If you’ve ever looked into raw feeding, you’ve probably heard the same warning over and over: “It’s expensive.” Sure, it can be; if you’re buying pre-made commercial raw patties or shopping without a plan. Raw feeding cats on a budget is completely doable with a few smart habits, a little freezer space, and a good eye for bargains. In fact, raw feeding often costs signficantly less than feeding many premium commercial brands when you know how to shop and plan properly.
In this article, we’ll walk through simple, practical ways to save money raw feeding cats, without cutting corners on your cat’s health or safety. Whether you’re a total beginner or just trying to bring costs down, these tips will help you feed your cat fresh, healthy meals without breaking the bank.
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Contents
1. Buy in bulk (the easiest way to save money raw feeding cats)
One of the easiest ways to save is to buy larger quantities. Buying raw meat in bulk nearly always works out cheaper than picking up smaller trays, especially when you pay attention to the price per kilo, instead of the sticker price.
For example, a 2kg family tray of chicken thighs at $4.50 per kg costs $9, while two smaller 500g packs at $7 per kg cost $14 for the same amount. That’s $5 saved immediately.
If your cat eats around 100g of chicken a day, that $9 pack will last roughly 20 days. That means the meat portion of your raw cat food costs around 45 cents per meal, which is incredibly affordable for fresh, high-quality food.
Pro tip: Ask your supermarket butcher when bulk trays get restocked. Shopping just after delivery often means better quality and more choice.
2. Choose less popular cuts for budget friendly raw feeding cats
Your cat doesn’t care if their dinner is a premium fillet or a humble chuck steak. Cheaper cuts like chicken thighs, beef chuck, and blade steak are ideal for budget friendly raw feeding cats. They’re flavourful, nutrient-dense, and far more affordable than lean, “human-preferred” cuts.
If you have freezer space, stock up on different proteins when they’re on special – chicken one week, roo or beef the next. It keeps meals interesting, supports a broader nutrient range, and helps prevent boredom. Just remember that muscle meats need to be balanced with organs and bone, or a supplement premix like EzComplete Fur Cats (US) or Raw Meow Mix (AU) to ensure your cat’s diet remains complete.
3. Chase markdowns to save money raw feeding cats
Markdowns are a raw feeder’s best friend when you’re trying to save money raw feeding cats. In Australia, Coles, Woolworths, and Aldi supermarkets all reduce meat prices as they approach their best before date – often mid-morning or just before closing. These markdowns can mean 50%, 70%, or even 90% off. Take the meat home, portion it out, and freeze it the same day. It’s perfectly safe, and incredibly cost-effective.
Realistic saving: Two good markdown finds per week could save $40–$60 per month, adding up to to $500–$700 a year on your cat’s food.
4. Know your prices
Keeping a simple note on your phone can make a huge difference. Write down the date, store, cut, and price per kilo, or take a quick photo of the price tag. Over time, you’ll start noticing patterns: when meat prices drop, which stores are cheaper, and when to stock up.
If you’re serious about budget friendly raw feeding cats, this habit alone can reduce food costs by 20–30%. On a $60 monthly spend, that’s $15–$20 saved every month just by shopping smarter. Over a year, that’s enough to buy a new freezer or several months’ worth of raw meals.
5. Get friendly with butchers and local farmers
Building relationships with local butchers or farmers can unlock some of the biggest savings. Butchers often have offcuts, organ meats or less popular custs they don’t sell to the general public. Farmers may sell whole chickens, rabbits, or bulk cuts at lower prices. Once they know you’re buying for a cat, they may offer discounts, bulk deals or even occassional freebies.
Saving: Buying organ meat directly from a butcher can often cut costs by up to 50% compared to supermarket prices.
6. Take advantage of seasonal meat prices
Meat prices fluctuate throughout the year. Turkey is often cheaper during holidays, lamb prices drop in spring, and venison can be affordable during hunting season. Buying seasonally and freezing extra portions is one of the smartest ways to save money raw feeding cats, while also rotating proteins and adding natural variety to your cat’s diet.
7. Invest in a freezer to make raw feeding cats on a budget sustainable
A small chest freezer is a game-changer for anyone feeding raw. Second-hand freezers can often be picked up for $100–$150, and usually pay for themselves within a few months. With freezer space, you can buy 10–20kg of meat when prices are low, portion it, and rotate stock easily. Remember to label your containers with the meat cut and date, and always put newer stock at the back so nothing gets wasted.
Example: Buying 20kg of chicken thighs at $4 per kg instead of 5kg at $7 per kg saves $60 in one shop. Repeat that a few times and the freezer has paid for itself.
8. Prepare homemade raw yourself
The biggest savings often come from making your own homemade raw cat food. While it takes some time, preparing meals yourself is often cheaper than relying on commercial options. You control the ingredients, the quality, and the cost.
Some raw feeders stretch their budget by mixing pre-made raw patties with DIY ingredients. For instance, blending half a patty with chopped chicken thighs can cut costs while keeping the prep simple.
Note: This should only be a short-term budget hack, not a full-time diet – unless you’re adding the proper supplements to keep the nutrition balanced.
9. Transition slowly (so you don’t waste food)
Cats can be picky eaters, and wasted food is wasted money. When transitioning to a raw diet, do it gradually by mixing small amounts of raw into your cat’s regular food. Introduce new proteins one at a time and serve meals at room temperature.
Slow transitions are essential when raw feeding cats on a budget, because rushed changes often lead to refusals and wasted meat.
10. Sign up for loyalty programs
Many pet stores and online suppliers offer rewards like “Buy 10, Get 1 Free,” or regular subscriber discounts. These small savings add up over time. A free pack every couple of months can save you $50–$60 a year, just for staying loyal to a supplier you already use.
Final thoughts
Raw feeding cats on a budget is about shopping smart, planning ahead, and building habits that make budget friendly raw feeding for cats sustainable long term. Buying in bulk, hunting markdowns, using freezer space, and preparing food yourself can dramatically reduce costs.
With the right approach, you can save money raw feeding cats while still providing fresh, species-appropriate meals that support your cat’s long-term health. Once you find your rhythm, budget-friendly raw feeding becomes second nature – and far less expensive than many people expect.
––> If you’re still getting started, our Beginner’s Guide to Raw Feeding Cats explains how raw feeding works and what to expect.
