Chewy vs Petco: Where to Buy Pet Food and Supplies

Pets are family, and they come with recurring bills: food, treats, litter, toys, medication and more. Where you buy them matters, because a small saving on a bag of kibble adds up over a pet's lifetime.

Two names dominate the pet retail landscape: Chewy, an online-first retailer, and Petco, a chain of stores with a growing online presence. Their offers and prices change frequently, so this comparison focuses on how each business works and who it suits.

Two different approaches

Chewy was founded in 2011 as an online pet supplies store and built a reputation for reliable delivery, a huge selection and customer service that has been widely praised. It offers an autoship program that gives a discount on recurring orders, plus a membership program with additional perks. The company has also expanded into pharmacy services and veterinary care in some locations.

Petco operates stores across the United States, offering pet food, supplies, grooming, training classes and, in many locations, veterinary services. It also sells online, with options for home delivery and in-store pickup. Its Repeat Delivery program is similar to autoship, and membership plans bundle discounts on services and products.

Side-by-side

Policies change, so confirm current terms and delivery thresholds before you commit.

When Chewy shines

• Heavy or bulky items. Litter, large bags of food and pet beds arrive at your door.
• Recurring purchases. Autoship keeps you from running out and gives a discount on many products.
• Selection. If your pet has specific dietary needs or you like niche brands, the range is hard to beat online.
• Customer service. Many reviewers describe helpful, fast responses when orders go wrong.

When Petco shines

• In-store help. Staff can point you to products, and you can compare items in person.
• Services. Grooming, training and vet clinics under one roof are useful.
• Last-minute needs. If you run out of food at 7 pm, a local store can save the day.
• Live animals and habitat supplies. For fish tanks, reptile equipment and small animals, physical stores offer expert advice.

Other places to shop

PetSmart, Amazon, Walmart, Target, farm supply stores and independent pet shops all compete. Local independents often provide expert advice, support community businesses and sometimes match prices. Always compare the unit price per pound or per serving, since bag sizes differ.

Tips for buying pet food

1. Check the label. Look for a statement that the food is "complete and balanced" for your pet's life stage, according to recognized nutritional standards.
2. Talk to your vet about your pet's needs, especially for puppies, kittens, seniors and animals with health conditions.
3. Change foods gradually over seven to ten days, mixing increasing amounts of the new food with the old.
4. Check for recalls on manufacturer and regulatory websites.
5. Store food properly in a cool, dry place, in its original bag inside an airtight container.
6. Do not chase trends. Grain-free and exotic-ingredient diets are not automatically better, and your vet can help you choose.

Save money without cutting corners

• Use autoship or repeat delivery for the discounts, but review orders regularly so you do not accumulate too much food.
• Buy larger bags if you have storage and the food will not go stale before your pet finishes it.
• Compare prices across retailers and use price-match policies where available.
• Watch for sales, especially around major shopping events; see our Black Friday strategy.
• Cash in on loyalty programs and manufacturer coupons.
• Do not skimp on safety. Buy sturdy toys, appropriate sizes and products from reputable brands.

Beware of scams

Online pet marketplaces can attract scammers, particularly for puppies and kittens and for discounted prescription medication. If a price seems too good to be true, or a seller demands payment by gift card or wire transfer, walk away. Our scam guide explains the warning signs.

Which should you choose?

Choose Chewy if:

• You want reliable delivery of food, litter and supplies.
• You value customer service and easy returns.
• You are happy to plan your purchases ahead.

Choose Petco if:

• You want grooming, training or vet services nearby.
• You prefer to see products in person.
• You need same-day pickup for essentials.

The takeaway

The best pet retailer is the one that keeps your animal fed, healthy and happy at a price you can afford. For many owners, that means autoship for routine items and a local store for services and emergencies. Compare, but do not lose sleep over pennies: consistency and quality matter most to your pet.