Define the commercial requirements first
A supermarket own-label product, a specialist pet-store range and an online subscription product do not necessarily need the same litter. Before requesting samples, define the destination market, sales channel, intended pack size, target retail price or landed-cost range and the claims you expect to support.
These details give a supplier a useful basis for recommending products. They also help your team avoid comparing samples that cannot meet the project's price, packaging or delivery requirements.
Compare the product experience fairly
Material names alone do not predict finished-product quality. Bentonite, tofu, crystal, paper and other litters can vary by raw material, particle size, moisture, additives and manufacturing method.
Use the same litter depth, liquid quantity, waiting time and handling method for each sample. Record relevant observations such as dust while pouring, clump integrity, tracking, odor-control performance and residue after scooping. Not every measure applies to non-clumping litter, so use criteria that suit the product type.
Check the complete supply proposal
A product that performs well still needs packaging suited to its weight, density and route to market. Review the bag strength, seal format, cartons, pallet arrangement and storage conditions alongside the sample.
Before approval, ask for the product specification, available packaging formats, minimum order quantity, lead-time assumptions and the quality checkpoints that can be agreed for production orders.