Millions of Americans rely on SNAP benefits—also known as food stamps—to help put food on the table. But if you have a pet at home, you might be wondering: can you use SNAP to buy dog or cat food?
Let us walk through what is covered, what is not, and what you can do if you need help caring for your furry friend.
Can you use SNAP to buy pet food
Unfortunately, no. SNAP benefits cannot be used to buy any kind of pet food. That includes:
- Dog food
- Cat food
- Pet treats
- Bird seed or reptile food
Even though your pet is part of your family, the government considers pet food a “non-food” item since it is not meant for human consumption. SNAP is designed to help low-income individuals and families afford groceries for themselves—not for animals.
This also means you cannot use SNAP to buy pet toys, leashes, litter, or other supplies.
What can you buy with food stamps
The SNAP program has very specific rules about what you are allowed to buy. Here is a simple list of items that are SNAP-eligible:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Meat, poultry, and fish
- Dairy products like cheese, milk, and yogurt
- Eggs
- Bread, rice, cereal, and other grains
- Snack foods like chips, nuts, and candy
- Non-alcoholic drinks, including soda, juice, and bottled water
- Seeds and plants that grow food for your household to eat
So, while you cannot use your EBT card to buy pet supplies, you can use it to cover many essentials for yourself and your family.
Why pet food is not covered by SNAP
The reason comes down to how the government defines food under the SNAP program. According to federal guidelines, SNAP benefits are only for items meant for human consumption.
That means anything not eaten by people—like pet food, cleaning products, or paper towels—is considered a non-food item, even if you can find it in the same grocery store.
Where to get free or low-cost pet food
If you are struggling to afford food for your pet, you are not alone—and there are places that want to help. Here are some ideas you can try:
- Pet Help Finder: This tool can help you find free or low-cost pet food in your area. Just enter your zip code and look for food pantries and organizations nearby.
- Pets of the Homeless: Their state search tool lists shelters, food banks, and pet food programs all across the country.
- Local animal shelters and rescue groups: Many offer free food, especially to people going through hard times.
- Veterinary clinics: Some vet offices give out pet food to families in need. Do not be afraid to ask.
- Best Friends Animal Society: Their website has a helpful resource list to guide you toward free or affordable pet food.
How to manage your SNAP budget and stretch your resources
Feeding a household—whether it includes two-legged or four-legged members—can get expensive. If you are trying to stretch your SNAP benefits, tools like the Propel app can help. It lets you:
- Check your EBT balance
- Track your spending
- Plan your grocery trips
Even if pet food is not covered, managing your food budget well can help free up extra dollars for your pet’s needs.
