How Much Should I Spend on Dog Food? Right Budget for Your Pet
Feeding your dog well is one of the biggest responsibilities of being a pet parent, and it can also be one of the most expensive. If you’ve noticed the cost of pet food climbing faster than everything else, you’re not imagining it. Over the last five years, pet food inflation outpaced overall inflation, with prices up 23% since 2019, according to industry analyst John Gibbons.
Whether you’re feeding a miniature poodle or a large shepherd, the goal is simple: keep your dog healthy and your finances steady. This guide can help you build a dog food budget that works for both you and your pup. You’ll learn how to balance quality nutrition with your income, handle the weeks when payday and pet costs don’t align, and plan ahead so you can keep tails wagging without financial stress.
Understand the real cost of feeding a dog
The cost of dog food varies by size, diet type, and quality of ingredients. For example, a 25-pound dog eating cost-effective dry food might cost $80 monthly, while the same dog on premium fresh food could run $180 or more.
Here's what typical monthly costs look like across different dog sizes according to petsitting site Rover.com.
Dog Size | Avg. Monthly Cost (Dry Food) | Avg Monthly Cost (Wet/Fresh Food) |
Small (10–20 lbs) | $20–$87 | $28–$145 |
Medium (20–50 lbs) | $72–$148 | $89–$200 |
Large (50–90 lbs) | $154–$245 | $264–$395 |
Note: Wet/fresh food range dictated by the price difference between Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Wet and Nom Nom (Fresh) for 30 days in a month. Dry food range dictated by the price difference between Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Dry and Sundays for Dogs (Dry/Air-Dried) for 30 days in a month.
These ranges are typical, but your dog's health, appetite, food preferences, and other factors can shift your actual spending.
What affects how much you spend on dog food?
Several factors drive your monthly dog food costs beyond just bag price. Understanding these helps you make informed choices about where to spend and where you might save.
- Dog's size and breed: Larger dogs typically need more calories. A Great Dane eats significantly more than a Chihuahua, directly impacting your monthly food budget.
- Activity level: Active or working dogs eat more. High-energy breeds or dogs that run daily may also need extra calories compared to more sedentary companions.
- Age: Puppies and seniors may require special formulas. These life-stage foods often cost more than standard adult formulas due to specific nutritional requirements, like higher calorie density for younger, more active puppies.
- Food type: The price changes depending on whether you feed your dog dry vs. wet food or whether you opt for fresh, organic meals or grain-free options. Fresh or raw subscription services can push costs higher for dogs of any size.
- Health needs: Pets with allergies or vet-prescribed diets or medical necessities like prescription food can cost more, depending on your dog's needs.
No matter the special circumstances required for your pup, factoring your pet's food into your monthly budget can help ensure they aren't missing meals, even when funds get tight.
Build a dog food budget that works for you
You don’t have to overhaul your budget overnight. The goal is to make your dog’s food costs as predictable as your rent, so you’re not scrambling when prices spike or payday comes late. Small changes in how you track and purchase can lead to meaningful savings.
- Track how long each bag or case lasts. Write down purchase dates and amounts to spot patterns in your spending.
- Note the per-pound price. Calculate the cost per pound for each bag of dog food you're considering so you can compare options when you buy. For example, you might choose a 30 lb bag that costs $60 ($2.00 per pound) over a 20 lb bag that costs $50 ($2.50 per pound).
- Buy in bulk or set up subscriptions to save. Larger bags often reduce per-pound costs, though watch storage and freshness dates.
- Add a "pet" line to your monthly budget. Treating pet food as a fixed expense helps prevent surprises. Building a budget on a low income becomes easier when you account for all regular expenses upfront.
Consistency and planning matter more than brand loyalty. Finding a food that works for your dog and sticking with it can help you predict costs and avoid expensive trial-and-error periods.
Find smart ways to save without skimping on quality
You don’t have to switch your dog to bargain-brand kibble to save. Try these small moves that can make a big difference:
- Compare cost per pound instead of package size. That "giant" bag might actually cost more per pound than the medium option on sale.
- Mix wet and dry food for balance. Combining kibble with controlled amounts of wet food can improve palatability while managing costs.
- Ask vets about store-brand or generic equivalents. Many store brands meet Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) standards and use similar ingredients when compared to pricier options.
- Use loyalty programs or coupons. Sign up for manufacturer newsletters and retailer programs to access exclusive discounts.
- Explore community pet-food pantries if needed. Many areas have pet food banks for temporary assistance during tough times.
You're not cutting corners, you're buying smarter. Saving money on groceries uses similar principles: planning, comparing unit prices, and taking advantage of programs designed to help.
Plan for pet expenses beyond food
Pet ownership involves more than just food costs. Vet visits, grooming, medications, and supplies add to your monthly pet budget. Starting an emergency fund specifically for pet expenses can prevent financial stress when unexpected costs arise.
And no matter how much you plan, sometimes pet expenses can't wait for payday, like replacing a food bag sooner than planned or paying for an unexpected vet visit.
If you need to restock before payday, EarnIn's Cash Out1 can help. Get up to $300/day, with a max of $1,000 between paydays, with no interest, no mandatory fees — just an optional tip-based model.2 With Lightning Speed3, you can get your cash in minutes, starting at $3.99 per transfer.
Having flexibility over when you access your pay can help you stay on top of everyday pet care without borrowing or extra stress.
Final thoughts: Feed well and spend wisely
Living paycheck to paycheck doesn't mean you have to give up the joy of having and caring for a pet. Your dog brings companionship, comfort, and countless moments of happiness, which are benefits that go far beyond any price tag.
And feeding your furry companion well doesn't have to stretch your paycheck. By understanding costs, making informed choices, and using practical strategies, you can provide quality nutrition within your means.
And if timing gets tricky, EarnIn can offer a little breathing room so you never have to choose between your pet and your other financial priorities. At EarnIn, we believe in making financial momentum accessible to everyone, giving you the freedom to say yes to what matters most.
You work hard to give your dog a good life. EarnIn helps make sure your paycheck works just as hard for you.
FAQs
How much should I budget monthly for dog food?
How much you should budget monthly for dog food depends on your dog's size and dietary needs. Track actual consumption for two months to establish your baseline.
Is dry food cheaper than wet food?
Dry food typically costs less than wet food per serving. Mixing both can balance cost and nutrition effectively.
Does premium dog food really make a difference?
Premium foods with higher-quality proteins and fewer fillers may improve pet health and reduce vet visits. Talk to your vet about the benefits for your dog as you decide whether premium food is the right choice.
How can I save money on pet food safely?
Buy larger bags during sales, use manufacturer coupons, and consider store brands that meet AAFCO standards. Do your best to avoid diluting food or skipping meals to save money.
What if I can't afford my dog's food for one month?
Contact local pet food pantries for temporary help, or use EarnIn's Cash Out1 to access earned wages early. Many communities offer assistance programs for pet owners facing financial hardship.
Please note, the material collected in this post is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be relied upon as or construed as advice regarding any specific circumstances. Nor is it an endorsement of any organization or services.
This Blog was sponsored by EarnIn. While the author received compensation, the information shared is grounded in independent research and intended to provide helpful and accurate guidance to readers.
EarnIn is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services are provided by our bank partners on certain products other than Cash Out.
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