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Where to Get Free Dog Food Samples: 8 Options & Tips

Patricia Dickson

By Patricia Dickson

dog eating treat

In today’s uncertain economic times, everything is expensive, and pet owners try to save money everywhere they can. If you’re a dog owner, you know that prices on dog food and other essentials for your furry friend have increased considerably in the last few years. However, some pet food manufacturers offer discounts and even free samples. If you’re looking for dog food samples for your canine pal, we’ll give you a few of our favorite options and tips in the guide below.

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The 8 Options for Where to Get Free Dog Food Samples

1. Look at Retailers/Manufacturers

Although online retailers sometimes have dog food promotions, businesses like Tractor Supply and Petco also run promotions where you get a small bag of dog food with a purchase.

It’s also possible that a representative from a manufacturer will visit a big box store and bring samples of their dog food with them to give out. You can join a retailer’s email list so that you’re alerted to sample giveaways. Here are the pet food brands that offer the most discounts and samples:

  • Pedigree
  • Nutro
  • Pet Chef Express
  • Purina
  • Rachael Rae Nutrish

2. Talk to Your Vet

pug dog in a veterinary clinic
Image Credit: Rawpixel.com, Shutterstock

It is also possible that you can talk to your vet about free dog food samples. Some vets give out free dog food samples if they have them on hand. Many also give free or low-cost dog food to pet owners and their pets in need. It can’t hurt to check with your vet the next time you have an appointment for your canine pal.


3. Start Completing Surveys

Not every pet food company gives out free food samples. However, there are surveys that many companies give out that if you take the time to fill them out and send them in, they will send you free food samples for your furry friend.

Two of the pet food companies we recommend are PetWay Dog Food and Zignature Dog Food. You can easily find their surveys online, and you may find other companies with similar offers by searching for “surveys for free dog food samples.”


4. Join a Loyalty Program

two dogs watching a dog program on tv
Image Credit: Javier Brosch, Shutterstock

Loyalty or frequent buyer programs also provide free dog food samples. In fact, some of the programs offer a free full-size bag or can of their dog food after you buy other products or spend a certain amount of money in their store.

If, for some reason, you can’t join the loyalty reward program through the dog food company, check with your local pet store to see if they have a way for you to join. Here’s a list of the dog food companies we know offer loyalty programs:

  • Acana
  • Avoderm
  • Blue Buffalo
  • First Mate
  • Canidae
  • Lotus
  • Fromm Family Pet Food
  • Nature’s Variety Instinct
  • Natural Balance
  • Taste of the Wild
  • Stella and Chewy

5. Join a Pet Store Rewards Program

Dog food companies aren’t the only ones with reward programs; it’s possible to find them at many of your local pet stores. Loyalty/reward programs give you points that you can apply toward dog food or other products. Here are a few pet stores that offer rewards programs that might be in your area and the names of their reward programs.

  • PetSmart Treats
  • Pet Supply Plus
  • Petco Pals Rewards
  • Tractor Supply Neighbor’s Club

6. Reach Out to Local Pet Shelters

male volunteer petting dog in animal shelter
Image Credit: Max kegfire, Shutterstock

If you are a pet parent in need, it can’t hurt to reach out to your local pet shelters. Many of them have excess food that they keep on hand to help other pet owners out when they are in a pinch.


7. Sign Up for Specific Newsletters

If you constantly delete your unwanted emails, you already know about the newsletters that flood your inbox daily. However, you can get newsletters for pets and pet food as well. Some sites, such as BringFido.com, have free food that they send out to their subscribers. It won’t be a constant thing, but they receive food samples and other products from their sponsors and send them out to people who subscribe to their newsletter. You can subscribe to the service and see how it works for you and your pet.


8. Check Your Newspaper for Coupons

Training an active dog at home with a smartphone application
Image Credit: Aleksey Boyko, Shutterstock

Some marketing techniques and promotions never go out of style. You can easily check your local newspaper for coupons for dog food and supplies. You’d be surprised at the deals you can find in your local newspaper on dog food. Also, if you don’t subscribe to the local newspaper, you can search for coupons in online newspapers and magazines.

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Conclusion

Whether you’re on a tight budget and need dog food for your canine pal, or you like to try free dog food samples to see what works for your pet without purchasing a full bag first, there are plenty of ways to get free dog food samples.

From doing surveys to joining pet rewards clubs, you should be able to find everything you need online, at your local pet store, and even in the local newspaper. If you have problems feeding your pet, please contact your local animal shelter; they know that every pet owner will need help now and then, and some can provide samples or full bags of dog food.

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Featured Image Credit: Omerlavon, Pixabay

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