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Tip Store: Pets: Dog Food
DOG BISCUITS FROM LEFTOVERS
After cooking your meat, use the juice or fat to make dog biscuits by adding out of date flour, herbs and milk (cheaper carton milk) to the meat juice or fat. Roll into balls and place on baking paper lined tray and cook in oven for 20 minutes. Done in no time and store in airtight container in fridge. Dogs love them. Add them to their dinner and save cost also on dog food. Cost: approximately $1 per 12.
Contributed by Carol Heagney
Contributed by Carol Heagney
SCRAMBLED EGGS FOR DOG FOOD
When dog food is so expensive, we use free range eggs from our three chickens to make scrambled eggs, with stale bread broken up and added, with a little of long life carton milk. Only a handful of dry dog food is needed to add when serving dog food for the day. Our dogs love it as it warms their bellies in winter. Sometimes I make homemade yeast free bread with herbs and cheese topping ($1 a loaf), and add that bread to the dog food. Makes it twice as cheap and a great saving.
Contributed by Carol Heagney
Contributed by Carol Heagney
FRESH DOG TREATS FOR FREE
For some reason our husky loves fresh cabbage to crunch on. When making coleslaw for the week, our husky receives the left over cabbage for a treat. He sits there waiting for his treat. I consider this a freebie for us and the dog as it would go in the compost or in the bin on every other day. Keeps him healthy and us cashed up!
Contributed by Carol Heagney
Contributed by Carol Heagney
MOO Cheap & Healthy Dog Treats
After losing my young dog to cancer I am very aware how I feed my new dog, preferring to feed her natural and unprocessed foods. Dried Kangaroo strips from the pet store cost around $10-15 for about 5 small strips. Using a food dehydrator ($39 from Aldi) I dry strips of kangaroo muscle available from the market for $10 p/kg. Each kilo gives you about 1/2 kg of dry strips so I make 2 kg at a time. I also have successfully dried chicken breast and Basa fish which I often find on clearance in the deli section for around $6 p/kg. All the dogs love it and I know it has no nasty fillers and additives. Best kept in fridge for 3 weeks or freeze it.
Contributed by Deanna Darling
Contributed by Deanna Darling
Cheap, Good Quality Pet Food
If you are in the Ballarat area I really recommend visiting Whitey's Pet Food in Sebastopol for your pet mince and dry food etc. The mince is great, not fatty at all which I find my animals like better than the 'pet mince' from some other butchers who charge $2.99kg! This week I purchased: 4kg chicken mince @ $0.80 a kilo = $3.20 4kg beef mince @ $2.85 a kilo = $11.40 Then using recipes from the tip store (the one with rice, beans and mixed veg and another with Weetbix and sardines) I have made enough food for my 4 cats and 1 dog for the month for under $20!!! Previously to feed just the cats for a month was over $30.... WINNING!!! Check them out online www.petfoodballarat.com
Contributed by Rebecca Jane
If you are in the Ballarat area I really recommend visiting Whitey's Pet Food in Sebastopol for your pet mince and dry food etc. The mince is great, not fatty at all which I find my animals like better than the 'pet mince' from some other butchers who charge $2.99kg! This week I purchased: 4kg chicken mince @ $0.80 a kilo = $3.20 4kg beef mince @ $2.85 a kilo = $11.40 Then using recipes from the tip store (the one with rice, beans and mixed veg and another with Weetbix and sardines) I have made enough food for my 4 cats and 1 dog for the month for under $20!!! Previously to feed just the cats for a month was over $30.... WINNING!!! Check them out online www.petfoodballarat.com
Contributed by Rebecca Jane
Dribble Out the Doggy Treats
Approximate $ Savings: $7.00
When I buy doggy strips for my dogs, I cut each strip into 4 or 5 pieces. Instead of giving them a large treat, I just give them a piece. The bag can last for anything up to three weeks instead of less than a week sometimes. This is better for my doggy's waistline as well as my purse
Contributed by Sharon Burling
Approximate $ Savings: $7.00
When I buy doggy strips for my dogs, I cut each strip into 4 or 5 pieces. Instead of giving them a large treat, I just give them a piece. The bag can last for anything up to three weeks instead of less than a week sometimes. This is better for my doggy's waistline as well as my purse
Contributed by Sharon Burling
Healthy Cheap Eats for Dogs
Approximate $ Savings: $10-15 pw
If like me, you make your own vegetable juice the pulp can be used instead of composted. Pet Chicken Mince (skin and all) from your local pet shop, approximately $6 per kilo, mixed in equal parts with vegetable pulp makes a healthy meal for your dog (veg pulp must not include onions or chilli though). Combine thoroughly, shape into "meat patties" appropriately sized for your dog, place on trays lined with baking paper and place in the freezer until frozen. When frozen place in airtight container. One per day thawed will keep your dog healthy and happy. No more heavy canned food to carry in after shopping!
Contributed by Marg Smith
Approximate $ Savings: $10-15 pw
If like me, you make your own vegetable juice the pulp can be used instead of composted. Pet Chicken Mince (skin and all) from your local pet shop, approximately $6 per kilo, mixed in equal parts with vegetable pulp makes a healthy meal for your dog (veg pulp must not include onions or chilli though). Combine thoroughly, shape into "meat patties" appropriately sized for your dog, place on trays lined with baking paper and place in the freezer until frozen. When frozen place in airtight container. One per day thawed will keep your dog healthy and happy. No more heavy canned food to carry in after shopping!
Contributed by Marg Smith
Fido Feeder
Approximate $ Savings: $50.00
My dogs tend to gobble their wet food very quickly so I looked in pet stores and vets for bowls with inserts intended to slow eating down. The cost of these bowls in the vets was $27.00, way too much. However today whilst browsing in Lifeline op shop I found two heavy plastic microwave ring tins. At two dollars each I think they will do equally as well as the more expensive version. Savings of fifty dollars and two happy dogs.
Contributed by Kree Anthony
Approximate $ Savings: $50.00
My dogs tend to gobble their wet food very quickly so I looked in pet stores and vets for bowls with inserts intended to slow eating down. The cost of these bowls in the vets was $27.00, way too much. However today whilst browsing in Lifeline op shop I found two heavy plastic microwave ring tins. At two dollars each I think they will do equally as well as the more expensive version. Savings of fifty dollars and two happy dogs.
Contributed by Kree Anthony
Pet Food on a Budget
Approximate $ Savings: $12+ per week
Having two Staffies, my pet food bill can get quite high. I was buying pet mince from Woolworths for $15 for three kilos. Then I found that chicken shops like Lenard's are selling minced chicken frames for $1.50 per kilo or five kilos for $6! The dogs love it and so does my wallet. Also, I buy all my dry dog food from our local produce store. They only buy the forty kilo bags and repackage it themselves into smaller bags, passing on the bulk buy savings on to me!
Contributed by Cassie Skreblin
Store: Capalaba Produce, 3211 Old Cleveland Road, Capalaba
Approximate $ Savings: $12+ per week
Having two Staffies, my pet food bill can get quite high. I was buying pet mince from Woolworths for $15 for three kilos. Then I found that chicken shops like Lenard's are selling minced chicken frames for $1.50 per kilo or five kilos for $6! The dogs love it and so does my wallet. Also, I buy all my dry dog food from our local produce store. They only buy the forty kilo bags and repackage it themselves into smaller bags, passing on the bulk buy savings on to me!
Contributed by Cassie Skreblin
Store: Capalaba Produce, 3211 Old Cleveland Road, Capalaba
Dog Food for .30c Per Serve
Approximate $ Savings: $1500 per year
I am continually amazed at the cost of feeding animals. Since we have 2 cats and 2 dogs (border collies), the dry and wet foods really do add up. Not wanting to skimp on their health, however, I came across this really great recipe from a local breeder, for making my own wet food (for the dogs), but the cats love it too! 1kg pets chicken ($5 for 6kg at local butcher), 1 raw egg (shell and all) crushed, 1 can sardines in oil (89c), 6 Weetbix (I buy Homebrand $2.81 for about 40), 1 grated vegetable (carrot/zucchini etc), dollop of custard. Every now and then I add a teaspoon of grated garlic to the mixture, which keeps the fleas and ticks away. Works out to about $2.50 for a whole container full. If dogs are fed once a day, about a cup, this works out to under 30c per meal. I keep a sealed container in the fridge. My pets have the shiniest coats and are very happy and healthy. Very easy to make. I buy 6kg of mince and freeze, then thaw as I need to. Another way of saving is buying a good quality dry food, like Topcoat, in bulk, as well as a Homebrand variety and mixing the two. That way, you are still getting the benefits of the more expensive brand, but it is going much further. I do the same with cat food: buy a few different varieties and mix them. this way, the cats are never bored and I take advantage of specials when they come around.
Contributed by Catherine
Approximate $ Savings: $1500 per year
I am continually amazed at the cost of feeding animals. Since we have 2 cats and 2 dogs (border collies), the dry and wet foods really do add up. Not wanting to skimp on their health, however, I came across this really great recipe from a local breeder, for making my own wet food (for the dogs), but the cats love it too! 1kg pets chicken ($5 for 6kg at local butcher), 1 raw egg (shell and all) crushed, 1 can sardines in oil (89c), 6 Weetbix (I buy Homebrand $2.81 for about 40), 1 grated vegetable (carrot/zucchini etc), dollop of custard. Every now and then I add a teaspoon of grated garlic to the mixture, which keeps the fleas and ticks away. Works out to about $2.50 for a whole container full. If dogs are fed once a day, about a cup, this works out to under 30c per meal. I keep a sealed container in the fridge. My pets have the shiniest coats and are very happy and healthy. Very easy to make. I buy 6kg of mince and freeze, then thaw as I need to. Another way of saving is buying a good quality dry food, like Topcoat, in bulk, as well as a Homebrand variety and mixing the two. That way, you are still getting the benefits of the more expensive brand, but it is going much further. I do the same with cat food: buy a few different varieties and mix them. this way, the cats are never bored and I take advantage of specials when they come around.
Contributed by Catherine
Gourmet Casserole Dogs Just Love
Approximate $ Savings: up to $52 per week on similar food
After watching a documentary about pet food which showed how little nutritional value there is in most options available in the supermarket, I started making my dog Max (a very active Kelpie German Shepherd) his own gourmet food. I buy 2 kilos of pet mince from my local chicken shop, then cut up 2-3 tough stalks of celery I'd usually throw away, and the tops of the bunch including the leaves. I add a large chopped carrot, a couple of cloves of garlic, then add about half a cup of barley, red lentils, brown lentils, brown rice, oats and split green peas. I cover it all with water, and put it on a low temperature to simmer, stirring occasionally to break all the meat up. When it's cooked, I weigh it into Ziploc bags - 600g for each evening meal. This makes at least 7 days worth of dinners. My cat is now eating the same food and loves it! I also add a fish oil capsule to Max's food to keep his coat glossy. Compared to what I once spent at the supermarket, each day of food for both my animals works out at about $0.35. I recently priced a similar "gourmet" food in my local Coles which was $3.95 for 300g on sale. By this reckoning, I'm saving at least $52 a week on my dog's food alone. Both my animals have never looked healthier, and it's really no trouble to make. You could use any veggies you like, except onion, which can be very dangerous for dogs.
Contributed by Emma
Approximate $ Savings: up to $52 per week on similar food
After watching a documentary about pet food which showed how little nutritional value there is in most options available in the supermarket, I started making my dog Max (a very active Kelpie German Shepherd) his own gourmet food. I buy 2 kilos of pet mince from my local chicken shop, then cut up 2-3 tough stalks of celery I'd usually throw away, and the tops of the bunch including the leaves. I add a large chopped carrot, a couple of cloves of garlic, then add about half a cup of barley, red lentils, brown lentils, brown rice, oats and split green peas. I cover it all with water, and put it on a low temperature to simmer, stirring occasionally to break all the meat up. When it's cooked, I weigh it into Ziploc bags - 600g for each evening meal. This makes at least 7 days worth of dinners. My cat is now eating the same food and loves it! I also add a fish oil capsule to Max's food to keep his coat glossy. Compared to what I once spent at the supermarket, each day of food for both my animals works out at about $0.35. I recently priced a similar "gourmet" food in my local Coles which was $3.95 for 300g on sale. By this reckoning, I'm saving at least $52 a week on my dog's food alone. Both my animals have never looked healthier, and it's really no trouble to make. You could use any veggies you like, except onion, which can be very dangerous for dogs.
Contributed by Emma
Vet Approved Dog Food Recipe
I have a 6 month old Dalmatian puppy who is growing like a weed and needs two to three BIG meals each day. Good nutritional food is so expensive and he can't eat the rubbish in supermarkets without getting diarrhoea so I make my own (and it's a vet approved recipe!) 4kg pet mince from local butcher (minced heart, liver, kidneys, low grade mince, scraps, cut offs and other goodies) ...$1.70 a kilo 2x packet diced frozen vegetables from supermarket (or chop up your own)...approx $4.00 2x cans mixed beans, drained ...$2.00 5 cups of rice put all ingredients in BIG saucepan, add lots of water and cook up until meat cooked through. Voila! Fills 6x 2L ice-cream buckets, freezes brilliantly. Rice is excellent food for dogs and doubles the quantity. This lasts me about a month and saves $$, and he likes it better than bought food Also, for a treat he gets chicken necks. $2.99 per kilo at supermarket, treat he goes gaga for, choc full of calcium for growing bones and no leftover mess in the yard
Contributed by Sonya
I have a 6 month old Dalmatian puppy who is growing like a weed and needs two to three BIG meals each day. Good nutritional food is so expensive and he can't eat the rubbish in supermarkets without getting diarrhoea so I make my own (and it's a vet approved recipe!) 4kg pet mince from local butcher (minced heart, liver, kidneys, low grade mince, scraps, cut offs and other goodies) ...$1.70 a kilo 2x packet diced frozen vegetables from supermarket (or chop up your own)...approx $4.00 2x cans mixed beans, drained ...$2.00 5 cups of rice put all ingredients in BIG saucepan, add lots of water and cook up until meat cooked through. Voila! Fills 6x 2L ice-cream buckets, freezes brilliantly. Rice is excellent food for dogs and doubles the quantity. This lasts me about a month and saves $$, and he likes it better than bought food Also, for a treat he gets chicken necks. $2.99 per kilo at supermarket, treat he goes gaga for, choc full of calcium for growing bones and no leftover mess in the yard
Contributed by Sonya
Pet Food Outlet Offers Great Savings
I have started shopping at a pet food factory outlet. VIP have opened outlets for their dog and cat food in Queensland and WA. 3kg pet roll retails for around $6-8, outlet price is $4.99. 25kg bags of dry dog food $25, 10kg bag of cat food $17 or 1kg bags for $2. Treat biscuits $1.99/kg. They also sell boxes of dog rolls for $17 either 12 or 15kg. Fresh & Frozen cat and dog food, the small 100g tins are only 50 cents (retail around $1.50 each) great for a small dog or fussy cat, downside is they have no labels. A huge saving. This has cut my fortnightly pet food bill by more than half with 3 dogs. Shop is open Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm and Saturdays 8am - 12pm. They also offer a membership for 12 months for $25 giving an extra 10% off your shopping bill.
Contributed by Christine
I have started shopping at a pet food factory outlet. VIP have opened outlets for their dog and cat food in Queensland and WA. 3kg pet roll retails for around $6-8, outlet price is $4.99. 25kg bags of dry dog food $25, 10kg bag of cat food $17 or 1kg bags for $2. Treat biscuits $1.99/kg. They also sell boxes of dog rolls for $17 either 12 or 15kg. Fresh & Frozen cat and dog food, the small 100g tins are only 50 cents (retail around $1.50 each) great for a small dog or fussy cat, downside is they have no labels. A huge saving. This has cut my fortnightly pet food bill by more than half with 3 dogs. Shop is open Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm and Saturdays 8am - 12pm. They also offer a membership for 12 months for $25 giving an extra 10% off your shopping bill.
Contributed by Christine
Make at Home Doggy Treats
Approximate $ Savings: $4 week
I have a little Maltese who loves dog biscuits and has two every day. When the supermarket price increased again I decided to leave the box on the shelf and make my own. I found a recipe on the net and adjusted it a bit; now I use 1 cup SR flour, 2 cups plain flour, 1 tbsp bran, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 egg, 1/2 cup each grated carrot and cheese, 1 tbsp parmesan, 1/4 - 1/2 cup stock (not the salted stuff in a packet) or water, plus 1/2 cup Something Nice. For this last bit I use bacon rind, chopped chicken skin or chicken scraps, bits of fat and meat from the lamb chops, whatever I've saved from cooking for the family. All this is mixed together and rolled out, then cut out with a biscuit cutter. Make the dough fairly stiff and the biscuits should be under 1cm thick before cooking. Bake at 180 for 20 mins or so, then turn them over and crisp the bottoms for 10 minutes. They need to be kept in the fridge. Each batch costs perhaps $1.00 as I use home brand products mostly, and a box of Lucky Dog is well over $5. I know what's in these biscuits and Miss Susan loves them. It's also a good activity to do with the children. They smell wonderful and if your child wants to have a nibble it's safe, and probably very tasty.
Contributed by Georgina
Approximate $ Savings: $4 week
I have a little Maltese who loves dog biscuits and has two every day. When the supermarket price increased again I decided to leave the box on the shelf and make my own. I found a recipe on the net and adjusted it a bit; now I use 1 cup SR flour, 2 cups plain flour, 1 tbsp bran, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 egg, 1/2 cup each grated carrot and cheese, 1 tbsp parmesan, 1/4 - 1/2 cup stock (not the salted stuff in a packet) or water, plus 1/2 cup Something Nice. For this last bit I use bacon rind, chopped chicken skin or chicken scraps, bits of fat and meat from the lamb chops, whatever I've saved from cooking for the family. All this is mixed together and rolled out, then cut out with a biscuit cutter. Make the dough fairly stiff and the biscuits should be under 1cm thick before cooking. Bake at 180 for 20 mins or so, then turn them over and crisp the bottoms for 10 minutes. They need to be kept in the fridge. Each batch costs perhaps $1.00 as I use home brand products mostly, and a box of Lucky Dog is well over $5. I know what's in these biscuits and Miss Susan loves them. It's also a good activity to do with the children. They smell wonderful and if your child wants to have a nibble it's safe, and probably very tasty.
Contributed by Georgina
Save on Dog Food
Approximate $ Savings: $12 week
We all love our pets, but unfortunately feeding them can get costly. I save all our veggie and meat scraps for the week in an ice cream container in the freezer. (Just remember, no onion). At the start of each new week I cook up a big pot of rice with all the scraps in it and give it in sections to our 2 big Labradors. Not only do they LOVE it, but I don't EVER need to buy tinned food. In summer, you can also freeze the rice into a block so it keeps them entertained AND fed! You can also cook your rice in the left over water from boiling a reduced salt silverside for extra flavour.
Contributed by Donna
Approximate $ Savings: $12 week
We all love our pets, but unfortunately feeding them can get costly. I save all our veggie and meat scraps for the week in an ice cream container in the freezer. (Just remember, no onion). At the start of each new week I cook up a big pot of rice with all the scraps in it and give it in sections to our 2 big Labradors. Not only do they LOVE it, but I don't EVER need to buy tinned food. In summer, you can also freeze the rice into a block so it keeps them entertained AND fed! You can also cook your rice in the left over water from boiling a reduced salt silverside for extra flavour.
Contributed by Donna
Bulking Up Dog Food
Approximate $ Savings: $20 week
Having two dogs and two cats, food bills get a bit overwhelming. Without depriving my pets of healthy, good food, I always add some cooked rice to my pets food. It helps bulk up their dried and wet food and is healthy for them and economical. Cook a batch of rice in one go and put aside especially for the pets to mix in with their other food.
Contributed by Anna
Approximate $ Savings: $20 week
Having two dogs and two cats, food bills get a bit overwhelming. Without depriving my pets of healthy, good food, I always add some cooked rice to my pets food. It helps bulk up their dried and wet food and is healthy for them and economical. Cook a batch of rice in one go and put aside especially for the pets to mix in with their other food.
Contributed by Anna
Healthy Dog Diet
Approximate $ Savings: $10 pw
My dog started to loose weight even though she was getting fed twice daily, she got to the point that she was skeletal. Pet mince did nothing. After many vet trips I went to a different vet and she put her on a diet of 1/3 meat, 1/3 veg and 1/3 fat (until she got back to a healthy weight and then we lowered the fat). If your dog isn't under weight then swap to half/half veg and meat or 2/3 veg, 1/3 meat. The saving is instead of using good veg you use the off cuts from when you are cooking dinner (except onions, they are bad for dogs) so the ends of carrots, potato peels, ends and leaves of celery, etc. are kept for the dog. Meat: ask your butcher not for pet mince as not every butcher does the right thing many put rotten meat in it, but for the off cuts from that day. Some will charge you a few cents for it, you get others that will charge you $7 or more so ask the price before you commit to the buy. Cook the veg (and any liver, all other meat is good raw)In a boiler with powdered beef stock or gravy and a little water with a lid on so the veg not covered in water still cooks. Cook until the vegetables are really well cooked. Let cool and serve. I save my veggie leftovers and any food my tot throws on the floor each night and cook it to serve the next evening and our dog loves it. Another tip: adult dog food is the lowest in nutrients so another saving is cat food, it has better nutrients and is cheaper. The vet said if I ever have to go back to tinned food to give her cat food as tinned dog food isn't good for any living thing.
Contributed by Raelene
Approximate $ Savings: $10 pw
My dog started to loose weight even though she was getting fed twice daily, she got to the point that she was skeletal. Pet mince did nothing. After many vet trips I went to a different vet and she put her on a diet of 1/3 meat, 1/3 veg and 1/3 fat (until she got back to a healthy weight and then we lowered the fat). If your dog isn't under weight then swap to half/half veg and meat or 2/3 veg, 1/3 meat. The saving is instead of using good veg you use the off cuts from when you are cooking dinner (except onions, they are bad for dogs) so the ends of carrots, potato peels, ends and leaves of celery, etc. are kept for the dog. Meat: ask your butcher not for pet mince as not every butcher does the right thing many put rotten meat in it, but for the off cuts from that day. Some will charge you a few cents for it, you get others that will charge you $7 or more so ask the price before you commit to the buy. Cook the veg (and any liver, all other meat is good raw)In a boiler with powdered beef stock or gravy and a little water with a lid on so the veg not covered in water still cooks. Cook until the vegetables are really well cooked. Let cool and serve. I save my veggie leftovers and any food my tot throws on the floor each night and cook it to serve the next evening and our dog loves it. Another tip: adult dog food is the lowest in nutrients so another saving is cat food, it has better nutrients and is cheaper. The vet said if I ever have to go back to tinned food to give her cat food as tinned dog food isn't good for any living thing.
Contributed by Raelene
Nutrition Rich Dog Food on a Budget
Approximate $ Savings: $7 per wk
With dry dog food having approximately double the protein content to tinned, 25% compared to 12%,I make gravy using all saved veggie water and a $1 pack of gravy mix from ALDI to liven up their evening meal.
Contributed by Jan
Approximate $ Savings: $7 per wk
With dry dog food having approximately double the protein content to tinned, 25% compared to 12%,I make gravy using all saved veggie water and a $1 pack of gravy mix from ALDI to liven up their evening meal.
Contributed by Jan
Delicious Doggy Dinners
Approximate $ Savings: $10 - $15
I now make up my own dog food for my two dogs. I buy a 2kg bag of minced up chicken leftovers from a fresh chicken shop for $3, then I add half a bag of supermarket brand frozen mixed vegies (bag cost about $1.70 and will do two batches), half a bag of pearl barley (cost about $1.20 and is good for their coats and enough to make two batches as well). Then in goes about 2 handfuls of uncooked rice or pasta plus 2-3 cups of stock (doesn't really matter which, chicken, vegetable or beef). Cook it all up in a big pot and this feeds my two small to medium sized dogs for about 10 days and it all costs under $10.
Contributed by Annemieke
Approximate $ Savings: $10 - $15
I now make up my own dog food for my two dogs. I buy a 2kg bag of minced up chicken leftovers from a fresh chicken shop for $3, then I add half a bag of supermarket brand frozen mixed vegies (bag cost about $1.70 and will do two batches), half a bag of pearl barley (cost about $1.20 and is good for their coats and enough to make two batches as well). Then in goes about 2 handfuls of uncooked rice or pasta plus 2-3 cups of stock (doesn't really matter which, chicken, vegetable or beef). Cook it all up in a big pot and this feeds my two small to medium sized dogs for about 10 days and it all costs under $10.
Contributed by Annemieke
Doggy Diet
Approximate $ Savings: min $5 per week
Our dogs are much loved members of our family and we like to give them a varied diet. As any dog owner knows, it can become quite costly to feed pets particularly if you want to give them more than plain label, dry (boring) food. I approached a local restaurant and they are now saving me their "scrap" food in a small bucket during dinner service. They're quite happy to put any uneaten, left over meat and vegies into a container in the kitchen for my dog. You need to be aware of the foods dogs mustn't eat (eg, onion, chocolate, too much fat etc.) but several times a week we are able to feed our dog porterhouse steak, vegetables, fish and all sorts. Any greens he can't/won't eat go into the compost to contribute to our soil quality (from which we then grow our own vegies!). Not only saves us money (min $5 per week, per dog depending on what brand you buy) but gives our dog a rather gourmet diet, for nothing!
contributed by Kate
Approximate $ Savings: min $5 per week
Our dogs are much loved members of our family and we like to give them a varied diet. As any dog owner knows, it can become quite costly to feed pets particularly if you want to give them more than plain label, dry (boring) food. I approached a local restaurant and they are now saving me their "scrap" food in a small bucket during dinner service. They're quite happy to put any uneaten, left over meat and vegies into a container in the kitchen for my dog. You need to be aware of the foods dogs mustn't eat (eg, onion, chocolate, too much fat etc.) but several times a week we are able to feed our dog porterhouse steak, vegetables, fish and all sorts. Any greens he can't/won't eat go into the compost to contribute to our soil quality (from which we then grow our own vegies!). Not only saves us money (min $5 per week, per dog depending on what brand you buy) but gives our dog a rather gourmet diet, for nothing!
contributed by Kate
Sardines: Not Just for Human Consumption
My beautiful boxer was developing some dandruff on his back. I am very against canned food so wasn't sure what to do as external oils weren't working. It was suggested to me that I give him home brand tinned sardines in vegetable oil at 69cents a tin from Coles, which goes against my "tinned" beliefs. Being optimistic I tried them. Not only did he love them but the benefits of such fish are not just for us, they are amazing for your dog. With the added benefit of oil being taken internally and calcium from the bones, it has solved this problem and is a great meal alternative mixed with their dry food. Warning though: their breath is a bit stinky afterwards but goes within an hour. His coat glows now and I give this to him every 3 days as part of his diet.
Contributed by Kylie
My beautiful boxer was developing some dandruff on his back. I am very against canned food so wasn't sure what to do as external oils weren't working. It was suggested to me that I give him home brand tinned sardines in vegetable oil at 69cents a tin from Coles, which goes against my "tinned" beliefs. Being optimistic I tried them. Not only did he love them but the benefits of such fish are not just for us, they are amazing for your dog. With the added benefit of oil being taken internally and calcium from the bones, it has solved this problem and is a great meal alternative mixed with their dry food. Warning though: their breath is a bit stinky afterwards but goes within an hour. His coat glows now and I give this to him every 3 days as part of his diet.
Contributed by Kylie
Easy Budget Dog Food
Approximate $ Savings: $11 - $15 per week
With 2 large dogs to feed, thanks to my son moving back home, my shopping trolley each week had more food for animals than humans in it. I have now found a way to reduce the cost of feeding the dogs and they are getting something that is probably better for them than whatever is in the tins.
I now use a 2kg bag of Coles Savings brand dog mince, 1kg Savings brand frozen mixed vegetables, 500g savings dried pasta, 1kg Savings brand rice and a packet of generic gravy mix.
This amount is sufficient for a week.
In a large stockpot I cook up half of the mince, veggies, pasta and rice with 3 dessertspoons of gravy mix, bring to the boil and simmer for 1/2 to 3/4 of an hour.
Once cooled I place in containers ( bought cheap from Cheap As Chips ) approximately 700 - 750g of mixture. From this I can feed the dogs for 3 1/2 days! They love it, I usually cook it up the night before we need it and let it cool down over night. It might take a little more effort than opening a tin but it's worth it!
Contributed by Carol
Approximate $ Savings: $11 - $15 per week
With 2 large dogs to feed, thanks to my son moving back home, my shopping trolley each week had more food for animals than humans in it. I have now found a way to reduce the cost of feeding the dogs and they are getting something that is probably better for them than whatever is in the tins.
I now use a 2kg bag of Coles Savings brand dog mince, 1kg Savings brand frozen mixed vegetables, 500g savings dried pasta, 1kg Savings brand rice and a packet of generic gravy mix.
This amount is sufficient for a week.
In a large stockpot I cook up half of the mince, veggies, pasta and rice with 3 dessertspoons of gravy mix, bring to the boil and simmer for 1/2 to 3/4 of an hour.
Once cooled I place in containers ( bought cheap from Cheap As Chips ) approximately 700 - 750g of mixture. From this I can feed the dogs for 3 1/2 days! They love it, I usually cook it up the night before we need it and let it cool down over night. It might take a little more effort than opening a tin but it's worth it!
Contributed by Carol
Dog Food Just $3.50 a Week
The cost of pet food is so much these days, and my local vet told me that there is not much nutrition in many of the cheaper brands. My fussy Maltese $%!$%! zus refused to eat any canned dog food so I started making my own. I buy wing tips, which are mostly cartilage, from the fresh chicken shop, they are very cheap. I cook them with rice, frozen vegies and water (just enough to cook the rice) in a saucepan. When cool, the stock from the chicken gels and it all forms a jelly like mixture. I keep the mixture in a sealed container in the refrigerator, and my dogs love it! No preservatives, healthy and inexpensive dog food. Total cost for the week- about $3.50!
Contributed by Sue
The cost of pet food is so much these days, and my local vet told me that there is not much nutrition in many of the cheaper brands. My fussy Maltese $%!$%! zus refused to eat any canned dog food so I started making my own. I buy wing tips, which are mostly cartilage, from the fresh chicken shop, they are very cheap. I cook them with rice, frozen vegies and water (just enough to cook the rice) in a saucepan. When cool, the stock from the chicken gels and it all forms a jelly like mixture. I keep the mixture in a sealed container in the refrigerator, and my dogs love it! No preservatives, healthy and inexpensive dog food. Total cost for the week- about $3.50!
Contributed by Sue
Inexpensive Dog Food
Approximate $ Savings: $20 per week
We have 2 large dogs and an Australian cattle dog and I have found a way of feeding them very economically. I buy the large bags of dog biscuits from Big W at $12.95 and they get 2 cups a day of that. On top I put the mixture I make up each week.
I cook 1-1/2 cups each of rolled oats, rice, small pasta and dried soup mix, adding 4 heaped tablespoons each of brewers yeast and kelp and 2 tablespoons of garlic flakes bought from the stock feed supplier plus a good slurp of olive oil. When the mixture is almost cooked and is still fairly wet, I add a 1 kilo bag of mixed chopped frozen vegetables (no onions) and cook for a few minutes. Let it cool. I buy 3-4kgs of pet mince from the butcher at $1 per kilo.
This is minced up chicken carcasses and other scraps so it contains plenty of calcium. I mix that through the cooked mixture and pack it into 1 kilo plastic containers and store it in the freezer.
One container is divided between the three dogs on top of the biscuits. This works out to about a $1 a day for all three plus the biscuits. Sometimes I throw on an egg.
The dogs are all healthy and happy, with glossy coats and no fleas. They also get a bone a day from a bag of off-cuts that I buy for $3 (which I freeze so they don't get smelly) and this ensures their teeth are very clean.
Contributed by Louise
Approximate $ Savings: $20 per week
We have 2 large dogs and an Australian cattle dog and I have found a way of feeding them very economically. I buy the large bags of dog biscuits from Big W at $12.95 and they get 2 cups a day of that. On top I put the mixture I make up each week.
I cook 1-1/2 cups each of rolled oats, rice, small pasta and dried soup mix, adding 4 heaped tablespoons each of brewers yeast and kelp and 2 tablespoons of garlic flakes bought from the stock feed supplier plus a good slurp of olive oil. When the mixture is almost cooked and is still fairly wet, I add a 1 kilo bag of mixed chopped frozen vegetables (no onions) and cook for a few minutes. Let it cool. I buy 3-4kgs of pet mince from the butcher at $1 per kilo.
This is minced up chicken carcasses and other scraps so it contains plenty of calcium. I mix that through the cooked mixture and pack it into 1 kilo plastic containers and store it in the freezer.
One container is divided between the three dogs on top of the biscuits. This works out to about a $1 a day for all three plus the biscuits. Sometimes I throw on an egg.
The dogs are all healthy and happy, with glossy coats and no fleas. They also get a bone a day from a bag of off-cuts that I buy for $3 (which I freeze so they don't get smelly) and this ensures their teeth are very clean.
Contributed by Louise
Great Budget Dog Chews
An excellent nutritious chew for a large dog is a bundle of 2-3 chicken necks. We feed them to our dog frozen (suggested by the Vet), so that it takes her a lot of time and energy to devour them. The necks are wrapped in the discarded packaging from biscuits, dried fruit etc and stored flat in the freezer. They are low in fat, perfect for keeping teeth clean and cost far less than tinned dog food. Chicken shops sell chicken necks as low as $2.50kg.
Contributed by Margaret
An excellent nutritious chew for a large dog is a bundle of 2-3 chicken necks. We feed them to our dog frozen (suggested by the Vet), so that it takes her a lot of time and energy to devour them. The necks are wrapped in the discarded packaging from biscuits, dried fruit etc and stored flat in the freezer. They are low in fat, perfect for keeping teeth clean and cost far less than tinned dog food. Chicken shops sell chicken necks as low as $2.50kg.
Contributed by Margaret
Best Dog Food Advice
One of the best pieces of advice we received from our vet was to start feeding our puppy household scraps (as his main meal) from an early age so that we did not end up with the "gourmet diet" doggy. If you generally eat well but have fish n chips or pizza or Chinese sometimes then so can he! Saves heaps when you can throw on some leftover sandwiches, a bit of spag bol, an egg and stir in a splash of milk (microwave it a bit) etc. If you don't introduce this early in life you may end up with a very pricey pet food bill.(check with your vet but we started our pup very early just going gently on the spicy foods which he now loves! PS not too much carbohydrate or just like us they will get beefy. And he also put us onto cat food which is a cheap addition to leftovers and very good for dogs.(we use the no name brands) :-)
Contributed by Noni
One of the best pieces of advice we received from our vet was to start feeding our puppy household scraps (as his main meal) from an early age so that we did not end up with the "gourmet diet" doggy. If you generally eat well but have fish n chips or pizza or Chinese sometimes then so can he! Saves heaps when you can throw on some leftover sandwiches, a bit of spag bol, an egg and stir in a splash of milk (microwave it a bit) etc. If you don't introduce this early in life you may end up with a very pricey pet food bill.(check with your vet but we started our pup very early just going gently on the spicy foods which he now loves! PS not too much carbohydrate or just like us they will get beefy. And he also put us onto cat food which is a cheap addition to leftovers and very good for dogs.(we use the no name brands) :-)
Contributed by Noni
Pet Mince $1/kilo
Approximate $ Savings: $10.00-$12.00 per week
I have 2 dogs and was buying dog food weekly. Our Lenards chicken shop sells pet mince for $1.00 per kilo. So every 10 or so days I have 3 kilos. I put this in a large pot with a $1.00 packet of pasta and all my unused vegies and cook for a couple of hours. I then buy the tinfoil oblong containers and freeze them. This can make up to 15-20 containers. It's cheap and I know what my animals are eating and they love it.
Contributed by Wendy
Approximate $ Savings: $10.00-$12.00 per week
I have 2 dogs and was buying dog food weekly. Our Lenards chicken shop sells pet mince for $1.00 per kilo. So every 10 or so days I have 3 kilos. I put this in a large pot with a $1.00 packet of pasta and all my unused vegies and cook for a couple of hours. I then buy the tinfoil oblong containers and freeze them. This can make up to 15-20 containers. It's cheap and I know what my animals are eating and they love it.
Contributed by Wendy
Saving 50% on Dog Food
Approximate $ Savings: $15
I save up to 50% on the cost of feeding my dog by purchasing bulk packs of 12 x 400g tins from Big W for just $15/case. This saves me up to $15. I have found that Big W has a lot of other pet food at far cheaper prices than supermarkets. For example I can by 1 kg packs of Schmakos for only $10.
Contributed by Roula
Approximate $ Savings: $15
I save up to 50% on the cost of feeding my dog by purchasing bulk packs of 12 x 400g tins from Big W for just $15/case. This saves me up to $15. I have found that Big W has a lot of other pet food at far cheaper prices than supermarkets. For example I can by 1 kg packs of Schmakos for only $10.
Contributed by Roula
Bulk Buying Dry Dog Food
When buying dog food for my two large dogs I buy their dried food in 20-25Kg bags from Pet Produce stores. Once purchased I store the food in a galvanized garbage bin with a lid and it lasts just over a month. It costs me between $19 and $26 a bag, depending on what brand I buy - compared to the supermarket prices I save every time, and when I add in fresh lamb hearts or livers the dogs just love it.
Contributed by Megan
When buying dog food for my two large dogs I buy their dried food in 20-25Kg bags from Pet Produce stores. Once purchased I store the food in a galvanized garbage bin with a lid and it lasts just over a month. It costs me between $19 and $26 a bag, depending on what brand I buy - compared to the supermarket prices I save every time, and when I add in fresh lamb hearts or livers the dogs just love it.
Contributed by Megan
Homemade Dog Food with Chicken Mince
We have a large dog and dog food is very expensive so I make my own. Pet mince is available from any pet food outlet for around $1 - $1.20 per kg, I use chicken mince. Cook 1 kg chicken mince with 1 packet of home brand rice and a large packet of home brand vegies. I rotate the rice with Homebrand pasta each time, placing in old 2 litre ice cream containers and freezing. This will feed your large dog for a week or a small dog for a fortnight for around $3.
Contributed by Terese
We have a large dog and dog food is very expensive so I make my own. Pet mince is available from any pet food outlet for around $1 - $1.20 per kg, I use chicken mince. Cook 1 kg chicken mince with 1 packet of home brand rice and a large packet of home brand vegies. I rotate the rice with Homebrand pasta each time, placing in old 2 litre ice cream containers and freezing. This will feed your large dog for a week or a small dog for a fortnight for around $3.
Contributed by Terese
Cut Your Vet Bills in Half
To cut your vet bills by at least half give your dog Pooch Power Plus an all-natural supplement put on food every day. My dog now only goes to vet once a year for her shots. No more skin problems or arthritis or fleas. Go to www.poochpowerplus.com.au
Contributed by Margaret
To cut your vet bills by at least half give your dog Pooch Power Plus an all-natural supplement put on food every day. My dog now only goes to vet once a year for her shots. No more skin problems or arthritis or fleas. Go to www.poochpowerplus.com.au
Contributed by Margaret
Cheaper Dog Food More Expensive in the End
I was reading an old newsletter that must have slipped through without me noticing. This is in response to Samantha, Riverside way back in June 2005. It is false economy to buy those particular brands of dog biscuits. Most brands available from the supermarket, including Pal, are cereal based and so are not giving your dogs the right amount of nutrients. Yes, they are cheaper through the checkout, but you require more for your canine loved ones. I have researched this and have found the brand Supercoat (meat based) is much better for your dog. It is more expensive to buy initially but you need significantly less. I have two "over" active dogs and feeding them this brand has lowered the bill (albeit only slightly) in the end. And now they are healthier than ever (less vet trips) but I now know that they are getting enough nutrients. These biscuits (I only feed them up to two cups each per day) and the suggested meaty bone (try brisket, nothing left in the yard) every day has made a noticeable difference to their attitudes, coat and all round well being. Most livestock feed yard carry them in up to 18 kilo bags and I have even been able to bring the price down again by just asking and letting others know of their great service. Consult your vet he/she will agree. Try it for 6 months and just notice the difference in man's (women's) best friends.
Contributed by Amanda
I was reading an old newsletter that must have slipped through without me noticing. This is in response to Samantha, Riverside way back in June 2005. It is false economy to buy those particular brands of dog biscuits. Most brands available from the supermarket, including Pal, are cereal based and so are not giving your dogs the right amount of nutrients. Yes, they are cheaper through the checkout, but you require more for your canine loved ones. I have researched this and have found the brand Supercoat (meat based) is much better for your dog. It is more expensive to buy initially but you need significantly less. I have two "over" active dogs and feeding them this brand has lowered the bill (albeit only slightly) in the end. And now they are healthier than ever (less vet trips) but I now know that they are getting enough nutrients. These biscuits (I only feed them up to two cups each per day) and the suggested meaty bone (try brisket, nothing left in the yard) every day has made a noticeable difference to their attitudes, coat and all round well being. Most livestock feed yard carry them in up to 18 kilo bags and I have even been able to bring the price down again by just asking and letting others know of their great service. Consult your vet he/she will agree. Try it for 6 months and just notice the difference in man's (women's) best friends.
Contributed by Amanda
Diet Affects Dog’s Skin Condition
Check out your dogs diet! Try going natural/raw food. We also use Phuds (add to food) (brownsanimalherbals.com.au). (They also have herbal remedies for itching etc and do email consults).
Contributed by MW
Check out your dogs diet! Try going natural/raw food. We also use Phuds (add to food) (brownsanimalherbals.com.au). (They also have herbal remedies for itching etc and do email consults).
Contributed by MW
Natural Food Best for Dogs
If commercial pet food (poison in a can), change to a natural raw food diet (chicken necks, raw meaty bones etc.). Secondly, check the dog has no allergies to any plants in your garden. Dogs don't scratch for no reason. It's usually an allergy to something or it's flea bites. Also be wary of over shampooing your dog and making his skin dry and itchy.
Contributed by Diane
If commercial pet food (poison in a can), change to a natural raw food diet (chicken necks, raw meaty bones etc.). Secondly, check the dog has no allergies to any plants in your garden. Dogs don't scratch for no reason. It's usually an allergy to something or it's flea bites. Also be wary of over shampooing your dog and making his skin dry and itchy.
Contributed by Diane
Avoid Food Colourings
My dog used to have allergy problems and would scratch himself until he bled. I was advised that the food colouring in commercial brands of dried dog food caused his allergy. Once I bought his food from a pet-shop and not the supermarket, the pet-shop products contained no colourings, my dog no longer suffered from his allergy problems. The gel from the Aloe Vera plant rubbed on to the affected area two or three times a day used to alleviate his scratching and it took a few days to heal, the Aloe soothed the area and his fur began to grow back after a week or so. This product is also available in a tube from the health food shops and it will not harm the dog if he does lick it off! Try changing your dog's food to organic products that do not contain food colouring and see if it makes a difference.
Contributed by Beverley
My dog used to have allergy problems and would scratch himself until he bled. I was advised that the food colouring in commercial brands of dried dog food caused his allergy. Once I bought his food from a pet-shop and not the supermarket, the pet-shop products contained no colourings, my dog no longer suffered from his allergy problems. The gel from the Aloe Vera plant rubbed on to the affected area two or three times a day used to alleviate his scratching and it took a few days to heal, the Aloe soothed the area and his fur began to grow back after a week or so. This product is also available in a tube from the health food shops and it will not harm the dog if he does lick it off! Try changing your dog's food to organic products that do not contain food colouring and see if it makes a difference.
Contributed by Beverley
Pet Loaf
Ingredients:
1/2 cup of wheat germ,
1 cup rice bran,
1/4-1/2 kilo mince (any kind),
1/4 cabbage shredded,
1 grated carrot,
1 cup rolled barley (from health shop).
Method:
Cook all veggies and mince, boil barley in 2 cups water, add all together and put in an ice-cream container. Cats will eat this as well. This recipe was given to me by a lady who writes for Grass Roots Magazine in 1988 and all my animals eat it.
Contributed by Robyne
Ingredients:
1/2 cup of wheat germ,
1 cup rice bran,
1/4-1/2 kilo mince (any kind),
1/4 cabbage shredded,
1 grated carrot,
1 cup rolled barley (from health shop).
Method:
Cook all veggies and mince, boil barley in 2 cups water, add all together and put in an ice-cream container. Cats will eat this as well. This recipe was given to me by a lady who writes for Grass Roots Magazine in 1988 and all my animals eat it.
Contributed by Robyne
MOO Dog Biscuits
Ingredients:
60g butter,
1 small tin of meat paste or fish for cats,
120g plain flour,
1 tablespoon. Gravox,
a little milk to mix together
Method:
Mix all tog and roll out thinly cut into small squares. Bake in 180 degree Celsius oven for 15-20 mins Remove from oven and let cool for hard biscuits put back in for another 5-6 mins. Teenagers can eat this with out harm mine did.
Contributed by Robyne
Ingredients:
60g butter,
1 small tin of meat paste or fish for cats,
120g plain flour,
1 tablespoon. Gravox,
a little milk to mix together
Method:
Mix all tog and roll out thinly cut into small squares. Bake in 180 degree Celsius oven for 15-20 mins Remove from oven and let cool for hard biscuits put back in for another 5-6 mins. Teenagers can eat this with out harm mine did.
Contributed by Robyne
Homemade Doggy Meatloaf
I have one of my dogs itchy skin, so I don't give my dogs any kind of tinned food as they are so full of chemicals that cause it also dog biscuits but I do buy HB meaty rings for them but not all the time. Bones but no pet mince as you don't know what's in it.
Dog Loaf
Ingredients:
2 cups of white Beans, soaked over night,
1/4 cup wheat germ,
1-1/2 kilos mince,
4 eggs,
2 cups brown rice,
2 teaspoons salt,
4 cups water,
4 cups carrots grated,
2 large potatoes grated,
* 2 teaspoon stock powder.
Method:
Grate all veggies and par boil. Cook rice in stock powder and water over night and allow to go cold. Strain veggies. Put potatoes, carrots, meat, rice, eggs, beans and wheat germ into a very large bowl and mix with your hands until well combined. Put into a large roasting tin or several cake tins as it freezes well later. Bake at 180 degrees Celsius for 1-1/2 hours. Serve when cold.
* If using commercial stock powder cut the salt down to 1 teaspoon. Dr Harry's web site has some really good recipes for dogs and cats.
Contributed by Robyne
I have one of my dogs itchy skin, so I don't give my dogs any kind of tinned food as they are so full of chemicals that cause it also dog biscuits but I do buy HB meaty rings for them but not all the time. Bones but no pet mince as you don't know what's in it.
Dog Loaf
Ingredients:
2 cups of white Beans, soaked over night,
1/4 cup wheat germ,
1-1/2 kilos mince,
4 eggs,
2 cups brown rice,
2 teaspoons salt,
4 cups water,
4 cups carrots grated,
2 large potatoes grated,
* 2 teaspoon stock powder.
Method:
Grate all veggies and par boil. Cook rice in stock powder and water over night and allow to go cold. Strain veggies. Put potatoes, carrots, meat, rice, eggs, beans and wheat germ into a very large bowl and mix with your hands until well combined. Put into a large roasting tin or several cake tins as it freezes well later. Bake at 180 degrees Celsius for 1-1/2 hours. Serve when cold.
* If using commercial stock powder cut the salt down to 1 teaspoon. Dr Harry's web site has some really good recipes for dogs and cats.
Contributed by Robyne
Home Made Dog Food Warning
I have noticed that a lot of people are now making their own dog food and just wanted to warn everyone not to feed their dogs cabbage. The people who live behind us have Basset Hounds and were advised by the breeder to feed the dogs vegetables including cabbage. One of the dogs ended up with a bloated stomach and had to have emergency surgery at 2am or would have died. This all came at a cost of $700. Check with your vet as to what is the best food for your pet or it may turn out to be very costly and most of all heartbreaking.
Contributed by Megan
I have noticed that a lot of people are now making their own dog food and just wanted to warn everyone not to feed their dogs cabbage. The people who live behind us have Basset Hounds and were advised by the breeder to feed the dogs vegetables including cabbage. One of the dogs ended up with a bloated stomach and had to have emergency surgery at 2am or would have died. This all came at a cost of $700. Check with your vet as to what is the best food for your pet or it may turn out to be very costly and most of all heartbreaking.
Contributed by Megan
A Supper Cuppa!
On cold nights my dogs go to bed with a hot cuppa! Try milky tea/coffee, hot soup (made from Homebrand chicken noodle soup made according to packet directions), even milky thin porridges will help keep them warm till morning. My dogs have "supper" each night about 10pm before I go to bed! I look after them well because they have always loved & protected me! My Bluey girl is 17 years old and her Bluey son is 14 years old and both in great health thanks to these simple ideas. Hope this helps you keep your pets happy n healthy Lorna.
Contributed by Pauline
On cold nights my dogs go to bed with a hot cuppa! Try milky tea/coffee, hot soup (made from Homebrand chicken noodle soup made according to packet directions), even milky thin porridges will help keep them warm till morning. My dogs have "supper" each night about 10pm before I go to bed! I look after them well because they have always loved & protected me! My Bluey girl is 17 years old and her Bluey son is 14 years old and both in great health thanks to these simple ideas. Hope this helps you keep your pets happy n healthy Lorna.
Contributed by Pauline
Homemade Pet Food
About five years ago I had a couple of aged Jack Russell Terriers, mother and son. I changed their diet from chicken necks each night to soft food, as the mother couldn't chew the chicken necks anymore. I cooked up roast meat in the pressure cooker every two to three weeks. I then cut it up and put it in the food processor and chopped the meat up until it was kind of like mince. I then cooked rice and a heap of cheap veggies and mixed them up with the meat and they loved it. I hope this helps you as it did for me.
Contributed by Kay
About five years ago I had a couple of aged Jack Russell Terriers, mother and son. I changed their diet from chicken necks each night to soft food, as the mother couldn't chew the chicken necks anymore. I cooked up roast meat in the pressure cooker every two to three weeks. I then cut it up and put it in the food processor and chopped the meat up until it was kind of like mince. I then cooked rice and a heap of cheap veggies and mixed them up with the meat and they loved it. I hope this helps you as it did for me.
Contributed by Kay
Soft Food for Dogs and Cats
For food, why not try pouring boiling water on dry food and letting it soak in to soften it? Add some softened Weetbix and some gravy. You can change the flavours by using different gravies. A cat can also benefit from warming up some pet milk for it to sup on. If you wish to help with their coats - use an old show pet trick and give them an egg yolk (NOT the white). It gives them a lovely glossy coat, and also adds to their nutrition.
Contributed by Lesley
For food, why not try pouring boiling water on dry food and letting it soak in to soften it? Add some softened Weetbix and some gravy. You can change the flavours by using different gravies. A cat can also benefit from warming up some pet milk for it to sup on. If you wish to help with their coats - use an old show pet trick and give them an egg yolk (NOT the white). It gives them a lovely glossy coat, and also adds to their nutrition.
Contributed by Lesley
Cooking for Your Dog
On the weekends when I have more time I cook up Homebrand rice (buying in bulk is cheaper) and mix it with Homebrand cat sardines (1-2tins/kg of rice) and also add some mashed veggies. Adding some olive oil, garlic and apple cider vinegar helps with digestion, arthritis and getting things through, as old dogs digestive tract muscles relax as they get older. I cook enough to last for the week or you can freeze meal size portions. Cats are more difficult as they tend to be fussy and limited to mainly meat. I buy cat biscuits in bulk and then buy the expensive biscuits (for specific requirements e.g. age) and mix with the cheaper ones or alternate between the two every week. Chicken necks are cheap and still good for old cats and dogs. Mince is a good and cheap option for cats.
Contributed by Jessica
On the weekends when I have more time I cook up Homebrand rice (buying in bulk is cheaper) and mix it with Homebrand cat sardines (1-2tins/kg of rice) and also add some mashed veggies. Adding some olive oil, garlic and apple cider vinegar helps with digestion, arthritis and getting things through, as old dogs digestive tract muscles relax as they get older. I cook enough to last for the week or you can freeze meal size portions. Cats are more difficult as they tend to be fussy and limited to mainly meat. I buy cat biscuits in bulk and then buy the expensive biscuits (for specific requirements e.g. age) and mix with the cheaper ones or alternate between the two every week. Chicken necks are cheap and still good for old cats and dogs. Mince is a good and cheap option for cats.
Contributed by Jessica
Prepare Ahead and Save
You can buy pet mince from Lenard's Chicken shops for $1.50/kg (some will do 5kg for $5.00 I've heard but not found one). Keep all your veggie peelings, cutoffs, scraps and do a big cook up with rice. This is very economical and soft; your old pooches shouldn't really have to chew much at all, just slurp it down with glee! My dogs have always loved this. I usually do a big cook up and then freeze in recycled containers from takeaways or even just cheap ones from the Warehouse. You then have food for a month and just have to remember to take a container out of the freezer each day or as required. Even if you forget, you can always zap it in the microwave and "serve" it warm.
Contributed by Karen
You can buy pet mince from Lenard's Chicken shops for $1.50/kg (some will do 5kg for $5.00 I've heard but not found one). Keep all your veggie peelings, cutoffs, scraps and do a big cook up with rice. This is very economical and soft; your old pooches shouldn't really have to chew much at all, just slurp it down with glee! My dogs have always loved this. I usually do a big cook up and then freeze in recycled containers from takeaways or even just cheap ones from the Warehouse. You then have food for a month and just have to remember to take a container out of the freezer each day or as required. Even if you forget, you can always zap it in the microwave and "serve" it warm.
Contributed by Karen
Feed a Dog for a Fortnight for $3
We have a large dog and dog food is very expensive so I make my own. Pet mince is available from any pet food outlet for around $1 - $1.20 per kg, I use chicken mince. Cook 1 kg chicken mince with 1 packet of home brand rice and a large packet of home brand veggies. I rotate the rice with home brand pasta each time, placing in old 2 litre ice cream containers and freezing. This will feed your large dog for a week or a small dog for a fortnight for around $3.
Contributed by Terese
We have a large dog and dog food is very expensive so I make my own. Pet mince is available from any pet food outlet for around $1 - $1.20 per kg, I use chicken mince. Cook 1 kg chicken mince with 1 packet of home brand rice and a large packet of home brand veggies. I rotate the rice with home brand pasta each time, placing in old 2 litre ice cream containers and freezing. This will feed your large dog for a week or a small dog for a fortnight for around $3.
Contributed by Terese
Good Pet Food
We have 2 dogs, 4 cats and 2 fish. This is what we do: put garlic powder in the dogs' food as a natural deterrent for fleas and also add kelp. We feed raw food and some dry food for all the animals - you will find this is not only cheaper at point of sale, but will save you money not going to the vets. A lot of dry and wet commercial foods can cause skin, allergy & teeth/gum problems in dogs/cats, due to lack of nutrients. We buy our pet food from pet food suppliers, also ensure any chicken you feed is human grade (avoid those hormones, organic pref). Also save money by not getting annual vaccinations for pets - waste of money PLUS bad for pets' health (have done MUCH research on this). As for recipes - look up on the net the BARF diet, or RAW MEATY BONES. Join an online forum also, I belong to a dog and a cat one, learn lots of info and share tips/ideas. (PS. I know I wouldn't like to eat tinned wet smelly food every day! Plus it would ruin my teeth, gums etc!)
Contributed by Merran
We have 2 dogs, 4 cats and 2 fish. This is what we do: put garlic powder in the dogs' food as a natural deterrent for fleas and also add kelp. We feed raw food and some dry food for all the animals - you will find this is not only cheaper at point of sale, but will save you money not going to the vets. A lot of dry and wet commercial foods can cause skin, allergy & teeth/gum problems in dogs/cats, due to lack of nutrients. We buy our pet food from pet food suppliers, also ensure any chicken you feed is human grade (avoid those hormones, organic pref). Also save money by not getting annual vaccinations for pets - waste of money PLUS bad for pets' health (have done MUCH research on this). As for recipes - look up on the net the BARF diet, or RAW MEATY BONES. Join an online forum also, I belong to a dog and a cat one, learn lots of info and share tips/ideas. (PS. I know I wouldn't like to eat tinned wet smelly food every day! Plus it would ruin my teeth, gums etc!)
Contributed by Merran
Pet Food Bargain
Found a wonderful pet food shop at Mt Barker called Petworth. Run by 2 ex-butchers. Their meat is really lovely and not off when you defrost it. Prices are $1.50kg for chicken mince up to $3.50kg for roo. They make pet loaves for $2.60kg. It costs me around $7 a fortnight to feed 3 dogs and a cat, all fussy eaters. I make up a stew for them with a cup of rice, potatoes, carrots, and any thing I can find in the fridge to go into it. Sometimes I put in a packet of 2 minute noodles to add bulk. They deliver around the area and down the south coast. They are also at the markets at Goolwa and Victor Harbor every week.
Contributed by Robyne
Found a wonderful pet food shop at Mt Barker called Petworth. Run by 2 ex-butchers. Their meat is really lovely and not off when you defrost it. Prices are $1.50kg for chicken mince up to $3.50kg for roo. They make pet loaves for $2.60kg. It costs me around $7 a fortnight to feed 3 dogs and a cat, all fussy eaters. I make up a stew for them with a cup of rice, potatoes, carrots, and any thing I can find in the fridge to go into it. Sometimes I put in a packet of 2 minute noodles to add bulk. They deliver around the area and down the south coast. They are also at the markets at Goolwa and Victor Harbor every week.
Contributed by Robyne
Dog Food
I found this recipe for home made dog food on another site and tried it out. My dog loves it and I know what is in it and it cost considerably less than buying canned food. 1kg pet mince ($1.50 from butchers) 1kg frozen mixed vegies ($2.) 500g of pasta ($1) handful of rice (40c) 1tbsp of used oil (nil as you would just toss it anyway). Boil the pasta and rice in water with oil added, drain add the mince and vegies and spoon into containers and freeze the extra, defrost, as you need it. I have a small dog so for under $5.00 I have enough wet dog food to last her nearly 3 weeks with adding a handful of dry biscuits.
Contributed by Tina
I found this recipe for home made dog food on another site and tried it out. My dog loves it and I know what is in it and it cost considerably less than buying canned food. 1kg pet mince ($1.50 from butchers) 1kg frozen mixed vegies ($2.) 500g of pasta ($1) handful of rice (40c) 1tbsp of used oil (nil as you would just toss it anyway). Boil the pasta and rice in water with oil added, drain add the mince and vegies and spoon into containers and freeze the extra, defrost, as you need it. I have a small dog so for under $5.00 I have enough wet dog food to last her nearly 3 weeks with adding a handful of dry biscuits.
Contributed by Tina
Pet Food
If you have dogs and cats you will know how expensive the food bill can be. I've discovered this fantastic company that has almost halved my bill. The food is suitable for both cats and dogs and as I have 2 of each it's perfect. Best of all, they home deliver! They are called E-Nuff and their phone number is 03 95789123.
Contributed by Carol
If you have dogs and cats you will know how expensive the food bill can be. I've discovered this fantastic company that has almost halved my bill. The food is suitable for both cats and dogs and as I have 2 of each it's perfect. Best of all, they home deliver! They are called E-Nuff and their phone number is 03 95789123.
Contributed by Carol
Make Your Own Dog Food
Make your own dog food!! Buy uncooked pet mince and cheap frozen vegies then cook the mince in vegetable oil, and add the vegies until they are cooked through. You can also add cooked rice or pasta (cut up anything big) to bulk up the meal - making it even cheaper - just don't add too much or fussy dogs will turn their noses up at it! You can mix in gravy for a change; alternate the types of mince that you use and even heat it up a little for cold nights. My dogs love it, especially because when there are leftovers from "human meals". I mix it with their food so they get different flavours almost every night. Also this means that they are not receiving titbits throughout the day so they are not overeating.
Contributed by Tanya
Make your own dog food!! Buy uncooked pet mince and cheap frozen vegies then cook the mince in vegetable oil, and add the vegies until they are cooked through. You can also add cooked rice or pasta (cut up anything big) to bulk up the meal - making it even cheaper - just don't add too much or fussy dogs will turn their noses up at it! You can mix in gravy for a change; alternate the types of mince that you use and even heat it up a little for cold nights. My dogs love it, especially because when there are leftovers from "human meals". I mix it with their food so they get different flavours almost every night. Also this means that they are not receiving titbits throughout the day so they are not overeating.
Contributed by Tanya