How much does a Rhodesian Ridgeback cost per year?

About $1,738 a year for the basics. Here is where it goes.

Updated October 2026Numbers calculated for this page

A typical year with a Rhodesian Ridgeback costs about $1,738, or $145 a month, for the basics. Over a 10–12 year lifespan that adds up to roughly $17,382–$20,859, not counting emergencies.

$1,738per year

$145per month

$59food per month

$19,120lifetime basics

Yearly cost breakdown

Expense	Per year	Per month
Food (mid-range dry food)	$708	$59
Routine vet care (exam, vaccines)	$400	$33
Flea, tick & heartworm prevention	$320	$27
Grooming (DIY supplies)	$60	$5
Toys, treats & supplies	$250	$21
Total basics	$1,738	$145

Food cost by quality

Food type	Per month	Per year
Budget dry food	$30	$354
Mid-range dry food	$59	$708
Premium or fresh food	$148	$1,771

Based on about 1,620 calories a day for a spayed or neutered adult around 78 lb, at example prices of $0.60, $1.20 and $3.00 per 1,000 calories. Check your own bag for the real number.

Costs this doesn't include

First-year costs: adoption or purchase price, spay/neuter, microchip, crate and starter supplies. See the puppy first-year cost guide.
Pet insurance: optional, and priced by age, breed and zip code. Read is pet insurance worth it?
Emergencies: a single surprise vet visit can cost hundreds to thousands. A pet emergency fund softens the blow.
Boarding, daycare and dog walkers, which vary widely by city.

All figures are rough estimates using typical US price ranges; your area and your dog's health will change them. For your own numbers, try the pet cost calculator.

See what your pet really costs

Pet Expense Tracker · $4.99

Track food, vet bills, grooming and toys month by month and see what your pet really costs.

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Costs for other large breeds

Labrador Retriever Golden Retriever German Shepherd German Shorthaired Pointer Doberman Pinscher Boxer Bernese Mountain Dog Belgian Malinois Weimaraner Collie

See the Rhodesian Ridgeback age chart too.

Questions people ask

How much does a Rhodesian Ridgeback cost per month?

Roughly $145 a month for food, routine vet care, parasite prevention, grooming and supplies.

How much does it cost to feed a Rhodesian Ridgeback?

About $30 to $148 a month depending on the food, with mid-range dry food around $59.

What is the lifetime cost of a Rhodesian Ridgeback?

About $17,382 to $20,859 for the basics over a 10–12 year lifespan, plus first-year costs, insurance and emergencies.

The Paw Plan shares general pet care information, not veterinary advice. Figures on this page are estimates calculated from the assumptions shown. Every pet is different, so check with your vet about yours.