Owning a dog in the UK, explained
Buying Dog Food Online: What to Check Before You Order
12 November 2026
Buying dog food online saves carrying heavy bags home and makes it easier to stick with the food your dog is used to. Before you order, check the product is the right recipe and life stage, look at delivery and subscription terms, and know your rights if something goes wrong.
Quick answer: Before buying dog food online, check it's the exact recipe and life stage your dog eats, whether it's complete or complementary, the bag size and best before date, the delivery charges and timing, and how subscriptions can be paused or cancelled. Keep your order confirmation in case of problems.
Key Takeaways
Match the exact recipe, size and life stage to avoid an accidental switch of food.
Check whether the food is complete or complementary.
Read the subscription terms: how to pause, skip or cancel.
The Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013 give you cancellation rights on most online orders, with some exceptions.
Order before you run out, so you never have to change food in a hurry.
Check the Product Carefully
Online listings can look alike. A brand's adult and senior recipes, or its chicken and lamb versions, often share packaging. Before you add anything to your basket, check:
The exact recipe name and flavour
The life stage, such as puppy, adult or senior
Whether it's a complete food or a complementary one
Bag or tin size, and how many are in a multipack
The best before date, if the retailer shows it
A sudden change of food can upset some dogs' stomachs, so if you do switch, follow the changeover advice on the pack and talk to your vet if your dog has a sensitive stomach or a health condition.
Comparing Prices Fairly
Bag prices can mislead. A larger bag usually costs less per kilo, but only if your dog will finish it before the best before date and you can store it properly once open. Compare the daily feeding amount on each pack too, because a food that needs a bigger portion costs more to feed over a month.
Delivery, Timing and Storage
Look at delivery charges, any minimum order for free delivery and how long orders usually take. Order a week or so before you run out to allow for delays, especially around bank holidays. Check that someone can take in heavy parcels, or choose a safe place.
When the order arrives, check it's what you ordered and that bags and tins aren't damaged. Store food as the pack advises, usually somewhere cool and dry, and reseal open bags. You might also like our guide on countryside code dogs and livestock.
Keep Your Details Up to Date
If you move house, update your delivery address straight away. It's also a good moment to update your dog's microchip details, which the law requires; our guide to dog microchipping law explains what you need to do.
Subscriptions: Read the Terms
Subscriptions can save time and make sure you never run out. Before signing up, find out how often orders are sent, whether you can change the date or skip a delivery, how much notice you need to give and how to cancel. A good subscription is easy to manage from your account. If you would rather have food arrive on a schedule, an online shop such as My Pet Warehouse UK offers subscribe and save ordering.
Your Rights When Buying Dog Food Online
The Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013 usually give you 14 days to cancel an online order of goods, starting from the day you receive them. There are exceptions, including goods liable to deteriorate rapidly and sealed goods that aren't suitable for return for health or hygiene reasons once unsealed. Check the retailer's returns policy for how they apply this to food.
Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, goods must be of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose and as described. If an item arrives damaged or isn't what you ordered, contact the retailer promptly with photos and your order number.
Planning Ahead for Busy Times
Order early before holidays, trips and hot spells. Summer can change your dog's routine and appetite, so read our advice on walking your dog in hot weather and make sure plenty of fresh water is always available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I return dog food bought online?
It depends on the product and the retailer's terms. The Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013 give a 14-day cancellation right on most online goods, but there are exceptions for goods that deteriorate rapidly and for sealed goods opened for health or hygiene reasons.
Is a dog food subscription worth it?
It can be if your dog eats the same food regularly. Check you can easily pause, skip or cancel, and that the delivery timing suits you.
What should I do if my dog food arrives damaged?
Take photos, keep the packaging and contact the retailer promptly with your order number. Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, goods must be of satisfactory quality.
How far ahead should I order dog food online?
Order before you run out, leaving time for delays, so you never have to switch food suddenly.
Does Dog Days UK provide dog food?
No. Dog Days UK is an independent guide. It explains what to check, but it doesn't provide dog food, take bookings or endorse individual firms.
To read your cancellation rights, see regulation 29 of the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013 (legislation.gov.uk).
Your next step is to note your dog's exact food name, recipe and bag size, so every online order matches what's already in the bowl.