The answer to the question, “Can you buy dog food with food stamps?” is no.
You can’t buy pet food with food stamps.
With food vouchers, you can only buy food that humans can eat.
And dog food is considered a nonfood product.
You are entitled to buy food products only for human consumption with food vouchers.
But are there some other options?
Continue reading to get to know everything you need to know about dog food and food stamps.
How Can I Use Food Stamps Or My EBT Card To Buy Dog Food?
What Is An EBT Card?
An EBT card is a plastic card with a credit card-like appearance used to access government benefits like cash assistance or food stamps.
A “benefits card” is another name for the card.
You can buy food, clothing, housing, and medical care using the money on the card.
Eligible Food Items That You Can Buy With An EBT Card
Eligible food items that you can buy with an EBT card, as well as the cost per unit of each item, are the following ones:
Ground beef, 1 pound: $2.50
Eggs, dozen: $1.60
Wheat flour, 5 pounds: $3.40
Oatmeal, 10 pounds: $5.00
Butter, pound: $2.00
Illegible Food Item
Beer, wine, and liquor
Cigarettes and tobacco
Vitamins and supplements
Medicines and prescriptions
Any item with supplement facts label
Live animals (except shellfish)
Pet food and supplies
Cleaning and household supplies
Paper and soap products
Personal hygiene items and cosmetics
Hot food items and prepared food
Can I Cook Dog Food By Buying Ingredients With My Ebt Card/Food Stamps?
If you need a short-term way to feed your dog, you can buy meat, fruits, and vegetables with your EBT card to make your pet food at home.
What You Need To Know Before Switching To Homemade Dog Food
Generally, you should feed your dog about 2% of the body weight.
So, for example, if he weighs 40 pounds, you should feed him two pounds of food each day.
For dogs that are older or dogs that are less active, this can be reduced to 1%.
Remember to account for calories per cup too!
And don’t forget the water!
Dogs need about eight cups of water daily (more in hot weather).
To put it simply, homemade pet food is time-consuming but can be worth it.
But most people would find it more economical to go with commercially prepared pet foods, which are widely available at most grocery stores, and prices vary depending on the type of animal.
Where Can I Find Free Or Cheap Dog Food?
Pet Shelters
Dog- or Pet-Oriented Non-Profit Organizations
Veterinary Clinics
Breed-Specific Organizations
Pet food banks
Places To Start If You Need Help Feeding And Caring As Pet Owners
It happens to everyone that they fall into a financial trap and have no money.
In such cases, you should think about what you can do so that your canine friend does not starve.
Many organizations are always ready to provide you with the necessary supplies for your pets so that they do not suffer.
Here are some places you’ll get support:
Shelters for pets
Dog ocat-orienteded non-profit organizations
Veterinary clinics
Dog or breed-specificific organizations
Certain pet stores
Some religious institutions
Wholesale manufacturers
Other Options For Getting Pet Food Assistance
There are several ways to get pet food assistance if you need help.
The Humane Society offers a nationwide pet food bank program, and many local food banks provide canine education.
Local Pet Shelters
For example, the Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) has an annual fundraiser called Walk A Mile In Their Shoes.
They ask people to walk at least one mile to raise money for homeless animals and children.
PAWS has locations all around the country, too, so check out your location’s site if you want to donate pet foods!
They also provide veterinary advice for those who cannot afford them otherwise and do not require proof of income when applying.
Veterinary Clinics
Veterinary clinics often offer reduced costs for those who own pets but cannot afford veterinary care.
Contact your local vet clinic to see if they provide financial assistance or service payment plans.
Churches And Other Religious Institutions
Sometimes Offer Free Or Low-Cost Pet Food: Churches and other religious institutions sometimes offer free or low-cost pet food.
Make sure to call first to inquire about the specific details, such as how much is offered, when it’s available, etc.
Pet Food Manufacturers
Pet food manufacturers produce more than food for cats or dogs because our pets are very different in size or shape, so they must be very creative to fulfill our pet food pantry.
Breed-Specific Organizations
That Provide Food Assistance For Your Specific Breed Of Pet Another option for pet food assistance is to contact a breed-specific organization.
For example, the United States Rottweiler Club provides food and supplies to rottweilers in need.
That includes everything from canned food to collars, leashes, and crates.
Pet Stores
Not everyone has the opportunity to purchase pet food from a store.
Those who do not have the financial support to buy expensive food for their pets can use homemade food or buy the cheapest.
For example, at your local flea market or bulk store, you may be able to find some reasonably priced dog food or treats.
Pet stores offer the widest selection of products, but they’re not always affordable for those on a tight budget.
Craigslist And Other Online Forums
Craigslist and other online forums are good places to find deals on pet food for those who live in rural areas.
Local sellers usually have fresh stock of food that they are trying to clear out.
Before You Go…
Now you know the answer to the question, “Can you buy dog food with food stamps?”.
If you want to learn more, read the following articles too!
