5 Simple Ways To Feed Pets for Half the Price

Cute young woman with brown hair and a small dog eating from a red pet bowl indoors with houseplants and soft natural light.
🔎 Disclosure: Heads up, babe: some links here are affiliate links, which means you might throw a tiny commission my way if you buy (zero extra cost to you). Only things you’d actually use and love get shared on this site.

1. Buy Bigger Bags to Save More

Pet food is like toilet paper. You always need it, so why not stock up?

Buying bigger bags usually drops the price per pound like magic.

  • Bulk sizes mean savings. You’ll pay less per meal, guaranteed.
  • Fewer store trips mean less gas and fewer impulse buys (looking at you, clearance aisle snacks).
  • Longer shelf life. Most dry food stays fresh for months when sealed tightly.
👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Next time you shop, check the price per ounce and grab the biggest bag that fits your space. It adds up fast.

Make It Easy: Consider getting an airtight pet food container with wheels to keep large bags fresh and easy to move.


2. Pick Cheaper Store Brands That Pets Still Love

You know what’s wild? Half the “premium” brands are made in the same factories as the store ones.

Your pet honestly won’t know or care what the bag says as long as dinner shows up.

  • Same ingredients. Many store brands use identical protein and grain mixes.
  • Lower price tags. You can save up to 40% just by switching labels.
  • Great taste test results. Pets usually don’t flinch when you switch slowly.
👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Swap to a store brand one scoop at a time to help your pet adjust and save without the drama.

Make It Easy: Use a simple measuring scoop to portion the food accurately and avoid waste.


3. Mix Dry and Canned Food to Make It Last

Ever notice how fast those cans disappear?

Mixing a little wet food with dry makes every bite go further.

It keeps your pet happy, and your wallet less stressed :).

  • Stretch your food supply. Use less wet food while keeping meals tasty.
  • Add variety. Mixing textures keeps picky eaters interested.
  • Healthier digestion. The combo adds moisture without going overboard.
👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Mix one part wet to three parts dry, and you’ll see your cans lasting twice as long while meals stay delicious.

Make It Easy: Try a sturdy stainless steel food bowl set that keeps mixed meals neat and easy to clean.


4. Make Homemade Pet Treats That Save Money

Let’s be honest. Store-bought treats are basically doggie junk food with a price tag.

You can make simple, healthy ones at home for pennies.

  • Use kitchen leftovers. Like oats, peanut butter, or sweet potato (yep, your dog loves it).
  • Skip preservatives. Homemade means fresh and safe ingredients.
  • Save big. DIY batches can cost less than $3 for a week’s worth.
👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Whip up a quick batch using oats, eggs, and peanut butter. Bake them once a week, and your pet’s tail will say thanks.

Make It Easy: Get a cute silicone baking mold for homemade treats. It makes perfect shapes and is easy to clean up.


5. Keep Pet Food Fresh So Nothing Goes to Waste

You don’t throw out $50 of groceries, right?

The same rule applies here.

When pet food goes stale, you’re literally tossing money out the window.

  • Seal bags tightly. Oxygen is the enemy of freshness.
  • Avoid humidity. Store in a cool, dry place for maximum life.
  • Check expiration dates. Rotate old food to the front before it spoils.
👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Use airtight bins or resealable containers, and write the “opened” date right on the label. Easy win.

Make It Easy: Try a pet food storage bin with a flip lid and scoop. Keeps food fresh and handy.


📌 SAVE IT FOR LATER! 📌


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Lily Thompson

Hey, I'm Lily! I'm a mom who's really good at two things: stretching a dollar and talking about stretching a dollar. I created Money Vice after one too many grocery trips where I watched my total climb and thought, "There's gotta be a better way." Spoiler: there is. Think of me as your money-savvy friend who's always got a tip (and coffee in hand).