#Middlebury
DEAR PAW’S CORNER: I wanted to respond to Casey H.’s concerns about finding the right pet food in the midst of these supply problems. We and some of our friends have experienced the same shortage. Our cat is on a prescription canned and dry food to treat her cystitis. Eating the wrong food could cause real problems for her. When we went to PetSmart to renew our supply, the shelf was almost empty. We talked to the in-store veterinarian, who said the main problem was a quality issue – the manufacturer had to throw away a huge amount of cat food and start again. That, plus the slowdown in truck deliveries, plus short staffing, are all contributing to this mess.
Casey may want to call or email the pet-food company or talk to the manager of the store that it’s usually purchased from. Another option is to make your own pet food. My mother was a dog breeder for 30 years and she made her own dog food. It’s not an option for us because of our cat’s medical issue, but it may be a solution for others. Your veterinarian can guide you on ingredients, and there are plenty of books with recipes that provide balanced nutrition. – Colleen R., East Rochester, New York
DEAR COLLEEN: That’s great advice! Store managers and the pet food manufacturers themselves can provide more insight when a specific pet food is not available. You can usually find contact information for the manufacturer on the can, bag or box of pet food. Veterinarians also can also help guide you to alternative pet foods, which is especially important when specific formulations are needed.
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