You know your dog is living his best life when his food bowl looks like something out of Gordon Ramsay’s kitchen while you’re here surviving on instant noodles! We all want to give our pups the best, but gourmet dog food doesn’t have to mean gourmet prices. The good news? Fresh dog food on a budget is totally possible—you can whip up healthy, homemade meals for your dog without maxing out your credit card—and it can all happen in the same round of grocery shopping you do for yourself (yes, even if you’re on a budget).
Fresh dog food essentials
Regardless of whether you feed your dog fresh food, raw food or commercial kibbles, your dog’s meals must consist of a healthy balance of Macronutrients, Micronutrients and other essential nutrients.
Macronutrients consist of –
- Protein – Your dog’s meals must consist of 18-32% protein depending on their activity levels and life stage. Primary sources are Meat, fish, eggs, dairy and legumes
- Fats – A dog’s bowl must contain 8-20% of healthy fats (higher for underweight, pregnant, lactating and active dogs). Primary sources are animal fat, fish oil, flaxseed and coconut oil
- Carbohydrates – They’re optional but make a great addition. Carbs provide with fibre and energy and must make up 30-50% of your dog’s bowl. Primary sources include sweet potatoes, brown rice, quinoa, oats, fruits, and veggies
Micronutrients consist of –
- Vitamins and Minerals – Vitamins A,D,E,K,B and C and Minerals such as Calcium, Phospherous, Magnesium, Iron, Zinc, Sodium and Potassium are some of the most important vitamins and minerals a dog needs to thrive. They are essential for metabolism, immunity, none function, nervous health, organ function and can be found in a variety of fresh food ingredients such as organ meat, fruits, leafy vegetables, etc.
Other essential nutrients are made up by –
- Omega-3 & Omega-6 Fatty Acids – This is one of the healthiest forms of fat and can be sourced through Fish oil, flaxseed, chicken fat
- Amino Acids – They are an extension of protein and are needed for muscle, enzymes, and hormonal health
- Fiber – Derived from vegetables like sweet potato and pumpkin, fiber aids digestion and regulates blood sugar. They must make up 2-5% of your dog’s diet
- Moisture – Water in your dog’s diet is like oil in a car engine. It keeps your dog’s body functioning by regulating temperature, aiding digestion, and transporting nutrients.
Active dogs and puppies have higher protein needs because their muscles work harder and require more repair and maintenance. Lactating dogs need a higher fat content in their diet. Depending on your dog’s activity levels, life stage and health conditions, your vet would be able to help you with their exact nutrient requirements and supplements as and when necessary.
Supplements are the need of the hour in today’s day and age of modern canine nutrition. We might source the healthiest, most freshest ingredients for our dogs, but there are several nutrients that they may not be able to synthesize on their own. Alternatively, some dogs may just need those nutrients in larger quantities. This is where supplements plug the gap. Consult your vet to make sure you’re giving your dog the right quality and quantity of supplements.
Check out this One Pot Chicken recipe with wholesome veggies that is Homemade and Vet-approved!
How to Shop Smart for the Best Fresh Food Ingredients for Your Dog
If you’re making your dog’s meals at home, shopping for their ingredients alongside yours is a great way to ensure freshness, cost-effectiveness and quality. Handpicked human-grade meats, veggies, and grains are a better option than pre-packaged pet store meals on any given day!
Look for lean proteins (chicken, turkey, beef, salmon), fresh vegetables (carrots, kale, squash), and healthy fats (fish oil, flaxseed). Opt for meat options that are free-range or raised without antibiotics. Avoid anything with added salt, sugar, or preservatives.
Many a time, raw meat that are close to expiry are sold at a cheaper rate. You can buy this if you plan on making your dog’s meals on the same day. Alternatively, you can also freeze raw meat and use at a later date. Smart shopping = a healthier, happier pup!
When your dog likes kibble with a little fresh food on the side
As a pet parent, I have always been skeptical of sticking to 100% kibbles for my dog. The fact that I have no idea of the quality of meat or the ingredients that go into kibble production is the biggest factor holding me back.
My dog Mango is now on 100% fresh, homemade diet. However, when she was a puppy, her diet consisted of 50% kibbles and 50% fresh food. I would generally add fresh ingredients such as Blueberries, yogurt, banana, broccoli, carrot, cooked chicken, eggs, peanut butter, rice, etc to her daily meals.
As a pet parent, I felt great about being able to feed my dog wholesome ingredients alongside kibbles; until her vet said to me, “If you’re adding cooked chicken to a kibble diet, you’re duplicating her source of protein and denying her other essential nutrients!” THAT was an eye-opener!
If you plan on supplementing your dog’s kibble-heavy diet with fresh, homemade food, make sure to thoroughly read the bag’s nutrient analysis and add ingredients that will plug nutrient gaps and NOT duplicate.
For instance, a Salmon-based kibble may already be rich in Omega-3s. Avoid adding that.
When your dog doesn’t like Kibbles and prefers only gourmet fresh food
Ever thought how dull life would be if you were to eat packaged meals every single day? If we can feel this way about monotony, why not dogs? It is natural to wonder that a 100% fresh food diet is out of reach financially. However, with some smart shopping, you can make it work without breaking the bank!
A large bag of quality dog kibble can cost anywhere from $50 to $100 per month depending on the brand and size; extra if you buy meal toppers and wet food to go with it. Fresh food, on the other hand, can be surprisingly affordable when you shop smartly.
By purchasing human-grade meats, vegetables, and grains during regular grocery store runs, you can prepare your dog’s meals for around $2 to $4 per meal. This works out to about $60 to $120 per month for a larger dog. Buying in bulk, freezing portions, and focusing on seasonal produce can help bring the cost even lower. When done right, a fresh food diet can be both healthy and budget-friendly!
Now, I know hand making your dog’s meals at home is not everyone’s cup of tea! To be honest, if I wasn’t working from home, I’m not sure I’d have the time and patience to batch make my dog’s meals every 15 days!
This is why I highly recommend Ollie—it’s such a convenient option! They offer personalized, vet-formulated fresh food that’s made with high-quality meats and natural ingredients.
And the best part? They have flexible pricing, with fresh food plans starting at $22/week. It’s a great way to give your dog top-notch nutrition without all the prep work. If you’re looking for a no-fuss, healthy alternative, Ollie is definitely worth checking out!
Here’s how much I spend while feeding my Dog Fresh dog food on a budget…
It’s been a year since I decided to make the switch for my dog from 50-50 kibbles and fresh food to 100% fresh, homemade food. Being able to see, feel and know each and ingredient that goes into my dog’s bowl gives me a different kind of security and peace of mind.
A big bag of commercial dog food costed around $80 per month. With the addition of wet canned food every once in a while, and a little bit of fresh food almost every single day, my monthly cost of feeding my dog went up to almost $130.
I was initially a little skeptical about transitioning to 100% fresh, cost being the primary reason. However, when I did the math, I was spending a little less than $120 a month on fresh homemade dog food. Here’s a quick calculation for 15 days worth of food –
Ground turkey (3kg bag from Costco) – $32
Fresh veggies (Carrot, spinach, kale, sweet potato, celery) – $15 (I buy in bulk for the family and use only 10-15% of it for my dog’s meals. That’s how it comes it $15)
A small bag of quinoa – $9
This comes up to around $56 for 2 weeks for my 50 lb dog. That’s $112 for the whole month
MY BEST MONEY-SAVING HACK (that’s also environmentally sustainable!)
Swap Premium Dog Food Ingredients with “Misshapen” Produce
Here’s the hard truth – most people don’t buy something unless it looks perfect and appealing! Think about it- when you pick up a sweet potato, you pick one that’s the least dirty and most perfectly shaped. The one that’s got a ton of dirt on it and is shaped like a beaten up, oversized ginger would most likely be overlooked. This is the reason the Misshapen Produce section exists.
Some grocery stores or farmer’s markets sell misshapen or slightly imperfect produce (like carrots, apples, or sweet potatoes) at a steep discount because they don’t meet cosmetic standards for sale as “perfect” fruits and vegetables. These often still have great (mostly the same) nutritional value and are perfect for mixing into your dog’s meals.
Talk to your local store manager to see if they offer discounts on produce that’s nearing its shelf life or doesn’t look perfect. It’s a win-win—you get fresh, affordable ingredients, and you’re helping reduce food waste!
In other words, this section truly teaches us to look for inner beauty!
5 Hacks to save money on Fresh dog food
1. Look for coupons
Being a smart shopper when buying fresh dog food ingredients is basically an art form! Snag those newspaper coupons like it’s 1999, use price match apps like a pro, and sign up for every email and text alert from the stores you frequent (yes, even if they spam you with “exclusive” deals every other day). Better yet, chat up the store manager—they might just spill the beans on upcoming sales so you can stock up like a dog hoarding treats!
If you’re into premium fresh food (and let’s face it, your pup deserves it), Ollie Pet Food has meal plans starting at just $1.57 a meal. They’re always running discounts, probably because once dogs get a taste, they develop a very refined addiction. So, whether you’re bargain-hunting at the store or taking advantage of Ollie’s latest promo, your dog wins. And let’s be honest—that’s the whole point, isn’t it?
2. Buy in bulk
As a DINKWAD (Dual Income, No Kids… With A Dog) couple, we never saw the point of a Costco membership—I mean, what family of two needs a 3 kg pack of ground turkey?! But ever since I started making my dog’s meals from scratch, I find myself at Costco at least once a month, bulk-buying like a pro.
Shopping their fresh produce in bulk is a game-changer—I batch-cook 15 days’ worth of dog food, and whatever’s left seamlessly finds its way into our own meals. Turns out, buying in bulk isn’t just for big families—it’s for dog parents with a very well-fed fur child too!
3. Save the scraps!
Instead of tossing out kitchen scraps, turn them into healthy, homemade dog-friendly add-ons.
Don’t throw out the bone from the meat you cook for yourself. Add the bones to some water, turmeric and ginger to get the healthiest bone broth for your dog. Just make sure to throw the bone out afterward, as cooked bones are a choking hazard.
Save the veggie scraps from zucchini, carrots, broccoli and green leafy veggies to make flavorful veggie broth.
Don’t ditch the eggshells. Bake and powder them to get your very own home made calcium supplement for your dog.
These simple swaps help you cut down on waste while boosting your dog’s nutrition—your pup (and your wallet) will thank you!
4. Choose Homemade
The idea of batch-making days worth of dog meals may sound exhausting, to say the least. That being said, the amount of money it saves me while tremendously improving my dog’s quality of life seems like an incredible trade-off!
Store-bought treats are convenient, but have you checked the ingredient list? Half of them sound like they belong in a science experiment. That’s why I started making my own dog-friendly snacks—sweet potato sticks, banana chips, dehydrated chicken, frozen yogurt-peanut butter bark, etc.
With just a few whole ingredients and one game-changing appliance—The 11 in 1 Instant Pot Duo Crisp—I now DIY 90% of my dog’s meals and treats at home. Sweet potato sticks? Slice, air-fry, done. Banana chips? Dehydrate and watch your dog act like you just handed them a filet mignon!
Frozen yogurt bark? Blend Greek yogurt, peanut butter, and a drizzle of honey, freeze, and break into chunks of pure doggy bliss. Less junk, more tail wags, and a lot of savings—homemade just makes scents!
5. Invest in the right dog supplements
This tip sounds a little contradictory, I know! You might wonder, how is she suggesting buying supplements while giving tips on cutting costs?!
But here’s the thing – Your dog is not going to be able to synthesize a lot of essential vitamins and nutrients on their own. That’s going to lead to deficiencies. Deficiencies will further lead to health problems which are eventually going to lead to expensive vet bills! So, supplements are more of an investment, rather than a cost!
At the end of the day, fresh dog food on a budget doesn’t have to mean sacrificing your savings. With a little creativity—bulk shopping, smart meal prep, repurposing kitchen scraps, and DIY treats—you can serve up tail-wagging goodness without your wallet whimpering in protest.
The goal? A win-win situation where your pup gets nutritious, drool-worthy meals, and you don’t have to explain to your bank account why you just spent more on dog food than your own groceries. Because let’s be honest—our dogs already eat better than we do. Might as well make it affordable, too!