8 New Pet Products to Stock for Summer
It’s important for independent pet retailers to remain on the lookout for new pet products to shake up your retail offerings and keep your customers excited and coming back to your store.
The changing of the seasons is just one excuse for updating your inventory. Another reason is to get ahead of potential supply chain issues by maintaining a diverse stock of products. and presenting a boutique nature to keep your retail location competitive against larger chain stores.
As you begin planning your store’s summer inventory, here are eight new pet products from suppliers in the WPA community to stock for your shelves.
1. Super Swarm from Scout & Zoe’s
As we learn more about our pets and how food allergies can manifest in animals, companies like Scout & Zoe’s are there to bridge the gap, offering alternative protein treats and foods that won’t irritate pets’ skin and tummies.
At SuperZoo in 2021, they unveiled their line of Super Fly products made from black soldier fly larvae. By feeding on food waste from restaurants, fly larvae are a sustainable, low-carbon, high-protein option for dogs, cats, chicken, birds, reptiles and amphibians. And for pet owners who may be unsure what to try first, WPA is excited to present the Super Swarm combo pack before its release to the public!
Super Swarm combines their three Super Fly products in a great presentation box: Super Fly Black Soldier Fly Larvae, Super Fly Black Soldier Fly Larvae Food Topper, and Super Fly Black Soldier Fly Jerky. If your customers are looking for alternative protein sources for their pets, Scout & Zoe’s is the place to start.
Retailers can create a wholesale account and order directly through Scout & Zoe’s online. Get started by registering with Zoe’s Direct.
2. Protein Donuts from Scout & Zoe’s
Summertime is picnic season, between Memorial Day, Independence Day, and hot summer evenings! But typical picnic fare like baked beans and potato salad aren’t good for dogs.
Customers can keep things festive for their furry friends with colorful freeze-dried donuts made with chicken and super food ingredients like spinach, chia seeds, cranberries and blueberries, and drizzled with goat milk yogurt. Each donut is securely packaged in a clamshell container with ingredients, nutritional and caloric information labeled on the bottom of each container. Pet retailers can plan their marketing around the summer holidays.
3. Barkling Water Collection from Haute Diggity Dog
If there’s one thing pet owners love, it’s indulging their furry family members with fun toys — and no one does it quite like Haute Diggity Dog’s parody plush dog toys. Featuring “designer” brands like Chewy Vuiton, Kennel One, Dog Perignonn, Grrrona, Furcedes, Starbarks and many more, owners can find novelty toys shaped like their favorite fashion handbags, tasty beverages, luxury cars and even social media icons!
For getting into a summertime mood, check out their NEW “Barkling Water” collection, with Lick Croix, Grrrona Seltzer, and Topo Chiwawa Seltzer. Some toys even serve as sleeves for replaceable empty water bottles to keep dogs engaged for hours.
If you are interested in purchasing Haute Diggity Dog products for your retail store, you can submit your wholesale application here.
4. Katie’s Bumpers
Nothing says summer quite like being outside where there’s water, and many dogs love the chance to splash around. That’s where Katie’s Bumpers come in, offering U.S.-made floating fetch toys that offer hours of fun at the beach, lake or river.
The Original Bumper toy is made with phthalate-free PVC that is molded to create an airtight hollow, core, ensuring it floats on water and tough enough to withstand dog bites.
Katie’s Bumpers other fetch toys are made from brightly colored, professional grade fire hose material.
Don’t forget to stock the clip n’ toss rope to prevent toys from being lost on the water!
To place your order for Katie’s Bumpers with The Gralen Company visit them at Gralenco.com, email their sales team or call 800-523-7979. Their friendly staff with help you get set up with an account.
5. Cooling Pet Beds from Warm Universe
Any owner whose pet has thick fur knows that keeping animals from overheating in the summertime is important. Warm Universe makes that a little easier with their cooling gel memory foam pet beds, including their Model 010 and Model 028 products.
Designed to relieve the pain of arthritis, hip dysplasia, cover joint and muscle stiffness, pet owners can rest assured that not only will their pets not get overheated while sleeping, they’ll also be comfortable. Products also feature a waterproof fabric cover with cool-core technology for easy cleaning, maintenance and body heat dissipation.
For more on these products, visit the Warm Universe booth in WPA365 or contact representative Jenny Bai.
6. Metro Balls from Metro Paws
Pets love playing outside in the summer, and making sure they get plenty of exercise is important.
What sets Metro Balls apart from standard tennis balls is a petrochemical-free construction made with cotton yarn and natural rubber.
The balls come in a wide range of colors in both standard and mini-sizes — making them perfect for pups and smaller breeds as well as large dogs. The mini size is also great for keeping cats active and stimulated (we know how they love to laze about in the sun).
If you’re interested in stocking Metro Balls in your store, contact Lindsey at Metro Paws.
7. Metro Wipes from Metro Paws
Summertime means outdoor activities like hiking and camping trips, and it’s great to have pets join us on these excursions. But when it’s time to hop back in the car and head home, nature tends to follow.
Metro Wipes are thick and durable, making cleanup simple.
Their activated charcoal wipes quickly absorb toxins and odors and have a natural peppermint scent and are safe for body, ears, tush and paws. For sensitive pets, the natural unscented wipes are hypoallergenic and alcohol and paraben free.
If you’re interested in stocking Metro Wipes, contact Lindsey at Metro Paws.
8. Raining Cats and Dogs Umbrellas from Sabyloo
Amid all the great summertime products for pets, it’s important you don’t forget about their human counterparts.
Warm weather brings summer thunderstorms, and pet retailers can plan for impulse rainy day purchases with these stylish and colorful umbrellas that feature a city skyline and raindrop design with cats and dogs. The auto open/close feature allows for one-handed operation (helpful while walking the dog in the rain).
And with a portion of Sabyloo’s profits going to various rescue organizations both locally and abroad, your customers can support a great cause — and look stylish while doing so!
For more information or to set up a wholesale account, email Sabyloo.
As you plan your store’s inventory and the new pet products you’ll stock going into the summer, don’t forget to shape consumer demand through your marketing.
By being strategic about item placement in your store and fun images on your social media, you can craft the narrative that will remind customers of summertime activities and how their pets will play into those — and create demand for your products. And with fresh new inventory for the season, you’re sure to drive interest and have customers returning to see what you stock next.