5 Ways to Get Expensive Pet Food for Less

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KEY POINTS

  • Some pets do better when they stick to a strict diet and eat premium pet food.
  • Unfortunately, many premium pet foods cost a lot of money.
  • You can save money on expensive pet food by switching to alternative brands, subscribing to an auto-shipment service, and buying in bulk.

As a pet owner, it's your responsibility to give your fuzzy and non-fuzzy pets plenty of love and care. Many pet owners invest in expensive pet food for their pals. However, the high cost of these foods can make owning a pet considerably more expensive.

If you prefer treating your furry best friend to high-quality pet food, there may be ways to save money on this essential expense. I'll share a few strategies to help you get expensive pet food for less.

1. Compare pricing for alternatives

Your furry pal may be eating a specific type of food because of dietary restrictions or health concerns. But there may be more affordable food solutions available. You could save on pet food costs by switching to an alternative product or brand. Talk to your vet and compare ingredients and pricing for other premium pet food options to see if you can save by switching.

2. Enroll in an auto-delivery subscription

Another way to save money on the cost of expensive pet food is by enrolling in an auto-delivery subscription through an online pet supply store. Chewy, PetSmart, and Petco are examples of companies that offer autoship delivery subscriptions.

Enrolling in this service could save you 5% on pet food costs. That may not sound like a lot, but any amount saved can benefit your bank account. In addition to saving money, auto-ship services can ensure you always have enough pet food on hand to feed your furry companion.

3. Buy in bulk

If you belong to a warehouse club like Sam's Club or Costco, you may want to see if you can get your preferred pet food or a similar alternative at your local club. You could get a better deal by purchasing pet food in bulk. Not yet a member? Before joining a nearby warehouse club, browse the company's website to see what kind of pet food products it sells.

4. Pay attention to sales

You can keep more money in the bank when stocking up on expensive pet food by shopping during sales. Review sales flyers for your favorite pet supply retailers before your next restock.

If you time out your next purchase, you can take advantage of a promotion that results in significant savings. If you're shopping online, don't ignore coupon codes. Using one of the best coupon apps could help you get an even better deal when you place your order.

5. Use your pet insurance benefits

If you have pet insurance for your furry pal, review your policy details to see if your insurer will reimburse you for food costs. Most insurers don't reimburse for regular pet food costs.

However, some pet insurance companies offer wellness plans as an add-on to their insurance products. If you have a wellness plan like this, your insurer may provide reimbursement for eligible prescription pet foods. This could be beneficial if your pet requires expensive prescription food for allergies or other health concerns.

If you have this kind of coverage, there may be annual coverage limits, and your pet will likely need to meet specific health conditions to qualify for reimbursement. It's a good idea to carefully review your pet insurance coverage terms so you know what to expect.

Look for ways to keep more money in your pocket

Life is expensive. Everyday essentials are getting more costly – including pet food. But if you're strategic, you can find ways to save money when you purchase your pet's favorite food. Every dollar you save by getting a discount or deal is a win for your personal finances.

Our Research Expert