The price of keeping a fido forces owners to look for cheaper alternatives.
American humorist Will Rogers once said that if there are no dogs in heaven, “when I die I want to go where they went.”
A touching sentiment, but a recent study suggests that due to inflation and other factors, dog owners are having a hard time caring for their beloved pets here on Earth.
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The price of dog food — dry and wet combined — has increased by 45.5% on average compared to 2020 prices, according to Veterinarians.orgor about 15% annually, three times the usual annual price increase of 5%..
Research organization conducted a survey of 1,000 pet owners in the united states and found that 50% had to shop for cheaper alternatives to pet food as a result of inflation.
Some are canceling pet food subscriptions
Additionally, 55% of pet owners surveyed said they canceled their pet food subscriptions on Chewy.com. (blow) – Get a free reportAmazon.com (AMZN) – Get a free reportor through a raw food or pre-cooked meal service due to higher costs.
Pet owners said they also shopped around for cheaper alternatives to pet treats, toys, and health supplements.
And on an even more troubling note, 24% of pet owners said they were considering rehoming or turning their pets over to a shelter as a result of the rising costs of pet food and supplies.
Twenty-two percent of pet owners said they applied for special services in their state that help pet owners pay for pet-related costs, while 73% of survey respondents felt a pet food pantry would be beneficial to them.
The cost of components is going up
“One of the main reasons why dog food is so expensive is because of the high cost of ingredients,” Veterinarians.org said. “The cost of raw materials such as meat, grains and vegetables has risen due to factors such as droughts, floods and other weather-related events.”
The groups said transportation and labor costs have also increased, adding to the overall cost of producing dog food.
And the inflation in 2022 had a significant impact on pet food and supplies, as prices rose significantly across various sectors of the pet industry.
Another factor contributing to the high price of dog food is the growing demand for premium and specialty dog foods, Veterinarians.org said.
Many pet owners are willing to pay more for high-quality, natural, grain-free dog food that contains no preservatives, artificial colors, or flavors.
As a result, pet food companies have responded to this trend by producing more affordable dog foods that cater to these preferences.
In the wet dog food category, Pedigree reported the largest price increase since 2020, up 207%, the group said.
The biggest dry dog food price increase is Purina ONE Plus Junior 16.5 lb. Healthy Puppy Natural High Protein Dry Formula, which is up 143% over its price in 2020.
Veterinarians.org had some suggestions for cash-strapped dog owners.
It is possible to make your own dog food
One option is to buy in bulk. Buying larger bags of dog food can be more cost-effective than purchasing smaller bags, as it can save money on packaging and shipping costs.
Pet owners can also look for coupons or deals on dog food at their local pet store or online retailer.
Another way to save money on dog food is to make it at home.
Homemade dog food can be a good choice for pet owners who want to know exactly what goes into their dogs diet.
Making dog food at home also allows pet owners to use affordable and accessible ingredients.
A short internet search turned up several websites offering recipes for homemade dog food.
One site, THe’s a pet sprucesaid that home cooking dog food is not appropriate for everyone and listed some factors owners should consider before making the switch.
This included making sure to find a complete and balanced dog food recipe and taking the time to measure the ingredients and prepare the food properly.
And pet owners can consider switching to a more affordable brand of dog food.
“While premium and specialty dog foods can be appealing, they are not always necessary for every dog,” Veterinarians.org said. “It is important to consult a veterinarian to ensure that the dog is getting all the necessary nutrients and that any changes in the diet are done gradually.”
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