Luxury Pet Supplies That Are and Are Not Worth the Price

From a one hundred and forty dollar wedding dress for dogs that is sold online to a ten thousand pound deluxe rabbit hutch that one Norfolk based owner made for his pets, the lengths that some people go to, to keep their beloved pets happy is starting to entering the realms of the ridiculous. But whilst forking out for your dog to tie the knot with the puppy next door is really not going to improve the life of your pet in any way, there are some luxury pet supplies that do have benefits for their health, happiness and wellbeing.

Every pet owner wants the best for their pet, be it a dog, a cat or something more exotic. Many people come to see their pets as family members and will buy them the best possible goods that they can afford. However when it comes to pet supplies, simply buying the most expensive option every time can lead to a lot of money wasted, which is money that could otherwise be spent on the little luxuries that actually do make a difference to the life of your pet.

Feeding time is a prime example. Your cat or dog really does not care if it is eating from a bowl made out of plastic or hand crafted from diamond encrusted gold. In fact, your pet probably has not even noticed the difference. They just want the food that is inside so do not splash out on a luxury bowl if it means you can only afford to fill it with cut price food.

Pet food is one area where your pet will really reap the benefits of you spending a little bit extra. Just as with humans, pets need to eat a balanced and healthy diet that includes a variety of vitamins and minerals to ensure long term health. Penny pinching on cat and dog food now can lead to very serious illnesses such as arthritis in the future that, if diagnosed too late, no amount of money will be able to cure. Opt for high quality, brands that offer natural ingredients and use dry foods only as treats or a side dish, never as the main diet.

Recently, the popularity of dog coats and other pet clothing has skyrocketed but whilst you may think Felix looks great in his new tweed jacket the truth is that it probably does not provide any more warmth than a cheaper coat and your pet certainly will not treat it more carefully. Animals have a thick coating of fur that keeps them warm and are usually more than happy to venture outside in cold weather without a coat. However if you are particularly worried about keeping your pet warm, for example if it is quite an old dog or it is ill, buy the coat with the thickest padding, not the one with the glitziest trim.

Furniture is another of the many pet supplies where owners are faced with options ranging from bargain to blowout. It is well known that dogs and cats love to scratch at and rip up furniture, unless you are happy to see that velvet dog sofa you spent your whole pay cheque on with a lovely big tear in the side after three months, it is wiser to stick to standard options. However, orthopaedic furniture such as memory foam beds cost more than your average dog or cat basket, but has been specifically designed to alleviate pain and discomfort in pets with arthritis and other joint conditions. They may not look so glamorous but your pet is going to be far more comfortable, happy and healthy, so when it comes to orthopaedic furniture always go for the best that you can buy.

To summarise, there are many pet supplies on the market ranging from the most basic to the downright absurd, but do not be taken in by appearances when it comes to buying luxury cat supplies or overpriced dog supplies. If you really love and want the best for your pet, its health and happiness should be your two main priorities, which means buying products that have some genuine benefit regardless of what they look like. Your cat or dog can tell the difference when you swap from basic to gourmet food, but believe me, they will not even notice that crystal studded collar.

Leah Williams writes for Petmeds. Petmeds are an online retailer of pet supplies from medicines to shampoos. They have cat supplies, dog supplies and many more. Petmeds only dispenses genuine UK licensed drugs and are regulated by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD).

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Is The Price Of Your Dog Food Breaking The Bank?

For pet lovers, there are few things more enjoyable after a long demanding day than coming home to our dogs with their furiously wagging tails and cute wet pink muzzles. Studies have long mentioned the therapeutic benefits of owning pets. In spite of our unwavering devotion to our furry playmates, many families struggle with the sobering simple fact that their budgets are thinner and meaner in this recessionary economy.

American Pet Products Association (APPA) estimates that Americans will spend $50.84 billion dollars on their pets in 2011. That represents almost a 5% increase from 2010. Of that staggering figure, approximately $19.53 billion dollars can be attributed to pet food costs.

Here are seven handy tips to reign in food costs for your dog:

1)Buy in Bulk

Calculate the unit price of your pet's foodstuffs. The unit price is determined by dividing the retail price by the number of units. The key to buying in bulk is to store the product in user friendly quantities. Lugging an unwieldy twenty five pound bag of kibble can cause unnecessary frustration not to mention back strain.

2)Befriend a Local Butcher or Farmer

A butcher or farmer can be a reliable source for organic vegetables and free range meats. Such foodstuffs are free of pesticides, hormones, fillers and antibiotics. The alternative is to check out companies that have products that contain raw meat but are wholly consistent with AAFO's (Association of American Feed Control Officials) guidelines.

3)Become an Expert Coupon Clipper

Coupons are only helpful if they are for products you can actually use. Watch the neighborhood circulars and consider joining a pet food specialty store's internal discount program.

4)Engage your Veterinarian

Rely on your veterinarian's expertise to determine the nutritional needs of your dog which may vary based on age and breed. The reality is that pet food is a multi-billion dollar industry with nuanced marketing strategies. Pet food brands rely on a dog owner's passion and commitment to their animals. Many commercials employ one-dimensional statements equating their brand to what is healthy for your pet. Ask your vet what your dog needs and make your buying choices with that expert independent advice in mind.

5)Ask Friends and Family for Assistance

The calendar is fraught with gift-giving occasions. Ask well-intentioned loved ones for practical gift cards from pet supply stores or discount stores that sale your dog's cherished foods and treats. Additionally, it may be difficult for urban residents to get access to the sprawling discount big box stores of suburbia. Engage your social network to pick up much needed items on your behalf and arrange a drop off the next time you see them.

6)Mix and Match Fido's Treats

Practically speaking, most pet owners can ill afford to lavish their dogs with their favorite foods every day. Integrate your pets more costly staples into a more reasonably priced diet. Attempt to limit the more expensive brands to only three to four days a week.

7)Targeted Savings Account

Inflation is the reduced buying power over time for goods and services. The harsh reality is that the price of pet food has increased over time. Devoting an account to your dog's expenses, including pet food, gives you a buffer in lean times.

Think about buying dog food online, some dog food suppliers may have discounted prices when purchasing online.

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