Pet food more than a third more expensive since 2020 - German Pet Food Prices Soar Amid Rising Demand and Costs
Pet owners in Germany are facing higher costs for their furry friends' meals. A combination of increased raw material prices, energy costs, and demand for sustainable products has led to a significant rise in pet food prices since 2020.
Meat, grain, and fish meal prices have surged, contributing to the increased cost of pet food. This trend has been exacerbated by growing demand for high-quality, sustainable products, which often come at a higher production cost. In 2023, pet food prices were approximately a third higher than in 2020, reflecting this trend.
The German pet population remains stable, with around 10.5 million dogs and nearly 16 million cats in 2023. However, the economic situation has made consumers more price-sensitive, putting pressure on the pet food industry to keep costs down.
Dog and cat food in Germany was 35.3 percent more expensive in 2023 compared to 2020. While some pet food products saw significant price increases, not all costs were passed on to consumers. Meanwhile, dog tax collected by German cities and municipalities reached a record sum of around 430 million euros in 2024, up 2.2 percent from the previous year compared to 2014.
