If you're like most pet owners, you treat your furry friend as well as -- if not better than -- you treat yourself. A recent poll of shoppers found that only 29 percent would change their brand of pet food to save money.

But giving your pets the best doesn't mean you have to sit back and watch your bills escalate. Instead, try these smart tips for spending less.

Lower food costs » More than 40 percent of dogs and 57 percent of cats in America are overweight, the 2008 National Pet Obesity Awareness Study found. If you can't see or easily feel your pet's ribs, he could probably stand to shed a few pounds.

Go to petobesityprevention.com to learn your critter's true caloric needs.

Also, think twice before you toss your leftovers, but don't treat your pet like a garbage disposal with a tail. Rather, feed her as if she were your 90-year-old grandmother.

"No spices, no dairy; be careful with fat; most lean meats and fish are good, as well as vegetables," said Babette Gladstein, a veterinarian at Bglad Veterinary Services in New York City.

Some human foods are toxic to animals. See the list at goodhousekeeping.com/pet.

It also helps to buy in bulk. At Costco, Good Housekeeping found a case of 24 22-ounce cans of Pedigree Chunky Beef dog food for $24.99, versus $33.36 at a local supermarket.

Taper treats » "Break treats into tiny pieces," said vet Amy Attas of webvet.com. "Pets

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don't measure the size of the treat; they only know they're getting one."

Offer apples, bananas and baby carrots. Never give grapes or raisins, though -- they're toxic to many pets. And you can go to goodhousekeeping.com/pet for recipes you can make on your own.

Save on medical care » Most municipally run animal shelters offer some type of free or low-cost spay/neuter program, vaccinations and more.

Which vaccines are necessary depends on local ordinances and the animal's lifestyle, age and exposure to risk. Similarly, strictly "indoor-only" cats may not require the feline leukemia vaccine, saving you about $25, said Timnah Lee of Tribeca Soho Animal Hospital in New York City.

If your animal needs medication right away, get it from your vet -- but only perhaps a week's worth, and ask to take a prescription with you to order the rest online. Some Web sites to try are 1800petmeds.com, drsfostersmith.com and kvvetsupply.com. Or see if your vet will match the online price.

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On another matter » Check out these beauty products that have earned the Good Housekeeping Seal and just might save you money. Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream was found to be more moisturizing than products 10 times its cost. Skipping manicures to save cash? Apply a coat of OPI Chip Skip directly to the nail before your base coat or polish for a longer-lasting look. Want mineral makeup for less? Try Mineral Wear from Physicians Formula. It's talc-free and has the same vitamins as department-store brands. And Crest Whitestrips Premium can brighten teeth two to five shades in just seven days.