If you feed your dog raw food but find it's starting to get really expensive, you're not alone. Prices keep rising for all products, and dog food is no exception.
I'm one of the first to see these price increases firsthand, with my 3 dogs, each weighing 50 pounds, fed a raw diet. Feeding my dogs costs me over $400 a month in food.
However, over the years, I've developed several tips and tricks to save money while still providing the best possible nutrition for my dogs. Today, I'd like to share them with you, to help you stay within your "dog" budget without compromising your dog's health.
Budgetary matters are always sensitive, and everyone has their priorities. My goal here is simply to share my strategies with you, and perhaps you already have other ideas in mind (I encourage you to share them in the comments!). Together, we can help each other find smart ways to save money while still providing quality food for our dogs.
Here are my tips for saving money on the "dog" budget:
1. Make your own raw food recipes
Did you know you could save money by cooking for your dog? You can actually prepare your own raw food at home by buying the ingredients yourself and taking the appropriate training. By doing this, you can save between 20 and 30% on the total cost of food. This approach requires some learning, but it's equivalent to the price of good quality kibble and can even allow you to reduce costs further if you shop for your food wisely. If this option interests you, take a look at my online course , "Balance my dog's raw diet," which will guide you through the process, or click here for a short video that demystifies common mistakes and best practices when cooking for your dog.
2. Create your own rewards
Another effective way to cut costs is to create your own rewards instead of buying expensive commercial treats. Plus, it's super easy to do at home. A pork loin or cubes of beef, cooked and cut up, can become excellent treats for your dog without breaking the bank.
3. Only buy the necessary supplements
If you offer a varied raw diet, your dog generally won't need a ton of supplements. Unless they have specific needs, such as dogs with particular health issues, the only basic supplement I recommend for most dogs is an Omega-3 supplement (like Omega 3 - Seal oil). Aside from that, I always advise investing in a good raw diet rather than supplements; ultimately, it's the food you give your dog that will provide the best health.
4. Opt for economical "cheat sheets"
Dogs love chew toys, and giving them these is good for maintaining their dental health. Many products, like bully sticks and yak milk bars, are very appealing but quite expensive. Fortunately, there are much more economical options. Meaty bones, for example, offer an affordable alternative while providing excellent dental stimulation for dogs.
5. Learn how to make claws
Learning how to trim your dog's nails might seem daunting, but it can save you regular grooming costs. With practice and professional guidance (ask your vet or groomer to show you!), you can learn how to do it safely and save on monthly expenses.
6. Do the grooming yourself
If you have a dog that requires regular grooming, like a long-haired breed, learning to groom yourself can be very economical. Not only will you save on grooming fees, but it can also help you develop a stronger bond with your dog. Of course, you'll need to budget for basic equipment like a grooming table, clippers, scissors, shampoo, and lotions, but these costs quickly pay for themselves, especially if you're used to going to the groomer every 6 to 8 weeks.
7. Reselling unused items
Are you the type to buy tons of toys for your dog? It's a bit frustrating when your dog doesn't want anything to do with them, isn't it? Consider reselling them online, on Marketplace for example. It can also be worthwhile to resell crates, collars, or harnesses that no longer fit or that you no longer use. This will free up space and generate a little extra income for your "dog" budget. Bonus: it also helps other dog owners save money!
8. Babysitting: exchange between friends!
One last expense that can be quite costly is dog sitting. If you have friends with dogs and you trust them, consider a dog-sitting arrangement when you go on vacation. This can be an economical alternative to kennels while offering a home-like and reassuring environment for your pet. Obviously, this won't work for everyone, but if you can manage it, it can be a great way to save money.
In short, saving on your dog's food budget is a matter of priorities and adaptation. Everyone has their own strategy for coping with rising costs. I hope my tips have inspired you and that you'll find the ones that best suit your situation.
If you found my tips helpful and think they could help other dog owners save money, feel free to share the article or video with your friends! Also, don't hesitate to share your own tips in the comments.
Thank you and see you soon in the next article!
Karine
Agronomist, canine nutrition expert
