Low-Cost Dog Food: Is Saving Money Really Worth It?

When you bring a dog into your home, there are certain expenses you have to budget for. You’ll need to make sure you’re up to date on preventive care, like vaccinations. And if your dog requires grooming every few months and you’re not eager to do it yourself, you’ll have to factor in that cost as well.

Food is another no-brainer expense that comes with having a dog. And the larger your dog, the more it might cost you.

MarketWatch puts the average cost of dog food at $447 per year. The American Kennel Club reports an almost identical figure of $446 as the average annual cost of dog food.

Just like your grocery bill depends on your household and food choices, feeding your dog depends on their size, age, and diet. And the higher the quality of ingredients in your dog’s food, the more you can expect to spend.

But if money is tight, you don’t have to splurge for the priciest dog food option. You could instead opt for low-cost dog food. Is it worth the savings though? Let’s dig in.

The Downside of Low-Cost Dog Food

Let's get one thing out of the way. The most expensive dog food on the market isn't necessarily best for your dog.

To find an optimal dog food brand, consult your vet. They can recommend options based on your dog's breed and health needs. And if you're on a budget, don't be shy about asking your vet for recommendations on different price ranges so you can shop around.

With that out of the way, one issue with buying low-cost dog food is that in some cases, the ingredients that go into it can be of a lesser quality. Inexpensive dog food is often made with fillers like corn and wheat. These ingredients may help your dog feel satiated, but they may not provide the nutritional value you're hoping for.

Worse yet, these fillers may cause digestive issues and other health problems, like:

Now, let’s look at the cost of treating these conditions.

Embrace Pet Insurance puts the average cost of diagnosing kidney disease at $200 to $750, while long-term management of it could cost $100 to $500 a month. Meanwhile, Pawlicy Advisor puts the average cost of treating colitis in dogs at $100 to $300 per episode, assuming it's not severe. And MetLife Pet Insurance puts the average cost of insulin for diabetes at $30 to $150 per month.

When you factor in the cost of having to treat these and other conditions – not to mention the harm they can cause your dog – it’s easy to make the case to not buy dog food with sub-par ingredients. So, while shopping for dog food, it’s important to look for products that meet AAFCO standards.

The Association of American Feed Control Officials regulates nutritional requirements for pet food. It's important to check the label on your dog food to see if its nutritional value meets AAFCO guidelines. If you choose a brand your vet recommends, there’s a good chance it will meet these requirements.

How to Get Higher-Quality Dog Food for Less

Feeding your dog food that's high quality doesn't have to break the bank. There are some tricks you can use to save money on higher-quality food, such as:

Another way to save money on dog food is to make sure you’re not overfeeding your pet. To that end, collaborate with your vet to figure out an appropriate portion based on the type of food you’re using.

Your dog food should indicate how many kilocalories each cup provides. Your vet can use this information, combined with your dog’s weight, age, and exercise level, to figure out an ideal portion per meal.

Finally, don’t be afraid to experiment with different dog foods to see which one your pet likes best. There’s no better way to waste your money than to buy food your dog rejects repeatedly. So, if there’s a brand your vet recommends that your dog just doesn’t love, don’t force it. A little trial and error up front could save you money in the long run.