Pet ownership comes with recurring costs, and one of the most common ways to cut expenses is by buying in bulk. Larger bags of food, multi-packs of treats, and cases of litter often appear cheaper at first glance, but is bulk buying always the best option? The answer depends on what you’re buying, how often you shop, and how you use rewards programs.
When Bulk Buying Saves You Money
Staple items like kibble, canned food, and cat litter usually cost less per unit when purchased in larger sizes. Retailers like PetSmart and Petco frequently offer bulk sizes both in-store and online. For example, a 30-pound bag of dog food typically costs less per pound than a 5-pound bag. Bulk is also ideal for multi-pet households, where items get used up quickly.
When Bulk Buying Doesn’t Work
Not all items are suited for buying in large quantities. Wet food, treats, and certain supplements often come with expiration dates that may arrive before you can finish them. Smaller households or those with pets on specialized diets may find that bulk purchasing leads to waste instead of savings.
Stacking Rewards with Bulk Orders
The real key to saving on bulk purchases is combining them with rewards. You can earn cashback with a PetSmart gift card or get rewards with a Petco gift card through Fluz, stacking that cashback with loyalty programs like Petco Vital Care. Cashback apps like Rakuten and Ibotta also make online bulk purchases more cost-effective.
Consider Warehouse Clubs and Online Retailers
Stores like Costco and BJ’s Wholesale sell pet supplies in bulk, and memberships can pay for themselves if you shop often. Online retailers like Chewy also offer autoship discounts, which can reduce costs on recurring bulk orders.
Final Thoughts
Bulk buying can be one of the cheapest ways to manage pet expenses—but only if you balance quantity with your pet’s actual needs. Pairing bulk purchases with cashback apps, gift card rewards, and loyalty programs ensures you’re getting the best possible value. To make every order work harder for your budget, start by exploring Fluz.
