Here’s a practical, U.S.-focused guide to affordable limited‑ingredient (LID) pet foods — quick brand picks, what “limited ingredient” really means, how to choose safely, and money‑saving shopping tips.

Quick summary (most budget-friendly LID options)

• Dogs (affordable, widely available): Rachael Ray Nutrish Limited Ingredient (budget pick), Natural Balance LID, Blue Buffalo Basics (some formulas). These are commonly recommended as lower‑cost LID options with single‑protein recipes or simplified ingredient lists. (hepper.com)
• Cats (affordable LID picks): Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient and Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet (wet and dry LID lines are available and often priced reasonably compared with fresh/subscription brands). (resources.pangovet.com)

What “limited ingredient” means — and the vet caveats

• “Limited ingredient” is an informal marketing term (not tightly regulated). LID foods aim to reduce the number/types of ingredients to make it easier to identify and avoid allergens, but formulations vary widely. Non‑prescription LID foods can sometimes contain unlisted ingredients due to cross‑contamination. For diagnosing/treating true food allergies, vets typically recommend a strict food trial (often 8–12 weeks) or prescription/hydrolyzed diets. Talk to your veterinarian if you suspect an allergy. (petmd.com)

How to choose a safe, effective budget LID food

• Check the label for a single named animal protein (e.g., “salmon,” “lamb meal”) listed first, and a short, transparent ingredient list.
• Verify the “Nutritional Adequacy” statement: it should say the product is “complete and balanced” and reference AAFCO nutrient profiles or feeding trials. That indicates it can be fed as the pet’s sole diet. (aafco.org)
• Watch for hidden protein sources (by‑products, unnamed “meat meal,” or collective terms) and for common allergenic ingredients like beef, dairy, chicken, and wheat if your pet has reactions. Prescription LID or hydrolyzed diets are less likely to have cross‑contamination and are often used for strict allergy trials. (petmd.com)

Practical cost‑saving shopping strategies

• Compare unit price ($ per lb or per oz) rather than bag price. Larger bags can be cheaper per pound but only buy what your pet will eat before the bag sits too long.
• Use autoship/subscription discounts (many retailers like Chewy offer sizable first‑autoship discounts and ongoing autoship savings) and look for manufacturer coupons or retailer promos. (businessinsider.com)
• Consider mixing (small amount) of an affordable LID dry with a wet LID topper to boost palatability while controlling costs — but keep total calories in mind so you don’t overfeed.
• If your pet tolerates it and your vet approves, some store‑brand LID lines or larger supermarket pet brands (the ones above) give LID benefits at lower prices than human‑grade/subscription fresh foods.

Transition & doing a food trial

• If switching for suspected food allergy: feed only the new LID diet (no treats, table scraps, flavored meds, chews) for 8–12 weeks and track symptoms. Reintroduce other foods slowly per your vet’s guidance to identify triggers. Noncompliance or cross‑contamination will invalidate the trial. (petmd.com)

When to choose prescription or hydrolyzed diets

• For confirmed or severe food allergies, recurrent ear/skin infections, or when strict control is needed, prescription limited/hydrolyzed diets (available through your vet) are recommended because they minimize cross‑contamination and are formulated for diagnostic/therapeutic use. (petmd.com)

If you want a short, tailored shopping list: tell me the species (dog or cat), approximate weight/age, and whether the pet has a suspected protein (e.g., chicken) or grain allergy — I’ll give 3 budget LID formulas to consider and where to buy them at the best unit price.