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Chewy We Went Looking for One Bag of Dog Food. We Found a Whole Pet Shelf
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It Started With a Simple Question
What does a new pet owner actually find on Chewy?
We opened the site the way a first time buyer would. One dog, one cat, a short list of needs. Food. Treats. Something for fleas and worms. A small fix for the litter box. Then we wrote down what the shelves showed.
Chewy sells for dogs, cats, fish, birds, reptiles, small animals, horses and more. The homepage also lists a pharmacy, in person vet care, pet insurance and free vet tech chat. For this review we stayed with everyday dog and cat items, since that is where most people start.
Our Eight Picks, Starting With the Dog Bowl
1. Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach, 30 lb
Seen at: 77.48 dollars. Rated 4.5 stars from about 23,000 reviews.
This is the pricey bag on our list, and it is aimed at dogs with touchy stomachs or itchy skin. If your vet has already named a diet, ask about this one. If not, see the vet before switching, since a new food can upset a dog that is already sick.
2. Pedigree Complete Nutrition, 40 lb
Seen at: 25.97 dollars. Rated 4.6 stars from about 11,000 reviews.
The budget pick. A 40 pound bag for under 26 dollars makes this one easy to compare with anything else on the shelf. It is a basic food, so look at the label and decide if it fits your dog’s age and size.
3. Chewy Made Complete Nutrition Salmon and Brown Rice, 28 lb
Seen at: 56.99 dollars. Rated 4.5 stars.
This one comes from Chewy’s own line. The homepage lists Made by Chewy next to well known names such as Purina Pro Plan, Hill’s, Blue Buffalo and Royal Canin. The middle of the price range makes it a fair test for anyone who wants to try the store brand.
4. Greenies Teenie Dental Treats, Chicken, 130 count
Seen at: 36.97 dollars, marked down from 41.99. Rated 4.8 stars from about 20,000 reviews.
Greenies are a name many dog owners already know. The teenie size is for small dogs, so check the weight guide on the bag. At about 29 cents a treat, it works as a daily reward that also helps with teeth.
Now the Cat Side
5. Temptations Classic Tasty Chicken Cat Treats, 16 oz
Seen at: 7.10 dollars, down from 8.99. Rated 4.8 stars from about 40,000 reviews.
A big tub for a small price. Cats tend to love these, which makes them handy for training, pill time or coaxing a shy cat out from under the bed. Keep treats to a small part of the daily food.
6. Fancy Feast Classic Pate Poultry and Beef Variety Pack, 24 cans of 3 oz
Seen at: 22.86 dollars, down from 25.49. Rated 4.6 stars from about 9,200 reviews.
A variety pack is a safe way to learn what your cat likes. Buy one before you commit to a whole case of a single flavor.
7. Arm and Hammer Double Duty Cat Litter Deodorizer, 30 oz
Seen at: 4.53 dollars, down from 5.99. Rated 4.7 stars from about 17,000 reviews.
The cheapest item here, and a good one to add when you are just trying to reach the free shipping line. Sprinkle it on top of the litter box as you scoop.
8. Heartgard Plus for Dogs, up to 25 lb, 6 chews
Seen at: 59.59 dollars. Rated 4.9 stars from about 22,000 reviews.
This is a prescription item. Chewy’s Autoship page says prescription medicines need valid vet approval, and that Chewy will contact your vet if needed. Always follow your vet’s dosing advice, not ours.
The Eight at a Glance
| Product | For | Price Seen |
| Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach, 30 lb | Dogs with sensitive stomachs | 77.48 dollars |
| Pedigree Complete Nutrition, 40 lb | Budget dog food | 25.97 dollars |
| Chewy Made Salmon and Brown Rice, 28 lb | Store brand food | 56.99 dollars |
| Greenies Teenie, 130 count | Small dog dental treats | 36.97 dollars |
| Temptations Classic Chicken, 16 oz | Cat treats | 7.10 dollars |
| Fancy Feast Classic Pate Variety, 24 cans | Cat wet food | 22.86 dollars |
| Arm and Hammer Litter Deodorizer, 30 oz | Litter box | 4.53 dollars |
| Heartgard Plus, up to 25 lb, 6 chews | Dog prevention, needs prescription | 59.59 dollars |
Three Things We Noticed
First, review counts are big. Several items have thousands of reviews, which gives you a lot to read before you pick. Read the low ratings first, since they show the real complaints.
Second, many items show a sale price next to a higher regular price. That helps, but it is smart to check the price per pound or per treat. A bigger bag at a higher price can still cost less per serving.
Third, the cheapest items are useful. A small 4.53 dollar litter deodorizer or a 7.10 dollar treat tub can lift a cart over the free shipping line without forcing you to buy something you do not need.
What Else Chewy Offers Beyond the Shelf
- Autoship. Chewy’s page says new Autoship customers get 35% off the first order, up to 20 dollars, then 5% off select brands.
- Pharmacy. The homepage lists 50% off a first pharmacy Autoship order, up to 50 dollars.
- Free chat. Vet tech chat and customer support run around the clock, according to the homepage.
- Chewy Vet Care and CarePlus. The site lists in person care and insurance and wellness plans.
- Returns. Product pages mention free 365 day returns.
How Chewy Compares
| Category | Chewy | Petco | PetSmart | Amazon |
| Known for | Pet supplies, pharmacy and Autoship | Check site | Check site | Check site |
| First order offer | 35% off Autoship, up to 20 dollars | Check site | Check site | Check site |
| Pharmacy | Prescription Autoship listed | Check site | Check site | Check site |
| Vet services | Chewy Vet Care listed | Check site | Check site | Check site |
| Returns | Free 365 day returns on product pages | Check site | Check site | Check site |
Competitor details change often, so compare the final price for the same item.
Who Chewy Fits
- New pet owners who want food, treats and supplies in one cart.
- Households that buy the same food every month and like a delivery schedule.
- Owners who need a pharmacy and want vet approval handled for them.
- Shoppers who like to read thousands of reviews before choosing.
Questions Before You Order
Does Chewy have a new customer offer today?
The homepage lists a free 25 dollar eGift card on orders of 49 dollars or more for new customers, with exclusions.
Is free shipping at 35 or 49 dollars?
The homepage says orders of 49 dollars and up. Some product pages say free delivery on first time orders over 35 dollars. Check your cart.
Can I use Chewy for more than dogs and cats?
Yes. The homepage lists fish, birds, reptiles, small animals, horses, livestock and chickens too.
Can I buy prescription items?
Yes, with valid vet approval, according to Chewy’s Autoship page.
Final Verdict
Chewy works best as a place to build a regular pet cart. The range is wide, the review counts are large and the first order offers are strong.
Our one rule is simple. Compare the final price at checkout, not the sale tag.
