Supply chain issues creating shortage of pet food in US amid pandemic, increase in pet ownership

Americans across the country are reporting a shortage of food for their animal, amid global supply chain problems.

Among the factors are a shortage of labor and materials and an increase in pet ownership during the isolating pandemic. 

Pet ownership in U.S. households has increased by about 3%, to 70%, over roughly the past year and amid the pandemic, according to a report in June from the the American Pet Products Association. 

Furthermore, pet food sales grew almost 7% over the past 52 weeks, ending Nov. 27, compared to 2.3% for food overall, according to information in The Hill newspaper. 

The J.M. Smuckers Co. notified retailers last month that it would be limiting shipments of some of its pet-food products through January 2023, citing supply chain challenges for wet food, according to the Wall Street Journal.

Such a change is a big concern for pet owners because many of their animals require prescribed food or have dietary restrictions, The Hill also reports.

USA Today reports aluminum shortages have also contributed to the pet food shortage, with wet cat food listed as the top items consumers have been struggling to find.