About
Iowa Pet Foods & Seascapes has been a West Des Moines staple for over two decades, earning fierce loyalty from customers who keep coming back for the combination of premium pet food, a dedicated aquatics department, and staff who genuinely care about animal health. The store operates in partnership with the Animal Rescue League (ARL), hosting adoptable cats right on-site — a feature that has helped countless kittens find homes. The fish room is a destination in itself.
Saltwater and freshwater tanks line the walls, and the store stocks corals, reef supplies, and live plants alongside the livestock. They carry Waterbox aquariums and will deliver and fully set up your new tank — a service one first-time saltwater hobbyist praised as making the whole process easy. Bettas get their own properly-sized tanks rather than the sad cups you'll find at chain stores, a detail that tells you something about the shop's philosophy.
Water testing is a standout service here. One customer brought in a sample for a sick Oscar fish and received exact parameter numbers, a prescribed treatment plan, and handwritten care instructions — the kind of hands-on consultation that turns a panicked fish-keeper into a confident one. Staff member Tim earned special praise for special-ordering koi late in the season, delivering fish that exceeded expectations in size and color variety.
The pet food side of the business is equally strong. Staff steered one customer toward Open Farm food for their overweight doodle with transformative results, and the store deliberately avoids stocking low-quality brands. They carry a deep selection of single-ingredient treats and raw diet options, and employees will carry heavy bags to your car.
Some reviewers note the coral selection can be inconsistent and the fish room lighting sometimes needs attention. But for aquarium essentials, reliable livestock, expert guidance, and the chance to meet an adoptable cat on your way out, Iowa Pet Foods & Seascapes remains West Des Moines' go-to independent pet shop.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Partnership with ARL (Animal Rescue League) for cat adoptions in-store
- Dedicated fish room with both saltwater and freshwater displays
- Waterbox aquarium sales with delivery and setup included
- Free water testing with detailed analysis and written care instructions
- Special-order koi available seasonally
From keepers
Customer reviews
“Always super helpful and pleasant. Will order stuff if they don’t have it”
— Forrest Cole5.0a week ago“Wonderful store and staff, lots of options and well kept.”
— Chris Hudson5.0a week ago“Was okay..few marine supplies,owner was helpful...”
— dallas balzer3.03 weeks ago“Incredibly knowledgeable and helpful. Great staff who helped us with our temperamental and health challenged furry boy.”
— Luke Katuin5.04 weeks ago“Staff is great been going here for over 20 years.”
— logan elliott5.04 weeks ago“The absolute friendliest staff and most importantly knowledgeable! They know their stuff about the foods they carry and truly care about your questions. Go to Iowa Pet Foods and ditch the big box!!”
— Elizabeth Cannon5.04 months ago“Always great to stop and check in!”
— Chris Lawson5.04 months ago“Always so helpful and knowledgeable. Everyone there always has a smile.”
— Jessica Atkinson5.0Edited 4 months ago“Adopted an adorable cat here and the adoption process was simple. The staff are nice and have experience with animals.”
— M.C. DSM5.04 months ago“Don’t know the mature lady’s name but she was very knowledgeable in think the place maybe under some construction as there wasn’t much of a. Fish selection and indoor pond some customer messed up so it’s having to be fixed but overall it’s always been a good go to to get healthy fish unlike PetSmart or petco”
— leonidas diamandis5.06 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (515) 223-0254 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Iowa Pet Foods & Seascapes ARL west.