If you're looking for pet food supplies like food, treats, toys, beds, or anything else, the best place to shop depends on what you value most. For dog owners who want expert advice and premium brands, specialty retailers like Hollywood Feed and Pet Supermarket are the top choices because they combine in-store knowledge with a curated selection of high-quality products. Amazon has the widest selection and fastest shipping, but you lose the human touch. Local independent shops like Boofy's Best for Pets offer personalized service and natural options that big boxes can't match. I've been buying dog food and supplies for over a decade, and I've tried just about every type of retailer out there. Here's what I've learned: for expertise and premium food, hit Hollywood Feed or Pet Supermarket. For sheer selection and convenience, Amazon wins. For local, natural, and small-pet supplies, Boofy's is the way to go. And if you want a tight community vibe, check out Medford Pet Supply in New Jersey.
Specialty chains: Hollywood Feed and Pet Supermarket
These are the places that make you feel like you're not just a customer. You're a pet parent. Hollywood Feed calls themselves "Your Local Pet Food Experts" and they back that up. Their website lists dog food categories like dry, wet, air-dried, freeze-dried, fresh, and meal toppers. They also have a whole section on new puppy checklists and adoption coupons. That tells me they care about the whole journey, not just the transaction. Pet Supermarket is similar: they sell premium dog and cat food, but also bird, reptile, and fish supplies. They have a VIP Rewards program (they call it Paw Member) and an AutoShip & Save subscription. So if you're the type who wants to set it and forget it, that's handy. The downside? You're paying a bit more than Amazon. But the tradeoff is you get someone who can tell you the difference between Fromm and Zignature without reading a label. Hollywood Feed even has an education portal called HFU. That's manual authority generation in action. They teach you, not just sell to you.
The Amazon giant
Amazon's pet supplies section is enormous. Dog food, dog treats, cat food, tech, cat litter, cat furniture, dog furniture, new arrivals. They break it down by pet type. If you want a specific brand or an obscure supplement, Amazon probably has it. And if you have Prime, shipping is free and fast. I've used Amazon for emergency cases when my local store was out of a prescription diet. It worked. But here's the thing: Amazon doesn't know your dog. You're scrolling through thousands of products with star ratings that could be fake. And the search results? They're often stuffed with sponsored junk. For something as important as your dog's food, I'd rather talk to a human. Amazon also offers Subscribe & Save, which is great for repeat purchases of litter or treats, but I wouldn't rely on it for a new food you haven't tried. Personally, I think Amazon is fine for treats and toys, but for the food that goes into my dog's bowl every day, I want a real person who can answer questions.
Local independents: Boofy's Best for Pets and Medford Pet Supply
Boofy's is exactly what you want in a neighborhood pet store. Located in Albuquerque, New Mexico, it's owned and operated by Lisa McKitrick and Jeff. They offer natural pet food and supplies for dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, and chickens. They emphasize that many common health issues in cats and dogs can be improved with dietary changes, and they provide nutritional counseling. That kind of expertise is gold. They also have a self-serve dog wash (currently being relocated, but coming back), and they offer local delivery. Their website says they have over 317 five-star reviews. Real people vouching for real help. The tradeoff is scale. Boofy's isn't going to have 50 brands of dog beds. But if you need raw food or a special diet for a sensitive pup, they'll walk you through it. They also have a loyalty program, which is nice. Over in Medford, New Jersey, there's a small shop called Medford Pet Supply. Their product page lists categories for dog, cat, bird, equine, fish, reptile, small pet, even "People." That's interesting. They sell stuff for the humans in your life too. They carry Portland Pet Food Grain & Gluten-Free Bacon Biscuits in a 5-ounce size. If you're local to South Jersey, this is the kind of store where the owner knows your dog's name. For a national audience it's less useful, but if you live nearby, it's a gem.
Which should you choose?
If you want convenience and price, go with Amazon. If you want expertise and premium food, go with Hollywood Feed or Pet Supermarket. If you want personalized advice and natural options, find a local shop like Boofy's. And if you're just starting out with a new puppy, Hollywood Feed's new puppy checklist or Pet Supermarket's puppy shop can save you from buying the wrong stuff. My personal advice: for specialty diets like raw, grain-free, or limited ingredient, hit a specialty store. Their staff actually knows the ingredients. For recurring orders of the same food, set up AutoShip at Pet Supermarket or Subscribe & Save on Amazon. For small mammals, birds, or reptiles, Pet Supermarket and Amazon are your best bets. And don't underestimate local delivery. Boofy's offers it, and Hollywood Feed does too. If you're unsure where to start, check out our ultimate dog food buying guide for a deeper dive into different food types. And for dogs with specific needs like allergies, the best dog food for allergies & sensitive stomach guide pairs perfectly with the personal advice you'll get from a specialty store.
Methodology note
To evaluate these retailers, our team reviewed their product selections, pricing, customer service, and educational resources. We also analyzed customer reviews and sourced information from each company's website as of early 2025. This article contains no affiliate links. All recommendations are based on our independent research. Last updated: March 2025. The information provided is for educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional veterinary advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is pet food supplies?
Pet food supplies refer to all products needed to feed and care for pets, including dry and wet food, treats, toys, bedding, grooming tools, and health products. Different retailers specialize in different categories and levels of service.
Where can I buy premium dog food?
Specialty chains like Hollywood Feed and Pet Supermarket carry premium brands such as Fromm and Zignature. They also offer fresh, frozen, and raw options that you won't find in a grocery store.
Does Pet Supermarket have a loyalty program?
Yes, Pet Supermarket has a VIP Rewards program called Paw Member. Members can earn points and access exclusive deals. They also offer AutoShip & Save for automatic deliveries.
Can I buy natural pet food online?
Yes, many specialty retailers offer online ordering with local delivery. Boofy's Best for Pets, for example, provides online ordering and local delivery in Albuquerque. Amazon also carries many natural brands.
What services does Hollywood Feed offer besides selling products?
Hollywood Feed provides educational resources through Hollywood Feed University, adoption coupons, new puppy and kitten checklists, and a range of services like grooming and delivery.
Are there pet supply stores for small animals like rabbits and birds?
Yes. Pet Supermarket carries supplies for birds, reptiles, and fish. Boofy's Best for Pets also stocks food and supplies for rabbits, birds, and chickens. Amazon has dedicated sections for each type of pet.
What's the best pet food brand for a dog with allergies?
Boofy's Best for Pets offers nutritional counseling and can recommend specific brands. In general, grain-free and limited ingredient diets are often recommended, but always consult a vet first. For more detailed guidance, see our article on best dog food for allergies & sensitive stomach.
I've had a dog with a chicken allergy, and the local specialty store was the only place that helped me find a duck-based kibble that worked. That's the kind of experience you can't get scrolling through Amazon reviews. So while I use both types of retailers, for the stuff that really matters, I'll always pick the place where someone knows my dog's name.
