After just pouring out the last biscuits from another 4kg dog food bag, I left am thinking, is it cheaper to buy pet food in bulk? So, to find the answers, I conducted some research of my own.
The concept of bulk being better value, is sound in theory. In physical stores, the cost of dry food per kilogram is cheaper ‘in bulk’. However, when it comes to online shopping, bulk buying is often not any cheaper. But, online prices tend to be cheaper than physical stores anyway, regardless of bag size. Overall, it is best to research your chosen pet food across multiple sellers and in multiple volumes.
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Pet Food Cost per kg
To conduct our mini study, we researched the cost of dry cat and dog foods at different sized bags to find the cost per kilogram. Specifically, we looked at Science Diet Cat food, and Supercoat Dog food.
We looked at Amazon and a large, well known brick and mortar store to see if there was any difference between the two common ways of buying pet food.
Instore, ‘bulk’ bags were cheaper per kilogram compared to small bags. However, online prices were a different ball game. The size of the bag had no bearing on price, and in most instances the online prices were cheaper in all sized bags compared to instore.
The lowest price per kilogram of high quality SUPERCOAT dog food bag we could find, was SUPERCOAT Adult Beef Dry Dog Food 20kg. Check the price on Amazon now.
The lowest price per kilogram of high quality Science Diet Cat food bag we could find, was Hill’s Science Diet Light Dry Cat Food 2kg. Check the price on Amazon now.
What does 'Bulk' Pet Food mean?
When it comes to buying food for your furry friends, I have little doubt you have thought about buying in ‘in bulk’.
Bulk is often considered to be beneficial to you, the customer, looking to stock up on pet supplies at a low cost per volume.
Wholesale is a term you may also have heard, that relates more for those in the pet business who want to grab a large batch of products to sell to people like you (It’s like the behind-the-scenes deal for the pet shop owners.)
The benefits of bulk buys is considered the lower cost per weight, as well convenience. When you think about it, how much of a pain is it when you have to struggle with heavy bags of pet food every time you run out? Buying in bulk can make your life easier.
You may be worried that buying in bulk means compromising on your pet’s nutrition. But buying dog food in bulk doesn’t mean sacrificing the goodness in your pet’s diet. Often, you can still buy the same top-notch brands, while enjoying the benefits of buying in bulk.
Why is Pet Food Cheaper in Bulk?
When it comes to making your hard-earned dollars stretch further, buying in bulk may seem like the go to. It’s a method of purchasing that trends up and down in popularity – often based on external factors like impending cyclones and increasing product prices from inflation.
Buying in bulk (in person at your local pet store) benefits you in the way of price, because it benefits the business in the way of overheads.
Bulk means less handling on a per-item basis. You grab a large item all at once, reducing the fuss and hassle of individual transactions for the seller.
When I researched this topic online, purchasing in bulk is generally also considered cheaper because you’re not shelling out for excess packaging or shouldering the burden of advertising and marketing costs that are typically included in individual products.
I also found some information that says discusses how bulk is cheaper because wages and overhead storage and rental costs are less, which may be true in specific bulk buy pet stores – such as fodder shops and rural and farming product stores.
When Should I Buy Food in Bulk?
Buying in bulk can be a savvy move for pet owners who want to save money and organise their shopping routines.
However, it’s important to approach bulk purchases with a strategic mindset, considering everything ensure the savings you gain from buying in bulk are worthwhile.
One potential benefit of bulk buying is that you are able to be more generous with portions, to ensure your furry friends are well-fed and content. However, this is only a positive if you have the discipline to stick to appropriate serving sizes. You need to avoid overfeeding to prevent unnecessary expenses in the long run.
You should also be mindful that pets, like humans, can grow tired of eating the same food repeatedly. If you’re confident that your pet won’t get bored and you’ve found a reliable brand, bulk buying might be a suitable option.
It’s also important to think about the perishability of pet food. While buying in bulk often implies cost savings per unit, it may not be economical if the food expires before it’s eaten by your pet. Make sure you have a cool and dry space store the food to ensuring it remains fresh and safe for your pet.
To add to this, you should invest in a good airtight container for when the original packaging is opened. This helps prevent the rest of the food from going stale and losing its nutritional value. Plus, airtight containers also protect the food from pests.
Conclusion
If you go to a regular store, getting a big bag of pet food can be cheaper per kilogram. But, when you check online, the prices might not depend on the bag size, and online prices are often cheaper overall.
Buying a bunch at once can be a good idea because it’s less hassle and can save money. Traditional stores like it because it’s easier for them to handle big bags, reducing their costs. Online, it might be cheaper because there’s less fancy packaging and marketing costs.
However, when thinking about buying in bulk, you should be smart about it. If you have space, can keep the food fresh, and your pet won’t get bored of eating the same thing, it can be a money-saver. But, you need to be careful not to overfeed your pet or let the food go bad.
In the end, the decision to buy pet food in bulk depends on your situation. It might save you money, but it’s essential to think about your pet’s needs and your storage space.
So, what do you think? Will you be buying bulk pet food bags? Let us know below!
