Save Money On Dog Food And Treats (Save Hundreds Each Year!)
Save Money On Dog Food And Treats (Save Hundreds Each Year!)
If you follow me on Instagram (you do right?) then you have seen our dogs.
These two guys are pretty much my favorite. Before we go any further, let me just say, loud and clear
Adopt! Don’t shop!
Both Lincoln
And George are rescue pets from awesome organizations. Plus, adopting a dog is a great way to save money and not to mention saving a pup!
But if you already have your pet and you are looking for ways to save money on dog food then check out these tips:
Save Money On Dog Food
Make Your Own Dog Food
My number one tip to save on dog food is to make your own. First of all, it’s a great way to control what your dogs are eating. Second, you know it is filled with nothing but good stuff and third, they love it! Every dog parent wants to feed their dog good, quality dog food. Just like humans, good food helps pets live healthier and longer lives.
There are so many dog food recipes online. I’ve made this one from Damn Delicious before in the past and our dogs loved it. The only change I made was that I added a bit of coconut oil. Our dogs’ coats have never, ever looked better!
We’ve found so many veggies that our dogs like and we haven’t found any meats that they haven’t. 🙂
(Tip: I made a huge batch and then would use my vacuum sealer to seal and freeze it. Then I would only have to ‘cook’ once a month!)
Shop Around Online
(Psst! Check out these places and tips!)
Pet stores are generally NOT the place to shop. Their markups are usually the highest. Instead box stores and online are usually your best bet.
If you are shopping in the box stores, make sure you check your paper and online for coupons. But also, don’t forget to download apps like Ibotta. To use Ibotta, simply purchase the items as you normally would, take a photo of your receipt and your cash back will appear in your Ibotta account. You can cash out or purchase gift cards with the money! It’s a huge saver and super easy!
If you sign up through this link you can earn an extra $10 bonus!
Chewy.com is an online pet store filled with everything you could ever need. I like to check over by the tab of Today’s Deals. If your dog isn’t picky about their food, buying food on sale can be a great way to save! (Just remember to integrate their old food and new food while making the switch since some dog’s can be sensitive.)
I found this 24 pound bag of American Journey dog food that is normally $39.99 per bag, but it is a deal for 50% off your first bag. Add on that the option to autoship (you can cancel at any time) and you get an additional 5-10% off.
If you are new to the autoship program then you save 20%! As you can see above, my $40 bag of dog food had the price drop all the way to $17.74. And that includes a $5 shipping charge. (Shipping is free on orders $50+) Not bad…especially for a high quality dog food!
Amazon is another great spot to pick up dog food. And if you are a Prime member then shipping is free! (If you use the Honey extension for your computer you can even set up price alerts for when your favorite rand goes on sale or dips below a certain price. This makes it easy to stock up!)
Save On Dog Treats
Besides using the tips for saving on dog food above (and yes, you can make your own treats too! Pinterest is full of ideas!) one of my favorite places to get dog treats might be one you wouldn’t have thought of.
Subscription boxes are a great place to save money on dog food and treats. Plus, you get toys. 🙂
Barkbox is one of our absolute FAVORITES!!! For $29/month ($19 if you purchase a longer subscription) you get a box mailed to you filled with treats and toys. The food and treats are always a high quality and they have been a great way for us to try new ones.
Don’t forget to pin our tips on how to save money on dog food!
DIY No Sew Dog Bed
This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #CarpetProtect #CollectiveBias
George is definitely the definition of a spoiled dog. He loves his toys, being held, lots of snacks and a warm place to snuggle. We have several dog beds around the house, but usually I purchase (or DIY!) beds that are big enough for both Lincoln and George to snuggle up on together. But today is all about George. A bed all of his own. Which works out perfectly because he needs a bath today so I’m glad I was able to bribe him with a new bed first! 😉
This bed seriously took only about 15 minutes to make and came together for only about $10! I was able to pick everything up at Target while I was getting a few other things.
Like STAINMASTER® Carpet Pet Stain Remover!
You can find it in the cleaning department with the other carpet cleaners at Target. (I got mine at the Fishers, Indiana Target store!) It’s not available at all locations (but is online with free shipping to your local store!) You can check to be sure that it is available at your local Target store here. (You can find a cartwheel savings offer here!)
While I love George… a lot, but accidents happen. He’s got a little bladder! If we are gone for a long time during the day, we may come home to a surprise. STAINMASTER® Carpet Pet Stain Remover makes it easy to get tough stains out! It also has ODOR REMOVE™ technology which means not only is the stain out, but the smell. Not only does it clean and protect, but also repels dirt. It leaves kind of an invisible shield on your carpet to protect it and make it easier to clean. Bonus: There’s no sticky residue! (You can also use it for non-pet stains like coffee or soil. It’s been a total life saver!)
While you are at Target picking up your STAINMASTER® Carpet Pet Stain Remover, you will need to pick up a plush pillow (Target had them for $4!), a pillow protector, and a nice soft fleece blanket. I got mine at the Dollar Bins at Target for $3! WOO HOO!
First, you will need put the pillow into the pillow protector. This just helps it stay clean. Then, lay out your blanket on your table and place the pillow near the edge.
Fold the blanket over the pillow to cover. It was a little bit of a tight fit for my blanket and pillow, but that’s ok – don’t worry! I also trimmed about 2 inches from each side.
Start on the shorter ends and cut small slits on both the top and bottom layers.
Take one upper layer and one lower layer and tie together. Double knot!
Continue tying around the edges. I find it easier to round the corner and then stop and start on the other short end. That makes it easy to meet both sides in the middle evenly.
Ta da! It’s the perfect size for a small dog like George.
He has his own throne to rule on.
Or to nap on.
Don’t forget to pin! And don’t forget to get your Cartwheel offer & check your local Target for STAINMASTER® Carpet Pet Stain Remover!
DIY Foam Dog Bed
This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #ToPetsWithLove #CollectiveBias
If you have read our blog before or if you follow us on social media, then you know that we are kind of animal people. Our four pets live like kings with the best food, treats, sweaters, and they even get subscription boxes filled with toys each month. We spoil them because we love them. 🙂 One thing that both of our dogs love though is having a dog bed. However, our traditional dog beds normally don’t last long. George likes to kind of knead the stuffing inside and make a nest. And one day, a hole pops open and then it goes from bed to the most fun dog toy ever. Stuffing is EVERYWHERE. Our last bed made it look like a winter blizzard in our living room! So I’ve been looking at some different options on replacing the beds. I decided I wanted a foam bed this time. Soft, but nothing for George to squish around.
I looked and looked for one that would match our living room decor, but then it hit me that I should make my own! One with removable covers so that I can change for the holidays and seasons. I mean, if I’m going to have a big dog bed on the ground in the living room it should look nice right?
So here you go! The perfect doggie Christmas gift! A foam bed, with a waterproof protective liner and removable cover. Washing it is super easy, changing to another cover is super easy and by the looks of things, it’s super comfy. In fact, even as I write this, George is still laying on it. He hasn’t gotten off since I put it down! Our cat Lou tried to wonder over to test it out, but right now George isn’t ready to share with him yet. Poor Lou!
Speaking of gifts for our dog…They have everything they could ever want (and more!) so along with their new bed, they will be getting some of their favorite things: Purina Beneful Incredibites for George and a big bag of Beggin’ Strips for Lincoln. George loves his Purina Beneful Incredibites because they are made specifically for small dogs so they are easy for him to chew. I like to purchase it because meat is the #1 ingredient and there is now no added sugar. Plus, with whole grains and veggies I know he’s getting the nutrition he needs!
Lincoln loves Beggin’ Strips (and so does George!) They smell like bacon and taste like bacon because they are made with real bacon!
(Psst! Now through the end of November, take advantage of great savings on your favorite Purina pet products available at Kroger with this Coupons.com link, while supplies last.)
I also love that everything is available easily at Kroger. I’m there anyways buying our groceries so this means I can take care of our pets all in the same place. They have everything we need for our dogs – and our cats!
You Will Need
- Foam – I used 3 inches thick. You can get it at the craft store, but I recommend waiting until it goes on sale and/or using a coupon! The foam I used was normally $40 but it was on sale for $20 plus I had a coupon! So good deal!
- Vinyl Tablecloth – I picked up a clearance Halloween print. It’s on the inside so nobody will be able to see what it is. You will want a slightly thicker tablecloth.
- Strong Tape – like packing tape or duck tape
- Blanket – I sourced our local thrift shop! I found this great red and white blanket that looks like a knit Christmas sweater for just a few dollars!
- Zipper (I found one the length of the smaller side of the foam)
- Thread
- Scissors
- Sewing Machine
First you will want to wrap your foam with the tablecloth. Think like a present. Use the tape to keep it secure.
Why the tablecloth? Foam is super comfy for dogs (and great for dogs who need an orthopedic bed!) but it absorbs everything! This layer will be waterproof so even if your dog has an accident, gets sick, comes in from the rain, or drools the foam will stay clean and dry! And as a bonus, it helps it slide into the cover easily.
Lay your blanket right side down and place your foam on top. I removed the binding around the blanket to make it easier to sew. My first thought was I could make two thinner covers with this blanket since the layers were loose after the binding was removed. But then I thought a white furry fabric probably won’t be so nice after coming in from the snow! 🙂
Fold over the blanket and pin around the edges. You are going to end up sewing 2 sides completely closed: one end and the long side. The third side is where you will sew your zipper onto. Trim off any excess fabric.
On your last open end, sew your zipper in.
Slide your foam in and call your dog! If they are like ours they will be so excited that they bring a few toys with them!
George and Lincoln love their new bed!
It’s plenty big enough for both of them to lay together, which they like a lot.
So really the only question is…
To cuddle
Or not. 🙂
If you love this project you will finds lots of fun inspiration here for your pets!
What Is Inside A MeowBox Subscription Box? Review & Unboxing!
To say that are pets are spoiled may be an understatement! I call it well loved, but you can call it whatever you wish!
But seriously, how can you say no to these two?
Now Lincoln gets spoiled all the time with trips to the dog park, lots of treats (he even gets spoiled in the drive-thru lines!) and he gets to go outside. MOO is a little jealous of that last part! I wanted something specifically designed just for MOO. That’s where MeowBox comes in! MeowBox is a monthly subscription box that is filled with treats and toys just for cats.
Here is what came in our box for March!
The first thing that I noticed when I opened up our MeowBox is that they wrote him a little note inside. Little touches like that are really nice to see!
MOO was pretty excited to see he got a package! He came right up to the table to see what was inside.
I was impressed. The box looked pretty full!
This was the first thing that we saw inside the box and it was the first thing that MOO pulled out too! In fact, he grabbed them just like this and ran off with them! I guess he couldn’t even wait for me to open them for him!
Estimated value: $5.00
Next in there was a packet of Mixed Greens seeds. I am actually really excited about these. I have quite a few plants in the house that MOO likes to well, get into. We also have a fern in the corner of our living room that appears to be a little too much temptation for him. I’m hoping that by planting him some of his own plants he will leave the others alone!
Estimated Value: $3.00
This is one product that I hope I don’t have to use! Ever! But I’m glad that we have it just in case! I like that Tiny Timmy’s Dirty Flea Soap is non-toxic, all natural, sustainable, soy-free and gluten-free. Basically it’s full of good stuff.
Estimated value: $6.00
Aren’t these the cutest? These Barn Yarn Animals are filled with Organic Catnip and are hand knit. The red little guy has since became one of MOO’s favorites!
Estimated Value: $11.50
I thought that this would be the dog and cat’s favorite toy. You pull the tail and it vibrates around bouncing everywhere. The cat paws at it and he likes it, but I think he prefers the other ones we got in the MeowBox better. It only bounces around about 2 or 3 seconds. Obviously the cat can’t pull it so we can play together with it, but he often walks off and goes for the Catnip! I’m sure this is just a matter of preference for the cats or it could also be that he is so distracted with getting all of these new toys at once!
Estimated value: $4.00
Next we pulled out a bag of cat food. In the video I made a few mistakes, the first one being that I thought these were cat treats and secondly, I called it outdoor and it’s very clearly for indoor cats! I looked up the food online and it has really good reviews. Actually everything from Royal Canin seems to have great reviews! I liked that there was also a coupon attached. MOO really enjoyed this food so we will have to try it again.
Estimated value: $1 for the sample bag
Here are the treats! 🙂 These Chicken Cheesy Kat Slow Baked Treats have been a big hit. I take it back. They have been a GIANT hit! MOO loves them! They are made in a bakery in Michigan, so it’s awesome to see a small business included!
Estimated value: $3.50
Total estimated value of our MeowBox: $34.00
You can purchase a MeowBox for as low as $22.95 (if you choose their 6 month subscription). You can choose from a month to month subscription, a 3 month subscription or the 6 month subscription. For each subscription sold, MeowBox donates a can of food to a cat in need. Then, each box is filled with fun, unique and special items chosen just for your furry friend!
I was happy with the items inside the box and MOO for sure was happy with the box! In fact, this is what happens when a cat crashes your kitty toy/food photo session:
To say that MOO is a fan of MeowBox is probably a pretty big understatement. 🙂
Is this something you think your cat would enjoy? I know MOO is already looking forward to his next box!
Don’t forget to pin!