Caring for Fido on the Cheap

Col. Potter has seen an increase in owner surrenders due to the economy and that got us to thinking ... how can we provide great care for our furry friends and perhaps save some money at the same time? Below is a partial list provided by our volunteers with more to follow in the upcoming days. If you have a great pet tip, please share it with us by leaving a comment on our blog!

1. I don't skimp on food/kibble but I look for less expensive "additives" to spice it up, such as store-brand carrots, cottage cheese, green beans and store brand yogurt.



2. I've found that baking for my dogs is fun and saves a lot of money. (Did you know our award winning cookbook has a section devoted to dog recipes? If you are interested in buying one, you better hurry, they are going fast and we are close to selling out! Click here to read more about "Your Culinary Companion II".



3. My dehydrator has more than paid for itself, banana chips and sweet potato chips are both popular with my dogs.



4. I learned to sew bellybands myself and pick up remnants at Jo Ann or Walmart for the fabric. Always a good deal and I have a steady supply.



5. I've been giving animal crackers, apples, carrots or green beans as an evening snack instead of store bought biscuits.



6. When grocery shopping we purchase things like chicken hot dogs or veggies that are on sale (fresh or frozen). We always have eggs on hand as well, these make great additions to your dog's diet or can be used as a treat.



7. When cooking we always keep the dogs in mind. We keep small portions of the roast we cook, mashed potatoes, shredded cheese, etc. and simply store them in the fridge for their next meal. We also stock up on canned salmon when they are on sale. I found with home cooking I have reduced my overall bill at the pet store by approximately $40.00 monthly, sometimes more.



8. To cut costs on cleaning supplies - good old baking soda (soaks up urine) and vinegar and water works wonders too! You can cut down your use of paper towels by using rags for dog messes and then throwing them in the wash.



9. Some friends of mine were getting rid of their no longer needed baby blankets and I use those for the dogs on their dog beds or on the furniture for a place to take a nap. They also work well as a throw when the bed coverings are being washed.



10. If you are going to try a new food, check the manufacturer’s web site. Many offer coupons to try their food. Blue Buffalo had a $5 coupon on their site. Larger bags are usually cheaper per lb than the smaller ones. If you don't use it up fast like we do here, you could put some of it in an airtight container to keep it fresh.

Remember, if you have a great tip to save money, share it with us. Please feel free to post it in the comment section. Check back later in the week for more "Caring for Fido on the Cheap" tips provided by our volunteers.

If you would like to volunteer with Col. Potter and join our dog friendly network where you can work with other cairn owners from all over North America, email our Director of Volunteerism by clicking here, or fill out the volunteer information form by clicking here.