Instructions
Call the local food bank and ask if they do any collections for dog food or if they know of local pet food banks in the area. Some cities have special banks just for pet food, such as the Pongo Fund in Portland, Oregon and the Food Depot in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Another bank, PAWS Chicago, gave away 29,000 pounds of food for dogs and cats in 2009.
Browse the websites of dog food manufacturers and look for coupons for free samples or two-for-one specials at the supermarket. If none are available, email them directly and ask for a free sample of their product.
Contact a local animal rescue group, which often collects dog food for abandoned or rescued pets. "Sometimes animal rescue groups have a surplus of dog food they would give to a needy family if asked," says Kelly Peterson of Fences For Fido, a nonprofit dog advocacy group. By calling and stating your case, you have a better chance of getting help from the group.
Go to the websites Free Mania or All Free Sample and research what products are available. Check back frequently, as new products become available from week to week. The website Get Free Dog Food might also be a good resource for regular free samples.
Hold a local fundraiser or partner with an elementary school or church organization to help collect dog food from the community. You may find that other dog owners are equally in need of free dog food and would benefit from an organized effort.
How to Get Free Dog Food
Purchasing good-quality dog food can add significant cost to your monthly budget, which can strain resources during times of financial need. The New York Times reported in 2010, "Animal shelters around the country are being flooded with hungry pets," as pet owners struggle to keep ahead of their finances. Researching a few different options might yield a steady supply of free dog food to help you overcome a temporary setback without having to give up your beloved pet.