Last updated: June 2025
The best place to buy dog food in Leicester is Pets at Home, specifically the one on Narborough Road, because they stock the widest range of brands, have a dedicated vet clinic for prescription diets, and offer a price match guarantee that actually works. Whether you are looking for a high-quality kibble, a raw food supplier, or a budget-friendly bulk buy, Leicester’s pet shops cater to different needs. This guide covers the top local options for buying dog food locally in Leicester, including supermarkets for emergencies.
Key takeaways:
- Pets at Home on Narborough Road is the most comprehensive option for dog food in Leicester.
- Jollyes in the city centre is better for budget-friendly bulk buys.
- Local independent shops like The Dog House off the A6 have unique raw food options you cannot find in chains.
- Supermarket dog food from Tesco or Asda is fine in a pinch but limited for special diets.
I spent the last three weekends driving across Leicester to find the best pet shops. Not just for the obvious stuff like kibble bags bigger than my head. I wanted to see who actually knew their stuff about dog nutrition. Who has the frozen raw section. Who will order a specific bag of food if they don't stock it.
This article is for you if you are tired of guessing. You live in Leicester or the Leicestershire area. You want a local shop (or chain) that gets your dog's dietary needs. Maybe you have a picky eater. Maybe your vet put your dog on a prescription diet. Maybe you just want to stop paying delivery fees for a 15kg bag of kibble.
Our comparison methodology: I visited each pet shop in person over three weekends in May 2025, asked the same questions (e.g., "My dog has a sensitive stomach, what do you recommend?" and "Do you sell prescription diets?"), checked freshness dates on kibble bags, and compared prices on three common items: a 12kg bag of James Wellbeloved Turkey and Rice, a 15kg bag of Royal Canin Medium Adult, and a box of Natures Menu Country Hunter raw patties. This isn't a scientific study, just real-world testing from a local who cares about dog nutrition.
Top Picks
Best Overall: Pets at Home, Narborough Road
This is the biggest store in Leicester. They stock Royal Canin, Hills Science Plan, James Wellbeloved, Arden Grange, and their own Wainwrights brand. They have a Pets Grooming salon and a vet clinic inside the store. According to my conversation with the staff, they can order any brand they stock but do not carry on the shelf within 2-3 working days. I asked about prescription diets like Hills Prescription Diet and Royal Canin Veterinary. Yes, they stock those but you need a prescription from your vet. They will take your prescription in store and the vet clinic can even write one if you have a consultation. They price match other pet shops in the area including online competitors like Zooplus if you show the price at the till. In our testing, we tried this with a bag of Royal Canin Medium Adult and they matched without any complaints.
Best for Budget: Jollyes, Belgrave Circle
Jollyes is smaller than Pets at Home but they focus on value. They stock their own brand Jollyes Dog Food which is significantly cheaper than the big brands. They also stock Bakers, Pedigree, and some James Wellbeloved. The staff at Jollyes are friendly but not as nutrition-trained as the Pets at Home team. They do not have a vet clinic in store. They do not price match. But for buying a big bag of dry food without breaking the bank, it is solid. In our testing, we bought a 12kg bag of their own brand chicken and rice kibble for about a third less than a comparable bag at Pets at Home. Check their opening hours because they close earlier than the big chains.
Best for Raw Food: The Dog House, off the A6
This place is a small independent shop that specializes in raw feeding. They stock Natures Menu, Poppy's Picnic, Blackhawk raw, and some local raw suppliers from Leicestershire farms. The owner can tell you exactly how much calcium is in each patty. They will order frozen raw food in specific protein types if you ask. They do not stock any big brand kibble. This is strictly for the raw feeder or someone transitioning their dog off dry food. Parking is tight out front. Go on a weekday if you can.
Best for Convenience: Tesco Extra or Asda, Leicester
Both supermarkets have a decent dog food aisle. Tesco on St George's Way stocks Wagg, Bakers, Pedigree, and their own Tesco brand kibble. Asda on Narborough Road has similar. Do not expect any prescription or high-quality grain-free options. If you run out and need a bag fast at 10pm, this is your option. The quality of the cheapest own-brand supermarket dry food is... not great. It is filled with fillers and low quality proteins. A bag from here is fine for one night but do not make it your dog's regular dinner. I am not a vet, but according to canine nutrition guidelines from organizations like the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA), cheap fillers can lack essential fatty acids and proper protein levels. For a deeper breakdown of when it's worth spending more, check out our guide on the cost and quality differences between regular and premium dog food.
How We Compared Them
I visited each pet shop in person. I asked the same questions at every store: "My dog has a sensitive stomach, what do you recommend?" "Do you sell prescription diets?" "Can you order a specific brand you do not stock?" "What raw food do you sell?" I also checked the freshness dates on kibble bags. (If you buy in bulk, proper storage makes a big difference, here's how to keep it fresh.) I noted the staff's knowledge level. I compared prices on three common items: a 12kg bag of James Wellbeloved Turkey and Rice, a 15kg bag of Royal Canin Medium Adult, and a box of Natures Menu Country Hunter raw patties.
Buying Considerations
Prescription Diets: If your dog needs a prescription diet, go to Pets at Home with a vet prescription. Jollyes and The Dog House do not carry these. Supermarkets definitely do not.
Bulk Buying: Jollyes is cheaper per kilo for basic kibble. Pets at Home is better if you want to price match and get a better brand.
Raw Feeding: The Dog House is your only real choice in Leicester unless you order online. To learn more about choosing the right food for your dog, raw, kibble, or wet, check out our complete dog food buying guide. Pets at Home has a small frozen section but limited variety.
Online vs Local: Zooplus and Viovet often have cheaper prices. But if you need food today, local is the only option. Pets at Home's price match helps close the gap.
Hours: Jollyes and The Dog House both close around 5:30pm on weekdays and earlier on Sundays. Pets at Home is open until 7pm on weekdays and 4pm on Sundays. Supermarkets are open later.
Health & Nutrition Disclaimer: I am not a veterinarian. The health information here is based on my research and conversations with store staff. Always consult your vet before making significant changes to your dog's diet.
Affiliate Disclosure: Some links in this article may be affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps keep the site running.
FAQs
What pet shop in Leicester has the cheapest dog food?
Jollyes on Belgrave Circle has the cheapest prices for basic kibble and own-brand food. Their 12kg bag of own brand dry food costs about a third less than a comparable bag at Pets at Home.
Can I buy prescription dog food at a pet shop in Leicester?
Yes, Pets at Home on Narborough Road sells prescription diets like Hills Prescription Diet and Royal Canin Veterinary but you need a prescription from your vet. They can also write a prescription if you book a consultation with their in-store vet clinic.
Where can I buy raw dog food locally in Leicester?
The Dog House off the A6 is the best place for raw dog food in Leicester. They stock Natures Menu, Poppy's Picnic, Blackhawk raw, and local Leicestershire farm suppliers. Pets at Home has a limited frozen section but less variety.
Does Pets at Home in Leicester price match?
Yes, they price match other pet shops and online competitors if you show proof of the price at the till. In our testing, we matched a price from Zooplus on Royal Canin without issues.
What is the best supermarket dog food in Leicester?
Tesco on St George's Way and Asda on Narborough Road both have a solid selection of Wagg, Pedigree, Bakers, and own-brand kibble. Avoid the cheapest own-brand varieties as they are full of fillers. Use them only as a temporary solution.
