Shopping with SNAP
Apr 24, 2025
Understanding what you can and can’t buy with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps recipients spend their benefits wisely. A common question is whether dog food qualifies as an approved purchase.
Can You Buy Dog Food with EBT/ Food Stamps?
No, you cannot buy dog food with Food Stamps or EBT.
This is because SNAP benefits are intended to assist with purchasing food for human consumption. Dog food, being a non-human food item, does not qualify under the program's guidelines. Therefore, recipients must use other means to purchase food for their pets.
How to Check If Dog Food Is SNAP-Eligible
To determine if an item is SNAP-eligible, check its label. If it has a "Nutrition Facts" label, it is likely eligible. Conversely, items with a "Supplement Facts" label are not eligible. Additionally, hot, prepared foods meant for immediate consumption are generally not SNAP-eligible. For example:
Frozen vegetables: They have a "Nutrition Facts" label and are intended for home consumption. Therefore, they are SNAP-eligible.
Hot pizza: It’s hot, prepared, and meant for immediate consumption. Therefore, it is not SNAP-eligible.
If in doubt, compare the product to USDA rules to determine SNAP eligibility.
Large chain stores often use small shelf labels or icons that say "SNAP Eligible" or "EBT Accepted." Websites of large chains like Walmart, Amazon, or delivery platforms like Instacart often let you filter by SNAP-eligible items. If still unsure, ask the shop assistant before making a purchase.
What Else Can You Not Buy with EBT/Food Stamps?
While SNAP benefits cover a wide range of essential food items, there are products like dog food that cannot be purchased with these benefits, including:
Alcoholic Beverages: Beer, wine, and other alcoholic drinks are strictly prohibited under SNAP guidelines.
Vitamins and Supplements: Items with a "Supplement Facts" label, such as vitamins and dietary supplements, are not eligible for purchase.
Non-Food Items: Household supplies, toiletries, and other non-food products cannot be bought with SNAP benefits.
Hot Prepared Foods: Foods that are hot at the point of sale or meant for immediate consumption, like deli meals, are not covered.
What Happens If You Try to Buy an Ineligible Item with an EBT Card?
If you try to buy an ineligible item with your EBT card, the transaction will be declined at checkout. The cashier or the self-checkout system will notify you that the item is not covered by SNAP benefits. You will need to use another form of payment to complete the purchase. This ensures that SNAP funds are used only for approved items.
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Benny is a great option to manage your SNAP benefits effectively. With Benny, you can check your EBT balance and transactions in real-time, helping you stay on top of your EBT spending. Plus, you can earn cash back on groceries and other purchases at popular stores such as Walmart, Target, and 7-Eleven.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does the rule on dog food's SNAP eligibility vary by state?
No, the rule on dog food's SNAP eligibility does not vary by state. SNAP is a federal program, and its guidelines are consistent across all states. Dog food is universally ineligible for purchase with SNAP benefits.
Will my EBT benefits be halted if I try to buy dog food with SNAP?
No, your EBT benefits will not be halted if you try to buy dog food with SNAP. However, the transaction will be declined at checkout, and you will need to use another form of payment to purchase the dog food.
Are baskets containing dog food eligible for purchase with SNAP?
No, baskets containing dog food are not eligible for purchase with SNAP. You will need to remove the dog food from your basket or use a different payment method for the entire purchase.
Can I use SNAP benefits to buy pet food if it's labeled as human food?
No, even if pet food is labeled as human food, it is not eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits. SNAP benefits are strictly for food intended for human consumption, and any item marketed as pet food is not covered.
