What are the main nutrients dogs need?

Like a normal person, dogs require a healthy balance of protein, fat, and carbohydrates in their diets. Carbohydrates, fats, and proteins provide your pooch the essential energy they need to do daily activities. Dogs rely on the protein in their diet to receive the 10 essential amino acids that they are unable to produce. Fats are the main source of fatty acids which provide not only an important part of the development of tissues, muscles, and nerves. Fatty acids allow your pets body to absorb fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K). Carbohydrates come in various forms and provide your pooch the energy it needs to do the normal daily activities. Along with a healthy diet, dogs need fresh water and regular exercise.

What types of dog food is there?

Dog food types vary greatly depending on the customer and pooches wants. There are vet authorized diets (prescription required), canned, dry, wet, specialized breed specific, premium, raw, human-grade, frozen, freeze-dried, dehydrated, and food toppings.

How customizable is dog food?

Very, most companies have dog food that can be refined to type of food, breed, age, vitamins, and allergies. You can get a brand that is breed and age specific for your puppy. Having an older dog means their dog food should have joint and muscle vitamins to provide support for an aging body. There are many options to choose from to keep your pooch happy and healthy.

How often should I purchase dog food? How fast is the delivery?

Depending on the size of your pooch, your dog may need a new bag weekly or every 3 months. Some companies even offer a membership where you can sign up to receive deliveries (i.e., weekly, monthly, or quarterly) and even lower dog food prices. If you do not have a membership, delivery can fluctuate depending on the type of delivery options available and can range from 1 to 5 business days. To help with calculating how much you need, per every pound of dog food, there is 4 cups. So for a 5lb bag there is 20 cups and in a normal 20lb bag there is 80 cups.

How do I know if the food is grain free?

Most dog foods will put grain free in the title or description of the dog food bag. If you are still hesitant make sure the dog food ingredients do not contain grains, which can be found in corn, soy, barley, rye, rice, or wheat. There are lots of grain free substitutes for your pooch such as tapioca, green peas, beans, legumes, sweet potatoes, and more.

How do I switch my dog's food without upsetting their stomach?

Experts have recommended that it is best to transition slowly to the new pet food. When you first begin you should have the pet's food contain 25% of the new food and 75% of the old food. After a few days, without any stomach problems, you can start giving your pet 50% new and 50% old food ratios. Then for a few days use 75% new and 25% old food. After that you can fully transition over to the new food. This total process will take around 2 weeks.

My dog does not like his new food, can I return it?

Yes! Many companies have a 30-to-60-day return policy that allows the customer to return the unused food portions in the original bag with a guaranteed refund. Prescription food products require more of a process to return and in some cases, refund is not available. Be sure to read the small print if you are worried your furry friend might not like his or her new dinner.

Is there a customer satisfaction guarantee?

Of course, if your pet decides they do not like the new food, or you receive a damaged bag, a refund is often allowed. Many companies offer excellent customer service through email, phone call, or on-site messaging. Be sure to read the policies of each company before placing your online order.

Amazon vs Petco for November 2025 | Best Dog Food Stores

Item: Amazon vs Petco
Rating: 4
Author: Top Consumer Reviews

If you've ever seen your dog excitedly wagging his tail at mealtime, you know how much he depends on you to keep his bowl full. But what happens when you open the pantry and realize you're out of his favorite food? While a quick trip to the store might seem like an easy fix, what if you're short on time or the local pet shop doesn't carry the specific brand or formula your pet needs? That's where the oh-so-amazing convenience of buying dog food online comes in.

Shopping for dog food online has transformed the way pet owners meet their furry friends' nutritional needs. Whether you have a picky eater who prefers a gourmet recipe or a dog with special dietary restrictions, you'll find that online stores typically offer a wider variety than the grocery store (or even compared with your local mom-and-pop pet store).

From organic, grain-free, or limited ingredient options to tried-and-true mainstream brands, the selection available online can meet every imaginable dietary need and picky pet preference. Plus, if you're ready to branch out and try something new for your favorite four-legged friend, you can take your time to compare brands, read ingredient lists, and even explore customer reviews, all from the comfort of your home.

Perhaps one of the biggest perks of ordering dog food online is the ability to schedule deliveries. Many retailers offer subscription services - your dog food arrives right when you need it, without you having to remember to place an order. This autoship option is perfect if you love the idea of having one less thing to worry about. Not only do you get to avoid last-minute trips to the store, but you may also benefit from discounts and free shipping, which can save you money in the long run.

There's just no beating the convenience of online dog food retailers. You can shop at any time of day, no matter your schedule. Whether you realize late at night that you're running low on food or you're too busy to squeeze in a trip to the pet store during the day, online ordering is always an option. And if you need your dog's food fast, many sites offer same-day or next-day delivery services - so that Rover never has to miss a meal (though he may be disappointed not to get that can of tuna or other "people food" when you don't have his kibble on hand).

Is your dog a little particular? Several online retailers offer flexible return policies, allowing you to exchange or return a product if it doesn't pass the sniff test. Some even provide trial sizes so you can test out a new formula before committing to a full-size bag or case of cans. This kind of hassle-free shopping experience can be a lifesaver when you're trying to find the perfect food for your pet's unique tastes or dietary needs.

You've got a lot of options for where to buy your dog food online. Which store should get your dollars? Use these criteria to pick the right one for you:

Selection. First and foremost, does the dog food store carry the brand your pup loves? Do they have his preferred kibble flavor, maybe in multiple sizes, plus some other flavors within the same brand if you need to branch out? Can you get both wet and dry food, just in case you need to switch it up?
Price. In today's economy, we're all looking for ways to save on the products we buy regularly, and dog food is no different. Will you save money if you buy your dog food at the store you're considering? Factor in any shipping costs, frequent buyer discounts, and any other perks that might make it a better deal than taking a trip to the pet food store near you.
Perks. Some dog food stores go the extra mile to earn your loyalty. Are there any benefits that might sweeten the deal, like free consultations with a veterinarian or rewards programs?
Reviews and reputation. Look at reviews on the dog food itself, as well as those left by the store's customers overall. Does the store offer brands and flavors that are generally well-liked by pets? Is the customer service team helpful when something doesn't go according to plan, from late deliveries to food that gets rejected by a picky pet's palate?

To help you find the right dog food store for your furry best friend, the canine-loving experts at Top Consumer Reviews have researched and ranked some of today's most popular options. So, the next time your dog looks at you with those eager, hungry eyes, you can rest easy knowing that a quick click online will have his bowl filled in no time.

Amazon

Over 4,000 dog food options
Subscribe & Save available on some products
Free same-day and overnight delivery on many dog food items

If your dog needs a restock of food ASAP but you can't get to the store, put Amazon to work. There are over 4,000 options for dog food there, with plenty available for same-day or next-day delivery at no extra cost if you've got Prime. While pricing and availability aren't always super-competitive, and we're not big fans of the mostly non-existent refund policy on pet food, Amazon performs very well on selection and shipping. If you find what you need, go right ahead and use Amazon to deliver your dog food.

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Petco

Competitive pricing
Excellent selection
Free shipping on orders of $35+

There's a long list of reasons you might consider buying your dog food at Petco, from easy-peasy in-store pickup or same-day delivery of online orders, to thousands of options for almost every brand and format of kibble, wet food, and more. Petco has also expanded its hassle-free return policy to 60 days, and you can still take advantage of the Vital Care rewards program. However, Petco earns a below-average rating due to its reputation: an "F" from the Better Business Bureau and thousands of complaints, many of which are specifically about poor fulfillment and service with online orders. We recommend checking out Petco's rivals instead.

Amazon vs Petco

2025 Dog Food Store Reviews

Amazon

Petco

Dog Food Store FAQ