The Great Pet Food Shortage Of 2020
When customers bring their cats to shelters or rescues, they frequently take their pets food. Because of this, a shortage of pet food has emerged, and retailers such as Stop & Shop are having difficulty finding suitable alternatives. Manufacturers have blamed the shortages on a variety of factors, including pandemic manufacturing shutdowns and an increase in pet adoptions. Despite manufacturers efforts to resolve the issues, many pet owners are left without food or empty shelves for their animals.
Why You Might See A Dog Food Shortage In 2022
Since the pandemic, we have seen various types of dog food and cat food supply shortages across the country. It has affected almost all industries including the pet food market. In 2022, we are still experiencing delays and interruptions in pet food manufacturing and distribution. You might be asking yourself: Why is there no dog food on shelves? The answer deals with various factors.
The current supply chain issues are affecting pet supply stores both at their physical locations and online stores. Pet owners are having a hard time finding their favorite dog food brands. In addition to bottlenecks at trading ports, the pandemic also led to more people adopting pets. The result is empty shelves around the country and online distributors not being able to provide the inventory they once had. Pet owners are facing a challenge as they try to provide their pets with a consistent brand of quality dog food.
The problem is more prevalent with canned dog food or as it is called “wet food.” So, why is wet dog food out of stock? The explanation given by manufacturers is that the shortage is due to shutdowns in manufacturing plants due to the pandemic. Another reason is the increase in demand as there has been a new surge in pet adoptions since 2020.
How To Transition To A New Cat Food
Veterinarian and behaviorist Paola Cuevas of excitedcats.com recommends this process:
The idea, said Dr. Cuevas, is to give the cat, and his digestive system, an opportunity to gradually adapt to the new food.
Consider switching to dry food in the short run. The main advantage of dry food during this cat-food shortage, is that it comes in bags, not aluminum cans. You may still be able to find dry food in your local supermarket or pet store.
There are many good reasons to feed cats only wet food, including kidney health. But cats can do very well on dry food, especially if you take great pains to make sure your cat is getting enough moisture in other forms.
You will have to do more to ensure that your cat is getting enough water if you switch to dry food. Here are some tips:
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What’s Next For Pet Owners
Pet owners who are used to buying the same brands and cannot find them due to the shortage are exploring different options. Many have started to purchase different brands that show plenty of inventory while still providing competitive prices. Others are opting for buying raw ingredients and making their own dog food at home. It is certainly challenging to change your dog’s food. While pet owners struggle to find stores that carry their favorite brands, they are left with the task of transitioning their dogs to new food options. Experts recommend that the switch to new food is made gradually because a sudden change can cause digestive discomfort.
What You Need To Know About The Pet Food Shortage
As many of you have probably already noticed, the recent COVID pandemic has led to a pet food shortage that could last until 2022. Shortages in raw ingredients, packaging materials, and problems with shipping across the US means that pet food companies are struggling to keep up with the increased demand from 2020.
What does this mean for veterinary hospitals?
As a veterinary hospital, we are struggling with an ever-changing list of both feline and canine pet foods that are on backorder or only available in very limited supply, especially canned food. For example: Purina NF Early Renal and varying over-the-counter Proplan products, Hills K9-z/d dry and Feline metabolic canned, and Royal Canin HP and HP Moderate and GI Low Fat Dry for dogs and SO dry, canned, and treats for cats are currently on backorder.
This list changes on a weekly basis. Products we may have been able to get 1 week ago, may no longer be available today. For this reason, we will no longer be able to fill large pet food refill requests in hospital.
What does this mean for you as a pet parent?
Pet food companies have prioritized who gets what foods first. Direct to pet-parents online orders take priority over veterinary hospital and retail chain stock orders. This means that when a pet food becomes available direct to pet-parents orders get filled first.
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The 13 Food Shortages To Expect In 2023
The United States in the 21st century is a place of abundance. We’ve come to expect almost every possible item, including food, and especially staple items, to be available at every corner market, supermarket, and warehouse store virtually any day of the year, and often at any time of day. That’s all thanks to a robust and intricate supply chain that ensures products are available almost always, without interruption. And while that system is pretty reliable for the most part, sometimes real life events create disruptions and wreak havoc on the food supply, with the effects rippling out for years afterward.
So far the 2020s, farmers, food processors, suppliers, and grocery stores have affected by weather problems, diseases, and labor shortages , which contributed to surprisingly empty store shelves at times. The lasting consequences of plant illness, animal disease, drought, climate change, and the COVD-19 pandemic all but ensure shortages of some important food items in the coming years. Read on to discover some of the things experts say may be hard to come by in 2023.
How To Keep Your Cat Well
If your cat doesnt have any specific dietary requirements , you can still keep her well-fed during this cat-food shortage. Heres how. But first:
Dont hoard. Youve searched all over your city for your cats favorite food and you finally, finally find a stash at one store. The temptation to buy everything on the shelf is going to be very strong.
But pause. You love your cat, but you also just love cats, right? There is probably another sweet little kitty in your neighborhood who also wont eat anything but XYZ Brands Whitefish Paté, too.
Buy enough to enable your cat to transition to another type of food, but not enough to wipe out the entire supply in your state.
Use your current supply to transition to another quality cat food. Your cat doesnt need to go hungry, even if she says shell only eat Fancy Feast Gravy Lovers Beef.
The key is to transition your cat to a new food s-l-o-w-l-y. A slow transition to a new food brand, flavor, or formulation is the key to preventing a bellyache. And she might not even notice that shes no longer eating the only type she professed shed eat.
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Why Is There A Shortage Of Friskies Cat Food
Friskies is a popular brand of cat food, but it seems as though there has been a shortage on grocery store shelves. This shortage has pet owners wondering what is going on. Some people think there is a recall, but there isnt. This article explores why this may be and what options you have if you are unable to buy Friskies.
Some brands such as the 13-ounce Purina Friskies brand cat food have been discontinued, the entirety of the Friskies cat food is not being discontinued. Instead, the shortage has to do with supply chain issues, severe weather conditions, labor shortage, packaging, and machinery.
Finding cat food can be challenging for pet owners right now, especially, when shopping at the grocery store. The shortage has many people flocking to the Internet spreading rumors about the cat food being discontinued, or recalled.
This cant be further from the truth, the last known recall was in June 2011. Unfortunately, the shortage is due to other reasons every pet owner should be aware of.
Below are the main reasons youre facing the shortage issue in grocery stores. Well also discuss several issues pet owners will face due to the shortage and what to do about it.
What To Do If Theres A Canned Cat Food Shortage
- Dont be afraid to switch flavors or brands. If your cat isnt too picky, this is a great option! For example, if you always buy Chicken Me Out, dont be afraid to try a similar formula that may be in stock, like Beef Right Meow. You can also mix and match for each meal. I and love you also makes really great canned variety packs. If you see them in stock, grab them!
- Kibble isnt a bad option. Although cat kibble is high in carbohydrates and lacks the moisture needed by kitties, if you cant find a canned formula, it will work in a pinch! Most cats love kibble and will happily switch over. If your kitty turns their nose up at kibble try adding moisture.
- Cook for your cat. If you love pampering your kitty, try cooking for them. Its a really healthy option, and can be a fun way to show them your love. You can use items in your kitchen such as chicken, beef, potato, fruits and vegetables to make a healthy meal. Avoid using grains such as wheat pasta, rice, quinoa and millet. Cats are obligate carnivores and do much better with high protein formulas. I like using www.balanceit.com to create recipes with ingredients I already have. You can purchase their vitamin and mineral supplement to ensure that you are giving your cat a balanced diet.
Your cat is lucky to be loved by you. Thank you for taking great care of them through this strange time. The world needs more people like you!
With love,
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Purina Cat Food Shortage
There has been a recent shortage of Purina cat food, which has caused many cat owners to panic. While it is unclear what has caused the shortage, it is important to remember that there are other brands of cat food available. If you are having difficulty finding Purina cat food, consider trying another brand. Your local pet store should be able to help you find a suitable alternative.
In early February, reports of pet food shortages in Pennsylvania began to surface. Cans of cat food are in short supply in the local grocery store. According to NJ.com, the two most recent examples are Stop & Shop and Wegmans Food Markets. According to industry experts, there is no doubt that winter storms play a role in this. According to Katelyn Suttles, assistant manager at Nature Emporium, a pet store in Roanoke, Va., nearly all of the items are sold out of stock. Because the facility is unable to produce what is required three months in advance, our products are delayed. According to WFXR, the impact is felt at large-box stores like PetSmart.
A Shortage Of Aluminum Can
Wet cat food is usually packaged in an aluminum can, although this varies from wet canned food. The supply of aluminum was not able to keep up with the growing demand for aluminum by different industries.
China is known for being the leading producer of aluminum cans and there is a noticeable decline in its production of aluminum this year.
This is due to the two known incidents that happened last year and this year. Last July 2021 and April 2022, there had been factory accidents that caused a huge decrease in the number of aluminum productions that could be exported.
The Chinese government also implemented a stricter rule concerning carbon emissions to secure their environmental objectives for the country. This leads to slower manufacture of said product.
This decline affects mainly the United States since it is one of the principal importers of aluminum cans from China.
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Pet Food Shortage Leaves Pet Owners Scrambling
A Stops spokesperson, Melissa OBrien, confirmed that the chain is experiencing supply issues with pet food, specifically wet cat food. This has been caused by increased demand, as well as raw material shortages, particularly aluminum, which is used to make the cans. There is more to the issue than just pet food. Pet food manufacturers, such as aluminum cans, are also in short supply. Some pet food brands are currently unavailable, which makes finding the right food for the pets difficult. Pet owners can make certain that their animals are adequately fed by following a few simple steps. They should try to buy bulk food if possible, as this will allow them to save money on food. Food brands that are commonly in stock can be purchased for a second time. Finally, they can look for foods specifically designed for cats or dogs. Due to a lack of pet food, pet owners have been unable to feed their animals. But with some effort, they may be able to find something their pet will enjoy.
Why Is There A Shortage Of Wet Cat Food
There are a number of reasons for the shortage of wet cat food. One reason is that the demand for wet cat food has increased in recent years as more people have become aware of the benefits of feeding their cats wet food. However, the supply of wet cat food has not increased at the same rate, leading to a shortage. Another reason for the shortage is that some manufacturers have been experiencing production issues, which has also contributed to the shortage.
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Why Is There A Shortage Of Dry Cat Food 2022
There are a few reasons for the shortage of dry cat food in 2022. One reason is the increased demand for pet food due to the COVID-19 pandemic. People are buying more pet food because they are spending more time at home with their pets. Another reason is the increased cost of ingredients. The cost of wheat, corn, and soybeans has increased due to bad weather and trade disputes. This has led to higher prices for pet food.
The food that cats eat is a crucial part of their daily lives. COVID-19 supply chain issues are to blame for the cat food shortage. As a result of this supply chain issue last year, there was a shortage of dog food, and now there is a cat food shortage this year. When there is a lack of meat for cat food production, there is a meat shortage. Meat production has decreased by the majority of this. The number of cat adoptions has also increased, which has resulted in an oversupply of cat food. As cat owners, we are starting to become concerned because every time we go to the supermarket, there is either no stock or none at all.
Cat food shortages are common in the United States. There is a dry food shortage, but it is not as severe as a wet food shortage. Your cat is perfectly capable of consuming sufficient water and being hydrated throughout the day. There is no hydration in dry food.
Your Cat Is On A Special Diet Or Eats A Prescription Food
This is the only situation that can get tricky during a time like this one.
Cats with food sensitivities or allergies, urinary-tract health issues, diabetes, or other medical issues, cant be asked to make do with whatever food is available.
Contact your vet to see what alternative foods will work with your cats condition first. Multiple brands typically make special diets for specific conditions, and one might be available in your geographical area if the other is not. Also, your vet may have access to cat-food distributors or other sources that are unavailable to you directly.
Check online sources, too. If you dont already purchase your veterinary cat food from Chewy.com, consider doing so. They currently have a wide range of veterinary diets in stock.
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When Will Cat Food Shortage End
There is no one definitive answer to this question as the end of a cat food shortage depends on a number of factors, including the severity of the shortage, the availability of alternative food sources, and the demand from cat owners. However, it is generally agreed that a cat food shortage is likely to end within a few months.
Does Renewable Energy Really Cause Pet Food Shortages
Other ingredients in short supply are the oils and fats essential for cat health, and the reason for this may surprise you. A lot of these products are harder to come by for pet food manufacturers because of the favorable tariffs offered to companies making renewable fuels.
It seems a lot of these fats and oils are now being diverted to industries involved in the production of renewable diesel. As the PFI states “PFI and its members support efforts to fight climate change, but current policies create a government-driven market advantage to the energy sector and a disadvantage to companies purchasing ingredients for pet food.”
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