Owner's Handbook (Part 4): Food and Shops – from pellets to gourmet in the mountains

One of the big fears of farmers moving to a smaller city is: “Will I find the food my dog eats?”

Bansko It may be small, but with an international community and well-developed courier services, you won't leave your pet hungry. From premium kibble to raw meat, here's where to shop.

1. Pet stores in Bansko and Razlog

There are several specialty stores in the region that maintain a good assortment.

Pet shop "Friends" (Bansko)

It is located near the Post Office and the center.

• Assortment: They stock popular high-end kibbles (Royal Canin, Pro Plan, Hill's).
• Orders: If your food is specific (e.g., veterinary renal diet), owners can order it and have it delivered within 2-3 days.
• Accessories: Here you will find quality muzzles (mandatory for the lift), long leads, and warm winter clothes.

Granules or BARF? In Bansko you have a choice.

Pet store in Razlog (next to Lidl)

If you shop at the large supermarkets in Razlog, stop by the pet store nearby. They often have larger packages (10-15 kg bags) at better prices.

2. Supermarkets: Quick Solutions

If you ran out of food on Sunday night:

• Bill и Lidl (Bansko): They mainly offer mid-range and budget-class granules and canned food.
• T-Market (Reason): There are often promotions on pouches and treats.

3. BARF and Raw Feeding

If you feed your dog raw meat, Bansko is the perfect place.

• Butchers: There are several excellent butcher shops in the city (e.g. “Sachi”) that offer Bulgarian meat with guaranteed origin.
• What to look for:
  • Beef: You can order trimmings, hearts or liver at very good prices.
  • Bones: Butchers often give away or sell large beef bones as a symbol.
• The market: On Sundays at the market you can find homemade eggs and cottage cheese from the villages in the region.

4. Online deliveries (Salvation)

If your dog is on a specific brand (e.g. Acana, Orijen, or medical food) that is not available in the store:

• Online stores: All major sites (Zoomagazin, Petmall, Stefanov) deliver to an Econt or Speedy office in Bansko within 24 hours.
• Planning: Order 3-4 days before the bag runs out. In winter, in heavy snow, the Predel Pass may be closed temporarily, which could delay couriers by a day.

5. Mountain Delicacies (Caution!)

While you are out walking, your dog may find “natural treats.” Be careful:

6. Water in Bansko

The tap water in Bansko is mountain, clean and completely drinkable – for both you and your pets. There is no need to buy bottled water.