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Sunday, November 3rd
Walmart is probably the most budget-friendly place to get everything that's currently on your shopping list - including dog food. Do we even need to explain further, when you've probably got at least three Walmarts within easy driving distance? (Or at least one if you don't happen to live in an urban/suburban area...)
All the staple dog food brands
It shouldn't surprise you that Walmart carries basic brands of dog food - so anything you might have to visit a pet shop to buy (or even a specialty feed store), you're not likely to find it on Walmart's website. You'll be limited mostly to the tried-and-true brands like Pedigree, Purina, Blue Buffalo, IAMS, and so on, among the 20 brands Walmart sells. But, there are over 1,000 dog food options to choose from, even with some higher-end formulas like grain-free or digestive care, if your pupper needs that.
Test cases: 50-50 results
That being said, Walmart didn't have any dog food from one of the brands we looked for as an apples-to-apples comparison, Taste of the Wild. It wasn't really a surprise, given Walmart's approach to low prices; Taste of the Wild focuses on higher-quality ingredients and isn't what we would call "budget-friendly”. On the other hand, Walmart had no availability issues with the more traditional brand we used in our comparison, Cesar. There were over 282 options to choose from. And, it was nice to be able to buy just a single package at a time (in case we wanted to let our dog try something new without committing to a whole multi-pack). Of course, if you do want to buy a bunch at once, Walmart carries Cesar (and other brands) in larger packs too: we found a 24-pack of Home Delights for $32.97, and there was a $3 Walmart Cash manufacturer offer to bring the price down even more. Walmart is a price leader, and that includes dog food.
Check out the thousands of reviews on some dog food products
Not sure what to get? Check out the customer reviews on individual dog food items at Walmart: some products have over 12,000 of them. That's an advantage of shopping at a huge retailer like Walmart; even though they don't specialize in pets, they can still show you what most people are saying about the dog food you're buying.
Take note of the shipping/delivery/pickup availability
Just pay attention to the delivery options: not all dog food is available for shipping. Some options are designated strictly for in-store pickup of online orders or same-day local delivery. It makes the W+ subscription worth considering if you're going to be ordering your dog food frequently from Walmart - you'll save money on both delivery and shipping (while in-store pickup is always free). W+ is often offered at a discount, and you may even spot an offer for a 30-day free trial as you shop.
Refunds and returns are not likely
What if your dog doesn't like the food you get from Walmart? The retailer typically has a 90-day return policy. However, that doesn't apply to non-perishable items, which we assume includes dog food. And, it typically refers to new, unopened products. So, if you're ready to experiment a little with your pet's provisions, we'd recommend starting with a small bag, can, or loaf first - because it's not likely that you can take it back if it's been used and refused by Rover. That's one downside in comparison with some of the stores on our list that specialize in pet products.
Good enough for basic dog food
There's no big reason not to get your dog food from Walmart, if they carry the food your dog needs and it's convenient to buy it there (along with your groceries, the supplies for your home project you've been putting off, and just about anything else you could need). However, the drawbacks are the obvious ones (like not carrying some well-known, higher-end brands or not allowing easy-peasy returns and refunds on opened dog food containers.
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