How to Never Run Out of Pet Food: Smart Tips for Kiwi Pet Parents
When it comes to feeding your furry family members, running out of pet food isn’t just inconvenient — it’s a tail-wagging emergency. Whether you live with a picky cat or a bottomless-stomach Labrador, keeping mealtimes consistent is key to their health and happiness. At Petdirect, we get pet — and we know how stressful an empty bowl can be. So, we’ve put together the ultimate guide to never running out of pet food, with practical tips, smart tools and feeding solutions that work in Aotearoa.
Plan Ahead With A Feeding Schedule
Just like you plan your own grocery shop, creating a meal plan for your pet helps you stay one paw ahead. Track how much your pet eats each day, factoring in treats, wet and dry food, and the occasional food topper. From there, you'll know exactly how long a bag or tin should last and when it's time to restock.
If you're parenting more than one pet (or juggling different dietary needs), this becomes even more important. For example, a growing puppy might power through puppy food quicker than expected, while a senior cat on a vet-recommended diet may have very specific timing for refills.
Set It And Forget It With Autodeliver
Life gets busy. That's why Petdirect's Autodeliver subscription service was designed to simplify mealtime planning for Kiwi pet parents. Just pick your pet’s favourite food, choose your delivery frequency, and we’ll do the rest — no more late-night dashes to the supermarket or empty kibble bags at breakfast.
Better still, Autodeliver comes with a discount and reminders before your order ships, so you can pause, skip or update it whenever your needs change. It’s like a treat for you and your pet.
Store Food Like A Pro
Good storage habits keep pet food fresher for longer and help you see when you’re running low. Use air-tight containers for dry food and label them with refill dates. Rotating stock and keeping everything in one tidy place can help you avoid surprise shortages.
Mix It Up With Emergency Backups
Even with the best planning, life happens. Storms, long weekends, shipping delays — it pays to have a mini emergency kit. Keep a small stash of shelf-stable items like freeze-dried dog treats or dry cat food on hand. These can sub in for a meal if needed, while still meeting your pet’s basic nutritional needs.
And if you’ve got a fussy eater or a pet on a prescription diet, it’s a good idea to always have at least two weeks of food on hand — just in case.
Use Smart Feeding Tech
If you ever find yourself second-guessing how much food is left when you’re not home, smart tech can lend a paw. Pet feeders with portion measurement and mobile app control are game changers. Check out our range of smart pet feeders and smart fountains to keep your pet both well-fed and well-hydrated, especially during summer and travel season.
These tools are perfect for pets with strict feeding routines or health needs — and ideal for peace of mind when you're away for the day.
Bundle & Save For Less Frequent Reordering
If your pet loves a certain brand or you’ve got the pantry space, buying bundles can be a smart (and wallet-friendly) move. Check out our multi-pack offerings like dry dog food bundles or wet cat food bundles. This reduces your need to reorder so often, and saves a few dollars too. Win-win!
Never Miss A Mealtime
Your pet’s bowl should never be empty when their belly’s full of love. With a little planning, the right tools, and help from Petdirect’s Autodeliver service, you’ll never have to worry about running out of pet food again. Because we get pet, and we know a well-fed pet is a happy one.
Need to stock up? Explore our full range of cat and dog food or browse our top-rated picks in the Top Rated Picks collection today. And don’t forget to join our Pet Perks loyalty programme to earn rewards while you shop.