The Move To Premium Pet Foods

Many pet owners are paying premium prices for the
upkeep and maintenance of their pets. The price
of pet food has continuously risen over the last
decade. Depending on the size, type, energy level
of, and number of pets, the price of pet food can
greatly cut in to one's 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.

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This article references US prices, but the same
increase and costs are to be found in most
countries around the world. Resourced
http://www.dodsonandhorrellpetfood.co.uk

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