Thousands of pet owners are paying premium prices for the maintenance and upkeep of their dogs. The cost of pet meals has regularly risen over the last decade. Depending on the size, type, energy degree of, and amount of dogs, the fee of pet meals can significantly cut in to one's regular monthly budget.
Pet food is generally the largest continuous cost associated with owning a pet. After all, every pet has to eat! According to the American Pet Products Association (APPA), in 1988 56% of US households had pets. By 2008, 62% of US households had pets. In the APPA's 2011-2012 survey, 62% of homes in the US still have pets, which is the equivalent of 72.9 million homes. For 2011, it was estimated that pet owners would spend approximately $50.84 billion, $19.53 billion of which is on pet food. These figures have increased from 2010 when Americans spent $48.35 billion on their pets, of which $18.76 billion was food.
Monthly costs to keep a pet fed can range from $200 to $700 a month for healthy, premium food and healthy treats. For example in one month, a large dog owner may buy a 25 pound bag of premium grain-free dog food for $64.99, 3 cases of canned premium grain free turkey and bacon food at $19.99 each, and 2 boxes of Greenies at $32.99 each. Dry dog food can range from $0.05 a pound for Ol' Roy to $3.45 a pound Eukanuba Naturally Wild Atlantic Salmon and Rice.
The interesting fact about the push to buy premium pet products is that there is no legal definition or standard to which the food is held in terms of nutritional quality. The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) ensures consumer protection, safeguards the health of animals and humans, and provides a level playing field for orderly commerce for the animal feed industry. The AAFCO has guidelines for complete or total nutrition for the majority of healthy animals. Furthermore, the AAFCO does not regulate, test, or certify foods in any way. The AAFCO establishes guidelines for balanced pet foods, but it is ultimately the pet food company's responsibility to formulate their food to meet AAFCO standards. Each state has individual feed control programs which are mostly regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The state feed control programs ensure that the laws and regulations established for the protection of our companion animals are complied with.
Tricky labeling and the desire to provide the best for the animal members of our family certainly contribute to the rising cost of pet foods. The push to supply our pets with premium foods and treats increases the costs associated with pet ownership and makes a dent in the monthly family budget.
UK Dog foods tend to follow the US economy and pricing structures as most pet food suppliers are found in both countries
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