Doggie owners splash the cash on treats
And owners are forking out more for food that contains organic and natural ingredients, which is seen to be better for their dogs’ health.
A report on the dog industry here also reveals while luxury food sales have dipped for the general population, there has been a marked rise in the demand for treats for dogs in 2009.
But, unusually for a developed country, only one in two dogs here are served up tinned or bagged food by owners as half the country’s mutts are given scraps or home-cooked dinners.
The report also reveals that four out of 10 homes (39%) in Ireland have at least one dog, double the European average.
The report, compiled by the market research company Euromonitor, believes the trend for buying high-quality dog food is all part of the “humanisation” of the canine population.
“The fact that these trends appear now to be fairly established is reflective of fundamental changes that have taken place in society, with people increasingly humanising their pets and providing higher quality food,” said the Euromonitor report.
Treats that also have health benefits, like controlling dog tartar or helping joints, have proved to be a big hit with concerned pet owners.
The amount forked out by owners on dog food has shot up by 20% in the last four years with the bill jumping from €97m in 2004 to €117m in 2009.
While 50% of householders own a cat or a dog, there are 90,000 pedigree puppies being bred in the country every year.
Designer dog puppies are making an estimated€27m for breeders here with pups selling for anaverage price tag of €300.
Michael McKay, chairman of the Canine Breeders of Ireland, who features on tonight’s Ear to the Ground programme, said 45,000 puppies are sold to owners in England and other countries in Europe.
“The vast majority of Irish people have an affinity with animals that most nations don’t have. Most of us are born within one generation of a farm and we’re used to animals.
“West Highland and Yorkshire terriers are really popular as well as King Charles cavalier spaniel and labradors.”
Designer dogs like French bulldogs bred in Ireland can fetch up to €2,500, while Maltese dogs are priced at more than €1,000, pugs are sold for up to €800 and Chihuahua can cost up to €500.
RTÉ’s flagship rural show, Ear to the Ground, is set to shine the spotlight on the country’s puppy breeders in its latest show.
* Ear to the Ground will be shown tonight on RTÉ One at 8.30pm.
