You may not be able to get your dog’s favorite kibble due to a pet food shortage

If you’ve been scouring empty shelves for your pet’s favorite kibble and cans, you’re not alone.

Another casualty of the pandemic supply chain is pet food. While your precious puppy or kitten is unlikely to starve to death, picky pets might have to compromise on their diet, as supply chain disruptions have affected the price and availability of certain pet foods. of company.

Pet food manufacturers have seen an increase in cost and a decrease in the availability of their ingredients for oils and fats of animal and plant origin, according to the Pet Food Institute, an industry group for food manufacturers. food for dogs and cats.

The prices of corn and soybeans in the United States, key ingredients in many pet foods, hit eight-year highs this spring as those ingredients are used in the promotion of renewable biofuel energy. The reduced availability of truck drivers and the disruption of power generation and distribution have also affected pet food manufacturers.

Add to that the growing number of people adopting pandemic pets, and owners have a real problem with pet food supply and demand.

Laci Damon, veterinary assistant at the Brewer Veterinary Clinic, said she noticed shortages for some brands of pet food, especially Royal Canin.

“We have had backorder issues on the prescription side,” Damon said.

Sandy Choquet, director of Bangor PetSmart, said the shortage of aluminum cans in the United States has also reduced the availability of canned cat food.

“We have particular brands that we’ve had issues with,” Choquet said. “Fancy Feast is one of the brands with which there are still shortages. There are some flavors that we can’t get.

Choquet said stores like his saw supply chain issues with the pandemic coming and were able to prepare by sourcing customer favorites.

The problem then is the cost. Don Hanson, owner of Green Acres Kennel Shop in Bangor, said that while he has been able to get most of his usual stock, “everything is increasing in price”.

Expect to pay a little more for your pet’s food. If you can’t find your favorite brands, Hanson said don’t be afraid to change.

“One of the biggest myths is that you should feed your pet the same all their life,” he said.

However, pet food changes should be made with care, especially if your pet has digestive issues. And you should plan ahead if you notice the store is lacking in your usual pet food, Damon said. When choosing a new pet food, choose one that contains most of the same ingredients that your pet is used to eating.

“Match these, but do it proactively before they run out of food completely,” Damon said. “If you know ahead of time that you can’t get the same food, it’s best to make a gradual transition. Mix 25 percent again with 75 percent old, until all of the old food is gone.

It is not recommended to go straight to homemade pet food if your favorite brands are running out or increasing their prices.

“It takes a lot to try and cook your own food that is balanced with these vitamins and minerals,” Damon said. “We recommend that people use a formula recommended for dogs and cats.”

And there is also a shortage of these pet vitamins.

“If a person were to try to supplement with these, they might have issues,” Damon said.

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