Get the Best for Less

By Tazz Latifi, Certified Pet Nutritionist & Pet Product Specialist

The cost of just about everything keeps going up, but like all pet owners, we still want the best for our pets. Nobody wants their pet’s care to be the part of the budget that gets trimmed. If you’re struggling to find the best prices on your pet’s food, here are a few suggestions that may help you save a few dollars while still remaining sensitive to your pet’s health needs.

Make your own dog treats using pet-safe leftovers and food scraps. Cooked broccoli stalks pureed in a high-velocity blender, an egg, and some flour can make a batch of healthy dog cookies.

Check out the sales bins at your pet stores. Many of these sale products are quality items that are simply approaching their expiration dates.

Buy a less expensive food and mix it or alternate it with your pet’s usual food.

Check out your pet food manufacturer’s site for coupons and deals and browse through Pet Companion Magazine for advertiser’s offers.

Visit the manufacturer’s social media and see if they have any specials in your area that you can take advantage of.

Speak with your favorite pet store manager or owner to see if they have a newslet- ter or messaging system to contact you when they have specials.

Instead of buying expensive omega 3 supplements, use sardines in water as a meal topper for a healthy and inexpensive food-based source of omega 3 fatty acids for cats and dogs.

Reduce the meal portion while adding a little bit of fresh food. Use eggs, shredded chicken, cottage cheese, and sweet potatoes as fresh, wholesome additions to your pet food bowl.

Check out mail order or direct-toconsumer food brands. These companies often offer first time buyers 40 to 50 percent off—buy and store products in the freezer, and blend these complete and balanced diets with a lower cost food so your pet gets both variety and nutrition.

Buy meat in bulk and make a boneless chicken or beef stew. Meat on sale? Con- sider stocking up to make a fresh dish to add to your pet’s diet (only if vet ap proved). Combine the cooked meat and broth in small sealable contain ers, let cool completely and skim off the excess fat, then freeze the por tions you won’t use right away.

Defrosting the small containers is quick, so you can add them to your pet’s meal, while reducing the pet food portion accordingly. This way, your pet will enjoy healthy fresh food, even when it’s added to a lower cost pet food product.

Comparison shop. You can easily check online to see who has the best prices for your preferred pet food. Compare before you buy! Then you’ll be equipped to make an informed decision about where to get the most for your money.

You can feel good about these budget friendly suggestions, knowing you’re not sacrificing nutrition, taste, or your pet’s mealtime excitement!