How to Buy Dry Dog Food in Bulk for Businesses

Buy dry dog food in bulk, sell it by the scoop.

If you are a pet store or small grocery owner, or even a vet or groomer, you want to provide only the healthiest and safest food for sale, or to be given as treats. Whether or not you have expertise in the field of pet health, it should be extremely important to you. You also have to consider the health of your own bottom line as a retailer. Here is how to combine those two concerns when you are shopping for wholesale dog food.

Things You'll Need

• List of reputable dog food distributors List of their customer references Airtight dry food storage containers Nutritional information Labels for repackaging dog food

Instructions

1. Look for a dog food distributor or manufacturer who offers safety guarantees and proof of testing. Dog food contamination has been a problem in the past, and you can never be too safe. Dog food makers have to be more careful than ever, and be able to assure you that they are.

2. Investigate to see what well-known dog food distributors and makers are in your area. For instance, if you are in the same Midwest region as Eagle Brand Dog food, you know their shipping prices will be reasonable, and you will probably have more frequent contact with your sales rep.

3. Ask for and check references. Have the distributor provide a list of current customers, noting how long they have been on the client roster. Then do your own verifying by calling pet store owners. The reputation of the dog food provider is your most important consideration.

4. Find out about minimum purchase requirements. See if the distributor will allow you to buy in smaller quantities, and find out how the price varies by size of order. That way you can try a variety of foods. You may prefer to get smaller, more frequent shipments without being penalized in price.

5. Ask about about delivery time lines. You do not want to be kept waiting when you need product. Unless you can keep your store well-stocked, your customers will shop elsewhere. Hungry dogs can't wait.

6. Become knowledgeable about food for pets with special needs, in addition to regular formula foods. Owners of dogs with skin, ear and eye allergies, sensitive digestive systems and food intolerances will be looking for advice, rather than looking for the cheapest food available at big box stores. Your expertise in recommending natural-holistic foods and the correct diet for certain problems will gain you a following of loyal customers.

7. Use safe, airtight storage containers for dry dog food. If you repackage any food you buy in bulk, be aware that your bags should have nutritional information on them showing exact ingredients and nutritional values. If you need to print your own nutritional labels, take advantage of the opportunity to include your logo, phone number, website and perhaps a discount on future purchases. Even if you don't repackage the food before sale, you will want to be sure that it is kept in a cool, dry area, on shelving that does not touch the ground.

Tips & Warnings

• Many dog food makers carry both a regular dog food line, and a natural holistic line. You may have customers for both kinds of food.