Editor's Select: Products Setting the Gold Standard in the Pet Industry

Editor's Select: Products Setting the Gold Standard in the Pet Industry - Pet Age

May 22, 2024

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Nearly two-thirds of U.S. households, or 86.9 million, have at least one pet, according to the American Pet Products Association. Each and every one of those companion animals depends on the pet care industry for their daily needs.

However, Pet Age also realizes the immense impact those pet parents have on the pet care industry, and why the top products deserve to be recognized among the entire spectrum of pet sectors, from aquatic livestock to reptiles and herps.

This is what inspired Pet Age to create its Editor's Select program, the mission of which is to honor innovation and recognize excellence, hard work and achievement in a wide range of pet care categories, including Apparel, Beds, Grooming, Cleaning, Health, Food, Treats and more. It's important to know that Editor's Select is not a nomination-based program, and the following selections are based on observations at trade shows, in pet shops and during first-hand experiences as a pet parent.

Among the brands whose products are being recognized is San Francisco Bay Brand (SFBB), which has provided all-natural frozen foods for tropical fish since 1934. Its commitment to providing nutritious and natural diets for aquatic species has made it a favorite among aquarists and their fishes.

"SFBB's frozen brine shrimp are a popular and nutritious option for feeding freshwater and marine fish and invertebrates due to being readily recognized as prey, promoting vibrant colors, high energy levels and being digested quickly, thus improving water quality," said Jason Oneppo, the research and development manager for SFBB.

Another brand with a product in this year's Editor's Select program is Farmina, the Italy-based brand that prides itself on delivering innovative and scientifically proven nutritional solutions. According to Josh Wasserman, senior marketing manager at Farmina, its N&D Ancestral Grain range stands as a testament to his company's unwavering commitment to pet health and wellness.

"Farmina's Italian heritage inspired the N&D Ancestral Grain range by carefully combining low glycemic index Ancestral Grains, Spelt and Oats, an integral part of the Mediterranean diet, with the highest quality cuts of meat," noted Wasserman. "This line features an industry-leading 90 percent of the protein from animal origins. Our diets have undergone comprehensive clinical testing through cruelty-free research, affirming their low glycemic index. This unique attribute plays a pivotal role in controlling glycemic levels in pets, aiding in preventing diabetes and obesity."

Tall Tails, which has been helping pets remain comfortable and happy since 1933, and GURU Pet, launched last year by industry veterans JJ and Amy Stone, are two companies with vastly different histories; however, both are being recognized as leaders in the Dog Toys categories.

"Tall Tails toys are well received by independent pet retailers because of the quality, look, feel and assortment," said George Barton, director of marketing at Tall Tails. "The Tall Tails Yeti is designed with Real Feel Fabric, specially selected high-pile fabric that recreates the comforting feeling of a puppy cuddling with its litter and mother. Pet parents will have no shortage of photo opportunities as their dog carries the Yeti around the house, snuggles up with it for naptime or tosses it around during play."

"GURU toys are designed for dogs, to satisfy their natural instincts, keeping them engaged and content," noted Amy Stone. "GURU's Soft Scents is a patent-pending innovative plush+ toy that simultaneously addresses a dog's two strongest senses, sound and smell. What makes these plush toys truly unique is that the squeaker is custom made with Chew Pro, which is our ultra-durable, non-toxic thermoplastic rubber designed specifically for tough chew sessions."

Meanwhile, Stella & Chewy's is a brand that can be found in two categories, one for Cat Food and the other for Dog Food.

"Stella & Chewy's offers a range of minimally processed premium pet food founded on raw, real love for both dogs and cats, which is why we're committed to offering a wide variety of different products with delicious, best-in-class nutrition that pets love," stated Rob Nelson, VP of brand marketing. "Stella & Chewy's Freeze-Dried Raw Dinner Morsels offer 100 percent complete and balanced nutrition for kittens and adult cats, and our Freeze-Dried Raw Dinner Patties offer high-quality nutrition formulated to mirror a dog's ancestral diet. We never use artificial preservatives, colors or flavors, and the meat, poultry and fish we use never contain added hormones or antibiotics, so pet parents can trust that by feeding their dog or cat Stella & Chewy's, they're providing their pets with only the good stuff."

Pet Age hopes that these products can be found in your pet shop or, if not, that you consider adding them to your store shelves. With that, enjoy the products being honored as the top offerings in the 40+ categories of pet categories that comprise the 2024 Editor's Select program.