How Dental Chews Can Boost Sales and Customer Loyalty in Your Pet Store

Felicia

·July 19, 2025

·13 min read

You know how much pet owners love to spoil their furry friends, but they also want products that make life easier. Dental chews tick both boxes. Nearly half of dog owners have picked up dental treats in the last year, showing just how popular they’ve become. Check out these market trends:

Market Size (2023)	CAGR (2024-2030)	Key Trend
USD 369.25 million	7.9%	Natural, effective solutions

Dental chews help pets stay healthy and keep your tills ringing. Why not tap into this growing demand?

Key Takeaways

Dental chews help lower plaque and make pets’ breath smell better. They also help pets stay healthy. Most pet owners think brushing is hard. Dental chews are an easy and good choice instead. Dental chews with natural ingredients attract owners who care about health. Selling dental chews often makes customers buy them again. This helps build customer loyalty. Good displays and clear signs help people buy dental chews without planning. Staff who know about dental chews can help customers trust the shop. This also helps sales. Bundles and subscriptions make it easier for customers and raise order value. Loyalty programmes with rewards and special offers make customers return.

Demand for Dental Chews

Oral Health Trends

You might not realise how common dental disease is in pets. In fact, up to 85% of dogs over three years old have some form of periodontal disease. Cats are not far behind, with 70% affected by the age of two. Most owners struggle to brush their pets’ teeth. Only about 1% manage to do it regularly. That’s why so many people turn to Dental Chews as a practical solution.

Bar chart showing prevalence of periodontal disease, owner brushing habits, and use of dental chews in dogs

When you give your dog a chew every day, you help reduce plaque, tartar, and even bad breath. Studies show that Dental Chews can cut dental plaque by 38% and freshen breath by over 80%. This is important because severe dental disease can lead to problems with the kidneys, heart, or liver. So, you’re not just keeping your pet’s mouth clean—you’re supporting their whole body health.

Convenience for Owners

Let’s face it, brushing a dog’s teeth is not easy. Most owners find it tricky to hold their pet still or reach the back teeth. That’s why Dental Chews have become so popular. You just hand one over, and your dog does the rest. It’s a treat and a cleaning tool in one.

Tip: Many vets recommend Dental Chews for pets who won’t tolerate brushing. They’re especially good for cleaning those hard-to-reach back teeth.

Pet owners love the simplicity. You don’t need special skills or tools. Your dog enjoys a tasty snack, and you get peace of mind knowing you’re helping their oral health. No wonder nearly 60% of owners have bought dental treats recently.

Here’s why owners choose Dental Chews over other options:

They scrape away plaque and freshen breath during chewing.
They’re easy to use, even for pets who hate brushing.
The right texture keeps teeth safe while encouraging natural chewing.
Chews offer mental stimulation and help prevent boredom.
VOHC-approved products give extra confidence in their effectiveness.

Natural Ingredients

You want the best for your pet, so natural ingredients matter. Many top-selling Dental Chews use simple, wholesome components. You’ll find animal-based ingredients like yak milk, beef skin, or pig ear cartilage. Plant-based options include sweet potato, peppermint, parsley, fennel, and even coconut.

Minties Medium Dental Treats use alfalfa, peppermint, and parsley for fresh breath.
Bocce’s Brushy Sticks feature coconut and mint.
Chewsday Cinnamon Clean Chews blend sweet potato, ginger, and cinnamon.
ProDen PlaqueOff Soft Chews add Scandinavian kelp for extra cleaning power.

Many owners say they see less tartar and better breath after switching to natural chews. Some even believe regular chewing is enough to keep teeth clean, especially with the right ingredients. Just remember, always supervise your pet and pick chews that suit their size and chewing style.

Business Benefits

Repeat Purchases

When you stock Dental Chews in your shop, you set yourself up for steady sales. Pet owners do not buy these treats just once. Dogs and cats need regular oral care, so customers come back for more. You can think of Dental Chews as a product that runs out quickly. Most owners give their pets a chew every day or a few times a week. This habit means they need to restock often.

Tip: Remind your customers when it is time to buy more. You can use reminder cards or send a quick message if you have their details.

You will notice that repeat purchases help you build a strong base of loyal shoppers. When people know they can rely on you for their pet’s needs, they will return again and again.

Trust and Loyalty

Trust is everything in the pet business. When you offer products that really work, like Dental Chews, you show your customers that you care about their pets’ health. Many owners worry about dental disease and want to do the right thing. If you guide them to the right chew for their dog or cat, you become their go-to expert.

You answer their questions.
You help them choose the right size and flavour.
You share tips on how to use the chews safely.

This personal touch builds loyalty. Your customers will remember your advice and come back for more help. They may even tell their friends about your shop. Word of mouth is powerful. When people trust you, they are more likely to try new products you suggest.

Increased Order Value

Dental Chews can boost the value of every sale. Many shoppers come in for food or toys, but when they see Dental Chews on display, they often add them to their basket. This small extra item can make a big difference to your daily takings.

Here is a quick look at how Dental Chews can increase order value:

Customer Buys	Average Spend (GBP)	With Dental Chews (GBP)
Dog Food Only	£20	£25
Cat Food + Litter	£18	£23
Toys and Treats	£15	£20

Note: Even a £5 increase per customer adds up fast over a week or month.

You can also offer multi-buy deals or bundle Dental Chews with other products. This encourages shoppers to spend a little more each visit. Over time, these small increases help your business grow.

Merchandising Strategies

In-Store Displays

Placement Tactics

You want your customers to spot Dental Chews as soon as they walk in. Place them at eye level on endcaps or near the checkout. These spots catch attention and encourage impulse buys. Try grouping Dental Chews with related items, like pet toothbrushes or water additives. This cross-merchandising makes it easy for shoppers to grab everything they need for their pet’s oral care in one go.

Tip: Use clear, benefit-focused signs. Instead of just listing features, highlight how Dental Chews help reduce plaque or freshen breath. Simple messages work best, like “Cleaner Teeth, Happier Pets!”

Keep your displays fresh. Rotate featured products every few weeks. Show off new arrivals or high-margin chews. This keeps regular customers interested and gives them a reason to check out what’s new.

Seasonal Themes

Seasonal displays can make your shop feel lively and fun. Use themes like “Spring Clean Your Pet’s Smile” or “Holiday Treats for Healthy Teeth.” Add colourful props or banners to match the season. You could even create a story with your display, showing a pet enjoying a chew in a festive setting.

During holidays, bundle Dental Chews with other treats or toys as gift packs. These themed bundles make great presents and boost your sales at busy times of the year.

Staff Knowledge

Your staff play a big role in helping customers choose the right products. When your team knows about Dental Chews, they can answer questions and give helpful advice. Use training methods like demonstrations, short videos, or even role-play. Let staff practise explaining the benefits to each other. This builds confidence and helps them remember key points.

Encourage your team to use a “teach-back” approach. After learning about a new product, ask them to explain it in their own words. This method helps everyone understand and remember the details. You can also set up friendly competitions or offer small rewards for staff who make the most recommendations.

When your staff feel confident, they engage better with customers. They can suggest the best Dental Chews for different pets and even recommend complementary products. This personal touch makes shoppers feel valued and more likely to return.

Bundles and Promotions

Product Bundles

You can make shopping easier and more exciting for your customers by offering product bundles. Imagine a “Healthy Dog Pack” that includes Dental Chews, a fun toy, and a pack of training treats. Bundles like these help pet owners solve more than one problem at once. They also encourage people to buy more in a single visit.

Bundling Dental Chews with other items adds value and meets specific needs.
Themed bundles, such as “Fresh Breath Kits” or “Puppy Starter Packs,” catch the eye and make great gifts.
Promotions like “Spend £40 on treats, get a free chew sampler” can push customers to spend a little extra.

Tip: Change your bundles with the seasons or special events. For example, offer a “Spring Clean Smile” pack in March or a “Festive Pet Hamper” in December.

These strategies do more than just boost your average sale. They also give shoppers a reason to come back and see what’s new.

Subscription Models

Subscriptions are a game-changer for pet stores. When you offer a Dental Chews subscription, you make life easier for busy owners. They never run out, and you get steady, predictable sales. Many big brands have seen huge success with this approach. For example, Chewy’s Autoship programme brings in nearly 70% of its sales through repeat customers who love the convenience.

Subscriptions keep customers coming back month after month.
Flexible options, like pausing or changing the order, help people stick with the service.
Surprise gifts or loyalty perks make subscribers feel special and valued.

You can also use personalised emails or texts to remind customers about their next delivery or suggest new products as their pets grow. This keeps your shop top of mind and builds a loyal community.

Complementary Products

Pairing Dental Chews with other health and hygiene products can really boost your sales. Customers often look for ways to care for their pets’ teeth at home. You can help by suggesting items that work well together.

Offer bundles with toothbrushes, toothpaste, or water additives for a complete oral care routine.
Add joint or cognitive supplements for older pets who need extra support.
Suggest feeding accessories, like special bowls or dispensers, to make daily routines easier.

Note: Cross-selling works best when you know your customers. If someone buys Dental Chews for a puppy, recommend a puppy toothbrush or a gentle toothpaste. For senior dogs, suggest supplements or softer chews.

Pet stores that use these tactics have seen big jumps in order value and customer loyalty. You can even send follow-up emails after a purchase, offering discounts on related products or reminding customers when it’s time to restock. This personal touch helps you stand out and keeps shoppers coming back.

Dental Chews in Loyalty Programmes

Loyalty programmes can turn a one-time shopper into a regular customer. When you add Dental Chews to your rewards system, you give pet owners a reason to come back again and again. Let’s look at how you can use loyalty cards, rewards, and personalised offers to keep your customers happy and boost your sales.

Loyalty Cards

Loyalty cards are simple but powerful. You hand out a card and stamp it every time someone buys a bag of treats or Dental Chews. After five purchases, they get the sixth one free. This clear reward keeps customers coming back because they want to fill up their card.

You can use punch cards for treats or chews.
Some shops offer digital loyalty cards for easy tracking.
Customers love seeing their progress and knowing a freebie is just a visit or two away.

Tip: Place a small sign by the till that says, “Don’t forget your loyalty card!” This gentle reminder can increase sign-ups and repeat visits.

Monthly treat tasting events also work well with loyalty cards. Invite your regulars to try new Dental Chews for free. These events make shopping fun and help customers discover new favourites. Many will buy on the spot and return for more.

Rewards and Perks

Everyone loves a reward. You can set up perks for customers who spend a certain amount or buy in bulk. For example, if someone spends £40 on treats, you could give them a free Dental Chew sampler pack. This small gift feels special and encourages bigger purchases.

Here’s a quick table of reward ideas:

Spend Amount	Reward
£20	Free treat sample
£40	Dental Chew sampler pack
£60	Entry to monthly prize draw

Bundles like “Dental Chew Essentials” also make great rewards. These packs solve a problem for pet owners and introduce them to new products. When you offer these bundles as part of your loyalty programme, you help customers try more items and increase the chance they’ll come back for more.

Subscription models are another way to reward loyalty. When customers sign up for a monthly Dental Chew delivery, they never run out and always have a reason to return to your shop or website. Subscriptions build trust and make life easier for busy pet owners.

Personalised Offers

Personal touches make your loyalty programme stand out. Use your customer data to send personalised offers. If you know someone always buys Dental Chews for their small dog, send them a special deal on a new flavour or a matching dental toy.

Email or text reminders help customers remember when it’s time to restock.
Birthday treats or “pet anniversary” offers make shoppers feel valued.
You can even suggest products based on their pet’s age or health needs.

Note: Personalised offers show you care about each customer and their pet. This builds trust and keeps people coming back.

When you combine loyalty cards, rewards, and personalised offers, you create a shopping experience that feels special. Customers will look forward to their next visit, and your shop will become their first choice for pet care.

Marketing Tactics

In-Store Signage

You want your customers to spot the right products quickly. Bright, easy-to-read signs help shoppers find Dental Chews and any special offers you have. When you use educational signs that explain what makes a product unique, you help people understand why they should try something new. For example, a sign could say, “Reduces plaque and freshens breath in one tasty chew!” This kind of message can turn a curious shopper into a buyer.

Use colour-coded signs for deals, so regulars know where to look for savings.
Add your shop’s logo or colours to make displays feel special and memorable.
Place signs at eye level and near high-traffic areas, like the till or main aisle.

Tip: A clear sign that highlights a promotion or explains a benefit can make all the difference. Customers often decide to buy because they see a simple, helpful message.

Digital Campaigns

You can reach pet owners even when they are not in your shop. Digital campaigns let you target the right people with the right message. Social media works well for showing off new products, sharing customer photos, and running fun contests. Pet influencers and micro-influencers can help you reach more pet lovers who trust their advice.

Share videos that show pets enjoying Dental Chews or explain how they work.
Run seasonal campaigns for holidays or pet birthdays to create excitement.
Use Google Shopping and YouTube ads to reach people searching for pet care tips.
Encourage customers to post photos with branded hashtags for a chance to win prizes.

Personalised emails also work wonders. You can send reminders when it’s time to restock or offer a birthday treat for a customer’s pet. Data-driven marketing helps you focus on the people most likely to buy, so you get the best results for your budget.

Vet Partnerships

Working with local vets can build trust and boost your sales. When a vet recommends a product, pet owners listen. You can ask vets to display your Dental Chews or hand out samples in their clinics. Products with a VOHC seal or clinical backing stand out even more, as many owners look for expert approval.

Invite vets to host in-store talks or Q&A sessions about pet dental health.
Share vet testimonials on your website or social media.
Offer special deals for customers who bring in a referral from their vet.

Note: Clear labelling and honest information about your products help build trust. When pet owners see that vets support your shop, they feel more confident buying from you.

You can see how Dental Chews help your pet store grow. They boost sales and keep customers coming back. Try out these tips in your shop. Change your displays, train your team, and offer bundles. Watch how your business improves. Ready to make your store the top choice for pet owners? Start today and see the results for yourself!

FAQ

What are dental chews, and how do they work?

Dental chews are edible treats that help clean your pet’s teeth as they chew. The texture scrapes away plaque and tartar. Your pet enjoys a tasty snack, and you help keep their mouth healthy.

How often should I give my pet a dental chew?

Most experts suggest one dental chew per day. Always check the packaging for specific advice. If you’re unsure, ask your vet for guidance.

Are dental chews safe for all dogs and cats?

Most pets can enjoy dental chews, but you should pick the right size and type for your animal. Always supervise your pet while they chew. If your pet has allergies or dental issues, check with your vet first.

Can dental chews replace brushing my pet’s teeth?

Dental chews help reduce plaque, but they do not fully replace brushing. Brushing remains the gold standard. If your pet refuses brushing, dental chews are a great backup.

What ingredients should I look for in a good dental chew?

Look for natural ingredients like sweet potato, mint, or kelp. Avoid artificial colours and flavours. VOHC-approved chews offer extra peace of mind.

Tip: Always read the label before you buy. Natural ingredients are best for most pets.

Do dental chews help with bad breath?

Yes, many dental chews freshen breath by removing bacteria and food particles. Some chews include mint or parsley for extra freshness.

Can I give dental chews to puppies or kittens?

You can find dental chews made just for young pets. Choose soft chews for puppies or kittens with baby teeth. Always follow the age and size guidelines on the pack.