Quick Answer
The cheapest way to buy quality dry dog food in Australia right now is to shop at Jumbo Pets or VetSupply, where brands like Black Hawk and Ivory Coat regularly undercut Pet Circle by $15–$25 per bag. For a 7 kg bag of Black Hawk Grain Free, prices start at $94.95 — compare that to $119.99 at the same brand’s most expensive retailer. Always buy the largest bag your dog will eat within 6 weeks for the best per-kilo rate.
Australians spend more than ever on their dogs — and dog food is the single biggest ongoing cost for most pet owners. Whether you’re feeding a Great Dane or a Toy Poodle, buying the same bag from the right retailer can save you $200 or more per year. In this guide, we compare prices across Australia’s three biggest online pet stores so you know exactly where to shop in June 2026.
Why Cheap Dog Food Doesn’t Mean Low Quality
“Cheap” in Australia’s pet food market doesn’t mean inferior — it means knowing where to buy. Brands like Black Hawk and Ivory Coat are both made in Australia, use high-quality proteins, and are sold by multiple retailers at very different prices. The food is identical; only the price tag changes.
The key factors driving price differences between Australian online pet stores:
- Loyalty programmes — Pet Circle AutoShip and VetSupply Subscribe & Save can cut 5–10% off already-low prices
- Warehouse location — Jumbo Pets ships from Sydney; freight costs affect margin in different states
- Range depth — smaller retailers sometimes discount to clear stock
- Promotional cycles — prices fluctuate; this data was last updated June 2026
Black Hawk Dog Food Price Comparison (June 2026)
Black Hawk is Australia’s best-selling premium dry dog food brand. Made in Australia with locally sourced ingredients, it comes in two main lines: Grain Free (potato-based) and Original (rice-based). Both are high in real meat protein with no artificial colours or flavours.
| Product | Jumbo Pets | VetSupply | Pet Circle |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black Hawk Grain Free Adult Chicken 7 kg | — | $96.51 | $116.99 |
| Black Hawk Grain Free Adult Lamb 7 kg | — | $96.51 | $109.99 |
| Black Hawk Grain Free Small Breed Chicken 7 kg | $94.95 | $100.43 | $119.99 |
| Black Hawk Grain Free Puppy Ocean Fish 7 kg | $94.95 | $100.43 | — |
| Black Hawk Grain Free Adult Chicken 15 kg | $149.95 | $172.00 | $163.99 |
| Black Hawk Grain Free Adult Lamb 15 kg | $154.95 | $172.00 | $163.99 |
| Black Hawk Original Adult Chicken & Rice 3 kg | $36.95 | $37.78 | — |
Bottom line: For Black Hawk, Jumbo Pets wins on small-breed and 15 kg bags, while VetSupply beats everyone on the standard 7 kg Grain Free range. You can save up to $25 per bag by buying from the right retailer. Over a year for a large dog, that’s a saving of $150–$200.
Ivory Coat Dog Food Price Comparison (June 2026)
Ivory Coat is another Australian-made grain-free brand, formulated for “holistic nutrition” with a focus on single or dual protein sources and no artificial additives. It’s a popular alternative to Black Hawk, particularly for dogs with sensitive stomachs or allergies.
| Product | Jumbo Pets | VetSupply | Pet Circle |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ivory Coat Grain Free Adult Chicken 2 kg | $34.95 | $33.23 | $31.19 |
| Ivory Coat Grain Free Adult Lamb & Kangaroo 2 kg | $34.95 | $33.24 | — |
| Ivory Coat Grain Free Mature Turkey 2 kg | $34.95 | $36.89 | — |
| Ivory Coat Grain Free Adult Chicken 13 kg | $134.95 | $136.50 | $116.99 |
| Ivory Coat Grain Free Adult Lamb & Sardine 13 kg | $134.95 | $136.50 | $131.39 |
Bottom line: Pet Circle wins decisively on Ivory Coat’s 13 kg bags — saving you $18 vs Jumbo Pets and $19.51 vs VetSupply on the chicken variant. If you’re feeding a medium or large dog Ivory Coat, Pet Circle is the clear choice.
Which is Cheaper: Black Hawk or Ivory Coat?
At equivalent sizes, Black Hawk and Ivory Coat are closely matched, but Black Hawk typically edges ahead on per-kilogram cost for the 7 kg and 15 kg formats. Here’s a quick cost-per-kilo breakdown at best available prices:
- Black Hawk Grain Free Adult Chicken 7 kg — $96.51 → $13.79/kg
- Black Hawk Grain Free Adult Chicken 15 kg — $149.95 → $9.99/kg
- Ivory Coat Grain Free Adult Chicken 2 kg — $31.19 → $15.60/kg
- Ivory Coat Grain Free Adult Chicken 13 kg — $116.99 → $9.00/kg
For larger dogs, both brands hit under $10/kg when you buy the biggest available bag — making Australian-made grain-free kibble very competitive with imported brands. Browse the full dog food range at Waggly Shop to compare all available sizes and flavours.
Tips for Buying Cheap Dog Food in Australia
- Buy bigger bags — the per-kg cost drops significantly at 13–15 kg. Only go large if you’ll use it within 6 weeks of opening (store in a sealed container).
- Subscribe and save — Pet Circle AutoShip and VetSupply’s subscription save 5–10% on top of already-low prices.
- Check multiple retailers — as shown above, the same product can vary by $25+ between stores. The cheapest retailer depends on the specific product.
- Look for bundle deals — some retailers offer a free bag of treats with a dry food purchase. Pair your food order with quality dog treats to maximise value.
- Transition slowly — if switching brands to save money, mix the new food in gradually over 7–10 days to avoid digestive upset. This is especially important for puppies.
For specific breed needs, check our breed-specific dog food guides — some breeds do better on particular protein sources or life-stage formulas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest quality dog food in Australia?
Black Hawk Original (rice-based) is one of the best-value quality options, starting from around $36.95 for 3 kg. For grain-free, Black Hawk Grain Free starts from $94.95 per 7 kg bag at Jumbo Pets — roughly $13.50/kg, which is competitive for an Australian-made premium brand.
Is Black Hawk made in Australia?
Yes. Black Hawk is manufactured in Australia by Masterpet Australia, using locally sourced proteins including chicken, lamb, kangaroo and salmon. The brand is registered with the APVMA and meets Australian pet food standards.
How much dog food does my dog need per day?
It depends on your dog’s weight, age and activity level. As a rough guide, a 25 kg adult dog on Black Hawk Grain Free typically needs around 280–340 g per day — that’s roughly a 7 kg bag every 3–4 weeks. Always follow the feeding guide on the packaging and consult your vet for specific recommendations, particularly for puppies, seniors or dogs with health conditions. The RSPCA’s dog care guide has general guidance on nutrition for dogs of all life stages.
Where can I buy cheap dog food online in Australia?
Based on our June 2026 price comparison, the cheapest retailer depends on the brand and bag size. Jumbo Pets wins on Black Hawk 15 kg; Pet Circle wins on Ivory Coat 13 kg; VetSupply is strong on Black Hawk 7 kg bags. Use Waggly Shop to compare prices across all three — browse the full dog food range sorted by price.
Is grain-free dog food better for dogs?
Grain-free food suits dogs with grain sensitivities or allergies, but most healthy dogs digest grains like rice perfectly well. Both Black Hawk Original (with rice) and Black Hawk Grain Free are nutritionally complete. Talk to your vet before switching to grain-free if your dog has a history of cardiac issues — the Australian pet food review community has documented ongoing discussions about DCM and grain-free diets.
Methodology: Prices sourced from Waggly Shop’s live retailer feed as at June 2026. Prices change frequently — click through to confirm current pricing before purchasing. We earn a commission if you purchase through our links, at no extra cost to you.