Cost of Living Pushes Woman to Make Homemade Dog Food
India Lerigo reports saving approximately £100 each month by preparing homemade meals for her dog, Luna.
The increase in living expenses has led India, who works in Cardiff, to cook food for Luna, who requires costly special diets due to allergies and is described as "fussy" about what she eats.
India states that rising prices have significantly impacted her budget. In addition to making food for Luna, she saves hundreds of pounds on her grocery bill by purchasing large quantities of food at once and cooking a month's worth of meals in a single session.
She mentioned that the cost of living policies of political parties will influence her vote in the upcoming Welsh Parliament election on Thursday, describing it as a "matter of importance."
India, aged 29, has received approval from her veterinarian for her approach, noting that Luna is much happier and "her stomach no longer hurts." However, as a vegetarian, she expressed concerns about liver and heart treatments.
She highlighted that many cost increases are beyond her control, such as council tax bills and petrol prices, adding that it is challenging to manage despite earning a "reasonable salary."
India Lerigo reports improvements in her dog's skin and stomach issues, with Luna, previously "fussy," now eating everything.
India has purchased a second-hand freezer and now shops for food once a month for herself and Luna, dedicating entire weekends to cooking and freezing meals.
"I noticed that by going to the shop more often, I was buying things I didn't need," she said.
The idea to create homemade food for Luna originated from social media, at a time when she was "spending a lot of money on food that Luna wasn't eating."
She spent two weeks researching canine nutrition and consulting with her vet before proceeding.
India also reduces her energy consumption during winter months by limiting heating to one hour a day and using hot water bottles and blankets.
Rising Bills and Food Prices Affect Families
Sara Davies from Caerphilly, a mother of two, expresses concern about increasing bills and food prices.
Working part-time with her husband employed full-time, she states that despite two incomes, they "have to be more price-conscious now compared to when we used to put things straight into the trolley."
The couple used to enjoy a night out at their local pub every two weeks, but Sara says this is no longer feasible regularly.
"It used to be a fairly cheap night out, but we've seen it get more and more expensive, and it's not something we feel we can keep doing regularly."
Andrew Pritchard from Pontfaen in South Glamorgan contacted 'BBC Dy Lais' describing the rise in living costs as "crazy."
"Everything is going up... electricity, gas, fuel for our cars - everything, and everyone is making excuses about it."
"No one can afford this crazy increase in living costs."
At 62 years old, he said he continues to work full-time "just to pay bills and rent," adding he will "work forever just to live."
Political Party Policies on Cost of Living
Learn about the main political parties' policies by selecting options below.
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Labour Wales
Labour Wales states it will "reduce bus fares, lower energy bills, and expand childcare so more families can work and progress with their lives," adding it will also ensure pay rises for low-wage workers.
"Labour has removed the two-child cap on benefits for 69,000 children in Wales, increased pensions for over 650,000 pensioners in Wales, and raised Universal Credit allowances for over 430,000 people in Wales."
Plaid Cymru
Plaid Cymru says it will help with current living costs through policies "from rent control to providing free childcare for all, and keeping Welsh resources within Welsh communities," while also creating jobs with better wages and supporting local businesses to build stronger communities.
"Plaid Cymru is the only party with a comprehensive and ambitious plan to support individuals and families across Wales with the cost of living crisis, and to put money back into people's pockets."
Reform UK
Reform UK states it has an "ambitious, credible, calculated plan to help people with living costs by reducing taxes and capping council tax rates."
"We also want to ensure taxpayers' money is spent only on our public services here in Wales, rather than being sent all over the world."
Welsh Conservatives
The Welsh Conservatives say they will ease living costs by "cutting taxes, expanding free childcare to working families, and abolishing stamp duty to help people move up and down the housing market - boosting the wider economy."
"We have a clear plan to boost the economy, put more money back in people's pockets, support hardworking families, support businesses, and ensure Wales works."
Requests have been made to Welsh Liberal Democrats and Welsh Green Party for responses.
Additional Voices on Cost of Living
Orla Williams, 58, from Llanelli told 'BBC Dy Lais' that the pressure from the cost of living crisis is "unsustainable."
"When you look at average wage increases compared to food and petrol bills, people are not coping."
As the impact of the war in Iran pushes petrol and other costs higher, she described the pattern of increases as "relentless."
Donna Jones, 58, from Swansea, said,
"Food prices, energy prices... they're just going up, but incomes aren't."
"It's not sustainable for ordinary households."
Advice and Support for Cost of Living Concerns
Impartial advice on debt, benefits, and employment is available free via Advicelink Cymru.
If you receive certain benefits, you may qualify for cheaper water and energy bills - contact your provider for more information.
If you have a low income or specific benefits, you may qualify for council tax reduction schemes through your local council.
Council on Cost of Living Crisis
Ashley Comley from Caerphilly Blaenau Gwent Citizens Advice said living costs have been a problem for people since the start of the war in Ukraine in 2022.
"Living costs have been a matter troubling people for several years now."
In 2025, the organisation saw a 49% increase in the number of people seeking help due to financial crisis compared to the previous year, "and that was before the recent rise in fuel prices," he said.
He expressed ongoing concern about energy and what will happen when the energy price cap is expected to rise in July.
and Stories
- The Big Debate: Health, cost of living, and more powers among the topics
- 'Can't spend like I used to': Voters on cost of living
- 'Childcare is expensive and stressful' - the challenge for the next Welsh government
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