Milly Gaines
There are many perceived barriers to transitioning to a raw food diet, with cost being the most common concern. While raw pet food can be more expensive upfront, it is an investment in your pet's health and well-being, potentially reducing the risk of illnesses and chronic vet visits. By focusing on health at a fundamental level, you can reduce the risk of illnesses and, in turn, unplanned veterinary bills. This guide will explore ways to make raw feeding more budget-friendly.
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What You'll Learn
- Reduce vet visits and medication costs by investing in your pet's health
- Save on dental cleaning costs by feeding raw bones and meat
- Buy cheaper, common proteins like chicken, beef, or pork
- Feed your pet food in season to find fresh fruit and vegetable deals
- Compare the cost of raw food with the price of kibble
Reduce vet visits and medication costs by investing in your pet's health
A raw food diet for your pet can be expensive, especially if you have multiple cats or medium to large dogs. The cost of ingredients can vary depending on your location, and some ingredients may be difficult to source affordably. However, there are ways to reduce the cost of raw feeding.
One way to reduce costs is to opt for home-prepared raw meals instead of commercial raw foods. While commercial options are convenient, they tend to be more expensive. By preparing your pet's meals at home, you can source ingredients that fit within your budget. You can also monitor meat sales, source freezer cleanouts, and network with hunters to access more affordable options.
In addition to reducing food costs, investing in your pet's health can help lower veterinary expenses. Here are some strategies to reduce vet visits and medication costs:
- Choose a suitable veterinarian: Selecting a veterinarian who understands and prioritizes your pet's comfort can make a significant difference. Look for AAHA-accredited veterinary facilities that use low-stress handling techniques or Fear Free Certified® veterinary hospitals with professionals trained to handle pet anxiety.
- Implement stress-reducing tactics: Veterinary visits can be stressful for pets, and extreme anxiety can hinder their ability to engage with calming tactics. Before the visit, familiarize your pet with their carrier, making it a cozy space with blankets and toys. During the trip, cover their carrier with a towel or blanket to minimize visual stimuli. You can also use natural calming pheromones like Feliway for cats or Adaptil for dogs to help soothe your pet.
- Make happy visits: Positive associations with the veterinary clinic can help reduce your pet's anxiety. Schedule low-pressure visits where your pet receives treats, attention, and love without any medical procedures. This helps them form pleasant memories of the clinic and can make future visits less daunting.
- Practice car rides: For pets with car anxiety, start with short, enjoyable trips and gradually increase the duration. Offer treats during the ride to create positive associations with car travel.
- Administer anti-anxiety medication: If your pet's anxiety is severe, consult your veterinarian about anti-anxiety medication. This can help reduce their reactivity and enable them to form new, positive associations.
- Understand your pet's health: Educate yourself about your pet's condition and explore alternative treatment options. Ask your veterinarian about the price of a written prescription, then compare costs online. Inquire about cheaper medicine options, as a brand switch may reduce expenses. Planning ahead and ordering medications in advance can also help avoid last-minute price hikes.
- Consider pet insurance: Pet insurance can provide financial peace of mind and enable you to make decisions based on your pet's health rather than vet costs. Look for policies that offer accident and illness coverage, as these are common issues that may arise.
By combining cost-saving measures for raw feeding and implementing strategies to reduce veterinary expenses, you can invest in your pet's health and well-being while managing your financial outlay.
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Save on dental cleaning costs by feeding raw bones and meat
Raw diets for pets can be expensive, but there are ways to reduce the cost. For example, you can monitor meat sales, source freezer cleanouts, and network with hunters. Buying in bulk once you know what your pet likes can also reduce the impact on your wallet.
One way to save money on dental cleaning costs is to feed your dog raw bones and meat. Raw meaty bones are often referred to as "nature's toothbrush". They help to scrape plaque off your dog's teeth, massage the gums, and prevent food build-up, gingivitis, and periodontal disease. They also contain a lot of different nutrients, including calcium and phosphorus, which are essential for strong teeth and bones.
Raw diets do not stick to the teeth, unlike diets that are high in starch. Kibble has been touted as keeping teeth clean because of its abrasive action, but dogs tend to swallow kibble whole, which does not have the same effect. In fact, starch and sugars in kibble form plaque and tartar buildup, which can lead to periodontal disease.
By feeding your dog raw bones and meat, you can prevent dental disease and the need for yearly surgery to remove tartar and plaque caused by processed foods. This will save you money on dental cleaning costs in the long run.
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Buy cheaper, common proteins like chicken, beef, or pork
Chicken, beef, and pork are common and relatively cheap sources of protein that can be used in a raw diet for pets. Chicken, for example, is often the cheapest option when bought in bulk from wholesale retailers such as Costco. Chicken drumsticks, in particular, are a good choice as they provide the right amount and size of bones. Chicken liver is also a good, affordable option.
Beef is another common protein that can be included in a raw diet. Beef chuck, for example, is a good source of protein and fat, as well as being rich in zinc. Beef liver is also a good option, as it is a nutrient-dense source of folate, iron, vitamin B, vitamin A, and copper.
While pork is a cheaper, common protein, it should not be fed completely raw to pets due to the risk of parasites or pathogens. However, it can be included in a raw diet if it is frozen at sufficiently low temperatures for an appropriate amount of time to reduce these risks.
In general, it is worth shopping around and monitoring meat sales to find the best prices on these proteins. Buying in bulk once you know your pet's preferences can also help to reduce the cost of a raw diet.
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Feed your pet food in season to find fresh fruit and vegetable deals
The season and supply of foods will significantly impact the price of your pet's raw diet. Focusing on in-season produce in your area is a great way to find fresh fruit and vegetable deals and reduce costs.
Firstly, you need to determine what fruits and vegetables are in season in your area. This can be done by searching online or visiting local farmers' markets and grocery stores to see what produce is currently abundant and affordable. Once you know what's in season, you can plan your pet's meals around these ingredients. For example, if berries are in season during the summer months in your region, you can incorporate them into your pet's diet during this time.
In-season produce is typically more affordable because it is more abundant and does not require additional costs for transportation or storage. By taking advantage of these deals, you can save money on your pet's raw food diet. Additionally, buying in-season produce ensures that your pet is consuming fresh and nutrient-dense foods, which can lead to improved health outcomes.
It's important to note that the cost of a raw diet can vary depending on your location and the availability of resources. Some ingredients may be more difficult to source affordably in certain areas, so it's essential to be flexible and adapt to the seasonal changes in your region.
You can also reduce costs by buying in bulk once you know your pet's preferred protein sources. This will reduce the impact on your wallet and allow you to incorporate more whole foods into their diet. It's worth noting that species-appropriate raw proteins are a healthier option than a carb-heavy kibble diet, and you don't need to choose the most expensive proteins to provide a nutritious meal.
By focusing on in-season produce and being mindful of your protein choices, you can feed your pet a healthy and balanced raw diet while finding great deals on fresh fruits and vegetables.
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Compare the cost of raw food with the price of kibble
The cost of feeding your dog is a crucial factor for pet owners when choosing their diet. Raw food is generally more expensive than kibble due to its higher-quality ingredients and lack of cheap fillers or preservatives. The price of raw dog food can vary depending on the brand and quality, but it is estimated to be around one tenth more costly than the average kibble.
However, the cost of feeding a dog is dependent on several factors, including weight, age, activity level, individual metabolism, and breed. A homemade raw diet can be more affordable than kibble if pet owners are willing to put in the time and effort to source ingredients and prepare meals. For example, a low-cost home-cooked dog food recipe costs around $2.50 per day, compared to $2.02 for the highest-cost kibble.
Additionally, raw food can lead to improved health for dogs, reducing the need for expensive vet visits. Studies have shown that a raw diet improves gut health, reduces environmental allergies, and creates firmer stools, which can prevent anal gland blockage. By investing in a raw diet, pet owners could reduce the risk of their dogs developing serious illnesses such as diabetes, kidney disease, and cancer.
To reduce the cost of a raw diet, pet owners can monitor meat sales, source freezer cleanouts, and network with hunters. Buying in bulk once the right protein source for the dog has been identified can also help reduce costs. Focusing on seasonal produce and ingredients that are easy to source locally can further decrease expenses.
In conclusion, while raw food is generally more expensive than kibble, the potential health benefits and cost-saving measures can make it a more affordable option for pet owners in the long run.
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Frequently asked questions
Raw feeding can be more expensive than kibble, but it doesn't have to be. Here are some ways to reduce the cost:
- Buy cheaper meats like chicken, beef, or pork.
- Buy in bulk.
- Feed your pet raw every other meal.
- Take advantage of sales and discounts.
- Focus on what's in season in your area.
- Monitor meat sales, source freezer cleanouts, and network with hunters.
The amount of food your pet needs depends on its size, activity level, and dietary requirements. Adult dogs will typically eat 2-3% of their body weight per day on a raw diet. You can use a feeding calculator to determine the appropriate amount.
The cost of raw feeding depends on several factors, including the size of your pet, the type of meat you buy, and your location. On average, raw dog food costs around $5.20 per day for a 50-pound dog. For context, that's about the same as the price of a cup of coffee.
