Inflation, manufacturing costs driving pet food prices

Why are pet food prices climbing? CTV’s Alexandra Holyk finds out.

Some people may be feeling the pinch when purchasing food for their pets.

According to the Agri-Food Analytics Lab, pet food prices have risen between 25 and 30 per cent since 2020.

“Pet food prices have actually gone up as much as human food prices,” said food industry analyst Sylvain Charlebois. “In some cases, actually, even more.”

Charlebois primarily focuses on human food, but when it comes to household affordability, everybody gets a piece of the pie — pets included.

“Obviously dogs or cats aren’t necessarily familiar with the economy,” said Charlebois. “They won’t care if it costs you, the master, more money. They want to be fed.”

As for what’s behind the price bump, Charlebois said it’s similar to what shoppers see in grocery stores.

“Labour, energy, packaging regulations, carbon pricing,” he noted. “And there are very similar challenges for pet food manufacturers versus human food manufacturers. And sometimes, actually, it’s the same company.”

He also said high costs can lead to some difficult decisions for pet owners.

“They’ll cut back on their own food to make sure that their pet actually eats, just like a child basically,” said Charlebois.

The Humane Society of Kitchener Waterloo and Stratford Perth tries to eliminate affordability barriers for pet owners by running a bi-weekly pet pantry.

“People can come in, they can get cat litter, they can get dog food, cat food, wet food, harnesses, toys,” said Humane Society of Kitchener Waterloo and Stratford Perth CEO Victoria Baby.

While the Humane Society is happy to serve the community, Baby said they’re seeing more pet owners passing through.

“The number of users of the pet pantry is up about 15 per cent — quite a significant climb,” she said. “People are not able to make ends meet.”

However, Baby added the organization’s goal is to keep people and their pets together and provide owners with the support they need.

“We really hope people use this as an emergency only,” she said. “But again, you can register. We have volunteers that run all of our pet pantries.”

Those looking to register or donate to the pet pantry can visit the society’s website.