We all know the saying that April showers bring May flowers, but what we also think about this time of year is that it is time to file taxes, financially plan for summer events, all-the-while groceries are increasingly expensive, and what in the world is going on with tariffs, and how is this all really going to affect me? Whew! This month, our founder Ann Straub Simon is spending a few minutes to get real with you about rising costs, availability of your favorite items, and what we’re doing to help you figure it all out!
Missoula customers, see below for a fun event next week, Author Rita Hogan, C.H. will be at our store Monday, April 7th at 6pm, supporting her book, The Herbal Dog. Come spend the evening with us!
And, as always, scroll below to see this month’s Astro specials!
As pet parents, we all want the best for our furry companions—especially regarding nutrition. With rising costs impacting nearly everything we buy, understanding the factors behind price increases can help us make more intelligent and informed decisions. At The Holistic Pet Nutrition Center, we're here to help guide you through those complexities with transparency and expert advice, ensuring you can provide your pets the best care—while staying within your budget.
In this article, we’ll break down the basics of how tariffs on pet food can affect prices and offer solutions so you can keep your pet’s nutrition top-notch, even in uncertain times. Let’s dive in!
With all this tariff talk, some of us found ourselves asking, “What really are tariffs anyway?” Most simply put, we think of them as taxes on imported goods. While the USA already imposes tariffs, we’re hearing more of it recently because re-negotiations are taking place on tariff amounts, based on the products and countries of origin. To give you an idea of how not-so-simple it can be, in the USA there are currently 5735 categories of imported products that are subject to tariffs!
Many premium pet foods use high-quality ingredients like various protein sources imported from outside the U.S. When tariffs are imposed on these ingredients, manufacturers face higher costs, which often results in price increases. Some brands absorb these and other increases in manufacturing costs, but others pass them on to consumers, which can be challenging for pet owners.
Our Solution: At The Holistic Pet Nutrition Center, we choose products from brands prioritizing quality and transparency. While tariffs may impact some of our products, we proudly carry a selection USA-made pet foods to help mitigate these price hikes. However, certain exotic meats (like venison, elk, and kangaroo) come from countries like New Zealand, Canada, and Australia. Below, we break down which ingredients and brands are affected by international tariffs so you can make informed choices for your pet and wallet.
Another way that your pet’s food can be affected by tariffs is that they can prompt changes between distributors and the brands that they carry. We stay in constant touch with our distributors, to help streamline any potential changes, if they do occur.
One effective way to reduce the impact of tariffs is to choose pet food brands made right here in the USA. Many of these brands also source their ingredients locally, which not only avoids these tariffs, but we often prefer it because of the more strict quality control standards that are required here that often aren't required in some other countries. Plus, supporting domestic products helps strengthen our local economy!
What We Do: We’re proud to offer a selection of USA-made pet foods that meet our high standards for quality nutrition. By choosing trusted American-made brands, we can ensure your pet’s food is fresh, ethically produced, and cost-effective—without sacrificing the nutritional value you expect.
We know that premium nutrition is vital to your pet’s long-term health, but with rising prices, it might seem like the best foods are out of reach. Here’s the truth: investing in quality nutrition can prevent future health issues, which may ultimately save you money on vet bills down the line. We’ve had customers surprised to find that with proper nutrition, their pets have improved skin and coats, even losing their stink! This saves on grooming products and service costs as well. So, while tariffs may increase initial costs, it’s definitely an investment in your pet’s well-being.
Our Approach: We’re committed to offering high-quality options at affordable prices. Our staff just returned from the Global Pet Expo in Orlando, where we discovered some fantastic new products that strike the perfect balance between value and nutrition. For example:
Fromm Classic has extended its budget-friendly line to include lamb and fish options that are both nutritious and affordable. We’ve trusted Fromm for years and have carried it since 2012.
Inception is rebranding and will be back in stock soon, offering affordable options with premium ingredients.
We understand that navigating price increases and the complexities of pet food sourcing can feel overwhelming. Rest assured, we’re here to help you make the best decisions for your pet’s health. Whether you’re transitioning to a new diet or need advice on managing your pet’s food budget, our knowledgeable team is always ready to offer guidance. We provide complimentary nutrition consultations for our loyal customers—because your pet’s health is our priority. Call or stop in your local store today for personalized recommendations and expert advice on keeping your pet healthy without overspending.
Did you know, we can also place special orders for you if you can’t find what you’re looking for in-store? Most brands exist within our ASTRO Loyalty Program, and you can continue to earn rewards, including dollars off and free bags, even with special order items.
On a personal note, you may not have seen me recently; I want to share that I’ve been focusing on my doctorate studies at the University of Florida, specializing in the gut microbiome. I chose UF because of its incredible veterinary school and the research opportunities that will help me learn more about pets and their nutrition. I’m excited to apply this knowledge to serve your pets better. You can always contact me directly at [email protected]. While I receive many inquiries, I’ll do my best to reply quickly. Be sure to leave your phone number, as I’d love to schedule a brief phone call if I can’t simply email a prompt response.
