What’s causing this Meow Mix shortage? If you’re a feline enthusiast or a loving pet parent, you’ve likely heard of Meow Mix. This is a well-known cat food brand that offers both dry and wet pet food options.
Recently, the availability of Meow Mix wet cat food has reduced, leaving pet owners struggling to find it. But what’s causing this shortage? Is it that Meow Mix has been discontinued?
In this article, we will take a closer look at this shortage to uncover some factors causing it. We will also help you see when it’s likely to end and how you can ensure your beloved cat gets the nutrition they need during this challenging time.
Meow Mix Shortage Hitting Cat Owners Hard
Meow Mix has been a preferred pet food option for pet owners in the United States. This brand has won the hearts of many pet owners because of the quality of the foods they sell. Apart from that, Meow Mix has a variety of options to make sure its customers get the best food option for their cats.
But there has recently been a decrease in the supply of Meow Mix across stores in the country. The Meow Mix shortage has left cat owners in a tough spot. Finding this beloved cat food has become increasingly difficult, leading to concerns about its discontinuation.
However, this shortage isn’t unique to Meow Mix; the entire pet food industry has been grappling with supply challenges for some time. Factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic, supply chain disruptions, and ongoing inflation have all contributed to this predicament.
What Is Causing Meow Mix Shortage?
This recent Meow Mix scarcity can be traced to a couple of factors, and each of them has been responsible for the reason this beloved product is no longer on the shelves. Let’s take a closer look at some of these reasons.
#1: Labor Shortage
One significant factor behind the Meow Mix shortage is the labor shortage in the cat food industry. Many workers who used to contribute to cat food production left their jobs due to pandemic-related concerns. Even after the pandemic is over, most of them have refused to go back to the job they once loved.
And because jobs in this field are not as stable, many potential hires have decided to stay away, resulting in reduced production capacity and a scarcity of cat food, including Meow Mix.
#2: Low Supply of Raw Ingredients
Cat food comprises various ingredients, including nutrients, protein sources, spices, and sauces. The proper balance of preservatives is crucial to ensure the product’s shelf life. However, the ongoing inflation crisis has led to shortages of these vital raw ingredients, affecting Meow Mix production.
#3: Unpredictable Weather
In recent years, the United States has suffered unpredictable weather, including hurricanes, temperature fluctuations, and extreme weather events. This has disrupted crop production, leading to increased demand for fruits, vegetables, and meat, impacting the availability of essential ingredients for cat food.
#4: Rise in Transportation Costs
The global situation, such as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, has driven up the prices of petrol and diesel. With higher transportation costs, industries must allocate more resources to move their products, resulting in increased operational expenses and decreased profit margins.
This rise in logistic costs is greatly affecting many companies, including Meow Mix. and that is one of the major factors driving Meow Mix shortage, causing the product to become unavailable in stores.
When Is the Shortage Likely to End?
If you’re wondering when the Meow Mix shortage will come to an end, brace yourself for a bit more patience. It’s expected that the shortage will persist until the beginning of 2024.
Experts have predicted that inflation will likely continue to rise until the end of the year. This will, hence, continue to exacerbate the scarcity issue.
However, there are alternatives to ensure your cat’s nutrition during this period of scarcity. We will talk about that in detail in the latter section of this post. So just keep reading!
Is This Also Happening to Dog Foods?
While our focus has been on Meow Mix and cat food shortages, it’s worth noting that similar challenges have affected the availability of dog foods. The increased demand for pet ownership during the pandemic, coupled with the factors mentioned earlier, has resulted in shortages in both cat and dog food markets.
So, if you are struggling to get food for your cats in this season, you should know you are not alone. Your dog owner neighbor is also likely facing the same problem.
How Can You Ensure Your Cat Gets the Required Nutrition During This Time of Scarcity?
Since this Meow Mix shortage doesn’t look like it’s going away soon, it’s important to consider an alternative for your cats. The nutrition of your pet is your responsibility, and you need to do everything to make sure these furry treasures have the right nutrition they need to grow well.
So, let’s see some ways you can explore to ensure your cat’s nutritional needs are met despite the Meow Mix shortage.
Mix wet and dry food
To provide a balanced diet, consider mixing wet and dry cat food. This variety offers a range of protein sources and ensures your cat receives adequate nutrition.
Opt for kibble
If wet cat food remains scarce, you can opt for a dry formula. However, you should know that dry food lacks moisture. Because of that, you will need to ensure your cat consumes more water. You should also monitor your cat’s weight to prevent unwanted weight gain.
Switch your cat’s flavor
If Meow Mix wet cat food is unavailable, explore alternative brands like Iams, Purina One, or Hill’s Science Diet. But always consult with your veterinarian before introducing any dietary changes or supplements to ensure they’re safe for your cat.
Cook for your cat
Consider preparing homemade meals for your feline friend if you cannot get Meow Mix in your area. Include ingredients like beef, tuna, salmon, oatmeal, peas, and sweet potato in their foods. Again, make sure you consult your veterinarian before embarking on this path to ensure your cat’s dietary needs are met.
Transitioning a Pet to New Food
Transitioning your pet to a new food is a critical step in ensuring they receive the nutrition they need during the Meow Mix shortage. Abrupt dietary changes can lead to digestive upset, so it’s essential to do it gradually over a seven-day period. Here’s a more detailed guide on how to successfully transition your cat to a new food.
- Day 1-2: Start Slowly
Begin by mixing a small portion of the new cat food with your cat’s current food. Keep the ratio at around 10% new food to 90% old food for the first couple of days. This gradual introduction allows your cat’s taste buds and digestive system to adapt to the new flavor and ingredients.
- Day 3-4: Gradual Increase
On the third and fourth days, increase the proportion of new food to 25% while reducing the old food to 75%. This step continues to acclimate your cat to the new food without overwhelming their system.
- Day 5-6: Steady Progression
By the fifth and sixth days, aim for a 50-50 mix of the new and old food. This balanced approach helps your cat adjust further while providing a blend of familiar and new flavors and textures.
- Day 7: Full Transition
By the seventh day, your cat should be ready to consume the new food exclusively. Transitioning your pet slowly over this period minimizes the risk of gastrointestinal issues and helps them become accustomed to the new taste and texture.
Throughout the transition, keep a close eye on your cat’s behavior and health. Watch for any signs of digestive upset, such as diarrhea or vomiting. If you notice these symptoms, slow down the transition process by returning to the previous ratio and consult your veterinarian if the issues persist.
Apart from that, during the transition and once your cat is on the new food, ensure they have access to fresh water at all times. This is especially important if you’re switching to dry cat food, as it lacks the moisture content found in wet food.
Related Articles You Might Like:
