There are many benefits to stocking organic pet food in your pet store. The Organic Trade Association stated that organic pet food sales are growing at three times the rate of human organic food sales. A typical bag of organic pet food can retail for up to twice as much as a regular bag of pet food.

As ye,t there is no scientific proof that organic food will extend the life of any pet, but that hasn't stopped avid pet lovers from spending the extra money "just in case." The same people that are willing to pay a little extra for organic pet food are also interested in a vegan option.

The following tips will help you increase profits from organic food sales:

1. Make sure you are stocking your shelves with quality organic pet food.
2. Purchase your favorite organic pet food brands as cheaply as possible.
3. Stock vegetarian and vegan pet food products that health-conscious pet owners may want to purchase in addition to the standard organic food products.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Decide what to stock on your shelves by comparing organic pet food information

All organic pet food is not created equal. Whether for humans or animals, the organic food business is a huge cash cow, and there are a lot of less than savory companies trying to seize their share of the profits. An organic label is not enough. It's worth your while to go through an organic pet food list and thoroughly investigate what really goes into each product before deciding which brands you'll be stocking on your shelves.

I recommend: The comparison tool at Blue Buffalo will show you which big name cat foods use animal by-products, corn gluten and artificial preservatives. Natura Pet Products also hosts a great comparison tool, so you can find out what really is in the food you've been stocking on your shelves.

Increase profit margins by buying your pet food wholesale from an organic pet food provider

It only makes sense to get the best brands of pet food at the cheapest prices available. There are numerous companies where you can find organic pet food for wholesale prices.

I recommend: Pet Food Direct has a great online selection of all natural cat and dog food. Frontier Distributing is a wholesale distributor for a large number of pet food vendors. Contact them for information on receiving deliveries directly from their own fleet of delivery vehicles.

As an organic pet food provider, sell vegan and vegetarian pet food options

Owners that want to take care of the health of their pets are interested in more than just organic pet food. A vegetarian or vegan pet food option is great for dogs or cats that are allergic to common sources of animal protein or fat. An animal should never be fed an exclusive vegetarian diet unless it is at least 23 percent protein.

I recommend: Sabine Contreras has created a website that reviews and links to the different vegetarian and vegan options available for purchase. Vegan Cats is another great source for a wide variety of food for both cats and dogs.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If your pet store is in California, you need to be aware of the California Organic Products Act. As a business processing organic pet foods you are required to register with the Department of Food and Drug Branch (FDB) and pay an annual registration fee. The FDB provides annual report to the Organic Products Advisory Committee, insures credibility of organic food sold.