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Are dog food subscriptions worth the money? Pet parents have opinions

Mary Johnson
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Pet parents spend between $1,400 and $4,300 per year on their dogs, with the cost of food being one of the largest contributing factors. If you’ve ever found yourself Googling search terms like “best dog food for the best price,” you’re not alone. Unfortunately, recent dog food recalls have driven many pet parents to make their own dog food.

But there’s another solution. It may be time to think about signing up for a subscription box for your pup. In addition to providing top-of-the-line dog food, the best dog food packages save you hours of research and food prep. These dog food subscriptions are the best of the best, according to fellow pet parents.  

A yellow Labrador retriever eats dry kibble from a bowl.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

1. Chewy

Does your fur baby already have a favorite food? By now, you’ve probably considered ordering it online, but did you know Chewy offers an automatic subscription? In addition to your pup’s favorite noshes, you’ll be able to stock up on treats, bedding, and even holiday costumes at this online big-box retailer for pets. Whether you need dog shampoo, potty pads, or a new squeaky toy, Chewy offers 5%–10% discounts on some of your favorite brands. Additionally, you’ll be able to set up your shipment frequency, save 30% on your first subscription order, and you’ll receive free shipping on every order over $49. 

A Golden Retriever licks his nose while he eats.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

2. Nom Nom

There are perks to making your own dog food, but wouldn’t it be even better if you could essentially get someone else to make it for you? With Nom Nom, you’ll be able to specifically tailor your dog’s meal plan to his age and size. The result? Freshly made meals packed with nutritious ingredients in the ideal portion size for your beloved fur baby. Nom Nom also offers treats and nutritional supplements, so you can rest assured that you’re meeting all of your pooch’s dietary needs. Choose from one of four recipes crafted to meet AAFCO Food Nutrient Profiles, and you’ll receive carefully packaged dishes that make serving dinner a snap. While it’s not the cheapest service (monthly costs range from $49 to $328), we love the option of choosing from weekly, biweekly, and monthly deliveries. Nom Nom is currently offering 20% off if you start your two-week trial today.

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3. The Farmer’s Dog

As pet parents, we know our fur babies are all unique, and The Farmer’s Dog agrees. You’ll be able to create a personalized profile and select food based on your pooch’s age, breed, ideal weight, activity level, and even food allergies. Using fresh, human-grade ingredients, The Farmer’s Dog dishes out nutritionally dense meals in easy-to-open packages. They’re currently offering 50% off your first purchase if you subscribe now, and you can choose the frequency of your deliveries. Average weekly costs range from $16 to $90, depending on your dog’s breed and the number of pups you’re feeding.  

4. Spot and Tango

If you’ve ever questioned the quality of ingredients used in dog food, Spot and Tango may be the subscription box for you. Using locally farmed, human-grade ingredients, Spot and Tango offers pups a farm-to-table approach to mealtime. Once Spot and Tango has your pooch’s age, weight, and activity level, the company sends out nutritionist-developed fresh dog food in perfectly proportioned, vacuum-sealed containers. Your pup’s meals arrive frozen, so all you have to do is thaw them out, pop open the container, and feed your fur baby a fresh, nutritionally balanced meal. Meals are delivered every week and cost an average of $2 per meal. For a limited time, new users will receive 50% off the cost of a subscription and free dog treats for life.

5. Pet Plate

While many dog food brands rely on meat by-products to bulk up their lackluster recipes, Pet Plate believes in providing the best quality to pooches nationwide. Pet Plate provides human-grade, USDA meats prepared using vet-crafted recipes. Choose from beef, chicken, turkey, or lamb, and serving your pup’s meal is as easy as opening a container and dishing out meals. Input your pup’s age, breed, weight, and health level, and you’ll receive a weekly delivery of healthy meals starting as low as just $1 per day. Best of all, new subscribers will get 50% off meals and treats.

An overhead shot of a dog and a bowl of dry kibble on a wood floor.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Ordering high-quality, nutrient-dense food for your pooch doesn’t have to cost a small fortune, and we’ve rounded up the most highly rated dog food subscriptions to prove it. With one of our favorites, you’ll save yourself time, effort, and several shopping trips all with the touch of a button. Your beloved pooch’s new favorite food is only a click away, and you can have it delivered right to your doorstep. What could be easier than that? 

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Mary Johnson
Mary Johnson
Contributor
Mary Johnson is a writer and photographer from New Orleans, Louisiana. Her work has been published in PawTracks and…
What you need to know about pet insurance and vaccines
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Before kittens and puppies are 6–8 weeks old, they receive antibiotics from their mother's milk (as long as she's been vaccinated and has a healthy immune system). After that, your veterinarian will need to give your pet vaccines and boosters until she's 16 weeks old. Adult dogs and cats will need annual vaccines, with some vaccines lasting up to three years before the animals require another injection. Most veterinarians send vaccine updates in the mail to let you know when your pet is due for her vaccine, but we recommend keeping track of it at home just in case they forget to notify you — or if the card gets lost in the mail.
Does pet insurance cover vaccinations?
We don't blame you if you've frantically Googled some variation of "pet insurance vaccinations" only to walk away feeling more confused than ever. Insurance lingo can be tricky to understand, and that's doubly true for pet insurance. So, does pet insurance cover vaccinations? If you want to get technical, no. Traditional pet insurance covers illness and injury, but general health care for things like dental cleanings and vaccinations isn't covered. However, if you opt for a wellness plan (which isn't considered a true health insurance policy), routine care like dental visits, vaccines, and even microchipping is covered. The definition of routine care depends on the provider, but almost all wellness plans recognize the importance of vaccinations. 

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Gum disease or tooth loss
An opaque film over the eyes, which could be due to cataracts or lens thickening
Changes in weight
Loss of muscle mass
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Graying muzzle (you may also see white hairs on the paws, chest, or throughout your dog's coat)
Hearing loss
Behavioral changes 
Signs of arthritis, such as limping or swollen joints

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