Your
FAQs
Answered Here
Got questions about what’s in the bowl?
We've got you covered. Below, you’ll find everything you need to know about the evolution of The Pet Food Company, our signature Top Dog products, and how we handle delivery from our Christchurch store. If you're still looking for more info, just give us a shout, we're always happy to help.
All About The Pet Food Company
I’ve always bought Top Dog. Is the company changing?
Not at all!
Top Dog is our "original love," and it isn't going anywhere. We simply realised that our passion for quality nutrition was growing, so we created The Pet Food Company as a new home where we can offer even more variety, including cat food, kibble, and other brands we trust - all under one roof.
Why the name "The Pet Food Company"?
We wanted a name that reflected our evolution. While we started with dogs, our mission now is to provide "the way nature intended" for all pets. The new name allows us to bring you a wider range of products while keeping our promise of butcher-grade quality at the center of everything we do.
Is your petfood really 100% preservative-free?
Yes. Our Top Dog raw range and our new Raw Cat Food are 100% preservative-free. We believe in honest, fresh nutrition. For our kibble and partner brands, we apply a strict "Butcher’s Eye" vetting process to ensure they meet our high standards for clean ingredients and nutritional density
You used to be "Raw Only." Why are you selling Kibble now?
We know that every household and every pet is different. While we are huge advocates for raw feeding, we wanted to ensure that owners who prefer the convenience of kibble still have access to a high-quality, "no-compromise" option. Our kibble range follows the same "Top Dog" philosophy: better ingredients, no fillers, and real meat.
Why do you sell other brands besides your own?
We know we aren’t the only ones making great pet food. Our "Hand-Picked Partners" are brands that we have personally vetted and believe in. By stocking them, we become a one-stop shop for you, saving you time while guaranteeing that every bag or container you buy from us is "Butcher-Approved."
Delivery and Store Information
Do you Deliver?
Yes!
Delivery is minimum $40 and purchases over $100 receive
free delivery.
We deliver to the following suburbs in Christchurch:
Addington, Aranui, Avondale, Avonhead, Avonside, Beckenham, Belfast, Bexley, Bishopdale, Bromley, Broomfield, Bryndwr, Burnside, Casebrook, Cashmere, Cass Bay, Christchurch, Clifton, Cracroft, Dallington, Edgeware, Fendalton, Halswell, Harewood, Heathcote Valley, Hei Hei, Hillsborough, Hoon Hay, Hornby, Huntsbury, Ilam, Linwood, Lyttelton, Mairehau, Merivale, Middleton, Moncks Bay, Mount Pleasant, New Brighton, Northcote, Northwood, Opawa, Papanui, Parklands, Phillipstown, Redcliffs, Redwood, Riccarton, Richmond, Russley, Saint Albans, Saint Martins, Shirley, Sockburn, Somerfield, Southshore, Spreydon, Strowan, Sumner, Sydenham, Waimairi Beach, Wainoni, Waltham, Woolston, Yaldhurst
Can I click and collect?
Yes! We offer in-store shopping and click and collect at Bromley and Sockburn stores.
What are you delivery days?
Currently we deliver Tuesdays and Fridays but we are looking to expand our delivery service so stay tuned!
When are your stores open?
Monday to Friday 8 am - 6 pm
Saturdays 8 am - 4 pm
Sunday are closed
Public Holidays are closed
Can I return a product?
Yes and No.
Due to our frozen petfood being required to stay frozen we do not accept returns on our Top Dog pet food range.
For other products we do accept returns. Please head to our Return Policy to learn more.
Do I need to show ID picking up my order in store?
No! A physical ID is not required, however we do require confirmation of your order number attached to your purchase.
Our Top Dog Range
Why do we use vegetables over tripe?
While tripe is often praised for its natural digestive enzymes and beneficial bacteria, we’ve made a deliberate choice not to include it in our mixes. Tripe carries a higher risk of introducing harmful pathogens such as E. coli and Salmonella if not handled and stored perfectly. It can also be high in cholesterol, and improper handling may cause digestive upset or illness in dogs. Additionally, tripe has a very strong odour, which can make handling and feeding unpleasant.
Instead, we use carefully selected vegetables in our Deluxe Mix to provide peace of mind for pet owners while still supporting optimal gut health. Vegetables deliver natural fibre, essential vitamins, and minerals that help promote healthy digestion, balanced stools, and overall wellbeing, without the added risks.
This approach allows us to prioritise safety, consistency, and nutrition, while still supporting a healthy digestive system for your dog.
What can I expect switching on to raw petfood?
When transitioning to a raw diet, it’s normal for your pet’s body to take a little time to adjust. During this transitional stage, you may notice some temporary changes, including:
- Reduced interest in food as your pet gets used to the new smell, texture, and flavour
- Changes in stools (softer or firmer) while the gut adapts to the new diet
- Increased hunger, as their body adjusts to more nutrient-dense, natural food
- Slight weight fluctuations due to natural body adaptation and cleansing during the transition
- Reduced water intake, as raw food contains significantly more moisture than kibble or dried food
These changes are typically short-term and part of your pet adjusting to a more natural, biologically appropriate diet. Most pets settle within a couple of weeks and go on to show improvements in digestion, energy levels, coat condition, and overall wellbeing.
Why should I feed a raw diet over kibbles or other dog food?
Raw food is a dog’s most natural source of nutrition. Canine digestive systems are designed to process fresh meat and natural ingredients, not high levels of starch, fillers, preservatives, or artificial additives commonly found in many commercial dog foods.
A raw diet supports digestion, nutrient absorption, and overall health by providing food in its most natural form. Our formulas contain no nasties, just raw, high-quality meats carefully prepared to give your dog the nourishment they need to thrive.
By feeding raw, you’re choosing a simpler, more biologically appropriate way to support your dog’s wellbeing.
Can I feed raw alongside other types of pet food?
Yes. Co-dieting raw pet food with dried food or kibble is common and can work well for many pets.
However, to reap the full digestive and health benefits of a raw diet, feeding 100% raw is recommended. A fully raw diet allows your pet’s gut to function as intended, supporting better digestion, nutrient absorption, and overall wellbeing.
If you choose to co-feed, we recommend transitioning gradually and monitoring your pet’s digestion and condition.
How should I store my raw petfood?
Once defrosted
- Keep refrigerated
- Consume within 1–3 days
Frozen storage
- 3kg & 6kg packs:
Keep frozen for up to 6 months from packaging date.
Packaging and expiry dates are clearly printed on the label. - Assorted 1kg bags:
Keep frozen for up to 3 months from packaging date.
Expiry date is printed on the label.
Is raw petfood a risk for salmonella?
Like any raw food, raw pet food can carry a risk of harmful bacteria such as Salmonella. However, proper handling, storage, and feeding practices significantly reduce this risk.
To minimise exposure, we recommend:
- Using separate utensils and containers for raw pet food
- Regularly cleaning feeding bowls, preparation areas, and storage containers
- Defrosting safely in the refrigerator, never at room temperature
- Avoiding prolonged exposure to heat or direct sunlight
- Feeding only when your dog is ready to eat, and not leaving food out all day untouched
If harmful bacteria are present, signs in dogs may include vomiting, fever, lethargy, or other sudden changes in behaviour or health. If you notice any abnormal symptoms, we recommend seeking veterinary advice promptly.
With good hygiene and mindful feeding practices, raw pet food can be fed safely and confidently.
How soon can I notice the benefits of raw pet food?
Once your pet has transitioned to a raw pet food diet, early improvements in energy, mood, and overall alertness can often be noticed within the first few weeks to one month.
Longer term benefits such as improved coat condition, gut health, and bone support are typically seen within three to six weeks, though in some cases this may take up to twelve weeks.
The timeframe can vary depending on feeding quantities, whether other food sources are included, and your pet’s age, health, and genetics. Every pet is different, but with consistent feeding, most dogs show steady, positive changes over time.