Supermarkets have apologised for a nationwide shortage of pet food - and warned that supply issues may last for months.

A surge in pet ownership during lockdown has been blamed for the empty shelves, with food specifically made for puppies and kittens in particularly short supply.

Sainsbury's shoppers have been emailed by the supermarket and warned: "Due to a national shortage of dog and cat food pouches, we are sorry if you are not able to find your usual product.

"We are working hard to resolve this. We think the issue will be ongoing through the year, but we hope to get them back on the shelves as quickly as possible."

It was a similar story at the other major supermarket chains including Tesco and Morrisons.

A spokesperson for Morrisons said: "We're working closely with our suppliers who are investing in increasing their capacity and we may not have full availability for several months."

Helen Warren-Piper, general manager of Mars Petcare UK, which makes Pedigree and Whiskas, said: "We recognise retailers are experiencing unusual demand for pet food during lockdown.

"We have made significant investment into our manufacturing network, including investment in our UK Melton pet food plant."

Puppy owner Jane Jefferson, from Folkestone, bought her Cavapoo Charlie during the first lockdown and said she had first noticed the shortages a fortnight ago.

She added: "I have been feeding Charlie Pedigree Chum puppy food, but I have not been able to get my hands on any for a while and have had to switch to alternatives. Any puppy owner will tell you that changing their diet can have very messy consequences so I hope it is resolved soon."

There has been a surge in pet ownership during the pandemic, with demand - and prices - for puppies at an all time high.

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