Money Saving Tips When Buying Dog Food

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.

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We have provided 7 tips to save money on your dog
food, there are also pet food charities, check
your local area for one near you. Resourced
http://www.dodsonandhorrellpetfood.co.uk

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