What Will It Cost To Feed My New Pet?

Our vets investigate the ballpark yearly costs of feeding your new kitten or pup.

When it comes to pet food, the overall cost can differ hugely from pet to pet. For starters, it all depends on the quality of the food you choose, the protein sources you use, as well as your pets’ individual needs.

The most important outcome of your pets diet is that it’s fully balanced and tailored to suit their individual needs, so that they can live their healthiest life.

It depends on the food you choose

How the food is packaged and prepared is going to add up. Is it dry or canned? Fresh or frozen? Some parents insist on buying meat from the butchers and taking a more ‘homemade’ approach (only the best for the kiddies!). Others buy specialty foods from pet food stores and vet clinics, which tend to have a greater emphasis on quality. While lots of Aussie pups and kitties are fed from the supermarket shelves!

It depends on your pets’ needs, too

The energy level, health and metabolic requirements of your pet will greatly change this and in some cases, more than double or quadruple the below guide.

Very ballpark yearly costs

• Cat: ~$360
• Dog (small breed): ~ $600
• Dog (medium breed):  ~ $720
• Dog (large breed): ~ $840
• Treats: These should take up no more than 10% of the diet to keep it balanced for your lovely pet. Say $10 per week.