In the fast-growing global #petproduct market—projected to reach $44.5B by 2035 (Pet Market Size, Share, and Forecast Outlook 2025 to 2035)—standing out means understanding your competitors and turning those insights into products that solve real #petowners’ problems. As an OEM factory focused on #petsupplies, we partner with #petbrands and e-commerce sellers to translate competitive analysis into feasible, market-ready items. This guide breaks down how to run a #petindustry-specific competitive analysis—and how our OEM capabilities can support your goals without overpromising.
On This Page
- What Is Competitive Analysis for Pet Product Brands?
- Why It Matters for Pet E-Commerce & Brands (And How We Fit In)
- When to Do a Competitive Analysis for Pet Products
- How to Do a Competitive Analysis (With Practical OEM Support)
- Tools for Pet Product Competitive Analysis
- Pet Product-Specific Template
- 6 Common Pitfalls (And How We Help Avoid Them)
1. What Is Competitive Analysis for Pet Product Brands?
For pet product brands, competitive analysis is researching direct and indirect competitors to spot their strengths, weaknesses, and gaps—then using that info to refine your product lineup. It’s not about copying; it’s about finding opportunities to serve your audience better. For example:
- If a competitor’s #dogharness gets complaints about “slipping on small breeds,” you could launch a version with adjustable chest straps.
- If most budget cat beds use thin fabric, you could offer a sturdier option at a similar price.
As your OEM partner, we focus on turning these insights into products we know we can deliver well. For instance, if your analysis shows a demand for “machine-washable dog sweaters,” we can produce them using easy-care acrylic fabric (our standard MOQ is 100-500 units, ideal for testing new ideas without overcommitting).
2. Why It Matters for Pet E-Commerce & Brands
Big retailers like Chewy and Amazon dominate generic pet products, so differentiation is key for smaller brands. A solid competitive analysis helps you:
- Skip “me-too” products: Instead of making a basic collar, you could add a small reflective patch (a simple tweak you can handle) to stand out.
- Price wisely: If competitors sell waterproof dog coats for $45, you can make a comparable TPU-coated version for $35–$40—keeping you competitive without cutting quality.
- Fix pain points: If reviews mention “scratchy sweater fabric,” you can switch to softer acrylic (a material we work with daily) to improve customer satisfaction.
3. When to Do a Competitive Analysis
Timing aligns with your product lifecycle—run an analysis:
- Before launching a new product: If you’re planning a winter apparel line, check last year’s top sellers (e.g., “fleece sweaters”) and adjust details (like adding a neck opening for easy on/off) to fit your niche.
- Seasonally: Q4 is busy for pet gifts—analyze competitors’ bundles in August, you can make a “Harness + Collar” set.
- When sales slow: If your #petbed sales drop, see if competitors added “washable covers”—you can modify your existing design to include this feature.
- When partnering with us: Share your competitor notes upfront, and we’ll flag what’s feasible (e.g., “Your competitor’s ‘self-warming bed’ uses a rare material—we recommend a standard thermal lining that works just as well”).
4. How to Do a Competitive Analysis (With OEM Support)
Follow these 7 straightforward steps—we’ll support you with practical production input along the way:
Step 1: Pick 5–7 Relevant Competitors
Focus on brands that match your niche to keep research manageable:
- Direct competitors: Sell similar products to your audience (e.g., if you target French Bulldog owners, include small breed-specific brands).
- Indirect competitors: Offer lower/higher-priced versions (e.g., Amazon Basics harnesses vs. mid-tier brands).
Our Input: Share your list, and we can note which competitor features we can replicate or improve (e.g., “This brand’s sweater has a good fit—we can use their size chart as a base”).
Step 2: Make a Pet Product Spreadsheet
Track data that drives decisions—add simple OEM columns to avoid overcomplicating:
| Competitor Name | Product Type | Price | Key Features | Customer Complaints | Our Feasible Fix |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand X | Dog Harness | $24.99 | Reflective, 2 sizes | “Too tight for medium dogs” | Add 1 more size |
| Brand Y | Cat Bed | $39.99 | Cotton, non-washable | “Hard to clean” | Add removable cover |
Step 3: Categorize Competitors (And Plan Next Steps)
Label competitors as direct/indirect, then align your product plans with what we can deliver:
- Direct: Match their strengths (e.g., “Brand Z’s collar has a strong D-ring—we use the same hardware”) and fix weaknesses (e.g., “Their straps fray—we’ll use thicker nylon”).
- Indirect: Differentiate with small, easy changes (e.g., “Luxury brands use leather—we offer vegan leather at a lower cost”).
Step 4: Analyze Competitor Positioning
See how competitors talk to their audience, then tweak your products to fit:
- If a brand focuses on “eco-friendly,” you can use recycled polyester for your harnesses (a material we already source).
- If a competitor targets “busy owners,” you can prioritize quick-production items (like no-fuss dog sweaters) for fast restocks.
Step 5: Spot Competitor Advantages (And Improve Gently)
Every brand has a USP—find it, then make small upgrades you can handle:
- If a sweater sells well for “soft fabric,” you can use a slightly thicker acrylic (softer and more durable, no extra cost).
- If a harness is popular for “easy on/off,” you can add a side buckle (simpler to produce than front zippers).
Step 6: Study Competitor Marketing
See where competitors drive sales, then make products that fit those channels:
- If TikTok videos of “adventure dogs” perform well, you can show your harnesses have sturdy D-rings for attaching gear.
- If email campaigns highlight “quick shipping,” you can show standard production timelines (like 3–5 weeks for apparel/harnesses) , then send to your supplier to set realistic delivery expectations.
Step 7: Do a Simple SWOT Analysis
Keep it practical—focus on what you can actually do:
| SWOT Element | Your Brand Example | Our Support |
|---|---|---|
| Strengths | Loyal small-breed audience | We make small-breed sizes |
| Weaknesses | High minimum orders | Our 300-unit MOQ fits your needs |
| Opportunities | Competitors lack washable beds | We add removable covers |
| Threats | Big retailers’ generic products | We help you add small unique touches (e.g., custom color options) |
5. Tools for Pet Product Competitive Analysis
Use these easy-to-access tools to gather data—no fancy subscriptions needed:
- Reviews: Amazon, Etsy, or Trustpilot (spot complaints like “collar irritates skin”).
- Social Media: Instagram/TikTok (see which competitor products get shared, e.g., “cute puppy sweaters”).
- Pricing: Google Shopping (compare competitor prices for similar items).
Share your findings with us, and we’ll help you pick which insights to act on first.
6. Pet Product Competitive Analysis Template
Keep it simple—focus on feasible actions:
| Competitor | Product | Price | Customer Pain Points | Our OEM Solution | MOQ | Production Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand A | #DogSweater | $19.99 | “Fades in wash” | Colorfast acrylic | 300 | 3 weeks |
| Brand B | Cat Bed | $45.99 | “Thin padding” | Add 1cm more foam | 500 | 4 weeks |
7. 6 Common Pitfalls to Avoid (Clear Do’s and Don’ts for Pet Brands)
To keep your competitive analysis focused and actionable—without wasting time or overcommitting—here are 6 key mistakes to steer clear of:
Don’t research too many competitors: Trying to analyze 15+ brands leads to scattered plans—you’ll end up copying too many features and losing your niche.
Do this instead: Focus on 5–7 relevant competitors (3 direct, 2–4 indirect). This keeps your research manageable and helps you zero in on 1–2 unique gaps to fill.
Don’t treat analysis as a one-time task: Many brands research competitors once and never update their findings. Pet trends shift fast (e.g., “biodegradable toys” one quarter, “cooling vests” the next), so outdated data leads to missed opportunities.
Do this instead: Refresh your analysis every 6 months to keep your research relevant.
Don’t let confirmation bias skew your data: It’s easy to ignore insights that contradict your assumptions (e.g., “I think customers want cheap beds, so I’ll skip premium options”). This blinds you to real needs.
Do this instead: Let customer reviews and competitor sales data guide you.
Don’t collect data without acting on it: It’s common to compile a long list of competitor gaps but never launch a product to fix them—wasting time and effort.
Do this instead: Pick 1–2 quick, feasible wins first. For example, if you find “competitors’ sweaters fade,” launch a colorfast version before tackling bigger projects.
Don’t chase overcomplicated features: Trying to replicate a competitor’s “smart GPS harness” (if you’re a small brand) or add untested materials (e.g., “self-heating fabric”) leads to delays and cost overruns—especially if your OEM can’t support it.
Do this instead: Stick to what you and your supplier specialize in and focus on simple, impactful tweaks (e.g., “add reflective strips” or “make collars adjustable”).
Don’t ignore production timelines: Assuming you can launch a product in 1 week (but your suppliers’ standard lead time is 3–5 weeks) sets unrealistic customer expectations and hurts trust.
Do this instead: Let your supplier share clear production timelines upfront.
Final Thought: Start Small, Win Steady
Competitive analysis works best when paired with realistic production plans. As your OEM partner, we’ll help you turn insights into products that fit your budget, audience, and our capabilities—no big risks, no overpromises. Whether you’re launching one new item or refining an existing line, share your competitor notes, and we’ll focus on what we can deliver well.
Ready to move forward? Send us your top 1–2 competitor gaps, and we’ll share a simple proposal for how we can help.
Contact us to turn your analysis into actionable products.
Leave a comment below with “Pet Competitor Template” and we’ll send you our pet product-specific competitive analysis template—tailored to what our OEM can support!
