1) Why premium pet food can be better value

Budget foods often lean on grains and plant fillers to keep the price down. That can mean larger feeding portions to hit the same nutrition, and more waste in the litter tray or backyard. Premium diets are usually more nutrient-dense and higher in quality animal protein, so pets are often satisfied on a smaller serve — and a bag can go further than the sticker price suggests.

There are other benefits owners notice over a few weeks: firmer, smaller stools, steadier energy, and a softer coat. None of this makes premium food essential for every pet, but if your dog or cat has a sensitive stomach, itchy skin or is simply a fussy eater, a higher-quality recipe is often worth a trial. And when a premium range is on sale, the day-to-day cost gap narrows — making it the ideal time to test one bowl at a time.

2) Trilogy — grain-free cat food with freeze-dried lamb

Trilogy is a natural cat food range built around grain-free kibble with freeze-dried lamb inclusions, plus wet recipes made with bone broth. The idea is to bring cats closer to a high-meat, natural diet without committing fully to raw feeding. The dry recipes come in a few single-focus proteins, so it is easier to find one that suits a cat with preferences or sensitivities.

• On sale now (20% off — $39.99, was $49.99): Salmon & Freeze-Dried Lamb, Kangaroo & Freeze-Dried Lamb, and Beef & Freeze-Dried Lamb.
• Best for: cats who do well on grain-free, high-protein food with a natural ingredient list.

Want the detail first? Read our Trilogy cat food review, or browse the full Trilogy dry cat food range.

3) K9 Natural — freeze-dried raw dog food from New Zealand

K9 Natural makes freeze-dried raw dog food using New Zealand ingredients. It is high in meat and grain-free, and the freeze-dried format simply rehydrates with warm water — a clean, shelf-stable way to feed raw-style nutrition without needing the freezer. Alongside the freeze-dried range, the canned wet recipes are an easy entry point, and work well as a topper to lift a fussy dog’s regular bowl.

• On sale now (15% off — $7.43, was $8.75): Lamb & King Salmon canned and Chicken Feast canned.
• Best for: owners who want raw-style feeding with everyday convenience, or a high-meat topper for picky dogs.

Learn more in our K9 Natural dog food review, or shop the K9 Natural range.

4) Wellness CORE — protein-first cat food

Wellness CORE is a grain-free, protein-first range. The Tiny Tasters wet cat food cups are a handy way to add moisture to a cat’s diet and tempt fussy eaters, in small 50g single-serve portions that stay fresh. There are pâté and broth textures across chicken, tuna and salmon recipes, so it is easy to rotate flavours. If you prefer dry, the grain-free Wellness CORE cat kibble is also currently reduced.

• Tiny Tasters on sale (up to 30% off — from $1.74): e.g. Tuna & Salmon Pâté 50g.
• Dry on sale ($53.99, was $59.99): Grain-Free Indoor Cat Chicken.
• Best for: cats who need more moisture in their diet, and households wanting a grain-free wet or dry option.

Browse the full Wellness pet food range.

5) Quick comparison

6) How to save more at ADS Pet Store

Beyond these specials, a few habits keep the cost of premium food down over the year:

• Shop the Monthly Specials: selected dog & cat food, treats and more, with savings up to 40% off — see the current sale range.
• Buy in bulk: larger bags (like 20kg dry dog food) almost always cost less per kilo than small packs, so they suit multi-pet or big-dog homes.
• Grab clearance & short-dated stock: treats and extras are often heavily reduced — the clearance range currently has treats like Blackdog Chicken Necks ($6.99, was $9.99) and Meaty Treaty Freeze-Dried Chicken Heart ($11.19, was $15.99).
• Earn points: our Reward Program gives points on your orders to spend later.
• Price Match Promise: found it cheaper elsewhere? See our price match promise.
• Free local delivery over $69 to selected Melbourne metro areas, with same-day local delivery available, and cold-chain delivery for fresh & frozen food.

7) FAQs

Is premium pet food actually worth the money?

For many pets, yes. More nutrient-dense recipes can mean smaller portions, firmer stools and better coat condition over time. Buying on sale or in bulk narrows the cost difference further, so it is worth trialling one product to see how your pet responds.

Can I mix premium food with what my pet eats now?

Usually yes. Introduce a new food gradually over 7–10 days, mixing an increasing amount into the current food each day, so your pet’s digestion has time to adjust. If you notice loose stools, slow the transition down.

What’s the difference between freeze-dried and canned?

Freeze-dried food (like K9 Natural) is shelf-stable and rehydrates with water, keeping raw-style nutrition convenient. Canned wet food adds moisture straight away and is often the easier first step or a topper. Many owners use both.

Are these sale prices ongoing?

Specials rotate, so prices can change. Always check the product page for the current price, or view the Monthly Specials to see what is reduced right now.