Is it cheaper to make your own dog food?
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Probably not—dry kibble is usually the cheapest option for dog food, assuming your pet doesn’t need a special diet.
Making your own dog food can be cheaper, but it really depends on the size of your dog, the ingredients you use, and the cost of the dog food you’d regularly buy.
It’s also important to factor in your own time prepping and serving the dog food into the equation. And homemade dog food can range from basic recipes using affordable ingredients to premium pet meals with expensive meats and supplements.
If you’re committed to making your dog’s food, consider buying ingredients in bulk, when possible, to cut down on costs.
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When store-bought dog food may be cheaper#when-store-bought-dog-food-may-be-cheaper
In many cases, dry kibble is difficult to beat on cost per meal. Depending on the ingredients you use, homemade dog food may end up costing more than a budget-friendly commercial food.
A budget kibble can cost between $0.80 – $1.20 a day, cheaper than making your own dog food using ingredients like brown rice and ground beef.
Commercial dog foods are designed to provide your pet complete nutrition, and buying these supplements and ingredients individually can come at a high price.
When homemade dog food saves money#when-homemade-dog-food-saves-money
For some pet owners, homemade dog food can be cost effective. For example, if you’re a large household that already cooks meals from scratch, you may be able to use some of all of the same ingredients to make meals for your dog.
If you regularly prepare meals using dog-safe ingredients, you may be able to prepare your dog's food at the same time, reducing extra trips to the store and cutting down on meal prep.
Or, if your dog requires a special diet of fresh dog food and can’t eat kibble or canned food, you may save money making it at home instead of ordering it from an expensive delivery service.
If you can purchase staple ingredients like rice, oats, or certain proteins in bulk, homemade meals may cost less than buying premium canned or fresh dog food.
Remember, you should always consult with a veterinarian before changing your pet’s diet.
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Other ways to lower the cost of dog food#other-ways-to-lower-the-cost-of-dog-food
If you’re looking for ways to save money on expensive pet food try:
- Comparing prices by “cost per pound” or serving to find the most affordable option
- Buying in larger quantities, when possible
- Looking for manufacturer coupons or brand loyalty programs
- Asking local animal shelters or food banks for pet food assistance
- Searching for pet food pantries near you for free or subsidized pet food
Remember that pet food isn’t SNAP-eligible, so you can’t use your EBT card to buy it if you get SNAP benefits.
But many animal shelters, humane societies, and community organizations operate pet food pantries. These programs can help families facing temporary financial hardship keep their pets fed. Some food banks also distribute pet food when supplies are available.
