How to save money on dog food

Owning a dog is one of the greatest joys in life, but the cost of caring for your canine companion can soon add up, especially as the cost of living continues to soar in the UK. Pet food, toys, supplies, and prescriptions can all put a dent in your budget.

If you’re looking for ways to meet your dog’s nutritional needs without breaking the bank, keep reading for everything you need to know about feeding your pooch while saving money.

Buy in bulk

When it comes to buying their favourite meal, it pays to buy in bulk. This is because most goods have a lower price when bought in larger quantities, letting you stock up on their food while saving time and fuel running back and forth from the shop.

Amazon is one reliable option for bulk shoppers due to the selection of brands, competitive prices, and potential free shipping for Prime members.

Remember: Store your dog’s food as advised on the packaging to ensure it lasts as long as it should!

Consider subscriptions

Dog food subscription services can provide owners with a convenient alternative to buying high-quality, affordable food for their canine companions. These brands often offer tailored plans to suit your dog’s needs depending on age, diet and health.

Here are just some dog food subscriptions options: 

• Tails.com
• Butternut Box
• Harringtons
• Naturaw

Some subscription sites offer introductory deals and discounts, potentially saving you even more money than when buying as a single order online or from the shop.

Buy bigger bags

Small dog food bags can sometimes work out much more expensive than bigger bags if you compare the price per kg (this information is usually found on the shelf). If you struggle to get the larger bags home, you might want to consider buying their food online and having it delivered to your home. 

Shop around

If you shop online for your dog’s food, don’t forget to browse different sites and compare the prices of your canine companion’s favourite kibble or chunks. Temporarily changing brands can also help you save money if it’s something you can do without compromising your dog’s health and nutrition.

Switch their diet to cheaper dog food

You might want to consider changing your dog’s diet if you’re able to do so while still meeting their needs as some foods can work out cheaper than others.

For example: If your dog is currently on a raw food diet you could try them on kibble if it works out cheaper until the cost of living improves or becomes more manageable.

Change their treats

Some dogs can’t live without their treats, with some canine companions being real snack connoisseurs. That doesn’t mean that you have to buy your dog expensive treats to keep them happy. Cheaper treats can do just the trick, so be sure to look at the different types available or why not even try making your own dog treats?

Homemade dog food may be cheaper

If you are struggling to find or afford your pooch’s favourite meal, you could offer your dog some safe alternatives to ensure that they’re kept happy and healthy.

Make the most of discounts

You might be able to find some dog food vouchers or offers in newspapers or discover some discounts online that can help you save some pounds on dog food.

Top tip: Try checking your favourite petfluencers to see if they’re sharing any exclusive discount codes for some of your favourite food.

Make sure you check the voucher expiration dates so that you don’t miss out on any deals!

Whatever you decide to do to save some cash while feeding your dog, it's always essential to ensure that they’re still getting the nutrition they need from the food you buy. As an Animal Friends customer, dog policyholders can speak to veterinary experts at Joii for free about their dog’s diet, through the Joii Pet Care app.