Dog Food Pricing and Costs
Factor in dog food pricing and costs before starting a dog-related business
If you're interested in opening a pet store, kennel or doggie day care, or possibly starting a dog breeding business, be sure to figure in dog food pricing and costs. Dog food prices will vary depending on the type of dog food you're planning on using, such as natural dog food, dry dog food, premium dog food, pedigree dog food or even homemade dog food.Dog food pricing and costs also will be affected by brand names in the dog food business. You might pay more if you're going with particular dog food suppliers, dog biscuits manufacturers or a high-end dog treat manufacturer. Keep in mind, too, that dog food pricing and costs will vary if you're feeding puppies versus older or bigger dogs. Consider the following before determining dog food pricing and costs:
- Compare dog food pricing and costs of different brands and premium, natural or other types of food.
- Buy dog food in bulk to save as much money as you can.
- Determine if you'll be buying dog food for puppies, dogs or both.
See the differences in prices of different labels and types of dog food
Where you're buying your dog food, how much you're using and the brand name will affect dog food pricing and costs. For instance, you can purchase dog food at a grocery store for $5 to $10 less per bag than you will if you buy premium dog food.
Try: The Dog Food Project supplies a comparison chart showing the per pound, per cup, per bag and daily feeding cost of dog food when bought in grocery store brands, pet store brands and high quality dog food brands. Premium Pet Food compares the cost per cup and cost per day of several brands and types of dog food.
Shop wholesale or in bulk to keep dog food pricing and costs manageable
As with any product, you can save money if you buy dog food in bulk. Many wholesalers offer larger amounts of dog food that will cost less per pound than if you bought the same amount elsewhere. With the average cost of dry food per month between $15 and $20 when purchased at a grocery or pet store, you can likely save several dollars per month buying in bulk.
Try: Petside.com describes how much you can expect to save when you purchase dog food from wholesalers. PetPointe shows a comparison between buying five or six bags of a particular dog food, with the consumer paying less than one dollar more when buying six instead of five bags.
Realize that buying dog food for puppies will be different than buying for larger dogs
The feeding habits and even type of dog food changes as a puppy grows into a dog. Determine which stage you'll be caring for in your type of business and plan your dog food budget accordingly. It might cost up to $100 or more per month to feed a grown dog as it will to feed a puppy.
Try: PetPlace.com shows that feeding an adult dog can cost $50 more per year as compared to feeding a puppy. CostHelper explains that it can cost about ten times as much to feed a puppy or younger, active dog than it can to feed an older, less-active dog.
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