Why is pedigree dog food so expensive

Why Is Dog Food So Expensive? 6 Factors On Pet Food Inflation

Key Takeaways

• The increase in the price of dog food is mainly due to the increased price of the raw materials needed to make them including gas prices which adds up to the cost of transport.
• The higher costs are also driven by the changes in demand of pet owners and the increased variety of pet food products available
• Notably, the rate of increase for pet food is still lower compared to the rate of increase in human food.

Everything is becoming more expensive and canine food is definitely one of those things! I recently purchased my regular pet food from the store and noticed the jump in prices. I realized that it was because of the rising cost of the ingredients needed for the product. Real meat, grain, electricity, water all of these things are needed to make pet food and many of these items are increasing in price. I dont really have to go far since I noticed the same costly increase in my regular grocery budget. Other than the basic ingredients, however, there are other things that affect how manufacturers price pet food.

The Science Behind Dog Foods

Scientific research is required to ensure todays best quality of pet meals both dog and cat food. Kibble, for example, is the cheapest canine food but still has a complex formula. Scientists use their skills to create long-lasting and balanced kibbles for dogs. Pet parents, however, are willing to pay extra to receive a kibble that the puppy not only enjoys but will also meet the pet nutrition needs.

The U.S. pet food and treats market is worth$42 billionas of 2020. This has definitely grown over time as the pet food industry continues to invest in research studies for improved recipes. With much research necessary, pet foods are difficult to create because of the long list of ingredients to make them tasty for pups.

Dogs and people have different attitudes about what smells and tastes good. My dogs, for example, seem to love pet food that smells bad to my human nose. The complex recipe for kibble requires a high nutritional value and strong smell to attract dogs [1]. Fortunately, the smell is often less powerful when it comes to kibble.

Byproducts are not Byproducts

Canine foodmanufacturers have coined the term byproducts for the proteins western consumers rarely buy. This typically includes internal organs like the liver, kidney, and intestines. Theyre perfectly edible but we dont eat them but our dogs definitely do and actually love them! To pump the protein load, manufacturers add by-products to the food while still keeping the costs low. Unfortunately, even internal organs today are increasing in cost and I can definitely see this reflected in the price of canine food for my pets. Even worse is pet food that uses pure meat products which typically have a higher price range.

The Lingering Effects of the Pandemic

The effects of the pandemic on the dog and cat food industry have been long-lasting. Dry food and wet dog foods rely on the meat-packing industry for ingredients. One of the side effects of the pandemic was a drive to euthanize animals that had come into contact with infected human workers. Before the meat packing industry created procedures to combat infections, the number of euthanized animals threatened the global supply chain. Meat packers and the agricultural industry have been returning to normal. These industries will take a long time to return to their pre-pandemic levels.

Inflation caused by global uncertainty spiked in 2022. The pandemic and conflict in Eastern Europe have pushed prices for everyday products. The pet food and meat industry has managed to keep itsrate of inflationbelow that of human-grade food. The inflation rate for human-grade food has risen by 8.6% in February 2022. In contrast, manufacturers have managed to steady their ships at 3.7% in February 2022.

That is not to say pet owners have not seen spiking inflation rates. The rate of inflation for pet food since February 2020 reached 5.4%, with human foods rising by 13.4%.

Millennials Spend More

One of the biggest changes in the pet care industry has been the rise of millennial pet parents. Americans and Europeans have spent excessive amounts on their pets for decades.

Millennials have led the human health and well-being market over the last two decades. I know for a fact that aside from personal health, however, millennials are heavily invested in their pets health too! FromDNA health screening through the best dog DNA test kitsto a healthy diet and exercise, millennials are more aware of the needs of their pups. This is why I and many of my friends are willing to spend more if it will guarantee the good health of our dogs. Simply put, sellers arent afraid to offer pricier products because theres a market for them. I know for a fact that Im willing to spend a little more to keep my pet healthy.

A pampered pooch can enjoy raw foods and the best fresh dog food meal kits that are more expensive canine food options than kibble. The best canine food delivery service subscription options are rising in the pet services industry for pet owners with disposable income. Note that its best to consult veterinary services before proceeding with unfamiliar pet services.

Pet Food Manufacturers Know Their Market

Pet parents are looking to maintain the good health and energy levels of their pooches. Multiple canned wet dog food and commercial pet food are options that continue to drive the pet food market. Pet food companies are turning to human-grade food to create pet food recipes too. The change in the industry to meet the demands of consumers is adding to the rising pet food costs.

The cost of items in the pet food and treats sector is being driven by consumers who will spend more than in the past. The wide range of food products for pets means prices are climbing for premium and human-grade foods. Checking the ingredients of products is a good idea to find new products at lower prices. The pet food industry is also catching up with the human food sector in packaging innovations. A product packaged only for dogs sells for a higher price than the same food on a human grocery store shelf.

Competition is Driving Inflation

Competition is a good thing for consumers. The question in the pet food and treats industry is how much competition exists? Its only lately that I found out that manufacturers produce products for different retail brands. Producing food for different brands by manufacturers drives prices up based on packaging. Keeping the market diverse allows wet and dry dog food brands to develop competition regardless of manufacturer. On the plus side, this gives us consumers more choices for example, Ive seen a few types of Royal Canin during my last visit. The downside is that since manufacturers are alternating between packaging, theres a slight cost increase in the manufacturing process.

FAQs

1. Do dogs need expensive food?

More research needs to be done on the link between expense and the dogs food quality. More expensive does not always mean better for our pets. For certain dogs with health issues, however, a specific diet, such as a grain-free, gluten-free, or allergen diet may be more expensive.

2. How can I reduce the cost of dog food?

I like to compare the ingredients when I buy dog and cat food. It is possible to find the same product at a lower price especially if like me, you have two dogs or more to feed.

3. Is it cheaper to feed your dog human food?

Price-wise, its a bad idea. The rate of inflation for human food is higher than for pet food. Pet food remains cheaper than human food.

4. Has dog food gone up in price?

Like most products in 2022, canine food prices have risen even with the cheaper brands. The rise in price for canine food remains lower than for other products. The added cost is worth it though if it would help reduce vet bills.

Why Does Pet Food Cost So Much?: A Dog and Cat Food Price Comparison

Why Does Pet Food Cost So Much?: A Dog and Cat Food Price Comparison

The American Pet Products Association (APPA) reports that pet owners now spend more on their pets than ever before. Roughly $42 billion was spent on pet food and treats in 2020, which is a 9.7% increase year-over-year.

Based on this data, its obvious that pet parents are feeding their animal companions the best food they can afford, but how can an average family budget for top-tier pet food during unstable economic times?

To help you wade through the abundance of online food alternatives and specialty brands, weve created an informal price comparison guide of popular dog and cat foods, which should help you start your cost-cutting journey without ignoring your pets health.

Current Annual Estimates for Dog and Cat Food

The Spruce Pets estimates dog food costs at $250 to $700 a year ($20 to $60 monthly). Specialty, premium, and prescription dog foods may cost as much as $100 a month.

Cat food costs a bit less, averaging $180 to $264 a year ($15 to $22 monthly).

Where You Shop Matters When It Comes to Cost and Convenience

In 2021, there are more options than ever for buying pet food: online marketplaces, pet stores, big-box discounters, grocery stores, and warehouse clubs. According to Checkbook.org, an independent, non-profit consumer advocacy organization, membership warehouse clubs, such as BJs, Sams Club, and Costco, typically charge less for pet food. However, keep in mind that Costco only sells its own brand of dog food, so variety may be more limited even if it is cheaper.

Research from Zulily notes that younger pet owners shop online more often than at brick-and-mortar pet stores. These shoppers have made pet food the most common pet-related item purchased online, and make most of their purchases at popular vendors like Amazon and Chewy.

How We Chose the Brands and Varieties for Our Price Comparison

PetPlace cannot ensure that a food is right for your pet, and any changes to your pets diet should be discussed with a veterinarian.

The brands and varieties of foods listed here were chosen solely to be a representative sample of commonly available, popular pet foods. We selected one adult dry dog and dry cat kibble, one premium dog and cat kibble, a canned dog and cat food, and puppy and kitten-specific dry food for our comparison.

The pet food market is divided into many different categories. Your pets unique needs may be the deciding factor for where or what type of food you buy. We did not compare prices for the following categories of pet food:

• Breed-Specific (large-breed vs. small-breed)
• Life Stage (except for including puppy and kitten varieties)
• Health Condition-Specific (prescription foods)
• Limited-Ingredient Foods (gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, raw, organic, or preservative-free foods).
• Freeze-Dried, Raw, or Home-Cooked Formulations (except for canned vs. dry kibble).

After private label, Pedigree is the leading brand for dry dog food, according to Statista, so we included this brand in our price comparison chart.

To allow for accurate price comparisons, we standardized the cost in dollars per pound or ounces. In addition, individual retailers may offer savings for buying larger bags or subscribing to regular shipments.

Dog Food Comparison Chart*

Cat Food Comparison Chart*

*Prices may vary

**Member-only price

Is Pet Food Getting More Expensive?

The short answer is yes.

There are several reasons you might experience sticker shock when buying pet food:

1. Increase in pet owners since the start of the pandemic.
2. Increase in millennial pet owners. Younger pet owners are willing to spend more on their pets than previous generations, which has resulted in an increase in prices.
3. Premiumization. This is the pet food manufacturers response to millennial-driven demand for premium foods.
4. Supply chain disruption related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

As a result of the pandemic and global industrial shutdowns, manufacturers now pay more for raw ingredients, manufacturing, shipping, and freight and pass increased costs on to consumers.

Cat lovers may remember this past springs canned food shortage. Pet food producers Nestl Purina and J.M. Smucker could not meet customer demand due to an aluminum packaging shortage, further driving costs up and limiting options for finicky felines.

As long as the pandemic continues, there will be disruptions in the pet food supply chain.

Ways to Save Money on Pet Food

Wanna save money on pet food?

Here are some great ways to save:

• Compare prices between vendors. Checkbook.com found that the most expensive prices were a whopping 40% higher than the lowest prices, meaning that there are bargains to be had.
• Buy in bulk if you dont have a picky eater.
• Join loyalty and subscription programs.
• Remember, online shopping is not always cheaper than in-store shopping.
• If you do shop online, buy enough to qualify for free shipping.
• Invest in the highest-quality pet food you can afford, since it will help you avoid expensive vet bills down the road.

Dont Be Fooled by the Price Tag

We know that consumers believe that a product is of a higher quality if it costs more. This cognitive bias invites pet food manufacturers and creative marketing departments to develop all kinds of premium foods with luxury ingredients, as well as charge a higher price. Unfortunately, when it comes to pet food, you dont always get what you pay for.

There are no official standards for labeling a food or ingredient as premium or natural, so stick with the WSAVA, AKC, and your vets guidelines for which ingredients matter most. Take your vets advice, study ingredient lists carefully, and price shop to find the best combination of nutrition and value.