Here are affordable “premium” pet‑food options (U.S.), plus quick tips to pick and save. I’ve focused on brands that reviewers and buyers often call good value for quality; always check the AAFCO statement and your vet for special needs.

Quick buying rule (important)

• Choose a food labeled “complete and balanced” for your pet’s species and life stage (AAFCO). That’s the baseline for safety/nutrition. (aafco.org)

Top affordable premium dog‑food options

• Kirkland Signature / Nature’s Domain (Costco) — warehouse‑club prices with formulas that test well for protein/fat and are widely recommended as a value pick; good option if you have a Costco membership. (Note: some formulas are grain‑free and some owners report sensitivities — check ingredients and recalls if concerned.) (dogfoodadvisor.com)
• American Journey (Chewy private‑label) — positioned as a higher‑quality formula but priced below many premium brands; available via Chewy with subscription discounts. Good value for many pet owners, though availability is typically limited to Chewy. (caninejournal.com)
• Taste of the Wild — mid‑tier premium with grain‑free and grain‑inclusive lines; widely available and often a budget‑friendly way to get novel proteins and higher meat content than economy kibbles. (Some pet owners and vets note concerns about grain‑free diets for certain dogs — check your dog’s health.) (dogfoodadvisor.com)
• Whole Earth Farms (and similar store/private premium lines) — marketed as “natural” / better ingredients at a lower price point than top‑tier brands; good for owners who want better ingredients without a premium price. (dogtime.com)
• Purina ONE (and, when needed, Purina Pro Plan) — Purina ONE is often called a good entry‑level “premium” option with solid nutrition at lower cost; Pro Plan is more targeted (and pricier) if your dog needs a specialized formula. (enviroliteracy.org)

Top affordable premium cat‑food options

• Hill’s Science Diet — frequently recommended by vets and reviewers as a reliable premium choice that’s still affordable for many cat owners. Good for life‑stage and special‑care formulas. (thesprucepets.com)
• Purina Pro Plan / Purina ONE (cat lines) — Pro Plan is higher end; Purina ONE gives many of the benefits of a premium brand at a lower price. Useful as value choices that meet AAFCO standards. (enviroliteracy.org)

Practical saving strategies

• Buy in bulk or warehouse clubs (Costco) when it suits your pet and storage; large bags lower cost per pound. (dogfoodadvisor.com)
• Use subscription/autoship programs (Chewy and others) for first‑order and recurring discounts — these can knock 5–35% off the first order and give ongoing savings. (milled.com)
• Compare cost per pound and (better) cost per calorie when evaluating value — cheaper food that’s less calorie‑dense can end up costing more. (Pet label sections list calories per cup.) (petmd.com)
• Try mixing a small amount of a pricier food as a topper while feeding a vetted value premium kibble as the base to cut cost but keep quality. (If you do this, re‑check total daily calories so you don’t overfeed.) (webmd.com)

Safety notes

• “Premium” on a bag is a marketing term — verify the AAFCO statement and ingredient list and ask your vet about specific needs (allergies, senior care, weight, heart issues). If your dog has a history of heart disease or you’re considering grain‑free diets, discuss with your veterinarian first. (aafco.org)

If you tell me whether you have a dog or cat (age/size/breed or health concerns) I can narrow this to 2–3 specific formulas and show approximate current price ranges or best retailers (Costco, Chewy, PetSmart, Amazon) for each.