the burdens through her articles.