Petco has announced that it is offering a nationwide Artificial Free Upgrade event that will allow pet owners to trade-in any dog or cat food that has artificial ingredients for one that doesn’t. The event coincides with Petco’s move away from dog and cat foods that have “artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.”

To receive a free bag or can of cat or dog food without artificial ingredients, pet owners can visit any Petco or Unleashed by Petco store with the bag or can of dog or cat food they intend to upgrade. Pet owners will receive a free nutritional consultation with a Petco-certified food specialist as well as a free can or bag of dog or cat food that meets Petco’s new nutrition standards.

Petco is offering the two-day event on May 18 and 19. There is a limit to one trade in per species per household. Petco also said it will offer a free upgraded bag or can of dog or cat food to pet owners while supplies last. Pet owners must also be Pals Rewards members.

"We know choosing between so many pet food options can be a confusing and daunting task," Nick Konat, Petco co-chief merchandising officer said. "We stopped selling foods with artificial ingredients because we believe it's the right thing to do, and we want to make decisions easier for pet parents.

“The Artificial-Free Upgrade event is a great opportunity for pet parents to learn about our new nutrition standards, how these standards can help address their pet's needs, and how pet parents can make this important change with us. We're proud to make the transition accessible to all pet parents in the spirit of better health and wellness for our four-legged family members."

Petco announced its commitment to more natural ingredients in dog and cat food products in November and fulfilled this commitment on May 1. Products that do not meet the pet retailer’s nutritional standards have been removed from its more than 1,500 store locations nationwide as well as on its website.

Dog Food Warning
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued a warning about raw dog food that may be contaminated with Salmonella. Dogs attend 'A Sausage Dog Celebration' as part of London Dog Week at M Restaurant on March 24, 2019 in London, England. Getty Images/John Phillips