Food costs for different dog breeds: What your four-legged friend eats every month

If you have a dog, you have a lot to think about - from daily walks to the perfect house for your four-legged friend. But wait a minute, what about the food bowl? The question of how much exactly the food for your new best friend costs is one that many dog owners struggle with. In this article, we take a deep dive into the world of food costs for different dog breeds. We shed light on how breed, size and nutritional requirements can affect the monthly food budget - or not.

What determines the feed costs?

Before we get to the individual breeds with the calculator, we need to clarify a few basics. The cost of food for different dog breeds can vary greatly and depends on several factors:

• Size of the dog: Larger dogs simply need more food. Of course, a Mastiff's bowl is refilled more often than that of a Chihuahua.
• Age: Puppies and young dogs often have higher energy requirements, while older dogs generally need less.
• Activity level: A lively border collie that chases across the fields every day burns more calories than a cosy pug.
• Individual nutritional requirements: Some breeds or dogs have special requirements - think of allergies or sensitive stomachs.

Although these factors alone do not influence the costs incurred, they do provide a basic framework for our considerations.

Naturally big eaters and their hungry stomachs

Let's start with the giants among the dogs. Large breeds such as the Great Dane or the St Bernard are real food guzzlers. Their energy requirements are high and this is reflected in the food budget:

• Great Dane: Great Danes are gentle giants that can easily eat 500 - 700 grams of dry food a day. The monthly costs for an adult Great Dane can easily be 100 euros or more.
• St Bernard: Similarly demanding in terms of food consumption, a St Bernard can easily cost 80 - 120 euros per month.

Oh yes, a lot goes through the bowl!

Medium-sized breeds: The healthy middle way

Medium-sized dogs are usually quite good at keeping food costs in check. Here is an overview of some typical representatives and their monthly budget requirements:

• Labrador Retriever: A popular family dog that costs around 60 - 80 euros a month to feed. The Labrador has a good appetite, but can be satisfied with a balanced diet.
• Border Collie: Known for their intelligence, Border Collies require about the same budget as Labradors, usually around 50 - 70 euros per month. Their lively nature requires high-quality food.

For medium-sized breeds, the costs are often manageable - a good thing for the budget!

Small breeds, big taste buds

Let's move on to the mice among the dogs. Small breeds need less food, which doesn't necessarily mean that food costs are reduced, because what they lack in quantity they often make up for in special food requirements:

• Chihuahua: These tiny creatures cost around 20 - 40 euros a month. Although they don't eat much, they are often not cheap.
• Dachshund: The dashing human companion is usually sufficient for 30 - 50 euros per month, depending on diet and nutritional preferences.

In fact, small breeds are able to enjoy a touch of luxury through their diet, as long as the two-legged friend is willing to invest in high-quality options.

Special needs: Diet and allergies

Another aspect that we must not ignore is the special nutritional requirements of certain dogs. This may involve special diets due to allergies or other health conditions:

• Hypoallergenic food: Some dogs - regardless of their size - require hypoallergenic food. This can significantly increase the cost of food, sometimes up to an additional 100 euros per month.
• Guidelines for senior dogs: Older dogs, who need fewer calories and perhaps more joint support, may also cost more, depending on which supplements or special foods are used.

Don't forget that a visit to the vet is essential for special requirements in order to develop a suitable feeding strategy.

Influence of feed quality on total costs

Quality has its price, and this also applies to dog food. We live in an age where there are numerous options, from cheap to super-premium:

• Favourable food: Easy on the wallet, but often not particularly nutritious. Unfortunately, it can lead to health problems in the long term.
• High quality lining: While it costs more on the front end, it can bring long-term healthy benefits that lead to fewer vet visits.

The saying you are what you eat applies here on both sides of the bowl. High-quality dog food is a wise investment.

How do you plan a monthly food budget?

In order to budget properly, it is important to factor in possible fluctuations as well as the cost of food. A helpful list may simplify planning:

1. Take into account the size and activity of your dog.
2. Keep a list of the fixed feed costs over a period of three months.
3. Consider whether specialised food is necessary.
4. Plan a buffer for unexpected expenses.

With a well-thought-out plan, you can successfully manage food costs for different dog breeds. In the end, what counts is the health and well-being of your four-legged friend - and that is priceless.

Hopefully we have been able to give you an idea of what to expect when the bowl fills up and your four-legged friend stands in front of you with shining eyes. May the budget always bark in the right direction!

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

How much does it cost to feed different dog breeds?

Food costs vary greatly depending on the size and specific needs of different dog breeds. For example, the monthly food budget for a Great Dane could be over 100 euros, while a Chihuahua can get by on around 20 to 40 euros a month. A Labrador tends to cost between 60 and 80 euros per month in food costs.

What additional costs does a dog owner incur apart from feeding?

In addition to food costs, dog owners should also budget for one-off purchases such as a lead and dog bed, as well as ongoing costs such as vet visits, grooming and insurance. These additional expenses can vary considerably depending on the breed, health and lifestyle of the dog.

How much does dog food cost in total per month?

The monthly cost of dog food depends on the type of food and the size of the dog. For good quality premium food, the cost is around 3 euros per kilogramme. A small dog might need 100 grams per day, while a large dog can eat up to a kilo. The budget therefore varies between 15 and 300 euros per month depending on the breed and nutritional requirements.

Is it worth investing in high-quality dog food?

Yes, high-quality food may seem more expensive at first glance, but it often offers better nutritional values and can promote your dog's health and longevity. In the long run, it may save on vet costs by reducing risk factors for health problems. This makes it a worthwhile investment in your dog's wellbeing.