Super-Charged Finish to 2024: FirstMate's Veterinarian Formulated Products Coming Soon to Pet Food Experts

According to the National Retail Federation, 65.6 million individuals are expected to shop on Small Business Saturday. Statistically, 75% of these people own a pet - here's how neighborhood pet stores can capitalize on the biggest shopping weekend of the year. 

Greg Cyr Appointed as Chief Executive Officer, Michael Baker Becomes Vice Chair of Pet Food Experts Board of Directors

Expanding Reach and Elevating Pet Care: PFX Integrates Petcurean’s Top Products Across Major Markets

[Pawtucket, RI – September 12, 2024] — Pet Food Experts (PFX) and Petcurean are excited to unveil a major new partnership designed to elevate the distribution of premium pet food products. This strategic alliance merges PFX’s extensive distribution network with Petcurean’s acclaimed product line, promising to enhance access to top-quality pet nutrition for retailers and pet owners nationwide.

Effective September 12, Pet Food Experts will begin integrating Petcurean’s premium offerings into their distribution channels. Starting in mid-October, Petcurean’s award-winning products—including Go! Solutions®, Now Fresh®, and Summit™—will be available across all major PFX regions: Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Ohio Valley, Midwest, Mountain, Pacific Northwest, and West. This expanded availability is set to provide retailers with a broader range of high-quality pet food options, enhancing their ability to meet diverse consumer needs.

Sean Kent, Vice President of Vendor Development at Pet Food Experts, remarked, “We are profoundly excited to integrate Petcurean into our distribution network. Their unparalleled dedication to quality and innovation seamlessly complements our mission to elevate the standards of pet specialty retail. Petcurean’s exemplary performance in precision, high fill rates, and superior customer service positions them as an invaluable asset to our strategic framework.”

The Director of Sales - North America at Petcurean, Trevor Snelling, shared, “Teaming up with Pet Food Experts represents a pivotal advancement in extending our reach. Their impressive 35 years of experience, commitment to precision, high fill rates, and exceptional customer service make them an invaluable partner. With their extensive distribution network, we're set to expand our reach and continue delighting pet owners everywhere. This collaboration is a powerful step toward providing more pets with premium quality foods, helping them live longer, healthier and happier lives. 
Interested in adding Petcurean to your shelves? Connect with your Pet Food Experts representative or chat live on  www.petfoodexperts.com for support.
About Pet Food Experts 

With a history spanning over 80 years, Pet Food Experts has evolved into a premier distributor of pet food, treats, toys, and supplies, servicing over 6,200 independent pet retailers across 39 states in the U.S. Renowned for its award-winning approach, it thrives on relationships, service innovation, and providing an unparalleled customer experience. Pet Food Experts is committed to fostering enduring success for its partners and serving as a thought leader, lighting the way for a transformative impact for the entire pet ecosystem. Discover more at www.petfoodexperts.com or follow on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, or the company blog.

About Petcurean: Petcurean is a proudly Canadian company that creates premium-quality pet food recipes for dogs and cats (and cats and dogs) through its family of flagship brands including: Go! Solutions®, Now Fresh®, Gather™ and Summit™. The Petcurean family of brands is committed to sustainability as it pertains to pets, people, and the planet. With 25 years of trusted, premium pet nutrition expertise, Petcurean puts pets first with every decision they make and every recipe they create. For more information, visit www.petcurean.com.

With PFEXPO East just around the corner on September 12 and 13, 2024, held at the stunning Mohegan Sun Resort & Casino, it's time to plan, get organized, and make the most of your time on the show floor. Let our exclusive tips be your trusted guide throughout both days of Pet Food Experts' hallmark trade show event. 

The AI-powered hub introduces convenient self-serve options, advanced search functionality, and cross-device capabilities for a seamlessly integrated experience.

Pet Food Experts will now offer Wet Noses Human Grade Oven Baked Food and Treats for Dogs.

Pet Food Experts will now carry Woof’s award-winning Pupsicle and Superfood-Packed Dog Treats.

PAWTUCKET, RI – Pet Food Experts (PFX), a leader in the pet distribution industry, is pleased to announce the appointment of Joe Emerick as Senior Vice President of Human Resources.

Expanding into a rapidly growing category like pet Oral Care can be daunting 
for any brand. However, when Skout’s Honor unveiled its forthcoming brushless oral care line at
SuperZoo's industry atmosphere swiftly transformed from uncertainty to enthusiastic anticipation last year.

PFX is thrilled to announce our partnership with HuggleHounds for our line of HuggleCause™ toys for 2024!

Last month, Polkadog and Tall Tails joined forces for an incredible Buy One Give One blanket initiative that directly benefited local rescue dogs.

Polkadog, a Boston-based treat company first known for their Cod Skins, has lots to be thankful for this holiday season! You could say they've got their paws full between launching two community-focused initiatives, hiring a West Coast Director of Sales, and promoting their East Coast Director of Sales. 

Pet House by One Fur All is delighted to announce the expansion of its enduring partnership with Pet Food Experts (PFX), a leading distributor of premium pet food, treats, toys, and supplies.

PAWTUCKET, RI – Pet Food Experts (PFX), a leader in the pet distribution industry, is pleased to announce the appointment of Paul McCarron as new Chief Operating Officer.

In a remarkable journey of following one's heart, James Swanson swapped the bustling boardrooms of corporate America in San Francisco for the idyllic charm of Firecrest, Washington.

PFEXPO East continues its trend of explosive growth with another resoundingly successful show. This year's event, held at the Mohegan Sun Casino and Resort in Uncasville, CT, welcomed more attendees and exhibitors than ever, directly reflecting the booming pet industry. 

The 2023 signature event attracted 4% more retail attendees and a 13% increase in exhibitors' attendance over the prior year.  "The remarkable increase in PFEXPO attendance mirrors consumers' burgeoning demand for quality pet products," says Stacey Picher, Pet Food Experts' Marketing & Event Manager. "Equally gratifying is the elevated level of retailer and vendor satisfaction, a testament to our commitment to delivering the PFX white glove experience we're widely known for," she continued. 

SEPTEMBER 2023 -- Pet Food Experts today announced an impactful partnership with Pets in the Classroom, a national nonprofit committed to enhancing children's academic and emotional well-being by facilitating the presence of pets in educational environments. Their joint mission is to expand the pilot program of 'Dogs in the Classroom,' which aims to introduce certified therapy dogs to over 350 elementary schools, delivering brain-boosting benefits to young learners.

“Pets have a significant impact on the development of young minds,” said Michael Baker, President and CEO at Pet Food Experts. “We are excited to play a pivotal role in expanding the life-changing benefits of the Dogs in the Classroom program. Together, we can make a measurable difference in students' lives by bringing therapy dogs into even more classrooms, nurturing their education and overall emotional well-being,” continued Baker.

“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Pet Food Experts for their exceptionally generous donation, which has enabled us to expand our Dogs in the Classroom reach and equip teachers with an innovative teaching tool — one that not only fosters academic growth but also instills compassion, responsibility, and emotional resilience in our children,” affirmed Melinda Thomas, Executive Director of Pets in the Classroom. “Together, we are shaping the future by nurturing young hearts and minds.”

The impressive advantages of therapy dogs in educational settings go beyond mere academic improvements. A multitude of studies has substantiated the profound influence that the presence of these affectionate companions can exert on the growth of children, demonstrating tangible results such as diminished anxiety, heightened concentration, and overall enhancement of classroom dynamics. Educators have observed that these reassuring canine allies nurture empathy among students and contribute to a more harmonious learning environment.

Since 2010, Pet Care Trust has made an indelible mark on the educational landscape of the United States through its Pets in the Classroom grant program, extending financial support and the companionships of pets to an astounding 230,000 classrooms, impacting an estimated 9.1 million students across the nation — an experience that can help shape their lives for years to come.

In 2021, Pets in the Classroom solidified a nationwide collaboration with Pet Partners, a leading nonprofit in the animal therapy sector. Together, they initiated the Dogs in the Classroom pilot program, aimed at introducing certified therapy dogs to 100 elementary schools. This preliminary study proved immensely successful, leading to a sudden surge in grant requests from teachers.

To learn more about their transformative program and the benefits of becoming a retail partner or to apply for a grant, visit www.petsintheclassroom.org.

Pet Insight highlighted the women in the pet industry who are pioneers in change, innovation, compassion, and professionalism. 

The leading provider of human-grade gently cooked dog food announces its expansion in the Mountain region of the United States.

With just about a month left on the countdown clock to PFEXPO East, Pet Food Experts' exclusive hallmark tradeshow event on September 14 and 15, 2023 at the Mohegan Sun Casino & Resort in Uncasville, CT, we're sharing a few "extras" to look forward to - plus, take a look back at PFEXPO West in California.

We've got something incredibly special in the works for the spring of 2024! In partnership with HuggleHounds, we're launching two new HuggleCause™️ toys and it's up to YOU to vote on which two we create. 

Every year, Global Pet Expo in Orlando is the gateway to another tradeshow season for the people in the pet industry. Each show is bigger, brighter, bolder, and better than the last, and draws vendors, retailers, distributors, and now even influencers to the massive show floor where over 1,000 exhibitors showcase new products, refreshed packaging, and show-stopping booths that tell the story of their brand.

In recent years, the pet industry has undergone a massive change. From booming sales to industry-wide shifts during the pandemic, company leaders have been forced to adjust their focus, consistently reevaluate, and steer their respective ships through sometimes turbulent waters. On the other side of sweeping change comes a phase of rebuilding, readjusting, and recalibrating what it means to be a successful, and thriving, business. Because of this, Pet Age, a media brand that has served the pet industry for 50+ years, recognizes 50 industry leaders to spotlight their dedication and passion for all things pet. Among those listed, our CEO and President, Michael Baker, earns a spot for the second consecutive year. The inaugural Pet Age 50 list was published in 2021.

Pet Age has fairly simple criteria for the leaders they choose; they look for those who positively influence the pet community, and who value both the people and pets their companies serve. To be included among industry veterans, heads of organizations, and community officials who advocate for the retail pet community is an honor. You can read an excerpt from Michael’s mention below:

Pet Food Experts announced today three key appointments to its senior leadership team. Among the new executives, James Martin has joined as Chief Financial Officer and Seth Mayers as Chief Technical Officer. In addition, industry veteran Jim Alden, Executive Vice President, will now oversee the customer experience team. The growth of the leadership team further positions Pet Food Experts as a community leader and service innovator.

It's here - the actual dog days of summer are upon us. With temperatures rising and summer travel in full swing, make sure your business is stocked with everything your pet parents need to keep their fur-kid cool, comfortable, and safe during all of their adventures - even if they're just lounging in the AC. Part of boosting summer sales is making summer pet products the focus of your business from May-August. One of the best ways to do this is by adding a fun and colorful end cap display - think attention-grabbing, bright, and organized. 

Litter boxes are a great indication of your cat’s health. The size and frequency of urination and the smell and color of feces can tell you a lot about the health of your pet. Keeping an eye on your litter box can clue you into your cat’s gut health, level of hydration (or level of dehydration) and even show early signs of urinary tract issues. All too often, cats stop using their litter boxes to the confusion and dismay of their human counterparts. They could be urinating in the sink or tub, defecating in the bed sheets, or going to the bathroom anywhere but the litter box.

PAWTUCKET, RI — Pet Food Experts, along with fellow industry leaders Phillips Pet Food & Supplies, American Pet Products Association, Pets Around the World, Matrix Partners, Animal Supply Company, Central Garden & Pet, and Southeast Pet, has partnered with Greater Good Charities to support the Save Pets of Ukraine initiative spearheaded by Kormotech, the largest pet food manufacturer in Ukraine. The emergency initiative provides pet food and critical supplies to Ukrainian animal welfare organizations and pet parents devastated by the Russian invasion beginning February 24, 2022.

Across industries, the past two years were marked by rapid growth and transformation, even in the face of global supply chain challenges and widespread staffing shortages. The pet industry is not excluded from these challenges or tremendous growth. According to the APPA, an estimated $109.6 billion will have been spent on pets in the U.S. in 2021.

Last September, after what felt like forever apart, retailers, vendors, and PFX team members reconnected at Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, CT, for PFEXPO East. Two jam-packed days where our industry comes together to deepen connections, take advantage of incredible deals, and, most importantly...have fun! 

Dot Family Holdings Joins Pet Food Experts in Igniting the Future of Pet Specialty Distribution

PAWTUCKET, RI — Pet Food Experts (PFX), a leading distributor of pet food and supplies, announced today an investment from Dot Family Holdings (DFH), the investment office of the Tracy Family, owners, and operators of Dot Foods, Inc., the largest human food industry redistributor in North America. 

PAWTUCKET, R.I. — February 21, 2022 — Pet Food Experts announced today the retirement of James Bettencourt, Chief Operating Officer, after over four decades of devoted service effective this month. Effective immediately, William May has been appointed Chief Operating Officer.

There is one thing all pet parents know is true; our pets love receiving a good treat. For pet owners, switching up treats and chews is a fun opportunity to spice up the life of their four-legged friends, which is why it is no surprise that pet treats are one of the highest-grossing product categories in the pet space. At Pet Food Experts, our carefully curated brand portfolio offers pet specialty retailers and the communities they serve trusted brands and high-quality products that keep consumers happy and their pet's tails wagging.

TACOMA, WA/DENVER CO – Pet Food Experts announced today the expansion of two new distribution centers in Washington and Colorado over the next two months to support the growing demand for natural pet food and supplies. The expansion allows Pet Food Experts to better serve the pet specialty businesses of the Pacific Northwest and Mountain Region.

Over time we've seen the pet industry transform and grow into what it is today. It is crucial to have leaders we can count on through all this change, especially when our world is thrown into chaos by a global pandemic. This year, Pet Age Magazine has launched the Power 50 List to recognize and highlight our industry's incredible leaders and influencers.

William May joins Pet Food Experts as Vice President of Supply Chain Operations

At the Global Pet Expo in March of 2020, the Pet Sustainability Coalition, Earth Animal, and Pet Food Experts announced a unique Flex Forward Pilot Program. Since August 2020, retailers from across the nation have been working toward a collective mission to gather 5,000 pounds of pet food packaging in an effort to identify sustainable alternatives to the packaging disposed of in landfills.

It is no secret that the COVID-19 pandemic has changed a lot about our way of life. Undoubtedly one of the most significant changes is the way in which we gather. As a result, we have seen many of our treasured industry shows, including PFEXPO, either canceled, postponed, or testing virtual formats to keep attendees, exhibitors, and workers safe. If you attended Global Pet Expo 2020 just weeks before the world shut down, then you can remember the feeling of impending change. Empty booths, quiet whispers, and the questioning looks when you saw someone sporting a mask as they walked through the aisles. We didn't know at the time, but everything was about to change.

Local neighborhood pet stores have accounted for approximately 4-5% of the estimated $38 billion dollars spent on pet food and treat sales sold so far in the U.S. in 2020. However small that might seem, independent pet stores still represent the best source for information, premium products, and services for consumers and their pets. One of the biggest challenges in growing independent pet’s share of the industry pie is customer acquisition. Meaning, how many customers businesses are able to gain and maintain walking through their doors, or shopping online with them on a regular and prolonged basis.

"Multi-laminate packaging" its a term you may or may not be familiar with, yet it is a very big part of your life. This term can be used to describe most if not nearly all of the packaging we see on pet store shelves. Although this packaging looks sleek, is eye catching on the shelf, and better protects product from being damaged during shipping, it is also much more difficult to recycle. So, what exactly is multi-laminate packaging? And how do we deal with its negative impact on the environment? Well, it just so happens that there is a new pilot program, finally rolling out in early August that aims to help consumers (and pet stores!) make a big impact when concerned with the issue of recycling in the pet industry. Let's take a look at what to expect!

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. It’s the mantra we’ve all heard, and while the first two are words in the mantra may be easy to understand, recycling just feels…gosh... so much more complicated. What can be recycled, and what cannot? And if not, why the heck not? We’ve seen headlines that China is rejecting recycling from around the world, that municipalities are cutting programs...so can we still recycle? Is it just wishful thinking if we do, or are we really making a difference? And since COVID-19 has basically infiltrated every single snapshot of our lives today, how has it impacted recycling?

As the local neighborhood pet store, you know that the pet parents in your community count on you for all of their pet’s needs. With the recent surge in pet food buying, it is more vital than ever to give your faithful customers the opportunity to support your business both in store and digitally, if they so choose. Having a solid e-commerce option to give customers an omni-channel buying experience increases the chances they will choose to shop with you over big box stores and online retail giants. It also opens up the door for curbside pick-up and local delivery options as your community and communities everywhere navigate through the coming weeks.

2019 has come to an end, it’s time now to look ahead to the new pet industry trends and opportunities that will be brought by the new year. Since 1994, American pet spending has continued to rise every single year – even during the 2007-2009 recession – reaching an estimated $72.13 billion in 2018 and is now projected to hit almost $100 billion by the end of the decade. which is, well... now. This continued increase in industry growth means an increase in opportunity for your pet business to grow as well. It also means lot more new innovation and more competition to keep customers happy and shopping with you all year long.

At Pet Food Experts, we stay focused on ways to improve our services for our vendors and customers. We do this by keeping up with the latest trends and technologies in warehousing and distribution of goods. Our goal is always to make the order and delivery process as seamless and stress-free as possible, not only for our customers but also for our internal tea s. That’s why in the summer of 2018, we invested in the Lydia voice-activated picking soluti n. This ground-breaking software helps us streamline our process and increase efficiency in our distribution centers across the count y. It took our team months of strategic planning, strong teamwork, and rigorous training to get things just right, but the rewards for both our operations teams and independent pet retail partners have been worth the wait.

Original Post by: NorthPoint Pets & Company

A few months have passed since the FDA released a report about a potential relationship between grain-free pet foods and Dilated Cardiomyopathy or, DCM. We've all had customers walk through the door with concerns, some even have those same concerns shared with their veterinarian. However, very little research and data are available surrounding this potential relationship, and some within the industry have failed to recognize a greater problem. DCM is just one of many concerns pet owners have to face, along with cancer, diabetes, kidney disease, and allergies just to name a few. The reality is that hyper-focusing on avoiding any one of these can increase the risk for the others. 

It's here, the sprint toward the end of the year! That's right, believe it or not, the holiday season is nearly upon us and it is time to start planning. This holiday season, 94.2% of consumers are set to purchase a gift for their pet. This is a huge selling opportunity for an independent pet retailer like yourself. Besides stocking up on inventory and creating attractive displays, there’s another tactic you can use to attract customers during the holidays and throughout the year. Promotions. Should be easy enough right? Fortunately, everybody loves a sale, and this super simple idea appeals to new customers while also rewarding loyal ones. All you need to do is get creative with your promotions and help create a seasonal customer experience that will draw them into your store during these peak retail shopping months.

Providing pet parents with the products and services they need to make sure that they come back for more will always be one of your main goals as an independent pet retailer. It’s easy to learn about your customers by asking them questions while they are in your store; however, we often forget that to build a truly valuable relationship it has to go both ways. In order to make lasting connections with your customers and your community, you need to prove your value. Sharing the story behind your business, not only the what and the how you do it, but more importantly the why you do what you do, and most importantly why pet parents should shop with you over your competition is the value proposition you need to succeed.

It is no secret that creating a memorable in-store experience is one of the biggest ways independent pet retailers can compete with big-box stores and boost their sales.Several factors contribute to a customer’s experience in your store such as interactions with knowledgeable staff, engaging events, and an inviting store layout. The look and design of your store is one of the things that will make a lasting impression on customers both old and new. Taking a strategic approach to merchandising your store will not only improve the customer journey but ultimately boost your bottom line.

Instagram is no longer just a social media platform for personal use, in fact, there are more than 25 million business profiles on Instagram. For businesses, Instagram can be an excellent tool to help humanize your brand, engage with customers, showcase products and services, and most importantly boost sales! As the fastest-growing social media platform, it is more important than ever that small businesses have a presence on Instagram. As a busy pet retailer, it may be overwhelming to try and figure out how to use all of Instagram's features to your advantage but our quick start guide can help you get a jump on it. 

As a pet store owner, you have a ton of pet-related knowledge. That knowledge (along with your stellar inventory of products) makes a big difference when it comes to attracting and retaining customers but in this growing industry beating your competitors requires more than just excellent customer service. As a small business owner it can sometimes be difficult to find new ways to market your business, connect with customers, and bring them more value. That's where blogging comes in. Blogging is a great and affordable way you can market your business and share your wealth of pet-related knowledge effectively establishing yourself as the local 'pet expert' and connecting directly with your customers.

The term "Made in the USA" has become a label that consumers trust and seek out when searching for the perfect food or treat for their pet. After all, the horror of the 2007 melamine debacle still resonates with pet parents and subsequent pet food recalls remind us that it’s important to know the source and manufacturing of our food sources. A "Made in the USA" stamp on the packaging is one way to alleviate fears of off-shore (and often less standardized) sourcing. But can you trust it? Just because a product says it’s made in the USA, is it? Does it matter? Who decides this? What rules do they follow? As the trusted resource on everything pet you'll need to be ready to answer these questions for pet parents in your community. 

In the age of online retail, it is more important than ever to have a reliable customer base. When you have the same consumers repeatedly return to your store for expert advice and products that they can only receive from you and your staff, this creates a bond of respect, trust, and cash flow for your business. The goal is to be continually assisting and educating the customer on their journey with their pet. In terms of pet health, there is always something to be focusing on that you (the local pet expert) have solutions for.

When a customer enters your pet retail store their first impression will be based on what strikes them visually. Displays play an important role in nurturing the customer experience in your pet business. Having interesting and eye catching displays will immediately make your store stand out from your competitors. A great display may make a customer stop and take notice of a product they do not typically buy. Sometimes it can be difficult to figure out how to make a display look like more than just products laid out on a table or sitting on some shelves. Oftentimes the simpler the display design idea the greater the impact it will have. 

As a pet store owner, you’re well aware that there’s no shortage of food options. In fact, every month sees new pet food releases each of them designed to be the healthiest and more palatable than the rest. Where there used to be adult food and puppy/kitten food; now there’s breed specific foods, novelty proteins, vegan, gently cooked, fully cooked, raw, frozen, etc. It’s no wonder your customers are confused about what to feed their pets! Part of that confusion stems from the idea there’s one best food to feed your pet. Of course, there isn’t. There are many brands that can provide pets with top-quality nutrition and variety they need to thrive.

During the month of June, millions across the globe will gather to celebrate LGBT Pride. Pride parades range in size from 5 million attendees in Sao Paulo, Brazil to only a 100 in Sligo, Ireland. No matter big or small there will be parades and parties held in every major city across the US and even in some small towns during June. The month of June is an opportunity to show your support for the LGBT members of your community whether they are customers or not. By celebrating pride in your business you can let your customers and the community you serve know that you believe in unconditional love for both pets and people everywhere.

Creating a unique shopping experience and building customer loyalty is the most surefire way to beat out big box stores and online retail giants. You can offer insights and advice to pet parents that they can't get anywhere else and by doing this you offer a more personalized shopping experiencing. Manufacturer frequent buyer discounts paired with your own rewards program is another great way to improve the customer experience and grow customer retention. Research shows that acquiring new customers can cost 5x more than retaining current customers and by increasing retention by just 5 percent through customer loyalty programs you can boost revenue by 75 percent. Wow!

This year's Global Pet Expo marked its 15th year and was the biggest event to date. In fact, with just over 352,300 square feet of exhibiting space,1173 manufacturer booths, 1000 new products, and over 30-plus hours of free educational seminars it has just about everything you need to learn and grow your pet retail business. We did the math, and with a total of 29 hours of showtime and approximately 1173 booths to explore that would give the average person roughly 1 minute and 28 seconds respectively at each booth. That is with no breaks at all. No lunch, no sitting, just one booth to the next. It's almost hard to comprehend!

In the fight to compete with online and big box retailers, one of the strongest tools for the independent pet retailer is offering services. A groomer, daycare, training, self-service wash, or boarding will help increase traffic and widen your customer base. However, just getting them in the door doesn’t mean that they will also shop your shelves. There is some work and selling required. So take the time to get your team on board so you can tackle services in your store.

If you’re a pet retailer, you know how confusing the world of pet food can be for your customers. Should they buy canned food, dry food, or fresh food? What about grain-free foods? Should they go raw? The list goes on. You have to keep your finger on the pulse of new pet trends so you can stay ahead of the curve and be the “go to” source for your customers. In the ever-expanding area of pet food, it’s never been more important. According to industry publication, PetFood Industry, we’ll continue to see the humanization of pet food in the coming year. Probiotics, PCR, and preventive foods are just some of the crossover trends that have gone from the human market to the pet market.

One of the biggest threats to a pet's health is dental disease. This common issue among pets can have a very serious impact on their well being. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), 80% of dogs and 70% of cats will develop some form of oral disease by age three. Untreated oral disease can lead to serious conditions such as kidney disease, lung disease, and heart disease. In order to bring awareness to the dental health of our pets, February has been named National Pet Dental Month. Now is your chance to help pet parents improve their pet’s dental health and create good habits for year-round care. 

While it’s not necessary for dogs to perform circus tricks, having good manners is always appreciated. Dogs have to be taught that you don’t want them jumping on people, that the couch isn’t a chew toy, and that sitting in place will earn them praise. Despite what many think, you CAN teach an old dog new tricks, whether the dog is 10 weeks old or 10 years old it is never too late to start training. This is why the Association of Professional Dog Trainers dedicates the month of January to educating pet owners on why dog training is important. Now is the time to be prepared for customers looking for all the tools they need to train their four-legged family members.

The New Year is almost here and as we all settle in for winter, with our own resolutions, why not throw one in for our pets? It’s easy in the pet food industry to forget that fresh is best when it comes to nutrition for ourselves and for our pets. We make resolutions to eat more salads, grab more greens, ditch fast food but what about our companions? Integrating raw foods into dogs and cats’ diets can make a huge difference in their health. Treating the freezer section of your store as an exclusive space, only for those committed to a 100% raw diet is the wrong approach.

Not every small business has the resources or marketing budget that bigger companies have. In fact, I find that most pet retailers are not even sure where to start when it comes to building their brand and telling their story. Even if you have a wealth of ideas you might not have the team to help put things into motion. Because of this, marketing can fall by the wayside as you tend to the more important tasks in your store. Maybe the answer to your marketing troubles is thinking smaller. Besides, sometimes it is the simple things in life that have the biggest impact. 

As we all know the pet industry continues to grow with pet parents spending $69.5 billion on their pets in the U.S. just last year. For many people, their pets are like their children and therefore pet parents now more than ever truly care about what they are feeding their animals. Research shows that 55% of American pet owners are concerned about filler ingredients in pet food, such as grains and meat-by-products which often are not found in alternative pet diets. This concern has made a huge impact on the growth of the alternative pet food market. 

Across the country the frenzy of Black Friday has taken over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. As a small business owner it can often be difficult to compete with big box stores and online retail giants on these days. In response to this, small business owners have joined together to claim a day of their own. Nestled between Black Friday and Cyber Monday there is now Small Business Saturday. The movement has grown into a holiday shopping staple aiming to support small businesses just like you.

Pet Food Experts is pleased to announce that we have acquired Monarch Pet Products. Monarch Pet Products located in Denver, CO has been servicing independent pet retailers in Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, and Wyoming since 2009. This acquisition means we will be gaining over 365 new independent pet retail partners in the Mountain Region and expanding our distribution footprint from 29 states to 32 states.

As the temperatures outside steadily drops and the sun sets earlier in the evening sky it's a sure sign that winter is creeping up on us. Humans are not alone in suffering from the harsh effects of winter; our four-legged friends are also feeling the effects. Make sure your furry friends are safe and warm this winter. From apparel all the way to diet you can find ways to help your customers' pets survive the winter and make your store thrive.

Email marketing gets a bad reputation, some even say the practice is a form of antiquated marketing with little return on investment. Well I am here to tell you this just is not true. In actuality, research supports that people do read most of their emails and don't mind them from companies they do business with as long as they are interesting and relevant. In fact, with the proper strategy any business can succeed with email marketing, even pet retailers.

Halloween isn’t the only thing to celebrate this month! The American Humane Society established the month of October as National Adopt-a-Shelter-Dog Month in 1981. Since then, pet lovers everywhere have celebrated shelter dogs and rescues during this month. Each year, there is an estimated 3-4 million animals in shelters looking for their forever home. Join in the celebration by observing Adopt-A-Shelter-Dog Month in you store this October.

Summer is officially over, but that doesn’t mean flea season has ended. There is a common misconception that fleas and ticks are exclusively a seasonal concern; they come out in the warmer weather and die off in the colder seasons. We look forward to that first drop in temperature that signals the pests are heading south for the fall/winter months, but are they? Many aren't aware that the dropping temperatures can make the perfect environment for the flea population to surge.

It's official, CBD products are here to stay. Google the term “CBD”, and you’ll find that it’s projected to be a $2.1 Billion industry by 2020, an astronomical jump compared to last year's CBD market of around $202 million. When it comes to CBD brands and their products, it can feel like you’re swimming in a sea of options. With so many brands coming out with their own CBD line and making claims about their product being the most effective and the best priced on the market it can feel overwhelming to know exactly what to stock your shelves with.

Do you find it difficult to draw in new customers while maintaining a strong connection with your current customers? Now, there are many ways you can build customer loyalty and promote your business, but holding a successful store event is a sure way to show customers you are grateful for their business and engage new customers that stroll in.

Word-of-mouth is an independent retailer’s best friend. One happy customer tells another and now you have two happy customers and so on. Customer advocates help keep your marketing costs down and let you provide better customer service.

When customers enter your store looking for pet food, they’re often confused. Is limited ingredient best for their precious pet or should they go with one of those pre-packaged frozen raw diets? Some pet lovers ask outright which is the best dog food for their pooch? Others might not let up they are confused unless asked.

There’s good news and bad news when it comes to managing your digital presence. The good news is, you have multiple ways to connect with your customers including social media, reviews, emails, and even online chat functions. The bad news is that you have multiple ways to connect with your customers which means more platforms to pay attention to and learn how to use. 

Did you know 80% of your sales come from 20% of your customers? That’s right! So while your competition worries about getting new customers in the door, you can take advantage of the more lucrative opportunities already walking in. Here are five easy strategies you can implement today to strategically sell more to your top 20%. We will call these your "all star customers", the ones who faithfully come back for more. 

Let’s face it: despite the high quality food brands you sell at your store, many pets could benefit from supplements. Pets experiencing symptoms like lack of energy, dull coat, upset stomach, bad breath, and even cancer can benefit from the right supplement recommendation. Even better, you have the opportunity for an add-on sale for nearly every customer that walks through your door.

Spring has sprung! Flowers are blooming, the sun is shining, puppies are prancing! This is a great time of year to take a look around your store with fresh eyes. There are things every store owner or manager can do to improve your customer’s shopping experience and increase sales.

Let's be honest, the monotony of the same old, same old kibble routine doesn’t provide enough of a variety to meet a dogs’ nutritional needs. Enter, the rotational diet. Rotational feeding involves varying the menu on a periodic basis so dogs can broaden their palates and experience a wider range of nutrients and ingredients, giving them a full and balanced diet.