Our pets are very important to us and we want the best for them. It can be a really rewarding experience to own a pet. It is certainly true that taking care of a pet can add up over time if we are being honest. Your pet food expenses may end up being higher than you can afford for a number of reasons.
A pet owner’s budget can suffer when it comes to the expense of food, litter, supplies, and medications. We all know how important our pets are to us, but why should we be spending more on them if we no longer have to?
Among dog owners, the lifetime cost of dog ownership varies widely, ranging from $14,480 to $93,520 on average, according to Forbes in an article in the American Kennel Club. Among other things, food, dog treats, toys, beds, leashes, and routine veterinary care are included in that cost.
According to the ASPCA, cats cost around $634 annually, approximately $53 per month, according to ASPCA. It is important to remember that this estimate includes all costs associated with cat food, medical expenses, treats, toys, and much more, similar to the cost associated with dog food.
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Fortunately, there are some ways to save money that you can take advantage of. It is possible to cut the cost of pet food without sacrificing quality by either increasing the quality of the food or simply beginning to measure it. That way, you will have more money for other things… such as pet toys.
Pet Toys at Amazon
Buying in bulk saves you money
When you own more than one pet, it is especially helpful to buy meals, treats, and litter in bulk, or at a club store. By doing so, you can save on both money and time since you will be shopping less frequently. The 35-pound kibble bag that will cost only slightly more than the 20-pound bag makes more sense if you can store it safely.
Compare prices at stores
Do your research before buying anything in your local area if you have to shop there. When you do a bit of research to ensure you don’t miss any great deals, you will be surprised by the amount of savings you can make. In addition, you should make sure that you read the sale papers in order to ensure that you do not miss a chance to find a great deal.
Apps that offer cashback
Although coupons are still sent out by mail, it is the cashback or coupon apps that provide the best chance of getting back your money. The majority of the popular cashback services offer you a percentage back at certain retailers, but not all of them are the same, so you should compare them before you make your purchase.
Purchase Store Brands
If you switch from name brands to generic or store brands, you might be surprised how much you can save. You need to do an online search to find an equivalent store-brand food for your pet. You can also inquire with your vet’s office if your pet likes a particular food. This can result in a 50% savings on your pet’s food cost.
You can buy generic pet foods online
All of us want to provide our pets with high-quality food that is free from artificial ingredients and fillers. Of course, this goes without saying. In spite of this, though, it is seldom fun to spend a great deal of money on such food. Thankfully, you do not need to spend top dollar on feeding your furry friends so they can live long, happy lives.
In addition to the more expensive brands of food, there are also many other lesser-known brands of food that are just as healthy, but at a much lower cost. One of the brands Merrick has is Whole Earth Farms, a product line that’s part of the company. One of the brands which are less expensive is Whole Earth Farms.
It is always a good idea to read the ingredients before making a purchase, particularly if you are looking to purchase food that is slightly less expensive. Ideally, meat should be the first ingredient listed on the packaging. At the same time, you will need to stay away from by-products derived from meat and corn.
There are two low-quality filler ingredients that are used in both cases to bulk up foods in an inexpensive manner. Typically, corn isn’t digested by pets, and it doesn’t provide them with any real nourishment in their digestive system.
It is also possible to eat grain-free food that is based on sweet potatoes, as well as using meat as well. The best thing you can do for your cat is to stay away from food that only includes seafood as its main source of protein, such as fish.
Fish can cause thiamine levels in your cat to decline since thiamine is an essential nutrient for the health of your cat. It has been reported that many cats become allergic to fish and that fish plays a much bigger role in the development of allergies than other proteins.
Invest in a well-balanced, high-quality diet
It may seem as if this will result in you spending more money, but you’d be surprised to see how much you can save. When you purchase poor-quality pet food, your pet will have to consume more calories than usual. She won’t get enough nutrients when she’s getting poor-quality pet food.
Your pet will be able to eat less if it consumes a high-quality, well-balanced diet. Talk to your veterinarian about the kind of food that would be most appropriate for your pet’s needs.
Take advantage of online shopping
The next step is to go online and select a brand of food that you like. It is surprising how much money you can save by shopping at online pet stores or even on Amazon. Although your veterinarian may suggest a prescription diet for your pet, it is possible to find the food at a much lower price online.
If you want to be sure that you receive the freshest foods possible, then you should make sure that you choose stores with a good reputation. Amazon Subscribe & Save is a great way for us to purchase our cats’ food.
Pet Food Best Sellers at Amazon
Get in touch with the manufacturer
Contacting the manufacturer is another great tip. In case you are thinking about switching your pet to this brand, you might think about contacting the company to tell them how much you love their product or to tell them that you are concerned about the cost of switching.
You may also make your own
It is possible to save a lot by making your own pet food if you have the inclination. There are many websites on the internet with recipes for homemade pet food. But before trying this, you may want to speak to your veterinarian to ensure it is the right thing for your pet.
On the internet, you can find many sites offering tips on how to make your own homemade dog food – and reminding you that some pets require a diet that is actually a lot more expensive than you would expect.
