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The Best Places To Buy Dog Food Online
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Pet parents know: Sometimes, you brain fart and completely forget to restock on kibble for your pup. And when you do run out? It becomes a mad dash to the store to haul a 50-pound bag of dog food into your trunk. That's why having a go-to shop online — especially one that offers auto-ship and recurring delivery options — is so imperative. It not only saves you from stress, but it could also save you money — if you order from the right online store, of course.
So, where are the best places to buy dog food online? The usual suspects like Amazon, Petco, BJ's Wholesale, and Chewy are great options. Amazon has a "Subscribe & Save" option that, as it suggests, allows you to set up automatic deliveries and simultaneously save you a few bucks. Chewy, which partnered with PetSmart a few years ago, also offers 5 to 10 percent savings with every auto-ship order. Petco is great for ordering traditional dog food and products, while also offering free shipping on most orders over $35.
What you might not know, however, is the internet is chock full of other great online shops for dog food. In search of all-natural kibble? Jinx, which launched last year, sells a premium, all-natural dry dog food that boasts lean meat and plant-based proteins, veggies, essential vitamins and minerals. Want to spoil your fur baby with fresh, custom dog food made from real, human-grade ingredients? Check out the Farmer's Dog.
And the list doesn't end there.
Ahead, we've gathered the best places to buy dog food online.
Our mission at SheKnows is to empower and inspire women, and we only feature products we think you'll love as much as we do. BJ's is a SheKnows sponsor, however, all products in this article were independently selected by our editors. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.
BJ's Wholesale
© Provided by SheKnows This membership-based mega store has its own in-house pet food brand, Berkley Jensen, which uses whole ingredients and excludes the not-so-great stuff like corn, wheat and fillers. Shop a variety of flavors and formulations for dog — and a few for cats, too! When you look at the cost-per-pound, their prices can't be beat.
Berkley Jensen Pet Food $19.99+ AmazonAs we mentioned, Amazon is a fantastic place to order dog food. Here, you'll find a variety of dog foods (we're talking hundreds of dog food options) that fit any budget (from the affordable Purina ProPlan to the higher-priced Blue Buffalo). But Amazon's biggest draw is its Subscribe & Save option, which allows you to save 5 percent on your first delivery and up to 10 percent on repeat deliveries — no extra fees required, and you can cancel anytime.
ChewyAt Chewy, you'll find it all: dog food, treats, toys, even pet DNA tests. But what's so appealing about Chewy is they not only offer free one- to three-day shipping on orders over $49, but they also offer 30 percent off your first auto-ship, followed by 5 percent off future auto-ship orders.
Maev
© Provided by SheKnows Image: Maev. Lots of pet parents are turning to raw food diets for their pups but it can be a lot of work. Unless, of course, you opt to order your dog's raw food diet through Maev. Maev makes raw food diets as easy as possible by shipping you balanced raw food filled with frozen meats and fruits and veggies to make sure your dog is getting all of the nutrients they need. Maev offers several different varieties so you can choose the one that best suits your pup. They also sell daily vitamin bars and even frozen bone broth treats!
Nom NomAt Nom Nom, each meal is formulated by a vet and made with "fresh, whole ingredients and targeted vitamins and minerals for folks with paws." And at Nom Nom, not only are the meals made with carefully sourced ingredients (from U.S. Growers and suppliers), but they're also delivered in ready-to-serve, fully recyclable packaging (including even the insulated packing material). Currently, Nom Nom sells a variety pack for $15 that includes four recipes in 150-gram meal bags. They also offer free shipping on orders over $30.
PetPlateSpeaking of fresh-cooked dog food and personalized meal plans delivered to your doorstop on your schedule, PetPlate's mission is to feed dogs real food. "That's why our meals are always made with high-quality, human-grade, whole food ingredients — no different from what you would feed the rest of your family," PetPlate's website states.
Spot & TangoHigh-quality fresh dog food company Spot & Tango sells what's considered one of the best shelf-stable fresh dry dog foods, UnKibble. Made with 100 percent whole foods, the vet-developed dog food is described as the "freshest dry dog food ever" — and you can get it delivered straight to your door once a month.
The Farmer's DogConsidered the best online shop for fresh, homemade dog food deliveries by Canine Journal, the Farmer's Dog delivers "balanced, freshly made pet food" that feature real food such as human-grade meat and veggies made fresh in USDA kitchens. The food is delivered within days of cooking (meaning, nothing's ever deep-frozen or stored on a shelf for months), and shoppers can opt in for personalized, vet-designed plans customized to your dog's needs.
The Farmer's Dog $7.38/day OllieOllie is a homemade dog food delivery service, similar to the Farmer's Dog. And, similar to Nom Nom, Ollie works with veterinarians to formulate their four different recipes, which are Association of American Feed Control Officials-approved. Ollie ships every four or eight weeks and offers auto-shipping that you can pause, skip or cancel anytime.
Ollie Pet Food $1.57/mealClick here to read the full article.
How To Find The Best Dog Food, According To A Veterinarian
The best dog food that money can buy is the one that suits your best friend's needs. There are many important factors to consider when planning your dog's diet, ranging from their age, size, breed, potential allergies, the food's ingredient quality, and the dog's personal tastes. On top of that, dog owners have to choose from a variety of meat types, such as beef, pork, and salmon, as well as a raw, wet canned, or dry kibble food, depending on your dog's preferences
With so many choices available in the marketplace, it can be tough for a pet owner to make sense of all the options. Here are our top picks for best dog food and why it may be worth asking your vet if it's a wise choice for your own pup.
How to choose the best dog foodDr. Matthew McCarthy, a veterinarian and founder of Juniper Valley Animal Hospital in Middle Village Queens, New York offers advice on how pet parents can wisely choose the best dog food for their fur children. "The World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA), which is a global volunteer association of more than 200,000 veterinarians and whose mission is to raise the standards of care for companion animals worldwide, has developed criteria that veterinarians and pet parents can use to select a pet food and evaluate the overwhelming amount of nutrition claims flying around the internet. Some of the minimum criteria from WSAVA guidelines include:
If you find food that aligns with this criteria, then it may be worth consideration for your pet. "The best approach is to partner with your veterinary team to figure out what's going to work best for your doggie, as they are going to have to best handle on all of this," advises Dr. McCarthy.
As Dr. McCarthy mentioned, the Association of American Food Control Officials, or AAFCO, also offers guidance on selecting the best food for your dog. In addition to reading the label carefully, you should check that the food corresponds to your pet's species, life stage, and condition.
Before selecting the food, ask the following questions:
What are the main ingredients listed?No matter what breed you have, one of the top considerations to keep in mind when selecting dog food is ensuring that a quality protein source is the first ingredient on the label, which indicates the protein is the most prominent ingredient in the food.
What life stage is your dog in?Puppies, adults, pregnant and lactating dogs, and seniors have different nutritional needs, so consider choosing a food that closely matches the life stage they're in. For instance, a puppy formula is likely higher in calories versus a formula for seniors, since an older dog doesn't require as many calories. If you're unsure which one is best for your dog, it's wise to consult the veterinarian for clarity.
Does your pet have any special conditions?Digestive issues, skin issues, or allergies are examples of conditions you need to consider when selecting the best dog food. If your pooch has a special condition you feel needs addressing, talk to your vet about any specialty food they may recommend for a specific condition.
Our top picks for best dog foodWe scoured the marketplace to find the best dog food options with the key information you need – including the top three ingredients in each formulation– so you can make an informed decision.
Best raw dry dog food: Instinct Raw Boost Dry Dog Food
Instinct Raw Boost brings the convenience factor of dry food to those following a raw diet for their dogs. This shelf-stable formula combines high-protein kibble with chunks of freeze-dried raw chicken, beef, or salmon. There are also a number of varieties that you can choose from, each tailored to your pup's nutritional needs—from skin and coat issues to puppy-specific formulations.
ProsPet parents whose pups have allergies will enjoy the luxury of choice in the Merrick Grain-Free line. Since every recipe in this line was crafted without common allergy-triggering filler ingredients like soy, gluten, and corn, it's a simple process of elimination to discover a variety your dog will love. With its priority on fewer overall ingredients, multiple recipes, and quality protein sources (lamb, duck, and beef), Merrick Grain-Free is a reliable choice for dogs with allergies.
ProsProtein is the main focus at Taste of the Wild, with a trio of canned wet dog foods packed with premium meat (and other sources of protein). For example, the Canyon Canine Formula includes beef, lamb, wild boar, egg, beef liver, and peas. To round out the ingredients, there are easily digestible fruits and vegetables like blueberries, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, and raspberries. Each 12-pack of cans may be a little pricey. However, this nutritious wet dog food is sure to keep dogs excited for every mealtime.
ProsSome dogs seem to have a digestive system of steel, but others need help finding a tasty and healthy dog food that agrees with their sensitive stomachs. Not only does ACANA offer four high-end dog food recipes that cater for dogs with a delicate palate, each variety is grain-free and offers an easy-to-digest combination of single-source meats and nutrient-rich fruits and veggies. This allows both choosey and food-sensitive dogs a chance to enjoy their favorite protein sources, while their owners can rest easy that their dog's stomach will easily handle this nutritious grain-free kibble.
ProsSince it's important to lay a wholesome foundation for your puppy's health from the start, you'll want to study labels a bit more when shopping. Nulo Freestyle Puppy makes understanding what's inside simple. Offered in both a turkey and a salmon-based recipe, this formula's first three ingredients are sourced from quality protein-rich sources for stronger muscles, teeth, and bones. Nulo's pair of dry puppy foods are fortified with nutrient-packed fruits and vegetables like carrots, blueberries, and apples—these kibble formulas are also both chicken and grain-free to dodge common food allergies.
ProsOlder dogs need specialized nutrition to keep them alert, mobile, and healthy in their senior years. Unfortunately, the high heat needed to kill bacteria and make dry dog foods shelf stable also destroys a disappointing amount of nutrients in the process, but Blue Buffalo's signature "LifeSource Bits" are formed under far less heat to avoid that outcome. The extra antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals from ingredients like pumpkin, spinach, and cranberries add a little extra boost in nutritional value (and add variety to each bite).
ProsEveryone indulges from time to time, but once your dog gets a little too heavy, searching for the right diet to help them slim down and maintain a healthy weight can be difficult. Thankfully, there are two recipes of Nutro Natural Choice Healthy Weight available for overweight dogs, and its leaner chicken and lamb options provide the easy-to-digest protein they need, while the brown rice contains the natural fiber required for proper digestion.
This high-end healthy dog food is worth feeding to dogs long after they've reached their optimum weight due to its quality protein sources and lack of filler grains like corn, soy, and gluten.
ProsExtra-large dog breeds have different nutritional needs than smaller dogs. Taste of the Wild PREY makes it easy to ensure that they're getting enough protein. It features more single-source protein per piece than most other dry dog foods on the market, as well as a healthy limited-ingredient recipe. Offered in a trio of top-tier protein sources, Angus beef, turkey, and trout, alongside its other three main ingredients of lentils, tomato pomace, and chicken fat, this simple dry dog food is also an attractive diet for dogs with food allergies.
ProsSome of the most important features to keep in mind when food shopping for a small breed are tiny bite-sized pieces and quality ingredients. Castor & Pollux ORGANIX has easy-to-eat pieces and features no fewer than ten organic ingredients in their small-breed dog food. Although it is only available in a single recipe, it is hard to top the quality of its organic free-range chicken, vegetables, and fruits. Small-breed ORGANIX also features a combination of pro- and prebiotic fiber to promote a healthy digestive system.
ProsNo matter the recipe, age range, or kind of dog food, there are a few key points where great dog foods stand apart from the competition. The best dog foods feature fewer ingredients overall, but the quality of each ingredient must be excellent, and they do not include any unhealthy or filler ingredients, such as wheat, artificial colorings, or soy.
We especially value dog foods that are offered in multiple formulas, because they are especially valuable for dogs with allergies and picky eaters. It is important to note that cost was never a consideration when we selected the best dog food available, because giving your dog the healthiest diet for the happiest life you can give them is invaluable.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) What ingredients should I avoid?While choosing between key ingredients like pork, beef, and chicken will vary by your dog's personal taste and potential allergies, there are some ingredients some pet parents tend to avoid when comparing dog food recipes. These include fillers like corn, meat by-products, and soy, which can mean less of the "premium" ingredients that are touted on the label.
How much should I budget for dog food a month?The price of premium healthy dog food may seem steep at first, but consider it a major investment to sidestep the high cost of treating conditions such as obesity, digestive issues, and allergies that may arise from a poor diet. Whether you plan on getting wet or dry dog food, purchasing in bulk and searching for promotional codes online will help to reduce costs, but whatever you are feeding them, set aside between $30 and $90 a month for buying quality dog food.
"Bear in mind that expense doesn't necessarily equal quality. There are some really inexpensive diets that have years of rigorous scientific testing behind them and some very expensive diets that are lacking in vital nutrients or based on unsound science" according to Dr. Matthew McCarthy.
Which is better: Wet or dry dog food?Dry kibble aids in dental health by scraping plaque from teeth, tends to last longer, and is easier to store. Canned wet food adds much-needed hydration to a dog's diet, is easier for dogs to chew, and generally has a higher protein and fat content. While some owners serve a mixture of both so their dogs get the best of both diets, talking to your vet and discussing the best food option for your dog is the best approach.
What You Should Know About Cooking Up Homemade Dog Food
It's a doggy dream come true: hand-crafted, homemade food made with real, human-style ingredients and served with love. Perhaps it's even plated on ceramic and garnished with a sprig of curly parsley.
Maybe the idea of feeding your dogs at the table seems a bit over the top. But as more Americans become pet owners, folks are ditching traditional processed dog chow and figuring out new ways to feed their furry family members.
Studies have shown that a highly processed diet can have ill effects for pups as they age (just like with humans). And with people increasingly attracted to healthy eating, it makes sense they'd try to include their canine companions in the effort.
Not to mention that some dogs have trouble tolerating store-bought, commercially prepared dog kibble. Whether it's allergies, skin conditions or a chronic illness like diabetes, sometimes a custom diet of fresh, cooked foods may be a better alternative.
If you're interested in taking the plunge into homemade dog food for Fido, recipes abound! But make sure you check with your vet before you purchase a big haul of ingredients.
Though humans and dogs have a lot in common food-wise, the American Kennel Club warns that some homemade dog food recipes may not be nutritionally adequate for all dog breeds, sizes and life stages.
"We generally don't recommend homemade diets for a dog less than 1 year old. If young dogs don't receive the appropriate amount of calcium and phosphorus, significant bone abnormalities may result," said American Kennel Club's chief veterinarian Dr. Jerry Klein in an AKC article on homemade foods. "Pregnant and lactating dogs also have unique dietary requirements that may not be addressed by a recipe found on the internet."
Commercial foods may be nutritionally complete and balanced even if they don't use whole ingredients. You may wish to consider adding a dietary supplement, or adding homemade dog food to kibble to make sure your pup is getting the right amounts of the nutrients he or she needs, including protein, carbohydrates, fiber, and fat.
There are other trip-ups to consider. For instance, some dog food recipes may lack clear instructions.
"Most general recipes provide vague instructions for ingredients or preparation," board-certified veterinary nutritionist (and vet) Dr. Jennifer A. Larsen told the AKC. "This leaves the owner to interpret what type of meat to use, or which supplement product to buy."
It also takes time to make homemade dog food, along with extra money to buy meat and other items you need if you generally just feed kibble. You'll want to know you have the resources for adding this to your to-do list. And you need to make sure you can store it properly — in the fridge for a few days, or in the freezer in an airtight container for up to six months.
And, of course, there's a list of foods that are just fine for humans, but potentially poisonous for dogs. Grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, macadamia nuts and, of course, chocolate can cause problems ranging from diarrhea to death.
In any case, run any new recipe ideas by your vet before whipping up a batch. If your dog is experiencing symptoms related to an illness or disorder, your vet may recommend a consult with a veterinary nutritionist. The nutritionist will also have ideas on how to create the most nourishing doggy diet.
Also, note that at this time, the scientific community, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Center for Veterinary Medicine, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as well as many pet advocacy organizations are united in advocating against feeding dogs raw foods, which have high bacteria counts and may lead to illness.
When you do land on a homemade dog food recipe that checks all the boxes — nutritionally complete and balanced and free of allergens, irritants or inadvertent poisons — there's one more hurdle: Switching your pup from his usual diet to a very different one.
It's a familiar process to anyone who's already done it, but the gist is that it should be done gradually. A too-quick change can upset a sensitive tummy, so take it slow (unless your vet says to just go for it — another reason to check in before switching).
Over the course of a week, switch out more amounts of the old food and add in more of the new. You can go even more slowly if your dog has a history of diet issues, or if your dog begins to show symptoms of stomach upset.
The below homemade dog food recipes can serve as a starting point. These examples of nutritionally complete dog food recipes could become favorites with your darling doggo.
Homemade dog food recipes can be found online easily. However, don't just look at the first recipe you find and call it a day. You'll want to make sure any ones you decide to use are nutritionally complete and/or vet approved, and then you need to follow them exactly.
For example, this AllRecipes.Com version is your basic online recipe. It's a mix of ground turkey, rice and vegetables with a bit of dried rosemary. There's no guarantee your dog is getting the proper nutritional profile and right amounts, so you'll have to continue feeding kibble to ensure proper nutrition. Instead, consider the following vet-approved recipes.
Northwest Holistic Pet Care's vet-approved recipe also includes turkey, but specifically includes thigh and organ meat for better nutrition. It also requires a calcium citrate supplement, which it says is not optional.
The MSPCA-Angell Homemade Diet recipe was devised by a vet at the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals-Angell Medical Center. It's targeted to 30-pound dogs with no health concerns, but the MSPCA also published recipes for 15-pound and 60-pound pups. Cats, too!
The MSPCA recommends using a food scale to measure the ingredients most accurately: Blend together 130 grams of cooked, dark-meat chicken, 320 grams of cooked white rice, 25 grams mixed vegetables, 10 to 15 grams of vegetable oil and 10 grams of Balance It Canine, the organization's preferred nutrition supplement.
This makes one day's worth of food. Make sure the items are well combined so your dog doesn't try to pick out his favorite bits and leave the rest. And a supplement completes the balance of nutrients in the diet — as with Northwest Holistic's version, this is not optional.
If you still need some guidance, try using the Balance.It tool to start building a homemade dog food recipe personalized for your dog's needs. Created by the folks who make the supplement recommended in the above recipe, the tool lets you plug in details about your best bud, then generate a few recipe ideas you can run by your vet.
I put in numbers for my angelic Chihuahua, Uma, a 3-year-old neutered male who weighs about 9 pounds. In seconds, the tool presented multiple dog food recipes with a variety of different ingredients, from chicken breast to tilapia.
One variation: Ground chicken, an omega-3 liquid, corn oil, brown rice and a fistful of raw veggies like spinach, carrots, peas and sweet peppers. (Which, uh, sounds pretty tasty to be honest.)
Each recipe includes the Balance.It supplement — that's what they're selling after all — but, again, supplementation is necessary to ensure your dog gets everything they need from a homemade diet.
This also bears repeating: Make sure you talk to a vet or veterinary nutritionist before making any dietary changes. Your dog's individual needs might vary from a generic, one-size-fits-all recipe.
Now, get researching! Lots of tail-wags and happy dances are coming your way.
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