Can I use my SNAP benefits to purchase pet food?

You can use your Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to purchase pet food in certain situations.

SNAP benefits are designed to help low-income individuals and families purchase groceries, including pet food, if the pet is considered a member of the household. However, the rules regarding pet food purchases are somewhat complex. Generally, if you are a SNAP recipient and your pet is a service animal or an emotional support animal, you can use your benefits to buy pet food. For example, if you have a guide dog or a service animal that assists with a disability, the pet food is considered a necessary expense, and you can use your SNAP benefits to pay for it.

The key factor is whether the pet is a member of the household or a service animal. If your pet is simply a pet, such as a cat or dog that you keep for companionship, you generally cannot use your SNAP benefits to buy its food. In 2016, the US Department of Agriculture reported that less than 1% of SNAP recipients used their benefits to purchase pet food, indicating that the purchase of pet food is not a common use of SNAP benefits.

It’s worth noting that if you are unsure about whether you can use your SNAP benefits to purchase pet food, you should contact your local SNAP office or a caseworker for guidance. They can help you determine whether your pet qualifies for SNAP benefits and what expenses are eligible.

SNAP benefits cannot be used to purchase pet food, and there are no formal exceptions within the program that allow such purchases. The United States Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service defines eligible SNAP items as foods intended for human consumption, explicitly excluding animal feed, pet treats, and any other non‑human food products. In practice, retailers are required to reject SNAP transactions for pet food, and any acceptance of those items would be a violation of SNAP regulations. For example, a 2023 USDA audit found that less than 0.1 % of SNAP transactions involved pet food, and those cases were promptly corrected as policy violations.

The only circumstance where food for an animal might be covered is when the animal is a qualified service animal that assists a person with a disability, but even then the expense is generally addressed through Medicaid or other medical assistance programs rather than SNAP. Some states and local charities operate separate pet‑food assistance programs for low‑income households, such as pet food banks in California and Texas, but those resources are independent of SNAP and must be accessed through the respective organizations. Consequently, SNAP participants who need help feeding their pets must rely on these external programs or other charitable sources, as the federal SNAP system does not provide any exceptions for pet‑food purchases.

Yes, you cannot use SNAP benefits, whether in the form of EBT cash or paper coupons, to purchase dog food. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is designed specifically to provide food for human consumption, and the USDA’s regulations explicitly exclude pet food, pet treats, and any other animal feed from the list of allowable items. If you try to use your EBT card at a pet store or online retailer to buy dog food, the transaction will be declined, and the merchant may report the attempt to the state agency overseeing SNAP.

While pet owners often face financial strain, there are other resources available for those who need help feeding their animals. Many local animal shelters, rescue groups, and food banks maintain pet food banks that distribute dry kibble, canned food, and other supplies to families in need. Additionally, some states offer pet assistance programs or emergency pet care funds that can cover veterinary bills and food costs. By contacting your county’s animal control office or searching online for “pet food banks near me,” you can find a network of organizations ready to help you keep your dog healthy without dipping into SNAP benefits.

Pet food is not eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits because the program is designed to provide assistance with purchasing food for human consumption. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as SNAP, is a federally funded program that helps low-income individuals and families purchase nutritious food. The program’s primary goal is to alleviate food insecurity and improve the health and well-being of its recipients, and as such, it is limited to covering the cost of food items that are intended for human consumption, such as fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy products, and grains.

The exclusion of pet food from SNAP eligibility is based on the program’s definition of food, which is outlined in the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008. According to this definition, food refers to any food or food product that is intended for human consumption, and does not include items such as pet food, alcoholic beverages, or tobacco products. This distinction is important, as it helps to ensure that SNAP benefits are used for their intended purpose, which is to support the nutritional needs of eligible individuals and families. For example, a household that receives SNAP benefits can use them to purchase food items like chicken, rice, and bread, but they cannot use them to purchase dog food or cat food, even if these items are essential for the well-being of their pets.

It is worth noting that while pet food is not eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits, some organizations and charities provide assistance with pet food and other pet-related expenses for low-income individuals and families. For instance, the Pet Food Bank program, which is operated by the Humane Society, provides pet food and other supplies to families in need, helping to ensure that their pets receive the care and nutrition they require. Additionally, some food banks and pantries may also offer pet food and other pet-related items, although these items are typically donated by private individuals and organizations, rather than being purchased with SNAP benefits.

You may be eligible to use your Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to purchase pet food if you have a qualifying pet that is disabled, elderly, or has a serious health condition. The program allows people with disabilities to use their SNAP benefits to buy pet food if the animal is necessary for the person’s health and well-being. For example, a service animal or an emotional support animal that provides a therapeutic benefit to the owner may qualify.

If you are struggling to afford pet food, there are several other options you can explore. Many local animal shelters and rescue organizations offer free or low-cost pet food to people in need. These organizations often rely on donations and may be able to provide you with the food you need for your pet. According to the ASPCA, in 2020, over 70 million pets were living in households with pet owners who experienced food insecurity. In many cases, these organizations can also provide veterinary care, spay/neuter services, and other forms of support for pet owners.

Additionally, many veterinary clinics and pet supply stores offer assistance programs or discounts for people who are struggling to afford pet food. Some clinics may even have a “food bank” where owners can pick up free or low-cost pet food. The American Veterinary Medical Association recommends that pet owners who are struggling financially reach out to their local veterinary clinic or animal welfare organization for assistance. By asking for help, you can ensure that your pet receives the care and nutrition they need to stay healthy.

Feeding your dog a diet composed primarily of human food can be done safely, but it requires careful planning to ensure the animal receives all essential nutrients, because commercial dog food is formulated to meet the specific protein, vitamin, mineral, and calorie needs of canines. For example, lean meats such as chicken or turkey, cooked vegetables like carrots and green beans, and small amounts of whole grains can provide a balanced meal when combined in the right proportions, yet many common human foods—such as onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, chocolate, and foods high in salt or fat—are toxic to dogs and can cause serious health problems ranging from gastrointestinal upset to kidney failure. The American Veterinary Medical Association estimates that up to 25 percent of emergency veterinary visits are related to dietary indiscretion, underscoring the importance of avoiding risky foods and consulting a veterinarian before making a full transition to a homemade diet.

When it comes to purchasing pet food with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, the program does not allow the use of funds for animal feed, including both commercial dog food and ingredients intended for homemade meals, because SNAP benefits are strictly limited to food for human consumption. This restriction is outlined in the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service regulations, which define eligible items as those that are intended for personal consumption by the benefit holder and exclude any products classified as pet supplies. Consequently, while you can buy human foods that are safe for your dog and use SNAP benefits to purchase those items, you cannot use SNAP dollars to buy dog kibble, canned dog food, or other pet-specific products. If you need assistance with pet food costs, you may need to explore local animal welfare charities, pet food banks, or community programs that operate independently of SNAP.

Dog owners can explore a variety of programs and resources beyond SNAP to help cover the cost of pet food. Many communities host pet food banks that distribute free or heavily discounted kibble and canned food to families in need. In the United States, the National Pet Food Bank network serves over 1.5 million pets each year, with roughly 80 % of the distribution going to low‑income households. Local shelters, humane societies, and faith‑based organizations often partner with these national programs, providing a reliable source of free or low‑cost food. Additionally, some grocery stores run “pet food clubs” that offer members a discount of 20 % to 30 % on bulk purchases; these clubs frequently accept SNAP benefits for the purchase of pet food, allowing families to use their benefits indirectly through the club’s discount structure.

Other cost‑saving strategies include leveraging manufacturer coupons, signing up for loyalty programs, and buying in bulk from warehouse clubs or online marketplaces that ship in large quantities. For example, a 40‑pound bag of high‑protein dog food can cost as little as $20 when purchased in bulk, compared to $35 for a standard 10‑pound bag. Many brands also offer seasonal promotions, and some veterinary offices provide free sample packs or low‑price starter kits to new pet owners. Community initiatives such as “dog food co‑ops” or local farmer’s markets sometimes offer locally sourced, affordable options. By combining these resources—pet food banks, discount clubs, bulk purchasing, and manufacturer promotions—pet owners can significantly reduce the monthly expense of feeding their dogs while ensuring their animals receive balanced nutrition.

There are several programs that can help with pet food expenses, particularly for low-income individuals and families. The Pet Food Stamps program, for example, is a non-profit organization that provides assistance with pet food expenses for qualifying individuals. This program allows participants to purchase pet food at a reduced cost, helping to alleviate some of the financial burden associated with caring for a pet. According to the organization, they have helped thousands of pets remain in their homes by providing access to affordable pet food.

Many animal welfare organizations and charities also offer pet food assistance programs, often in partnership with local food banks and other non-profit organizations. The Humane Society, for instance, has a program that provides pet food and other essential supplies to families in need. Additionally, some local governments have implemented programs to help low-income residents care for their pets, including providing access to affordable pet food and veterinary care. These programs can be a vital lifeline for individuals who are struggling to make ends meet, yet are determined to provide the best possible care for their pets.

It is worth noting that while SNAP benefits cannot be used to purchase pet food, there are other forms of assistance available. The Banfield Charitable Trust, for example, is a non-profit organization that provides grants to help low-income families care for their pets. They also offer a pet food assistance program, which provides eligible families with free pet food for a specified period of time. By taking advantage of these programs, individuals can help ensure that their pets receive the nutrition they need, even in difficult financial times. Furthermore, many veterinary clinics and animal hospitals also offer discounted services and payment plans, which can help make pet care more affordable for low-income individuals and families.

You may be eligible to receive an exemption to use SNAP benefits for pet food if you have a service animal, but the process can be complex and may vary by state.

The United States Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) allows states to provide exemptions for the purchase of pet food, including for service animals, under certain circumstances. For instance, some states have implemented programs that allow SNAP recipients to use their benefits for pet food if they have a service animal that requires a specific diet. However, not all states have implemented such programs, so it’s essential to check with your local SNAP office to determine the eligibility criteria.

If you’re a SNAP recipient with a service animal, you’ll need to provide documentation to support your exemption request, such as a written statement from a licensed healthcare professional explaining the service animal’s dietary needs and how using SNAP benefits for pet food will help alleviate those needs. The FNS recommends that states follow a set of guidelines, which include verifying the service animal’s certification, ensuring the pet food is for a legitimate health or dietary need, and maintaining accurate records of the exemption.

Using SNAP benefits to buy items that are not eligible, such as pet food, can lead to serious penalties ranging from loss of benefits to criminal prosecution. The United States Department of Agriculture classifies the misuse of SNAP as fraud, and participants who are caught may have their benefits suspended or terminated, which can result in an immediate loss of food assistance for the household. In addition, the USDA can impose civil penalties of up to $500 per violation, and in more egregious cases the fraud can be referred to the Department of Justice where offenders may face fines, restitution, and even imprisonment of up to six months for a first offense.

Beyond the direct legal and financial repercussions, individuals who misuse SNAP benefits also risk being placed on a national fraud watch list, which can affect eligibility for other government assistance programs and make future applications more difficult. For example, a 2022 audit by the Food and Nutrition Service identified over 10,000 cases of SNAP fraud nationwide, resulting in the recovery of more than $30 million in improperly obtained benefits. Those caught in such investigations often undergo a thorough review of all their transactions, and the resulting administrative burden can delay or permanently block access to needed food resources for the entire household.

No, you cannot use SNAP benefits to purchase pet food, even if you have a medical condition that requires a service animal. The United States Department of Agriculture’s regulations are explicit: SNAP benefits may only be used to buy foods that are intended for human consumption. Pet food is classified as an animal feed item, not a human food, and therefore is excluded from the list of permissible purchases. This rule has been in place since the 2008 USDA guidance and was reaffirmed in a 2021 clarification that explicitly states pet food cannot be purchased with SNAP dollars, regardless of whether the animal is a service animal or not. The law treats the care of a service animal as a separate expense that does not fall under the SNAP program’s scope.

If you need assistance buying pet food, there are other options to explore. Many communities have pet food banks or assistance programs that provide free pet food or low-cost pet food options to those in need, and some veterinary clinics also offer financial assistance for pet care. This can help ensure that your pets receive the nutrition they need while you are going through a difficult time.

Yes, you can exchange your SNAP benefits for pet food at a local retailer, but there are certain restrictions and requirements you need to be aware of.

In 2002, the US Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) implemented the pet food rule, which allows SNAP recipients to use their benefits to purchase pet food. However, the rule also limits the types of pet food that can be purchased with SNAP benefits. For example, you can use your SNAP benefits to buy dog or cat food, but you cannot use them to purchase other types of pet food, such as bird seed or reptile food.

To exchange your SNAP benefits for pet food, you need to go to a local retailer that participates in the SNAP program and that sells pet food. You can use your Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card to make the purchase. Keep in mind that the retailer must have a valid SNAP authorization from the state’s SNAP agency, and the pet food must meet certain nutritional standards. It’s also worth noting that the amount of pet food you can buy with your SNAP benefits is limited to the amount you would normally buy for your household members, and you cannot use your benefits to buy pet food if you have other options for feeding your pets.