Dogs are some of the most popular pets in the world, with the number of pet dogs worldwide estimated at 471 million. These furry companions, however, do not come cheap. From puppy toys and classes to vet bills and insurance, dog ownership comes with a hefty price tag, with one study estimating that the lifetime cost of a dog can reach of up to $55,000.
The biggest expense of all on a daily basis is making sure your canine companion is fed. In the past, pets were fed scraps from the dining table, with only the upper classes preparing special meals for their furry friends. Today, however, research shows that more than 40% of owners prioritize giving their pets healthy food over themselves, reflected in the wide range of healthy kibbles on retail shelves that available worldwide.
Today, you don’t have to go out to get dog food, with many services offering to deliver foods tailored to your dog’s specific needs straight to your door, making for a global market worth $1.8 billion.
How much exactly does feeding a dog cost in real terms? And where in the world is the most and cheapest place to buy food for man’s best friend?
The cost of feeding a dog in each country
Every dog owner has their preferred way of feeding their canine companions. Although local brands vary, the most common types of dog food on store shelves are dry kibble and wet food. A recent study by CashNetUSA looked at the cost of dog food in 97 countries. Here are some key findings:
- The annual cost of feeding a dog in Japan is $2,056.88 — the most expensive of any country in the world
- At the other end of the scale is Botswana, where feeding a dog for a year costs just $163.59
- The US is one of the most affordable countries in which to buy dog food — a year’s supply costs just 1.62% of national net income per capita
- Out of 97 countries, dog food is the most affordable in Ireland, where the annual cost is just 0.72% of national net income per capita
The infographic below shows the average cost of an annual supply of dry dog food in 97 countries.
In the US, home to more pet dogs than any other country in the world, the cost of feeding a dog is $865.50 a year. Compared to countries like Hungary ($246.38) — where more than half of households own a dog — the US is placed closer to the more expensive end of the scale.
Japan, however, is the most expensive country in the world to feed a dog in general. The average annual cost of dog food is $2,056.88. Here, pet ownership is actually on the decline, attributed to a variety of factors, including regulations affecting breeders, an aging population discouraged by the government from bringing dogs home, and not suitable home environment. What probably doesn’t help is that 2022 sees a huge increase in the cost of pet food.
Botswana is the cheapest country to feed a dog (a year’s supply of food costs $163.59). Perhaps the cheap price is down to less-than-perfect ingredients. According to a local businessman: “Most retail brands in Botswana and around Africa use basic formulas which often result in dogs suffering from skin inflammation and increased scratching caused by [an] imbalance in Omega 3 and 6 levels along with inadequate levels of essential fatty acids such as DHA and FPA.”
To see the full study, click here.
