Below is a detailed breakdown of the challenges facing animal welfare and pet nutrition globally. This information focuses on the impact of acute food shortages on dogs, cats, and local pets, highlighting regional crises and the primary drivers that leave millions of animals with empty bowls.

GLOBAL FIGURES

In 2025, it is estimated that hundreds of millions of domestic and community animals lived in regions facing acute food insecurity. When human families struggle to eat, their pets are often the first to feel the impact, leading to increased abandonment and malnutrition.

  • Critical Risk Areas: In regions facing catastrophic levels of hunger—such as Sudan, Gaza, and Haiti—local dog and cat populations face near-total lack of resources, relying on dwindling humanitarian scraps or becoming completely displaced.
  • The Vulnerability of Young Animals: Puppies and kittens are the most affected by nutrition crises. Without proper protein and nutrients during their first months of life, they face permanent growth stunting and high mortality rates.
  • Shelter Strain: In over 50 countries, animal shelters are operating at “Emergency Levels,” seeing a massive influx of surrendered pets as owners become unable to afford rising kibble costs.

REGIONAL BREAKDOWN

Africa:

  • Sub-Saharan Africa: This region remains a critical hotspot for animal welfare. Roughly 1 in 5 households struggles to provide consistent meals for their pets daily. In areas like South Sudan and Mali, the lack of veterinary infrastructure combined with food scarcity has led to a rise in feral populations and malnourished community animals.

South Asia:

  • High Malnutrition Rates: This region represents one of the highest numbers of undernourished street animals globally. In countries like India and Afghanistan, high rates of malnutrition among community pets are driven by a lack of accessible, affordable pet-grade nutrition.

Latin America and the Caribbean:

  • Mixed Progress: While some progress has been made in stabilizing food supplies, countries like Haiti and Venezuela continue to see high rates of pet abandonment as families migrate or face economic collapse.

West Asia:

  • Conflict Zones: In Gaza and Yemen, the pet population has been decimated by conflict. Rescue organizations in these areas report that the remaining animals are in desperate need of emergency feeding programs.

DRIVERS OF ACUTE FOOD INSECURITY

Conflict: The primary driver of animal suffering. In war-torn regions, supply chains for pet food vanish, and shelters are often caught in cross-references, leaving animals without caretakers or sustenance.

Economic Shocks: Inflation and currency devaluation make imported pet food a luxury. In many high-inflation countries, the cost of a bag of dog food has risen by over 100%, forcing families to choose between their own meals and their pet’s health.

Weather Extremes: El Niño-induced droughts and floods destroy the local agriculture that provides the grains and proteins used in local pet food production, hitting the Horn of Africa and Southern Asia particularly hard.

Forced Displacement: When people are forced to flee their homes, pets are often left behind or become part of a displaced population that lacks access to clean water and consistent feeding..

PROJECTIONS 2026

The Tipstor® Foundation anticipates that the “hunger shock” for animals will persist into 2025 as humanitarian funding for animal welfare remains low compared to human-centric aid.

  • The 2030 Outlook: If current trends continue, millions of animals will remain chronically undernourished. Without targeted intervention, the goal of stabilizing the global stray and pet population through proper nutrition and care remains a distant target.
  • The Affordability Gap: Globally, over 35% of pet owners may struggle to afford a high-quality, balanced diet for their animals, leading to “hidden hunger” where pets are fed but lack essential micronutrients for a long, healthy life.

HOW CAN WE HELP

Together with our partners, the Tipstor® Foundation is working to close this gap. By supporting local shelters and providing direct food aid, we can ensure that a family’s financial crisis doesn’t result in the loss of their best friend.