Buying Dog Food On Amazon 2023 (Quality, Is It Safe + More)
Amazon has become the go-to place for many pet owners to purchase dog food online. With fast shipping through Amazon Prime and a wide selection of popular brands, it‘s an appealing option. But is buying dog food on Amazon really a good idea? Are the products safe and high quality?
In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll explore everything you need to know about purchasing dog food through Amazon. We‘ll cover safety, quality, price comparisons, Amazon‘s own brands, and more. Read on for tips and advice to make informed choices for your furry friend!
Overview of Dog Food on Amazon
Amazon sells many well-known dog food brands like Purina, Pedigree, Iams, Blue Buffalo, Taste of the Wild, Wellness, and more. You‘ll also find specialty and prescription diets from Hills, Royal Canin, and Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets.
In addition to popular brands, Amazon has their own private label dog foods:
Wag: Dry kibble recipes for puppies, adults, seniors, and large breed dogs. Wet food options too.
Amazon Basics: More affordable dry kibble recipes for puppies and adults.
Pros of buying dog food on Amazon:
- Huge selection of top brands and formulas
- Free 2-day shipping with Amazon Prime
- Lower prices than pet stores on some brands
- Convenience of online ordering and delivery
Potential cons:
- Storage and handling practices unknown
- Some reports of damaged or expired products
- Limited info on manufacturing and quality control
- Counterfeit concerns with certain brands
Overall, Amazon provides the convenience of shopping top brands online. But extra care should be taken when purchasing food and comparing prices. Always check expiration dates and packaging upon delivery.
Is Dog Food on Amazon Safe to Feed?
The majority of name-brand dog foods sold on Amazon are absolutely safe. Reputable companies like Purina and Hills Science Diet follow strict quality and safety standards. As long as storage and handling practices are sound, these foods will be nutritious and healthy.
However, there are some concerns over counterfeit products and improper storage/shipping:
Counterfeits: Some reports of fake dog foods being sold under the labels of major brands. This is most common with specialty formulas from Blue Buffalo, Taste of the Wild, and Rachel Ray Nutrish.
Warehouses and shipping: Unknown storage conditions. Food not kept climate controlled or exposed to pests. Potential for damage during shipping.
Expired products: Occasional reports of expired dog food being shipped and sold. Always check dates before use!
Tips for safety:
Stick to well-known national brands with verifiable sources
Inspect packaging closely for damage, tampering, or irregularities
Check expiration date to ensure food is fresh
Contact seller/manufacturer if product seems questionable
Consider refrigerated/frozen foods only from Amazon Fresh
The vast majority of dog foods purchased on Amazon will be authentic and safe. But it’s wise to be vigilant and inspect products closely, especially when trying new or specialty brands.
Is the Quality of Dog Food on Amazon Reliable?
Again, quality largely depends on the brand. Foods from reputable companies like Iams, Purina, Royal Canin, and Hill‘s are held to rigorous quality standards – providing complete nutrition and quality ingredients.
Watch out for:
Wag brand: Many negative reviews and issues. Quality and consistency concerns. Made by undisclosed manufacturers.
Unknown brands: Do research to confirm manufacturing practices and quality control measures. Avoid brands with no history or formal FDA registration.
Third party sellers: Not always authorized distributors. Higher risk of poor storage, expired foods, and counterfeits.
Signs of poor quality:
Ingredient list not specific (poultry vs. chicken, fish vs. salmon)
Meat meal rather than whole meats (chicken meal vs. chicken)
Artificial preservatives (BHA, BHT, ethoxyquin)
Lots of plant-based protein boosters (pea protein, potato protein)
Misleading labeling and marketing
Stick to recognizable brands and partner with your vet to identify high quality diets tailored to your dog’s needs and age. While price can indicate quality, it’s not a definitive factor.
Price Comparisons: Is Dog Food Cheaper on Amazon or Chewy?
There is no consistent price difference between Amazon and competitor Chewy when it comes to dog food. It really comes down to the specific brand and size you are buying.
Here are some general trends:
Amazon prices can be lower on: Purina, Iams, Eukanuba, Rachel Ray Nutrish, Taste of the Wild, Blue Buffalo
Chewy prices can be lower on: Hill‘s Science Diet, Royal Canin, Wellness, Natural Balance
Similar pricing between retailers on: Nutro, Merrick, Instinct, Nulo, Zignature, Diamond Naturals
Other factors affecting price:
Bigger sizes (40+ pounds) tend to be cheaper on Chewy
Chewy has more frequent sales, promos, and autoship discounts
Amazon prices fluctuate often based on stock and demand
Check seller ratings and restrictions. Third parties sometimes inflate pricing
Tips for getting the best deal:
Compare prices per pound/per meal across retailers
Look for promos and coupons from either retailer
Stick to 2-day Prime ship eligible items on Amazon for free shipping
Consider setting up recurring deliveries on Chewy for 5-10% off each order
Taking the time to price shop can lead to good savings. Products go on promotion randomly at each retailer, so being flexible helps find deals.
Should I Buy Amazon‘s Own Dog Food Brands?
Brand | Type | Price | Reviews | Quality |
---|---|---|---|---|
Wag | Dry kibble and wet food | Budget | Poor – 2 stars | Low |
Amazon Basics | Dry kibble | Budget | Mediocre – 3 stars | Medium |
The general consensus is to avoid Amazon‘s own dog food brands, especially Wag. While cheaper in price, these house brands are made by unknown manufacturers and quality is inconsistent.
Wag dog food frequently receives negative reviews from customers – with reports of vomiting, diarrhea, rashes, and allergic reactions in pets. There are also many complaints over mold, bugs, and packaging issues. At under $1 per pound, it‘s very budget-friendly but this brand cannot be recommended.
Amazon Basics dry dog food fares a little better with average reviews. It contains corn, soy, and plant-based proteins – making it more affordable. But meat meal takes priority over whole meats. Experts caution feeding this long-term, especially for active or larger breed dogs. For small dogs or temporary use, it may be acceptable.
For the best quality and safety, it’s advisable to spend a little more on established name brands with a history of strict oversight and nutrition research. This is especially true for puppies or dogs with sensitivities. Specialty veterinary formulas are ideal for medical conditions.
What Are the Best Dog Food Brands on Amazon?
Here are some recommended dog food brands available on Amazon:
Dry Food:
Taste of the Wild: Grain-free recipes made with premium meats, fruits, and vegetables. Great quality for the price.
Purina ONE SmartBlend: Contains a blend of high-quality protein sources and probiotics. Vet recommended brand.
Iams ProActive Health: Whole grains and high-protein chicken combined with glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health.
Hill‘s Science Diet: Formulated by vets for optimal nutrition. Several therapeutic formulas for specific health needs.
Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition: Tailored nutrition based on a dog‘s breed size and age. Trusted brand.
Wet Food:
Purina Fancy Feast: Smooth pate and tender morsels with real meat. Veterinary technician recommended.
Iams Perfect Portions: Grain-free patties in sauce with size-appropriate nutrition.
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Trailtops: Grain and gluten-free stews focused on real meat protein.
Tiki Dog Aloha Petites: Nutrient-rich recipes made with whole food ingredients.
Merrick Lil‘ Plates: Grain-free soft food with deboned meat, fruits, and vegetables.
Doing your homework pays off in finding quality and value. Talk to your veterinarian and read reviews to pinpoint the best dog food for your pet’s needs.
Can I Buy Dog Food on Amazon Fresh or at Whole Foods?
Within Amazon‘s grocery offerings, options for dog food are somewhat limited:
Amazon Fresh – carries the Freshpet refrigerated dog food brand both in-store and online. Recipes include fresh-cooked meats and wholesome ingredients tailored for different breed sizes and life stages. Pricing is very reasonable for the quality.
Whole Foods – stocks primarily natural, organic, and grain-free dog foods. Look for brands like Buckley Pet, Spot & Smiley, Nature‘s Variety, Solid Gold, and Sojos. More limited selection focused on smaller bags. Prices reflect the premium organic positioning.
The product range isn‘t vast, but you can find some high quality and unique dog food brands through these Amazon grocery channels. Inventory varies by location. Expect to pay higher prices than mass-market grocery chains.
Beyond Freshpet and Whole Foods‘ organic brands, your best bet is to order more mainstream and veterinary recommended dog foods for delivery via regular Amazon.com or Prime. The selection is unparalleled.
5 Tips for Buying Dog Food on Amazon
Here are my top tips for successfully buying dog food on Amazon:
Stick to recognizable brands – Avoid obscure or private label foods with no quality history. Reputable brands offer peace of mind.
Inspect packaging and product closely – Check for damage, tampering, and irregularities. Confirm freshness date is satisfactory.
Compare prices – Prices fluctuate frequently, so cross-check other sites like Chewy to find the best deal.
Watch reviews – Read feedback closely to identify recurring issues. Sort reviews by most recent for latest batch experiences.
Consult your vet – Ask for brand and formula recommendations tailored to your dog‘s needs and condition. Vet endorsement brings confidence.
The Verdict: Is Amazon a Good Place to Buy Dog Food?
Overall, yes – Amazon is a convenient, affordable source for quality dog food. Thanks to Prime shipping, you‘ll have leading brands delivered fast. Stick to well-known labels to ensure safety and nutrition. Check packaging closely upon arrival and contact Amazon promptly about any concerns.
While competitive on price for popular brands, steer clear of Amazon‘s own dog food lines like Wag and Amazon Basics. For organic or fresh cooked options, look to Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods. With extra care and consideration for your dog‘s needs, you can take advantage of Amazon‘s dog food selection and prices confidently.