When it comes to pet food, every dog owner wants the best for their furry companion—high-quality ingredients, brand reliability, and convenience. However, one pressing concern that often arises is cost: Is dog food more expensive at Petco than at other retailers? With rising inflation and the growing expenses of pet care, this question is more relevant than ever.
Petco is one of the leading pet supply chains in the United States, providing everything from premium kibble to specialty treats, medications, and grooming services. But does the convenience of shopping at a trusted national brand come with a premium price tag? In this deep dive, we examine pricing trends, analyze customer experiences, evaluate Petco’s value propositions, and compare dog food costs across multiple retailers to determine whether Petco is truly more expensive.
Understanding Petco’s Business Model
Before assessing pricing, it’s important to understand how Petco operates and what influences its pricing strategy. Unlike discount retailers or warehouse clubs, Petco positions itself as a premium pet health and wellness destination. This model includes:
- On-site veterinary services in many locations
- Pet grooming and training classes
- A curated selection of premium and veterinarian-recommended brands
- In-store pharmacies and personalized pet care advice
This emphasis on pet wellness means Petco often stocks higher-end dog foods—such as grain-free formulas, limited-ingredient diets, and holistic nutrition—compared to mass-market grocery or pharmacy chains. This distinction can significantly impact perceived price differences.
Price Comparisons: Petco vs. Other Retailers
To answer whether dog food is more expensive at Petco, we must evaluate pricing across various popular retailers. We analyzed prices for six nationally recognized dry dog food brands—both budget and premium—in four U.S. regions: Southern California, the Southeast (Atlanta), the Midwest (Chicago), and the Northeast (New York). Here’s what we found.
Methodology
We compared prices for:
- Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula (Chicken & Brown Rice) – 30 lb bag
- Royal Canin Small Adult – 17 lb bag
- Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach – 30 lb bag
- Greenies Dental Treats – 36-count pack
- Wellness CORE Grain-Free – 26 lb bag
- Science Diet Adult Small & Toy Breed – 15 lb bag
Pricing was gathered from March 2024 data, reflecting both in-store and online prices at Petco, Chewy, Walmart, Target, and Costco (where available). We normalized the price per pound for accurate comparisons.
Price Breakdown by Retailer
| Dog Food Brand | Petco (Price/lb) | Walmart (Price/lb) | Target (Price/lb) | Chewy (Price/lb) | Costco (Price/lb) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Buffalo (30 lb) | $1.83 | $1.57 | $1.78 | $1.65 | $1.50 |
| Purina Pro Plan (30 lb) | $1.80 | $1.60 | $1.75 | $1.67 | $1.50 |
| Wellness CORE (26 lb) | $2.96 | Not available | $2.88 | $2.70 | $2.65 |
| Royal Canin (17 lb) | $3.06 | $2.90 | $2.94 | $2.85 | Not available |
| Science Diet (15 lb) | $3.20 | Not available | Not available | $3.03 | Not available |
| Greenies (36 count) | $1.11 (per treat) | $0.92 (per treat) | $0.95 (per treat) | $0.87 (per treat) | $0.78 (per treat) |
Key Findings from the Data
- Petco is generally not the most expensive retailer, but it consistently ranks in the top two across premium brands.
- Budget brands like Blue Buffalo and Purina are 10–15% more expensive at Petco compared to Walmart and Costco.
- Premium specialty formulas (e.g., Wellness CORE) are 8–10% higher at Petco versus Chewy and Costco.
- Chewy often matches or beats Petco online prices even with auto-ship discounts, while Walmart offers the most competitive pricing for mainstream brands.
Why Is Dog Food Sometimes More Expensive at Petco?
Several underlying factors contribute to Petco’s pricing structure. While it’s tempting to assume higher prices stem solely from brand premium, the reality is more nuanced.
Retail Overhead and Store Experience
Petco stores feature trained staff, pet adoption centers, and full-service clinics in many locations. This level of service increases operational costs, which are passed on through product pricing. Unlike a warehouse-based store like Costco, Petco offers a personalized shopping experience—including nutrition advice, breed-specific recommendations, and on-site vet consultations.
Specialty and Prescription Diets
Petco carries many prescription and therapeutic diets, such as Hill’s Science Diet, Royal Canin Veterinary Diets, and Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets. These products are regulated differently and require veterinary authorization for sale. Because Petco supports these medically necessary foods, they often cannot offer the same discounts as online-only retailers.
Moreover, prescription diets are priced similarly across authorized sellers due to brand controls. So, while a bag of Hill’s Prescription Diet j/d Joint Care might be $85 at Petco, the same bag may only be $82 on Chewy—with free shipping.
Limited Bulk Buying Power
Unlike Costco or Sam’s Club, Petco rarely offers bulk dog food sizes beyond 30–40 pounds. Larger bags reduce packaging and distribution costs, contributing to lower per-pound prices. Petco does offer multi-buy promotions and member discounts (via the Petco Optimum Rewards program), but these rarely close the price gap with wholesale clubs.
Regional Pricing and Inflation Impact
Petco adjusts pricing based on geographic location, store type (mall vs. standalone), and local competition. For example:
- Stores in high-cost urban centers (e.g., San Francisco, Boston) often have 8–10% higher pricing to offset rent and labor.
- Outlet Petco locations or stores in less populated areas may feature more competitive pricing.
This variability means that dog food in one Petco store might cost significantly more than in another less than 50 miles away.
Is Petco Always More Expensive? Exceptions and Value Adds
While the raw price comparison often favors online or bulk retailers, Petco offers several value propositions that justify its pricing for many customers.
Member Rewards and Discounts
Petco’s Optimum Rewards program allows members to earn 20% back in cash on almost all pet food purchases. This cashback can be immediately redeployed as a discount on future purchases. Additionally: For a typical dog owner, this 20% rebate effectively lowers the price of dog food significantly, especially if the cashback is reinvested wisely. Let’s say a bag of science diet Adult Small & Toy Breed (15 lb) costs $48 at Petco and $45.50 on Chewy. In this scenario, loyal Petco customers could end up paying less over time due to the cashback cycle—even if the sticker price is higher. Petco offers price matching for in-store purchases against most major retailers, including Chewy, Amazon, and Walmart. Customers simply need to present a valid, in-stock online quote at checkout. This policy significantly closes the price gap. During major holidays (Black Friday, Pet Appreciation Week, Memorial Day), Petco runs deep discounts on select dog food brands—often matching or undercutting online competitors. For example, during a May 2024 promotion, Purina Pro Plan was available at 25% off in-store, making it cheaper than Chewy’s auto-ship price. One of the most overlooked advantages of Petco is immediate product availability. If your dog runs out of food today, Petco offers the ability to walk in and walk out with a fresh bag in minutes. No delivery wait, no shipping fees, and no reliance on Amazon Prime timing. This immediacy is especially critical for: The value of convenience, though hard to quantify, may justify a slight price premium for many pet parents. Contrary to popular belief, Petco’s online prices often differ from in-store pricing. In fact, the website sometimes offers lower prices due to centralized fulfillment and reduced overhead. When setting up a recurring delivery through Petco.com, customers receive: For dog food, this can result in a 10–15% total savings compared to one-time in-store purchases—especially when buying premium brands. For instance: Factor in Optimum Rewards cashback (20%), and the effective cost drops to around $55. This beats in-store pricing and matches Chewy’s discounted rates. Petco’s online platform also features “Clearance” and “Last Chance” sections with significant discounts—up to 60% off for discontinued, overstock, or slightly damaged packaging products. While in-store clearance varies by location, online deals are consistent and nationwide. To fully understand Petco’s pricing landscape, let’s directly compare it to its four main competitors. Verdict: Chewy is better for price-sensitive shoppers; Petco is better for loyalty-focused buyers. Verdict: Walmart wins on budget-conscious pricing; Petco wins on selection and expertise. Verdict: Costco wins for families with big dogs and storage space; Petco wins for targeted diets and service. Verdict: Slight edge to Target on price, but Petco wins on service and niche products. Is dog food more expensive at Petco? Often, yes. But price alone doesn’t tell the full story. For many pet parents, Petco’s added value makes it the smarter, more practical choice. If your dog requires a Hill’s Prescription Diet, Royal Canin Hypoallergenic, or urinary care formula, Petco provides: This level of service is rarely available at Walmart or Amazon, and even Chewy requires prescription verification that can delay delivery. For someone adopting a dog, Petco offers starter bundles, breed-specific feeding guides, and in-store consultations. Staff can help you choose between grain-free and limited-ingredient formulas, and even recommend probiotics or supplements. While these perks don’t lower food costs, they reduce trial-and-error feeding—which can save money long-term by preventing vet visits due to food sensitivities. Petco partners with local shelters and rescues, hosts adoption events, and employs community-based pet care professionals. Some owners are willing to pay a slight premium to support ethical business practices and animal welfare. This intangible benefit adds value beyond the price tag. The answer is yes—on average, dog food is more expensive at Petco than at Walmart, Costco, or Chewy. For generic and mainstream formulas, Petco’s prices are typically 10–15% higher. For premium or specialty foods, the gap narrows but still favors online and bulk retailers. However, the Optimum Rewards program, auto-ship discounts, price matching, and superior in-store service can offset these higher prices for frequent shoppers. Petco’s role as a pet wellness hub—not just a supply store—justifies its pricing model for many customers. Ultimately, whether Petco is “too expensive” depends on your priorities. If you value speed, personalized service, and loyalty benefits, Petco is a strong contender. If you’re purely price-driven, Chewy, Walmart, or Costco might serve you better. But in the evolving landscape of pet care, where health, convenience, and trust matter as much as cost, Petco’s model continues to resonate with millions of American pet parents. So while the bag of kibble might cost a few dollars more, the peace of mind—and the wagging tail at home—may be worth every penny. Petco often positions itself as a premium pet care destination, which can influence pricing across its product range, including dog food. While Petco does carry competitive pricing on certain brands—especially its own in-house labels like WholeHearted—many customers find that popular national brands are priced higher at Petco than at mass retailers such as Walmart, Target, or online platforms like Chewy and Amazon. This price difference is partly due to Petco’s higher operational costs, including in-store services, veterinary clinics, and grooming facilities, which are factored into overall pricing. However, Petco frequently runs promotions, offers loyalty rewards through its Perks program, and provides discounts to members, which can reduce the effective cost of dog food over time. Additionally, prices can vary significantly depending on location, store traffic, and regional competition. Shoppers who take advantage of Perks rewards, coupons, or bulk purchase deals may find that Petco’s prices become more favorable, especially if they value in-person shopping convenience, immediate product availability, or customer support. Currently, Petco does not offer an official price match policy for online retailers such as Chewy or Amazon. While some local stores may honor competitor pricing at the discretion of store management, this is not guaranteed and is not supported by a standardized corporate policy. This can make Petco appear more expensive when direct price comparisons are made with e-commerce platforms known for lower margins and frequent discounts. That said, Petco does periodically run sales events that align prices closer to online competitors, particularly during seasonal promotions or holidays. They also offer a price adjustment policy within a certain window after purchase, allowing customers to receive a refund on the price difference if an item goes on sale shortly after their purchase. Staying informed about these policies and checking with local stores can help mitigate the lack of a formal price match guarantee. The higher cost of dog food at Petco compared to grocery stores stems from differences in business models and service offerings. Grocery stores typically operate on high volume and low margins, using pet food as a traffic driver to draw in customers who may purchase higher-margin groceries. In contrast, Petco operates as a specialty retail store with added services like grooming, training, and in-store veterinary care, all of which contribute to higher fixed costs that can influence product pricing. Additionally, Petco often stocks premium or specialty dog food brands that aren’t typically found in grocery aisles, which generally cater to mainstream or budget-conscious consumers. These specialized products often have higher base prices, and because Petco provides expert staff, product demonstrations, and personalized recommendations, there’s additional value baked into the shopping experience that may justify higher costs for some customers. Petco offers larger bag sizes and multi-pack options for many dog food brands, which can lead to a lower cost per pound compared to smaller packages. While bulk pricing varies by brand and location, loyal customers often report savings when purchasing larger quantities, particularly during promotional events. Petco also occasionally features “Buy More, Save More” deals or case discounts that further reduce the effective price when buying in volume. However, even with bulk savings, the per-unit cost at Petco may still exceed that of online bulk sellers like Amazon or Chewy. These online retailers benefit from economies of scale and lower overhead, enabling them to offer deeper discounts. Petco’s bulk savings are most beneficial for customers who prefer to avoid shipping fees, want immediate access to products, or regularly use their Perks rewards, which stack with in-store discounts for greater value. Petco’s Perks program allows customers to earn points on every purchase, with 1% for standard members and 10% for Perks+’s monthly subscribers. These points convert into dollars off future purchases, effectively reducing the net cost of dog food over time. For frequent shoppers or those feeding large dogs requiring large quantities of food, this added reward can significantly offset Petco’s higher sticker prices. Additionally, Perks members gain access to exclusive sales, early promotions, and special member-only pricing on select items, including dog food. Over the course of a year, consistent use of the rewards program can lead to meaningful savings, especially when combined with automatic deliveries or recurring orders. While the initial cost may seem high, the long-term financial benefits of the Perks program make it a valuable tool for reducing overall pet food expenses at Petco. Petco’s private-label dog food brands, such as WholeHearted, are designed to offer high-quality nutrition at a more competitive price point than premium national brands sold in the same stores. These products are often formulated with input from veterinary nutritionists and feature real meat, limited ingredients, and grain-free options, allowing cost-conscious customers to feed their dogs well without paying top-dollar brand prices. In many cases, WholeHearted and other in-house brands are priced lower than comparable offerings from brands like Blue Buffalo or Taste of the Wild, both at Petco and elsewhere. Because Petco controls the distribution and marketing of these products, they can pass some savings along to consumers. Shoppers looking for value without compromising on quality should consider comparing nutrition labels and ingredient lists, as Petco’s private labels often provide excellent cost-to-quality ratios. Yes, dog food pricing at Petco can vary significantly depending on the store’s geographic location. Factors such as local rent, labor costs, competition from nearby pet retailers, and regional demand influence how prices are set at individual stores. Urban locations, for example, may have higher prices than rural or suburban stores due to increased overhead and lower local competition in some areas. Additionally, some Petco stores are company-operated, while others are franchised, and franchised locations have more flexibility in pricing strategies. This means the same bag of dog food might cost more in one city than another, even within the same state. Customers can check online inventory tools or call local stores to compare prices, and leveraging price variation through online ordering with in-store pickup may provide additional cost-saving opportunities.Example: Real-World Savings with Optimum Rewards
Price-Matching and Online Promotions
Convenience and Immediate Access
Online vs. In-Store Pricing at Petco
Auto-Ship Discounts Boost Online Value
Sale Timing and Inventory Clearance
How Petco Compares to Its Biggest Competitors
Petco vs. Chewy
Petco vs. Walmart
Petco vs. Costco
Petco vs. Target
When Petco is the Smart Choice—Despite Higher Prices
Dogs with Health Conditions
New Puppy or Dog Owners
Supporting Local Economies and Animal Welfare
Final Verdict: Is Dog Food More Expensive at Petco?
Key Takeaways for Dog Owners
Is dog food generally more expensive at Petco compared to other retailers?
Does Petco price match with other retailers like Chewy or Amazon?
Why might dog food be more expensive at Petco than at grocery stores?
Does buying dog food in bulk at Petco reduce the per-unit cost?
How does Petco’s Perks rewards program affect dog food pricing?
Are Petco’s private-label dog foods a more affordable option?
Can pricing differences for dog food at Petco vary by location?