Dallas Pet Owners Faced Rising Food Costs
Nearly one in three Dallas pet owners reported struggling to afford pet food amid significant price increases.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Pets — General
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Nearly one in three Dallas pet owners now struggle to purchase food for their animals as pet food costs have risen by 20% since 2022. Local pet food banks are experiencing record demand as residents increasingly rely on community resources for assistance.
Why it matters
Rising inflation has driven up the cost of pet supplies while simultaneously decreasing donation levels for local food banks. This economic strain has forced some owners to feed human food to their pets due to affordability constraints.
Pet food costs have increased 20% since 2022, and 10% of partner organizations now request higher supply allocations. The Don't Forget to Feed Me Pet Food Bank currently manages a waitlist of 10 to 15 organizations.
The players
Don't Forget to Feed Me Pet Food Bank
This organization has operated since 2008 and currently supplies food to 45 different organizations in the region.
Fort Worth HOPE Center
This facility distributed 58,000 pounds of pet food to the community this year to help address rising costs.
Dallas Animal Services
This local government agency operates a pet food pantry for community members twice each month.
The details
Local food banks are sourcing resources through a combination of donations and direct purchases to support the 45 organizations in their network. Dallas Animal Services provides supplemental help by operating a pet food pantry twice monthly.
Timeline
The Don't Forget to Feed Me Pet Food Bank has operated since 2008.
Pet food price increases began in 2022.
Dallas Animal Services hosts pet food pantry distribution on the second and fourth Wednesdays of every month.
Culture Shift
This trend mirrors the broader societal shift toward increased pet food costs since 2022, which has strained household budgets across the country. The reliance on charitable food banks reflects a departure from traditional independent purchasing models for pet care.
Residents in Dallas can access the pet food pantry operated by Dallas Animal Services on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month. Families struggling with costs should contact local aid organizations early, as many currently maintain waitlists for assistance.
The takeaway
When budgets are tight, pet owners should check for local pantry schedules before supplies are exhausted. Maintaining a consistent pet diet is easier when leveraging community resources early rather than waiting for financial gaps to widen.
Further reading
Learn more about local support services in the Dallas Pets — General section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by CBS News.
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