Buying Dog Treats in Bulk: What UK Retailers Need to Know
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Buying dog treats in bulk is an effective way to reduce costs, improve profit margins and keep your most popular products in stock. However, retailers, pet shops, groomers and other businesses selling dog treats also need to consider more than just stock. Product demand and shelf life are among some of the most important factors when ordering dog treats in bulk.
With the right approach, bulk buying can be a profitable and stress-free method to maintain a fantastic treat range. We've put together this helpful guide to help UK retailers when buying dog treats in bulk.
In this article:
- Why buy dog treats in bulk?
- What to consider when buying bulk dog treats
- Which dog treats are best to buy in bulk?
- How to avoid overstocking dog treats
- Choosing a UK wholesale dog treat supplier
- FAQs
Why buy dog treats in bulk?
Buying dog treats in bulk offers several advantages to retailers, especially where products are reliable sellers. The most obvious reason is to reduce your cost per unit, allowing you to increase profit margins on each sale.
Bulk purchasing also provides a consistent supply of the most popular products, reducing the risk of losing return customers who are waiting for particular products you know are a best seller. Other benefits include:
- Lower costs per individual pack
- Access to wholesale and bulk-buy discounts
- Fewer individual orders and deliveries
- More consistent availability of popular products
- Build a varied dog treat range
- Stronger retail margins
Buying in bulk does not mean you need to buy the largest quantity available. This is still tailored to the actual stock levels and demand you have in store, meaning you can have lower unit prices whilst still making smaller orders. Bulk treats simply help you find the right balance between cost and stock levels.
What to consider when buying bulk dog treats
Of course, when placing large orders, it's not just about having the cheapest price or purchasing the most stock possible. There are several factors you need to consider.
Product demand
Start by looking at what your customers are already buying. Your current sales data is the best indicator of what needs to be stocked or where you have product gaps. Take advantage of customer feedback so you know what else they'd like to see in store, and test with a smaller quantity alongside your best sellers before purchasing large orders. To get a real picture of product demand, think about:
- How frequently the product sells
- Whether customers regularly repurchase it
- Which dog sizes it is suitable for
- Whether it appeals to specific dietary preferences
- Whether it is a seasonal product
- How much competition you have from similar products
Wholesale pricing and profit margins
Wholesale dog treat prices are an important part of buying in bulk, but retailers should understand how it translates into actual profit. Your wholesale cost is what you pay the supplier, whilst the retail price is what you charge the customer.
The difference between these figures is your gross profit. Look at wholesale pricing and how this changes when you spend £100 (our Minimum Order Quantity) compared to £250, £350 and £500, which all contribute to a larger discount that can help you reduce that initial wholesale cost.
Shelf life, storage and stock rotation
Shelf life and storage is an essential factor when ordering dog treats in bulk. Make sure to check how long products typically remain suitable for sale and how long you expect them to last at your store. Shelf life is typically increased with air dried dog treats as they reduce moisture and the chance of mould for a longer shelf life.
That doesn't mean the storage you use is irrelevant. Try to keep treats stored in line with supplier instructions whilst having ample storage space available for all the treats you want to order. Alongside the correct packaging, this organisation makes it easy to rotate products in and out of stock with all treats being fresh. When managing stock, remember to:
- Check best-before dates when deliveries arrive
- Put older stock towards the front
- Store products according to supplier instructions
- Monitor slow-moving products
- Avoid ordering significantly more than you can sell
- Review stock levels regularly
Our dog treats typically have a shelf life of 12-18 months. However, if you experience any issues with shelf life or best-before dates, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Supplier reliability
Having a good relationship with your suppliers is about more than just price. Make sure to choose a supplier that:
- Keeps popular products in stock
- Delivers orders reliably
- Provides consistent product quality
- Handles larger orders
- Provides clear product information
- Offers regular restocks
- Responds quickly when you need assistance
A reliable supplier makes managing stock levels so much easier and gives you peace of mind when ordering treats in bulk.
Packaging and labelling
Dog treats are covered with animal-feed legislation, so as a retailer, it is your responsibility for products to have the correct information and remain in suitable packaging for your customers.
Typical information that should be included within packaging and labelling includes:
- Product name and description
- Analytical constituents
- Ingredient list
- Feeding instructions
- Weight
- BBE date
- Batch numbers
- Supplier business name and address
If you are unsure about your responsibilities, seek advice from the relevant local authority or Trading Standards service. You can also find more information on your responsibilities vs suppliers in this article.
Which dog treats are best to buy in bulk?
Whilst there is no correct treat to buy when ordering in bulk, it is something you should consider when ordering in large quantities. You want to order treats that:
- Have a long shelf life
- Maintain consistent quality for every order
- Are best sellers, without risking their expiration date
- Have a low cost per unit
Many treats check the box for these 4 descriptions, and starting with smaller quantities for products that are new to your customers is ideal. This gives you a taster to see what will sell well and manage your stock levels accordingly, without worrying if stock will go out of date. Some of the treats we recommend starting with include:
With these treats, you have a selection that is ideal for all dog breeds and ages, including some of our best sellers which are a favourite among customers. Once you have your main stock sorted, you can look to widen your stock with more unique treats.
How to avoid overstocking dog treats
Bulk buying reduces your cost per unit, but it shouldn't become counterproductive. One of the most common mistakes retailers make is overstocking when they're unaware of whether demand actually exists for these products. To avoid overstocking, have a measured approach when buying in bulk. Remember, there's no limits on mixing and matching products as long as you meet our Minimum Order Quantity.
- For established best sellers: Consider larger bulk orders where sales data supports the decision.
- For new products: Start with a smaller quantity and monitor sales.
- For seasonal products: Estimate demand carefully and avoid being left with significant quantities after the relevant period.
- For slow-moving products: Reduce future order quantities and consider whether the product still deserves valuable shelf space.
Choosing a UK wholesale dog treat supplier
The most important part of buying dog treats in bulk, is the supplier you partner with. Reliable pricing, quality and delivery times is essential to keep your stock levels where you want them and maintaining healthy profit margins.
At T.Forrest, we offer a low minimum order quantity of £100 + VAT, as well as having further discounts at orders over £250, £350 and £500. Free next day delivery is available on orders before 2pm, although this is dependant on weight limits. Providing customers with a quick turnaround is fantastic to ensure your stock is fulfilled as soon as possible.
Partner with T.Forrest Trade and sign up for a Trade account for discounts across all products along with exclusive bulk deals.
FAQs
Is buying dog treats in bulk cheaper?
Yes, buying treats in bulk is cheaper. We offer exclusive discounts to our trade customers, with further discounts when spending over £250, £350 and £500.
How many dog treats should a pet shop order?
There is no correct quantity. Base your order on average sales, existing stock, supplier lead times, shelf life and available storage.
Where can I buy dog treats in bulk in the UK?
Look for a supplier that offers suitable wholesale pricing, reliable delivery, clear product information, consistent stock and appropriate product traceability. Buying directly from a UK manufacturer can also provide advantages in terms of supply and product knowledge. Of course, the supplier we recommend is T.Forrest Trade (us!).
What are the best dog treats to buy in bulk?
The best products depend on your customers and sales data. Popular natural treats, long-lasting chews and products suitable for all dog sizes, ages and breeds can all form part of a strong range. If you would like advice on which treats to start with, please contact our team.
How long do bulk dog treats last?
Shelf life varies between products and suppliers. Always check the best-before date and storage instructions before placing a bulk order. With all our treats being air dried, they have a typical shelf life between 12-18 months, but please contact us with any concerns.