PET lovers are not planning to compromise on quality food for their furry companions despite an increase in pet food prices.

They said in spite of a hike of 15% or more in prices, they will continue to splurge on their pets.

Jay P. Singh of Ampang, who has six dogs of mixed breed, said prices have gone up by 15-20% for the brands he buys.

He said he spends up to RM5,000 a month on pet food.

“I can’t cut cost unless I give away my pets or reduce their intake,” he told The Malaysian Insight.

“I can’t switch to other brands as I do not want them to suffer side effects such as skin problem, which will further cost me money when I send them to the vet.”

Jay said as a pet lover, he cannot afford to be away from his dogs.

“I am a businessman and can still afford it, but not to the extent where pet food prices keep increasing until it does not make sense anymore,” he said.

JF Paw Doggie House owner Force Cheah said he has no choice but to raise the pet food prices as they are set by the suppliers.

He said after Chinese New Year, there has been an increase in pet food prices.

“The prices of some brands have been going up in the last few months. But, overall, the prices of all brands have risen by 15% or more,” he said.

“This could be because the costs of raw materials have also gone up.

“They (suppliers) raise the prices and we have to follow. If not, we won’t earn anything.”

He said business has dropped by 20% as customers are seeking alternative brands.

Cheah said currently, a 15kg bag of dog food is about RM120 while cheaper brands cost RM68 for 10kg.

“Previously, a premium brand was about RM168 for a 18kg bag and now it costs RM190. Other premium brands used to be RM186 and it’s now RM205.

“For the super premium ones, the price for a 15kg bag previously was RM480 and now it’s RM590.”

‘Part of family’

Pet Haven veterinarian R. Shantini said the prices for prescription diet food for cats and dogs have increased since March 1.

She said the prescription diet food for dogs with kidney problem used to be RM259 for a 7kg bag, but now it is RM295.

“Mobility diet food used to be RM359 for a 12kg bag and now it’s RM406, while urinary diet food used to be RM271 for a 7.5kg bag and now it’s RM307.”

She said similarly, the prescription diet food for cats is now costing more.

She said customers are still buying despite the high prices because they value their pets.

A 33-year-old pet owner who wants to be known as Rohan, from Kuala Lumpur, said he is feeling the pinch as he has four rescued dogs.

He said dog food prices have shot up since the beginning of the year.

“I feed my dogs pet food. Sometimes, I also cook for them,” he said.

“The price of the pet food has increased by RM12.”

Rohan said he spends about RM550 a month on pet food.

“I can’t cut costs and have no choice. I cannot just give any cheap food to the pups. They are part of the family,” he said.

“My wife and I also go out on the weekends to feed the strays.”

A pet owner from Sentul who wants to be known as Lin said she spends RM300 a month on pet food for her cat.

The 32-year-old said she is not planning to compromise on the pet food.

“Prices may have gone up, but I only have one cat, which is dear to me. So for now, the prices don’t matter.”

Another cat lover, Amy Chin, 26, from Petaling Jaya, said she has two cats but is not planning to cut costs yet.

“I spend about RM250 a month on pet food and I do look around for other brands,” she said.

“I want to have more cats but the present situation doesn’t allow it.” – April 24, 2023.