Large dogs may need 5-15kg of food per month, while small dogs and cats may need 2-5kg. Forwarding saves 30-40%, and Chewy subscription can add up to 35% off, producing total savings of 50-60%. This guide explains prescription diets, subscription models, and animal / plant quarantine rules.
Table of Contents
Why Forward Pet Food from the US?
- 30-40% price gaps: Royal Canin in the US at USD$80 (NT$2,520) versus Taiwan NT$3,800 for 15lb
- Chewy Auto-Ship saves 35%: first order 35% off, later orders 5% off
- Complete prescription diet selection: Hill's Prescription Diet and Royal Canin Veterinary full lines
- Organic / raw-inspired diets: Orijen, Acana, Stella & Chewy's from US / Canada origin
- Large bags are best value: 30lb (13.6kg) large bags versus smaller 5kg Taiwan packs
- Recurring monthly use: subscription models fit long-term pet care
Animal and Plant Quarantine Rules
Feed containing animal ingredients such as chicken, beef, or lamb is regulated. Reasonable personal-use quantities can be released, often under 6kg per shipment.
2025 Rules
- Personal use: under 6kg per shipment as a reasonable range
- Bulk purchase above 10kg: animal and plant quarantine declaration may be required
- Commercial import: animal drug / feed import registration is required
- Prohibited: 1. meat from specific disease regions such as avian influenza areas 2. controlled ingredients such as CBD or THC
- US / Canada dry food: usually released
- EU / China dry food: some countries may be suspended for beef or pork disease restrictions
Prescription Diets (Vet-Recommended)
1. Hill's Prescription Diet
Main formulas: c/d for urinary care, k/d for kidney care, i/d for digestion, z/d for allergies
Price gap: 1. c/d 8.5lb in the US at USD$50 (NT$1,580) versus Taiwan NT$2,400
Notes: 1. Veterinary prescription required on some platforms 2. Chewy requires uploading a veterinarian authorization.
2. Royal Canin Veterinary
Main formulas: Urinary SO, Renal, Gastrointestinal
Price gap: 1. Urinary SO 8.8lb in the US at USD$70 versus Taiwan NT$3,200
Notes: 1. Medical-grade ingredients 2. Chewy requires prescription upload.
3. Purina Pro Plan Veterinary
Main formulas: UR for urinary care, HA for allergies, EN for digestion
Price gap: 1. US vs Taiwan gap around 30-40%
Notes: regular Pro Plan does not require a prescription; Veterinary line does.
8 Major Pet Food Brands
1. Hill's Science Diet
Main formulas: Adult, Puppy, Sensitive Stomach, Healthy Mobility
Price gap: 1. 30lb US price USD$70 versus Taiwan NT$2,800, about NT$600 gap (21%)
Notes: largest US pet food brand; no prescription required.
2. Royal Canin
Main formulas: breed-specific lines such as Persian, Yorkshire, Pug, and age-specific formulas
Price gap: 1. US vs Taiwan gap around 30-40%
Notes: French brand with US and France production; US sourcing is often cheaper.
3. Orijen (Canadian premium)
Main formulas: Original, Six Fish, Tundra, Regional Red
Price gap: 1. Orijen Original 25lb from Canada / US at USD$95 (NT$3,000) versus Taiwan NT$4,500
Notes: 1. Under Canada's Champion Petfoods 2. High-protein fresh-meat formula 3. Use Canada or US routes.
4. Acana (more accessible Orijen sister brand)
Main formulas: Singles, Heritage, Wholesome Grains
Price gap: 1. Acana 25lb in the US at USD$70 versus Taiwan NT$3,200
Notes: same group as Orijen; simpler formulas at a more accessible price.
5. Stella & Chewy's (freeze-dried raw)
Main formulas: Freeze-Dried Raw, Wild Red, Marie's Magical Dinner Dust
Price gap: 1. US price USD$30/lb versus Taiwan NT$1,200
Notes: 1. Freeze-dried raw-style food 2. Quarantine documents may be required in some cases.
6. Wellness Core (high-protein grain-free)
Main formulas: CORE Original, CORE Puppy, CORE Senior
Price gap: 1. 26lb in the US at USD$70 versus Taiwan NT$3,200
Notes: US natural pet food brand, grain-free.
7. Blue Buffalo
Main formulas: Life Protection, Wilderness, Basics
Price gap: 1. 24lb in the US at USD$50 versus Taiwan NT$2,200
Notes: mid-priced US pet food brand, also sold at Costco.
8. Taste of the Wild
Main formulas: High Prairie, Pacific Stream, Sierra Mountain
Price gap: 1. 28lb in the US at USD$50 versus Taiwan NT$2,500
Notes: formulas were revised after DCM controversy.
Chewy Subscription Savings Strategy
Chewy (largest US pet food ecommerce platform)
Advantages: 1. Most complete selection, including full Hill's, Royal Canin, Orijen, and Acana lines 2. 24/7 customer service 3. 30-day unconditional returns 4. Online vet verification for prescription diets 5. Auto-Ship subscription savings.
Chewy Auto-Ship Subscription Mechanics
- First order for new members: 35% off + free shipping above USD$49
- Later orders: 5% off each order
- Cycle options: 4 / 6 / 8 / 12 weeks
- Cancellation: cancel the next order anytime with no penalty
- Free shipping threshold: USD$49+, which pet food subscriptions usually meet
Chewy vs Amazon vs Walmart
| Item | Chewy | Amazon US | Walmart |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prescription diets | โ Online vet verification | โ ๏ธ Partial | โ Not available |
| Selection | โญโญโญโญโญ | โญโญโญโญ | โญโญโญ |
| Subscription discount | 35% / 5% | 5-15% Subscribe & Save | None |
| Customer service | 24/7, industry-leading | Average | Average |
| Returns | 30 days unconditional | 30 days | 30 days |
| Direct Taiwan shipping | โ | โ ๏ธ Some items | โ |
Sea vs Air Freight (Weight Calculation)
A 25lb (11kg) bag costs USD$80-120 (NT$2,500-3,800) by EMS air freight, but only USD$15-25 (NT$475-790) by sea freight, saving more than 70%.
Practical Freight Comparison
- 1 bag, 25lb: EMS NT$2,500 vs sea freight NT$790
- 3 bags, 25lb each (75lb): EMS NT$5,500 vs sea freight NT$1,500
- Full case, 4 bags (100lb): EMS NT$7,000 vs sea freight NT$2,000
- Advice: 1 bag -> air freight if urgent; 3+ bags -> sea freight in 30-50 days; plan subscriptions 6 months ahead for best sea freight economics
7 Steps for Pet Food Forwarding
1Choose platform + product
1. Regular food -> Chewy / Amazon US 2. Prescription diets -> Chewy with vet verification 3. Orijen / Acana -> Canada Petsmart or Chewy
2Choose Auto-Ship subscription
1. First order for new members gets 35% off 2. Subscription cycle can be 4-12 weeks 3. Cancel anytime 4. Coordinate with Taiwan forwarding frequency
3Choose partner warehouse
US Chewy / Amazon -> US Oregon warehouse
Canada Petsmart -> Canada warehouse, where some origin brands are cheaper
4Warehouse inspection
1. Photo confirmation of product and expiry date 2. Consolidate multiple bags to spread sea freight 3. Keep large bags in original sealed packaging 4. Attach vet authorization for prescription diets
5Choose sea freight (strongly recommended)
1. One bag or more should use sea freight 2. Sea freight takes 30-50 days 3. Order 2 months ahead 4. Sealed kibble is not affected by sea freight
6EZWay declaration
1. Category: "pet food / feed" plus declared value 2. Personal use, reasonable quantity 3. Attach vet authorization for prescription diets. See the EZWay tutorial.
7Clearance + delivery
1. Pet food duty 0-5% + 5% business tax 2. Animal and plant quarantine inspection probability around 10-15% 3. Large bags use HCT large-item delivery
Pet Food Forwarding FAQ
Forward Pet Food with HowBridge
US / Canada partner warehouses, Chewy subscription ordering, prescription diet ordering, large-bag sea freight, and animal / plant quarantine compliance
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