Dog and cat food: what the 2026 barometer says

Food remains one of the most closely followed topics around pets — both in terms of searches and budget. The Facco-Odoxa 2025-2026 barometer (national survey of more than 10 000 people) provides concrete benchmarks for anyone preparing to welcome a puppy or kitten.

Kibble still in the majority

According to this barometer, kibble remains the main food for around 84 % of dogs and 88 % of cats. Homemade preparations concern a significant minority (around 17 % of declared practices). In other words: dry industrial food dominates, but households are also experimenting with other formats.

A rising budget

The average annual budget devoted to food is reported at around 517 € for a dog and 339 € for a cat, slightly up compared with the previous year. To be considered alongside the acquisition cost: Pedibase already has a guide Budget for a LOF puppy — food is added every month, over 10 to 15 years.

Where the French buy

Supermarkets remain the main channel; pet stores follow; the web is growing. On Auberdog, you can find, for example, Authentic Dog kibble or Ideameal for cats. For a purebred animal from a breeder, the breeder often recommends a specific food transition during the first weeks. See also The first weeks with a puppy and with a kitten.

Health and monitoring: the winning combination

The same barometer emphasizes veterinary monitoring (very widespread among dogs, strongly increasing among cats) and identification. A diet suited to age, size and health status (neutering, allergies, growth) is ideally decided with the vet — especially for breeds at risk of digestive or urinary issues.

What to remember before adopting

• Budget for kibble / wet food every month, not just the purchase price
• Ask the breeder about the brand and transition schedule
• Avoid abrupt changes during the first weeks
• Consider food, ideal weight and screenings according to the breed — Pedibase guides dog health and cat health

In summary

In 2026, the market remains centered on kibble, with a rising food budget and lasting interest in quality. For a household going through a reputable breeder, the right approach is simple: plan for food costs as much as the choice of breed and breeder.