Everything is expensive and prices are steadily rising.
I'm not worried about feeding my dogs, but I am being careful about my budget and I'm able to save money by doing the following:
No More Commercial Raw
I had to cancel a regular order with a local raw food brand when they raised their prices. I'll be focusing more on DIY, which isn't a problem since I use a base mix. I have to be very strict with my budget; even if something is $0.50 more per pound, I have to take it off the shopping list because those coins add up.
I'll keep my eye out for specials.
Building Connections
I live in a rural area and have access to free/inexpensive cuts of meat and organs, chicken eggs, duck eggs, and vegetables. I'll continue building those connections. And I'm growing my own small garden with strawberries, green beans, and raspberries. Yeah, very small - but that's all I can manage this year.
Cutting Unnecessary Costs
I've canceled and postponed recurring orders/costs, removing anything we don't need right now. And, when I can, I stock up on must haves, like Rodrigo's digestive enzymes and Scout's immune system supplement.
Mostly, the costs I'm cutting are my own - no more eating out, no more clothes shopping, no more trips to Ulta. This was easy because most of this was cut out during the pandemic.
Clipping Coupons / Shopping Sales
I am now a coupon clipper, which is so easy since I do 99% of my shopping online. I have a Capital One credit card that searches for discount codes - even on Amazon. It's a cool feature and I often get better discounts through this service than I do when a brand is having a sale. Capital One isn't the only company offering this service.
I recently discovered the magic of The Dollar Store - they have an entire crafting section. Plus stores like Marshalls, Home Goods, and TJ Maxx have great deals too.
Read Read and Read Some More
I know that I can't skimp on wellness visits for my dogs, but I can do everything possible to keep them healthy. I've been reading books on Traditional Chinese Medicine (I even purchased a chart for our kitchen), using herbs, and general health and wellness information for humans that I plan to apply to my dogs.
Find a New Veterinarian
I love my veterinarian. She's amazing. However, her clinic is 24 miles away (48 miles roundtrip). I can't avoid the trips to the oncologist or acupuncturist, but if I can find a veterinarian in my town that won't hassle me about raw feeding or vaccinations, then I may have to make the change.
Veterinarian services are going up; add higher fuel prices on top of rising costs and some clinics just aren't affordable for us.
Do the Math Before I Buy
My calculator has become an important tool when it comes to feeding my dogs. Before I get sucked in by a new product that promises to help my dogs live longer, I do the math.
- how much does it cost?
- how much comes in a container/package?
- how much do I need to give to my dogs?
- how long will it last?
I very much want to put my dogs on Gussy's Gut, but it's $80 for an 8-1/2 ounce package. Based on the serving recommendation, the supplement wouldn't last a month. I could stretch it out (or only give it to one or two of our dogs), but I've decided to wait on this one.
PRO TIP: If you haven't already, see if there is a raw food co-op in your area or check with your local pet store and grocery store about ordering in bulk. Not everyone offers discounts, but you won't know unless you ask.
Dogs are Cheap Dates
Despite the rising prices, I'm not worried about missing out on much. My dogs are so easy to please and entertain. We're going on more walks, we play outside or just relax when there's sun (like today - FINALLY!), and they have so many toys, it's ridiculous.
If you have any money saving tips - I'm all ears (or eyes, since I'll be reading your emails).
