In a country where the cost of living continues to rise, pet ownership in Sri Lanka often comes with the challenge of how to feed your pets well without overspending. 

For many pet owners, particularly those caring for multiple animals, the reality is that commercially available pet food, especially imported kibble and wet food, can be prohibitively expensive. With most brands on the market sourced from abroad, prices fluctuate with exchange rates, making even basic nutrition feel like a luxury at times. 

Yet, despite these constraints, Sri Lankan pet owners are finding practical, creative, and often deeply caring ways to ensure their animals remain healthy and well-fed.

Balancing cost and nutrition  

The key, as many have discovered, lies in balance. Rather than relying solely on imported products, a growing number of pet owners are turning to a mix of home-cooked meals supplemented with commercial pet food, using the latter more as treats or nutritional boosts rather than daily staples.

For cat owner Shavindri Perera, this balance is essential. “Feeding cats purely on imported food is just not sustainable for me,” she said. “The wet food, especially, is insanely expensive. So I mostly cook at home, things like boiled fish or chicken, and then I give small amounts of kibble or treats in between.”

Her approach reflects a broader shift towards incorporating locally available, affordable ingredients into pet diets. 

In Sri Lanka, protein-rich options such as hurulla and salaya are not only widely available but also nutritionally beneficial when properly prepared. Boiled and carefully deboned, these fish can serve as an excellent base for a cat’s diet. Similarly, plain boiled chicken, free of spices, salt, and oil, provides a safe and reliable protein source.

Cats, in particular, require a diet high in protein, and while it may be tempting to supplement meals with bread or milk, these are not suitable substitutes. Cats are lactose intolerant, and foods like bread offer little nutritional value. 

Instead, pet owners are increasingly incorporating vegetables such as pumpkin, carrots, and beetroot, mashed into meals to provide fibre and essential nutrients. Simple additions like rice or dhal can help stretch meals further, though these should not replace protein as the primary component.

Shavindri notes that while home cooking takes more effort, it also offers peace of mind. “At least I know exactly what’s going into their food,” she said. “And when I do give them treats, it feels like something special rather than something I’m relying on every day.”

Dog owners face a similar dilemma, though the scale of feeding and cost can often be even greater. 

Vindula Lakshan, who has a pet dog, explained that budgeting had become a necessary part of pet care. “Kibble is convenient, but if you feed it every day, it adds up very quickly,” he said. “So I mix it. I’ll cook chicken or fish, add some pumpkin or carrots, and then mix a bit of kibble into it.”

This hybrid approach not only reduces costs but also helps maintain nutritional balance. Dogs, unlike cats, can tolerate a wider variety of foods, including certain carbohydrates. Boiled rice, for instance, can be used as a filler when combined with protein and vegetables. Eggs, another affordable and accessible protein source, are also commonly included in homemade meals.

Vindula emphasised that hydration was equally important, particularly in Sri Lanka’s warm climate. “You have to make sure there’s always fresh water,” he said. “Sometimes people focus so much on food, but water is just as important, especially in this heat.”

Awareness is crucial

For households with multiple pets, the challenge, and creativity, often multiplies. Vinod Yapa, who cares for both dogs and cats, has developed a system that balances cost with care. “You can’t treat them all the same when it comes to food,” he noted. “Cats need more protein, dogs can handle a bit more variety. So I cook in batches, usually chicken or fish, and then portion it out differently.”

He added that imported pet food still had a place, but in a more controlled way. “I do buy kibble, but I don’t depend on it fully. It’s more like a supplement. And treats are just that – treats, not meals.”

Vinod also pointed out that feeding pets on a budget required a certain level of awareness. “You have to know what’s safe and what’s not,” he said. “Things like onions, garlic, even too much salt – these can be harmful. So you can’t just feed them whatever is left over from your plate.”

This awareness is crucial. While home-cooked meals can be both affordable and nutritious, they must be prepared carefully. Certain common ingredients in Sri Lankan cooking, such as onions, garlic, and heavily spiced curries, are toxic to pets and should always be avoided. Similarly, foods like chocolate, grapes, and excessive salt can pose serious health risks.

Making informed choices 

Commercial pet food, despite its cost, does offer one key advantage: nutritional consistency. High-quality brands are formulated to meet specific dietary requirements, ensuring pets receive the right balance of vitamins and minerals. 

For this reason, many pet owners choose to include at least a small amount of kibble or commercial food in their pet’s diet, particularly for long-term health. Several brands are commonly available in Sri Lanka, though their price points vary significantly.

Online platforms and local pet stores have made these products more accessible, but affordability remains a concern. As a result, some pet owners are exploring alternatives such as bulk purchasing, sharing costs with other pet owners, or buying during discounts and promotions.

Another emerging trend is the use of natural repellents and locally made pet products, including herbal sprays and oils, which align with the broader shift towards more sustainable and cost-effective pet care practices. While these do not directly address feeding, they reflect a wider movement among Sri Lankan pet owners to reduce dependence on imported goods.

Feeding pets on a budget, then, is not simply about cutting costs; it is about making informed, thoughtful choices. It requires an understanding of animal nutrition, a willingness to adapt, and often, a bit of trial and error. But as the experiences of pet owners demonstrate, it is entirely possible to provide pets with a healthy, balanced diet without relying exclusively on expensive commercial products.

At its heart, pet care in Sri Lanka remains deeply rooted in affection and responsibility. Whether it is boiling fish early in the morning, carefully deboning a meal, or setting aside a small portion of kibble as a treat, these everyday acts reflect a commitment that goes beyond convenience.

In a context where economic realities cannot be ignored, Sri Lankan pet owners continue to find ways to prioritise the well-being of their animals, proving that even on a budget, care, creativity, and consistency can go a long way in keeping their furry companions happy and healthy.