Australia is a pet-loving country; in particular, we’re a country that loves cats and dogs. The majority of cat and dog owners in Australia say their pet is like a family member, and more than 50% of them also say their pet is their best friend.
But for all their good qualities, it can’t be denied that owning a pet is an expensive venture. In particular, the cost of cat and dog food puts a sizable dent in the weekly shop. But just how much are Aussies spending on cat and dog food each week, and are there ways to reduce the cost? Find out in this Canstar Blue guide.
What is the cost of pet food in Australia?
In our August 2024 survey, Canstar Blue asked 1,387 cat and dog owners how much they spend on their pet’s food each month. We found that dog owners spend the most, forking out $90 on average each month, while cat owners aren’t far behind at $84 per month.
The majority of those we surveyed (80% of cat owners and 79% of dog owners) believe the price of their regular pet food has increased over the last six to 12 months but this hasn’t led to any significant changes in the way people feed their pets. In fact, some owners are choosing to cut back on their own food costs as a way to afford their pet’s food.
Dog owners in Australia
Approximately 69% of Australian households own a pet, and 48% of them own a dog. Dogs are the most popular pet in the country and also one of the most expensive when it comes to food and veterinary bills.
Of the dog owners we surveyed, 53% said it’s important to them that their dog’s food is made of premium ingredients, with no additives or filler products. The majority (62%) also said they buy food that’s made specifically for their dog’s age group, size and dietary requirements.
But while the quality of dog food is important to owners, some are making sacrifices in their pet’s diet, and their own, due to the increased cost of living. Of those surveyed, 28% said they have cut back on their own food expenditure to afford their preferred brand of dog food for their pet, while 31% have reduced clothing and entertainment spending on themselves to prioritise their dog’s food.
Here are some other statistics we gathered about dog owners in our 2024 survey.
- 79% say their pet is like a family member.
- 35% say the broader increased cost of living has impacted how they feed their pet/s.
- 20% have cut back on essential expenditures, such as, energy and fuel, to afford their preferred dog food.
- 34% have bought fewer or stopped buying extras for their pet/s e.g., new toys, coats, beds.
- 49% have purchased cheaper brands or types of food for their pets.
- 18% have started making their own pet food.
Cat owners in Australia
Approximately 33% of pet owners in Australia have a cat – that’s 5.3 million pet cats across the country – and while the saying ‘mans’ best friend’ typically applies to dogs, our survey found cat owners feel just as strongly about their feline friends.
Fifty percent of cat owners say their cat is their best friend (compared to 57% of dog owners), and 77% say their cat is like a family member to them. And like dog owners, Australian cat owners are making sacrifices to feed their pets. In fact, more cat owners than dog owners are cutting back on their own food in order to feed their pet. Of those we surveyed, 33% they’ve reduced their grocery bill so they can feed their pet their preferred brand of food, while 40% said they’ve cut back on non-essential expenditure to afford their cat’s food.
Here are some other statistics we gathered about cat owners in our 2024 survey.
- 77% say their pet is like a family member.
- 29% say the broader increased cost of living has impacted how they feed their pet/s.
- 24% have cut back on essential expenditures, such as, energy and fuel, to afford their preferred cat food.
- 27% have bought fewer or stopped buying extras for their pet/s e.g., new toys, coats, beds.
- 52% have purchased cheaper brands or types of food for their pets.
- 9% have started making their own pet food.
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Money-saving tips for pet ownership
Here are some handy tips on how to save money on your pet food each month.
- Buy bulk: if you’re finding that you’re buying small amounts of pet food often, consider buying in bulk. Compare the price per portion before you purchase. Generally, the price per portion decreases the bigger the quantity. You can find pet food in bulk from places such as Catch.com.au and Big W, among others.
- Keep an eye out for sales: 45% of cat owners and 40% of dog owners told us they usually purchase pet food when it’s on special. If you regularly check the website of your supermarket or pet store where you buy your pet’s food, you can stock up when it goes on sale.
- Join a rewards program or subscription service: does your pet store or supermarket have a rewards program that you haven’t joined? You might be able to take advantage of special deals and savings just by signing up. At some pet food stores, you can even shave a percentage off your first order or when you subscribe to regular deliveries.
- Make your own pet food: 9% of cat owners and 18% of dog owners have started making their own pet food rather than purchasing it. If you’re serious about saving, it might be worthwhile to make your pet’s food at home. Just make sure you consult your vet or veterinary nutritionist first as your pet may not be suitable for a homemade diet.
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