Having four dogs means our house is always full of love, wagging tails, and, of course, a lot of expenses! Keeping our dogs happy and healthy is a top priority, but let’s face it… dog food and supplies add up fast.
Over the years, I’ve discovered some great ways to save money on dog food and supplies without compromising on quality, and I’m excited to share them with you.
If you’re looking for smart ways to save money while taking care of your pup, these tips are for you!
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1. Use Autoship Options
If you regularly buy the same food or supplies, setting up auto-ship is a no-brainer. Not only does it save time, but many retailers also give you a discount for signing up.
We use autoship for our dogs’ supplements and treats. It’s convenient, and the discount adds up when you’re buying for four dogs!
For example, Chewy offers an autoship discount that not only saves you money on regular orders but also ensures you never run out of your dog’s food or favorite treats.
You can try auto-ship on Chewy for your dog’s essentials here, or on Amazon with their Subscribe & Save program here.
2. Sign Up for Loyalty Programs
Local pet stores often have punch cards or rewards programs, so don’t forget to ask about them on your next visit.
These programs often include perks like discounts, free items, or exclusive coupons.
Here are just a few examples of brands with loyalty programs
- Purina Pro Club – Purina’s loyalty program allows you to earn points for every purchase, which can be redeemed for discounts or free products. They also offer exclusive deals and helpful tips for pet parents.
- Petco Pals Rewards – Petco’s program offers 1% back on every purchase, plus exclusive members-only deals and birthday treats for your dog!
- Petsmart Treats – With Petsmart’s Treats program, you earn points for every dollar spent, which can be redeemed for discounts on future purchases. Members also get perks like free shipping offers and access to special events.
- The Honest Kitchen Frequent Buyer Program – Some retailers participating in The Honest Kitchen’s Frequent Buyer Program offer a free bag or box of food after purchasing a certain number. Check with your local pet store to see if they participate.
3. Check Pet Brand Websites for Coupons
Before you make a purchase, visit the manufacturer’s website for discounts or coupons. Many brands offer printable coupons or promo codes to use online. Signing up for their newsletters can also get you access to exclusive deals.
Check Chewy or Amazon for deals too—they often highlight discounts on top brands, especially for new customers or first-time autoship orders.
4. Shopping at Local Pet Stores
Shopping at local pet stores may not always be the cheapest option, but the personalized service you get can be invaluable. Local shops often carry specialized products, like raw dog food, and have knowledgeable staff who can guide you to the best options for your dog’s needs.
We buy our dogs’ raw food from a local pet shop where my daughter works. Thanks to her employee discount, we save 20%! Even if you don’t have an inside connection, local stores often offer deals or discounts to loyal customers, so it’s worth checking out.
5. Buy in Bulk
If you have the storage space, buying in bulk can lead to big savings. Larger bags of dog food or multi-packs of supplies often have a lower cost per unit compared to smaller packages. It’s more cost-effective and saves trips to the store!
I always watch for Chewy’s big sales and stock up, buying treats and supplements in bulk has saved me hundreds of dollars.
💡TIP: When buying food in bulk make sure not to buy more than you can use before the food spoils.
6. Look for Sales
Chewy will frequently run big sales, so I recommend getting on their email list. Also keep an eye on Amazon for discounts by adding items you buy often to a shopping list, which will give you notifications when prices decrease.
Retailers often run sales around holidays or at the end of the year to clear out inventory. Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and other big shopping days are great opportunities to score deals on dog food and supplies.
7. Consider DIY Options
Some supplies, like toys or treats, can be made at home for a fraction of the cost.
Making homemade dog treats is not only budget-friendly but also lets you control the ingredients to ensure they’re healthy for your dog. I love trying new dog treat recipes, here are some I’ve tried. It’s easy, inexpensive, and great for their digestion.
And if you are really adventurous, you can cook fresh meals for your dog instead of buying pre-made fresh food. Just make sure the meals are balanced and meet your dog’s nutritional needs.
You can even may your dog’s shampoo at home with natural ingredients for less than store bought brands. Here are 5 DIY dog shampoo recipes made for my dogs.
And DIY dog toys can be a fun project to get the entire family involved in. An old sock and water bottle can make a crunchy toy, old t-shirts can make a tug toy. Follow my DIY Dog Pinterest Board to see all these great ideas!
8. Don’t Forget About Price Comparisons
With so many online retailers, it pays to shop around. Compare prices between Chewy, Amazon, and local stores to find the best deal.
💡TIP: Sometimes, it’s worth splitting your purchases across multiple retailers to maximize savings. For example, we often find better deals on toys on Amazon but stick to Chewy for food and treats.
9. Quality Over Quantity
Choose the toys and products you buy wisely. You get what you pay for. Buy a cheap leash and it will last a few months. Buy a high quality leather leash and it will last a lifetime.
Stay away from soft stuffy toys that your dog chews up in seconds… our dog Bear will tear a new soft toy in shreds in less than 60 seconds. No joke! Check out my list of durable dog toys for heavy destructive chewer.
10. Rebate and Coupon Sites
Browser extensions and rebate tools are a great way to save extra money on dog food and supplies. Tools like Rakuten automatically apply the best available promo codes at checkout, while cashback programs give you money back on your purchases.
My Capitol One credit card often offers cashback deals on Chewy… sometimes as much as 10%! Combine cashback offers with coupons or autoship discounts, and the savings can really add up.
11. Check Facebook Marketplace, Garage Sales, and Second-Hand Stores
You’d be surprised at the deals you can find on Facebook Marketplace, at garage sales, or in second-hand stores. People often sell lightly used pet supplies, or even crates and beds their dogs outgrew. It’s a great way to save money while giving these items a second life.
I’ve found some amazing deals on Facebook Marketplace, including a gently used crate for a fraction of the retail price. Just be sure to thoroughly clean and sanitize any second-hand items before using them for your dog.
Also, check your area for a Pay It Forward Facebook Group. I’ve picked up supplements and even dog food for free.
Final Thoughts
Saving money on dog food and supplies doesn’t mean cutting corners on quality. By signing up for loyalty programs, using auto-ship options, and shopping smart, you can provide your pup with the best while keeping your budget in check.
With four dogs in our home, these tips have been lifesavers, and I hope they help you too! Please share your best tip below in the comments… I am always open to new ideas.
