Ignore the Marketing Hype to Save Money at the Supermarket

Since moving from an apartment complex where we lived long-term, without being allowed to have pets, to owning a freestanding house where we can, we have been doing some research on owning a pet. Nothing exotic; we have just been tossing up between a cat or dog.

Looking into pet ownership, we thought we would do some research on how much it would cost, starting with food.

Many years ago, I worked in the Marketing and Advertising Departments of large organisations whilst studying Marketing.  Eventually, I pursued a slightly different career avenue.

Researching Dog and Cat Food has really re-opened my eyes to the Marketing mindset.  I am not sure if it is the downturn in the economy or an excess of competition, but there are some really outlandish statements being made, in support of exponentially-increasing retail prices of these  ‘Next Big Things’.

Here are just some of the buzz word examples I have found:

Gourmet Pet Food

Real Meat with Pasta

Home Recipe

A la Carte Recipe

Now with added Chia Seeds

Organic;   Natural  &  Holistic ingredients

Wholesome well balanced ingredients

Simmered Beef Entrée

New York strip flavour

Real Taste

Now I remember from my Marketing studies that you need to appeal to the pet owners’ emotions, as they do the shopping, not the pet.  The old adage “Sell the sizzle, not the sausage”  also comes to mind.

Time to do your homework.   Firstly ask yourself,  ‘Is my pet a Carnivore or an Omnivore?’

This will narrow your focus.  It is pointless purchasing a product that is full of “ fillers ” such as Rice, Pasta, Soy, TVP and Chia Seeds that your pet would not eat in nature.  These are ingredients that appeal, upfront, to the owner, not necessarily to the pet.  They may also cause “ Fluffy ” distress later on, if you know what I mean.

Do yourself and your pet a favour, while saving yourself some money.  It’s not rocket science: only feed your pets natural food.   Forget chemical-laden, unnatural ingredients entrained in commercially manufactured foods; make your own!   Feed your pet what it would naturally eat.

Cats only eat protein such as Fish and Meat, so buy it fresh, frozen or give them some of your offcuts and offal bits before you cook your own dinner.

Dogs can eat Meat and/or Vegetables.  No, Pasta is not a vegetable!

Of course, it isn’t just Marketing Hype for Pets, check out what humans are subjected to by reading 7 Big Food Marketing Gimmicks by fellow WordPress blogger The Zero Waste Chef.  The article is quite thought-provoking, but the real gems are the comments from the Chef’s readers.

Enjoy, while you think about it all!

 

What buzz words have you seen lately ?

Glenda

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About Growing Snowballs

I have been described as Savvy; a Bargain Hunter and Tight. My fav is Value Shopper. I love a bargain to save money. I do this in-store, online, buying 2nd hand, recycling & upcycling. This is good for my pocket & good for this Planet. Check out some of my quirky projects as well as read about how you too can save yourself some money & time.

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Tagged with: budget, Cat Food, cats, dogs, economy, frugal, marketing, pet, save, savemoney, saving, savvy, shopping
Posted in pets, saving money, shopping