10 Easy Ways to Save Money on Dog Food

We are most satisfied when we constantly surprise our best friends with dog cups, new toys, and “just because” gifts. Nevertheless, pet-related expenditures, particularly food, can accumulate rapidly and potentially deter us from monitoring our bank account balances. Understanding how to save money on dog food can assist us in creating a budget for the care of our pets, as well as for presents of gratitude.

According to Senior Tail Waggers veterinarian Linda Simon, DVM, MVB, and MRCVS, “the cost of food will depend on the type of diet you desire to provide and the size of your dog.” “In general, food items containing raw or premium ingredients are more expensive, whereas kibble is the most economical option.” In general, food expenses for smaller canines commence at $35 per month, whereas larger canine food expenses commence at $60 per month.

Each month, there are ten simple ways to save money on dog food.

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Best Ways to Save Money on Dog Food

1. Keep an eye out for sale events and discounts

This is when it is useful to obtain the app from your preferred pet store or to subscribe to their mailing list. Obtain up-to-date information to discover potential discounts and flash sales, increasing the likelihood that you will stumble upon a bargain. (Retailers consistently organize seasonal and holiday promotions.)

2. Buy Larger Bags

The price per pound of dog food decreases as the size of the container increases. Smaller bags may be less expensive in the short term, but if your dog consumes food at a certain rate or you have multiple canines, purchasing the larger bag will be more cost-effective in the long run.

3. Research Shops to Obtain the Lowest Price

When we have a preferred source for pet food, we might not notice that it is available elsewhere for a lower price. If your dog’s food is available at Target, Walmart, or the grocery store, compare prices there, as it may be more affordable there. Additionally, you can utilize a browser extension, such as Honey or Rakuten, to locate the cheapest online prices automatically (and earn cash back!).

4. Matching prices whenever possible

Have you observed that the price of your dog’s food is lower on a retailer’s website than it is in-store? Request a pricing match! This can result in cost savings that can be applied to additional necessities or supplies.

As an illustration, PetSmart offers price matching not only for products that are less expensive on their website but also for those that are offered at a lower price at a competitor’s retail location. Please refer to their price match guarantee for further details.

5. Buy in Bulk

Like purchasing bigger bags of dog food, bulk purchasing is also more cost-effective. (We are such devotees of Costco bargains for a reason.) By stocking up on the food that your dog enjoys, you can save both time and money.

To maintain the freshness of your dog’s food, be certain to store it in a secure container.

6. Sign Up for Auto Deliveries

When repurchasing necessities such as dog food, rewards, and supplements, the majority of retailers provide discounts. You can control the frequency with which your dog food is shipped with automatic deliveries; you can even cancel or delay a shipment if necessary.

Recently available auto-delivery discounts from retailers include the following:

• PetSmart: 35 percent off your first auto-ship order
• Petco: 35 percent off your first repeat delivery
• Chewy: 5 percent off all auto-ship orders
• Amazon: 5 percent off Subscribe & Save auto-deliveries

7. Make the most of Loyalty Programs

Being a devoted customer of Chewy, Petco, PetSmart, or any other preferred pet retailer can result in significant cost savings through the accumulation of points with each purchase. Furthermore, ample opportunities exist to multiply points, which means that your point balance can be applied to a future purchase discount even more quickly.

8. Find discounted treats 

By substituting presents for your dog that are both more affordable and equally delectable, you can reduce overall food costs. Additionally, one may attempt to prepare homemade dog treats using straightforward recipes that call for ingredients that are likely already in their possession. Examples of such delights include blueberry banana frozen yogurt, chicken bacon dog biscuits, and sweet potato dog treats.

9. Replace the Food in Your Dog’s Diet That Is More Affordable

If your dog does not have a specific dietary requirement, substituting inexpensive food that provides equivalent nutrition could yield substantial cost savings. Simon advises pet owners to feed their animals the highest quality nutrition they can afford so that they have funds for additional pet care costs, such as veterinary care and grooming.

“All diets that adhere to the recommendations of the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) will be nutritionally complete and meet your pet’s needs.” She adds, “This is true even if the diet is extremely inexpensive.” “Diets should ideally begin with protein sources, such as meat or fish, as the primary component. The constituents should ideally be specified, as opposed to being generically labeled as ‘ meat and bone meal.’ It is highly recommended to avoid consuming foods that contain artificial flavors and hues.

10. Prepare Food for Your Dog at Home

In place of purchasing dog food from the store, it may be more economical to procure the necessary ingredients and prepare their food in-house, contingent upon the number and size of your canines. One of the benefits of being your dog’s chef is the ability to procure ingredients at the most competitive prices and provide them with precise monitoring of their meals. If you choose to prepare meals at home, use a complete and balanced recipe and consult your veterinarian before proceeding.

Homemade Dog Food vs. Store-Bought Dog Food

There are situations in which preparing dog food at home may be more cost-effective, such as when you have a single small dog. Simon argues that, in addition to being considerably more time-consuming, making dog food at home may prove to be more costly than purchasing food from a store, depending on the ingredients used.

“As well as sourcing all the ingredients, vitamins, and supplements, owners need to pay for the cost of the food being cooked and need to store or freeze it, too,” according to her. “Vets advise owners to seek the assistance of a nutritionist in order to develop a recipe that prevents nutritional deficiencies,” the vets advise—the potential expense ranges from $150 to $300. Optimal cost savings may result from this preliminary consultation, contingent upon the fees associated with the ingredients utilized in the recipes.

Due to these factors, Simon states that she seldom recommends to her clients the preparation of their dog food. In addition to the difficulty and lack of essential nutrients such as calcium and iodine, the process is often difficult to master. She further states that if your dog has a food allergy or sensitivity, has always been fed human-grade dog food, or has refused all other dog cuisines, cooking their food may be an acceptable option.

Consult your veterinarian regarding the optimal diet for your pet; they may even have suggestions for reducing food expenses.