Best Cheap Dog Food Recommended By Vets

Best Value Grain-Free Dog Food

Grain isn't always bad for adult dogs, but it can cause digestive problems and skin irritation in some. If your dog has a grain allergy, removing it from their diet will help your pup feel much better.

Best Affordable Wet Food for Dogs

Wet dog food can be an excellent option for dogs with urinary or renal problems. It is just as beneficial for dogs feeling unwell or refusing to eat their usual diet, providing them with essential hydration.

Best Value High-Protein Dog Food

Protein is an essential macronutrient that dogs require for maintaining muscle mass, strengthening their immune system, and growing a healthy coat. Although high-protein diets are usually expensive, we have discovered some great options for less.

Best Value Food for Small Breed Dogs

The following canine meal options are tailored to meet the dietary needs of small-breed dogs without breaking the bank.

What To Look For in Affordable Dog Food

The following tips, from ingredient quality and nutritional value to price point, will help you make an informed decision.

Your dog’s specific needs. Remember that even the most premium, high-quality dog food is only appropriate for some dogs. A Chihuahua puppy will require something quite different from an elderly Great Dane. You’ll have to consider your dog’s age, breed, lifestyle, and general health when picking the food for your beloved canine.

Ingredients. It’s essential to check the ingredients of dog food before purchasing it. Some ingredients can harm your dog’s health and even cause cancer. Avoid dog foods with ingredients like ethoxyquin and propylene glycol at all costs.

Taste. Having a low-cost kibble that meets your dog’s nutritional needs is great, but your dog will almost certainly not eat it if it doesn't taste good. We’ve only selected the tastiest diets that will have your pup licking its lips and returning for more.

Supplements. Some premium brands enhance their diets with supplements such as extra fatty acids, joint supplements, antioxidants, and probiotics. While not required, this is the mark of a superior diet that will help support your dog’s health and keep it in tip-top shape.

Transitioning Your Dog to a New Food

If you are moving from one food to another, you must do this correctly to avoid causing a stomach upset. Abruptly swapping diets can lead to symptoms like vomiting, bloating, runny stool, and flatulence. While not all dogs experience these symptoms, minimizing the risk is best. 

To begin the transition, offer a small portion (about 20%) of the new diet mixed with 80% of the old diet on day one. If your dog seems fine on day two, increase the new food to 40% while reducing the old food. Your dog should be fully transitioned to the new diet by day five. 

If your dog develops loose stool or any other symptoms during the transition, reduce the amount of new food to the previous day’s amount and slowly build back up again. Remember to keep an eye on your dog’s behavior and adjust the transition period accordingly.

FAQ

What is the difference between high-quality and low-quality dog food?

High-quality food will offer a bit more bang for your buck. While all dog foods must meet nutritional standards and provide balanced meals, quality food will do more than just this. It should use whole food ingredients rather than by-products and not feature low-quality fillers like brewer’s rice, corn, and soy. Better-quality foods also include probiotics, joint supplements, and fish oils.

What is the most affordable way to feed your dog?

Dry dog food is more cost-effective as long as it’s consumed before expiration. Look for larger packets for better value over time.

Will cheaper dog food harm my dog?

Cheap dog food isn't likely to harm dogs, and many dogs live long and happy lives on lower-quality food. Most veterinarians recommend providing the best quality food you can reasonably afford.

Is it cheaper to feed your dog homemade food?

Feeding your pet a homemade diet is usually not cheaper. You need to consult a nutritionist, buy raw ingredients like meat, fish, eggs, and fresh veggies, and spend time cooking. Consider the cost of ingredients, electricity, and cooking time. On the other hand, if you share meals with your dog and offer them your scraps, this may work out relatively cheap, but your dog will likely suffer the consequences of an inappropriate and poorly balanced diet.

Are raw foods better than regular dog food?

Raw food diets for pets can be expensive; however, this doesn't necessarily mean they are healthier. Many veterinarians caution against feeding raw food to pets due to the risk of food poisoning.

If my dog gets an upset stomach, does this mean the food is poor quality?

It’s common for dogs to experience vomiting or diarrhea when their diet changes. To avoid this, we suggest gradually introducing new food over 3-5 days and extending this process to 5-7 days for puppies and dogs with sensitive stomachs.

How can I know if my budget-friendly choice is best for my pet?

Every dog is unique, so choosing the proper diet can be challenging. We recommend that you consult your pet’s veterinarian before making any changes to ensure it is suitable for them.