The residents of South Carolina are witnessing shortages of certain pet food brands. Unfortunately, using alternative products is not an option for many pet owners – the vets prescribed their pets’ diets. The store owners blame disruptions in supply chains for the shortages.
Shipping Containers That Are Behind Schedule Are to Blame
Cody McClain, a Saluda River Pet Store manager, says the problem is more significant than just food—shortages are also reported in pet supplies. He believes that it is primarily due to late shipping containers. The hardest part is not being able to plan, as it is a “week-to-week thing.”
McClain added that the pet store staff always tries to find brands and products with ingredients and purpose close to the preferred food, but if your pet is on a vet-prescribed diet, you should consult with them about alternatives.
Some Producers Have Notified Retailers That the Situation Will Not Improve Any Time Soon
For instance, in November, J.M. Smucker Co. informed retailers that it would reduce deliveries of certain pet-food products through January 2023. The company cited transportation and irregular wet food shipments as the main reasons.
Another pet food producer, Freshpet Inc., tried to be proactive and add production capacities, but its new production lines are held up at different ports.
There is no doubt that the shortages will affect many American households, as 67% of them have pets. When shifting to different food and supplements for your pets, it is advised to watch them more closely the first couple of days. That’s where pet cameras can come in handy for periods while you are away.
