Pet owners can take comfort that there are no expected shortages from human grade ingredient pet food manufacturers, AND that independent pet food stores are taking measures to keep their clients safe and pets well fed.
It could vary from state to state, but U.S. Homeland Security has issued guidance declaring pet food stores and pet food manufacturers as “essential” businesses that will remain open during the many COVID-19 business closures.
We’ve heard from pet owners worried that their trusted brands of human grade pet food might not be available soon or if ingredients could vary in these foods due to shortages. So…we turned to the trade association that represents many (most) human grade pet foods for answers. Dr. Cathy Alinovi – director of Next Generation Pet Food Manufacturers Association – told us her members are not seeing any potential issues with production or distribution.
“Next Gen PFMA member manufacturers use only real food ingredients – the same ingredients that pet owners eat themselves every day – ingredients that meet the legal definition of “food.” Because our national food supply is not affected by corona virus, our suppliers continue to provide true food ingredients. Pet owners don’t need to fear change in their pets food formulation when buying pet food from one of our members.”
Independent pet food stores have altered the way they do business – many are offering home delivery or curb pick-up, taking the necessary steps to keep their customers and their employees safe. Some pet food manufacturers ship direct to pet owners too.
Pet owners with extra time on their hands at home can use that time learning how to make home prepared pet food. Dr. Karen Becker and Rodney Habib have put together a video of a dog food recipe Here.
Dr. Judy Morgan provides her pup loaf recipe Here.
Dr. Karen Becker provides some complete and balanced cat food recipes Here.
More complete and balanced recipes can be purchased for a nominal fee Here.
Let that be one less worry for pet owners; real pet ‘foods’ – either commercial or home prepared – will continue to be available for our pets.
Wishing you and your pet(s) the best,
Susan Thixton
Pet Food Safety Advocate
Author Buyer Beware, Co-Author Dinner PAWsible
TruthaboutPetFood.com
Association for Truth in Pet Food
Become a member of our pet food consumer Association. Association for Truth in Pet Food is a a stakeholder organization representing the voice of pet food consumers at AAFCO and with FDA. Your membership helps representatives attend meetings and voice consumer concerns with regulatory authorities. Click Here to learn more.
What’s in Your Pet’s Food?
Is your dog or cat eating risk ingredients? Chinese imports? Petsumer Report tells the ‘rest of the story’ on over 5,000 cat foods, dog foods, and pet treats. 30 Day Satisfaction Guarantee. www.PetsumerReport.com
Find Healthy Pet Foods in Your Area Click Here
The 2020 List
Susan’s List of trusted pet foods. Click Here to learn more.
Kathleen Phillips-Hellman
March 24, 2020 at 11:25 am
Thank you Susan! Unfortunately, there are no independent pet food stores near me. Stay safe and know that your efforts on behalf of our precious furbabies are greatly appreciated!
chris
March 24, 2020 at 11:28 am
I usually buy meat from the store for my family and my dogs but people are freaking out and hogging it. So I had to turn to the list (thank you for doing that each year-I have subscribed to it just in case and it paid off in the long run) to find food for my dogs until people stop panicking on something that is no worse than the flu (per my husband who works in medical and noted medical people on the internet).
Dianne & Pets
March 24, 2020 at 4:19 pm
Respectfully, your husband should reassess his opinion, especially in light of how dangerous it could be if he is wrong.
Beth Marousek
March 24, 2020 at 12:36 pm
The food might be available, but it may take a while to get it if you order from Chewy. I have always received my deliveries in 1-2 days which is fabulous; but they just sent me an email saying that my order from yesterday would take 7-10 days because they are so backed up. Just be prepared for a delay.
Dianne & Pets
March 24, 2020 at 4:22 pm
Thankfully, Ontario has declared vets and pet food stores essential services.
Sherri
March 24, 2020 at 4:51 pm
I order from a couple of different fresh made/gently cooked dog food sources and was informed by one that while they have no supply chain issues they have received double the amount of orders and are having a bit of difficulty keeping up. The food still ships it just takes a little longer. I hope people will settle down soon and quit with the panic and the hoarding!
Terri Christenson janson
March 25, 2020 at 7:00 am
My local store cant keep up with the meat i use for my homemade dog food. I had no choice but to get an extra bag of kibble for my cats and dogs. Dont know what id do if i couldnt feed them. They eat before me.
Ted
March 29, 2020 at 11:06 pm
The recipe in the video by Dr. Karen Becker and Rodney Habib that was referenced in this article makes it look like making raw food for your pups is way easier than initially thought. My wife and I watched it and instantly realized that that’s what we should of done all along. We’ve been trying to find a perfect raw food company but couldn’t do it.. they all have some kind of caveats. Will start making our own food from now on!