Pet Food Delivery Buyer's Guide



Pet food delivery conveniently brings nutritious, fresh pet food straight to your doorstep. Choose a pet food delivery provider based on food quality, customization, and convenience.

Overview

When shopping for pet food delivery, it’s important to know what to look for so you can easily compare products. Here are some considerations to keep in mind:

What is pet food delivery?

Pet food delivery works much like other delivery services. You simply browse the store’s website, select the type and quantity of the pet food you need, and provide your address. The pet food is then delivered directly to your front door.

Increasingly, pet food delivery services are centered around providing fresh pet foods. These generally offer superior quality when compared to the typical kibble you find at the supermarket. Subscription programs allow you to set your preferences and receive pet food deliveries on a regular basis, so you don’t have to worry about re-ordering again.

Is pet food delivery worth it?

Many people find pet food delivery well worth it. Not only do you get fresh food for your pet delivered right to your door, but pet food delivery subscriptions allow you to set your preferences and get the food automatically delivered every month. This can save a lot of time and hassle versus going to the store for kibble every time you run out of pet food.

Additionally, the health benefits of fresh pet food can’t be underestimated. These fresh foods don’t use the chemicals and processing methods used to make the kibble you often see on supermarket shelves.

What are the important features of a pet food delivery service?

The most important thing for most pet owners is the quality of the pet food itself. Watch for pet food companies that emphasize freshness and quality. Many pet food providers manufacture their foods at the same quality and standards as human food and source their ingredients from sustainable, local providers.

If your pet has special dietary needs, you’ll want to make sure the pet food delivery service offers solutions for that as well. One more consideration is the price and subscription model. Affordability is only part of this equation; flexibility is another. Choose a pet food delivery service whose subscription plans and delivery frequencies fit your needs.



Are there any substitutions or replacements for pet food delivery?

Because of their unique combination of high-quality, often human-grade food delivered straight to your door, there isn’t really a substitute for fresh pet food delivery services. Probably the nearest thing would be preparing the fresh dog food yourself. But there are disadvantages to doing it this way, in terms of time and having the specialized knowledge it takes to cook a nutritious meal for your pet.

Pet Food Delivery FAQ

So how do you choose the pet food delivery that’s right for you? These are the questions consumers are asking when shopping for pet food delivery.

Is there such a thing as same-day pet food delivery?

Several retailers offer same-day pet food delivery. However, most of these options only sell pre-packed foods from popular household brands. They do not typically offer fresh food options.

With fresh pet food delivery services, there are usually custom options. This is a large part of the reason you might choose them—to have something made with your pet in mind. This more individual approach means same-day shipping isn’t likely to be an option, however.

Is fresh pet food really better?

Fresh food is better for pets for the same reasons fresh food is better for humans. It is overall more wholesome, less processed, and less likely to be full of chemicals and preservatives. However, as is the case with any change in diet, it is always wise to check with your veterinarian to make sure fresh food is the right choice for your pet. They might have advice and specific tips on special ingredients your pet needs, which can help guide your shopping decisions.

Do I need to refrigerate fresh pet food?

This depends on the kind of pet food you purchase. Some fresh pet foods utilize special dehydration techniques that result in something resembling dry kibble (but much healthier) that may not need to be refrigerated.

Other fresh foods have gone without stabilization processes and arrive in refrigerated packages. These foods will likely need to be stored in your fridge. Be sure to check with your specific pet food delivery provider for storage instructions.



Why can’t I just cook pet food at home?

While cooking pet food at home might seem like a good idea and a more affordable way to approach fresh pet food, the truth is that most people are not equipped to do it. Unless you know your pet's specific health needs and how to accommodate them, you’re better off using a professional service. Pet food delivery services have already done the research for you, saving you time on both the nutritional science and the preparation.

What if my pet doesn’t like fresh food? Can I get my money back?

Most pet food delivery services will happily refund your money if your pet doesn’t like their food. It doesn’t hurt to check their specific return policies, though.

Final Thoughts

When looking for the best pet food delivery, choose one that provides your pet with all the nutrients they need, offers added convenience, and comes in at a price point you can afford.