Survey on Dog Food Habits: Only 6.8% Switched to Cheaper Food Despite Rising Prices; Nearly 90% of Owners Prioritize Ingredients and Safety

Wanko-Town, a media platform sharing information about dog care, conducted a 'Survey on Dog Food Habits' targeting 280 individuals who answered questions about their dogs' diets.

With ongoing price increases for daily necessities and food due to inflation, dog food choices are also affecting household budgets. However, in this survey, only 6.8% of respondents said they 'switched to a lower-tier dog food.'

In contrast, 45.7% said they 'take advantage of sales or bulk purchases.' While owners want to control costs, many are adjusting spending by optimizing purchase timing and methods rather than compromising on quality for their dogs' health.

Survey page:
https://wanko-town.net/dog-food-survey-2026/

■ Survey Summary

- Only 6.8% switched to cheaper dog food due to inflation
- 45.7% use sales or bulk buying to save
- 88.9% 'highly' or 'somewhat' prioritize ingredients and safety
- The top reason for changing food is 'dog won’t eat it or is bored' (57.5%)
- 81.2% of owners with dogs aged 7+ considered age-appropriate food changes

■ Switching to cheaper food remains uncommon despite inflation

When asked about changes in dog food purchasing habits due to inflation, 45.7% said they 'use sales or bulk purchases.'

Meanwhile, only 6.8% said they 'switched to a cheaper brand.'

Despite feeling the financial burden of dog food costs, many owners prefer to maintain quality by adjusting how and when they buy, rather than simply switching to lower-cost products.

■ Nearly 90% prioritize ingredients and safety

When asked about ingredients and safety in dog food, 88.9% of respondents said they 'highly' or 'somewhat' care about these factors.

Many owners carefully check primary ingredients, additives, preservatives, and whether the food is domestically produced. This shows that 'peace of mind' is more important than low price when choosing dog food.

■ The most common reason for changing food is 'refusal to eat or boredom'

The most common reason for changing or considering a change in dog food was 'dog won’t eat it or is bored,' at 57.5%.

Additionally, 47.5% believed their dog’s refusal to eat was due to 'poor health.'

When a dog shows poor appetite, it should not be dismissed as mere pickiness or stubbornness. Owners should also check stool condition, energy levels, and other health indicators.

■ Food reassessment increases for dogs aged 7 and older

Among owners of dogs aged 7 and older, 81.2% said they considered changing food 'based on age.'

This compares to 39.3% among owners of dogs under 7, indicating that as dogs approach senior age, owners increasingly consider weight management, digestibility, chewability, and appetite when reviewing food choices.

■ Trends in dog food selection revealed by the survey

The survey revealed that many owners simultaneously consider 'price,' 'safety,' and 'whether the dog will keep eating it' when choosing dog food.

Despite inflation, only 6.8% switched to cheaper food. For meals affecting their dog’s health, owners prefer maintaining quality by using sales and bulk purchases rather than simple cost-cutting.

However, while large packs and bulk purchases help reduce costs, they can lead to decreased palatability due to flavor degradation or storage difficulties after opening.

To avoid failed transitions, owners should consider not only price but also portion size, availability of trial packs, ease of storage, kibble size, and compatibility with the dog’s age and constitution.

■ Survey Overview

Survey name: Dog Food Habits Survey
Survey period: June 5–6, 2026
Valid responses: 280
Target respondents: Individuals who answered questions about their dog’s diet
Method: Online questionnaire
Conducted and analyzed by: Wanko-Town

* Percentages are rounded to two decimal places.
* For multiple-choice questions, totals may exceed 100%.

■ About Wanko-Town

Wanko-Town is a specialized media platform providing useful information for dog owners.

It delivers clear, organized content on topics such as dog food selection, breed-specific traits, and solutions to everyday pet care challenges.

Website URL:
https://wanko-town.net/

Survey page:
https://wanko-town.net/dog-food-survey-2026/

Operating company:

https://rinrindo.co.jp/