The 29-year-old Cardiff voter says she saves about £100 a month feeding her allergic Staffy, Luna, after vet-approved research and bulk buying cut combined food spending from £400-£500 to £250.
She said council tax, petrol and other rising bills would influence her vote in Thursday's Senedd election, while other Welsh residents told BBC Your Voice they were also cutting back on meals out and shopping.
Citizens Advice in Caerphilly Blaenau Gwent reported a 49% rise in people seeking help for financial emergencies in 2025, as Welsh parties set out competing plans on energy bills, childcare, rents, taxes and transport.
As families adopt extreme saving measures, what are the hidden long-term social and health costs for Wales?
Can a new Welsh government actually solve a cost-of-living crisis driven by global events?
Could accelerating local renewable energy projects be the real answer to Wales's crippling energy bills?