The rising cost of pet food has become a growing concern for pet owners and shelters around the world. Over the last few years, prices for both dog and cat food have increased significantly, driven by a combination of economic pressures, supply chain challenges, and shifting industry trends. What was once a relatively stable expense has now become a major financial stressor.
One of the primary reasons for the spike in pet food costs is the wider inflationary environment. As prices rise across nearly all consumer categories, the pet food industry has been no exception. Key ingredients such as meat, grains, and oils have seen substantial price increases due to factors like droughts, disease outbreaks among livestock, and rising fuel and fertilizer costs. When the raw materials required to manufacture pet food become more expensive, those costs get passed down to consumers.
Supply chain disruptions have also played a major role. The pandemic exposed vulnerabilities in global supply systems, and the pet food industry was hit especially hard. Transportation delays, labor shortages, and bottlenecks at ports created inconsistent access to necessary ingredients. Even now, years after the most severe disruptions, many supply networks have not fully stabilized. Shipping and logistics remain more expensive than before, and manufacturers must factor these higher operational costs into the price of their products.
We rely on your pet food donations. They are a vital part of our supply chain. As you move through the holiday season, consider purchasing a few cans or bag of pet food. We provide an easy drop off environment as we respect your time. Take your children along and have them select their favorite cans or bag! This will build a lifetime habit of caring for your local community.
Your donation is vital to our program!
For more specifics, please consider perusing our wish list. https://portageapl.org/donate-supplies/. We do not accept medical supplies or household goods.