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Insights on Dog Food Expenses from Pet Owners

A recent survey conducted by Eight Co., Ltd., based in Minato, Tokyo, has shed light on monthly expenses that pet owners allocate for their dogs' food as well as their preferences in choosing dog food. The survey garnered responses from 500 dog owners across Japan and aimed to understand how much they spend on dog food, along with their selection criteria.

Average Monthly Expenses on Dog Food

The survey revealed that the most common monthly expenditure on dog food is between 3,000 to 5,999 yen, with the 5,000 yen range being the most prevalent among respondents. Specifically, approximately 20% of pet owners reported spending between 5,000 to 5,999 yen on dog food each month.

Additionally, nearly 6 out of 10 participants spend within the range of 3,000 to 5,999 yen, demonstrating that this price bracket is a significant area of concentration in pet food spending. While some respondents reported spending over 10,000 yen, the bulk of the expenditures stayed within this mid-range.

Dog Size Correlating with Food Costs

The survey also delved into the relationship between the size of dogs and the amount owners spend on food. A striking 80% of dogs represented in the survey are classified as small (under 10 kg). The findings showed that owners of smaller breeds tend to have lower monthly food budgets compared to those with larger breeds who are likely to spend significantly more on dog food. Indeed, about 40% of large breed owners admitted to spending over 10,000 yen monthly.

Breakdown of Monthly Food Expenses by Dog Size

• - Tiny Dogs (Under 4 kg): The majority spends between 3,000 to 5,999 yen, with a significant tendency noted for the 3,000 to 3,999 yen category.
• - Small Dogs (4 to 10 kg): Similar trends as tiny dogs, though there appears to be a notable preference for the 5,000 to 5,999 yen range, with 27% of owners selecting this category.
• - Medium Dogs (10 to 25 kg): The spending distribution aligns with smaller breeds; notably, 25% fall into that 5,000 to 5,999 yen range.
• - Large Dogs (Over 25 kg): A distinct pattern surfaces where roughly 40% declare expenditures exceeding 10,000 yen.

The Dominance of Dry Dog Food

When asked about the type of dog food primarily fed to their pets, a whopping 76% of owners confirmed that they prefer dry dog food, also known as kibble. This popularity can be attributed to factors such as shelf life, ease of storage, and perceived value for money.

Semi-moist and canned wet food were far less popular, making up 15% and 6%, respectively, illustrating a strong preference for dry varieties in dog nutrition.

Key Factors in Dog Food Selection

Pet owners indicated that the most critical factor when choosing dog food is the dog's eagerness to eat it. Following closely behind are considerations of nutritional balance and ingredient safety. Most owners opt for a cost-performance approach, valuing the relationship between quality and price over simply choosing the cheapest option.

Ideal Monthly Food Expenses: A Range of Perspectives

Finally, the survey addressed what pet owners consider an ideal price range for monthly dog food. Responses reflected diverse opinions:

• - Under 3,000 Yen: Some prioritizing overall pet costs wished to limit expenses to this bracket.
• - 4,000 to 6,000 Yen: The most common ideal bracket felt manageable while still allowing for quality nutrition.
• - 7,000 to 9,000 Yen: Focused on premium, additive-free options, many owners specified this range for better quality.
• - 10,000 Yen and Above: Several owners demonstrated willingness to invest substantially in dog food, emphasizing health and happiness.

In conclusion, the survey highlights the dynamic landscape of pet food expenditures in Japan, driven heavily by dog size and owner preferences. For more detailed insights, please refer to the full article linked here.