Thursday, March 28, 2024

How To Get Dog Food Cheap

Why Is Raw Food So Expensive

Cheap dog food! I’ll show you How! 22 WEEK SUPPLY!

The main problem I see with raw food is that, since it is so much better, the companies that are selling it are charging a huge premium, and those dogs that really need it are still fed Ol Roy and other supermarket brands. Bravo, a meatpacking company that also sells raw dog food charges anywhere from $2 to $4 for packaged meat that is supposed to be nutritionally complete. A big dog will end up eating several hundred dollars per month with pre-packaged raw food.

Are they worth all the extra money? Not in my opinion. Commercial raw foods are not as good as the cheap raw diet you can make up at home. The meat has the bones ground into it, but since they are fine pieces they do not have the same physical or mental effect that chewing on a bone has. You can do things yourself cheaper and better, and all it takes is a few minutes of your time.

Dogs love fresh coconut in fact, they will even fight over the husk.

DrMark1961

Victorsenior Healthy Weight Dry Dog Food

Your dogs nutritional requirements change with age. Aside from a good balance of protein, fat, and micronutrients, your senior needs glucosamine, L-carnitine, chondroitin, and other essential compounds that can keep them healthy throughout their golden years. These compounds put up a good defense against age-related diseases. Moreover, this recipe is formulated to maintain a healthy weight as their activity level drops. This fortified formula also contains antioxidants to improve immunity.

Pedigree Complete Nutrition Dry Dog Food

  • First 3 ingredients: Ground whole grain corn, meat and bone meal, corn gluten meal
  • Best for: For all adult dogs
  • Price: $$

Pedigree is a household name in the dog food vertical with just cause. This Complete Nutrition formula is dry dog food at its very best, and its priced firmly in budget territory. How does it stand and fall, then?

This dry food is the chicken, rice, and vegetable flavor, designed to appeal to a broad base of dogs.

The kibble is designed to slide smoothly down, and your furball shouldnt have any problems digesting this stuff either.

The formula is rich in omega-6 fatty acids, ideal for promoting skin and coat health in your fur baby.

This is a 36-pound bag, offering an ample supply for a single dog for perhaps a month. If you have several dogs at home, youll need to consider buying more than one bag.

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Blue Buffalowilderness Salmon Recipe Grain

Blue Wilderness Salmon Recipe is another great tasting dog food that will entice any picky pooch. It is a good option for pets that prefer fish proteins. While it isnt exactly a raw recipe, it is still quite close to a dogs ancestral diet.

It involves minimal processing, so most ingredients retain their nutritional value. Other than animal meat, key ingredients include fruits and vegetables.

Plus, Blue Buffalos patented Lifesource Bits add antioxidants that are good for your dogs immune system.

Is Homemade Dog Food Cheaper Than Commercial Dog Foods

Egg and Rice Homemade Dog Food Recipe (Cheap and Healthy ...

If you were to try it for a week, youd see that it isnt. High-quality ingredients can never be cheap when bought from groceries. The reason dog food manufacturers can offer the same ingredients at a lower price is that they tend to source ingredients in bulk quantity. Many manufacturers even have farms where they raise animals.

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Why Keeping A Pet Matters

When personal finances tank, putting food on the table is challenging enough without adding a few furry faces to feed. But its when things are at their lowest point that when the true value and worth of animals become crystal clear.

Writing for Webmd.com, Dr. Ian Cook, psychiatrist and director of the Depression Research and Clinic Program at UCLA, says:

Pets offer an unconditional love that can be very helpful to people with depression Taking care of a pet can help give you a sense of your own value and importance. It will remind you that you are capable — that you can do more than you might think. A little boost in attitude and outlook could mean a lot to someone who is feeling pretty hopeless. Looking for an alternative to giving up your companion animal will not only give you a mission, it will remind you of the kindness of other humans something of which we all need to be reminded from time to time, but especially in cases of misfortune.

How To Make It

To make homemade dog food, I use my Instant Pot, but you can use any pressure cooker. To make homemade dog food on the stove, you can check out my recipe for homemade dog food on the stove.

First, set your Instant Pot to “Saute” and cook your ground meat. Pour off any fat and once cooled, discard it.

Add your drained meat back to your Instant Pot. Dump in your leftover rice and mix well. If you are using oats instead of rice, skip to the next step.

Next, add your bone broth and coconut oil. Stir to combine and let the coconut oil melt.

Then, add a bag or two of frozen vegetables. If using a 12-ounce bag, use two. If using a 16-ounce bag, use one and a half. Mix well.

If using oats instead of rice, add them now.

Finally, put your lid on and close the vent. Set your Instant Pot to “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” mode at high pressure for 7 minutes.

Allow the pressure to release naturally, which should take about 5 minutes, and open your Instant Pot. Let your dog food cool before serving or storing. You can divide the food into portions depending on your needs – I usually split it in half and freeze one batch. I use a measuring cup when I serve the food, so I don’t take the time to split it into individual portions.

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Dog Food Rebates Buy Now And Save Later

A rebate is a partial refund that is offered after you purchase a product.

How does it work?

You are required to provide proof that you actually purchased your dog food, usually by providing a copy of the receipt.

Next, fill out your contact details, and in return, you receive a check in the mail with your refund.

In the old days, you would mail this to the manufacturer. These days, however, you can claim most rebates online.

Hills Science Diet is one such dog food brand that loves to offer rebates and offers them regularly.

I wasnt surprised to find that Science Diet had a rebate offer running at the time of writing this

This rebate offers $5 back for every bag of Hills Science Diet that you buy in a single purchase. Buy four bags? Get $20 off!

In all honesty, I find this to be an awkward way to save money on dog food. Not only do very few brands offer rebates, but it can take months before your rebate arrives in the mail.

Seriously, the last time I completed a mail-in rebate, it took so long to arrive that I had completely forgotten about it. By the time the check came, I had no idea what it was even for.

However, if you are going to buy the brand of dog food that offers rebates anyway, then any money-back offer is a nice bonus. I mean, who doesnt like receiving surprise money in the mail?

Get Financial Help Getting A Service Dog

Cheap Homemade Dog Food Recipe

If you are thinking about how to get a service dog by enlisting some financial help, the following organization can help:

9. 4 Paws For Ability

4 Paws For Ability helps people with disabilities, especially children and veterans, receive service dogs at a fee. If other agencies have turned you away as being young or not disabled enough, you are a prime candidate at this organization. Their placements are mainly targeted at people who other agencies have rejected. Youll be required to have a physician recommendation to prove your disability and the need for a service animal.

When figuring out how to get a service dog from 4 Paws For Ability, bear in mind that their service dogs arent free. Youll be required to pay part of the training fee for the service animal. Typically, recipients pay a $17,000 non-tax-deductible fee out of the $40,000-$60,000 required to train their service animal.

The good thing is, 4 Paws For Ability has fundraising options to help recipients raise the required money.

10. The Service Dogs for America

SDA is another organization that offers financial assistance for service dogs. Know the following fees when thinking about how to get a service dog from The Service Dogs for America:

See our guide on frugal living tips with a big impact on saving money.

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How To Request Or Provide Help With Finding Pet Food

If you’re not sure where to start looking for or providing free pet food, you may find these suggestions help to break the ice.

  • Ask your local shelter if they have a pet food bank. If you are not in need of one at the moment, offer to start one.
  • Use search engines to research pet food banks and meals on wheels programs in .” You may be surprised at all the good things that are happening in your own community.
  • Talk to your grocer about saving dented and newly out-of-date pet food items and donating them to a shelter where you may be able to avail yourself of same.
  • Use social media to let everyone you know you are taking up a collection to build a food bank and ask for donated food items once intended for a now-deceased animal.

Save Money With Homemade Dog Food

When suppertime rolls around, theres nothing like a healthy home-cooked meal. This is true not only for the human members of your family, but for your dog as well. Cooking for your canine companion has many benefits, including fewer preservatives and additives, more varied and potentially better ingredients, and, of course, more interest for the canine palate.

Homemade meals may even make it possible to feed your dog well for less. A 15-pound bag of high-end dry dog food costs approximately $42, and a 5.5 oz. can of high-end wet food runs approximately $2. Feeding a medium-sized dog two cans of wet mixed with two cups of dry food costs about $5 per day. That doesnt include the treats, bones and tidbits that inevitably make their way into her tummy! Compare that with four cups of Puppy Stew at $2.25 per day. Add the cost of a vitamin/ mineral supplement and calcium, and it is still less than the cost of feeding high-end commercial food.*

As both able hunters and scavengers, dogs ate from a diverse menu when they began accompanying humans. An omnivorous diet of protein, carbohydrate and fat sources suits them dogs in good health can also handle the fat in their diet more effectively than you can their bodies use it for energy and then efficiently clear it from the bloodstream.

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Read Also: Where To Buy Darwin’s Dog Food

Other Forms Of Assistance For Low

Food isnt the only thing your dog needs. Hell also need a bed, collar, leash, some toys, and other items. Fortunately, there are a few avenues by which you can often find low-cost or free versions of these supplies.

Your vet may be willing to provide services at reduced fees. Most vets go into the field of animal care because they love animals. This means that theyll often be willing to work with you to ensure you can afford the care your pet needs. They may be willing to reduce the fees associated with various services, do small things for free, or allow you to pay for services over time.

Local pet stores especially those of the mom-and-pop variety may be willing to give discounts to people having trouble affording their pets needs. They may also be able to give you a heads up regarding upcoming sales, clearance events, or similar promotions.

Social media networks often give you the chance to speak with other dog owners and find unique opportunities. You can search for mentions of free dog supplies or send out a message or request to your friends and acquaintances. This is often a great way to acquire second-hand beds, crates, and similar items.

As with foods, some manufacturers will provide free samples often in exchange for a review on Amazon, Yelp, or some other website. Dont get too excited manufacturers arent going to line up to send you a free crate or dog bed, but some may provide low-cost items in exchange for your honest feedback about the product.

Use Petmeds To Save On Medications And Supplements

Alpo Come

When compared with other sites, 1800PetMeds.com was the cheapest site for buying pet medication.

This pet supply company specializes in animal medicine and health products and sells name-brand and generic medications as well as healthcare items like dental floss or joint supplements.

PetMeds almost always has special deals and coupons. For example, you can get 15% off medications when you subscribe to recurring shipments, while code PETS20 has saved me 20% on eligible products in the past.

Shipping: Free on orders over $49

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How Do I Decide Whether To Make The Switch To Homemade Dog Food Or Not

As with any choice, you should weigh the pros and cons of each option. Commercial dog foods are required by law to meet certain nutrition standards, so when you purchase commercial dog food, you know your dog is getting all of the vitamins, minerals, and macronutrients they need.

Conversely, commercial dog food often contains preservatives and fillers that arent needed in freshly-prepared dog food. Plus, if your dog has health conditions, they may need particular combinations of nutrients or ingredients that just cant be found in a commercial product. And if your dog has allergies to any common dog food ingredients, it might be easier for you to make dog food for them. But before making a decision, consult with your veterinarian as to your pets health and what types of homemade dog food, if any, are suitable to feed them.

Keeping your dog healthy doesnt have to be frustrating. It is possible to feed them nutritious, delicious, home-cooked meals at a fraction of the price of commercially-made foods. Enjoy experimenting with the many recipes you can use if you go that route!

Editors’ Recommendations

What Makes Dog Food Good

All dogs have the same basic requirements for protein, fat, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. Protein provides the foundation for strong muscles and lean mass while fats provide a concentrated source of energy as well as essential fatty acids for healthy skin and coat. Fiber and moisture support regular digestion while vitamins and minerals keep your dogs body working properly.

High-quality dog food will contain whole-food sources for these essential nutrients with minimal processing and no artificial additives. Here are some key things to look for on a dog food label:

  • Identifiable animal proteins like chicken, eggs, beef, and fish
  • Easily digestible carbohydrates like whole grains and vegetables
  • Healthy sources of animal-based fat like chicken fat and salmon oil
  • Fresh fruits and vegetables to provide natural sources of key micronutrients

Avoid any dog food that doesnt list a quality source of animal protein as the main ingredient, or that has a high concentration of carbohydrates . Dog foods made with by-products, fillers, and artificial additives should be left on the shelf, and you should purchase the highest quality dog food you can consistently affordyour dog deserves it! For more information about choosing a high-quality dog food brand, check out Dog Food Advisor. We also recommend checking with your vet before making major changes to your dogs diet.

Read on to learn about some of the best affordable canned dog foods on the market.

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Taste Of The Wild Dry Dog Food Hi Prairie Formula

Taste of the Wild Hi Prairie Formula is one of the best inexpensive dog foods on the market right now. This kibble is grain-free, which is wildly important to pet owners due to the fact that grain can cause major issues for some furry friends.

Sweet potatoes, peas, and real meat are the top ingredients in this formula. With these top ingredients, puppies are sure to enjoy the delicious taste while also benefitting from the energy boosters they receive.

Taste of the Wild Hi Prairie Formula is packed with vegetables and fruits that promote a healthy lifestyle for your dog.

Companies That Offer Free Dog Food Samples

3 Tips On How To Make Dog Food Cheaply On A Budget

While it isnt as common to find free dog food samples today, there are still a few manufacturers offering them. Some brands are more well-known than others, but its worth looking into each if youre in the market for a new dog food.

Its also worth noting that some companies may offer free samples in exchange for a survey that includes your contact information, which will add you to a marketing mailing list.

Opportunities to obtain free food will come and go, but these manufacturers have offered free dog food samples recently:

Also Check: Darwin\’s Pet Food Reviews

Online Isnt Always The Cheapest

Checkbook found that shopping online doesnt always result in the lowest prices. All the websites in the report were more expensive than the price leaders: Sams Club, BJs and Walmart. But having that 50-pound bag of dog food delivered to your door is mighty convenient.

Checkbook found that:

  • Chewy.com was the least expensive online option, with prices about 11 percent lower than the all-store average.
  • s prices for the products surveyed were 5 percent higher than average more expensive than several other online retailers prices and about 18 percent higher than Chewys.

If you shop online, make sure you buy enough to get free shipping. Or order online and pick up at the store. With Petco, the discount for in-store pick-up is 10 percent PetSmart is 5 percent.

Another money-saving option: Some online stores give a discount, typically 5 percent, if you sign up for their auto-ship program. Dont worry, its easy to cancel, modify or suspend auto-ship orders.

Checkbook found that Chewys 5 percent auto-ship discount makes its prices competitive with the lowest-cost local outlets. Unfortunately, online retailers often exclude many products from their auto-ship discounts, Checkbook noted.

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