Top 10 Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Pet Food Online

Buying pet food online is fast, convenient, and time-saving — but without proper care, it can also lead to mistakes that impact your pet’s health and well-being. In this guide by PawingClaw, we’ll cover the top 10 online pet food shopping mistakes you must avoid to ensure your furry friend gets the best nutrition possible.

🐶 1. Not Checking the Ingredients List

One of the most common mistakes is overlooking the ingredients list. Many commercial pet foods are filled with fillers, by-products, and artificial additives that can harm your pet in the long run.

👉 Always check for real meat sources like chicken, salmon, or lamb listed as the first ingredient.

🔗 Related Read: 5 Common Pet Feeding Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

📦 2. Ignoring Expiry Dates and Storage Instructions

Online stores might list products close to expiry, especially during sales. Feeding expired food can cause digestive issues and infections.

✅ Always inspect:

• Expiry dates
• Storage instructions
• Packaging quality

🌐 3. Buying from Unverified or Non-Reputed Websites

Avoid scams and counterfeit products by shopping only from trusted pet food websites.

Stick to:

• Brand’s official websites
• Verified sellers on Amazon or Flipkart
• Reputable platforms like PawingClaw

🐕 4. Choosing the Wrong Food for Your Pet’s Age or Breed

A puppy or kitten has different dietary needs than an adult or senior pet. Similarly, large breeds need different nutrients than small breeds.

📌 Use filters like “adult dog food” or “kitten food” to avoid mismatches.

📊 5. Ignoring Nutritional Labels and Certifications

Words like “premium” mean nothing without proper nutrition to back it up.

Look for:

• AAFCO certification
• Crude protein/fat ratios
• No artificial colors or flavors

💸 6. Being Fooled by Price Over Quality

Cheap pet food often sacrifices quality. Your pet’s health isn’t worth the savings.

✅ Choose natural, grain-free, or human-grade ingredients even if they cost a little more — it pays off in long-term health.

📱 7. Not Reading Customer Reviews or Ratings

Before adding to cart, always go through reviews and ratings. They offer insight into:

• Taste preference
• Digestibility
• Skin and coat health results

📑 8. Missing Subscription or Auto-Refill Discounts

Many top online stores offer subscription-based discounts and free shipping on recurring orders.

🕒 This saves you time and ensures your pet never runs out of food.

🐾 9. Forgetting to Consider Allergies or Sensitivities

Some pets are allergic to chicken, grains, soy, or dairy.

⚠️ Check ingredient labels and consult your vet before switching food.

🛒 10. Not Comparing Products Before Buying

Every pet food brand offers something different — from raw food to holistic formulas.

📌 Use online comparison tools or refer to blog reviews (like ours!) to make informed decisions.

📝 Conclusion

Buying pet food online doesn’t have to be risky. By avoiding these 10 common mistakes, you can make smarter, healthier choices for your pet. Always choose verified sellers, check nutritional details, and look beyond the price tag for real quality.

➡️ Explore our curated selection of natural, vet-approved pet food at PawingClaw — trusted by thousands of pet parents across India.

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