Americans spend more than $11 million on pet food each year, according to the Food and Drug Administration.

When food for Sparky and Felix begins to cut into food for you, your partner and your children, it can be hard to know where to cut costs. After all, your pet's health and safety is important.

With that in mind, these tips should help you save some of those hard-earned dollars that go straight toward pet food and other costs.

Buy Food In Bulk

On your next trip to the pet store, buy the largest bag of food you can store. For one popular brand, this amounts to a savings of more than 30 cents a pound.

When purchasing 30- or 40-pound bags, these savings add up quickly. If buying such a large bag isn't feasible, try and find a neighbor with whom to split the food -- and the savings. You will thank yourself later for the inconvenience of getting such a large bag home; most pet owners won't have to buy more food for months.

Don't Overfeed

Make sure your pets are getting the proper care and nutrition. An overweight or obese pet will cost you money and peace of mind. Overfeeding is a common problem for pet owners. Take your pet to the veterinarian and make sure you are feeding him or her the right amount.

Make Your Own

Many pet owners scrap commercially-made pet food altogether in favor of homemade brew which, when made correctly, can offer a more wholesome meal for your pet on the cheap.

This, however, requires time and caution. Make sure to follow reputable recipes closely, and never feed your dog or cat table scraps. Many ingredients humans regularly eat are toxic to pets.

Join A Rewards Program

Most large pet supply shops, such as Petsmart and Petco, offer rewards programs. These programs may save you hundreds of dollars annually if you frequently buy pet food or other products and may also come with additional benefits such as special coupons. Many of these stores will provide services like grooming for prices far lower than what might be found elsewhere.

Most importantly, make sure your pets are healthy. A pet is an investment of time and money. Keeping them healthy and happy can be inexpensive, but be careful not to put your pets in danger.