Can You Buy Dog Food with EBT?
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People who rely on SNAP benefits to buy food for themselves and their families are often in tight financial situations. They may not have enough money left in their budget for pet food after covering essential needs. Seeing dog food sold in grocery stores like Walmart or Costco (which accept EBT), they might assume they can purchase it with their EBT card.
Can you buy dog food with EBT card? Here’s the explanation.
1. Can You Buy Dog Food with EBT?
According to official USDA policy, SNAP benefits/EBT cards can only be used to purchase “food items for human consumption.” Many everyday grocery items are eligible, but products intended for pets, such as dog food and cat food, are not allowed.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), or food stamps, is a federal program that helps low-income individuals and families afford nutritious food. The main goal of SNAP is to make sure households can put healthy meals on the table.
What you can buy with EBT:
- Fruits and vegetables (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- Meat, poultry, and fish
- Dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt
- Breads, cereals, and grains
- Snack foods and non-alcoholic drinks (like chips, juice, soda, bottled water)
- Seeds and plants that produce food for the household
What you cannot buy with EBT:
- Pet food
- Alcoholic beverages and tobacco products
- Vitamins, medicines, and dietary supplements
- Non-food household supplies (such as soap, paper towels, cleaning products)
- Hot or prepared foods that are ready to eat
In short, you cannot use SNAP EBT benefits to buy dog food.
(However, if your EBT card also includes cash benefits, such as those from TANF, you can use that portion to purchase pet food and other non-food items.)
2. What to Do If You Can’t Buy Dog Food with EBT
The tension between the love for pets and financial limitations highlights the growing need for alternative resources to support families in this situation.
2.1. Look for Local Pet Food Banks and Pantries
These resources are a primary source of assistance. Many communities have established pet food banks or pantries that operate similarly to human food banks. These organizations collect donated pet food and distribute it to pet owners in need.
Try searching online for “pet food pantry near me” or “dog food bank [your city/state]” to find one.
2.2. Explore Pet Food Assistance Programs
There are several resources you can turn to for help:
Feeding Pets of the Homeless
Feeding Pets of the Homeless is a national nonprofit providing pet food and emergency veterinary care for pets of people experiencing homelessness.
It partners with hundreds of volunteer pet food donation sites to help collect pet food and supplies. These sites collaborate with local food banks, pantries, soup kitchens, and homeless shelters that have committed to distributing pet food to homeless and disadvantaged individuals within their communities.
Meals on Wheels
Meals on Wheels America has partnered with PetSmart Charities to deliver pet food nationwide and provide support for the pets of homebound seniors.
2.3. Contact Local Veterinarian Offices or Shelters
Veterinarians and animal shelters are often deeply connected to the local pet community and are aware of available resources.
Call your vet’s office and explain your situation. They may know of local charities or even other clients who are willing to donate food.
Besides, shelters frequently receive large donations of pet food from manufacturers or the public. They may have a surplus they are willing to share with community members to prevent animals from being surrendered due to a lack of resources.
2.4. Search for Emergency Grants or Programs
In some cases, there are emergency grants or programs that help pet owners in temporary financial distress. These can be offered by local non-profits, animal welfare foundations, or veterinary clinics.
These grants might not be specifically for pet food but could cover other pet-related expenses, freeing up your funds for food.
Let’s search for terms like “pet financial assistance” or “emergency assistance for pet owners” to find these opportunities.
Notes:
- Keep in mind that contact an organization before visiting to confirm their hours, eligibility requirements, and whether pet food is available. Check if you qualify since some programs are created for specific groups like low-income families, seniors, or veterans.
- Besides, be flexible with what you receive. Supplies are donated, and specific brands or types may not always be available.
2. Tips for Pet Owners on a Budget
Buying in bulk:
One of the most effective ways to save money on pet supplies is to purchase them in larger quantities.
Look for discounts when you buy in bulk. Consider joining a wholesale club, such as Costco and Sam’s Club. They often have great deals on pet food and other supplies.
To ensure bulk items stay fresh and don’t go to waste, store them properly.
Homemade dog food recipes:
Making your own dog food can be cost-effective. If you decide to prepare meals at home regularly, you should consult your veterinarian to ensure your dog is getting a balanced diet with the right vitamins and nutrients.
Be aware of foods that are toxic to dogs, such as onions and garlic. And follow recipes exactly. The ratio of ingredients and the way they are prepared are essential for providing a complete and balanced diet.
Partnering with community support programs:
Several communities have programs that help pet owners reduce costs. These might include discounted veterinary clinics, pet food banks, or vaccination events.
Local shelters and rescue organizations often provide resources or can point you toward assistance programs. Reaching out to these organizations can make pet care more affordable while keeping your pet healthy.
>>> Read more: Can You Buy Fast Food With EBT? Eligible Restaurants by State
4. Related Financial Assistance Programs
When it comes to extra support, there are several assistance programs. These include programs for healthcare, utilities, and even internet access.
4.1. Other Food Assistance Programs
In addition to SNAP, there are a wide range of food assistance programs to help people with limited income or resources: WIC, National School Lunch Program (NSLP), TEFAP, and more.
For more information and to find out what programs you may be eligible for, check this guide about how to get free food.
4.2. The Lifeline Program
This federal program can make phone and internet services more affordable for low-income consumers in the U.S.
Lifeline provides a monthly discount on telephone service, broadband internet service, or a bundled package of both. The standard monthly discount is up to $9.25 for eligible subscribers.
If you participate in SNAP, you may automatically qualify for additional assistance programs such as Lifeline.
>>> Get free phone service with SNAP
4.3. Low-Income Energy Assistance Programs (LIHEAP)
LIHEAP helps low-income households manage energy costs. It offers bill payment assistance to cover heating or cooling expenses, emergency aid for crises like shut-off notices or broken furnaces, and weatherization services such as insulation and repairs to improve energy efficiency and reduce long-term utility bills.
4.4. Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
TANF provides temporary monthly cash payments to eligible families to help them meet their basic needs, such as food, clothing, housing, and utilities.
The program aims to help children be cared for in their own homes or in the homes of relatives, reduce the incidence of out-of-wedlock pregnancies, and encourage the formation and maintenance of two-parent families.
Read more about TANF benefits for low-income families.
4.5. Healthcare Assistance Programs
The primary government-sponsored health insurance programs are Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).
Medicaid provides free or low-cost health coverage to millions of Americans, including low-income adults, children, pregnant women, the elderly, and people with disabilities. Each state manages its own Medicaid program, so eligibility and benefits can differ significantly.
CHIP provides low-cost health coverage to children in families that earn too much money to qualify for Medicaid but cannot afford to buy private insurance. In some states, CHIP also covers pregnant women.
For low-income individuals who have Medicare, Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) can help with out-of-pocket costs. These programs help pay for Medicare Part A and Part B premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments.
>>> Find out how to apply for Medicaid in your state
Conclusion
In a time when groceries and household costs keep rising, one of the most common questions from pet owners is how to find resources to afford pet food. While SNAP benefits cannot be used to buy pet food, the good news is that there are many ways to stretch your budget and find support so your furry friend doesn’t go without.
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