Is Expensive Food Really Worth It?
The average bag of dry kibble will cost a dog owner anywhere from $100 to $250 per year. The same amount of food that is labeled as ‘premium’ will cost anywhere from $200 to $400 per year. For some, that might not seem like much, but if you’re on a budget, it can make a difference. Plus, some premium brands are even more expensive.
But are they really worth the cost?
In order to determine if the extra money you’re spending is worth it, flip the bag over and look at the ingredients. The most important ingredients a dog food should contain are:
Meat should always be the number one ingredient in your dog’s food, especially if you’re paying a premium price. If you’re choosing food with all-natural ingredients, you will also likely end up paying more money. But, natural foods often contain more whole ingredients and they aren’t filled with preservatives or additives that can cause your dog to gain weight or even lead to health issues.
Additionally, paying a bit extra for your dog’s food can be worth it if they have a pre-existing condition or digestive issues. Some dogs don’t tolerate certain ingredients very well, including grain. That’s why their owners are encouraged to choose grain-free food options.
If your dog doesn’t tolerate grain very well, switching to a grain-free option can help to boost their energy and change their mood. Grain-free foods are often more expensive, but if your dog has a special dietary need that will keep them happy and healthy, it’s worth it to most owners. Plus, it’s much cheaper than having to pay costly vet bills!
What are the “cons” of expensive dog food? Again, it comes down to the ingredients. If a food is expensive because of something like fancy packaging or the fact that it is “enhanced” with something, don’t be fooled. But, if it contains real, natural ingredients and vitamins your dog needs, it is likely worth the price.
Is Cheap Food Bad for Dogs?
Inexpensive dog food, like bagged kibble, isn’t necessarily bad for dogs. But, the ingredients matter here, too! Some cheaper dog foods still list meat as the top ingredient. These are the foods you should be picking up off the shelf if you’re on a budget.
But, don’t assume that just because a dog food contains meat that it’s okay for your furry companion. There are some common pet food ingredients that you should avoid at all costs, including:
If you see any of those on your dog food ingredient list, it’s time to change brands or spring for something more expensive.
Some people think that canned dog food, even though it’s usually cheap, is better for dogs because it contains “real” ingredients. Unfortunately, that isn’t always the case, either. Just because something looks like actual meat doesn’t necessarily mean it is.
Inexpensive canned dog food can be prone to contamination, and dogs who regularly eat it may be at a greater risk of dental problems. Once in a while, choosing a canned dog food with high-quality ingredients can be a real treat for your canine companion. But, stick with kibble when you’re able.
If you can find cheap dog food with real ingredients, there is no reason not to feel comfortable feeding it to your dog. But, you may have to do some serious searching.
What is the REAL cost of the pet food?
When considering the cost of a food, it is important not to just look at the size of the package and the price. What is more useful is to consider the cost per calorie. In general, wet food will be more expensive on this measure than dry food because of the high moisture content; there will be fewer calories per unit of volume.
When calculating the cost of a food, determine how many calories your dog consumes each day. If you aren’t sure how to calculate the number of calories your dog should eat per day, your veterinarian can help you out at your next appointment. You can then determine how many meals they will get from each bag and the cost per meal. The calorie count of your chosen food can often be found on the manufacturer’s website; or you can contact their customer service for more info.
When purchasing a food, you will be paying primarily for the raw ingredients that are included. Some of the most expensive dog food ingredients are muscle meats, whole fruits, and whole vegetables. The reason for this is not necessarily because they are more nutritious. But because they are popular for use in the wider market for human consumption.
Many dog foods will use food by-products as ingredients. This will not only keep the cost of the food down, but these are a fantastic source of nutrition too. Ultimately, any food you choose should be complete and balanced in terms of nutrients in the diet. This can be achieved by combining a number of expensive or inexpensive ingredients.
Remember: your dog needs nutrients, not ingredients!
Some foods on the market have a lot of research behind them. Especially if they are diets designed to manage a specific health condition. Not only is the nutritional formulation important, it will also have to be tasty enough to tempt even dogs who are feeling ill. It can be tricky even for the most experienced pet nutrition scientists to get just the right balance of ingredients and flavours to fit the bill.
The cost of intensive research and feeding trials will be reflected in the cost of the final diets. However, in the case of clinical diets, it could help you to save on veterinary bills in the long run. So this is something worth taking into account when considering the overall cost.
Cooking at home is likely to be the most expensive option among the many choices of meals for your dog. As long as the diet is formulated by a board-certified veterinary nutritionist, you can be sure that it will be tailored to fit your dog’s exact nutritional needs.
It certainly sounds like an ideal solution for your dog’s dinners but it may not necessarily be the best choice for your lifestyle. Not only will you have to pay for the cost of a consultation with a vet nutrition-specialist, but you will then have to source all the recipe ingredients yourself.
Manufacturers will provide lots of information on company websites and should have a customer service team who can help with any further questions about a diet. If you’re choosing a home-cooked option, your general practice veterinarian can refer you to a clinical nutritionist for an initial consultation to see if it would be a good fit for you.
Sizing up different dog foods according to cost can definitely be a real challenge! When weighing up your options in terms of ingredients and diets with research-backed benefits, remember to consider the number of calories your dog will be eating per day. Thankfully there are many resources available to ensure that the option you choose will be a good match for your four-legged friend.
Why Expensive Dog Food Is A Ripoff
Selecting dog food may seem pretty overwhelming since several options are available in different price ranges. You might wonder why the price points differ, especially if you’re a new pet owner. Not to worry, as I did the research for you and found valuable information any dog owners should take note of.
The key differences between cheap and expensive dog food include the type and quality of food, the expertise of the manufacturer, and the processes involved in producing the food. Another major determiner of the cost of dog food is the ingredients used in making the food.
Although this seems straightforward, do not be deceived because cost, quality, and health concerns overlap, and I’m sure you want your pup to grow up big and strong. So, let’s get into the specifics that determine the difference between highly-priced dog food and low-cost dog food.
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