Dog treats and chews remain consistent sellers, with sales on an upward trajectory, pet specialty retailers reported.
“Every year, the sale of treats and chews steadily increases,” said Andrea Margelis, manager of Pets Naturally, a retailer in Traverse City, Mich. “Consumers are spending more on their pets, especially during the pandemic due to the fact that a lot of pet parents are spending more time with their furry friends.”
Top picks in this category are considered safe and natural, with few ingredients.
“First and foremost, [dog owners want] to know that it is safe,” said Laura Jones, COO of Jones Naturals, a manufacturer in Rockford, Ill.
Pet owners want products that bring their pets joy, Jones continued, while “giving the dog owner peace of mind that it is a safe, natural, single-ingredient or limited-ingredient chew or treat—not one full of chemicals or ingredients that cannot be pronounced.”
Margelis agreed that safety comes first in owner demands for chews and treats for dogs. Shoppers also seek chews that are “long-lasting, natural and highly digestible,” she said.
“When it comes to treats, pet parents are looking for all-natural treats,” Margelis said. “Especially limited-ingredient treats, since a lot of dogs have allergies and sensitive tummies.”
While affordability is important to consumers, they “will…
