If you’re thinking of adopting a cat, you’ll need to set aside money for its food and other needs. That includes vet bills, treatments for accidents or illnesses, as well as any other miscellaneous expenses that arise along the way.
However, it’s essential to remember that there are ways to make feeding your cat more affordable. Raw diets tend to be cheaper than premium kibble and grain-free canned foods.
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Cost of Meat
When shopping for cat food, the cost of meat can vary significantly based on type and quality. To get an accurate price per kilo estimate from your local supermarket or butcher, it’s wise to know the approximate amount so you can compare prices and take advantage of any great deals when available.
The best way to reduce your cat food expenses is feeding them a high-quality diet that meets their specific nutritional needs as obligate carnivores, with no fillers, grains or carbohydrates. This will keep them healthy and help avoid common health issues like obesity, dental disease and urinary tract diseases.
Furthermore, feeding your cat both wet and dry foods as part of their overall diet is a wise idea. Wet foods provide a source of water which may be especially beneficial for overweight cats or those with digestive issues.
Cost of Other Ingredients
The cost of other ingredients can significantly influence the price tag for cat food. These include vitamins, minerals, and other supplements.
Meat ingredients like chicken, lamb and turkey tend to be more expensive than vegetable and grain-based items due to the quality of the meat. Furthermore, costs vary based on where it comes from; farms using humane farming practices often charge more for production of these cuts of meat.
In addition to meat, many cat foods include grains and carbohydrates as well as added fat. These tend to be high in calories, and some of these added fats may even be harmful for cats.
Other ingredients in pet foods may differ, but common ones include cornmeal, potato starch and more fats. As these costs add up quickly if not checked carefully on the label before purchase, opt for limited-ingredient cat food that emphasizes protein as its major component.
Cost of Packaging
As inflationary pressures hit the packaging industry, pet food brands have had to increase prices in order to cover rising raw material and transportation expenses. This increase has prompted many owners to search for cheaper alternatives.
Consumers are increasingly seeking sustainable packaging options, so manufacturers are joining forces with packaging companies that provide green alternatives. A recent Mondi survey revealed that 75% of respondents preferred brands offering sustainable pet food packaging.
Flexible pouches are a popular choice for cat food packaging due to their convenient resealable design and ability to keep food fresh – something which appeals to consumers.
Unfortunately, many flexible pouches are made from multi-laminate materials which cannot be recycled easily. To address this problem, packaging companies are developing recyclable mono-material options like Mondi’s BarrierPack Recyclable. This features a plastic laminate that can be separated into layers and recycled in areas accepting flexible packaging such as store drop-offs.
Cost of Shipping
When shipping your cat food, you should be aware that prices vary based on the mode of transport and any services selected. Furthermore, international shipments will have additional expenses to bear in mind.
When it comes to shipping your cat’s food, there are a variety of options. From traditional pet stores to online delivery services, there is something for everyone when it comes to convenience – so be sure to compare their prices and reviews before making a decision.
Saving on shipping costs is possible when ordering cat food online and having it delivered regularly. Many companies provide personalized recipes as well as a selection of brands.
Some cat food delivery services sell pre-made pouches of raw meat that are frozen and shipped with dry ice. This can be an ideal solution for busy pet parents who don’t have time to shop in person. These meal kits typically come in boxes of 12 ounces, with reordering options every eight weeks.
