Are you looking for legit ways to get free pet food? Yes? Then you’ve come to the right place. Here are some legit ways to get free pet food.
As a pet owner, you must ensure proper nutrition for your cat or dog. However, pet food costs add up, which may lead you to face financial challenges.
Fortunately, some legit ways are available to get free pet food for your furry friend. All you have to do is choose the best ways that are convenient for you. Moreover, the resources available vary from one location to another. Therefore, you may need to do a little digging to discover what’s available in your area.
In this article, we’ll explore some legit ways to get free pet food.
How To Get Free Pet Food: Cat and Dog
Here are some legit ways to get free pet food. You may receive free pet food year-round using some methods, while some are dedicated to low-income families.
1. Pet Food Banks Program
Many non-profit organizations have pet food bank programs. This program is designed to help low-income families struggling to buy pet food.
If you’re struggling to provide for your pet, you may receive assistance from pet food bank programs. Most pet food banks have super-premium and nutritious dog and cat food.
Here are some non-profit organizations with pet food bank programs:
- The Pongo Fund
- Animal Food Bank
- Concern for Animals
- Bluecross (UK)
- Pet Helpers
- Palm Springs Animal Shelter
Related: Find a pet food bank near you
2. Pet Shelters
Pet Shelters are like a boon for stray dogs and cats. They rescue dogs and cats from the streets to provide a sweet home.
Most pet shelters struggle due to a lack of funding. However, some pet shelters receive enough funding so they can help others. Also, some have a food bank program.
As a pet owner, you can visit your nearest pet shelter to inquire whether they can share food for your furry friend. To get the best possible result, explain your situation to them. Pet shelters will love to help you if they have a food surplus.
Related: Find Local Shelter Resources
3. Pet Food Manufacturers
Do pet food manufacturers give away free food? The answer is YES.
As you may know, giving away is one type of marketing strategy. Likewise, many pet food manufacturers give away free pet food to promote their products, especially new ones.
How do you get free pet food from manufacturers? There are two ways: make a request or wait for promotions.
First of all, make a list of your favorite pet food manufacturers. After that, find their website and subscribe to their newsletter. You’ll get the latest promotions and giveaway news through their newsletter.
You’ll find a contact page on the pet food manufacturer’s website. You can make a sample request from there. You can explain your situation so they feel pity for your furry friend. However, it’s not guaranteed that you’ll receive free food.
You can follow your favorite pet food manufacturers on social media platforms. They run promotions and contests on their social media profiles. Moreover, some companies may have a loyalty program.
Here are some pet food manufacturers who offered pet food samples:
- Purina
- Applaws
- Pedigree
- Zignature
- Essence
- The Pet Way
- Crave
- Orijen
- Nutro
- Rachael Ray Nutrish
- Pet Chef Express
- Taste Of The Wild
- The Pet Pantry
- Happy Dog
- Pet Only
- Sundays Food For Dogs
- Mike Riteland Co
- IAMS
Here are some companies that offer cheap pet food samples:
Note: Free pet food samples are not enough to feed your furry friends for a long time. Moreover, it’s not ideal to change your pet’s food constantly. It may cause intestinal issues.
4. Local Pet Shops or Retailers
You can visit your local pet shops or retailers to inquire whether they are willing to give away free food for your furry friend. Sometimes, pet food manufacturers send free food samples to retailers.
You must explain your circumstances and why you’re requesting free food samples. It may help you to get free pet food samples.
5. Veterinary Clinics
Some pet food manufacturers often send pet food samples directly to veterinary clinics. Veterinary clinics run by the government often receive pet food samples. Therefore, you can ask them for free food samples.
You may receive free pet food samples from private vet clinics participating in charity programs and services like free vaccinations or neutering/spaying.
6. Breed-Specific Groups or Organizations
The internet has given us so much liberty to connect with like-minded people. Many breed-specific groups or organizations provide assistance to low-income families. You have to search for groups or organizations focused on your pet breed.
You can also look for Facebook groups focusing on your pet breed. They may help you to provide free food for your pet.
7. Non-Profit Organizations and Religious Institutions
You must have seen religious institutions like churches, synagogues, and mosques often provide assistance to low-income families. They may willing to give away free food for your furry friend.
You most likely receive assistance from your faith-oriented religious institution. However, some religious institutions are willing to help anyone in need, regardless of faith.
Many non-profit organizations provide financial assistance to pet owners in need. However, they have their own set of rules and guidelines. Therefore, you will have to investigate each one separately to determine if you qualify for assistance.
Here are some of the best non-profit organizations that provide financial assistance:
- Banfield Foundation
- Bow Wow Buddies
- Canine Cancer Awareness
- Pets Of The Homeless
- Meals on Wheels America
- The Mosby Foundation
- The Onyx and Breezy Foundation
- Frankie’s Friends
- Help-a-Pet
- Handicapped Pet Foundation
- The Pet Fund
- Shakespeare Animal Fund
- RedRover Relief
8. Local Pet Food Pantries
Pet food pantries are specialized in providing free or low-cost food to pet owners who are financially struggling. They want to prevent pet owners from surrendering their animals to shelters due to financial constraints.
Pet food pantries distribute food weekly and monthly. Here are some pet food pantries in all US states:
Alaska:
Alabama:
Arizona:
- Chuck Waggin’ Pet Food Pantry
- Empty Bowl Pet Food Pantry
- Pets In Need Action League
- The Good Dog Food Bank
Arkansas:
- All About Labs
- Bella Vista Animal Shelter
- Fuzzy Hearts Animal Rescue
- Out of the Woods Rescue and Referral
California:
- Animal Assistance League of Orange County
- AnimalSave
- Bakersfield Pet Food Pantry
- Berkeley Humane
- Eastbay SPCA
- Halo Cafe
- Furry Friends Pet Relief Program
- Helen Woodward Animal Center
- LA Feeders
- Ohlone Humane Society
- Rescuing Unwanted Furry Friends
- Actors and Others for Pets
- Paws/LA
- Paws San Diego
- The Pet Food Bank
- Placer SPCA
- Sacramento Pet Food Bank
- Santa Cruz SPCA – Heather’s Pet Food Pantry
- SPCA for Monterey County
Colorado:
Connecticut:
Delaware:
Florida:
- You Can Make a Difference, Inc
- Humane Society of North Central Florida
- Humane Society of Tampa Bay
- Humane Society of Pinellas
- Paws Pet Sanctuary
- SPCA Suncoast
- Leon County Humane Society
- Peggy’s Pantry
Georgia:
- Coco’s Cupboard
- Daffy’s Pet Soup Kitchen
- Humane Society of South Coastal Georgia
- The Paws Cause
- Pet Buddies Food Pantry
- Save Our Pets Food Bank
Hawaii:
Idaho:
Illinois:
- Adopt a Senior Pet
- Best Buddies Pet Pantry
- Care for Real
- Friendship Pet Pantry
- Tree house Animals
- Irving Park Food Pantry
- RiverBend Pet Food Pantry
Indiana:
- Best Buddies Pet Pantry
- Brown County Humane Society
- Chow Pantry
- F.I.D.O.
- The Kibble Kitchen Pet Pantry
- Vanderburgh Humane Society
Iowa:
Kansas:
Kentucky:
Louisiana:
Maine:
Maryland:
- Animal Welfare League of Montgomery County
- Anne Arundel Feeding Pets in Need (Anne Arundel County)
- Be More Kind Pet Food Pantry
- Caroline Humane Society
- Frederick County Humane Society
- Humane Society of Harford County
- Maryland SPCA
- MCQE Mobile Pet Pantry (Carroll County)
- Prince William SPCA
- Talbot Humane Society
- Thankful Paws, Inc
Massachusetts:
Michigan:
- Cascades Humane Society
- Humane Society of Huron Valley
- Kalamazoo Humane Society
- New Beginnings Animal Rescue
- Tail Waggers 1990
- Waggin’ Tails Dog Rescue
Minnesota:
Mississippi:
Missouri:
Montana:
Nebraska:
Nevada:
New Hampshire:
New Mexico:
New Jersey:
- Animal Welfare Association: Camden County Pet Food Pantry
- Companion Animal Advocates
- Oakland Animal Hospital
- Prince Chunk Foundation
New York:
- Baxter Pet Pantry
- Beyond Breed’s Ruff Riders
- Hudson Valley Pet Food Pantry
- Nobody Starves on Long Island
- The Pet Chow Pantry
- The Pet Food Pantry Auburn
North Carolina:
- Animal Protection Society of Durham
- Feed Your Pets
- Friends of Madison County Animals
- Friends of Mebane’s Animals
- Forsyth County Animal Control
- Fuzzy Friends Pet Food Pantry
- The Humane Society of Piedmont
- SPCA of Wake County
North Dakota:
Ohio:
- Angels for Animals
- A Call Fur Help
- CC’s Cupboard Pet Food Pantry
- Cincinnati Pet Food Pantry
- Humane Ohio
- My Best Friend’s Bowl
- PAX: Peace for Animals
Oklahoma:
Oregon:
Pennsylvania:
- ACCTPhilly
- Animal House Project
- Animal Food Bank of the Lehigh Valley
- Animal Friends
- Ellie’s Pet Pantry (Pittsburgh) – program of Humane Animal Rescue
- Humane Pennsylvania
- Humane Society of Harrisburg Area
- Sam’s Hope
Rhode Island:
Tennessee:
Texas:
- DaisyCares Pet Food Program
- Don’t Forget to Feed Me
- North Texas Pet Food Pantry
- People Assisting Animal Control (Corpus Christi)
- Pet Food Bank of Austin and Tavis County
- St. Mary’s Relief (Seven Points)
Virginia:
- Anicira (Harrisonburg & Rockingham County)
- Holly Help
- Humane Society of Fairfax
- Loudoun County Animal Services
- Rikki’s Animal Refuge Sanctuary
- Saint Seton’s Orphaned Animals
- Valley Rescue Allies (Rockingham County)
- Virginia Beach SPCA
Washington:
Washington D.C:
West Virginia:
Wisconsin:
Conclusion
As a pet owner, you might know how much it costs to take care of pets. You have to spend money on food, vets, and other supplements.
Taking care of pets can be difficult for pet owners who are struggling financially. Fortunately, there are many charitable organizations available that can help pet owners with food.
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