Saving money doesn't mean having to substitute on quality products that are best for your pet. Here are some tips on how you can Budget Better and save money when it comes to feeding your pet.
1. Buy In Bulk
Rather than buying a small bag every fortnight, it's much more cost effective to buy a large 'value' bulk bag that will last you a couple of months. There's usually no need to worry about large bags expiring before you finish them; due to the low moisture content, dry pet food lasts a long time. From manufacturing you can generally keep an unopened product for a year or more before it passes expiry. Plus, smaller bags use a lot more packaging, which is not environmentally sustainable. All of those plastic bags, zip locks, tins and cardboard boxes add up!
2. Auto Delivery
Here at Pet Circle you can subscribe to Auto Delivery and have your food (and other pet products) delivered to your door when you need them. With an Auto Delivery subscription, you can save extra on each recurring order of food, toys, health and other pet products - with up to 20% off selected brands. It is free to sign up and you can change or cancel any time! For more information go to Pet Circle Auto Delivery.
3. Support Local
Buying local products not only helps support the local economy, but it avoids costly import fees slapped on top! Additionally, locally made pet food is more likely to be fresh and have longer on its expiry date as it avoids lengthy import quarantine processes.
Top Australian-made pet food brands include Instinctive Bite, Advance, Black Hawk, Ivory Coat and Vetalogica, Savourlife.
For more information on Australian Made read our veterinary written article Australian Pet Products.
4. Cost Per Feed
Always assess the value of your pet food by 'cost per feed' over price per kilo. While cheaper supermarket products may be tempting due to their lower up front cost, you will most likely save money overall by investing in the more expensive but much higher quality product, which will also be far more nutritionally beneficial for your pet.
5. Palatability
Most Premium Food Brands offer palatability claims, meaning that if your pet doesn't like the food for any reason, you can get a refund or store credit for the cost of the food. Supermarkets, unfortunately will not give you your money back just because your pet doesn't like the food that you bought.
6. Consider Majority Dry Food
Feeding a majority premium dry food diet is often more economical than feeding a wet and dry food combination, and is complete and balanced with everything that your pet needs. For pets that enjoy variety or that can be a bit fussy, consider adding some Bone Broth, warm water or a few tablespoons of Wet Food mixed through their dry food, for a more economical option.
7. Free Vet Advice
If you have questions about what is the best food to feed your pet or any pet questions at all, reach out to our Pet Circle Vet Squad, we are here to help. We are available on chat or you may want to request a customised Vet Pet Plan for your pet. All are completely free! We can provide general advice on pet nutrition and healthcare, as well as a range of common issues like skin allergies, anxiety, weight management and more.