There’s a reason why dogs are considered human’s best friends. They can be the ideal pets by providing the most reliable natural safeguard possible while reducing your stress through the most adorable ways you ever see.
Like any living creature, they require proper nourishment and as pet owners, you have the responsibility to offer them the best food available. However, raising dogs is almost similar to raising babies, financially speaking. The practical way to feed your pet is to look for the best cheap dog food in the area.
Top picks
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How To Choose The Best Cheap Dry Dog Food
Dogs are such survivors. They will try to eat what is being presented to them as food but that doesn’t mean that what is served is good for them. When puppies transition from milk to solid food, most pet owners face the decision on what type of food to serve.
Since dogs can be meticulous, once they get used to the food quality they are eating, they will stick to that menu and will learn to refuse to eat any lower than that. This can make changing their food difficult for you as their owner.
To be able to make a convenient decision to provide affordable good food wherein the dogs will have and get used to, here are the following things you need to consider:
Breed Of The Dog
Not all dogs have an equal amount of appetite. The larger, more active the dog is naturally, the more food it is expected to consume. Guard and hunting dogs have a larger appetite since they burn more energy in their activities.
Dogs with cute and small frames have relatively smaller food consumption but tend to overeat and might be getting overweight due to the lack of physical activities.
Not only does the quantity of the ration matter, but the quality also does as well. Dogs requiring more energy will need food that consists of more carbohydrates and protein while the smaller dogs need a more balanced diet. Through having enough knowledge of the breed of your dogs, you can decide what type of food and how much do you have to purchase.
Nutrient Content
To maximize your budget on your dog food, you have to understand how dog food is manufactured.
There are certain ingredients that can be efficient in the digestive process just like in human food, wherein meat can be substituted by certain veggies in terms of protein content but meat has also iron in which those particular veggies cannot provide.
And yet, meat generally has a higher calorie content than selected veggies, meaning it needs more effort to be fully digested.
If you are familiar or just able to research the ingredient content of the dog food and its digesting efficiency for your specific dog, you can narrow down the options available to the ones you really need.
Outdoor and large dogs need more high-calorie foods since they are more active. Indoor and neutered dogs need to have low-calorie diets.
Ideally, they only need no more than 350 calories. The more you overfeed, the more the dog gets used to and the higher the chances of becoming overweight.
Emergency Funds
Even if you have the financial capacity to handle the responsibility of taking care of a dog, there can be unexpected events that can put a dent in your finances.
The dog can experience a lack of appetite due to sickness or you may have run out of the usual dog food and will have to seek alternatives. You will likely to be spending additional funds on such situations.
During these situations, how you select your dog food before and after will surely affect your entire budget. While your dog recovers from an illness, you might be changing the dog’s diet. When you will have a shortage of the usual dog food, you have to make sure the human food you are substituting is not something they would prefer more.
These changes, if not handled and researched well, will cause an increase in your food budget. So, better start with the best, cheapest dog food you can find first for the dog to get used to.
Best Budget Dog Foods
Here are some of the best cheap dog foods available in the market along with their Pros and Cons.
Taste of the Wild High Prairie
Quality Dog Food with Authentic Ingredients
This dog food contains proteins from buffalo and bison meat and also the needed carbohydrates from peas and sweet potatoes. It also includes natural antioxidant from authentic fruits and vegetables and dried chicory root that provides healthy digestion and prebiotic support.
Why We Like It:
- It contains a protein source ideal for muscle building
- It has natural recipes that provide omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat
What We Don’t Like:
- Grain-free isn’t for everyone
Wholesome Ingredient with High Fiber Content
This dog food is made from natural and highly digestible ingredients like the American turkey, wholesome brown rice, venison meat and anti-oxidant rich cranberries and carrots. The turkey meat helps build up muscle mass supplemented by iron-rich and tasty venison meat. The wholesome brown rice provides high fiber content that supports gentle digestion.
Why We Like It:
- It gives off L-Carnitine for supporting healthy weight and metabolism
- It has antioxidant ingredients and healthy fats that promote overall health
What We Don’t Like:
- The dog food seems to be unfavorable to dogs having sensitive stomachs.
Diamond Naturals Adult Real Meat Recipe
Balanced High-Quality Protein and Fats Mix for Boosting Immunity
The product is formulated with ingredients of the highest quality in order to help your pet maintain being active and feeling great. It contains balanced levels of protein, fats and other essential nutrients for supporting ideal body condition. It also promotes immune and digestive system support through the antioxidants and fiber.
Why We Like It:
- It is formulated from real beef to supply a high level of protein and taste
- It contains levels of selenium and vitamin E
- It has natural recipes that provide omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat
What We Don’t Like:
- None rather than Grain-free isn’t for everyone
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Dog Food
Great Mix of Vitamins and Minerals for Dogs with Sensitive Stomachs
The product is formulated with the finest natural ingredients including real duck as the protein source that helps build and maintain lean muscle mass and sweet potatoes and peas as a carbohydrate source.
It also has an exclusive feature, ‘LifeSource Bits’ – a precise mixture of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants in order to establish immune system health, a healthy oxidative balance and life stage requirements.
Why We Like It:
- It is formulated from real duck meat as a substitute to other staple poultry.
- It has natural recipes that provide omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat.
- It is ideal for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
What We Don’t Like:
- None rather than Grain-free isn’t for everyone.
CANIDAE All Life Stages
Excellent Mix of Quality Protein and Antioxidants for Healthy Digestion
This dog food is made from different sources of protein namely chicken, lamb, turkey and even fish meat in order to provide the optimal protein for all breeds of dogs. It also contains probiotics for healthy digestion, antioxidants for supporting a healthy immune system and fatty acid for improvement of skin and coat. It is also packed with carbohydrate-rich ingredients such as potatoes and brown rice.
Why We Like It:
- It contains various meat ingredients as sources of protein.
- It has natural recipes that provide omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat.
- It is ideal for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
What We Don’t Like:
- None rather than Grain-free isn’t for everyone.
Purina ONE SmartBlend True Instinct
Quality Meat Mixture for Stronger Muscles
This dog food is made with real tuna and salmon meat that contains 30 percent protein that helps in building strong muscles and aids in promoting an active lifestyle. It also contains natural sources of glucosamine that is essential for strengthening joints and antioxidants that promotes a healthy immune system.
Why We Like It:
- It has natural recipes that provide omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat.
- It uses fish as a protein source, which is more guaranteed to be authentic.
What We Don’t Like:
- The packaging can have security issues that can attract bugs and insects.
Rachael Ray Nutrish Just 6 Limited Ingredient Diet Dry Dog Food
Guaranteed Natural Dog Food Rich in Vitamins and Minerals
The product comprises of six simple ingredients with lamb meat as the main. It has also been added with the needed vitamins and minerals. There is no presence of any poultry by-products, artificial preservatives, flavors and colors.
Why We Like It:
- It contains no artificial elements, guaranteeing the nutrients are coming from natural sources.
- It is ideal for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
What We Don’t Like:
- The dark coloring can lead to uncertainty of determining a good batch from a bad one.
Whole Earth Farms Grain-Free Natural Dry Dog Food
Full of Real Proteins and Natural Ingredients
The product is made from real meat, poultry or fish as protein sources. There is no presence of any poultry by-products, artificial preservatives, flavors and colors. Its ingredients offer multiple supports on ease of digestibility, increase in energy, stronger nails, shinier coat, less shedding and healthier skin.
Why We Like It:
- It contains various meat ingredients as sources of protein.
- It contains no artificial elements, guaranteeing the nutrients are coming from natural sources.
What We Don’t Like:
- The packaging might have issues due to company and branding transition.
Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets
Rich in Fiber and Protein to Easier Digestion
This dog food contains lamb meat that supplies essential amino acids for maintaining strong muscles. It also has brown rice, which is rich in fiber and supports healthy digestion. Other elements also contribute to supporting for a shiny coat and healthy skin. The large kibble’s crunchy texture is designed to promote cleaning of teeth and gums.
Why We Like It:
- It is preferable for dogs with food allergies.
- The food design encourages dogs to chew properly and eat at a slow pace.
What We Don’t Like:
- None rather than Grain-free isn’t for everyone.
Purina Pro Plan FOCUS
Contains Prebiotic Fiber for Good Digestion
This dog food has salmon as its primary source of protein. It also has prebiotic fiber that nurtures the beneficial bacteria in the dog’s intestine and promotes good digestive health. It contains oatmeal as the source of carbohydrate that is also highly digestible. There is no presence of any artificial preservatives, flavors and colors.
Why We Like It:
- It has natural recipes that provide omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat.
- It uses fish as a protein source, which is more guaranteed to be authentic.
- It is preferable for dogs with food allergies.
- It is ideal for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
What We Don’t Like:
- None rather than Grain-free isn’t for everyone.
Iams Proactive Health Minichunks Dry Dog Food
Bargain Dog Food For Dogs Who Need To Be Able To Nibble Smaller Kibble
If you want to give your pet the very best food for less, in easier to nibble chunks, IAMS proactive health mini chunks could be a great choice. Smaller chunks are much easier for senior dogs, and smaller dogs to chew and enjoy, aiding better initial digestion.
The food is made by pet food giant IAMS, who create great pet food products recommended by vets. Even more reassuring is that the first ingredient is farm-raised chicken. For an affordable price, these kinds of benefits are great, helping you give your pet the very best without having to pay through the nose.
Customers will love that the kibble is packed full of so much more than chicken. In addition to this healthy protein source, the food contains prebiotics, fiber and antioxidants, all supporting your pooches health and vitality. Even better, the product is made in the USA and is free from artificial preservatives, flavorings and fillers.
Why We Like It:
- Smaller chunks suitable for dogs with smaller mouths or senior dogs
- Chicken is the number 1 ingredient
- Inexpensive
- Made in the USA
What We Don’t Like:
- Corn is the second ingredient
- Constipation may be an issue for some pets after consuming the product
Frequently-Asked Questions
How much dog food should I feed to my dog?
To find out the quantity of the dog food, you have to determine the dog’s lean weight. However, it needs constant monitoring and can be sometimes impractical. There is a standard formula suggested by veterinarians which can guide you on the amount of ration:
30 x weight in kg (or pounds divided by 2.2) + 70 = daily caloric needs
How often should I feed my dog with dog food?
Unlike humans, dogs only act on instinct when it comes to eating and only eats when they are hungry. However, for pet dogs, they can emulate the eating schedule of humans. It is recommended to feed your dog two or three equally divided meals per day, especially for those active breeds.
What is the meaning of ‘life-stage nutrition’?
The dogs have appropriate needs at every stage of their life. Practicing ‘life-stage nutrition’ means that you feed the dog with the right quantity and quality according to its stage. It is recommended in order to maximize the absorption of nutrients needed for growth.
Summary
As dogs are always considered as human’s best friend, they also need proper nutrition as we do. Though you may select the best budget dog food, it is important that what and how you provided is what it will become.
Although you can research what is the best cheap dog food for your beloved pet, it is still best to seek professional help from veterinarians to ensure you give the best possible method of feeding for a win-win situation.