How some Americans could qualify for a $1,000 ‘dog tax credit’

Some pet owners might be able to snag a $1,000 “dog credit” this tax season to help pay for food and other necessities for four-legged friends.

As Americans are gearing up to submit their tax returns by Tax Day on April 15, pet parents may be wondering if they can get a break by claiming their freeloading pups.

Blue Buffalo launching a “dog tax credit” for pet owners.

Google searches for pet-related tax deductions increased 40% from 2024 to 2025, and 85% of pet owners see their pets as children, according to The Harris Poll.

Google searches for pet-related tax reductions are rising.

Unfortunately there’s no tax credit for your four-legged family members, despite all the love and money spent on them — but Blue Buffalo is looking to change that.

The natural pet food brand is launching the Love Made Fresh Dog Tax Credit, which will give dog moms and dads the opportunity to “write off” the cost of food, treats and toys.

“Every tax season, we see pet parents asking questions about how to claim their dog on their taxes, like children, and since that’s not an option, we are stepping in to give credit for everyone who shows their four-legged family member unconditional love every day,” Nicole Ayers, Business Unit Director of Growth Accelerators for North America Pet at General Mills, which owns Blue Buffalo, said in a statement.

“The Love Made Fresh Dog Tax Credit is our way of helping pet parents continue loving and feeding their dog just like family.”

Pet parents who want the opportunity to “claim” their furry friend as a dog-pendent can go to BlueBuffaloDogTaxCredit.com ahead of Tax Day for the chance to receive a $1,000 credit to put toward Love Made Fresh, Blue Buffalo’s new fresh dog food offering.

Owners can choose between a Scoop & Serve Tub, Slice & Serve Rolls, or the line’s newest offering, Tender Meatball Recipes.

Blue Buffalo is rewarding the $1,000 prizes to 200 pet parents, with no purchase necessary, and a maximum of four entries per household.

Pup parents simply need to fill out the online form by April 17 to enter the promotion for a chance to win.