Keeping your pets healthy and happy doesn’t have to break the bank. While premium pet food and essential supplies can be costly, there are smart ways to save money without compromising on quality. Here are the best strategies to help you find affordable pet food and supplies, ensuring your furry friend gets the care they deserve at a budget-friendly price.
Shop Online for Deals and Subscriptions
Online retailers often offer competitive prices on pet food and supplies, with additional discounts through subscriptions and bulk purchases.
Where to Shop Online:
- Chewy: Offers auto-ship discounts and frequent promotions on premium brands
- Amazon: Subscribe & Save lets you schedule recurring deliveries with up to 15% off
- Petco and PetSmart: Run online-exclusive deals and clearance events
Scheduling auto-ship deliveries ensures you never run out of food and saves you extra money on repeat orders.
Buy in Bulk or Larger Sizes
Purchasing pet food and supplies in larger quantities reduces the price per unit, offering significant savings over time.
What to Buy in Bulk:
- Dry food (kibble) and canned food
- Litter, pee pads, and treats
- Grooming supplies like shampoo or dental products
Make sure to store food properly to maintain freshness, especially for large bags of kibble. Use airtight containers to prevent spoilage.
Use Coupons and Cashback Apps
Coupons and cashback apps are easy ways to save on pet-related expenses, both online and in-store.
Recommended Apps:
- Rakuten: Offers cashback at major retailers like Chewy and Petco
- Ibotta: Provides cash rebates on pet products from participating stores
- Honey: Automatically applies coupons during checkout
- Fetch Rewards: Earn points on purchases that can be redeemed for gift cards
Stacking coupons with sales helps you maximize savings.
Join Loyalty Programs
Loyalty programs offered by pet stores and online retailers reward frequent purchases with discounts and exclusive deals.
Top Loyalty Programs:
- Petco Pals Rewards: Earn points on every purchase and get personalized discounts
- PetSmart Treats: Redeem points for savings on pet food and supplies
- Chewy Autoship: Offers savings on repeat deliveries and early access to sales
Loyalty programs often provide early access to sales and birthday rewards for your pet.
Look for Sales and Clearance Items
Pet stores frequently run seasonal sales and clearance events to make room for new inventory.
Best Times to Shop:
- Black Friday and Cyber Monday: Look for major discounts on pet food and accessories
- After holidays: Pet-themed items (like holiday collars and toys) are deeply discounted
- End-of-season clearance: Stock up on summer or winter supplies when they go on sale
Keep an eye on clearance sections for heavily discounted toys, beds, and grooming products.
Choose Store Brands or Affordable Alternatives
Some pet stores offer private-label brands that provide comparable quality to premium brands at a lower cost.
Affordable Store Brands:
- WholeHearted (Petco): Affordable, high-quality food for dogs and cats
- Authority (PetSmart): Offers balanced nutrition at a lower price
- Amazon Basics: Provides pet essentials like crates, bowls, and pee pads
Many of these alternatives meet the same quality standards as well-known brands, ensuring your pet gets good nutrition.
DIY Pet Treats and Toys
Making your own treats and toys at home can significantly reduce costs while adding a personal touch.
DIY Treat Ideas:
- Frozen yogurt and fruit treats for dogs
- Homemade catnip toys for cats
- Peanut butter dog biscuits made with natural ingredients
DIY toys can include recycled socks, ropes, or cardboard boxes, offering enrichment without the expense.
Sign Up for Manufacturer Rebates and Offers
Some pet food manufacturers offer rebates or introductory discounts on their products.
How to Find Rebates:
- Visit the websites of premium pet food brands for special promotions
- Look for first-time buyer offers at stores like Chewy or Petco
- Follow pet food companies on social media to stay updated on giveaways and limited-time deals
Taking advantage of these offers ensures you try new products while keeping costs low.
Compare Prices Across Retailers
Prices for pet food and supplies can vary significantly between stores. Use price comparison tools to find the best deals.
Where to Compare Prices:
- Google Shopping: Quickly compare prices from multiple stores
- CamelCamelCamel: Tracks Amazon price changes for better deals
- BrickSeek: Helps you find in-store discounts on pet products
Regular price comparisons ensure you never overpay for pet supplies.
Join Pet Food Co-Ops or Community Groups
Some communities have pet food co-ops or local groups where members can buy supplies in bulk at wholesale prices.
How to Find Co-Ops or Groups:
- Check social media groups or forums for local pet communities
- Visit your local animal shelter to see if they have partnerships for affordable food
- Look for community pet events that offer discounted supplies or giveaways
These groups provide great opportunities to save while supporting local initiatives.
Use Buy Now, Pay Later Options
If you’re purchasing expensive pet items like crates, beds, or bulk food, consider using buy now, pay later (BNPL) services.
Popular BNPL Providers:
- Affirm: Offers payment plans through Chewy and Petco
- Klarna: Available at select online pet stores
- Afterpay: Splits payments into four interest-free installments
BNPL services make it easier to budget for large purchases without upfront strain.
Take Advantage of Veterinary Discounts and Recommendations
Some veterinarians offer discount programs for food and supplies purchased through their office or affiliated retailers.
Tips for Veterinary Savings:
- Ask your vet if they have discounts on prescription food or supplements
- Request recommendations for affordable yet nutritious brands
- Participate in vet clinic events where free samples or supplies are provided
Your vet can also help you avoid unnecessary purchases by recommending essential items only.
Saving on high-quality pet food and supplies requires smart shopping, planning, and resourcefulness. Take advantage of online subscriptions, coupons, and loyalty programs to reduce costs. Explore DIY treats and toys to supplement store-bought items, and always compare prices to find the best deals. With these strategies, you can ensure your pet gets the care and nutrition they need—without breaking the bank.
