One of the worst possible scenarios for food shortages is a global pandemic. The effects of the pandemic would be felt in 2020, 2021, and 2022, and it is expected that the shortages would last for several years. Grocery stores are already warning customers of the possibility of shortages.
Pet food shortages may occur
There’s a big worry that pet food shortages may occur in 2022. This is due to the COVID pandemic, shortages in raw ingredients, and problems with shipping across the US. In addition, companies are struggling to meet demand for pet foods, and the forecast for a rebound is uncertain.
Some of the ingredients in pet food are rising in price due to the soaring cost of corn, soy, and meat. In addition, the aluminum can shortage is making pet food production and distribution more difficult. In addition, Trader Joe’s recently discontinued six different pet foods, citing sourcing issues and inconsistent availability. The store said it would be several months before the products would be back in stock.
Since the last shortage, pet food makers in the United States are scrambling to meet demand. Many of their key ingredients are rising in price, and aluminum cans are becoming increasingly scarce. This has pushed prices up 10% to 15%. And because of the shortages, pet food adoptions have skyrocketed.
As a result, a shortage of workers at canning facilities is threatening pet food supplies. Pet owners are switching to alternative brands that have plenty of inventory and competitive prices. Some even buy raw ingredients and prepare homemade dog food for their beloved pets. Making the switch from one food to another is challenging, so experts advise a gradual transition. A sudden change in diet can cause digestive problems for pets.
The shortage of cans is also affecting manufacturers. Trader Joe’s is discontinuing several products in 2022. There is also a shortage of chicken, which is the most common protein in pet foods. These changes are having a negative impact on the supply of many ingredients.
Another issue that could affect pet food supplies is an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza, or HPAI. The virus has already limited the import of poultry products from certain provinces in Canada. It may also have a negative impact on US exports of poultry products. Although APHIS has regionalization agreements with individual countries, many countries are refusing to recognize the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) standardized regionalization protocols and mitigation steps.
Fortunately, there are some solutions to the problem. The first step is to consider what brands you can get in bulk and at lower prices. It’s also wise to consider sourcing your pet’s food locally. Remember that most retailers offer free shipping if you buy a large quantity.
Pet food shortages in the U.S.
There are two major reasons for pet food shortages in the U.S.: supply chain challenges and demand. The first is an increased number of pet adoptions. From April to May, search volume for pet adoptions increased by 250%, translating to an increase of 7% in the number of pets owned. The second reason is a slowdown in manufacturing plants. Pet food shortages are an ongoing issue that affects pet food suppliers, consumers, and those with special diets.
The pet food shortages have affected many different types of pet foods. Canned wet food is a popular category, making up between 20 percent and 30 percent of the market. However, only three or four manufacturers produce wet canned food in the U.S., which means that the demand has exceeded supply. Due to this imbalance in supply, there is a shortage in wet food for dogs.
A shortage of aluminum cans is also causing pet food shortages in the U.S., along with an increase in prices. Another reason for the shortage is that manufacturers are struggling to obtain raw ingredients. This has led to higher prices for some pet food brands. According to Steven George, the general manager at Pet Stuff in Minnetonka, Minnesota, prices have gone up 10 to 15 percent in the last few months.
The shortage in pet food is becoming increasingly common as a result of supply chain problems in the U.S., particularly for food items made from meat. However, the problem has been worsened by a global aluminum can shortage. Last month, Trader Joe’s announced that six popular dry dog food products would be discontinued. The date was not announced but the company said it would take up to a year before the products return to the shelves. A general manager at a Minnesota pet store told CNN that they would not be able to replenish their inventory until at least the end of the year.
As the world’s largest pet food producer, the current shortages are affecting pet owners and animal shelters. As a result, some pet food products have been sold out online. In addition, some shelters are struggling to provide for orphaned animals while others are having difficulty finding specialty diet foods.
Among the top animal ingredients used in pet food is beef. In fact, beef is the fourth-largest animal ingredient. Animal fats are the fifth-largest component of pet food. Increasing diversion of animal fats to biofuels is also driving up prices for all classes of animal fats.
Another cause of pet food shortages is an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). HPAI could cut down the supply of poultry-based ingredients in pet food, including raw meat and poultry by-products. The outbreak is affecting Canadian poultry exports, and US poultry exports could be restricted due to the disease.
Pet food shortages in the U.K.
There are a number of factors that may contribute to pet food shortages in the U.K. One of these is increased demand for ingredients such as grain and wheat. Brexit has disrupted many sectors of the supply chain, and the pet food industry may have to adjust to the new situation. A number of pet owners have taken to social media to share their concerns and reactions.
Pet owners have reported shortages in major supermarkets across the UK. The shortage is affecting wet food pouches, but tinned and dry foods are still available. A spokesperson for Sainsbury’s said supply issues could persist through the winter. Other supermarkets, including Tesco, Morrisons, and Waitrose, have apologised for the shortage, and said that supplies would be limited for several months.
Retailers such as Tesco and Morrisons have been working with suppliers to meet the increasing demand for pet food. Pet owners are encouraged to buy ‘complete’ pet foods, which ensures that every nutrient is met. Tesco and Waitrose hope to restock their shelves as soon as possible.
The shortages are causing pet owners to look for alternative brands of pet food. Fortunately, there are several alternatives that are affordable and available in large quantities. Many owners are also making their own homemade food for their dogs. Changing a dog’s diet can be difficult, but experts recommend a gradual transition to the new food. Otherwise, it could result in digestive problems for the animal.
Inflation and supply chain issues are also contributing to the shortage of pet foods. Prices have increased by eight to twenty percent as a result of the shortages. This crisis is also impacting animal shelters. Some shelters are seeing a significant increase in orphaned animals, and are struggling to provide them with the right diet and medication.
In addition to the shortages in pet food, increased demand has impacted the industry. Some popular canned dog foods are imported from overseas. The manufacturers explain this by citing a pandemic. This pandemic has disrupted supply chains. Furthermore, the shortages have impacted the cost of transportation and fuel.
The COVID pandemic has affected many sectors of the supply chain, including the pet food industry. Because of this, there has been a shortage of food ingredients and packaging. As a result, many European veterinarians have returned home to work. This has also affected the availability of petrol and grain. The shortage of ingredients has caused pet food companies to struggle to meet the demand.
