HAMBURG, NY (WKBW) – Some of the big retailers are finding ways to avoid supply chain issues.

Stores like WalMart, Target and Macy’s are redirecting ships to less congested ports.

Stores are also hiring more workers and unloading goods outside of working hours.

In some cases, stores are opting for air freight instead of container ships.
The Biden administration recently announced that the Port of Los Angeles will operate 24 hours a day, but that has yet to happen.

While toilet paper and baby food are scarce, canned food for cats and dogs also made the list. The shortage of canned pet food is also driving up prices.

“The simple fact is, most cans just don’t ship. Some manufacturers are almost 100% closed. This is mainly due to ingredient issues at the end of manufacturing. Plus, they have issues with the cans and some of the ingredients that go into the cans have been prevented from being manufactured, ”said owner Jim Millspaugh of Clyde’s Feed and Animal Center.

Part of the shortage is also due to a shortage of aluminum cans.

Shortages of canned cat and dog food are forcing stores in western New York State, and even across the country, to change their branding, flavor and textures.

Clyde’s Feed and Animal Center owner Jim Millspaugh said it was because certain ingredients that go into canned pet foods have been prevented from being manufactured.

“There is currently no US manufacturer of lysine. They’re done. Lysine doesn’t do it here anymore. Lysine is an amino acid that you need to prepare the food. They can’t even get it. The entire source of lysine for the whole world is totally locked down. Anyone who bought it is good for the next 12 months, but whoever hasn’t bankrupted it, ”Millspaugh said.

The L-lysine shortage is expected to continue for at least a few months during the first quarter of 2022, according to the National pig breeder.

Although this is only an ingredient, Millspaugh said it is really important right now.

“Not only in dog and cat food, but in foods for large animals like horses and cows. If you don’t have this lysine, you can’t prepare your food,” he said.

In the meantime, he said he would steer his new clients to other options.

“I think we can overcome this if people are flexible about the formula they choose to feed. Most of the customers are not customers who normally shop here, who have walked through our doors. they may not find the Friskies and Fancy Feasts at the grocery store, ”he said.“ In some cases you have local businesses like this that make frozen dog food, so that would be a good idea. great alternative to buying canned food. “

Chance’s Cupboard Pet PantryHosts at Kenmore Avenue in Buffalo told Pheben Kassahun they plan to keep their pantry open for those who can’t afford for their fur babies, amid price increases due to the shortage. . The pantry is only open for feeding on the third Sunday of each month.

They will be there this Sunday November 21 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.