10 Tips to Choose the Right Dog Food Delivery Service
Everyone wants their pets to live the best lives possible. To make this more convenient, several dog food delivery services now send raw food, kibble, and nutritious cooked meals for dogs straight to their abode. However, choosing the right one can feel quite stressful with so many options. One can make this task easier by learning more about how these delivery services work and following tips on choosing the right one.
Consider the cost
Dog food is a daily expense, which is why it is crucial to work with a budget. Prices for dog food can vary greatly depending on the dog’s breed, age, activity levels, and nutritional needs. On average, most dog food delivery services can cost between $25 to $40 per week, with many offering bulk or subscription discounts and offers. One must find a service that fits well within one’s budget and can be continued comfortably.
Check for convenience
Dog food delivery services are a truly convenient way of ensuring a healthy food supply for one’s pets without hauling heavy bags of kibble around. However, there is more that pet owners should pay attention to. Companies may offer a one-time, weekly, or monthly subscription service to suit multiple lifestyles and needs. Some may even provide same-day dog food delivery. Check if the desired service offers these plans or delivers conveniently for its customers.
While this may not directly be related to food, check if the company is easy to contact via phone or email in case of questions, queries, or concerns. It can improve customer convenience by a mile.
Check for quality
Next, it is essential to check the food quality these services offer. For instance, “fresh” dog food must only be prepared in USDA-approved kitchens or FDA-approved facilities. It must also be made using human-grade ingredients, as specified by the USDA and FDA guidelines.
Inspect nutritional claims
Most pups require a meal plan high in protein and low in carbohydrates and fats. To ensure this, avoid foods with too many filler ingredients, such as corn, wheat, rice, soy, etc. These are often found in low-quality dog foods to create bulk, but they may not always suit dogs.
Instead, one must look for a dog food delivery service that offers nutritionally complete and balanced meals to help dogs stay healthy. This can be checked by analyzing if the brand meets AAFCO guidelines in third-party analyses. AAFCO, or the Association of American Feed Control Officials, is a private association that establishes guidelines for pet food ingredients, labels, and trials.
Confirm it aligns with the dog’s nutritional needs
Every dog has different nutritional requirements based on age, breed, activity levels, and overall health. Some may have allergies or special nutritional needs to manage issues such as a sensitive stomach, joint issues, heart health, eye health, etc. Before signing up for any new service, consult a veterinarian to find the best-suited meal option for one’s pet.
Do not fall for marketing that reads “customized” or “personalized” meals. It does not guarantee a wholesome meal that will ensure the pup’s holistic care. Always get an expert opinion to confirm that the food meets the dog’s nutritional needs.
Think about storage
Store-bought dog food is easy to stock up on. It can easily be kept in one’s pantry and used as required. With fresh or raw dog food ordered via delivery services, this becomes a bit of a hassle, as it needs to be kept in a fridge or freezer. Get ready to devote freezer space to large volumes of food, or consider signing up for plans with a delivery option that suits one’s current storage abilities.
Check company reviews
Lastly, check the company’s reviews. Look them up online or visit their website to see what other customers say about their food. It can be a good indicator of the company’s reputation and quality of food and service.
How does one order from a dog food delivery service?
Ordering from food delivery services is relatively easy. Here’s a breakdown of the process:
- Set up an account with the service provider. At this stage, customers will be asked to fill in details such as their name, contact details, delivery address, and payment method.
- Find food suitable for one’s dog(s) and add it to the cart. The company may also have many add-on products like toys, clothes, bows, leashes, etc.
- Now, it’s time to place the order. Follow the instructions. Companies may offer a choice between expedited or regular shipping. They may also prompt customers to choose how frequently they want the products – is it a one-time delivery or an automated subscription service? Select these details and finalize the order. It will be delivered straight to one’s doorstep.
- Over time, customers may feel the need to make changes to their orders. This customization can be done by simply visiting one’s profile and updating the existing order.