Starting from scratch takes dough. That’s especially true if you’re a dog mom who loves to bake. I wish I would’ve known the cost of stocking a pantry before I bought my first home. Between herbs, spices, and Sugar’s essentials, it requires a plan and a budget.
When I moved out for the first time, my first plan was to go shopping in my mom’s cabinet. She shut that down real quick! So, I had to rework my plan. In this blog post, I’m sharing how I built my pantry from scratch and how I worked my budget to pay for it.
WHAT TO THINK ABOUT WHEN BUILDING A DOG MOM’S PANTRY
The first time I decided to make a lasagna in my house, I cringed at the cost of the ingredients. All the noodles, tomato sauce, cheese, and other ingredients added up. My first thought was, “What’s the point of making something at home if it’s going to cost this much to buy the ingredients?”
However, I soon realized that a lasagna was a bit ambitious for someone with an empty pantry. So, here are a few things to consider when stocking yours.
1. Start with your staple products. Think about the items that you use daily. What are those daily items that you and your dog use most often. Purchase those products first.
2. Consider your storage space. Determine how much your pantry can hold. This includes your items and any items that you’re storing in your pantry for your dog.
3. Determine what’s accessible. Keep daily-use items within easy reach and reserve higher shelves for backup stock or occasional treats.
4. Establish your maintenance process. It’s not just about the first big shop, it’s about creating a system that’s easy to replenish. It’s also important to track the expiration dates for the items in your pantry so they don’t expire and go to waste.
5. Plan for special diets and dishes. Stock your pantry with items for any special diets for you and your dog.
Your pantry becomes more than just a storage space, it’s the heart of your kitchen. It influences how you cook, snack, and feed your dog.
HOW TO MANAGE THE COST OF YOUR PANTRY
Building a pantry takes time, especially if you’re starting from scratch. The average cost to stock a pantry varies, but $200 to $400 is usually a good budget to start with. The trick is to build your pantry over time so you’re not spending that much all at once.
Average cost to build a pantry from scratch:
- Basic staples (spices, oils, flour, sugar): $75–$150
- Cooking and baking supplies: $50–$100
- Snacks and quick meals: $50–$100
- Dog treats and ingredients: $20–$50
Total: $200–$400 depending on how well you plan and where you shop.
HUMAN PANTRY ESSENTIALS FOR DOG MOMS
I learned to bake from my mom. When I moved into my first home, we sat down to make a list of everything I’d need to start off my pantry. Because we both love to bake, my list was longer than a CVS receipt! There was no way I could purchase everything on my list at one time.
So, I started purchasing a little at a time, beginning with my staple products. Here is my starter list.
Cooking Staples:
- Olive oil and vegetable oil
- Vinegar (white and apple cider)
- Salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder
- Basic herbs: basil, oregano, thyme
- Pasta, rice, or quinoa
- Canned beans and tomatoes
Baking Staples:
- All-purpose flour
- Sugar and brown sugar
- Baking soda and baking powder
- Cinnamon and vanilla extract
- Ginger
- Cocoa Powder (for me, not for Sugar of course)
Quick Meals & Snacks:
- Nut butter
- Crackers or rice cakes
- Shelf-stable soups
- Granola bars
ESSENTIALS FOR YOUR DOG’S PANTRY
Yes, Sugar has her own section of the pantry. Just like her mama, Sugar has her own pantry essentials. As you work to build your own pantry, make sure you include your dog’s essentials into the budget. Below are a few suggestions to get you started.
Daily Essentials:
- High-quality kibble or wet food
- Training treats
- Dental chews
Special Ingredients for Homemade Pupcakes & Dog Treats:
- Plain canned pumpkin (no sugar or spices) or sweet potatoes (we go for the sweet potatoes over here)
- Rolled oats
- Whole wheat flour or oat flour
- Unsweetened applesauce
- Peanut butter (xylitol-free)
Health & Wellness Items:
- Supplements recommended by your vet
- Extra water bowls or travel bowls
- Pet meds and/or flea & tick preventatives
- Airtight storage containers for freshness
Keeping your Sugar’s shelf in the pantry stocked means one less stop on my way home from work and more time to spend with her.
YOUR PANTRY AND DOG MOM MATH
Dog Mom Math Rule #2: Discounts aren’t spending, they’re saving. This Dog Mom Math strategy helped me be intentional about my plan. Here are three ways this rule will help you keep your plan in check.
- Shop with Coupons and Discount Codes – Stretch your pantry budget by stacking coupons, store loyalty rewards, and online discount codes. Even saving $5 to $10 per trip adds up quickly, freeing up money for other essentials.
- Buy Wholesale or In Bulk – Purchasing items like grains, oils, or dog treats in bulk lowers the cost per unit and reduces last-minute grocery runs. Make sure to store them properly so you’re not wasting what you save.
- Shop Seasonally and Rotate Stock – Prices for produce, baking supplies, and even pet food can shift with the season. Stock up when items are at their lowest, then rotate pantry staples so you always use the oldest first. It’s a simple way to keep both costs and waste down.
MY FIRST STOCKED PANTRY: THE FEELING OF SUCCESS
The first time I completely stocked my pantry, I felt successful. I really felt like I had made it. In fact, being able to look in and know I had enough ingredients to make something made it more fun to cook and bake. Furthermore, it also made my house feel more like a home.
As a result, stocking my pantry from scratch took months. Mapping out how to do it really helped me learn how to shop smart for groceries. It also helped me think through a food budget for both me and Sugar.
Now, we’d love to hear from you. What essentials do you keep in your pantry for yourself? What do you make sure you keep on hand for your dog? Let’s continue the conversation “after bark.”
Now, we’d also love to hear from you. What essentials do you keep in your pantry for you? And, what do you make sure you keep on hand for your dog? Let’s continue the conversation “after bark.” Sign up for our P. S. After Bark newsletter to talk your shift and all things dog mom lifestyle. Stay connected and share your stories with us @pupcakesugar.
