Information on Affordable Dog Care Products
Pet Owners can Cut Costs Without Skimping on Pet Care
Jun 10, 2009
Just as thrifty families find ways to cut the budget when it comes to their kids' clothes, snacks, and toys, pet owners can save money on dog care products while still offering their furry friends everything they want and need.
Dog Care Information on Affordable Dog Food
Pet owners don’t have to resort to the “grocery store” dog care products to cut costs. A little research and careful label reading can uncover dog food brands with excellent ingredients, minus the premium prices.
Right off the bat, pet owners should eliminate any brands which do not have a meat as the first item in the ingredients list. Dog foods with any type of animal by-products or corn should also be avoided.
Perhaps the best bang for the buck when it comes to dog or puppy food is a lesser-known brand called Chicken Soup for the Pet Owner’s Soul made by Diamond Pet Foods Inc. While this brand is packed with meat and quality ingredients, its price is comparable to bargain brands. The ingredient list includes: Chicken, turkey, oatmeal, whole grain brown rice, chicken meal, turkey meal, whole grain white rice, chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), potatoes, cracked pearled barley, millet, duck, salmon, egg product, flaxseed, natural chicken flavor, kelp, carrots, peas, apples, dried skim milk, cranberry powder, rosemary extract, parsley flake, potassium chloride, choline chloride, glucosamine hydrochloride, dried chicory root, vitamin E supplement, chondroitin sulfate, iron proteinate, zinc proteinate, copper proteinate, ferrous sulfate, zinc sulfate, copper sulfate, potassium iodide, thiamine mononitrate, manganese proteinate, manganous oxide, ascorbic acid, vitamin A supplement, biotin, calcium pantothenate, manganese sulfate, sodium selenite, pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6), vitamin B12 supplement, menadione sodium bisulfite (source of vitamin K activity), riboflavin, vitamin D supplement, folic acid.
Though Chicken Soup can be tricky to find, pet owners can track it down on Amazon Marketplace, select Ace Hardware stores, local specialty pet boutiques, or using the locator on the Chicken Soup homepage. Price per pound may vary from one place to another, so thrifty pet owners can do their research before settling on the best place to buy.
Dog Care Information on Affordable Treats and Toys
Perishable dog care products such as treats and chew toys can really eat into a household budget. Though dogs could live without these items, most pet owners find them indispensible. Treats aid in training, chews can keep a dog entertained while his owner’s away, and chew toys can protect furniture or shoes from a teething puppy. Ultimately, treats and toys will probably wind up outweighing the cost of damaged items in the long run.
Just because these dog care products are necessary, doesn’t mean pet owners need to purchase the top of the line. Dollar stores often stock an entire section for pets with items priced a buck a piece.
The cheaper dog care products and toys are admittedly better for smaller dogs who aren’t avid chewers. Otherwise, they wear out pretty quickly. Also, the expensive treats are often more nutritious, but if pet owners are responsible in the amount they offer and maintain a healthy diet, saving money on treats shouldn’t be a problem. Some careful label reading and bargain hunting is bound to add up to monthly savings.
When the household budget is tight, responsible pet owners do their research to make ends meet and maintain their dog's health and well being. Readers interested in more tips on cutting dog care costs may also want to check out ideas for trimming monthly pet medication, grooming, and bedding expences.
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