09/06/2024
Do you notice anything different between these two cans of food? Both cans are advertised as Purina’s canned DM food for felines. The can of food on the left is from Chewy.com. The can on the right is from Purina. The packaging of both cans are similar, so you would think that you were getting the same quality food. However, just by looking at the contents of both cans, you can tell that they are not the same. This is why ordering from online websites like Chewy.com can be such a major health concern!
Have you purchased from Chewy.com, 1-800 Petmeds, or any other websites that offer low cost food and medications? Are you aware of the risks that are associated with purchasing from these companies? Let’s talk about it. Companies like Chewy.com and 1-800 Petmeds are often purchased from for two reasons. Reason 1: It is convenient to purchase products online and have it shipped to your front door. Reason 2: The most popular reason, is because they advertise low prices. Unfortunately, these online pharmacies do purchase items, like food and medication, through second and third hand sources. This means the products are unable to be verified as authentic and in good condition. The lower prices can be offered by Chewy.com and 1-800 Petmeds because the second and third hand sources are selling their non-regulated, counterfeit--and sometimes even expired--products at an outrageously low price.
Ultimately, this means that you are not guaranteed food or medication that works properly or that has the same ingredients as the original product. Have you ever noticed the label on the back of your food or medication that says, “Store in a cool, dry place” or “Store between the temperatures of 50˚-100˚F”? When a food or medication is prescribed to a patient, it is often to help the patient with something like fleas and ticks, heartworms, urinary function, kidney function, seizures, skin allergies, heart problems, GI sensitivities, etc. Most of these online pharmacies like Chewy.com and 1-800 Petmeds do not offer controlled temperatures in their warehouses or during the shipping process. If the product sits in a hot atmosphere all day, the product is not guaranteed to work. The controlled temperatures are in place to prevent the destruction of vitamins and oxidation of fats leading to rancidity or defective products. For these reasons, we do not approve food and medications through Chewy.com, 1-800 Petmeds or other online pharmacies. This is a major health concern and for the well-being of our patients, and pets around the Nation, we do not recommend purchasing from these websites.
We do have a solution! Our solution is Vetsource. This can be accessed by going to our website and clicking on "our pharmacy". The manufacturers of food and medication do sell directly to VetSource online at the lowest price possible. Vetsource has a licensed Pharmacist, offers shipping straight to your door with controlled temperatures and all their products are 100% guaranteed by the manufacturer. Our main goal is to keep pets safe and to educate our clients so we can give your pet the happiest, healthiest life possible.
