Category Catalysts: Dental Chews & Treats - Loving Pets

With just a few months to go until pet dental month in February, the category is closely in mind for the pet industry. While the industry has created a variety of dental health solutions, the traditional dental chew options continue to lead the way due to convenience, ease of delivery and effectiveness. Brands with a history of performance, like Loving Pets, are keeping the category on a strong trajectory as we look ahead to 2026.

Loving Pets was founded in 2005 with a goal to bring fresh innovation to the pet industry. The company has since branched out into a variety of categories, including treats, bowls, bones and dental sticks. 

The company’s Toothsticks and Ora-Bone items lead the way in dental, the company website noting, “As dogs chew or gnaw on the treats, it scrapes the plaque and buildup of their teeth, and many chews contain enzymes that help promote overall dental health. They also contain ingredients that help freshen your dog’s breath.”

This year, the company is particularly proud of the partnership offering that Loving Pets is able to bring to bear in a challenging year, with CEO Eric Abbey sharing, “Certainly, tariffs, spending habits and general demand have played a significant role in product development within the treat category. As a manufacturer based in the USA, we have become a preferred source and manufacturer, particularly as the prices of imported goods keep rising. We always like sharing new products with our retailer partners.”

Looking ahead to 2026, Loving Pets is excited to continue to be a strong partner for retailers. Abbey shared, “I believe that affordability, availability and reliability will be key topics next year. Loving Pets is proud to be a major contributor to this discussion by helping retailers focus on essentials—shelf staples manufactured in the US that offer strong margins and attractive prices for pet parents.”

While there are many options available in the dental chews and treats category, Loving Pets is bringing both innovation and stability to the category, Abbey discussed. 

“We want to help retailers stock must-have items in their stores: best sellers, great value and quality ingredients,” he said. “Innovation is important, but so is making sure your shelves are stocked with proven solutions with great margins.”