How to Save Money on Dog Food

October 19, 2023   |   By David Jackson

Let's face it, times are tough. With the cost of living shooting up at record levels, many of us are having to reconsider how much we're able to spend on our pets' diets. But saving money doesn't have to mean downgrading your dog's dinner. In this article, we'll look at how this cost of living crisis is impacting our ability to provide for our dogs and share some tips on how you can save money on your dog's diet without compromising nutritional quality.

The Cost of Living Crisis and Its Impact on Us as Pet Owners

Escalating Pet Expenses

Owning a pet involves various costs, including everyday expenses like food and grooming, along with unexpected veterinary bills. The cost of living crisis has magnified these financial burdens, making pet ownership more financially demanding for us.

Rising Cost of Pet Food

One of the most noticeable effects of the crisis is the increasing prices of pet food. Factors such as inflation, disruptions in the supply chain, and soaring ingredient costs have resulted in higher price tags on bags of dog food.

Healthcare Challenges

Routine visits to the vet, vaccinations, and preventive medications are crucial for our dogs' well-being. However, as healthcare costs rise, some of us may find it challenging to afford these necessary veterinary services.

Trade-offs and Budget Constraints

The crisis has compelled many pet owners to make difficult choices, including compromising the quality of our dogs' diets, postponing essential vet visits, or even contemplating the heartbreaking prospect of giving up our beloved pets.

Adapting to Ensure Our Dogs Receive Proper Care

Establish a Pet Budget

Start by creating a realistic, dedicated budget for your dog as part of your overall financial plan. Allocating specific funds for your dog's needs will help you manage expenses more effectively.

Find the best food within that budget

Believe it or not, many dog owners could not only save money on their dog's food but also level up their dog's diets all at the same time. By using the dog food directory here on AADF, you can search for and compare hundreds of dog foods. And with the help of our filtering tool, you can narrow down the search to fit your specific budget. You may be pleasantly surprised at some of the results.

Portion Control

Ensure you're feeding your dog appropriate portion sizes based on their age, weight, and activity level. Overfeeding can lead to health issues that strain our budgets further. Feeding the right amount is just as important as feeding the right food. All dog foods have feeding guidelines on the packaging. You should always start by following the guidelines for your dog's weight. Your vet will be able to tell you your dog's weight or you can stand on the scales whilst carrying your dog to calculate it at home.

Prioritise Nutritional Quality

High-quality dog foods are generally more nutritionally dense than lower-end options. This means you often have to feed considerably less of a good food making the price per day much more competitive than you might think.

Generic and Store Brands

Don't overlook generic or store-brand dog foods. Some of these options offer good nutrition at a lower cost. Carefully scrutinize labels and seek input from fellow pet owners. Again, this is where AADF's trusty dog food directory can lend a helping hand.

Smart Supplements

Instead of switching to pricier dog food, think about supplementing your dog's diet wisely. Consult your veterinarian for recommendations; supplements like fish oil, glucosamine, and probiotics can enhance your dog's health without significantly raising expenses.

Community Support

Explore local pet charities and food banks that extend assistance to pet owners in need. These organisations often provide access to affordable pet food and even low-cost veterinary care.

What can we do now?

The cost of living crisis has undeniably made pet ownership more challenging, but it doesn't mean we have to compromise our dogs' well-being. By diligently managing our finances, making informed choices about our dogs' diets, and exploring cost-effective alternatives, we can continue to provide our dogs with the care and nutrition they deserve.