Choosing which dog treats to stock isn't simply about having the widest range of the cheapest options. Dog owners care more than ever about the ingredients in the food they give their furry friends, what health benefits they offer and whether they're safe for their dog to eat.

Our recent customer survey asked dog owners about their buying habits, favourite treats and what they consider before making a purchase. Alongside our fantastic product knowledge, we've put together this handy guide to support retailers looking to stock products that meet customer demands.

In this article:

1. Why choosing the right dog treats matters
2. What today's dog owners want
3. Best-selling dog treats to stock
4. Treats that support your dog's health
5. Why natural dog treats outperform processed alternatives
6. Offer products at different price points
7. Unique treats to stand out from competitors
8. Why retailers choose T.Forrest Trade

Why choosing the right dog treats matter

People are purchasing dog treats more regularly, whilst the dog treats market continues to grow. Our survey found that:

• 23% buy dog treats every week
• 19% buy every fortnight
• 46% buy monthly

With 88% of dog owners purchasing at least once a month, having the right dog treats in stock is essential to drive reliable repeat sales. This doesn't mean just having the cheapest option available. As customers become more and more selective, a combination of well priced treats with quality ingredients is essential for your store.

What today's dog owners want

Dog owners in our survey prioritised one thing above all others - natural dog treats. Our survey showed:

• 98% believe natural treats are better for dogs over the long term
• 92% say natural ingredients are extremely important
• 93% say natural ingredients directly influence their purchasing decisions
• 93% would actively avoid highly processed or rawhide treats

The evidence here is overwhelming. Owners who switch to natural treats are reluctant to try or go back to processed and rawhide treats, whilst many agree natural treats are the healthier option to use. Stocking natural treats isn't just a trend to follow, it's adhering to what customer expect and want to buy.

Best-selling dog treats to stock

Knowing the best selling dog treats to stock is a great start. Having the essentials is sure to bring repeat customers to your store.

Some of our most popular treats include:

• Pig ears: Pig ears remain one of our most popular choices for customers, with 16% of our survey choosing this as their dog's favourite. They are a long-lasting chew, great for more aggressive chewers and support dental hygiene.
• Rabbit ears: 14% of owners chose rabbit ears as their favourite. Rabbit ears are high in protein, great for dogs with food sensitivities and act as a natural dewormer.
• Beef chews: There are a wide range of natural beef chews available including paddywack, tripe sticks and beef liver. Beef chews are high in protein and favourites among 10% of our survey.
• Chicken feet: Chicken feet are packed with health benefits, easily digestible and act as a natural toothbrush. They are also collagen rich, supporting skin, coat and joint health. 8% of our survey chose chicken feet as their favourite treats.
• Sausages: Sausages were also most popular among 8% of our survey. Great for high-value training rewards, sausages are high protein and available in several flavours.
• Fish treats: Fish dog treats are omega-rich and highly digestible, making them a fantastic option for all dog owners. Whether this is fish skin or dried treats, it's good to have this alternative protein available at your store, with 7% of people choosing it as their favourites.

Treats that support your dog's health

Stocking treats is no longer just supply and demand. Customers want to know what the best treats are for their dog and how it supports their health. Luckily, natural treats are extremely beneficial to support with overall health, energy levels, dental hygiene and much more.

Among our survey, some of the most important health concerns included:

• 76% of owners want treats that support dental health
• 55% wants treats for joint support
• 52% look for low fat treats
• 40% want high protein treats

Other factors include omega-rich, hypoallergenic and suitable for puppies. Natural treats are fantastic for many of these health issues. Long lasting treats such as pig ears, paddywack, buffalo chews and meat filled bones provide these health benefits, being high in protein and low in fat.

Our natural treats are often single ingredient, perfect for dogs with sensitive stomachs and hypoallergenic diets.

Why natural dog treats outperform processed alternatives

A common trend is owners moving further and further away from processed products. In our survey, rawhide and processed treats received no votes among customer's most popular treats, and when you dig a little deeper, there's no surprise why.

Processed treats commonly contain additives, preservatives, grain and gluten. All of these extra ingredients can cause digestive issues or potentially trigger allergies. 93% of customers said they would avoid processed or rawhide treats, whilst natural, air dried options ensure treats retain their flavour, nutrients and vitamins without the extra ingredients.

Offer products at different price points

Whilst customers care about quality, having realistic price points that show good value is still important. Monthly spending from our survey showed:

• 37% spend between £20–£35
• 37% spend £36–£50
• 13% spend under £20
• 13% spend over £50

This again shows plenty of opportunity for repeat customers with 87% of customers spending over £20 per month. Offering a mix of every day chews and training treats alongside premium and long-lasting products allows retailers to cater to all customers and their budgets.

Unique treats to stand out from competitors

While bestselling products are essential, unique treats can carve out your own market within the dog treat world. Novel proteins and less common chews encourage impulse purchases and attract customers looking for something different. Some of our protein options include:

• Buffalo
• Goat
• Venison
• Rabbit
• Duck
• Fish
• Air-dried chews

Customers increasingly enjoy trying new proteins, particularly when they offer potential benefits for dogs with sensitivities or food intolerances.

A varied range also encourages repeat visits, as customers return to discover new products.

Why retailers choose T.Forrest Trade

At T.Forrest Trade, we've spent years supplying retailers with 100% natural dog treats that reflect changing customer demand. Our range includes everything from bestselling favourites to premium natural chews and novel proteins, helping retailers create unique displays perfect for modern dog owners.

Sign up for a trade account today and enjoy exclusive discounts, free next day delivery and a low MOQ of just £100 + VAT. Browse our products and order online today.