Buying cheap dog food
How can I save money on dog food?
You can save money on dog food by taking note of the following:
- Be flexible about brands. You don’t have to stick to the same brand unless your dog has a sensitive stomach and can only tolerate certain brands. If you are flexible you can shop around and take advantage of sales and bargain offers.
- Be open to non-premium brands, which are cheaper. Always try a small amount on your dog first – if your dog can tolerate it, you can consider cheaper brands. However, you should check the ingredients to make sure that your dog is getting all the required nutrients.
- Don’t over-feed your dog – it is more expensive and bad for your dog’s health.
- Add steamed vegetables to your dog’s food, reducing the portion size of the dog food accordingly. If you grow your own vegetables, this can be a free way to supplement your dog’s diet. Also, feed your dog warmed porridge oats every now and again. It adds variety to their diet and can work out a lot cheaper than dog food.
- Once you know your dog can tolerate certain foods, buy in bulk as it works out cheaper.
- Think about buying some of your dog food online as it can work out cheaper.
- Search for money-off coupons when buying dog food online or in store.
- Compare supermarket and online prices, and take advantage of supermarket price guarantee schemes.
How should I change the food I feed to my dog?
You should make changes gradually, especially if your dog has got a sensitive stomach. Buy the new food before the old food has run out and add a little of the new food to the old food, gradually increasing the amount. If you notice any problems, such as vomiting, diarrhoea or a reluctance to eat the food, you may have to continue with the original brand or try something else. You should also seek advice from your vet.
How can I make sure my dog remains healthy?
When feeding your dog you need to make sure that their diet includes the right balance of protein, fat/oils, carbohydrates, minerals, vitamins and water. You should never over-feed or under-feed your dog – follow the guidelines on the dog food packs or seek advice from your vet. Always provide variety and rotate your brand of dog food from time to time.
What shouldn’t I feed to my dog?
Certain human foods are poisonous for dogs and should be avoided at all costs. This includes chocolate and cocoa, onions, grapes and raisons, caffeine, Macadamia nuts, alcohol and fruit stones and pips. You should also avoid feeding your dog any food that is high in sugar or sodium and make sure that your dog doesn’t scavenge mouldy or rotten food when out walking.
If your dog has eaten anything it shouldn’t have eaten, or you are concerned about your dog’s diet, seek advice from your vet.