The Rising Cost of Dog Food

In recent years, pet owners have been facing a significant challenge: the rising cost of dog food. In a recent Onevet.ai survey of 1,000 U.S. pet owners, 34% of respondents indicated having to shop for cheaper alternatives when it comes to pet food.  

The Special Reports Team at Onevet.ai analyzed price history data for the Top 100 Amazon Bestsellers in both the Dry Dog Food and Wet Dog Food categories to determine how the cost of dog food has changed over the years and which products in particular have seen the steepest increases. The Team has also included resources at the end of this report regarding financial assistance for pet owners, including information about pet food pantries for those in need.    

The Special Reports Team at Onevet.ai analyzed price history data for the Top 100 Amazon Bestsellers in both the Dry Dog Food and Wet Dog Food categories. This data was captured on April 25, 2023 (dry dog food) and April 26, 2023 (wet dog food). The Team specifically analyzed the pricing of each product as set by Amazon itself (e.g. where Amazon is listed as the seller), excluding third-party vendors, which often set prices far above the average. 

Continue reading below for more insights on the Team’s analysis of dry dog food and wet dog food price increases, including Top 10 rankings for the products with the steepest increases compared to 2020 prices. 

One of the main reasons for the increasing cost of dog food is the rising cost of ingredients. The cost of raw materials such as meat, grains, and vegetables has gone up due to factors such as droughts, floods, and other climate-related events. The cost of transportation and labor has increased as well, which adds to the overall cost of producing dog food. Finally, 2022’s period of inflation had a significant impact on pet food and pet supplies, with prices seeing astronomical increases in various sectors of the pet industry. 

Another factor contributing to the rising price of dog food is the growing demand for premium and specialized dog foods. Many pet owners are willing to pay more for high-quality, natural, and grain-free dog food that contains no artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors. As a result, pet food companies have responded to this trend by producing more expensive dog foods that cater to these preferences.

What can pet owners do to save money on dog food? One option is to buy in bulk. Purchasing larger bags of dog food can be more cost-effective than buying smaller bags, as it can save money on packaging and shipping costs. Pet owners can also look for coupons or deals on dog food from 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 great option for pet owners who want to know exactly what is going into their dog’s diet. Making dog food at home also allows pet owners to use ingredients that are more affordable and accessible.

Finally, pet owners can consider switching to a more affordable brand of dog food. While premium and specialized dog foods can be appealing, they are not always necessary for every dog. It’s important to consult with a veterinarian to ensure that the dog is getting all of the necessary nutrients and that any changes in diet are made gradually.

Pet food pantries have become increasingly popular in recent years as more people struggle to afford pet food for their companion animals. These pantries are designed to provide free pet food to pet owners who are experiencing financial hardship and may be unable to provide for their pets.

Pet food pantries operate in a similar way to traditional food pantries. They are usually run by animal welfare organizations, shelters, or local pet stores. These organizations collect donations of pet food from individuals and businesses and then distribute the food to pet owners in need.

One of the main benefits of pet food pantries is that they help keep pets with their families. In many cases, pets are surrendered to shelters or rescues because their owners are unable to afford to feed them. By providing free pet food, pet food pantries can help keep pets in their homes, which is better for the pets’ wellbeing and reduces the strain on shelters and rescues.

CoFund My Pet is one of many websites with a comprehensive national directory of pet food pantries, which pet owners experiencing financial hardship can use to find pet food for their companion animals. 

For pet owners struggling with the financial strain of inflation, there are resources and programs available that can be of assistance.

RedRover provides a comprehensive directory of state programs that provide financial assistance to pet owners, as well as national organizations that help with certain needs. Pet owners can also refer to RedRover’s directory of financial assistance programs by medical condition, by breed, and by need (including assistance with pet food, low-cost spay/neuter resources, and financial assistance).  The organization also offers urgent care grants for pet owners struggling with economic hardship when pets are in life-threatening situations.

The Pet Fund is another organization that provides financial assistance to pet owners in need. Additionally, pet owners can contact their state’s veterinary medical association to inquire into any available financial assistance programs within their area.

⁺All Top 10 ranking graphics featured in this report reflect the top price increases by dollar amount and percentage for all analyzed products, categorized by food type (e.g. bags of dry dog food, cans/trays of wet dog food). These rankings stand independently of the Team’s Top 100 Amazon Bestseller analysis, which focuses on the bestseller lists for the Amazon product categories specified in the report.