If you’ve noticed your shopping bills going up, you’re not alone.
Recently, some pet food brands have shot up in price, leaving many owners spending significantly more.
Luckily, our Woodgreen staff and volunteers have rounded up their very own budgeting tips. So, whether you have a dog, cat, or small pet, read on to find out how to save!
Try buying dry, complete food in bulk (if your budget and space allow). It often works out cheaper! If you can, store food in airtight containers to keep it fresh and stop pesky food mites helping themselves.
Some foods have a shorter expiry date than others. So, check the dates on the packets first to make sure it’s the right amount for your pet in the time they’ll have to eat it.
Can’t afford to bulk buy? Ask friends or family to share the cost if they feed their pet a similar food, so you can all save.
“Our in-laws and us bulk-buy dog food and take it in turns to buy one large bag. Then, we halve it between us – some for their dog and some for ours. This way, we save money, only paying for every second bag, and the food stays fresher as it’s used up quicker.” – Chris, community support manager at Woodgreen.
“I keep a whole 12kg dog food bag in a 30-litre bird food storage container. It’s airtight, so the food stays fresh and away from mites.” – Anna, education specialist at Woodgreen.
Do you feed hay to rabbits and guinea pigs? Buying a bale from a farm or equine shop might work out far cheaper than smaller bales or hay sold in bags. Choose bales that are green, soft and sweet smelling for the most goodness.
How do you know if a pet food is okay for your pet? For dogs and cats, look for a complete food approved by UK Pet Food’s Nutrition Hub. Avoid multi-coloured dry food, which can be full of colourings and chemicals. If your pet suffers from itchy skin, choose a hypoallergenic diet.
The website allaboutdogfood.co.uk also offers excellent information and comparison tools for a wide range of dog diets.
Remember to always follow your vet’s advice on diet and take a look at our articles on what to feed your dog, cat, or other pets for more information on what they need.
Feeding your pets the right amount is best for their health as well as your budget! You can pick up some basic kitchen digital scales for less than £5 from many low-cost high-street stores.
Weigh out a daily amount of pet food, following the guidelines on the packaging. If you’re overfeeding, gradually cutting back to the recommended amount will make your food last longer and keep your pet healthier!
Want to avoid buying expensive treats? Make your own!
Dogs love tiny cubes of cheese, small bits of ham, or even a little raw carrot to nibble on. Making healthy swaps from high-fat treats is a good idea, particularly if your canine companion is on a diet! These include broccoli, sweet potato and even small amounts of cooked pumpkin.
Cats like small pieces of chicken or steamed white fish, all in moderation.
Hamsters, rats, mice and gerbils all enjoy a treat of boiled egg, pumpkin seed, or a few plain porridge oats. A small treat (about the size of their ear) each day keeps things fun if you’re offering them in rotation. Variety is the key!
Small animals don’t mind whether their veg looks pretty! Take a look at the reduced vegetables in supermarkets or try growing your own forage. Remember to always check which foods are safe and suitable for your pets’ diets.
“I grow, dry and pick my own forage for my rabbits – most of what’s planted in my garden is edible for picking and feeding fresh in the summer or drying and feeding over winter.” – Christina, small pet behaviour and training specialist at Woodgreen.
Do you have rabbits, too? Read our rabbit food guide to find out more about healthy diets and safe foods.
If you need to use a food bank, many now support pets. They may supply short-term pet food to help while finances are hard – just ask and see what’s available.
Looking for more tips? Visit our page on how to save money as a pet owner.
“Our in-laws and us bulk-buy dog food and take it in turns to buy one large bag. Then, we halve it between us – some for their dog and some for ours. This way, we save money, only paying for every second bag, and the food stays fresher as it’s used up quicker.” – Chris, community support manager at Woodgreen.
At Woodgreen, our dedicated team of behavioural and training specialists offer expert pet advice online, on the phone and in person – helping at every step of the pet ownership journey.
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