THERE IS a 'national shortage' on dog and cat food, supermarket giant Sainsbury's has told customers.

Yesterday, Oxford residents received an email from the supermarket chain telling them that their usual pet food might be low in stock.

The email sent to locals said: “Due to a national shortage of dog and cat food pouches, we're sorry if you're not able to find your usual product at Sainsbury's.

"We're working hard to resolve this.

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"We think the issue will be ongoing through the year, but we hope to get them back onto shelves as quickly as possible.”

Sainsbury's have said the demand for pet food is much higher because more pets have been bought over the last year. 

A spokesperson for Sainsbury's said: “We are seeing an increased demand for pet food pouches and are working hard to maintain stock levels.

"We continue to offer a range of canned and dry options.”

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