Iowa Pet Foods & Seascapes ARL west

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.