The pet industry in the UAE has been growing steadily over the past few years. This is due to more people owning pets, changing customer expectations, and the growing impact of global pet-care trends. Pet stores should have a wider range of products, higher quality standards, and smarter product planning than ever before as we move into 2026.
It’s no longer enough to just fill your shelves with wholesale pet products. You need to meet real customer needs, get them to come back, and make your store a reliable place to get everyday items. Based on demand patterns, consumer behavior, and retail practicality, this guide focuses on the top 10 product categories that UAE pet shops should focus on in 2026.
Many stores in the UAE get their stock from well-known wholesale suppliers like Pets Club, which sells a wide range of supplies for dogs, cats, small pets, and fish. It’s only useful to know about availability if you include a supplier reference. The real value of this article is in explaining why these categories are important, how they do in stores, and what you should think about when stocking them.
1. High-Quality Dog Food and Nutrition
Dog food is always one of the most popular items in UAE pet stores. But the change is no longer toward “basic kibble.” It’s now toward high-quality, functional, and specific nutrition.
Why it’s important:
- Premium dog food keeps customers coming back; most of them buy the same formula every month.
- Formulas of higher quality also let you make a little more money.
- Owners who care about their pets’ health look for clear benefits, such as formulas that help with digestion, are safe for allergies, or are specific to a certain breed or age.
What to have on hand:
- Diets with few or no grains
- Formulas for large and small breeds
- Different types for puppies, adults, and seniors
- Options that are hypoallergenic and good for sensitive stomachs
- Wet food for mixed feeding
Insight into the UAE:
More and more, owners want products that meet international standards. A lot of people in the UAE are expatriates, so they look for the same brands they used back home. To meet this need, you should offer a mix of high-end international options.
2. Food, litter, and other daily needs for cats
In many UAE cities, cats are the most common pets, and this has a direct effect on retail demand. Cat litter is one of the most common and high-volume purchases in the pet care market, along with food.
Why it’s important:
- Litter brings in a lot of foot traffic; many owners buy it every 2 to 4 weeks.
- There are a lot of different types of cat owners, so there is a need for both low-cost and high-end ranges.
- There should be a lot of different kinds of cat food on the shelves, and they should be easy to find.
What to have on hand:
- Clumping litter (the most popular type in UAE apartments)
- Formulas that control odors or dust
- Choices for wet and dry food
- Diets for indoor cats, hairball control, and sensitive stomachs
- Bowls, carriers, and grooming tools for cats
UAE information:
Living in an apartment is a big part of it – litter that controls odors, lightweight bags, and small packaging sell quickly. Because there is always a lot of demand for these products, stores often buy them in bulk from suppliers like Pets Club.
3. Toys and things that make life better
In 2026, giving your pet extra attention is no longer a luxury; it’s just part of being a good pet owner. Owners want their dogs and cats to be happy, busy, and mentally stimulated, especially if they spend a lot of time indoors.
Why it’s important:
- Toys are things you buy on a whim that help you fill up your cart.
- They wear out quickly, so you have to buy them again and again.
- Modern pet owners expect enrichment products, like puzzle toys, to meet their needs.
What to have in stock:
- Dog toys to chew on
- Catnip toys and teaser wands for cats
- Toys that give treats and puzzles
- Stuffed animals, electronic toys that you can play with
- Rubber toys that last for strong chewers
Insight into the UAE:
Expat communities often want toys that are similar to the ones they used to play with in their home country and are made to last. In high-end markets, toys made from eco-friendly or natural materials are becoming more popular.
4. Supplies for grooming and hygiene
The warm, sometimes humid, and often dusty weather in the UAE has a direct effect on how people groom themselves. A lot of pet owners groom their pets at home or go to salons often.
Why it’s important:
- A lot of repeat purchases possible
- Important for pets that live in sandy or dusty places
- More people are learning how to groom their pets themselves.
What to have in stock:
- Shampoos, conditioners, and dry shampoos
- Solutions for cleaning ears and eyes
- Brushes for grooming, tools for getting rid of hair, and nail clippers
- Pet wipes (a popular item)
- Sprays to control odors and hygiene kits
UAE information:
Short-haired breeds still shed a lot in the UAE because of the air conditioning. There is a growing need for grooming brushes and tools that remove hair.
5. Car, travel, and outdoor gear
A lot of pet owners in the UAE travel a lot, both inside and outside the country. Families often take their pets with them on road trips, walks, trips to the beach, and even flights.
Why it’s important:
- Strong demand during the travel seasons
- Makes your store more appealing to pet owners who are active
- Car accessories, in particular, sell quickly in cities.
What to have on hand:
- Pet carriers and crates that airlines will accept
- Water bottles for travel and bowls that fold up
- Car seat covers, seat belts, and booster seats
- Cooling mats (very popular in the summer)
- Outdoor harnesses and leashes that reflect light
UAE information:
Cooling accessories are more popular in the summer. Travel gear sells well all year long because expats move around a lot.
6. Things for Small Pets (Hamsters, Birds, Rabbits, and Reptiles)
Many families in the UAE have small pets in addition to dogs or cats. These kinds of businesses usually have less competition and more loyal customers who come back again and again.
Why it’s important:
- Buying food and bedding on a regular basis
- Easier to sell more (owners often buy habitat add-ons)
- Helps your store get more different kinds of customers
What to keep in stock:
- Food for small pets like hamsters, rabbits, and guinea pigs
- Bedding and nesting supplies
- Cages, wheels, places to hide, and water bottles
- Food for birds and things for their cages
- Basic habitat needs for reptiles, such as lamps and substrates
What you should know about the UAE:
Families with kids often have birds and hamsters, which means there is always a need for cheap supplies.
7. Aquatic and aquarium supplies
People in the UAE still like to have aquariums in their homes, offices, and stores. Aquatic supplies also make good add-on sales.
Why it’s important:
- Tanks and filters make more money in one sale.
- Things like water treatments, food, and decor sell well over and over.
- Niche category with dedicated hobbyists
What to keep in stock:
- Starter kits for aquariums
- Air stones, pumps, filters, and heaters
- LED lights and decorations for tanks
- Water conditioners and kits for testing
- Food for many kinds of fish
UAE information:
More and more people, especially those who live in apartments, want space-efficient aquariums (nano tanks).
8. Snacks and Treats That Work
One of the easiest ways to keep customers is to give them treats. People usually buy them with something else, like food, toys, or grooming supplies.
Why it’s important:
- Category with high margins
- Encourages people to buy again every month
- Simple to sell more at the checkout
What to have in stock:
- Natural treats (made from meat and no grains)
- Sticks for teeth
- Functional treats for skin and coat
- Puppy training treats
- Cat lick treats (a big hit lately)
Insight from the UAE:
Owners tend to choose healthier treats, like those that are “low fat,” “no artificial flavors,” or “single ingredient.” These kinds of treats tend to sell faster.
9. Leashes, harnesses, and collars for walking
Walking gear has become a big part of the retail business because there are more parks, cafés, and beaches that are dog-friendly.
Why it’s important:
- Moderate margin with a strong design appeal
- Owners change their gear a lot.
- Helps you get the attention of people who walk and train a lot
What to buy:
- Leashes of different types
- Harnesses that you step into
- Padded harnesses that don’t pull
- Collars that come with ID tags
- Gear for walking at night or in the dark
UAE information:
A lot of dog owners are training their own pets instead of relying on trainers, which is why no-pull harnesses are becoming more popular.
10. Items that are seasonal, festive, or only available for a short time
Seasonality drives interest, and pet owners in the UAE like themed products for holidays and other special events.
Why it’s important:
- Keeps your store feeling “new” all year long
- Makes people want to buy things on the spot
- Makes it possible to offer bundles
What to keep in stock:
- Gift baskets for Ramadan or other holidays
- Dog coats for the winter
- Toys with a holiday theme
- Things to keep you cool in the summer
- Things with a birthday theme, like party hats, toys, and treats
UAE insight:
A lot of stores make small “seasonal corners” that change products every month. These corners often get people to buy things with higher profit margins.
How to Pick a Wholesale Supplier
The main point of this article is what to stock, but where you get your inventory is also important for consistency and cash flow. A lot of stores in the UAE work with wholesalers like Pets Club because they have a lot of dog and cat supplies, small-pet essentials, and aquatic products that are good for retail shelves. There are other wholesalers out there, and the best one for you will depend on the size, location, and stocking pattern of your store.
Think about the following when picking a supplier:
- Different types of categories
- How often and when deliveries happen
- Stable inventory
- Structure of prices
- Help for customers and a policy for returns
The goal is not to depend on one supplier, but to build a network that keeps your shelves full without sacrificing quality.
Helpful Advice for Retailers in 2026
1. Check on your fast-moving items once a month.
Dog food, cat litter, and treats are usually the most popular, but that can change. Make a list of the top 20 SKUs every month.
2. Think about the shelf
Put things that people buy again at eye level and things that people want to buy right away near the checkout.
3. Give people choices, but don’t make things messy.
Customers like having choices, but too many choices can make it hard to decide. Keep a balanced range.
4. Keep the seasonal rotation going
Bring in new things every three months. It makes your store look new all the time.
5. Teach your employees
Customers appreciate clear explanations, like “This cat litter is low in dust and perfect for apartments.” Trust grows when you give people simple, useful information.
6. Be aware of the sizes of the packages
A lot of customers in the UAE like mid-size packaging because they don’t have a lot of room in their apartments.
7. Think about how customers act
Stock shelves before peak hours, when more people are likely to be there.
