The Pros And Cons Of Cheap And Expensive Dog Food
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One of the most important factors to consider in your dogs overall care is what they eat. As a pet owner, youve undoubtedly looked at different food options for your dog more than once. It can get a little overwhelming if you arent sure what you should be looking for. There can be such a wide range in dog food prices that you might feel obligated to spring for the more expensive brands.
But are those expensive bags of food really worth it, or will your dog get similar nutritional value from their cheaper counterparts?
You should be feeding your dog food that fuels them and keeps them healthy, rather than just empty calories. With this in mind, lets look at some of the pros and cons of cheap and expensive dog food to determine if you should be spending more on your dogs daily diet.
Is It Possible To Find Good Cheap Dog Food
This video by Rodney Habib is especially helpful in teaching how to understand best affordable dog food labels and ingredient list:
As a pet owner, you should also check the ingredients to see what kind of balance the food you are giving your dog provides. Are there real veggies, fruits, and herbs? These foods can be excellent sources of natural vitamins and minerals to help balance your dogs diet and maintain their overall health.
The best cheap dog food may not equal the best expensive dog food. However, it is possible to find good cheap dog food if you understand high-quality dog food ingredients and what makes a healthy diet. To find the best dog food recipe for the money, take the following tips into consideration:
- Look for a nutritional advocacy statement from AAFCO on the dog food bag. This ensures that the dog food meets AAFCO standards for nutrients.
- Does the brand market itself as holistic or organic? Check the label ingredients to see if they match up to the claims.
- Check for high-quality proteins, like real chicken rather than chicken meal or meat by-product.
- Look for fillers, like potatoes, soy protein, and corn, in place of more nutrient-rich ingredients like real meat and organs.
How Bad Are They
As a general rule of thumb, owners should avoid dog food formulas with ingredients they wouldn’t consume themselves.
Who wants to eat dead, dying, or diseased meats? This particular ingredient is especially harmful to dogs because owners will never know the exact source.
High-quality formulas contain all-natural protein from healthy animals. However, 4-D meats are often full of chemicals, hormones, steroids, and much more.
Not only that but these rejected and discarded meats may harbor potentially deadly extras. For example, sick and dying animals can contain all kinds of diseases.
The same goes for roadkill that may harbor a slew of bacteria and parasites.
Even seemingly innocuous sources like expired meat from a grocery store may be thrown into the formula without even being removed from the package. Because of the uncertainty with 4-D meats, dogs can be exposed to a lot of harm.
Steroids, insecticides, and growth hormones can affect the way they develop and grow while chemicals and parasites can lead to a variety of health issues like cancer.
Corn and grains are bad for dogs because they aren’t built to consume these ingredients on a regular basis. Dogs are carnivores through and through. They don’t have the right teeth to grind up grains.
As a result, many dogs can develop digestion problems. The influx of GMOs, insecticides, and mold on corn and grain products can also lead to cancer and allergy issues.
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Online Shopping Done Right
Retailers and wholesalers aside, there are some pretty cool and useful online locations selling pet supplies at a low cost. Petco.com is the first site to look at. Petco is vast, an advantage over smaller stores. Because of its size, you can purchase pretty much anything you want there at prices much lower than smaller businesses can match.
Equally immense, the second site, dog.com, is for dogs only. Their prices are low, and the benefit of shopping there is that because it is just for dogs, the range of products is wider. If you want, you can narrow your shopping choices to include only items made in the USA, and the variety is almost overwhelming. Its just an all-around fantastic website to go to because of the low prices and stunning range of dog products offered.
Dog.com has expanded the products it offers to include dog food of all different types, including organic, raw, canned, and dry. They carry many different types of beds, toys, treats, and collars, and their healthcare section is equally impressive.
They stock vitamins, supplements, dental, ear, and eye care, calming aids, arthritis remedies, and they have a large flea and tick prevention and treatment section. One of the more unique sections on dog.com is their Greenies category, which offers treats designed to help clean the plaque and tartar from your dogs teeth. They also provide joint care.
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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.
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Picking The Best Dog Food For The Price
A goal of a good quality dog food brand that provides all the nutrition a dog needs is to eventually strengthen the animal’s immune system, keep their coat sleek and shiny, their digestive system in good health, and prevent health issues.
Many factors contribute to finding the right nutritional match for your dog, depending on his individual needs. Whether to lose or maintain weight, improve the immune system, or have a healthier coat and skin, you can find a dog food formula that caters to those specific needs.
However, while it is important to have kibble or wet dog food that your pet loves to eat, and the one that provides all the necessary vitamins, minerals, and nutrition that the dog requires, that’s not always feasible for a cheap cost.
Pet food prices have been increasing recently. And when it comes to the complete balance and high quality of dog food, not all dog food brands will be affordable. Most of us dog owners in the United States would like a choice of dog foods that are safe, nutritious, and, most importantly fit within our budget.
When you’re choosing the best cheap dog food that is of higher quality, some online retailers strive to conquer the market of affordable natural pet foods. In fact, choices are endless on Amazon, Chewy, or Petco, and below are some well-known best cheap dog food brands that have been proven to work and will not break your budget.
Purina One Smartblend Dry Dog Food
- First 3 ingredients: Chicken, rice flour, corn gluten meal
- Best for: For all breeds and life stages
- Price: $$$
Of all the cheap dog food on our shortlist today, Purina ONE is among the more expensive, but it still represents solid overall value. What do you get for your money, then?
Firstly, choose from a wide variety of pack sizes from 8 pounds through to this bumper-value 40-pound bag.
Youll then need to decide whether to go for the food alone or whether to take the bundle including some tasty canine dental treats.
Real chicken is the first ingredient in this formula. As long as your pooch doesnt have any allergies in this area, youll be delivering plenty of protein from a premium source, ideal for supporting lean muscle growth.
The kibble is tasty enough that your dog will be wolfing down his food and you might want to consider a slow-feed bowl.
Ideal for all breeds of adult dogs, this food is versatile, affordable, and delivers whole-body health on a budget. Whats not to love?
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How To Choose The Best Affordable Dog Food
Though it may be tempting to pick out the cheapest dog food on the shelf, you wont be doing your dog any favors if you do. In fact, feeding your dog a low-quality diet could end up costing you more money in the long run when he develops health problems. Instead, try to buy the highest quality food you can consistently afford, whatever it may be.
There are many affordable dog food brands out there, but you need to know how to pick out the ones that offer decent quality. Look for an affordable dog food that lists an animal protein as the first ingredient with digestible carbohydrates and healthy fats for support. Your dog needs at least 18% crude protein in its diet and 5% crude fat with a maximum of 5% protein.
In addition to making sure that most of the ingredients in an affordable dog food come from animal sources, you should look out for low-quality additives. Corn, wheat, and soy ingredients offer little nutritional value to dogs, and they are hard to digest.
You should also avoid artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives as well as by-products and unnamed ingredients . Consider it a bonus if the affordable dog food youre looking at contains beneficial supplements like chelated minerals and probiotics.
Keep reading to see our top 5 recommendations for the best affordable dog food.
Dogswell Happy Hips Cheapest Dog Foodby Dogswell
Dogswell Happy Hips is a nutritious brand of dry dog food that is beneficial for maintaining your pet’s healthy joints. The first ingredient is cage-free chicken, and it is combined with fruits, vegetables, and minerals. Dog owners have noticed a big difference in their dogs who suffer from arthritis.
Owners have noticed great improvements in their walking ability and overall pain management. Dogswell Happy Hips Dry Dog Food is specially formulated with glucosamine and chondroitin to help maintain hip and joint health.
It’s also made with whole grains and antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables. Dogswell uses chelated minerals for better nutrient absorption, and they don’t add corn, wheat, soy, or any artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. This food contains 24% protein. Dogswell also has a complete line of Happy Hips treats to complement this dry dog food.
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Blue Buffalolife Protection Formula Adult Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula is slightly cheaper than the Blue Buffalo Wilderness formula, but there is no compromise on quality. The only difference I feel is that the Wilderness recipe is closer to a raw diet.
Life Protection, on the other hand, brings the best of their patented LifeSource Bits, a powerful blend of nutrients and super antioxidants. This one isnt grain-free, but healthy grains like brown rice and oatmeal are used to prevent tummy troubles.
Members Mark Dog Food Vs Blue Buffalo Dog Food Walmart Line
Members Mark Dog Food is seen as an average dog food for many pooches, being that it has a great protein count but a below average carb count. Another thing that stops many pet owners from purchasing this product is that they chose to include animal fat in their recipe.
Blue Buffalo is a popular choice for dog food amongst many pet owners as it provides dogs with many of the nutrients, proteins, vitamins, and minerals that they need to sustain a healthy diet. It is highly recommended by veterinarians as a cheaper dog food for your pooch, making it the clear winner here.
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Preservatives Dyes And Other Synthetic Ingredients
Unfortunately, many synthetic chemical ingredients are used in cheaper formulas. These ingredients are used to prolong the shelf life of a product or make it more enticing. In most cases, these ingredients are unnecessary.
There are more natural alternatives to achieve the same results, but many manufacturers avoid them due to costs.
Cheapest Price For Orijen Dog Food
May 5th, 2010 12:04 pm
- Vancouver
May 5th, 2010 12:28 pm
- Vancouver
May 5th, 2010 12:34 pm
May 5th, 2010 1:08 pm
olie11 wrote: the cheapest i found here is at global for $68.
- Halifax
May 5th, 2010 4:56 pm
- Toronto
May 7th, 2010 8:04 pm
- Toronto
May 7th, 2010 8:54 pm
Hamilton? heck I think I’d rather pay that $5 more and save the gas and time.
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- 62 upvotes
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mavrik13 wrote: If price is a big concern, you look beyond Orijen. It certainly is an excellent dog food, but there are other foods which many feel are better value. I’m a student, so price is an important factor with buying dog food. I decided to buy Taste of the Wild – its significantly cheaper than Orijen , and is still a high quality, grain-free food. I believe the difference is about $25/bag . That money adds up quickly.
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Rachael Ray Nutrish Zero Grain Natural Turkey & Potato Recipe Grain
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Turkey, 2. Chicken Meal, 3. Whole Dried Potato, 4. Chicken Fat, 5. Whole Flaxseed
If you want to feed your allergic pup a grain-free diet on a budget, Rachael Ray Nutrish Zero Grain Dog Food is a top choice. Turkey is the main ingredient in the recipe that provides your dog with amino acids required for lean muscle growth. Instead of grains, the food uses potatoes and peas for carbs, along with chicken fat to fulfill your dogs fat requirements.
Besides that, the recipe is filled with numerous micronutrients, including prebiotics that improve gut health. The food is also enriched with omega fatty acids that will enhance coat health and prevent your dogs skin from becoming irritated. Some sensitive pups can be allergic to artificial additives, which is why the food is completely free from artificial flavors, preservatives, and colors.
What About Choosing The Cheapest Grain Free Dog Food
Many dogs cant tolerate grain in their diet, and therefore its best to completely avoid it all together by buying grain-free dog food. The only problem with this is that it can start to get expensive when you cut grain out of dry dog food. So, where can you buy the cheapest grain free dog food?
Also Check: Who Makes Dr Pol Dog Food
Is All Cheap Dog Food Bad
Absolutely not! As youll see from our roundup today, pretty much all of the major brands are represented here, so you wont need to go off-piste and take a chance on a complete unknown. As youll notice from the quality of the ingredients and the flexibility of the formulas we review today, there is no need to rely on cheap food containing low-caliber ingredients. The best news is, you dont even need to take the time and trouble to sift the wheat from the chaff. Place your trust in any of the dog foods we highlight today and youll be giving your dog a tasty treat as well as all the nutrients he needs.
What Makes A Dog Breed Affordable
The best news for potential dog owners is that some dogs are less expensive to purchase and own than others. Factors that influence a dogs normal cost are its grooming bills, potential to contract diseases, and potential healthcare cost.
Basically, the more grooming a dog needs, the more expensive it is likely to be. This is also likely to follow that it requires more cleaning, which means a higher average bathing cost and expensive grooming costs. In a nutshell, heres what makes a pooch fall on the lower end of the price spectrum:
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Whole Earth Farms Grain
- First 3 ingredients: Pork meal, potatoes, sweet potatoes
- Best for: For dogs with allergies or sensitivities
- Price: $$$
Many dog owners today prefer grain-free dog foods, and this formula from Whole Earth Farms is a winning example.
If your dog suffers from allergies or sensitivities, a grain-free food can make a good fit.
The protein comes from pork meal which is not the most premium source, but will still provide your dog with clean, long-lasting energy.
Carbs come from sweet potatoes, another form of slow-release energy, making this great for active dogs in need of plenty of sustenance on a budget.
There are none of the cheap additive, flavors, and colors that sour some of the less palatable budget-friendly dog food. You get no corn, wheat, or soy in this stuff either.
The food is designed to be easily digestible, too.
All of the foods from this manufacturer are cooked from real ingredients in the USA, so you can rest confident that you wont be shortchanging Fido to save yourself a few bucks.
Natural Balance Ultra Premium Wet Dog Food
Some canines prefer wet food, so weve found good quality ones for the money. This beef recipe by Natural Balance is called Ultra Premium along with having quite an affordable price tag. And its worth its name! The delicate canned pate contains 8% of protein and 5% of fat, the optimal ratio for this kind of canine nutrition. Additionally, there are dried kelp on the ingredients list, its not the common yet super beneficial element in regular dog food.
This particular wet dog foods formula is suitable for dogs who have to avoid chicken, theres a liver recipe as well. The good sign is that this food is highly recommended by the customers for picky eaters and canines with sensibilities. Since NB Ultra Premium Wet Dog Food is suitable for all life stages and breeds, its perfect for pet parents who own several different dogs and get tired by feeding each of them with different foods. The product is available in various sizes.
There are cons though. First, the can is opened with the can opener only, which is considered not handy by some buyers. Second, the pates smell is smoky, therefore some dogs like it a lot while the others may refrain from eating, but its still a great cheap food for dogs.
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