Why Did Chewy Stop Selling Fromm Dog Food?
Many dog owners dedicated to quality nutrition have noticed the absence of Fromm Family Foods on Chewy.com. This has led to an important question in pet-loving communities: Why did Chewy stop selling Fromm? The answer is rooted in business philosophy, brand alignment, and Fromm’s strong commitment to independent retail channels.
The Background: Chewy and PetSmart
In 2017, Chewy.com, originally known for its wide range of pet supplies and excellent customer service, was acquired by national retail chain PetSmart. Although Chewy continued to operate independently, the acquisition raised concerns among smaller, independent pet food manufacturers.
Fromm's Distribution Philosophy
Fromm Family Foods is a fifth-generation, family-owned company based in Wisconsin. The brand has a longstanding policy of distributing their products through independent pet retailers. This practice was based on:
- Maintaining quality relationships with local business owners.
- Ensuring consumer education through knowledgeable staff.
- Supporting small pet-centric businesses that align with their values.
When Chewy was acquired by PetSmart, Fromm viewed the change as a shift away from these principles. As a result, they decided to discontinue their partnership with Chewy to preserve their brand identity and distribution strategy.
Why Fromm’s Decision Makes Sense
Fromm’s decision may seem inconvenient for consumers used to the broad availability Chewy offers, but it aligns with their values of transparency, control, and quality. Here are several reasons this move supports their mission:
- Quality Control: Selling through known and vetted retailers allows Fromm to maintain tighter control over product handling and freshness.
- Customer Education: Staff at independent retailers often have better training and time to guide buyers to the right product for their pets.
- Brand Loyalty: Supporting brick-and-mortar stores helps communities and fosters brand loyalty among pet lovers.
How This Affects Pet Owners and Buyers
Although Fromm products are no longer available on Chewy, they can still be easily found through:
- Independent Pet Stores: Most local specialty shops carry Fromm lines.
- Veterinary Offices: Some vets also stock and recommend Fromm.
- Other Online Retailers: Fromm-authorized online shops support their quality standards.
Consumers looking for Fromm’s ranges, including their classic, grain-inclusive, and grain-free formulas, can use the store locator on Fromm’s official website to find a nearby authorized retailer.
Impact of Fromm's Choice on the Pet Food Industry
Fromm's move underscores a broader trend of premium pet food brands choosing selective distribution. Their choice to distance themselves from mass-market platforms like Chewy post-acquisition reflects:
- Brand Independence: Avoiding association with corporate chains to maintain artisanal appeal.
- Market Positioning: Viewing themselves as premium or boutique offerings.
- Consumer Trust: Delivering consistent quality and ingredient integrity.
Fromm’s Continued Popularity
Despite their absence from Chewy, Fromm remains widely respected for products such as their Adult Gold Dry Dog Food. Ingredients include a blend of chicken, duck, lamb, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, all prepared in Fromm-owned facilities with strict quality control.
Fromm is especially praised for:
- Skin and coat improvement due to omega-rich ingredients like salmon oil.
- Digestive support through probiotics and whole foods.
- No artificial additives: No harmful preservatives like BHA or BHT are used.
- Formulas tailored to different dog sizes and life stages.
Conclusion
Ultimately, Fromm stopped working with Chewy not due to product issues or consumer demand, but because they chose to prioritize their distribution ethics and support for independent pet retailers. While this may pose a small inconvenience for some buyers, many loyal consumers respect and support the decision. It's a unique case where a premium pet food company has stood by its founding principles in a rapidly changing retail environment.