Overview of Types of Animal Food in America

Types of Animal Food

Dogs

• Dry Kibble:
  • Description: Dehydrated, pelletized food with long shelf life, promoting dental health by reducing plaque.
  • Varieties: Puppy (e.g., high-protein for growth), adult (e.g., weight control), senior (e.g., joint support), grain-free, high-protein, sensitive stomach, breed-specific.
  • Brands: Purina Dog Chow, Pedigree, Blue Buffalo, Hill’s Science Diet.
  • South African Note: Replaces South Africa’s common maize-based dry mixes; grain-free options cater to allergies, less common locally.
• Wet/Canned Food:
  • Description: Moist food with high water content, ideal for picky eaters or hydration needs.
  • Varieties: Pate, chunks in gravy, senior formulas, prescription diets (e.g., renal support).
  • Brands: Fancy Feast (dog versions), Cesar, Wellness.
  • South African Note: More processed than South Africa’s wet feed (e.g., cooked meat scraps), with added nutrients.
• Fresh/Frozen Food:
  • Description: Human-grade, minimally processed meals, often delivered raw or cooked.
  • Varieties: Chicken, beef, vegetable blends, tailored for allergies or raw diets.
  • Brands: The Farmer’s Dog, JustFoodForDogs.
  • South African Note: Rare in South Africa; U.S. focus on freshness may appeal to urban pet owners from Cape Town.
• Dehydrated/Freeze-Dried:
  • Description: Lightweight, nutrient-retained food rehydrated with water.
  • Varieties: Raw-style diets, grain-free options.
  • Brands: Stella & Chewy’s, Open Farm.
  • South African Note: Uncommon locally; offers convenience for U.S. storage needs.
• Prescription Diets:
  • Description: Vet-formulated for medical conditions (e.g., diabetes, kidney disease).
  • Varieties: Hill’s Prescription Diet, Royal Canin Veterinary Diet.
  • South African Note: Requires vet approval, less accessible in South Africa without specialized clinics.

Cats

• Dry Kibble:
  • Description: Crunchy pellets for dental health and convenience.
  • Varieties: Kitten, adult, senior, indoor, hairball control, grain-free.
  • Brands: Purina Cat Chow, Iams, Royal Canin.
  • South African Note: More variety than South Africa’s basic dry cat feed; indoor formulas suit U.S. apartment living.
• Wet/Canned Food:
  • Description: Moist meals for hydration and palatability.
  • Varieties: Pate, shreds, senior diets, urinary health formulas.
  • Brands: Fancy Feast, Sheba, Friskies.
  • South African Note: More processed than South Africa’s wet scraps, with added vitamins.
• Fresh/Frozen Food:
  • Description: Human-grade, tailored meals, often raw or gently cooked.
  • Varieties: Chicken, fish blends, allergy-specific.
  • Brands: NomNomNow, PetPlate.
  • South African Note: A new concept for most South Africans, focusing on U.S. health trends.
• Dehydrated/Freeze-Dried:
  • Description: Lightweight, rehydratable raw-style food.
  • Varieties: Grain-free, high-protein.
  • Brands: Instinct Raw, Primal.
  • South African Note: Unfamiliar locally; suits U.S. storage and travel needs.
• Prescription Diets:
  • Description: Vet-prescribed for conditions like hyperthyroidism or obesity.
  • Varieties: Hill’s Prescription Diet, Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets.
  • South African Note: Requires vet access, less common in South Africa outside urban vets.

Other Animals (Birds, Small Pets, etc.)

• Birds:
  • Description: Seed mixes, pellets, and fresh foods (e.g., fruits, vegetables).
  • Varieties: Parrot blends, finch mixes, organic options.
  • Brands: Kaytee, ZuPreem.
  • South African Note: Similar to South Africa’s caged bird feed but with more fortified pellets.
• Small Pets (e.g., Rabbits, Hamsters):
  • Description: Pellets, hay, and occasional treats.
  • Varieties: Timothy hay, guinea pig mixes.
  • Brands: Oxbow, Small Pet Select.
  • South African Note: More structured than South Africa’s homemade small pet diets.
• Fish and Reptiles:
  • Description: Flakes, pellets, frozen foods tailored to species.
  • Varieties: Tropical fish flakes, turtle pellets.
  • Brands: Tetra, Hikari.
  • South African Note: More specialized than South Africa’s basic aquarium feed.

Feeding Guidelines

• Dogs: 1–2% of body weight daily for adults (e.g., 10 lbs dog = 2.5–5 oz), adjusted for activity; puppies need 2–3 times adult amounts.
• Cats: 2–3% of body weight (e.g., 10 lbs cat = 3–5 oz), with wet food aiding hydration.
• Consultation: Vets recommend personalized plans, especially for South Africans transitioning from varied diets.

Directory for Online Purchases

Online Retailers

• Chewy (chewy.com):
  • Offerings: Wide range of dry, wet, fresh, and prescription foods for dogs, cats, birds, and small pets.
  • Cost Advantage: Free shipping on orders $49+, 5–10% off with AutoShip.
  • Features: 24/7 customer service, product reviews, vet Q&A.
  • South African Note: Convenient for refugees; multilingual support via chat.
• Petco (petco.com):
  • Offerings: Dry, wet, and specialty foods (e.g., grain-free) for all pets.
  • Cost Advantage: 35% off first Repeat Delivery, free same-day delivery on many items.
  • Features: Curbside pickup, vet clinic partnerships.
  • South African Note: Accessible in urban areas; offers adoption links.
• PetFlow (petflow.com):
  • Offerings: Premium dog and cat foods, treats, and supplies.
  • Cost Advantage: Free shipping on $49+, 10% off AutoShip.
  • Features: Text/chat support, prescription filling.
  • South African Note: Ideal for rural newcomers; supports online learning.
• Amazon (amazon.com):
  • Offerings: Extensive selection of pet foods, including subscription options.
  • Cost Advantage: Discounts with Subscribe & Save (5–15%), Prime benefits.
  • Features: Fast delivery, customer reviews.
  • South African Note: Familiar platform for some; requires account setup.
• Open Farm (openfarmpet.com):
  • Offerings: Natural dry and freeze-dried foods for dogs and cats.
  • Cost Advantage: 15–20% off first order/AutoShip, free shipping on cat recipes.
  • Features: Transparent sourcing, eco-friendly focus.
  • South African Note: Appeals to health-conscious South Africans; multilingual support.

Marketplaces

• Petfinder (petfinder.com):
  • Offerings: Adoption-linked food bundles from shelters.
  • Cost Advantage: Low-cost or free with adoption ($25–$150 fees).
  • Features: Shelter directory, pet profiles.
  • South African Note: Supports adoption, a common U.S. practice.
• eBay (ebay.com):
  • Offerings: Discounted pet food from private sellers.
  • Cost Advantage: Auctions can yield savings (e.g., 20–40% off).
  • Features: Buyer protection, wide selection.
  • South African Note: Caution needed for scams; verify sellers.

Directory of Stores with Lowest-Cost Animal Food

Physical Stores

• Walmart (walmart.com):
  • Offerings: Dry kibble (e.g., Ol’ Roy, Pedigree), wet food, small pet feed.
  • Cost Advantage: Prices 12% below average (e.g., Pedigree 30 lb at $16.98, ~$0.57/lb).
  • Locations: Nationwide, urban/rural.
  • South African Note: Affordable bulk options; multilingual staff in some stores.
• Costco (costco.com):
  • Offerings: Kirkland brand dry food, some wet options.
  • Cost Advantage: Up to 40% below average with membership ($60/year).
  • Locations: Urban/suburban.
  • South African Note: Requires membership; bulk suits large families.
• Sam’s Club (samsclub.com):
  • Offerings: Bulk dry food (e.g., Kibbles ‘n Bits 45 lb at ~$5.97, ~$0.13/lb).
  • Cost Advantage: 22% below average with membership ($50/year).
  • Locations: Urban/rural.
  • South African Note: Bulk savings align with South African shopping habits.
• Dollar General (dollargeneral.com):
  • Offerings: Budget dry and wet food (e.g., Hartz).
  • Cost Advantage: Low base prices (e.g., $5–$10 for 4–5 lb bags).
  • Locations: Rural/small towns.
  • South African Note: Convenient for remote areas; limited variety.
• Tractor Supply Co. (tractorsupply.com):
  • Offerings: Dry food, livestock feed, some bird mixes.
  • Cost Advantage: Competitive rural pricing (e.g., 20–30% off premium brands).
  • Locations: Rural/suburban.
  • South African Note: Appeals to rural South Africans familiar with farm stores.

Low-Cost Online Options

• Chewy (chewy.com):
  • Offerings: Budget brands (e.g., Ol’ Roy) alongside premium.
  • Cost Advantage: 5% AutoShip discount, free shipping on $49+.
  • South African Note: Online ease for urban refugees.
• Walmart Online (walmart.com):
  • Offerings: Wide range, including low-cost options (e.g., Purina 44 lb at $43.99, ~$1/lb).
  • Cost Advantage: Free pickup or shipping on $35+.
  • South African Note: Familiar bulk pricing model.
• PetSmart Clearance (petsmart.com):
  • Offerings: Discounted dry and wet food.
  • Cost Advantage: Up to 50% off clearance items.
  • South African Note: In-store deals suit budget-conscious families.

• Cultural Adjustment: South Africans may transition from feeding pets table scraps or local grains (e.g., maize) to U.S. commercial diets. Dry kibble and wet food dominate, with fresh options being a new trend.
• Access: Refugees can use ORR (1-800-354-0365) or NGOs (e.g., Catholic Charities, 1-800-919-9338) for food assistance or discount clinic referrals.
• Language Support: Afrikaans speakers should request interpreters at stores or online chat support, widely available.
• Cost Management: Leverage low-cost stores and AutoShip programs, aligning with South Africa’s value-for-money shopping culture.

Tips for South African Newcomers

• Start with Basics: Begin with affordable dry kibble (e.g., Pedigree) and consult vets for transitions.
• Online Convenience: Use Chewy or Petco for home delivery, especially in rural areas.
• Bulk Buying: Shop at Sam’s Club or Costco for long-term savings, common in South African bulk purchases.
• Health Focus: Opt for prescription diets if pets have conditions, using vet clinics at Petco or PetSmart.
• Community Resources: Visit United Way 211 or libraries for pet food coupons and education.

Conclusion