While budgeting, review how much you spend on treats --- they're not as essential as a high-quality dog food.
Even a small dog needs a large food budget. If your pet care budget is shrinking, instead of buying off-brand or cheaper, low-quality dog food that might make your dog ill, follow these steps to find name brands at cheaper prices. With so many online vendors offering pet items, you're not beholden to the high prices charged at your supermarket or vet's office.
Instructions
1. Sign up for coupons and discounts from major pet retailers like Petsmart and Petco. You can opt to receive newsletters or join rewards programs like Petsmart's PetPerks and Petco's P.A.L.S. You'll receive monthly alerts of deals, some of which are only offered to members.
2. Look for regular coupons. If you are using a name brand, then there has to be a coupon for it out there somewhere. If your store allows it, grocers will even double up coupons from multiple sources. This may seem like small savings, but over the course of a year, a dollar saved here and there adds up. Coupons can be found in the Sunday paper or online at coupon sites. Search for your name brand and "coupons."
3. Buy your pet food at livestock supply stores, also known as ranch stores. Mainstream grocers and pet supply stores have a fairly high mark-ups. However, livestock stores are usually owned by locals and can be substantially cheaper, though be prepared to buy in large quantities.
4. Buy in bulk. If you have a card for a big-box discounter like Sam's Club or Costco, you may be able to find your dog food much cheaper in large quantities. Although the initial purchase may seem pricey, in the long run you'll save money --- and have to make fewer trips to the store.
5. Check out online vendors that sell groceries. Even Amazon is in the pet food game these days, and the site often offers discounted name brands. What's more, an online grocer might have special subscriber rates --- sign up for regular pet food deliveries and you get discounts and free shipping.
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