Whether you run a pet shop, a grooming salon with a retail corner, or a larger pet supply store, stocking the right mix of pet treats can directly impact your sales and customer loyalty. Today’s pet owners are more discerning than ever—they treat their pets like family and expect the same quality from pet products as they do from their own.

Here’s how to strike the perfect balance when stocking your pet treats:-

1. Understand your Customer Base

Are your shoppers budget-conscious? Or are they seeking premium, natural products?

Start by analysing your local market and customer preferences. If your customers lean toward holistic or eco-conscious lifestyles, you’ll want more all-natural, single-ingredient, or functional treats. If you serve a wide range of pet parents, include options at various price points.

Tip: Keep track of repeat purchases—these signal what your shoppers value most.

 2. Balance Value vs. Premium Treats

Stocking a variety of value-priced and premium options ensures you're meeting both everyday and aspirational needs:

• Value Treats: Great for bulk sales, training rewards, or multi-pet households.
• Premium Treats: Include gourmet, limited-ingredient, or specialty diets (e.g., grain-free, organic, freeze-dried).

Why it matters: Premium treats typically offer higher margins, but value products can drive volume.

3. Offer a variety of textures and functions

Not all pets like the same type of treat, and different textures serve different purposes:

• Crunchy: Good for dental health and satisfying chew time.
• Chewy/Soft: Ideal for training and older pets with sensitive teeth.
• Jerky & Freeze-Dried: Often seen as higher-end; great for impulse purchases.
• Functional Treats: Help with anxiety, digestion, or joint support—these are a growing category.

Mix it up to appeal to various pet needs and ages.

4. Highlight Ingredients & Sourcing

Consumers increasingly care about what’s inside the bag. Treats with clean labels, human-grade ingredients, or limited ingredient lists are in high demand. Offer signage or info cards to help customers understand what sets each brand apart.

5. Watch Sales Trends and Seasonality

Use your POS data to monitor what’s selling—and when. Treats tend to spike in:

• Holidays (great for themed displays)
• Summer (travel-friendly, calming chews)
• Back-to-school/Autumn (separation anxiety treats for pets home alone)

Rotate new treats in and out to keep your shelves fresh and engaging.

Final Tip: Cross-Merchandising Sells More

Pair treats near:

• Leashes & collars (impulse buys)
• Grooming products (reward after bath)
• Training supplies (treats as positive reinforcement)

Offering the right mix of treats isn’t just about variety—it’s about strategy. Knowing your customers, tracking sales, and keeping up with trends will help you curate an appealing treat section that boosts both customer satisfaction and your bottom line.

Back to the top