Feeding Your Furry Friend for Less

Pet owners often balance cost and quality in their choice of pet food. They want to ensure their pet gets the best nutrition possible, but they also have a budget they must stick with.

A low-quality diet can lead to costly problems for your pet over time. The good news is that keeping your pet healthy while sticking with a budget is possible.

Exotic Proteins

As pet parents become more aware of the potential impact of food allergies on their fur babies, they increasingly rely on exotic proteins to prevent or treat them. This trend also drives the popularity of raw diets and frozen and freeze-dried foods that incorporate non-traditional animal meats, vegetables, fruits, bone broths, and supplements.

Currently, chicken and beef are the most common protein sources in commercial pet foods in the United States. However, manufacturers are experimenting with new sources, such as venison and rabbit, to address allergy concerns while offering pet parents the opportunity to give their pets unique flavor combinations.

While some pet parents are hesitant to explore these novel proteins, they may be surprised to learn that most diets that include them also contain more traditional proteins. It’s important to remember that even exotic protein-based formulas are still primarily intended as supplemental meals or for pets diagnosed with food allergies and should not replace your dog or cat’s primary diet. 

Manufacturers using these ingredients are responsible for ensuring they are appropriately sourced. For example, they must be ethically raised, land-fed, or natural-culled, not obtained from over-harvested animals for their meat or other parts. 

In addition to their commitment to ensuring the animals they source are treated humanely, many companies that use these unique proteins also have a heart for helping animals in need. They often make donations to shelters and rehabilitators in their local communities and are active supporters of rescues around the country. They are also working to establish a network of veterinary clinics and hospitals where they can offer their dietary products, supplements, and services. It is a great way to ensure pet parents can access these products no matter where they live.

Homemade Meals

Regardless of your budget, you can still provide your pet with quality nutrition by supplementing their diet with various homemade foods. Homemade meals are cost-effective and can provide your furry friend with multiple vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that may be missing from the food you buy at the pet store.

Adding fresh, high-quality ingredients to your pet’s meal can be as simple as mixing peanut butter or cottage cheese with their dry food or as complex as making your homemade stew. You can find recipe books online, at your local library, or in bookstores that offer recipes designed specifically for dogs and cats.

With a tight budget, you can save on pet food by purchasing it in bulk. Many pet supply stores offer bulk savings on famous dog and cat food brands, and you can often save additional money by using online coupons at https://www.retailmenot.com/view/CHEWY.com and store promotions.

Another great way to save on pet food is by shopping with your pets in mind. An effective way to save money for pet owners with multiple pets is to buy two bags of the same pet food and divide them throughout the day. It helps you cut costs and ensures your pets receive a consistent and healthy diet. It can also help you avoid overfeeding your pet, which can cause weight fluctuations and other health issues.

Pet owners always look for ways to save money while providing their beloved animals with the best care. However, there comes a point where prioritizing quality over cost can cause your furry friend to become unhealthy, and compromising the quality of their diet can become more expensive in the long run.

Despite the recession, most pet owners continue to use coupons. Coupon usage has increased compared to pre-recession 2007 levels. That may be due to the increased promotional activities by significant pet food manufacturers and pet supply retailers. In addition, pet owners are using coupons on more items than ever, including treats, toys, and other accessories.

Homemade Treats

Several homemade treats can help your furry friend with dental health or stress. Add these easy DIY dog treats to your weekly meal prep, so your pup can enjoy the wholesome treats without the extra cost!

Homemade treats are a great way to excite your pet about dinnertime and can be a healthier alternative to store-bought options. They’re also simple and can be made using ingredients you already have. Just be sure to check with your vet first if your pet has any specific dietary requirements or sensitivity issues.

One of the best things about homemade dog treats is that they can be a fun activity to do with your family. Getting the kids involved in making your furry friend’s favorite friends can be a great way to spend time with them and teach them some valuable life lessons about caring for pets. These delicious homemade treats are a great way to thank your pet for good behavior! You’ll be able to make them quickly, and they’ll love the taste.

In a world of rising prices, keeping your pet’s food is essential. By shopping with coupons, you can stock up on your pet’s favorite pets at a much lower price. These savings can significantly affect your budget, especially if you have multiple pets.

If you’re looking for ways to save on your pet’s supplies, pets must remember about employee discount programs! Many companies offer exclusive deals for their employees, which can be a great way to save on everything from food to toys.

If you are a senior or have limited income, you may be worried about how you will afford to feed your pet. Fortunately, some organizations provide pet food to those in need. 

Allergies

The lovable cats, dogs, and furry friends offer companionship and a sense of security but can also trigger allergies. Allergy symptoms can take many different forms. Common ones include runny nose, sneezing, and itchy skin. Severe symptoms include asthma attacks and dyspnea.

Allergies in cats and dogs can be caused by various factors, including the food they eat. Pet food allergies are usually the result of repeated exposure to a particular food ingredient or animal protein, which causes an immune system response. Meats like beef or chicken, grains like corn or wheat, and additional preservatives can all be found in these foods.

These foods can also cause gastrointestinal issues, such as diarrhea and vomiting. A veterinarian may recommend changing the pet’s diet when the symptoms occur. They may suggest feeding them a hypoallergenic diet containing novel proteins like rabbit or venison, which are less likely to trigger an allergic reaction. They may also advise a rotation of proteins to prevent the gut from becoming sensitized to one particular food. Alternatively, they recommend a nutrient-dense diet that is easy on the digestive tract to help balance your dog’s digestive system.

When you are ready to shop for your furry family member, remember to look for pet food coupons online. Websites devoted to coupons often feature a variety of pet food coupon codes and discounts for local pet stores. You can also join loyalty programs at your favorite pet supply stores to earn rewards for every purchase you make. Stacking these coupons and promotions can help you save significantly on your pet’s food, supplements, and treats.

For a long time, healthcare providers could only test for an allergy to the entire cat or dog allergen “jigsaw puzzle.” However, they can blood-test for individual pieces of this jigsaw, called pet allergen components. It allows for more accurate diagnosis and treatment of the underlying allergy, which can help those with pet allergies breathe easier around their beloved pets.