Feed Your Pet Right & Save!
1. Make sure you feed your pet the “right” amount of a balanced diet. Trying to save money by under feeding your pet, or by feeding your pet a poor diet, will cost you down the road with additional vet bills. And your pet will be a lot less happy. On the other hand, over feeding your pet, or providing them a high-calorie but unbalanced diet, will probably increase your food bill, as well as result in more health problems for your pet as they age. So, save some money by feeding your pet properly, and have a happy pet.
2. Ask your vet what kind of diet and type of food (not brand) would be best for your pet, and yet be affordable. Your vet should consider your pet’s general health, particular medical conditions, activity level and age. Do not feel obligated to buy your pet food from your vet. It will probably be more expensive and the same type of food can be found elsewhere. Your vet is already being paid for their medical advice. Where you buy your pet food is a separate consideration.
3. Once you know the type of diet recommended by your vet, try to find an associate at the pet store that understands pet food and ask them what foods they carry that meet your vet’s diet recommendations. Make sure you let them know that cost is a factor you need to consider.
4. Remember, nutrition is your primary consideration. Your pet probably does not need “gourmet” pet food. Generic foods are fine. Your pet will get used to eating whatever is good for them. And as recent news articles have noted, the same factories produce both the economy or generic pet foods, as well as the gourmet pet foods. And many times their nutritional value is about the same. But if your pet’s satisfaction is an important consideration, there will usually be some low-cost, generic pet foods that they will enjoy , and that will meet their dietary requirements. High-priced foods are never necessary, unless your pet has a very specific dietary restriction due to a medical condition.
5. Once you know what kinds of pet foods are appropriate for your pet, make sure you shop around to compare the cost of different brands that have essentially the same ingredients, as well as compare prices for the same brand at different stores. Don’t forget to look at prices at discount stores like Costco. Also, consider comparing prices from the many Internet sites that sell pet food such as Petco.com, PetSmart.com, etc.
6. Look for sales and coupons that can be used to buy pet food. A good deal is almost always available somewhere. And when you get a great price, buy in bulk.
7. Consider making your own pet food. Many recipes are available at the library or on the Internet. Also consider whether table scraps would be appropriate for your pet occasionally. Check with your vet to see what is alright for your pet.
SOURCE: http://www.shoppingsavingsnut.com/pets2.html
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