How Dollar Stretchers Are Saving on Dog Food

If you’re trimming groceries, insurance and utilities, dog food deserves a closer look too. A few smart habits can cut the cost without cutting corners on your pet’s care.

Here are three ways Dollar Stretcher readers are doing just that.

Buy the Biggest Bag — Then Freeze Part of It

“We save some money on dry pet food by purchasing the biggest bag and freezing part of it until we need it. The larger bags are often less expensive per pound than the smaller ones.

We put excess dry food in zipper bags or plastic freezer containers. It stays fresh for months. When we need it, we just take it out and let it thaw for an hour or two.”
— A.

Larger bags of dry food are often cheaper per pound. The concern, of course, is freshness.

Freezing part of the bag solves that problem. Divide it into airtight zipper bags or freezer-safe containers. Store what you’ll use soon in a sealed container and freeze the rest. Let it sit out briefly before serving.

This approach works well for single-dog households or smaller dogs who go through food slowly.

Stack Rewards, Coupons and Portion Control

“We signed up for the rewards card at our local pet store. I comparison-priced the brand I chose for the dogs, and this store has frequent sales. They also have 25% off coupons they mail occasionally. We used the coupon at the same chain a few miles away because they had several bags available. Not only did we save $100 with one coupon, but then they sent us a coupon for a large free bag ($89 value!), probably because we bought so much. We stored the bags in a dry, colder area of the house.

The other thing we do to save on dog food is to use a proper-sized cup to feed our dogs. Once we knew how much they should be eating, we found a cup that holds that much. It’s an inexpensive plastic drinking cup. It stays right in the bag, which is in a Rubbermaid tote. Now, whoever feeds them will use the correct amount.”
— TSDS, Greece NY

This is a great example of saving from both ends: buying smarter and using less.

Signing up for rewards programs and watching for percent-off coupons can lead to significant savings, especially if you buy multiple bags at once. Storing them in a cool, dry area helps maintain freshness.

The measuring cup idea may save even more over time. Many dogs are slightly overfed simply because no one measures carefully. Using the same designated cup every time keeps portions consistent and prevents the bag from disappearing faster than it should.

When You Have to Buy Cheaper Food

“Many families are struggling with their grocery bills. That can be tough when you have a pet in the family, too. If you must buy your pet a ‘cheap’ dog food, my vet says to buy the puppy version because it has more vitamins.”
— Melanie

When budgets are strained, some families need to switch to a lower-cost brand.

Melanie shares advice from her vet: if you must purchase a cheaper option, the puppy version may contain higher levels of certain nutrients.

Before making a switch, check with your own veterinarian. Nutritional needs vary by age, size and health conditions. What works for one dog may not be right for another.

A Few More Ways to Trim Dog Food Costs

• Compare price per pound, not just bag price. The cheapest bag isn’t always the best deal.
• Watch for autoship discounts. Some retailers offer 5% to 10% off for recurring deliveries.
• Stretch canned food wisely. If you use wet food as a topper, try mixing a smaller portion with dry kibble instead of serving a full can. Some owners divide a can over two or three meals for smaller dogs.
• Check warehouse clubs. Larger quantities can reduce the per-pound cost if your dog tolerates the brand.
• Track feeding amounts. If your dog maintains a healthy weight on the lower end of the recommended range, you’ll use less food over time.

TDS Takeaway: Pet care is an essential expense for many families. With a little planning, careful storage and smarter purchasing, you can trim this expense without shortchanging your four-legged family member.