Keeping a beloved pet well fed can be a real challenge in tough economic times. A job loss, failing business or bad investment can wreak havoc on your household budget. Yet many people think of their dog or cat like family, and would sooner go hungry themselves than give up their pet. Sometimes we just need a little help to stretch our budget, and getting free pet food is one way to do that. Here are 8 easy ways to get free dog food and cat food.
Pet Food Company Websites
Large or small, nearly all pet food companies have websites these days. Many of them offer free pet food coupons you can download, and some will even mail you samples, particularly when they are introducing a new formula they want you to try. You can also call a pet food company directly or visit their Facebook page to inquire about free pet food samples or coupons.
Frequent Buyer Programs
Many pet food companies have incentive programs to encourage brand loyalty. You can sign up for these at your local independent pet food store or feed store, where they keep the card on file for you. After buying a certain number, say 12 cases of dog food, your 13th case is free.
Some pet stores also have buyer incentive programs, where once you spent a certain amount on pet food and other supplies, they’ll give you a dollar savings or percent discount on your next purchase.
Ask your Vet
Pet food companies know that veterinary offices are good places for them to garner new customers for their brand(s). It’s an easy way for them to reach their target audience, and as such, they often give vets samples to hand out. Although this practice is more common with big-name companies, I have seen samples of lesser-known natural pet foods at some vets, particularly those who offer holistic services.
Win Free Dog Food
Now that nearly every household has internet access, drawings, contests and giveaways for free pet food are prevalent. Canidae Natural Pet Foods sponsors a blog that awards one new reader every quarter with six months worth of free dog food or cat food. You can find many other opportunities to win free pet food by visiting freebie and coupon sites, giveaway sites, pet blogs and pet forums, and websites of pet food companies.
Write a Product Review
If you have a favorite brand of dog food or cat food that you are already feeding your pet, you can write a review of it based on your personal experience. You can then publish it online on websites like Associated Content, and send a note to the pet food company. Chances are, they will send you some free pet food coupons as a thank you. Or, you can simply write a testimonial about how a company’s food has contributed to your pet’s good health, and send it to them.
Get Free Samples
Your local independent pet store or feed store will often have baskets of free samples for both dog food and cat food. You can also find samples at some grocery outlets, such as community food co-ops. Sometimes there will even be reps from pet food companies there to tell you about their products, and to offer free pet food and coupons. Ask the store if any events such as this are coming up, and be sure to stop by on that date.
Sign Up at www.getfreedogfood.com
This website has commercial relationships with top pet food companies worldwide who wish to run promotions, contests, vouchers, and other incentives that involve giving away free dog food. All you have to do is sign up by answering a few simple questions about your dog, and free dog food promotions will be sent via email – not just one time, but as they occur.
Food Banks
Many food banks now have pet food available for their low income clients who qualify for assistance. Pet food banks that distribute free dog food and cat food only have also opened up in many U.S. states, includingCalifornia, Georgia, Maryland, Michigan, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Oklahoma and Oregon.
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http://www.dogmagazine.net/archives/3985/how-to-get-free-dog-food/
http://www.getfreedogfood.com/
http://www.catchannel.com/community/pet-food-banks.aspx
