Vet-Formulated · AAFCO Compliant

Pet food, built for the bowl.

Pet food is the foundation of your pet's health. PetMeds carries 10 vet-recommended foods and treats — everyday kibble from Hill's Science Diet, Royal Canin, Purina Pro Plan, Blue Buffalo, Wellness Core, and Instinct, plus prescription diets from Hill's Prescription Diet, Royal Canin Veterinary, and Purina Pro Plan Veterinary. Every prescription diet is verified by a licensed PharmD. Free feeding calculator, 10-day transition guide, allergen filter. Save 15% with AutoShip.

10Vet-recommended foods
3Prescription diets
15%AutoShip savings
100%PharmD reviewed Rx
A dog waiting near a bowl of premium kibble — vet-recommended pet food delivered

Prescription diets verified by a licensed PharmD

Reviewed by Dr. Sarah Chen, PharmD
  • AAFCO Compliant
  • Vet Recommended
  • PharmD Reviewed Rx
  • Free Ship $49+
  • 30-Day Returns
  • 30 Years Trusted
Quick Answer

How do I choose the right food for my pet?

Choosing the right pet food starts with three things: your pet's life stage, their health needs, and the form of food you want to feed. Puppies and kittens need higher-calorie growth formulas; adults need maintenance; seniors benefit from lower-calorie, joint-supportive formulas. Look for an AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement on the label. For specific conditions like kidney disease, food allergies, or urinary issues, your vet may recommend a prescription diet.

Reviewed by Dr. Sarah Chen, PharmD Licensed pharmacist · University of Florida College of Pharmacy · Last reviewed October 9, 2026
Signature Interactive

What's the right food for my pet?

Answer three questions about your pet — species, life stage, and primary concern — and the PetMeds food finder will match you to the formulas that fit. All recommendations are vet-recommended and AAFCO-compliant.

Step 1 of 3 — What kind of pet?

Step 2 of 3 — What life stage?

Step 3 of 3 — What matters most?

Here's what we recommend.

Based on your pet's profile, these foods match best.

Tools

How do I switch my pet to a new food safely?

Switching foods too fast causes stomach upset. Transition over 7–10 days by mixing increasing amounts of the new food into the old. Start at 75% old / 25% new, hold for 3 days, then 50/50 for days 4–6, 75/25 for days 7–9, and 100% new by day 10. The two tools below help you find the right food and plan the transition.

Signature Interactive

Find the Right Food

Three quick questions. We'll match your pet to the right formula — plus treats that pair with it.

Step 1 of 3 — What kind of pet?

Step 2 of 3 — What's their life stage?

Step 3 of 3 — What matters most?

Here's what we recommend for your adult dog.

Everyday nutrition for a healthy adult — plus the treats most pet parents pair with it.

Shop All Food
Signature Interactive

The 10-Day Transition Plan

Switching foods too fast causes stomach upset. Click any day below to see exactly how to mix the old food with the new.

Day 1
75% old food
25% new

Start with mostly the old food. Watch for changes in appetite, stool consistency, and energy. If anything looks off, slow the transition down.

Why 10 days? A gradual transition gives your pet's gut bacteria time to adjust. Skipping straight to the new food can cause vomiting, diarrhea, or refusal to eat — often misread as "they hate the new food."
Signature Interactive

How much should I feed my pet?

Feeding amounts depend on your pet's weight, age, and activity level. Start with the feeding chart on the bag, then adjust by 10% up or down based on body condition — you should be able to feel ribs without seeing them. This calculator estimates daily cups and monthly cost so you know what AutoShip quantity to set up.

Daily Amount
2.0
cups per day · split into 2 meals
Monthly food~60 cups
Monthly cost (AutoShip)$85
Bag size recommendation30 lb bag
Signature Interactive

How do I build a daily meal plan for my pet?

Build a daily feeding schedule around your pet's species, weight, and activity level. The planner suggests how to split the daily portion across meals and treats — useful for pets on weight management programs, seniors, and puppies or kittens still on multiple meals a day.

2.0 Cups / day total
2 Meals per day
120 Treat calories / day
Comparison

What's the difference between fresh food and kibble?

Fresh and raw food offers higher moisture, higher palatability, and often simpler ingredient lists — but costs 3–5× more than kibble and requires refrigeration. Dry kibble is more economical, convenient, and shelf-stable. Both can meet AAFCO standards. The right choice depends on your budget, your pet's needs, and how much time you want to spend on feeding.

Dry Kibble

Moisture
6–10%
Shelf life
6 weeks after opening
Cost per day
$1.50–$4.00
Storage
Room temperature
Palatability
Moderate
AAFCO compliant
Yes

Fresh / Raw

Moisture
60–75%
Shelf life
4–5 days refrigerated
Cost per day
$4.00–$12.00
Storage
Refrigerated or frozen
Palatability
Very high
AAFCO compliant
Depends on brand
$78 Kibble / month
$240 Fresh / month
Allergen Filter

Which foods are safe for pets with allergies?

Common pet food allergens include chicken, beef, dairy, wheat, soy, and corn. If your pet has a suspected food allergy, select the ingredients they react to below and we'll show you which foods are safe alternatives. Talk to your vet before starting an elimination diet.

Select ingredients to avoid

We'll show you the foods on this page that are safe alternatives.

Select any ingredients your pet reacts to to see safe food alternatives from this page.
Shop Food & Treats

What foods and treats does PetMeds carry?

PetMeds carries 10 vet-recommended foods and treats across everyday kibble, prescription diets, and dental chews. Brands include Hill's Science Diet, Royal Canin, Purina Pro Plan, Blue Buffalo, Wellness Core, Instinct, Greenies, and Hill's Prescription Diet. Filter by species, life stage, or dietary need.

Pet food and treats

Showing 10 products

    Signature Interactive

    How do I compare pet foods side by side?

    Select up to four foods to compare species, life stage, form, protein source, grain content, price, and AutoShip pricing. The comparison matrix pulls from the same product data used across the site.

    Pick two or more foods above

    We'll pull up species, life stage, form, ingredients, and price in a side-by-side view.

    Safety First

    What should I check before changing my pet's food?

    Food changes are safe when made gradually and matched to your pet's needs. These five checks prevent the most common errors — and every PetMeds pharmacist is available at 1-800-738-6337 if you have a question.

    Check for the AAFCO statement. Every complete-and-balanced pet food carries an AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement on the label. It confirms the food meets minimum nutritional requirements for the stated life stage. If it's missing, the food may be "for intermittent or supplemental feeding only."
    Never switch foods overnight. Sudden food changes are the #1 cause of GI upset. Transition over 7–10 days using the 10-Day Transition Plan on this page. Puppies, seniors, and pets with sensitive stomachs should transition even more slowly.
    Prescription diets require a vet prescription. Prescription diets like Hill's k/d, Royal Canin Urinary SO, and Purina Pro Plan EN require a valid prescription from your vet. They ship through the same pharmacy review pipeline as prescription medications — verified by a licensed PharmD before shipment.
    Store food properly and use it fresh. Keep dry food in its original bag inside an airtight container. Store at room temperature, away from direct sunlight. Use within 6 weeks of opening. Choose a bag size your pet will finish in that window.
    Watch for signs of a food allergy. Chronic itching (especially face, ears, and paws), recurrent ear infections, vomiting, and diarrhea can all point to a food allergy. Talk to your vet about an elimination diet trial — it's the most reliable way to identify the trigger.
    Quick Answers

    Quick answers about pet food

    Short, direct answers to the questions pet parents ask most.

    How do I switch my pet to a new food?
    Transition gradually over 7–10 days. Mix 25% new food with 75% old for the first 3 days, then 50/50 for days 4–6, 75/25 for days 7–9, and 100% new food by day 10. A slow transition prevents stomach upset. The 10-Day Transition Plan on this page walks you through every day.
    Does PetMeds sell prescription diets?
    Yes. Prescription diets like Hill's Prescription Diet, Royal Canin Veterinary Diet, and Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets are available with a valid prescription from your veterinarian. They ship through the same pharmacy review pipeline as prescription medications — verified by a licensed PharmD before they leave our facility.
    How should I store pet food?
    Keep dry food in its original bag inside an airtight container — not directly in the container, which strips the kibble of its natural oils. Store at room temperature, away from direct sunlight. Use within 6 weeks of opening for best freshness.
    Can I put my pet food on AutoShip?
    Yes. Every food and treat on PetMeds can be scheduled for AutoShip delivery at 30-, 45-, 60-, or 90-day intervals. AutoShip saves 15% on every order and always ships free with no minimum. You can skip, delay, or cancel any shipment from your account with one click.
    What's the difference between grain-free and grain-inclusive food?
    Grain-free food replaces grains like wheat, corn, and rice with alternative carbohydrates like peas and potatoes. Most pets don't need grain-free unless they have a diagnosed grain allergy. Talk to your vet before switching — the FDA has flagged some grain-free diets in connection with canine heart disease.
    How do I know how much to feed my pet?
    Start with the feeding chart on the bag, which is based on your pet's weight. Adjust up or down by 10% based on body condition — you should be able to feel ribs without seeing them. Use the Feeding Calculator on this page to estimate daily cups and monthly cost.
    What should I do if my pet has a food allergy?
    Talk to your vet. They may recommend a limited-ingredient diet or a hydrolyzed protein prescription diet. Common allergens in pets include chicken, beef, dairy, wheat, and soy. An elimination diet trial is the most reliable way to identify the trigger.
    Are dental chews considered treats or health products?
    Both. Dental chews like Greenies are FDA-regulated as treats but serve a functional purpose — they mechanically reduce plaque and tartar buildup through daily chewing. They're not a substitute for professional dental cleanings, but they help between visits.
    How long does a bag of pet food last?
    Dry food stays fresh for about 6 weeks after opening. Choose a bag size your pet will finish in that window — a 30 lb bag is usually right for a 50 lb dog. Wet food should be refrigerated after opening and used within 3–5 days.
    Can I mix wet and dry food?
    Yes — many pet parents mix a small amount of wet food with dry kibble for palatability and hydration. Just remember to subtract the wet food calories from the dry food portion so you don't overfeed. Wet food is especially helpful for cats, who are prone to dehydration.
    More Questions, Answered

    What else should I know about pet food?

    Choose a food that matches your pet's life stage and any diagnosed health conditions. Transition gradually over 7–10 days. Store dry food in its original bag, use it within 6 weeks. Prescription diets require a vet prescription. AutoShip keeps the bowl full. Call 1-800-738-6337 to speak with a pharmacist about your pet.

    Neither is universally "better." Wet food offers higher moisture — helpful for cats and pets with urinary issues. Dry kibble is more economical, convenient, and can help with dental health through mechanical abrasion. Many pet parents feed a mix. What matters most is that the food meets AAFCO standards for your pet's life stage.

    Some human foods are safe for pets in small amounts — plain cooked chicken, plain rice, cooked carrots, plain pumpkin puree. But many are toxic: chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (a sweetener in sugar-free gum and some peanut butters), macadamia nuts, and alcohol. When in doubt, don't feed it.

    The body condition score is the vet standard. You should be able to feel your pet's ribs without pressing — but not see them. From above, there should be a visible waist behind the rib cage. From the side, a slight upward tuck at the belly. If you can't feel ribs, they're likely overweight. Ask your vet for a target weight and adjust portions accordingly.

    Raw diets (BARF, raw meat mixes) have passionate advocates and real risks — bacterial contamination (Salmonella, Listeria), nutritional imbalances if not carefully formulated, and safety concerns for households with immunocompromised people or young children. If you want to feed raw, talk to your vet first and consider a commercially prepared raw diet that meets AAFCO standards.

    Wash food and water bowls daily with hot water and soap — or run them through the dishwasher. Biofilm (a slimy layer of bacteria) builds up quickly, especially with wet food. Stainless steel, ceramic, and glass bowls are best; plastic bowls can harbor bacteria in scratches and sometimes cause chin acne in cats.
    Built on Real Systems

    What systems power PetMeds food orders?

    Six core systems power every PetMeds food order: the OMS order pipeline, Ordergroove for AutoShip subscriptions, the Vet Portal for prescription diet verification, Iterable for customer messaging, Salesforce Service Cloud for support, and the PIM for food data. Prescription diets are verified by a licensed PharmD before shipping.

    OMSOrder hub
    OrdergrooveSubscription engine
    Vet PortalRx verification
    MiddlewareEvent routing
    SFSCCustomer service
    IterableRetention
    Reviewed by Dr. Sarah Chen, PharmD Licensed pharmacist specializing in veterinary pharmacy · Last reviewed October 9, 2026

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