There’s a National Pet Food Shortage Going On—Here’s What We Know (2024)

Updated: Mar. 13, 2024

Due to supply chain issues, pet food is the latest good to face a shortage.

We all know that if there’s one thing our pets love to do, it’s eat. But, you might have noticed it’s been a lot harder to find your pet’s food in stores lately. What gives?

Amidst recent shortages of eggs and oranges, dog food is the latest good to be feeling the shortage heat. And, not to mention, the latest good to face rising prices.

Here’s everything you need to know about the shortage.

Why is there a pet food shortage?

If pet food aisles seem sparse, it’s likely due to supply chain issues. A familiar issue lately for stores and consumers (especially over the past few years), supply chain issues have affected almost everything you can think of. In this case, these supply chain issues are significantly impacting smaller stores.

One grocery store manager, Dave Clark, explains the pet food shortage. “The amount available doesn’t cover the market like it needs to,” he says. “Raw materials, according to my suppliers, raw materials are diverted first towards human use.”

Additionally, staffing issues, rising prices and slower deliveries across the board are contributing to the pet food shortage. Unfortunately, these supply chain issues have resulted in pet food prices increasing up to 40% from two years ago, according to Clark.

How long will there be a pet food shortage?

There’s a National Pet Food Shortage Going On—Here’s What We Know (1)VLG/Getty Images

As of now, there’s no clear-cut answer on when the pet food shortage will end. However, there certainly is hope in sight.

According to Clark, pet food brands like Purina are “much more comfortable about availability on the canned side, but he [a Purina representative] even warned that dry (food) is going to take a while to catch up.”

Is there anything I can do about the shortage?

Some pet owners may need to switch to pet food brands that are more available due to the shortage. Luckily, experts offer some helpful tips.

“If you’re going to switch and you have to switch brands, sometimes a lamb and rice will help,” explains Erin Evans Greens, vice president of pet supplies company UPCO. “And we also recommend trying to do it over a week’s time. So you kind of half and half for a little while to get them used to the new food. And we also recommend a probiotic.”

Meanwhile, if you’re looking to cut costs elsewhere due to these rising pet food prices, these are the things that will be cheaper this year.

Sources:

  • KWCH 12 News: “Pet food shortage impacts community grocery stores in Kansas”
  • News Press Now: “Pet food shortage has some owners on the hunt”
There’s a National Pet Food Shortage Going On—Here’s What We Know (2024)

FAQs

There’s a National Pet Food Shortage Going On—Here’s What We Know? ›

Why is there a pet food shortage? If pet food aisles seem sparse, it's likely due to supply chain issues. A familiar issue lately for stores and consumers (especially over the past few years), supply chain issues have affected almost everything you can think of.

What is causing the pet food shortage? ›

The fact that pet food ingredients have climbed in price up to 20% since the pandemic began means many pet food brands just haven't been able to secure enough of the ingredients they need to make their food. In 2021, prices for U.S. corn and soybeans — key ingredients in many pet foods — reached eight-year highs.

Why is there a pet food shortage in 2024? ›

Pet Food Supply Challenges

For each of the next five years, global demand for natural products will surpass global supply. Hence, we can realistically expect a gap between now and the end of the 2024 timeframe. (Of course, during this time, animals will continue to lose weight and humans will continue to gain weight.)

Is Purina making dogs sick in 2024? ›

On Jan. 5, 2024, Purina responded to safety concerns being raised in viral posts, calling the claims “online rumors.” “These false statements may be creating unnecessary stress for pet parents. There are no health or safety issues with any of our products, and they can continue to be fed with confidence,” the St.

Why is dog food out of stock everywhere? ›

If pet food aisles seem sparse, it's likely due to supply chain issues. A familiar issue lately for stores and consumers (especially over the past few years), supply chain issues have affected almost everything you can think of. In this case, these supply chain issues are significantly impacting smaller stores.

What is going on with Purina cat food? ›

There are no official 2024 reports confirming that any of Purina's cat food has sickened or caused death. Purina dispelled rumors of their pet foods being unfit for consumption as purported on social media. Moreover, they reassured pet owners of the safety of their products.

Will dog food prices go down? ›

U.S. pet food inflation year over year declined again in September 2023, following a pattern of several months and in line with falling human food prices.

Is there a food shortage in the United States? ›

A: There are currently no nationwide shortages of food, although in some cases the inventory of certain foods at your grocery store might be temporarily low before stores can restock.

Will there be a food shortage in 2050? ›

Global food demand will increase by more than 50 percent in 2050, but due to climate change, agriculture yields of major crops could decrease over that same period. This dangerous combination could lead to price spikes, food insecurity, social unrest, political tensions, and conflict.

What is the unhealthiest dog food? ›

10 Dog Food Brands to Avoid
  • Alpo. ...
  • Kal Kan. ...
  • Cesar. ...
  • Kibbles 'n Bits. ...
  • Beneful. ...
  • Pedigree. You can have unhealthy food in a pinch, too. ...
  • Great Choice. You'd think with a name like 'Great Choice,' this dog food would live up to it. ...
  • Gravy Train. Given a choice, pups would rather have flavorful, meaty foods.
Feb 5, 2024

What is the number one most toxic food for dogs? ›

These are the top 10 most toxic foods for dogs that pet owners should avoid to keep their pets healthy and safe:
  1. Chocolate. The top food harmful to dogs is chocolate. ...
  2. Grapes, Raisins, Sultanas, and Currants. ...
  3. Artificial Sweeteners(Xylitol) ...
  4. Onions and Garlic. ...
  5. Caffeine. ...
  6. Alcohol. ...
  7. Macadamia Nuts. ...
  8. Dairy Products.
Sep 27, 2023

Which popular dog food brand has poisoned and killed thousands of dogs? ›

Dozens of pet owners have posted reports on social media about their dogs and cats falling sick after eating a Purina Pro Plan pet food.

Do veterinarians recommend Purina? ›

In addition to being vet-approved and recommended, Purina is the most trusted pet brand in America.

Is Purina under investigation? ›

In January 2024, eFoodAlert reported on an alarming number of consumer complaints about pet illnesses and deaths that appeared to be associated with Purina pet foods. An FDA investigation into these illness reports is ongoing.

Why is there a cat food shortage right now? ›

Supply Chain Issues

One of the main causes of the shortage is the diversion of raw materials towards human use. In addition, staffing issues, and slower deliveries are also contributing to the problem.

What is causing the food shortage? ›

Conflict, economic shocks, climate change and soaring prices for food and fertilizer are all combining in a perfect storm to create a hunger crisis of unprecedented proportions. Right now, in some of the hungriest places around the world, there just isn't enough food to feed the population.

Is Diamond dog food having supply issues? ›

In regards to our Diamond Naturals canned food inventory, unfortunately, our supplier has not been able to meet customer demand, which has resulted in inventory shortages.

Why did the animals conceal their food shortage? ›

Summary: Chapter VII. In the bitter cold of winter, the animals struggle to rebuild the windmill. In January, they fall short of food, a fact that they work to conceal from the human farmers around them, lest Animal Farm be perceived to be failing.

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