PET owners are becoming more cost-conscious when buying food and accessories for their pets as the prices of these products go up, pet shop owners said.

They told The Malaysian Insight that the prices of dog and cat food have gone up by 30% in recent months while wet foods have seen an increment of 15%.

The shop owners said they have no choice but to raise the prices as set by the suppliers amid the high cost of living and logistics issues.

JF Paw Doggie House owner Force Chea said in recent months, there has been a steady increase in pet food prices, as set by the suppliers and dealers.

He said the prices varied depending on the country of origin of the products. At present, the supplies brought in are largely from Japan, Thailand, China and Europe.

“For instance, the same type of product (pet food) coming from different countries can see a difference of RM20-RM60.

“The prices of some brands have been going up by 10% every two months. But, overall, all brands have gone up by 15-20% or more,” he told The Malaysian Insight.

He believed that if the prices of ingredients continue to rise, the suppliers will have to charge more.

“All prices are set by the suppliers, so we have to follow,” said Chea, who runs his shop in Desa Sri Hartamas, Kuala Lumpur.

“We are also sourcing for other brands (more affordable ones).”

Chea said he had seen a 10% drop in his customer base following the price hikes.

“Our customers have also started to cut down on accessories, treats and other stuff. But for pet food, they still maintain (the amount purchased),” he said.

“Previously, about 50% of our customers won’t even check the prices. Now, about 95% of them will check before buying.”

He said the customers are also comparing the prices on online shopping platforms such as Shoppe and Lazada before buying.

“At least 30% of our customers are looking up prices online,” he added.

Looking at alternative, cheaper products

The Petcare Shop business manager Tanya Abraham, whose store is located in Taman Melawati, Kuala Lumpur, also agreed that the prices of better-known pet food and prescription diet brands have gone up by 15-30%.

This, she said, was because the suppliers were facing logistical problems and the higher prices of ingredients to produce the pet food.

“Our customers have said they are still willing to spend because of their love for their pets,” she said.

“At least 20-25% of our customers are looking at cheaper alternatives.

“We are also competing with e-commerce platforms that offer cheap prices as they don’t have overheads.

“About 10% of our customers will go online when we don’t have the products or if delayed by suppliers.”

She said some customers and friends have resorted to cooking for their pets to save cost.

Pets People owner Aiden Ha said the prices of pet food have risen by 20-30%.

“Since March, prices have been gone up. But my customers still maintain (their purchases),” she said at her shop in Desa Sri Hartamas, Kuala Lumpur.

“Their pets still need to be fed, so some just switch brands or go for a lesser quality.

“Even if they (customers) change brands, the prices of mid-range products have also increased. So what can they do?”

Ha, however, said customers with several pets are seeking alternative brands.

“Those with a single pet still maintain the brand they are buying, But those with many pets are looking to switch brands,” she said.

Ha said the prices were set by the suppliers.

“Some shops will raise the prices and give discounts, but I follow the recommended prices by the suppliers. It is not that we are simply increasing the prices,” she said.

Ha also said some customers are increasing their stock in anticipation of a further price hike.

Pet owners suffering

Corporate communications manager V. Sumitra and her husband T. Yogendra who have four dogs said for now, they are not planning to change their pets’ food to another brand.

The couple who live in Petaling Jaya said previously, they used to spend RM520 for more than a month’s supply of food for their pets but now, they are spending RM660.

“We feel that the price hike is ridiculous. The suppliers told us that the producers and distributors are experiencing rising costs, so they have trickled down to the consumers,” they said.

“We have no choice but to spend more because our dogs are used to that brand of food.”

Sumitra said they used to treat the dogs to chicken, liver and gizzards but have cut down on these because the price of chicken has gone up.

“We used to get the chicken innards for free but now, the traders are charging for them,” she said.

“The dogs used to get chicken about eight times a month. But now, we brought it down to six times, with less chicken and more rice.”

Sumitra said she can go for cheaper brands but she is unsure of the quality of the content.

“For now, we’ll try not compromise on the pet food,” she said.

Security firm chief executive officer Jay Pandher, 42, who has been keeping 10 dogs, said he is likely to feel the pinch soon as the prices of pet food go up.

Pandher, who lives in Kuala Lumpur, said previously, he spent about RM2,500 a month on pet food but now, he heard the prices have increased by 20%.

“To save cost, I buy in bulk and replenish the stock every six months. I do get some discounts, which helps a little,” he said.

“Next month, I have to replenish the stock, so I will know the prices.

“My dog owner friends have also told me that prices have gone up.”

Pandher said he has to think of a way to maintain his pets, which have been with him over the years, and not compromise on their diet.

“The problem is, if I compromise on their diet by opting for a cheaper product, which most probably might be soy based, how will the dogs cope with that?

“They may develop many underlying problems such as skin reaction and allergies that will end in going to a veterinarian, whose charges are not cheap,” he said.

He also said if the increase is way too much, he might cut down on their canned food, supplements and protein treats from four times a week to once or twice a week.

“I may also cut down on their meat treats. The prices of chicken and liver have already gone up. So in general, all are affected,” he added.

Business owner Shah Mohd, 33, of Sungai Buloh, said he used to spend RM45 a month on his cats but now, it has gone up to RM60.

“The price hike is a lot. But to maintain my cats, I don’t have a choice,” he said.

“For now, I won’t switch to another brand of cat food because I don’t know how it will affect them.”

Shah said he will only consider the move if the cost shoots up by 20%.

Housewife Alisyah Sahak, 43, of Selangor, who has five cats, is feeling uneasy with the drastic hike in the prices of pet food.

She said previously, she used to spend RM600 on cat food but now, it has gone up to RM700.

“For now, I will not go for cheaper products. I fear for the health of my cats,” she said.

“Although the food is costly, it has nutrients that prevent my pets from falling ill.” – July 15, 2022.