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Dog Food Tips
Why not to skimp on dog food.
If you love your dog, you shouldn't buy them the cheapest food you can find. More expensive foods may actually be more cost-effective than you think due to reduced vet visits and purchase frequency.

Studies show that cheaper food contains more filler -- yellow corn, wheat gluten and corn syrup, among others-- that are bad for your furry friend. Aside from cutting down on the nutrition the food is providing your dog, these fillers lead to more frequent bowel movements, more frequent hunger, and therefore more frequent feedings or feedings of larger amounts than necessary with foods containing few or no fillers.

Food that is made of natural ingredients might be more expensive per pound, but it can help keep your pet healthy and keep them from putting on weight. Having a dog who's healthy overall from a well-rounded diet and maintains a healthy weight will help reduce unexpected vet visits, thereby actually saving you money in the long run. Plus, a healthy dog makes a better companion for both you and your family by maintaining energy level and the desire to play, not to mention a soft, glossy coat for you to snuggle with! Don't forget, also, since you will usually need to feed them a smaller amount of healthier food (since they are getting more nutrition and less filler), you won't be purchasing food as often. A 20-pound bag that costs you $22 but only lasts you 4 weeks versus a premium food of the same size costing $35 and lasting 8 weeks would actually cost about $10 more over the 2 month period.

To cut back further on your costs, use a coupon or club card (or both) when you make your food purchases, look for sales, and buy in bulk if you can! A 40-pound bag may seem like a ton, but if you keep it in a well-sealed container, it should remain fresh long enough for you to get through all of it. (remember to check for expiration dates)