Dogs are one of the most popular pets in the world, with an estimated 471 million pet dogs worldwide. But these furry friends don't come cheap. From toys and puppy classes to veterinary fees and insurance, owning a dog can be expensive, with one study estimating that the lifetime cost of a dog can reach up to $55,000. .
One of your biggest daily expenses is making sure your pet is fed. In the past, pets were fed table scraps and only the upper class would prepare a special diet for their furry friends. But now, research shows that more than 40% of pet owners prioritize feeding their pets a healthy diet over themselves, and this puts nutritional value on the shelves of retailers around the world. This is reflected in the wide array of high grains.
Today, you don't even have to go out to buy dog food; there are many services that deliver meals tailored to your dog's specific needs right to your door, creating a global market worth $1.8 billion.
How much does it really cost to feed a dog? And just where are the most and cheapest places to buy food for man's best friend?
Dog food costs in each country
Every dog owner has their favorite way to feed their dog. Depending on the local brand, the most common types of dog food on store shelves are dry kibble and wet food. A recent study by CashNetUSA looked at dog food costs in 97 countries. Below are some key findings.
- Annual dog food costs in Japan are $2,056.88, more expensive than any other country in the world
- At the other end of the scale is Botswana, where it costs just $163.59 to feed a dog for a year.
- The United States is one of the most affordable countries to buy dog food. The cost of supply for one year is only 1.62% of her net per capita income.
- Out of 97 countries, dog food is the most affordable in Ireland, with annual costs of just 0.72% of net per capita income.
The infographic below shows the average cost of a yearly supply of dry dog food in 97 countries.
In the United States, which has more dogs than any other country in the world, it costs $865.50 a year to feed a dog. Compared to countries like Hungary ($246.38), where more than half of households own a dog, the US ranks near the most expensive country.
However, Japan is the most expensive country in the world for dog food overall. The average annual cost of dog food for him is $2,056.88. Pet ownership is actually in decline here, due to regulations affecting breeders, an aging population where governments are discouraging dog rehoming, and unsuitable home environments. Perhaps the significant increase in pet food costs in 2022 isn't helping matters.
Botswana is the cheapest country to feed a dog ($163.59 for a year's worth of food). Perhaps the low price is due to the less than ideal raw materials. According to one local entrepreneur, “Most of the retail brands in Botswana and around Africa use basic formulas that often lead to skin irritation and increased scratching in dogs.” [an] Imbalances in omega-3 and omega-6 levels and deficiencies in essential fatty acids such as DHA and FPA. ”
Click here to view the full study.
