Business · Economy · 2 days ago
Mexican households spend more of their budgets on pet food than diapers
Mexican households spent a growing share of their budgets on dog and cat food between 2018 and 2024, while spending on diapers fell.
The analysis, based on national household spending data, found pet food was the only product category with a sustained increase, rising 61% in its share of spending.
Mexico also recorded fewer births: 1,672,227 in 2024, down from 2,353,596 in 2015.
A 2025 survey estimated that the average number of children per woman fell from 1.9 to 1.2 over five years.
The changes point to households with fewer children and a larger place for pets in family budgets.
The article says Mexico has about 80 million pets living in homes.
It does not describe any planned policy response or other next steps.
Mexican households increased the share of family spending devoted to dog and cat food by 61% between 2018 and 2024, according to an analysis based on INEGI data.
Over the same period, diapers lost share of household spending.
INEGI data also show fewer registered births and a decline in the average number of children per woman.
The article links the spending shift to households with fewer children and more pets.
It says Mexico has 80 million pets living in homes.
- Who
- Mexican households.
- What
- Their spending share for pet food rose while the share for diapers fell between 2018 and 2024.
- When
- The spending comparison covers 2018 and 2024. The article was published on October 9, 2026.
- Where
- Mexico.
- Why
- The article links the change to fewer births and households with fewer children, alongside more pets.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
No direct quotes in the coverage so far.
Mexico recorded 2,353,596 registered births.
The share of household spending on dog and cat food rose by 61%, while diapers lost share.
Mexico recorded 1,672,227 registered births, the lowest total since 2020.
INEGI’s Intercensal Survey estimated that the average number of children per woman had fallen from 1.9 to 1.2 over five years.
- Pet-food spending
- Share of family spending rose 61% from 2018 to 2024
- Registered births
- 1,672,227 in 2024
- Births in 2015
- 2,353,596
- Children per woman
- Average fell from 1.9 to 1.2 over five years
- Pets
- 80 million live in Mexican homes











