As prices continue to rise in South Africa in 2016, consumers across all income levels are making sacrifices on their monthly budgets – but there’s one expense that often gets overlooked.<\/p>\n
A survey conducted by Old Mutual found that consumers are making budget cuts amid a struggling economy and high inflation which has sent prices skyrocketing year-on-year.<\/p>\n
When it comes to willing cuts in expenses, topping the list is ‘luxury’ costs such as holidays, eating out and entertainment.<\/p>\n
Further down the list – but still on the chopping block among a majority of consumers (60%) – is food and groceries, where shoppers indicated they would cut the amount they buy, or move to cheaper brands.<\/p>\n
Read:\u00a0This is what stressed-out South Africans are willing to sacrifice to cut costs<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n And while your children may be forced to eat stewing beef instead of rump steak – your pets may still be enjoying their favourite brand.<\/p>\n According to consumer price comparison website, Retail Price Watch, the price of pet food has increased as much as 60% over the past year, depending on the brand – indicating it may be time to switch.<\/p>\n \u201cThe average price of dry dog food, especially the more expensive brands, has soared in supermarkets over the past year,\u201d said Viccy Baker of Retail Price Watch.<\/p>\n An 8kg bag of Pedigree has increased by more than 57% on average since June\/July last year, from average R162.64 to an average R255.90.<\/p>\n The 1.75kg equivalent has increased by 26.8% over the same period, from average R59.92 to R75.98.<\/p>\n In contrast, the group’s data showed that Bobtail and Pick n Pay\u2019s No Name brands – which are less expensive to begin with – have increased at a slightly less alarming rate.<\/p>\n “No Name 8kg averaged R76.22 in Pick n Pays around the country at midyear 2015 and increased by 16.66% to R88.92 equivalent this year. No Name 1.75kg increased by 5% from R37.99 to R39.89 on average midyear,” Baker said.<\/p>\n Bobtail 8kg increased on average by 6.6% from R106.87 to R114. The average 1.75kg pack increased by 22.3% from R39.47 to R48.27.<\/p>\n South African veterinarian Katherin McLaren told the group that most of these brands have cereals as the main ingredient and meat\/animal derivatives as the 2nd or 3rd ingredient.<\/p>\n “In contrast typical veterinary advised foods contain named proteins with animal derivatives much further down the list,” she said.<\/p>\n “However, if you discuss your dog\u2019s feeding with your vet, most won\u2019t criticise you for feeding a cheaper brand if your dog is healthy and happy.”<\/p>\n Analysis of the selected store-bought brands found that they share a similar basic composition.<\/p>\n To avoid blowing the budget on this overlooked expense, Baker suggested switching to a cheaper brand, or buying in bulk, adding that the price per kilogram is typically double when buying in smaller packs.<\/p>\n Watch out for inflated \u201crogue pricing\u201d at supermarkets in SA<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Bread price-fixing scandal claims in SA<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Grocery prices in South Africa vs the UK and the USA<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n
\n Brand<\/th>\n Size<\/th>\n June\/July 2015<\/th>\n June\/July 2015<\/th>\n Change (%)<\/th>\n Price per Kg<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n \n No Name<\/td>\n 1.75kg<\/td>\n R37.99<\/td>\n R39.89<\/td>\n 5.0%<\/td>\n R22.80<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n <\/td>\n 8kg<\/td>\n R76.22<\/td>\n R88.92<\/td>\n 16.7%<\/td>\n R11.10<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n <\/td>\n <\/td>\n <\/td>\n <\/td>\n <\/td>\n <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Bobtail<\/td>\n 1.75kg<\/td>\n R39.47<\/td>\n R48.27<\/td>\n 22.3%<\/td>\n R27.60<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n <\/td>\n 8kg<\/td>\n R106.87<\/td>\n R114.00<\/td>\n 6.7%<\/td>\n R14.30<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n <\/td>\n <\/td>\n <\/td>\n <\/td>\n <\/td>\n <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Pedigree<\/td>\n 1.75kg<\/td>\n R59.92<\/td>\n R75.98<\/td>\n 26.8%<\/td>\n R43.40<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n <\/td>\n 8kg<\/td>\n R162.64<\/td>\n R255.90<\/td>\n 57.3%<\/td>\n R32.0<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/div>\n<\/div>\n More on prices<\/h3>\n