A shortage of dog and cat food from some popular brands at NSW supermarkets has left Dubbo pet owners searching for alternatives.
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On Tuesday bare shelf space greeted customers at the Woolworths store at Riverdale where Mars Petcare products, including Pedigree and Whiskas, would normally sit.
Notices advised customers the products were temporarily unavailable.
"We have been experiencing supply shortages on some brands in the pet food aisle," they said.
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The retailer and Mars Petcare have remained tight-lipped on the issue, but one union organiser representing workers at Mars' Wodonga factory claimed last month it was the result of a price dispute between Mars Petcare and the supermarket.
A pet owner contacted the Daily Liberal with concerns about the issue this week.
On Tuesday Woolworths declined to comment on the cause of the supply issue, but offered assurances to customers the matter was being resolved.
We have items on order and expect to see stock levels improve for customers over the next week.
- a Woolworths spokesperson
"We've been working with our supplier to address recent supply shortages and stock has started returning to our shelves," a Woolworths spokesperson said.
"We have items on order and expect to see stock levels improve for customers over the next week.
"We apologise to customers for the inconvenience."
Pet owners have looked for alternatives during the shortage at the major supermarket chain.
Ben Ashcroft, owner of Ashcrofts IGA in Tamworth Street, said the store had no issues with supply and its cat and dog food was price-matched with competitors.
"My grocery manager says sales are up on those products," he said.
Coles confirmed the products had returned to its shelves.
"An availability issue with our supplier resulted in a number of pet food products being temporarily out of stock," a spokesperson said.
"The good news for our four-legged customers is that products are now back on shelves at Coles."
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