For pet lovers, there are few things more enjoyable after a long demanding day then coming home to our dogs with their furiously wagging tails and cute wet pink muzzles. Studies have long mentioned the therapeutic benefits of owning pets. In spite of our unwavering devotion to our furry playmates, many families struggle with the sobering simple fact that their budgets are thinner and meaner in this recessionary economy.
American Pet Products Association (APPA) estimates that Americans will spend $50.84 billion dollars on their pets in 2011. That represents almost a 5% increase from 2010. Of that staggering figure, approximately $19.53 billion dollars can be attributed to pet food costs.
Here are seven handy tips to reign in food costs for your dog:
1)Buy in Bulk
Calculate the unit price of your pet's foodstuffs. The unit price is determined by dividing the retail price by the number of units. The key to buying in bulk is to store the product in user friendly quantities. Lugging an unwieldy twenty five pound bag of kibble can cause unnecessary frustration not to mention back strain.
2)Befriend a Local Butcher or Farmer
A butcher or farmer can be a reliable source for organic vegetables and free range meats. Such foodstuffs are free of pesticides, hormones, fillers and antibiotics. The alternative is to check out companies that have products that contain raw meat but are wholly consistent with AAFO's (Association of American Feed Control Officials) guidelines.
3)Become an Expert Coupon Clipper
Coupons are only helpful if they are for products you can actually use. Watch the neighborhood circulars and consider joining a pet food specialty store's internal discount program.
4)Engage your Veterinarian
Rely on your veterinarian's expertise to determine the nutritional needs of your dog which may vary based on age and breed. The reality is that pet food is a multi-billion dollar industry with nuanced marketing strategies. Pet food brands rely on a dog owner's passion and commitment to their animals. Many commercials employ one-dimensional statements equating their brand to what is healthy for your pet. Ask your vet what your dog needs and make your buying choices with that expert independent advice in mind.
5)Ask Friends and Family for Assistance
The calendar is fraught with gift-giving occasions. Ask well-intentioned loved ones for practical gift cards from pet supply stores or discount stores that sale your dog's cherished foods and treats. Additionally, it may be difficult for urban residents to get access to the sprawling discount big box stores of suburbia. Engage your social network to pick up much needed items on your behalf and arrange a drop off the next time you see them.
6)Mix and Match Fido's Treats
Practically speaking, most pet owners can ill afford to lavish their dogs with their favorite foods every day. Integrate your pets more costly staples into a more reasonably priced diet. Attempt to limit the more expensive brands to only three to four days a week.
7)Targeted Savings Account
Inflation is the reduced buying power over time for goods and services. The harsh reality is that the price of pet food has increased over time. Devoting an account to your dog's expenses, including pet food, gives you a buffer in lean times.
