We all love our pets and want what's best for them. However, you may find that you're spending more than you can really afford on pet food.
The good news is there are ways to save. Whether you increase the quality of the food or simply start measuring it, you can cut the costs of pet food without giving up quality.
Purchase a High Quality, Well-Balanced Food
You may think this will cause you to spend more, but you'd be surprised. When you purchase poor-quality food, your pet has to eat more. This is because she's not getting the nutrients she needs.
A high-quality, well-balanced food will actually cause your pet to eat less. Speak to your vet about the best food for your pet's needs.
Shop Online
Once you've chosen a brand of food, go online. You'll be surprised at how much you can save at online pet stores or even Amazon. Even if your vet suggests a prescription diet, you can often find the food for much cheaper online.
You want to make absolutely sure to choose stores with a good reputation so that you get the freshest food possible.
We purchase our cats' food with Amazon Subscribe & Save. However, I've comparison shopped, and I can get similar prices at Chewy, Petco, and PetSmart - just not necessarily free shipping also like on Amazon.
Contact the Manufacturer
Another great tip is to contact the manufacturer. You might contact the company to let them know how much you love the product or to tell them that you're thinking about switching your pet to their brand but are concerned about the price.
Simply reaching out to the company can be a great way to get coupons and/or samples.
Comparison Shop
If you have to shop in your local area, make sure to shop around. You'll be surprised at the savings you can get by doing a bit of research.
Also, make sure to look at sales papers to make sure you don't miss any great deals.
Start Measuring
Lastly, some dogs and cats do well with free-feeding (leaving the food bowl filled throughout the day) and others don't.
If you find that your dog likes to wolf everything down, it may be time to start measuring his food out. Not only will this save money, but it will also keep the extra weight off.
Just make sure you're feeding him a high-quality diet so he gets the nutrients he needs.
Feeding your pet quality food doesn't have to cost a fortune. Take the time to find high-quality food and then hunt out the best prices. Lastly, make sure your pet isn't eating more than she needs.
Kathryn @ Making Your Money Matter says
Why have I not even thought about checking online for my dog food? Great suggestion. I do buy a lot when it's on sale and I check for coupons. Dog food has a very long expiration date, so stock-piling is another great option.