Black Friday pet food deals have a way of making everyone feel like a savvy shopper. Those big and bright discount signs practically wink at us, promising savings on keeping our pets well fed. Who wouldn’t want to hoard and stock up?

But there’s something worth understanding about extremely low-priced pet food: the initial savings might lead to unexpected costs down the line.

The real cost of budget pet food

Saving a little on your pet’s meals feels great until you notice the not-so-cute trade offs sneaking in.

Health concerns that can develop over time

Some pets experience digestive sensitivity, showing up as upset stomachs or irregular bowel movements. Then come the allergies, constant itching and inflamed skin that won’t quit. Long-term? Nutrient deficiencies that age pets faster than they should. Many pet parents discover their beloved companion’s health issues trace back to diet, leading to costly vet visits.

Ingredients that fill the bowl but don’t truly nourish

Budget brands often list fillers like corn and wheat before actual meat proteins. “Animal by-products” can mean various leftover parts from processing that don’t offer much nutritional value. Protein levels tend to sit quite low. While these ingredients technically fill a pet’s stomach, they don’t provide the nourishment cats and dogs need to thrive.

Cheaper food can lead to higher vet bills

Saving money on a bag of food seems brilliant until a vet bill arrives. Black Friday bargains can feel less exciting when weighed against the potential for increased veterinary care.

How to recognise quality pet food

Quality pet food doesn’t try to hide what’s inside. When the ingredients are something to be proud of, everything is kept clear and easy to understand.

Ingredient lists tell the story

The first few ingredients reveal what makes up most of the food. Look for named meat sources like chicken, beef, or salmon appearing early in the list. Quality foods name their protein sources specifically.

Certifications carry weight

AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) standards mean the food has been formulated to meet complete nutritional requirements. They set guidelines that help protect pet health. The best pet food for dogs and cats carries these certifications proudly, giving pet parents confidence that their companions are getting what they need.

Transparency

Brands that care about quality are happy to explain where ingredients come from, how food is made, and where production happens.

Finding the balance between cost and quality

Price isn’t the full story when choosing quality pet food. A high price doesn’t always mean high nutrition, and some flashy packs hide very average meals. Meanwhile, the quietly reliable options often sit in that happy middle ground where health and budget get along.

When in doubt, you can always check in with your vet and get guidance that keeps your pet’s needs front and centre.

Make the smart choice this Black Friday

Black Friday doesn’t have to mean trading good nutrition for a bargain. Look past the flashy numbers and pick the deals that genuinely look after your pet.

Boneve offers a thoughtful approach to pet nutrition. Our range includes freeze-dried meals for cats and dogs made with real meat, dry kibble that maintains good protein levels, and air-dried treats that work beautifully for training or simply showing love. The sourcing is transparent, the processing is clean, and the labelling is straightforward. No mystery ingredients, no vague claims, just honest food for cats and dogs.

Boneve’s Black Friday deals are the rare kind where quality stays high and prices take a dip. Stay in the loop by following Boneve and Yappy Pets on Instagram.

A healthy, happy pet is the best Black Friday deal of all!