Nigeria’s prolonged cost of living crisis is now taking a toll on the country’s pet owners, with rising inflation pushing the price of dog food beyond the reach of many, even among the relatively well-off.
As inflation remains high and the naira continues to slide, the cost of basic pet care has surged. Dog owners, once considered financially secure, are now struggling to keep their pets fed and healthy.
“Before all this, feeding her was easy,” said Peter Anthony, a university student in Ibadan, referring to his German Shepherd, Flora. Now, he says, it’s a burden. The family has resorted to feeding Flora smaller portions of noodles mixed with fish or eggs.
Traditionally, Nigerian households raised animals like chickens or goats for food. But in the last two decades, urban pet ownership — especially dogs — has grown, driven by a mix of security concerns and companionship. A 2023 survey by TGM Statbox estimated 42% of Nigerians now own pets.
Yet, the economic downturn — triggered by the removal of a fuel subsidy and a sharp currency devaluation in 2023 — has left even pet lovers vulnerable. In December, inflation peaked at 34.8%, before easing to 23.71% in April.
For breeders and importers, the impact has been severe. Sarah Mokelu, who imports dogs from Russia, used to travel twice a month, bringing in up to 20 dogs. Now, she limits her trips to once every three months, citing lower demand and higher costs.
“Feeding has really humbled a lot of people,” Mokelu said. A 15kg bag of imported dog food now costs 70,000 naira — equal to the national minimum monthly wage.
Akindele Olunloyo, CEO of Pet Lovers Nigeria, has also changed his business model. Once importing dogs for resale, he now focuses on high-net-worth clients placing custom orders. The broader market has shifted to cheaper alternatives, with most buyers seeking dogs priced between 20,000 and 100,000 naira — far below the 300,000–500,000 naira price for imported breeds.
Local producers of pet food, however, are benefiting from the shift away from imports. “People not being able to afford foreign kibbles made them look in our direction,” said Theresa Iwhewhe, who runs a pet hospital and pet food company in Ibadan.
While data on local production is scarce, research firm ReportLinker estimates Nigeria’s pet food imports will fall from 1.3 million kilograms in 2023 to just under 770,000 kilograms by 2028.
Even in a country where many live on less than $2.15 a day, pet ownership once symbolized middle-class comfort. Now, it’s another sign of economic strain.