PetSmart vs Petco: Which Is Cheaper for Pet Supplies?

Key Takeaways

• PetSmart generally offers lower base prices on dog food, but Petco’s loyalty program can make the total cost comparable.
• Both chains charge similar shipping fees for online orders, though free‑shipping thresholds differ.
• Store‑brand products at PetSmart tend to be the cheapest, while Petco’s private label focuses on premium ingredients.
• Sale calendars line up closely, but Petco runs deeper seasonal promotions on cat supplies.
• For budget‑conscious shoppers, combining in‑store clearance with loyalty rewards yields the biggest savings.

What Drives the Price Gap?

When you walk into a pet store, the first thing you notice is the sticker price. Yet the “cheapest” label depends on several moving parts: the product category, the brand you choose, whether you shop online or in‑store, and the discounts you can stack.

To untangle the math, we’ll look at four core drivers:

1. Base price per unit (what the shelf tag shows).
2. Loyalty and membership savings.
3. Shipping and delivery costs for online orders.
4. Private‑label versus national‑brand pricing.

Base Prices: Dog Food and Cat Food

PetSmart is a nationwide pet retailer that offers a wide range of dog and cat foods, from economy kibble to specialty diets. Recent price audits (January2025) show that its average price per pound for dry dog food sits around $2.35, while cat food averages $2.20 per pound.

Petco carries a similar assortment but leans slightly higher on premium formulations. The same audit puts Petco’s average dry dog food price at $2.45 per pound and cat food at $2.30 per pound.

In plain terms, PetSmart’s base price is roughly 4‑5% lower for the most common categories. The gap widens on specialty items: a grain‑free dog food that costs $3.20 per pound at PetSmart typically costs $3.40 at Petco.

Loyalty Programs: How Much Can You Save?

Both chains reward repeat shoppers, but the mechanics differ.

• PetSmart Treats: Earn 1point per $1 spent. Points convert to a $5 discount every 100 points. The program also offers a 10% off coupon on pet birthdays and occasional “double‑point” days.
• Petco Pals: Members receive 5% off every order after enrolling, plus a $10 reward for every $100 spent. Additionally, members get exclusive early‑access to clearance sales.

When you factor in these rebates, the effective price difference shrinks. For a $50 purchase of dog food, a regular PetSmart shopper might net a $5 discount after 100 points, bringing the net spend to $45. A Petco Pals member would see an automatic 5% off, also landing at $47.50. In this scenario, PetSmart still edges out, but the margin narrows to under 4%.

Online Shopping: Shipping Fees and Free‑Shipping Thresholds

Online convenience matters for many pet owners, especially those living far from a store. Here’s the current landscape (as of August2025):

Both retailers offer free standard shipping on orders just over $50, so the overall cost impact is minimal. However, if you frequently order small quantities (<$30), the extra $0.50 per shipment at Petco adds up over a year.

Store Brands: Private‑Label Savings

Private‑label lines can slash your grocery bill by 10‑20%.

PetSmart’s store brand, FreshPet, focuses on value. A 30‑lb bag of FreshPet dry dog food costs $30, translating to $1.00 per pound.

Petco offers WholeHearted, a slightly upscale line that emphasizes natural ingredients. The same 30‑lb bag runs $36, or $1.20 per pound.

If you’re okay with a basic formulation, FreshPet is a clear win. If you prefer higher protein or grain‑free options, WholeHearted’s premium may justify the extra cost.

Sale Calendars: Timing Your Purchases

Both chains synchronize their major sales with holidays-Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and seasonal pet‑health months. Yet there are subtle differences:

• PetSmart tends to push “Clearance Week” in early January, clearing out last‑year’s inventory with discounts up to 50%.
• Petco’s “Cat‑Month” promotion in March offers deep markdowns (30‑40%) on cat litter, toys, and wet food.

Smart shoppers track these calendars and stock up ahead of the spikes. For example, buying a 45‑lb bag of dog food during PetSmart’s January clearance can drop the price to $1.05 per pound-nearly half the regular rate.

Putting It All Together: Which Chain Saves You More?

Answering “Which is cheaper?” isn’t a one‑size‑fits‑all. Here’s a quick decision matrix based on typical buying patterns:

In a nutshell, PetSmart wins on raw price for everyday staples, but Petco can overtake when you factor in loyalty rewards and cat‑specific promos. Your personal buying habits will tip the scale.

Pro Tips to Stretch Every Dollar

• Sign up for both loyalty programs. Even if you favor one store, the welcome coupon from the other can shave $5‑$10 off a first online order.
• Combine clearance items with loyalty points. For example, use PetSmart Treats points on a 50%‑off clearance bag to get an effective 75% discount.
• Watch the weekly email newsletters. Both chains announce flash sales 24‑hours before they go live on the website.
• Consider bulk buying for non‑perishable items like litter or treats. A 100‑lb bag of cat litter at Petco’s “Cat‑Month” can cost $12, versus $15 year‑round.
• Use price‑comparison apps that pull data from both stores in real time. This eliminates the guesswork and alerts you when a price drop hits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bottom Line

If you only look at sticker price, PetSmart vs Petco leans toward PetSmart for everyday dog and cat food. But the real savings story unfolds when you layer in loyalty rewards, seasonal sales, and store‑brand choices. By matching your buying habits to the strengths of each retailer, you can keep your pet’s diet high‑quality while your wallet stays happy.