Petco will stop selling food and treats containing artificial colors, flavors and preservatives for dogs and cats by next May.

The move is the first of its kind among major pet stores, and comes at a time when sales of natural pet foods are steadily rising.

"We're raising the bar and stepping out ahead of the industry," CEO Ron Coughlin said in a statement. "Not because it's an easy thing to do, but because we believe it's the right thing to do."

Petco will stop selling the products both online and at its nearly 1,500 stores across the U.S. and Puerto Rico.

More information about the chance can be found at Petco's website.