Where to Buy Dog Food in Portugal: A Practical Guide for Expats
- Ryan Rothon
- Feb 10
- 3 min read
Moving to Portugal with a dog is exciting! Sun, beaches and of course amazing food. But once you start considering the more practical aspects of the move, there is one question that comes across the minds of many expats looking to make the move with their dog:
“Where do I actually buy decent dog food here?”
Brands you trusted back home may not exist, packaging is often in Portuguese, and advice can vary wildly depending on who you ask. Your dog is an important member of your family, and all of this change can feel a little overwhelming. But, we are here to help! This guide breaks down where expats in Portugal usually buy dog food, the pros and cons of each option, and what to look out for when choosing food in a new country.
What Expats Should Expect When Buying Dog Food in Portugal
Portugal has plenty of dog food options, but the experience can feel different from the UK, Ireland, or Northern Europe:
Supermarkets carry a lot of dog food (but quality varies, look out for fillers!)
Ingredients and labels are often only in Portuguese
Many vets recommend specific (and expensive) brands
Online delivery is common and reliable
Hot weather changes how food should be stored and chosen
Understanding the main places to buy helps you avoid unnecessary switching, digestive issues, and wasted money.
Buying Dog Food in Portuguese Supermarkets
Most expats start here as it’s easy and familiar.
You’ll commonly see dog food at:
Continente
Pingo Doce
Auchan
Lidl
Aldi
Pros
Convenient and everywhere
Very affordable
Good for short-term solutions
Cons
Many foods rely heavily on cereals and fillers
Protein sources can be vague
Sudden switches often cause soft stools or stomach upset
Expat tip: Supermarket food isn’t “bad” by default, but it’s worth learning how to read Portuguese labels so you know what you’re buying.
Local Pet Shops & Pet Store Chains
Independent pet shops are common across Portugal (especially in Lisbon and Porto) and often provide better-quality food than supermarkets.
What to expect
More specialised brands (special diets, raw feeding and independent brands)
Staff who genuinely like dogs (but may not speak much English)
Prices higher than supermarkets, lower than vets
These shops are great for:
Puppies
Dogs with mild sensitivities
Owners wanting advice without vet prices
Expat tip: Ask why a food is recommended, not just which food.
Buying Dog Food Online in Portugal
Online pet food shopping is extremely popular with expats.
Popular options
Zooplus
Amazon (often via Spain)
Pros
Huge choice of brands (you may find your current brand online)
Home delivery anywhere in Portugal
Subscriptions save time and money
Cons
Delivery takes planning (especially in rural areas)
These big companies can fail to store properly
Low customer service scores and difficult returns
Online shopping works brilliantly once you’ve found a food your dog tolerates well.
Buying Dog Food From Vets in Portugal
Veterinary clinics often sell dog food, sometimes exclusively (as in they are sponsored by a specific brand).
When vet food makes sense
Medical conditions
Prescription diets
Short-term digestive issues
When it doesn’t
Long-term feeding without medical need
General “just in case” recommendations
Budget-driven households
Vet food is not automatically better, but it does have a place.
What Expats Should Look For When Choosing Dog Food in Portugal
Before buying, check for:
Clearly named protein sources (e.g. chicken, fish)
Digestibility, especially during climate change
Clear feeding guidelines
Suitable storage for warm weather
Gradual transition advice
Portugal’s heat and lifestyle changes can affect digestion more than people expect.
A Note on Switching Foods After Moving
Moving countries is stressful for dogs too. New climate, new water, new routine. All at once.
Many expats unknowingly:
Switch food too quickly
Blame the new food rather than the transition
Rotate brands repeatedly, causing ongoing issues
A slow, gentle transition is often more important than the brand itself.
Gentle is Here For You!
Our team at Gentle dog food is based here in Portugal and we offer native English customer service and a premium and convenient food option:
Unique cold pressed method - more nutrients in every bite
24hr shipping!
cost savings on multiple bags and larger amounts
Quick customer service with real people (no AI chatbots)
Expat run and family owned/operated
Final Thoughts
Portugal offers many good places to buy dog food — supermarkets, pet shops, vets, and online stores all have their place.
The key for expats is:
Understanding what you’re buying
Avoiding unnecessary switches
Choosing food that suits your dog and the Portuguese climate
Once you’ve settled, consistency matters more than perfection.
Read our comprehensive guide on moving to portugal with your dog here
And read our guide to dog nutrition here
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