Caring for a pet comes with ongoing expenses, especially when it comes to providing nutritious food and essential supplies. However, maintaining quality doesn’t mean you have to break the bank. With smart strategies, you can cut costs while ensuring your pet receives the best care. Here are the top ways to save on high-quality pet food and supplies.
Shop During Sales Events
Sales events like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Prime Day are excellent opportunities to stock up on pet food and supplies. Retailers such as Petco, Chewy, and Amazon often feature deep discounts on pet products during these events. Labor Day, Memorial Day, and New Year’s sales are also great times to buy in bulk and save on essentials.
Subscribing to store newsletters can help you stay informed about upcoming sales and promotions. Additionally, setting up alerts on online shopping platforms ensures you never miss a chance to grab your pet’s favorite food at a discount.
Use Coupons and Promo Codes
Coupons are one of the easiest ways to reduce the cost of pet food and supplies. Websites like RetailMeNot, Honey, and CouponCabin list promo codes for popular pet stores. Installing Honey as a browser extension helps by automatically applying the best coupon at checkout.
Many brands and stores, such as Chewy and PetSmart, offer exclusive promo codes through their newsletters. Signing up can give you early access to limited-time discounts and allow you to plan your purchases accordingly.
Join Loyalty Programs and Subscription Services
Loyalty programs from pet stores reward frequent shoppers with discounts and perks. Petco’s Pals Rewards and PetSmart’s Treats program allow you to earn points on every purchase, which can be redeemed for discounts.
Subscription services like Chewy’s Autoship offer recurring delivery of pet food with a discount on each order. Autoship programs not only help you save but also ensure you never run out of essential supplies. Many retailers offer additional discounts on the first Autoship order, giving you immediate savings.
Buy in Bulk
Buying in bulk is a great way to save money, especially on pet food. Retailers like Costco and Sam’s Club offer bulk quantities of high-quality pet food at lower prices per unit. Chewy and Amazon also provide bulk-buy options, particularly during sales events, allowing you to stock up and reduce your overall expenses.
When buying in bulk, make sure to store food properly to maintain freshness. Airtight containers can keep dry food fresh for longer, while canned food should be stored in cool, dry places.
Explore Store Brands
Many pet stores offer their own private-label pet foods and supplies, which are often cheaper than name-brand products but still meet high standards. For example, Petco’s WholeHearted line and PetSmart’s Simply Nourish offer affordable yet nutritious pet food options.
Don’t hesitate to compare the ingredients of store-brand products with premium brands. You may find that the quality is comparable but at a significantly lower price.
Use Cashback and Price-Tracking Apps
Cashback apps like Rakuten, TopCashback, and Fetch Rewards allow you to earn money back on pet food and supplies. These platforms often feature pet stores among their participating retailers, giving you a percentage of your purchase back as cash or store credit.
Price-tracking tools like CamelCamelCamel and Honey let you monitor price changes for specific pet products. Set alerts for your preferred pet food and supplies, and you’ll receive notifications when prices drop. This helps ensure you get the best deals without constantly checking prices.
Shop at Warehouse Clubs and Outlet Stores
Warehouse clubs like Costco and Sam’s Club offer high-quality pet food and supplies at lower prices compared to regular retail stores. Outlet stores also carry overstock or discontinued products, often at significant discounts.
Look for special deals on pet products when new inventory arrives at these stores. If you’re buying in bulk, these locations offer excellent value for high-quality brands.
Look for Manufacturer and Retailer Promotions
Manufacturers often provide rebates or discounts on pet products through their websites or social media channels. Some also offer loyalty programs where you can earn rewards or coupons for future purchases.
Retailers like Chewy and Petco run their own promotions throughout the year. Keep an eye on their websites and newsletters for sales events or special deals on pet food and supplies.
Consider Open-Box or Clearance Items
Open-box and clearance sections can offer significant discounts on pet supplies, such as beds, crates, and toys. These products are typically customer returns that are still in excellent condition but are sold at a reduced price.
Clearance sections are also great for finding seasonal items, such as pet clothing or grooming tools, at a discount. Be sure to check for any signs of wear or damage before purchasing open-box products.
Compare Prices Across Multiple Retailers
Comparing prices from multiple retailers helps you find the best deal on pet food and supplies. Use price comparison tools like Google Shopping or manually browse different stores, including online marketplaces like Amazon.
Some stores, like PetSmart and Petco, offer price-matching policies. If you find the same product at a lower price elsewhere, these stores may match it. This ensures you get the best price without having to shop at multiple locations.
Take Advantage of Financing Options for Large Purchases
If you need to make a large purchase, such as a pet crate or furniture, some retailers offer financing options. Financing can help spread out the cost over several months, making it easier to manage.
Look for retailers that offer interest-free financing for a set period. While this won’t reduce the overall price, it can make high-cost items more affordable by breaking them into smaller payments.
Participate in Pet Food Donation or Trade-In Programs
Some retailers host donation or trade-in programs where you can donate old pet items in exchange for discounts on new purchases. For example, Petco periodically runs trade-in events for pet carriers or crates.
These programs not only help you save money but also support shelters and pet charities by repurposing your gently used items. Be sure to check your local store for event dates and participation guidelines.
Saving on high-quality pet food and supplies is possible with a bit of planning and the right strategies. Shop during major sales events, use coupons and cashback apps, and join loyalty programs to maximize savings. Buying in bulk, exploring store brands, and monitoring prices with tracking tools also help reduce costs.
With these tips, you can ensure your pet receives the best care while keeping your budget intact. Whether you’re shopping for everyday essentials or stocking up during sales, smart strategies will help you save money without compromising on quality.
