The cost of switching to raw food is one of the major deterrents for pet parents. It’s no secret that raw dog food is more costly than kibble.
In this article, we will share some tips on how you can feed your pup raw food on a budget.
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How do you feed raw on a budget?
We all want our dogs to enjoy nutritious pet food while saving money. Here are a few pointers to help you keep your pet's food costs down and get the most bang for your buck:
1. Feed raw one meal per day
One way you can try to save some money is to only feed your dog a raw meal once a day. Many people discover that feeding one raw meal per day is sufficient to deliver considerable advantages at a fraction of the expense.
It doesn't matter which meal is the raw meal. You just have to find which time works best for you.
For example, some find it simpler to feed raw during dinnertime when they aren't racing to get ready for work; but, if feeding raw in the morning is more convenient, make that the raw meal.
2. Buy in bulk
If you buy in large quantities, you may sometimes get a good discount on meat. This isn't something that every butcher does, but if you find one that does, you're good to go.
Discounts are usually only given on quantity orders. Find sellers that offer bulk discounts. This would be advantageous to you
3. Purchase inexpensive raw ingredients
Using prime types of meat is something expensive you can avoid spending on. Many raw foodists use animal products that would otherwise be discarded or considered unfit for human consumption.
For example, chicken feet, poultry carcasses, pig skulls, tongues and various other components are popular among pet parents who feed raw.
They still have all of the protein your dog requires. These components also contain calcium and a variety of minerals. These nutrients are perfect for your dog's health, and at a very affordable cost.
4. Feed it as a treat
You may experience the benefits of raw by substituting raw for traditional treats. This is a terrific way for you and your dog to become acquainted with the product.
Raw food as a treat is a high-value delight and a less expensive method to introduce fresh foods into the diet.
5. Start a subscription
Another way you can save money while feeding your dog raw food is to try out a subscription plan with your trusted dog food provider. This will decrease your expenditure and some of these plans come with a discount.
Try out PetCubes’ Raw Dog Food with our subscription order. It is straightforward to get started with our flexible membership. Set it once, and we'll keep track of your calendar. There is no lock-in period.
So, you may change or suspend your subscription at any time. You just have to notify us at least two days before the scheduled delivery date if you wish to make adjustments to your next order.
How much does it cost to feed a dog a raw diet?
In general, feeding a 10-kilogramme dog raw food might cost anywhere from SGD$3.00 per day.
The dog’s weight mainly determines the amount you spend. For instance, large dogs consume more, so their meals will be more pricy.
But the type of meat used in the meal can also affect the cost. For example, chicken dinners are the least expensive, and lamb is the most costly.
How much raw chicken to feed a dog?
Feed your dog between 2% to 3% of his body weight every day, divided into two meals. A 50-pound dog, for example, would require 12 to 34 pounds of raw dog food every meal.
Is it cheaper to make your own raw dog food?
Yes, it is cheaper to make raw dog food by yourself, though it may be time-consuming. There’s a solid reason why pre-made raw meals make it more costly to feed a dog a raw diet.
We're paying someone to handle the sourcing, balance, and packing. The business will even bring it right to your front door in certain situations.
Another advantage of store-bought raw dog food is that you may need fewer supplements because the manufacturer balanced the diet with zinc, iodine, and other minerals.
How to make homemade raw dog food?
Some people like to make their raw food as it gives them more control over what goes in their dog’s food. The 5:1:1 formula is used by many dog owners all over the world. The proportions of the ingredients in the dish are healthy.
Your dog's food should consist of five parts bone-in meat, one part fresh organ meat, and one part fresh veggies.
Where to buy raw meat for dogs?
Here are a few places where you can buy raw food for your dog:
- Supermarket
- Meat butcher
- Pet shops
- Online pet food manufacturers
Can I feed my dog raw meat from the grocery store?
Yes, you can! You just have to make sure that the meat you buy from the grocery store is fresh and of high quality.
Most commercially marketed raw meat must meet government-set sanitary requirements, such as the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) certification.
As a result, the first step in buying fresh meat is to read the label. Do not feed your dog meat that has sat out on the counter for a prolonged amount of time.
Conclusion
Just follow these few steps, and you can feed your dog with raw food while maintaining a cost-effective meal plan! Also, talk to your local vet before starting anything new to minimise health risks to your dog.
Reviewed by:
Dr Francis is one of the top wildlife nutritionists in Asia. Originating from Montreal, Canada, he left at 21 to pursue his Masters and subsequently a PhD in wildlife nutrition at Oxford Brookes University. Instead of taking the path of common animal science to learn about farm animals, or through the veterinarian space and taking a certificate in nutrition, he took the road less travelled to dive deep into the world of animal ecology, metabolism and nutrition.