We evaluate products and services based on unbiased research. Top Consumer Reviews may earn money when you click on a link. Learn more about our process.
Friday, July 11th
Is it time for a Target run? If you're out of dog food, the answer might be a big "YES!” Fortunately for you, it's never been easier to do your shopping trip virtually: just shop online, add everything you need to the cart, and have it sent to you or ready for pickup - you don't even have to go inside. (And that might be better for your wallet anyway...)
Test case #1: no specialty brands here
Target carries just over 500 options for dog food, mostly in the typical grocery store brands you'll recognize (like Purina, Pedigree, Blue Buffalo, and IAMS). You might find a few specialty brands as well, but Target didn't carry the one we used as a comparison across dog food retailers (Taste of the Wild). We weren't really surprised by that; it's just worth pointing out.
Test case #2: solid selection of Cesar
However, on our other comparison product (any wet dog food by Cesar), Target was decently-stocked with almost 50 results. And, unlike a lot of the retailers we evaluated, Target had options for purchasing just one item instead of a whole case: we could order a single pouch of Wood-Grilled Chicken Filets in Gravy for less than a dollar or a single loaf in multiple flavors. That's a big win if you've got a particular pooch and you're not sure he's going to like something new that goes in his bowl. And, if you do need to stock up, you could get the 36-loaf variety box for just $40.99.
Pet product promos
Plus, you know Target is the king of sales - and at the time of our review, there was a promo offering a $10 gift card with the purchase of three select pet food/treat items (including many of the dog food options we looked at).
Lots of ways to get your dog food
How would you like to get your dog food? Because Target is, well, everywhere, you should be able to choose among free delivery, in-store pickup, and even same-day delivery. It's easy to see at a glance if any dog food you're considering is available at your favorite Target location (or to check nearby stores if not), or by when you could expect to have it on your doorstep if you opt for shipping.
Reviews, responses, and returns, oh my
Target's popularity also means you can almost always see a ton of shopper reviews on any dog food you might buy. One Cesar option alone had over 300 ratings that averaged a perfect 5 stars. Jump down and read through them and you might even spot some cute pupper photos. We also noticed that the manufacturers themselves respond to reviews, particularly the negative ones. That's a big plus, because Target's general return policy is 90 days on unopened products - but if the brand itself says "Hey, let us make it right”, why not? Also, we know that Target is often much more generous than their policies state, so there's absolutely a chance that if Rover's new kibble doesn't agree with his tummy, you might be able to take it to your local store and get your money back.
Just "good enough” for dog food
At the end of the day, Target isn't a bad choice for dog food - if you find the brand(s) you need. It's also an obvious one-stop shop for all of the items on your shopping list, for pets or people alike. But, because the inventory is missing some of the brands we know and love, and we're not 100% sure that you can get a refund if something you try out is a miss instead of a hit, we give Target a middle-of-the-road rating as a dog food retailer.
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:
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.
Select any 2 Dog Food Stores to compare them head to head