SNAP

Can you buy dog food with food stamps (SNAP)?

Image of Aidan Lovely
Image of Aidan Lovely

No, if you get SNAP benefits, also called food stamps, you can’t use them on dog food, cat food, or any other pet food, supplies, or treats. Even though your pet is part of your family, the government considers pet food to be a "non-food" item because it's not for human consumption.

SNAP benefits can only be used on eligible groceries, like produce, dairy, canned goods, drinks, and snacks—not on household items. If you’re struggling to afford dog food or other supplies for your pet, there are some options that may help you access free or low-cost pet food.

Why isn’t pet food SNAP-eligible?#why-isnt-pet-food-snap-eligible

An image showing a side-by-side comparison of foods that are SNAP-eligible, including carrots, eggs, tuna, soda, and cereal, and items that are not SNAP-eligible, including hot chicken, medicine, pet food, and paper towels

When you get SNAP benefits, you receive a specific amount of money each month that can be used for groceries, but not everything in the grocery store is eligible. Common SNAP-eligible items include:

  • Fruits and vegetables
  • Meat, poultry, and fish
  • Dairy, like yogurt, cheese, and milk
  • Eggs
  • Bread, rice, cereal, and other grains
  • Snacks like chips, popcorn, candy, and nuts
  • Non-alcoholic drinks like water, apple juice, and soda
  • Seeds and plants that produce edible food

That means no household items, like paper towels, toilet paper, cleaning products, or pet food and supplies. But there are other ways you may be able to access free or low-cost pet food if your family is in need of help.

How to find cheap or free pet food#how-to-find-cheap-or-free-pet-food

When your budget is tight, every member of the family can feel it, including your dogs, cats, and any other pets in your household. Here are some tips that may help you access low-cost or free pet food:

  1. Try using the Pet Help Finder search tool to find food pantries and other organizations that offer free or low-cost pet supplies near you. You can also filter for veterinary services, vet offices sometimes give away pet food to those who need it.
  2. Use the Pets of the Homeless state search tool to find a pet food supply site or other local resources in your state. The website lists local groups that offer pet food, supplies, and shelter resources.
  3. Local food pantries often give out dog and cat food in addition to the usual resources.
  4. Check out local pet shelters and rescue organizations, they sometimes give away food and supplies for free.
  5. The Best Friends Animal Society website offers a list of resources that can help with finding free or cheap pet food and supplies.

Every dollar counts when it comes to your monthly budget, and tracking and managing your SNAP-benefits may help free up savings that can go towards other expenses. The Propel app makes it easy to check your EBT balance and track your transactions.