Top ways to save money on pet food

Want to save money on pet food? (It’s expensive!) Here’s how to find the best deals on food for your best and most annoying friend.

Saving money on pet food has become more difficult in the past year. That’s because inflation is hitting everyone’s dinner plates—especially the dog food. Months of high food prices have weighed on our budgets, and more and more consumers are shocked at how much they spend on pet food and treats. of From January 2022 to January 2023, pet prices increased 15.1 percent, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — yes, that’s right. Double Inflation averaged 7.5% over the same period.

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Even in 2022, we’ve been through a lot. 54.2 dollars billion According to the American Pet Products Association, on pet food – a 4.5% increase from 2021. Today, two out of three American households own a pet. American Veterinary Medical AssociationAnd we know these rising costs can be hard on everyone’s budget. Thankfully, having a grumpy family member doesn’t mean spending a lot of money on their food and care. Check out the main ways to save.

Why is pet food so expensive?

Several factors are at play. Inflation has driven up the cost of certain raw materials (such as fish, meat, and grains), and what goes into your pet’s food is no different. Additionally, more people (especially younger generations) want to feed their dogs healthier foods, which often means more expensive kibble. According to a study About three quarters (69%) Millennial pet owners are more likely to consider natural ingredients in their recipes than “conventional” mass-produced foods.

Specialty foods = extra spending (so you need to find ways to save!)

Melissa Walsh, a certified financial planner (CFP) and founder of Clarity Financial Design, has been working with clients in recent months to adjust their budgets to account for increased food spending. “One person had a dog that ate a specially formulated, rather expensive diet, and one cat had an eating disorder,” says Walsh. “In both cases, the pet parents were unwilling to compromise on their pet food, preferring instead to focus their efforts on cutting costs in other areas.”

Fortunately, by keeping a close eye on your budget, you can seriously find a monthly spending plan that allows you to do everything you need to properly care for your pets. If you’re not sure where to start with your budget, coaching can help.

FinanceFixx, HerMoney’s personal finance coaching program has new sessions starting every few weeks. You can work with a trained financial coach to create a personal budget and learn proven strategies for paying off debt and building wealth. You can find out more or Register here.

Subscribe and save

There are many pet retailers that offer registration discounts on regular items and other discounts. For example, when you sign up for autoship at chewy.com, you can get 35% off your first shipment, plus 5% off repeat deliveries. You can also spend $49 and up. Receive a $20 electronic gift card (Free shipping on your first order included) Code Welcome. With this offer, some exclusions apply to certain brands, so be sure to read the details.

Petco.com is also offering 40% off a customer’s first repeat order, and 5% off repeat orders. Online shopping for items over $50 Can get 15% discount. When you pick up an order at a store or use curbside delivery, petco.com, another national retailer, PetMart; It offers a loyalty program Customers can receive discounts and offers including free same-day delivery.

You have to shop around

Remember, sometimes you just need to spend a few minutes and shop online (and use coupons, codes, and promotions) to get great deals. Tip: Even if you’re shopping at a brick-and-mortar store, you can add last-minute coupons to the app, or better yet, save a screenshot of the barcode you’re looking for. Some of the best apps and websites for shopping professionals to score coupon deals include Rakuten, Honey, Dosh, Ibotta, BradsDeals.com and Coupons.com. (And yes, these coupon deal sites work just as well for pet products as they do for human products!)

Made with love = prepared at home

Sometimes it can be economical to make your own pet food from table scraps as long as you consult with your vet to make sure Fido is getting a balanced diet. (But if you’re eating fried chicken and rice for dinner, your dog will probably enjoy a little bit!) Some pets with gastrointestinal and other health problems require special diets that include human foods and treats (hello, sugar-free peanut butter) made at home.

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) provides a list Foods and ingredients suitable for pets You can safely give your furry friend. On the side, they also provide guidance on Foods that your pet should avoid. If your pet has eaten something you think is dangerous, talk to them ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

Financial assistance for pets

For those on a budget, we understand that feeding your pet a healthy diet can be a challenge. If you can’t afford pet food, your local animal shelter may be able to provide free or discounted pet food. in addition, RedRover.com It provides state-by-state (and sub-state) guidance on where to go Seek financial assistance Get help with pet food and other pet-related issues. You can also visit pethelpfinder.org A list of over 1,800 funding sources across the United States.

Sharing pets

There are many ways to experience some of the joys of pet ownership without breaking the bank. Diane Darling, member of HerMoney FinanceFixx section The pet keeper has been looking for creative ways to keep costs down during these inflationary times.

About 12 years ago, she met a neighbor in a Boston apartment building. After a few discussions, they decided to share the ownership of a cat. He looked on Craigslist and found a gray cat they named Violet. From then on, the women split food costs and Violet splits her time between her two mothers’ apartments. Currently, a can of food for a 13-year-old kitty costs $2 each at Trader Joes and, when mixed with dry kibble, lasts three days.

“The joy she gives me is immense,” Darling says of Violet. I don’t know if I would have survived the epidemic without her.

Buy in bulk + focus on generic brands

To help you get the best value for pet food, Jennifer W. Kang, CFP, CRPS, Founder and Financial Planner JWK Financial In New York City, she noticed that many of her customers bought in bulk when they could. “Other people tell me they go to Costco to buy dog food,” she says, noting that the Kirkland brand is popular with her customers and friends.

Pet insurance

Also, some of her customers have thought to get Pet insurance. “It’s giving them peace of mind,” she says. It seems that many pets – at least in her circles – are getting sick. “Some are even older, and they’re seeing the effects of that,” Kang said.

according to Healthy paws, the average pet owner can save $2,500 a year on veterinary care by getting pet insurance. Because pet insurance can help cover expensive treatments like cancer surgery, emergency care, and prescription drugs.