If you are thinking about doing a raw food diet for your dog, you are probably asking yourself how much it will cost. Despite what you may think, feeding your dog raw food does not always have to be more expensive than kibble. Much depends on your food quality and what your dog likes. Let’s take a close look at this popular question.
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What is the cost to feed raw food diet to dogs?
Some believe that using a raw diet is less expensive than kibble. But, it can cost more if your dog has specific dietary needs. If this is the case there are several raw food diet for dogs recipes. Also, remember that what feeding raw costs varies a lot because some pups eat more than others. The best way to determine what commercial raw feeding costs is to research and try it out.
Three major ingredients in a DIY raw dog food diet will affect what it costs: muscle meat, organs, and bones. Muscle meat is the most costly, averaging $3 or $4 per pound. Organ meat are next on the expense list at about $1 or $2 per pound. Last are meaty bones, which cost about .50 per pound.
You can spend between $1 and $5 daily per animal for a raw food diet plan. Some dog owners may spend less depending on what food costs in their city. Remember that the cost of the raw pet food is not the only factor; you also need to think about adding bones and supplements to round out your dog’s balanced diet.
Raw Food May Cost More Than Kibble
While you don’t have to break the bank to feed your dog a raw diet, some still say you will probably spend more than regular dog food. However, there are ways to save money when buying raw food for your dog’s diet.
For example, look for grocery store sales for cheap meets. You also can get free, inexpensive meat by posting ads on Facebook and Craig’s List when someone is cleaning out their freezer. You also should buy in bulk fruits, vegetables, and meats when you can.
Still, many people think that the price of a raw food diet is too much for their budget. Many argue that with some careful shopping and planning, most of us can pay for a raw diet and it’s healthier for our dog. If you only buy your dog the high quality, grain free kibble and want to change to a raw diet, you will probably spend more, but hold on, it’s not that bad.
Many raw pet food fans have determined the cost of using the top grain-free dog kibble foods. First, they determine the weight of one cup of kibble is 4 ounces. One person figured out that it costs about $1.65 a day to feed grain-free kibble for a dog with body weight 60-pounds. If you change to a raw food diet, it could cost you another $2.30 or day or so, depending on the meats you choose. This seems like a lot of money, but it is still only about what a cup of coffee costs.
Also, Consider Vet Bills
People who feed their pups a raw food diet should enjoy a great increase in the pet’s health. Many chronic dog issues can be eliminated by feeding a raw food diet. So, if your dog has health issues requiring regular vet visits, you may reduce those expenses by using a raw food diet.
Many pet owners find that their dogs have fewer problems with digestion and arthritis on a raw diet, which can lower your vet bills.
Your dog also will probably produce less poop because there are fewer undigested fillers in their food.
Which Raw Food Do Dogs Like The Best?
Every dog has different raw foods. However, we find that dogs often love chicken, beef, lamb, turkey, and venison the most. These healthy raw meat is full of ingredients that are vital to canine health. They also are tasty, so your dog should be happy to receive them in their bowl.
More On How To Save On A Raw Dog Food Diet
No matter how you go about it, feeding your dog good food isn’t cheap. Making a raw food diet may cost $2 to $5 per day. However, there are several proven ways you can save your cash outlay daily:
- Buy foods in bulk: Buying more meat at once is cheaper than buying smaller amounts more often. Buying hamburger, steak, or chicken at BJs or Costco can save you quite a bit.
- Create your own raw food: If you can grind vegetables and meat at home, it is easier to save money. It is easy to save when you have a flexible number of ingredients in the fridge.
- Use organ meats: Many people do not like organ meats, but they are perfect for your dog. Dogs love the rich protein and they are inexpensive.
- Talk to other raw feeders: Do you know others who feed raw dog food diet? You could trade popular vegetables and meat to get a cheaper and wider variety of goods in their diet.
Also, try to buy fruit, vegetables, and meats locally because there are lower shipping costs. You also should see less of a markup from your local butcher. Further, you should not just buy novel proteins; but you should not just buy the cheapest chicken parts. Your dog will not get enough nutrients if they depend on this meat for protein. Pork and protein have more essential amino acids for your dog’s health.
Questions and Answers:
Is it expensive to feed a dog a homemade raw diet?
The cost of raw food diet for dogs can vary depending on the ingredients and where they are sourced. In general, a raw diet may be more expensive than a commercial kibble diet, but some people believe that the benefits of a raw diet justify the added cost. It’s also worth noting that the cost can vary depending on the dog’s size and the amount of food they require. Additionally, it’s important to consider the cost of feeding a dog a raw diet over their lifetime, not just the short-term cost.
Do vets recommend raw diet for dogs?
Opinions among veterinarians regarding raw diets for dogs can vary. Some veterinarians may recommend a raw diet because they believe it can provide certain health benefits, such as improved digestion and a shinier coat. However, other veterinarians may have concerns about the potential risks associated with a raw diet, such as the risk of bacterial contamination and the potential for nutritional imbalances. It’s important to consult with a veterinarian before starting a dog on a raw diet, as they can help you weigh the potential benefits and risks and determine if a raw diet is appropriate for your dog’s individual needs.
How do you budget a dog on a raw diet?
Budgeting for a raw diet for a dog can be challenging, as the cost can vary depending on the ingredients and where they are sourced. To budget for a raw diet, you will need to take several factors into consideration:
- The cost of ingredients: The cost of ingredients such as meat, fruits, and vegetables can vary depending on where you live and where you buy them. It is important to research the prices of ingredients in your area and compare them to find the best deals.
- The cost of supplements: Some raw diets may require additional supplements, such as vitamins and minerals, which can add to the cost.
- The size of your dog: The size of your dog will determine how much food they need each day, which can affect the overall cost of the diet.
- The frequency of feeding: Some raw diets may require more frequent feeding than others, which can also affect the overall cost.
- Compare costs with commercial kibble or canned food diet: Compare the cost of raw diet with other commercial diet options and see which one fits best in your budget.
To budget for a raw diet, you may want to start by creating a list of all the ingredients and supplements you will need, and then research the prices of these items in your area. Once you have a rough estimate of the cost, you can start to adjust your budget accordingly. It’s also worth noting that budgeting for a raw diet over the lifetime of the dog is important, not just the short-term cost.
How much does raw dog food cost per month?
The cost of raw food diet for dogs per month can vary depending on several factors, such as the size of your dog, the ingredients used, and where you purchase the food.
On average, a 20-pound bag of raw dog food can cost around $40 to $50, and a dog that weighs around 50 pounds may consume around 2-3 pounds of food per day. Therefore, the cost per month for a 50-pound dog could be around $80 to $150 per month.
However, it’s important to note that these are just estimates and the cost of raw dog food can vary depending on your location, the ingredients used, and the brand. It’s always a good idea to research the prices of raw dog food in your area and compare them to find the best deals. Additionally, you should also factor in the cost of any supplements that may be required.
It’s also worth noting that you can make your own raw dog food at home, which can be less expensive than buying it pre-made. However, it’s important to make sure that the diet is balanced and complete to meet all the nutritional needs of the dog.
Is raw dog food more expensive than dry dog food?
Kibble is generally more affordable than raw food because it often contains inexpensive ingredients like cereal, which lacks nutritional value for your pets, and soya, a common protein source in dog food that may trigger allergic reactions in certain dogs.
Is it cheaper to make or buy raw dog food?
Commercial raw dog food can be pricey. An occasional purchase might not seem costly, but regular buying quickly adds up. Long-term, it’s much more affordable to make raw dog food at home.
Cost of Raw Food Diet for Dogs Conclusion
Many pet owners are reluctant to feed a raw meals because they think it is too expensive and difficult. However, as we have shown, doing dog food this way versus dry food only runs about $2 to $5 per day.
Knowing how much your dog eats and likes makes it possible to find great raw food ingredients at a low price. And the benefits of using raw food in a pet’s diet are well known.