8 ways to save money on dog care

As pet parents, nothing is more important than making sure our four-legged friends receive the best care and love we can give. But with the rising cost of living, we know that many owners are worried about meeting the costs of dog care.

With prices on the minds of many, we’ve compiled eight simple actions that may help to reduce dog care costs, without compromising on your pup’s health or happiness.

From making smart food purchases to making sure they’re protected, here are our eight budget-conscious hacks to consider when caring for your four-legged companion.

1. Buy food in bulk.

Similar to most human goods, buying dog food in bulk can be a huge cost saver and a great way to reduce the price of individual meals. Buying direct from Forthglade means we can also offer you larger pack sizes, saving you £4.80 on wet dog food packs, or £2.25 per kg when buying in bulk.

We have larger pack sizes in both our natural wet dog food and dry dog food ranges. Take a look at our larger 24 or 48 tray pack sizes for our wet food, for example our bestselling Turkey, Duck & Lamb Natural Wet Dog Food Variety Pack, and our larger Cold Pressed dry food bags, such as our Chicken Cold Pressed Natural Dry Dog Food which comes in 10kg and 20kg offerings. These high-quality bulk formats have been created with affordability in mind, helping you to make the most cost-effective choice for your budget.

Top tip: combine this with our subscription offering and get an extra 10% off every order. Find out more here.

2. Groom your dog at home.

Regular grooming is an important aspect of your dog’s welfare, health and happiness, however, a professional service often comes at a high cost. It’s easy enough to cover the basics at home without a visit to a professional groomer, helping you to reduce costs and even better the bond between you and your pup.

It may be daunting at first, however our guide on grooming will help you to educate yourself on all areas of grooming, any areas to be mindful of and the tools that you may require.

If you feel nervous about trimming nails, consider leaving it to professional. Vets typically charge between £6 - £12 for a nail clipping service.

If you do opt to use a groomer, don't be shy about asking your dog groomer to go short too. This ensures the cut lasts for as long as possible and can often save you a few trips a year if your dog regularly needs grooming!

3. Take care of your dog’s teeth at home.

Like humans, dogs are susceptible to problems with their teeth and dental bills can be costly. However, incorporating a daily brushing routine into your dog’s day can help prevent the build-up of plaque and tartar, and prevent any risk of infection.

There are specifically designed dog toothbrushes as well as oral rinses and dental chews that are a great way to improve oral hygiene. Our handy how-to guide includes tips and advice to help you feel more confident with looking after your dog’s teeth and feeling comfortable with the process.

4. Make homemade dog treats.

A great way to use up existing products in the cupboard, why not try your hand at making your own treats for your dog. We’ve compiled some recipes that your pup is sure to love, all crafted by a pet nutritionist with health benefits in mind.

5. Create your own dog toys.

Commercial toys are often expensive and short-lasting. But it’s easy to find ways to entertain and stimulate your four-legged friend using materials you have at home. Get creative and use items such as tea towels or old clothes, as well as cardboard containers.

Have a Forthglade order arriving soon? Why not re-use the boxes and trays to create an entertaining DIY dog game for your pup! Remember to always supervise your dog with toys, remove small parts that may be potential choking hazards.

6. Opt for group-walking.

Ensuring that your dog is getting plenty of exercise will help keep them fit and healthy, and often we lean on dog walking services to support while away from home or on holiday. If you use a solo dog walking service consider opting for a group service instead to minimise costs.

If you’ve got other dog owners in your area, why not organise a shared dog-walking club, and share and rotate dog-walking amongst you.

7. Consider second hand.

Buying accessories second hand is a great way to save money – and your pup is sure to love them just the same! Look out for second-hand dog beds, toys and other accessories on online market places and charity shops. Check the quality of the items as higher quality accessories will last much longer and will limit you needing to replace them sooner. Always remember to wash and disinfect your items before your dog uses them.

8. Think preventative care.

We can’t underestimate the importance of preventative care to minimise the risk of illness for your four-legged companion and reduce those costly vet visits.

A healthy diet in particular is crucial to your pet’s overall health and wellbeing, as well as for maintaining your pup’s ideal weight and preventing any weight-related health problems. Factor in your dog’s individual lifestyle when considering the amount of food you’re giving them to avoid overfeeding – and be mindful of giving treats sparingly. At Forthglade, we produce simple, nourishing, natural meals for dogs and provide detailed feeding guidelines to empower you to make the best decision for your dog.

Vaccinations and neutering are also important preventative healthcare measures that will protect your dog and prevent large future vet bills. Be sure to also take extra care to protect your pup from pests that carry diseases such as fleas and ticks. We’ve compiled everything you need to know about spotting and removing ticks from your dog to help prevent any serious health risks.