Pet Age - March / April 2026

HOW TO REACH US

THE UNINVITED GUEST

SNOW, SOCKS & LIVING LIKE A SCHNOOK.

GLENN A. POLYN Associate Publisher & Editor-in-Chief

gpolyn@petage.com

January was a whirlwind of a month, highlighted by the Pet Industry Leadership Summit, which was held in Phoenix, Arizona. Getting there from my home in New Jersey was an adventure, thanks to the major winter storm that dropped over a foot of heavy snow and sleet the morning of my scheduled flight out of Newark International Airport. It took four attempted flights over the course of two days for me to get out of New Jersey on Monday, January 25.

The Summit was well worth the travel hiccups, and it was great to reconnect with distributors and other members of the pet industry. The 2026 Pitchfest was a highlight of the conference for me, as I’m always eager to learn more about emerging brands that are bringing a new or innovative product to the market. Among the standout brands were MycoDog, Joint Jelly by Equine Health Solutions, Sky Pack from K9 Sport Sack, So Posh Pet and Rooted Owl, a brand that you can learn more about in the Back Story profile of this issue.

When I returned home to snowy New Jersey on Thursday night, I wasn’t just greeted by the sea of white as far as the eye could see. Oh, no – that would be normal. Instead, within minutes of laying my head on my pillow, I took notice of a noise coming from my nightstand sock drawer. Normally, my socks are silent, so this quickly caught my attention. Slowly opening the drawer, I was greeted by a field mouse who decided to escape the snowstorm and find a warm bed among my wool socks.

His name is Henry, as he’s small yet charismatic, like Ray Liotta’s Henry Hill from the 1990 gangster film, Goodfellas, which I had just watched on my flight home earlier in the evening. I’m sure that many people would have gathered Henry up and tossed him out into the snow, but I admired his survival instincts, and this certainly wasn’t the first time that I found wildlife in my home. Storms and other incidents have led me to be face to face with snakes, frogs, a flying squirrel and a bat (I won’t discuss the series of rabies shots I received after that encounter).

What happened to Henry? Well, I took a cedar humidor that I had made with my dad many years ago and successfully encouraged Henry into it. Then I quickly placed the humidor into an empty fish tank and filled it with straw and other items for Henry to enjoy until the weather improves and he can be released into the wild.

Until then, Henry’s going to live the next month or so “like a schnook.”

AI AND THE NEW WORLD ORDER

HOW A DIGITAL SIDEKICK INFLUENCES THE BUYER JOURNEY.

BY ROBERT WHEATLEY

Agentic AI’s transformational technology will change the pet industry likely forever. We’re not just talking about the efficiency plays that off-load and streamline labor intensive work. AI is impacting the way buying decisions are made. Critically, how both consumers and retailers assess, compare and shortlist products and brands.

In the age of digital deciders, have you refined your game plan to respond? You can’t afford to leave your future business prospects to the chance of whether or not Large Language Model (LLM) advisors recommend your brand or tell your product story correctly.

A related stat: According to the Hartman Group 2026 Food and Beverage trends study, 32% of consumers are actively using AI now to search for recommendations on food and beverages.

What happens when AI is reflexively consulted to plan and optimize the retailer’s entire product due diligence and subsequent meeting commitments

at Global Pet Expo? What happens when an “always on” super smart advisor that’s available to everyone can immediately distill information on sales, market share and user audience traction for competing brands at retail, and serve up credible rankings on where to best make buying investments in the year ahead? What happens when photos of product ingredient and nutrition labels can be easily uploaded to AI on the convention floor and evaluated in real time for assessment of optimal nutrition and claims verification? What does it mean when formulations and “higher quality” ingredient claims are rapidly analyzed and benchmarked against the world’s knowledge of animal physiology, biology and nutritional needs?

Most importantly, what’s the outcome when this truth driven resource is tasked to make recommendations on the brands to back and invest in, based on empirical evaluation of trends, consumer behavior, pricing strategies and velocity movement at retail?

Simply stated: There’s no longer headroom to exaggerate, omit or obscure. Substandard products can be quickly outed. Vacuous claims can be brought to heel. Standards of performance are investigated by a smart third party that is outside the control of pet brands.

AI devotes itself to the search for truth and trusted information about product details, formulations, ingredient sourcing, manufacturing,

corporate history, recalls, behaviors and outcomes.

The coming evolution -- this intelligent advisor will accompany retailers on the floor at Global. It will listen in on the pitches and presentations. AI will have already provided an analysis of what’s hot and what’s not, based on data it scours from every conceivable source, study, report and industry trade journal – all in real time and in seconds. It may guide buyers on what questions to ask during brand innovation meetings.

The impact of this credible voice in retailer (and consumer) ears cannot be underestimated. It’s ability to sway decisions and form a trusted impression ahead of any sales conversation adjusts the balance of control and the anatomy of influence on the buyer journey. Truth will trump fiction. Brands and buyers will be equally well informed on competitive benefits, claims, performance and what the intersection of consumer preferences and product trends look like.

In short, it is industry commoditization writ large but with one huge and important exception. AI forms its opinion by collecting a narrow number of authoritative explanations. These include core product pages at your web site, clear descriptions of what your company does, who it is for, and how it is different.

AI then checks whether those machine-readable descriptions are consistent and credible.

When the signals are unclear, fragmented or overly promotional, AI will fill in the gaps – and often imperfectly. Begin by recognizing that legacy marketing practices and acumen in reach, cinematic polish, or drama will wane in importance to AI assessments. Instead, trust, velocity, and the courage to get uncomfortably close to your core audiences and their experiences will help you better define brand relevance.

Start by reinforcing authority beyond your own channels. AI systems rely heavily on third-party validation. Earned media, expert commentary and credible references help AI decide what to believe. Your investments in PR and editorial media take on added value as not only an intrusive form of influence but also a trusted channel that AI crawlers use to inform their opinions.

Where should your brand outreach go to augment the march of AI recommendations? The CPG marketing world has spent the last decade or so talking vaguely about “authenticity”, but an evolution of this concept is taking root. Across the entire marketing strategic toolbox, “realness” is arriving at a premium. We’re moving from the “attention economy to the intention economy” by reframing the goals to not only manage algorithms but also to define and align with your brands’ deeper meaning.

Your first goal: Create tools that reward attention through emotional truth, clarity and care. Can you see the shape of this dual strategy approach unfolding? Logic, analysis that is product-centric, detailed and verified to influence AI decisions is optimized alongside… Inoculating your communications with

realness, emotion and celebrating the human/animal bond.

Human beings are extraordinary. No algorithm, data set or computing power advantage will ever be able to replicate the incredible human capacity for intuition, imagination, emotion and common sense. Next to AI’s ability to assess facts, information, details on formulations and benefit assertions, the human qualities of intuition and imagination distinguish people separately, uniquely from machines. The gut feel factor is real, is active and smarter than we take it credit for. Reinforced by trusted and verified information, strong human relationships -- be it trade customers or consumers -- is the equation that leads to long term growth and success. Both AI advice and human emotion matter and both will inform your results.

BEYOND THE SHELF

WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD FOR PET RETAIL?

BY MATTHEW BUBEAR

In my three decades in pet retail, I’ve seen the industry undergo remarkable transformation, from the rise of national chains to the explosion of e-commerce and subscription models, and the steady premiumization of pet products and services.

Today, we’re at another turning point. An accelerating shift towards pet wellness and enrichment is reshaping consumer expectations and behavior. The retailers that will lead the next decade will be those that transition from product-centric stores to experience-led wellness centers, built around convenience, care and community.

It’s not theoretical, we see it already taking shape. Pet ownership continues to rise and with this, the expectations and spending power of pet parents are evolving, with greater focus on preventive health and overall quality of life. As someone who designs next-generation animal enclosures, I see

firsthand how wellness-first environments transform both animal wellbeing and customer behavior. Retailers that lean into this shift and prioritize experiential, wellness-focused retail will build the foundations for long-term loyalty and sustainable growth.

Approximately 94 million U.S. households own a pet and Americans spent a record $152 billion on their pets in 2024, according to the American Pet Products Association (APPA). Research shows that more than half (51%) of U.S. pet owners consider their pet as much a part of the family as their human relatives. The humanization of pets has evidently changed the game for pet retail. It’s driving demand for premium, personalized and experiential offerings. Pet retail is no longer a transactional endeavor, but relationship-driven: customers are seeking products, guidance, services and experiences that reflect the emotional bond they share with their beloved animals and that support their pet’s holistic wellbeing.

Another trend reshaping the pet retail market is the “rise of the feline,” with cat ownership surging in the U.S.; APPA data shows a record-breaking 23% increase in feline ownership from 2023-2024, to 49 million homes. This growth represents a major shift in pet-keeping demographics, with implications for retailers. Dog-related spending is typically higher across all categories, while, in contrast, the feline product landscape is less diversified with fewer repeat purchases, which can impact revenue streams.

To satisfy these changing expectations and buying habits, retailers can no longer afford to rely solely on products on the shelf. It’s about the complete wellness experience you provide around it.

Research has found that 88% of customers regard the experience a company provides as important as its products or services (an increase from 80% in 2020). Combine that with the expansion of e-commerce, and you see why it’s vital for brick-and-mortar stores to create an engaging, interactive and emotionally captivating shopping experience that online can’t compete with.

This means rethinking value. Product assortment is still important, but products alone won’t build loyalty; experiences will. The concept of retail theater – making store environments more entertaining and interactive for the shopper – is therefore a key differentiator. A mix of products with integrated services (grooming, training, veterinary care), education and social interaction will encourage more frequent visits, driving recurring revenue – with services now offering higher margins.

Major players in our sector, such as PetSmart, PetCo and retailer Walmart, have already moved in this direction, becoming a onestop shop destination for a pet’s needs. By integrating a full suite of services alongside their on-the-shelf merchandise, they’ve created environments that blend convenience with care and community. The store becomes part of the customer’s routine, rather than a transactional stop.

Matthew Bubear is the CEO of CASCO Pet, a leading manufacturer of world-class animal habitats and veterinary kenneling.

No matter the size, every retailer needs to think the same way. Pet parents want personalized support and specialized products, whether that’s tailored training programs or custom nutrition plans. For independent retailers, it can involve partnering with local specialists – trainers, nutritionists, groomers, behaviorists – to build a “shop local” ecosystem that builds trust and community.

You don’t need a full store rebuild to begin. Start with targeted changes to store layout to maximize and encourage customer exploration and increase dwell time. Live animal departments should be made more visible, interactive and theatrical, with services easily accessible; these are what drive footfall, increase browsing and encourage repeat visits.

In a wellness-driven retail model, enclosures become a frontline expression of care, central to a store’s identity, customer experience

and operational efficiency. Thoughtfully designed enclosures provide safe, comfortable and enriching spaces for animals, reducing stress and behavioral issues. Providing ample space and natural, species-relevant enrichment creates a stimulating environment that allows animals to display natural behaviors – protecting their physiological and psychological welfare.

This is not simply aesthetic; it can directly influence customer perception and purchasing behavior. When a customer trusts the care environment, they also trust the store. Visibly calmer, happier pets signal to customers that your store prioritizes animal wellbeing. Bringing genuine pet engagement into the store through interactive displays, play areas, demo stations and scheduled events, gives customers something they can’t get online: the chance to build a real connection with prospective pets.

In experiential retail, your employees are educators and brand ambassadors, not just salespeople. Investing in staff training is an investment in growth. Well-trained teams that can provide expert advice and interactions build customer confidence, deepen trust and drive higher conversion; positioning your store as a credible source of expertise is one of the most effective ways to keep customers returning. Consider also enabling access to health advisors or veterinary staff to provide personalized guidance. Our industry is evolving fast. Yes, this can present challenges but it also brings with it new opportunities. To be successful, retailers must move beyond the shelf to deliver a holistic wellness experience that pet parents want to return to, again and again. This is where the real value now lies in pet retail, and it looks set to define the next decade of growth in the sector.

PET POISONINGS DON’T WAIT

THERE’S A GROWING DEMAND FOR EMERGENCY READINESS PRODUCTS.

BY DR. MAT GLASSMAN

In human medicine, early intervention tools such as epinephrine auto-injectors and naloxone have reshaped the way we respond to time-sensitive emergencies. Their impact has come not just from the medications themselves, but from their accessibility — bringing critical care closer to the moment a crisis begins.

In veterinary medicine, we see a parallel need emerging. One of the most urgent examples is accidental pet poisoning, an issue that affects hundreds of thousands of animals every year. Until recently, most pet owners had no practical means to intervene during the crucial window between exposure and reaching professional care.

The introduction of Ready RESCUE — a

new, pet-friendly activated charcoal formulation — marks an important development in the tools available for first-response toxicology. It reflects a broader shift in how the industry is thinking about emergency preparedness, client education, and the role retailers and clinics can play in improving outcomes.

According to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, more than 400,000 cases of pet poisoning are reported annually in the United States. These incidents stem from everyday exposures — human medications, chocolate, xylitol-containing gum, certain houseplants, grapes, cleaning agents, THC, and more. Veterinary teams know how quickly these cases escalate. Once a toxin is ingested, absorption typically begins within minutes, and early decontamination is ideal.

Designed by a team of veterinary specialists, Ready RESCUE is a low-volume, pre-measured, palatable activated charcoal that can be mixed with food or given on the way to the hospital. It remains shelf-stable for five years and is formulated with a high concentration of activated charcoal to improve practicality without compromising clinical utility.

Recent studies from the University of Georgia’s College of Veterinary Medicine found no significant difference in adsorption performance between Ready RESCUE, a leading veterinary charcoal product (Toxiban), and pure activated charcoal across several commonly encountered toxins. While charcoal is not universal for all exposures,

and veterinary guidance remains essential, these findings support Ready RESCUE as a meaningful tool during the early phase of many common ingestion events.

It is important to note that at-home intervention does not replace professional veterinary care. Rather, it gives owners a way to act during the period when toxin absorption is occurring most rapidly — potentially reducing clinical effects and supporting better outcomes once the animal reaches the hospital.

The demand for at-home readiness tools is rising across the pet industry. As pet owners become more informed and proactive, they increasingly seek products that provide practical support for real-world emergencies — not just accessories or routine wellness items.

The past decade has seen a cultural shift in how pet parents view emergency preparedness. Many now keep wound sprays, antihistamines, or tick removal tools at home. Toxicology, however, has remained an underserved category despite being one of the most common sources of emergency calls. Providing an accessible charcoal option helps retailers and clinics meet a rising expectation: the ability to offer meaningful, medically relevant first-aid tools.

Most first-aid shelves today are built around minor injuries. Poisoning, by contrast, is high-risk, time-sensitive, and—critically— common. Introducing a practical charcoal option expands the category into true emer-

Dr. Mat Glassman is a board-certified veterinary surgeon and founder of Dr. Cuddles, a company offering vet-crafted pet first-aid and hygiene products.

gency response. Retail partners who carry items like first-aid kits, hydrogen peroxide, or wound care products may find that Ready RESCUE complements these assortments and completes a more holistic emergency preparedness offering.

Retailers and distributors face more scrutiny than ever to ensure product credibility. Ready RESCUE was developed by board- certified veterinary specialists in surgery, internal medicine, nephrology and critical care — bringing clinical rigor to a segment that historically lacked accessible tools for pet owners. This specialist background has been an important point of reassurance for veterinary clinics, many of which now recommend that clients keep a charcoal product on hand, particularly in multi-pet homes or with food-motivated breeds.

From a stocking perspective, Ready RESCUE has characteristics that are attractive

to both retail environments and clinics, including a 5-year shelf life helps reduce spoilage risk, single-use packaging simplifies inventory and client education as well as low return rates reflect the product’s role as a preparedness item rather than a daily consumable. Veterinary clinics have also found it useful as both an in-hospital treatment option (given the relative ease and speed of administration) and a take-home tool when repeated dosing may be needed for certain exposures.

A portion of proceeds from every bottle supports rescue animal medical care, an element that resonates with many pet owners. While not the primary reason a retailer or clinic would stock an emergency product, the mission-driven component does strengthen consumer trust and aligns with the values of many independent pet stores and veterinary practices.

Because poisoning incidents are unpredictable, the value often lies in preparedness rather than frequent use. Similar to a fire extinguisher or human first-aid kit, the product’s presence offers reassurance — and when needed, can play an important part in the response.

For retailers, veterinarians and distributors, this emerging category offers an opportunity to expand into a meaningful area of first-aid merchandising. As more pet owners recognize poisoning as a real risk, accessible charcoal options are likely to become a standard part of preparedness in pet homes. Emergency readiness for pets is entering a new phase — one where early action becomes more feasible, and outcomes can improve because intervention begins closer to the moment of exposure. Adoption of products like Ready RESCUE suggests that this shift is only just beginning.

DELEGATION AS LEADERSHIP

HOW TO GO FROM OVERWORKED TO IN CONTROL.

BY SHERYL GREEN

Whether you’re attending an industry conference or trying to unplug on vacation with your family, stepping away from day-to-day operations can feel nearly impossible for pet business owners. When you care deeply about your clients, their animals and your team, letting go can feel risky. Now is the perfect time to master an essential leadership skill that every successful pet business needs: delegation. As the owner or leader, it’s easy to feel like you need your hands on every leash, every schedule, every decision. After all, you built this business because you care. But when you try to do everything yourself, you are not protecting your business. You are putting it at risk.

This “hero complex” creates two major

problems. First, it creates a bottleneck. When all decisions run through you, the business slows down. Team members wait for approvals, workflows stall, and everything backs up like puppies crowding a doggy door.

Second, it leads to employee disengagement. You may think you’re helping, but what you’re actually doing is communicating to your staff members that you don’t believe they can handle their jobs. When staff believe you don’t trust their judgment, they stop taking initiative. Creativity drops. Ownership fades. Eventually, they start looking for a workplace where they can contribute instead of just following commands.

At the risk of being dramatic, refusing to delegate can destroy everything you’ve worked so hard to build. You didn’t get here by cutting corners. You likely built this business from the ground up, purchased it with hard-earned money, or worked your tail off until you earned a leadership role.

You rolled up your sleeves. You filled in when someone called out. You handled emergencies, difficult clients, and stressed animals personally. That work ethic is something to be proud of.

But as your business grows, the leadership role changes. You can no longer be the handler for every situation. Your job shifts from doing the work to training the team and strengthening the systems.

Delegation feels uncomfortable because it requires releasing some deeply ingrained beliefs:

• Delegating feels like dumping work on already overworked staff.

• You believe it will not be done right unless you do it yourself.

• Your value feels tied to being needed and fixing problems.

• You have been rewarded for firefighting, so stepping back feels wrong.

If any of these hit close to home, that awareness is a good thing. You cannot correct what you cannot see.

Delegation is not avoidance. It is a leadership boundary. Just as good animal training requires clear structure, consistency, and trust, so does leadership. You would not try to groom every dog, train every puppy, diagnose every health concern, or create every product yourself. You rely on specialists because that is how quality and safety are maintained.

The same principle applies to running your business. Your role is to focus on strategy, direction, training, and culture. When you spend your time cleaning kennels, building websites, micro-managing the marketing, or solving problems your team could handle, you are misusing your most valuable resource: your energy.

“We don’t lead our meetings, we facilitate them,” said Dr. Ivan Zakharenkov, veterinar-

Sheryl Green is a speaker, author and workplace culture consultant who is the author of ”You Had Me at No.”

ian and CEO of Galaxy Vets. “We bring the people together, and we allow them to solve their own issues. As the company’s CEO, I don’t know what the Moncton Veterinary Hospital technicians need to do better. I don’t know about how they package animals for cremation because I don’t work there, and my suggestions are unnecessary. But if you bring the three technicians who work at that hospital together to discuss the issue, they can resolve it themselves.”

Delegation is not giving up control. It is sharing ownership and creating growth.

“I learned that real delegation isn’t about handing off tasks — it’s about handing them to the person whose strengths move the work forward the fastest,” said Debra Mastic, Founder and CEO of Fluff Trough.

When everyone leans into what they do best, teamwork stops being polite collab-

oration and starts being real momentum. Once delegation stops feeling like a dirty word, the next step is doing it well. The goal is simple: you focus on leading, your team feels trusted, and the work gets done. This is where the PEC Method comes in.

Pause. Before jumping in to solve a problem, take a moment. Interrupt the reflex to fix everything yourself.

Evaluate. Ask yourself does this task truly require me, or just my involvement out of habit? Do I have the time, energy, and bandwidth to do this well? Is there a better use of my time that only I can handle?

Communicate. If the task belongs with someone else, hand it off with clarity. Start by defining what success looks like. Clear expectations prevent confusion and resentment.

Next, empower your team. Trust their judgment. They may approach the task differently than you would, and that is not a failure. That is growth.

Then, set a deadline and agreed-upon checkins. Be available, but do not hover. Constant monitoring communicates distrust faster than words ever could.

Finally, celebrate wins. Recognition builds confidence, reinforces accountability and strengthens loyalty. When you stop doing everyone else’s job, you finally get to do yours. Your team feels trusted. Satisfaction rises. Your business becomes more stable and resilient. Like a well-trained pack, everyone knows their role and works together smoothly.

Doing it all is not sustainable, and it is not leadership. Real leaders set boundaries, build systems, and develop people who can stand on their own.

Dental Care for Pets is at an Inflection Point

For a long time, pet dental care lagged behind other wellness categories and was largely treated as a cosmetic or secondary concern. The focus was often on freshening breath or surface-level cleaning, rather than addressing what was actually happening inside the mouth. Today, we are seeing a meaningful shift. Dental health is increasingly recognized as foundational to overall wellness, closely tied to comfort, longevity, and quality of life.

As the industry continues to evolve, brands have an opportunity — and a responsibility — to raise the standard of what pet parents should expect. The future of the dental aisle is not about louder claims; it is about better results, clearer education, and solutions that truly improve pets’ lives.

Here, Kristine Robinson, Brand Manager for Dinovite®, shares her insight on the subject.

Q: Why is a more aggressive approach to pet dental care important?

A: Dental disease does not just affect the mouth — it can impact eating, behavior, and long-term health. Pet parents are beginning to understand that bad breath is often a symptom, not the issue itself, and that addressing oral health earlier and more effectively can prevent bigger problems down the road.

From a consumer standpoint, we are seeing pet parents who are far more research driven. They are reading labels, looking for proof points, and asking whether a product actually works or simply masks the problem. This mirrors broader trends across pet health, where education and outcomes matter more than ever.

Q: How significant is this trend? Are retailers showing greater interest?

A: This trend is very real and continues to accelerate. As pet parents become more informed, they are actively seeking better dental solutions and expecting retailers to carry products that go beyond traditional approaches. Retailers, in turn, are paying closer attention to differentiation within the dental aisle — looking for innovation, science-backed claims, and products that can truly stand apart.

We are seeing more openness from retail partners to rethink how dental products are merchandised and discussed, especially as shoppers ask more questions and look for guidance on efficacy rather than just price or familiarity.

Q: Please elaborate on the new types of products that address better dental health.

A: The most exciting developments in dental care are products that look beyond mechanical cleaning alone. While texture and chewing action still matter, innovation should focus on supporting the oral environment itself — including addressing unwanted microbes associated with periodontal issues.

These newer solutions reflect a more holistic understanding of oral health, combining physical function with biological support. It is a move away from one-dimensional products toward solutions designed to work below the surface and deliver meaningful outcomes.

Q: How do these products improve the overall lives of pets?

A: When dental care addresses underlying oral health challenges, the impact on pets can be significant. Improved oral health can mean greater comfort when eating, reduced inflammation, and better overall well-being. Pets are more likely to enjoy their food, stay engaged, and avoid the discomfort that often goes unnoticed until it becomes severe.

From a pet parent perspective, effective dental care also reduces frustration — fewer products to trial, more confidence in results, and a simpler daily routine.

Q: What particular products from your family of brands target this trend?

A: Within our portfolio, Dinovite Triple Action Dental Chews were developed specifically with this next generation of dental care in mind. Our approach to dental mirrors how we have historically looked at pet health overall — focusing on underlying drivers rather than surface-level fixes. In this case, that means supporting oral health at a deeper level by helping reduce compounds associated with bad breath while also addressing unwanted oral microbes linked to periodontal disease.

This reflects our broader belief that dental products should do more than create the appearance of cleanliness — they should meaningfully support long-term dental health.

Q: Do you see this market growing significantly?

A: Yes, absolutely. While the dental chew aisle itself is highly saturated, effective dental care remains underpenetrated. Many products focus on similar surface-level approaches, which have limited long-term adoption and outcomes.

The surge in dog ownership during the COVID-19 pandemic — with roughly 1 in 5 U.S. households adding a dog or cat at that time — has left the industry with a large cohort of pets now entering middle and senior age, a period when dental wear and periodontal issues become more common. At the same time, rising veterinary costs and economic pressures have led some pet parents to delay vet visits, even as their pets age, making cost-effective preventive solutions more attractive.

As education improves and pet parents become less tolerant of short-term or cosmetic fixes, we are seeing growing demand for dental solutions that are both easy to use and genuinely effective. We expect continued expansion as innovation advances, veterinary conversations evolve, and consumers increasingly prioritize preventative care as part of everyday wellness.

Q: Why is your company’s commitment to this trend important to your corporate identity?

A: At our core, we are committed to creating products that address real pet parent needs – not just quick fixes. Supporting the evolution of pet dental care aligns with our broader mission to improve pet health through science-informed, practical solutions that fit into everyday routines.

Our approach to dental care reflects how we think about wellness overall: guided by research, focused on meaningful benefits, and designed to earn the trust of today’s educated pet parent.

RICARDO

AZEVEDO

CEO, WOOF GANG BAKERY & GROOMING

How did your background benefit you when you were named Woof Gang CEO in 2022?

My background has always been rooted in building brands that balance strong unit economics with an authentic customer experience, and that perspective has been invaluable since stepping into the CEO role at Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming in 2022. Prior to Woof Gang, I worked across franchised and multi-unit concepts. My time in these roles taught me that sustainable growth occurs only when franchise partners are supported. When the franchise partners are supported, they are better able to ensure that the brand promise is delivered consistently at the local level. However, what prepared me most for Woof Gang was my exposure to consumer-facing brands where trust is earned daily. In pet care, trust is everything. Customers are not just choosing a service or a product. They are entrusting us with a beloved family member. My background helped me approach the role with a clear understanding that operational excellence, brand integrity and emotional connection must work together.

How does one make a successful pet franchise brand?

A successful pet franchise brand starts with a clear point of view and the discipline to protect it. In a crowded and fast-growing pet industry, brands that try to be everything to everyone often lose their identity. At Woof Gang, we are very intentional about who we are: a neighborhood pet destination centered on grooming excellence, delicious and healthy treats, and genuine care. Equally

important is the franchisee partnership. A franchise brand only succeeds when its owners succeed. That means listening to franchisees and evolving systems based on real-world feedback. It also means investing in the tools and resources that make their businesses easier to operate and more profitable. The support that comes from transparency and consistency is non-negotiable. People are another critical factor. Groomers and store teams are the face of the brand, and investing in their safety and career development directly impacts customer experience. How would you describe an ideal pet brand that Woof Gang seeks to carry in its boutiques?

The ideal pet brand we carry at Woof Gang shares our values: quality, transparency, and purpose. We look for brands that are intentional about ingredients, sourcing, and formulation, not trends for the sake of trends. Products must deliver real benefits for pets, whether that’s improved nutrition, enrichment, or wellness. Equally important is brand integrity. We partner with companies that understand their responsibility to serve pet families and are equally committed to education, safety, and consistency. Many of the brands we carry are founder-led or mission-driven, which align well with our own culture.

What is a “Woof Gang grooming experience”?

The Woof Gang grooming experience is best described as professional, personalized, and rooted in love. From the moment a pet parent walks into one of our boutiques, the

experience should feel warm, welcoming and trustworthy. Grooming at Woof Gang is not transactional; it’s relational. Our grooming philosophy centers on safety, communication, and individualized care. We take the time to understand each pet’s needs, from their temperament to their comfort level. Our groomers are highly trained professionals who view grooming as both a skill and a responsibility. Cleanliness, transparency and gentle handling are core to everything we do. What truly sets the Woof Gang grooming experience apart is the emotional connection we offer. Pet parents should feel confident leaving their dog with us, knowing they are treated with patience and respect. When they return, they don’t just see a great haircut — they see a happy dog. That feeling is what brings customers back and turns a grooming appointment into a long-term relationship.

What is your earliest memory of having a family pet?

One of my earliest memories is the companionship of having a dog in our home growing up. I remember how naturally a pet becomes part of the family. They are present for all of life’s most exciting moments, as well as everyday routines and those quiet moments. Even at a young age, I understood that pets offer something special: unconditional loyalty and comfort. Those early experiences stayed with me and shaped how I view pet care today. Pets rely on us completely, and that responsibility deserves respect. It’s one of the reasons I’m so passionate about the work we do at Woof Gang.

TO BE BETTER-NATURALLY

Rotary molded—never extruded—then gently oven-baked and basted with bone broth. A baked difference they can taste, and you can trust. WE ARE DEDICATED TO

Find out what’s baking at Global Pet Expo Booth #4454

WAGGMORE PET BOUTIQUE

HOW A NJ BANK WAS CONVERTED INTO A DOG TREAT BAKERY.

BY AMINA ACCRAM BROOKS

In 2016, when Christopher Murch first toyed with the idea of opening a pet store, he had no way of knowing the inspiration behind his dog treat enterprise would trace back to his rescue mutt dog named Toby.

“I could not have a dog growing up,” said Murch. “Everyone in my household was allergic so when I got my own place, I got Mega Mutt. He was a lot of everything, the fuel and inspiration for opening my own dog business. He passed away in 2024.”

In 2017, Murch opened his first brickand-mortar pet store, WaggMore, a tiny 500-square-foot boutique in Lake Mohawk, New Jersey. It sold traditional pet products like toys, food and had a single self-wash station. Soon, he was experimenting with dog treats, and Toby became his chief tester, alongside other dogs belonging to family and friends.

“We just learned from customers’ feedback the growth of the pet industry and what was good for us and what wasn’t. We did some homework, studied and learned how to make our own dog treats. Entrepreneurship runs in my blood, in my family. My grandfather and my father owned their own businesses,” said Murch. “At first the treats were made at home, baked then finished in dehydrators to extend shelf life.”

Murch said he outgrew his old space and as his businesses venture took off so did his dog treats. He started to look for a new location but then the pandemic hit.

Just as things were starting to look up, the COVID pandemic hit and, in 2020, Murch was forced to keep his business afloat by making dog food home deliveries.

“That kept us going for the first couple months of the pandemic,” recalled Murch. It was during this time that he saw an old bank for sale in town, a few blocks away from his old store.

“I was crazy enough to buy the old bank, which is now my flagship store and roughly houses 2,000-square-feet on each floor,” he explained.

The two-story building houses the retail store downstairs and multiple self-wash stations. Upstairs is a wide -open production kitchen filled with dehydrators and ovens, which run about six days a week. The store bakes a wide range of treats, including Doggy Crack.

“We used to call it Chicken Jerky, but customers kept coming in saying, ‘Whatever I bought last time, they got hooked on it. They got addicted, they’re like, this is crack for dogs,’ ” he said.

Today, WaggMore Pet Boutique & Bakery processes about 340 pounds of chicken tenderloins each week. Each

batch takes roughly 74 hours from baking to dehydration. Murch sells his treats through his store, on Amazon and through regional distributors.

According to Murch, Doggy Crack alone generated about $24,000 in direct store sales, excluding distributor revenue, last year. He expects closer to $30,000 through distribution this year.

Meanwhile, the store employs seven people and leans heavily into locally sourced products, from handmade collars to toys produced within 20 to 25 miles of the shop.

“I would say 60 to 65% of our store stock is treats,’ he noted. “We try to be very different from a typical box store where you find all the traditional brands.”

Murch has no immediate plans to expand beyond his current operations.

He intends to soon launch Archie’s Dog Bakery, a specialty brand dedicated to birthday cakes, donuts and celebration treats. Named after his current dog, the brand is set to roll out online and on Amazon.

For Murch, success isn’t about growth; instead, it is about honoring the dog that started it all – Toby.

“He was my first dog, my first son,” he concluded. “The one that started this all.”

BOREDOM BUSTERS

THESE TOYS CAN BOOST YOUR SALES IN 2026.

BY GLENN A. POLYN

The dog and cat toy categories are constantly evolving, and they’re both experiencing dynamic shifts driven by consumer values, changing lifestyles and product innovations.

In 2026, pet retailers have a unique opportunity to capitalize on the trends by aligning their product mix with emerging consumer demands and merchandising their toy offerings in ways that will increase engagement and customer loyalty.

Pet toys to focus on for 2026 include interactive, durable and mentally stimulating designs, with top trends including puzzle feeders and eco-friendly materials.

Sustainability matters with today’s pet parents, and today’s pet toys reflect that. Eco-conscious products are no longer a niche concept; instead, they’re expected by consumers. From recycled fabrics to biodegradable materials, the eco-conscious pet parent is looking for more than just cute and colorful.

Pet parents have come to associate sustainability with brand ethics and, therefore, they are willing to pay a premium for toys that minimize environmental impact. Examples of sustainability innovations to consider include toys made from recycled ocean plastics, natural latex and compostable packaging. Pet parents are also realizing the benefits

of mental stimulation. Therefore, they are seeking toys that do more than entertain. That means the product needs to stimulate the pet’s mind, reinforce learning and prevent boredom. Interactive puzzle toys challenge dogs to think, sniff and work for their reward. These toys reduce boredom, anxiety, and even destructive behaviors.

In 2013, SodaPup launched its first product in the Can Toy, a durable rubber treat dispenser and chew toy. A few years later, the brand started producing nylon chew toys in 2019. This started SodaPup down the road that resulted in it evolving into an enrichment-focused company, which

is how it has played a major role in the creation of the enrichment product category in 2022.

SodaPup’s products are designed to engage dogs both mentally and physically, offering interactive play and feeding experiences with treat-dispensing toys, durable chews and enrichment products that promote healthy feeding habits.

In recent years, with support from a strong social media following, SodaPup has developed a wide range of enrichment products, including slow feeder bowls, mats and lick sticks, developed a proprietary material called PUP-X and expanded its line of Honey Bone Nylon

Chew Toys, which are designed for dogs who love to chew and promote healthy dental habits.

All SodaPup products are made in the United States from non-toxic, FDA compliant materials. With a focus on canine enrichment, SodaPup’s products are designed to enhance the physical and mental well-being of dogs through interactive play.

According to SodaPup Founder Adam Baker, a trend that started in 2025 and is gaining momentum this year is the return-towork trend.

“All the people that got pets during the pandemic are returning to work, leaving their dogs at home alone for the first time,” Baker said. “This is creating loneliness

and separation for dogs, and perhaps some “acting out” behaviors that can be challenging on their relationship. It also produces guilt for the pet parents.” He points to this as the reason for the growing “enrichment as necessity” trend, where such products as food-based enrichment puzzles are no longer a niche luxury. Thus, enrichment products are

quickly moving into the mainstream. “The challenge is to create enrichment products that dogs can be left with unsupervised, while home alone,” Baker sad. “SodaPup is addressing this durability requirement in novel ways. For example, we have developed two products lines of nylon enrichment products that we call eChews (enrichment chews) and eCoins (enrichment coins). Made from the same material as durable nylon dog bones, these products are designed to incorporate food. Whereas traditional lick mats can be easily chewed up if not supervised, our eChew and eCoins are built to take a licking and keep on ticking.”

Another brand that designs toys that mentally stimulate pets is Starmark Pet Products, which has been a world leader in pet

education for more than 30 years, with its dog training and boarding center being recognized as one of the most comprehensive in the world by providing practical training solutions and luxury boarding services. This understanding of dogs and hands-on knowledge finds its way into the development of the pet products that the brand creates and sells throughout the U.S. and in over 45 countries. This includes treats and toys that are made in Texas at Starmark’s FDA- and APHIS-approved manufacturing facility.

“What may look like a simple toy can often be much more to our pets,” said Emily Benson, Marketing Director at Starmark. “Play is a vitally important part of a well-rounded life for our pets that provides mental stimulation, stress relief, and an outlet for energy. Interactive toys

deliver all these things for our pets while they learn problem solving skills, as well as build confidence as they continue learning and developing those skills.”

Starmark’s pet products reflect the way dogs learn and have fun, and create mental stimulation and interactive play toys, training tools and treats.

Starmark expects a lot of focus on purpose-driven toys that are also economically conscientious. Even as many pet owners continue to feel financial strains, they still want to provide enrichment for their pets.

Toys that engage pets in puzzle solving or other mentally stimulating activities have been building popularity as pet owners are seeking ways to alleviate boredom in their pets and provide more fulfilling lives for them. These toys provide additional value when they are long-lasting and can

be paired with treats to encourage return sales with the retailer.

Starmark’s Everlasting Bento Ball, Everlasting Sprocket and Treat Dispensing Chew Ball are among its top selling toys. Both the Bento Ball and Sprocket utilize Starmark’s Everlasting Treats that must be chewed to be removed. In addition, the Everlasting Treats are designed to mimic the hardness of natural bone, so they grind down slowly and, according to Benson, dogs love the flavor. Meanwhile, the Chew Ball can be filled with small treats or kibble, and it features “fingers” at the openings to prevent food from falling out too easily.

Unlike dogs, felines have a finicky side that can create a frustrated cat parents. However, when it comes to tried-andtrue toys for cats, wands and catnip have proven to be two formulas for success.

Cat toys are designed to make playtime feel like a feline hunting adventure.

Wand toys, which stimulate that instinctual behavior of stalking, hunting and

pouncing, often require a human being to keep a cat engaged, thus enhancing the human-animal bond. Such brands as Vee Enterprises have become recognized for their modular wand systems that feature interchangeable ends (feathers, fabric, etc) to keep playtime fresh and fun, while also enabling the cat to exercise and help manage its weight and reduce stress levels.

However, plush toys that contain catnip are a popular category that provides a cat to remain entertained when it’s on its own. Duckyworld is an expert brand when it comes to catnip toys, with its imaginative Duckyworld Yeowww! plush creations – ranging from their newest toys like Daisy’s Flower Tops and Mo Betta Fish to cult favorites like the Banana, Stinkies Sardines or their Butterflies – all packed with plenty of

NEW LOOK. SAME GREAT PRODUCTS! Coming 2026

Special Report DOG AND CAT TOYS

organically grown catnip to satisfy the cravings of any feline.

Packed with potent, U.S.-made catnip and finished with playful, giftable designs, Duckyworld Yeowww! catnip toys stand out on the shelf and encourage repeat purchases. Their compact size, bright seasonal look, and trusted quality make them adorable impulse buys and highly giftable add-ons for spring endcaps, countertop displays, and themed cat sections.

“Our retail partners love the bright colors and fun designs that draw shoppers to their cat section,” said Kris Kaiser, director of marketing for Duckyworld.

“When customers bring our toys home and receive that wild and enthusiastic response from their cats, they’re inevitably back in store for more. We suggest retailers bring in a variety of shapes and textures along with those more iconic

designs to encourage repeat purchases.”

Cats are often drawn to movement and a variety of textures, materials and sounds; therefore, they find more interest in toys with moving parts or crinkly toys with fabric that they can dig their claws into.

Coastal Pet Products has become a gotoy brand for its Bergan Turbo Track line of cat toys. The toy is easy to assemble, and the pieces feature a simple twist-lock design that allows for an infinite number of track configurations.

Special Report DOG AND CAT TOYS

What sets the Turbo Track cat toy apart is its assortment of track shapes, offering a variety of configurations to keep the fun fresh and engaging. Cats will love chasing after the ball as it zooms around the track, providing both physical activity and mental stimulation. Once the cat is done playing, the toy can be disassembled and stored with minimal space. One of the newer toy innovations involves turning it into a health tool, and ChewMate has managed to incorporate its TreatBrush into a dog or cat toothbrush toy.

Designed by ChewMate founder Dr. Allan Coopersmith, the groundbreaking product allows a dog or cat to brush and floss its own teeth as the pet chews and plays with the toy, making dental care a fun and interactive experience for a pet. By incorporating a toothbrush toy into a dog or cat’s daily routine, pet parents are able to help promote good oral hygiene and prevent dental issues.

Products like TreatBrush by ChewMate offer a science-backed toothbrush designed to allow dogs and cats to brush and floss their own teeth. The Treatbrush oral care toy allows the dog or cat to brush its own teeth all the way to the gum line, as the pet’s teeth penetrate the patented “Floss Slots.”

For dogs, the TreatBrush comes in a bone and football shape. By inserting the dog’s favorite treat into the TreatBrush, the toy’s “Floss Slots” ensure a thorough cleaning every time.

Meanwhile, the TreatBrush for cats comes in two versions, a treat-dispensing ball and plushy mouse that holds catnip. With its floss slots and a plush innovative design, cats can’t get enough of the excitement and engagement.

In the past, toy sales typically relied on shelves featuring plenty of options in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors. However, having the right inventory is only part of a successful strategy. The proper displays will create maximum impact on

What do toy manufacturers feel are the important factors when it comes to encouraging shoppers to make a toy purchase? According to Benson of Starmark, blocking toys by type (e.g., fetch toys or treat dispensing toys) tends to help customers find what they are looking for and compare their options. Displaying accompanying treats with their toy counterparts makes an easy reference for customers. Shelf and counter displays also can help call out new or promotional sale items, so they aren’t lost in the regular inventory set.

Demo stations or interactive displays are an effective way to increase sales by letting customers touch and test textures or other features. Iin addition, instead of grouping toys by pet category, some retailers have gotten creative by organizing by play style or using educational signage to effectively call out such topics as “heavy chewers,” “brain boosters,” “pair with treats,” “eco-friendly” or “recycled materials.”

A proven theme among toys that sell are those with fun themes and designs – from pop culture references to spoofing food or iconic human products. When looking to bolster or promote these offerings, savvy retailers turn to social media to

discover what’s trending for holidays or that particular season. This comes in handy as seasonal assortments often help independent retailers stand out with timely, giftable, story-driven products that feel new and exciting.

And one thing that social media has shows, offering “the next big thing” that’s blowing up on social media can help a store stand out from its competition. Baker has gained a reputation with SodaPup having a broad product offering that allows retailers to differentiate their toy assortment. And with several of his SodaPup products becoming viral sensations on social media, he notes that pet parents often discover his brand on TikTok and Instagram. Therefore, if there are multiple brick-and-mortar retailers in a specific geographic area, they most likely do not carry the exact same variety of products.

“We introduce more new products than our competitors and make them available to Indie retailers in real time,” he added.

“We don’t wait for trade shows to launch. Because Indie retailers are more nimble than large retailers, they often get a ‘first mover’ advantage with our products –carrying new items that other, larger retailers won’t consider until their next annual buying cycle.”

the store merchandise.

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DOGGINSTIX

SODAPUP CATIT

ZILLA

WONDER BARK

SHARE THE LOVE, ONE TREAT AT A TIME!

Stock your shelves with Mommy’s Kisses by Wonder Bark! Small-batch, all-natural treats. Everyday favorite dogs love and retailers trust. MSRP: $7.99.

@ wonderbarktreats.com

WORLD’S BEST CAT LITTER®

WORLD’S BEST CAT LITTER® GOOD HABITS™

Break bad habits with the long-lasting power of corn, combined with natural plant-derived ingredients that naturally and safely attract cats to the box.

| 877-367-2225

@ worldsbestcatlitter.com

SODAPUP "ESTICKS" (ENRICHMENT STICKS)

Sodapup eSticks are an ingenious improvement to the traditional target training stick by combining foodbased enrichment with target training.

| 720-272-9664

@ sodapup.com

CHEWMATE™ PRO TOOTHBRUSH FOR DOGS

Revolutionary toothbrush making doggy dental care easy. Double brushes clean both sides of a dog’s tooth at once. Built in finger protector and mouth prop.

| 877-677-5277

@ getchewmate.com

CATIT RECIPES DOUBLE FUSION KITTEN - CHICKEN RECIPES

Crafted for kittens up to 12 months, this Catit Recipe offers a balanced diet to support your kitten’s growth and vitality.

| 800-451-2817

@ catit.com

SODAPUP

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DOFU CAT

TOFU SPA LITTER

Upgrade your cat's litter routine with Dofu Cat's latest Tofu Spa Litter. It's fast-clumping, 100% natural, odor-locking, dust-free litter that's gentle on the noses and paws.

@ dofucat.com

PETRAGEOUS DESIGNS®

DINOVITE TRIPLE ACTION TARGETED ORAL CARE CHEWS

Powered by a proven postbiotic, these chews stop plaque at the source, support a healthy oral microbiome, and deliver fresher breath—going beyond ordinary chews.

@ dinovite.com DINOVITE

WELLNESS PET FOOD

WELLNESS® SIGNATURE SELECTS™

Five new hand-crafted, gourmet recipes for your cat with unique, premium proteins. Irresistible taste with savory sauces and broths supporting healthy hydration.

| 800-225-0904

@ wellnesspetfood.com

ESPREE HYPOALLERGENIC DOG SHAMPOO & CONDITIONER

Professional Groomers— maximize value with our 2-in-1 formula that soothes sensitive skin. Tearless, gentle and trusted for premium results. Buy two gallons, get two free on your first two orders.

@ espreeprofessionals.com

STRETCHRAGEOUS MONKEY, PLUSH DOG TOY

Teal plush dog toy with squeaker body, crinkle-filled stretchy limbs, embroidered details, hanging loop, and soft polyfill to encourage engaging playtime. 18 inches in length.

| 800-893-9893

@ petrageousdesigns.com

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VITAKRAFT® MEATYMORSELS

Vitakraft® MeatyMorsels feature real chicken as the first ingredient and a proprietary two-piece design, creating a high-value meaty reward dogs work for.

| 800-221-6175

@ vitakraft.us

FURCLEANSE

BEST SHOT

THE MAXX MIRACLE DETANGLER CONCENTRATE

Not the stuff Grandma used for matted messes! This concentrated additive can be added to any shampoo or conditioner or diluted with water to make a spray.

| 800-735-5251

@ ultramaxpro.com

BEST CAT LITTER®

WORLD’S BEST CAT LITTER® HEALTH CHECK-IN™ BOOSTERS™ LITTER ADDITIVE

CULINARY HARVEST OVEN-BAKED KIBBLE

Nulo Culinary Harvest™ combines minimally processed, oven-baked recipes with rich flavor and 80-90% animalbased protein for wholesome everyday meals.

| 512-476-6856

@ nulo.com

Finally, all-purpose laundry detergent made for life with pets! Powered by FurCLEANSE technology to clean soiling, remove pet hair, and eliminate odor in every load.

@ wholesale@uprootclean.com

@ uprootclean.com

An easy-to-read health monitoring litter additive that can be sprinkled on top of your cat’s litter and shows results for 48 hours.

| 877-367-2225

@ worldsbestcatlitter.com

NULO PET FOOD

UPROOT CLEAN

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DOGGINSTIX

DOGGINSTIX BRAIDED LAMB COLLAGEN BAGS

Powerful, long-lasting braided lamb collagen chews engineered for maximum durability. Strengthens joints, supports skin, and keeps dogs obsessed. Each bag delivers a proven bestseller.

| 352-234-3885

@ dogginstix.com

SODAPUP ECHEW NYON ENRICHMENT AND CHEW TOYS

Sodapup eChews are durable nylon chew toys that also double as a lick mat. Say goodbye to destroyed lick mats!

| 720-272-9664 @ sodapup.com

WELLNESS PET FOOD

WELLNESS® APPETIZING ENTREES™ KITTEN

NULO GENTLY-COOKED MEALS

Nulo’s Gently-Cooked Meals are minimally processed retaining their natural texture, aroma and nutrients for a bowl that's both nourishing and satisfying.

| 512-476-6856 @ nulo.com

New recipes for kittens formulated with DHA to support brain and eye development. Made with delicious, premium proteins—no artificial flavors, preservatives or colors.

| 800-225-0904

@ wellnesspetfood.com/appetizing-entrees

CATIT

CATIT GO NATURAL! PEA HUSK LITTER, UNSCENTED

Catit Go Natural! Unscented Pea Husk Litter is perfect for cat owners looking for a natural, fragrance-free solution that still delivers on performance. Strong clumping, 99% dust free and ultra absorbent.

| 800-451-2817

@ catit.com

NULO PET FOOD

SODAPUP

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PET PRODUCTS

TUFF TOASTER

Tuff Toaster pops up multiple challenge levels for Waffle Chews. Durable, refillable and freezable for a fun puzzle snack anytime! Two sizes. Made in USA.

| 877-823-7847

@ starmarkacademy.com

SPECIALTY PET PRODUCTS, LLC

PET ODOR EXTERMINATOR

Made in the USA, these candles and sprays are 100% guaranteed to work, successfully eliminating unwanted pet odors. Pet Odor Exterminator, trusted to do the job!

| 866-540-7457

@ petodorsolution.com

NUTRISOURCE PET FOODS

CHOICE BEEF

MEAL & BARLEY RECIPE AND CHOICE WHITEFISH MEAL & RICE RECIPE

NutriSource Choice grain inclusive formulas are supplemented with taurine, choline chloride and L-Carnitine to support heart health. A choice you can count on!

| 503-487-4304

@ nutrisourcepetfoods.com

NATOO PET FOODS

NATOO DOG & CAT FOOD TOPPER VARIETY PACKS

Crafted in Natoo’s solar-powered kitchens, these protein-boosted toppers add variety, flavor and hydration, elevating any dry or wet food.

| 844-344-6500

@ natoopetfoods.com

VITAKRAFT®

VITAKRAFT® MEATYSTICK

Vitakraft® MeatyStick delivers real meat flavor slow smoked over beechwood, individually wrapped for freshness—an ideal meaty treat for everyday rewarding routines.

| 800-221-6175

@ vitakraft.us

STARMARK

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LEATHER

BROTHERS, INC.

BRITISH ROPE SLIP LEASHES

A collar and leash all in one! Engineered with a slip loop, allowing for quick yet gentle leashing of your dog. Made in USA.

| 800-442-5522

@ leatherbrothers.com

VITAKRAFT® MEATYBITS

Vitakraft® MeatyBits training treats combine high-quality proteins with real beechwood smoking, for an irresistible aroma and meaty taste that take training to the next level.

| 800-221-6175

@ vitakraft.us

BEST SHOT

ULTRAMAX ANTI-STAT+ SCISSOR SPRAY

Lightweight for manageability, brushing, combing, scissoring, and removing tangles. Say goodbye to fly-away and static hair forever!

| 800-735-5251

@ ultramaxpro.com

IZOD WATER REPELLANT PACKABLE RAINCOAT

Waterproof raincoat features reflective trim for safety, Velcro closures, and bright colors such as orange and watermelon. Coats fold easily into a convenient storage pouch.

| 917-977-0721

@ k9wear.com

BADLANDS RANCH

BADLANDS RANCH SUPERFOOD MORSELS

Superfood Morsels combines gently baked dog food with a nutrientrich, freeze-dried raw superfood coating. Available in three delicious formulas – Beef, Chicken and Wild Fish & Turkey.

| 818-835-9134

@ badlandsranch.com

K9 WEAR

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BADLANDS RANCH

BADLANDS RANCH SUPERFOOD NUGGETS

Premium, freeze-dried raw dog food topper carefully formulated to supercharge a dog’s meals with irresistible flavor and powerful nutrition – perfect for upgrading mealtime or serving as a tasty treat!

| 818-835-9134

@ badlandsranch.com

AQUEON

AQUEON PRO TANKS

A trusted tank made in the USA, offering consistent quality, retailer confidence, and a 5-year warranty that reassures customers.

| 888-255-4527

@ aqueon.com/products/aqueon-pro

DOGGINSTIX COLLABONE

Unlock a new level of enrichment. This uniquely shaped beef collagen bone is engineered for maximum durability, dental health and easy digestion. The ultimate long-lasting obsession.

| 352-234-3885

@ dogginstix.com

ZILLA

ZILLA REPTILE

COMFORT BEDDING

Clean, bright, and easy to maintain bedding that supports natural burrowing, simplifies spot-cleaning, and appeals to customers wanting low-humidity reptile setups.

| 888-255-4527

@ zillarules.com

AQUEON PRO QUIETFLOW AQUARIUM POWER FILTER

An upgrade filter customers ask for with better clarity, less mess, quiet performance, flexible filtration choices, and a lifetime warranty they trust.

| 888-255-4527

@ aqueon.com AQUEON

DOGGINSTIX

Spring Wellness: Dogs Need a Dental Treat that Works

Spring is the season when pet parents reset routines and look for healthier habits that are simple to maintain. Yet one major wellness gap persists: over 80% of dogs over age 3 have tartar buildup leading to gum disease. Most dental treats still struggle to remove hardened tartar or reach beneath the gumline—leaving retailers with a category full of products that don’t fully solve the problem.

Yummy Combs® changes the spring wellness story by combining clinically proven dental care with complete, balanced nutrition in a single daily treat. Its patented honeycomb shape provides deep, 360° flossing and scrubbing action with up to 256 cleaning surfaces for superior contact along the teeth and gumline. In clinical evaluation, Yummy Combs® was shown to reduce hardened tartar by 26.6% in 60 days and cut halitosis by 46% with one treat per day.

But what makes Yummy Combs® especially relevant for Spring Wellness is its premium nutritional profile —a rarity in the dental category. Yummy Combs® delivers 44% superior‑quality protein—far higher than the ~14% average for dental treats. With less than 7% starch and all 22 essential amino acids, it supports metabolic health, muscle maintenance, and daily vitality. It’s also complete and balanced, providing essential vitamins and minerals in proper ratios for whole‑body wellness. Yummy Combs® is the only dental treat on the market that meets the rising demand for clean, functional pet nutrition.

For retailers, Yummy Combs® offers a standout, science‑backed product perfect for Spring wellness promotions—one that drives repeat purchases and elevates the entire dental set with true, measurable benefits.

Yummy Combs® was made for real life. No guilt. No lectures. Just a smarter solution pet parents can stick with— and a must‑have product retailers can feel confident recommending. The best dental routine is the one dogs will actually use.

Scan to read about our 60-day clinical trial! 44%

Springtime P arty

How It Works:

NEW! 24oz. Big Pack with a $5 consumer rebate.

4 Pet parents are 75% more likely to buy a product if a rebate is offered.

4 With 82% of pet parents giving treats daily and most running out within a week, Yummy Combs® 24oz. Big Pack fills the gap. $5 Consumers save more with a REBATE

2026 June‑August Promotion:

How It Works:

Floor Stand

Offer: Buy (25) 12oz. bags, get five (5) FREE. Promotional MSRP of $19.99.

Tower Offer: Buy (54) 12oz. bags, get 18 FREE. Promotional MSRP of $17.99.

4 The lower MSRP + 12oz. Size = an impulse opportunity. 65% of consumers who purchase treats do so on impulse.

Scan here for specs and order forms:

Contact us at: info@petsbestlife.com petsbestlife.com/petage

EARTH ANIMAL

At Earth Animal, you can feel the difference when care is built into the details. For over 45 years, our founder Dr. Bob Goldstein’s holistic veterinary experience, alongside Susan Goldstein’s advocacy, has shaped a simple belief: caring for animals should be kinder, and it should be backed by veterinary-led formulations. Everything we create is Crafted with Heart + Science, combining empathy and integrity with disciplined standards retailers can trust on shelf.

That approach comes to life across our newest innovations: Dr. Bob Goldstein’s No-Hide® ‘From the Grill’ Bacon Cheeseburger chews deliver craveable chewing satisfaction with thoughtful ingredients and a Highly Digestible promise that helps reassure the modern shopper. Dr. Bob Goldstein’s Wisdom® From the Air food and jerky bring ‘Exceptional nutrition’ to the bowl and treat routine, using our proprietary air-drying technique and purposeful ingredients designed to support gut-first vitality and steady everyday energy. And Dr. Bob Goldstein’s Nature’s Protection® offers plant-powered flea and tick support for pet parents looking for effective protection without relying on synthetic pesticides.

As the category evolves, we’ll keep raising the bar on what “better” looks like—creating products that earn trust through standards, inspire trial through meaningful benefits, and build loyalty through everyday results, guided by the same 45+ years of veterinary experience and advocacy that started Earth Animal in the first place.

DR. BOB GOLDSTEIN’S NOHIDE® ‘FROM THE GRILL’ BACON CHEESEBURGER

Highly digestible chews made with beef, bacon, cheddar, and natural hickory smoke. Veterinary formulated with no bleach, synthetics, or fillers. Made in the USA.

DR. BOB GOLDSTEIN’S WISDOM® FROM THE AIR

FOOD & JERKY

Featuring sustainably sourced quail, duck, and goose with gut-first ingredients including organs. Ideal for sensitive stomachs and rotational feeding. Veterinary formulated.

DR. BOB GOLDSTEIN’S NATURE’S PROTECTION® FLEA & TICK SYSTEM

More than a product, it’s a daily practice. Internal support plus external defense with essential oils and botanicals. 100% plant-powered. Made in the USA.

PETCO, JSX REIMAGINE PET-INCLUSIVE AIR TRAVEL

Award-winning public charter air carrier JSX has announced a new partnership with leading pet retailer Petco designed to elevate the air travel experience for pet families across the country. The partnership reimagines the future of pet-inclusive air travel through new thoughtfully enriched pet amenities, including inflight treats, travel essentials and co-branded swag, as well as JSX charitable initiatives, such as pet adoption events, through the national nonprofit organization Petco Love.

JSX Customers traveling with dogs and cats will experience a full suite of complimentary Petco-provided amenities available across JSX’s robust U.S. flight network, designed to enhance the ease and convenience of the JSX air travel experience for all, including pet travel essentials, Petco-sponsored pet relief stations and Petco-branded JSX aircraft, in honor of the partnership. “Pets experience the world through us, and when we bring them along on our adventures we turn every trip into an opportunity to make their world bigger, better and more connected to ours,” said Chief Customer and Product Officer at Petco, Michael Romanko. “This partnership goes beyond convenience — it’s about inclusion, and giving pet families across the country even more ways to bond and have fun with the pets they love most.”

As a premier innovator in true family travel in all forms, JSX is the first U.S. air carrier of its type to formally recognize pets as

participants in the brand’s new Club JSX loyalty ecosystem. Customers can create sub profiles for their dog or cat, tied to one human, where participants can view how many Rewards their pet has earned as their companion, fully shareable across a family pool.

“JSX has always believed that pets are family and so it’s only natural for us to partner with Petco to improve the travel journey for all from nose to tail,” said JSX Chief Commercial Officer, David Drabinsky. “Together, we’re raising the bar on pet-friendly travel – delivering a simpler, more joyful experience for pets and their humans.”

SPAIN’S AGROLIMEN ACQUIRES OLLIE

Agrolimen, a family-owned global food group with a long-standing commitment to quality, innovation, and longterm stewardship, recently announced the purchase of Ollie, a well-known fresh, human-grade dog food brand in the United States.

Founded in 2016, Ollie has helped define the fresh dog food category by combining veterinary-backed nutrition, data-driven personalization, and a thoughtfully designed customer experience. Ollie received strategic backing from a group of investors including Primary Venture Partners, Canaan Partners, Quadrille Capital, ECP Growth and Lerer Hippeau. Their support and joint ambition helped Ollie launch and scale its innovative fresh food products, build a national cold-chain infrastructure and deliver strong category leadership. Nick Stafford, chief executive officer of Ollie, posted the following statement on LinkedIn on February 6: “Today marks a meaningful moment for Ollie. I’m so proud to share that Ollie has been acquired by Agrolimen, a team with whom we truly share ambition and values. It’s an exciting next chapter as we continue our work to deliver the highest-quality human-grade fresh pet food, unique CV/AI-powered health screenings, and a thoughtful wellbeing experience for dogs.”

He continued: “From day one, Ollie has been built around a simple belief: dogs deserve the same care, intention, and love we give to every member of our family. Watching that belief take shape — through our growth, our community, and an extraordinary team of veterinary, food science, operations, growth, customer experience, finance, HR and technology experts — has been one of the great privileges of my career. I want to say thank you to the extraordinary people whose dedication, talent, and sense of purpose carried us to this moment. I’m deeply grateful, and incredibly proud of what we’ve built together.”

“Ollie has built something special by putting dogs and their people at the center of every decision,” said Juan Martin Alonso, CEO of Agrolimen. “We are excited to support the next chapter of Ollie’s growth, while preserving the brand’s distinct voice, values and ambition.”

There are no changes planned to Ollie’s leadership, operations or customer experience. The company will continue to be headquartered in the United States and led by its existing management team. Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC served as financial advisor to Ollie and Gunderson Dettmer Stough Villeneuve Franklin & Hachigian, LLP acted as its legal advisor.

CHAMPION PETFOODS APPOINTS GENERAL MANAGER, NORTH AMERICA

Champion Petfoods, a global leader in premium natural pet food, has announced the appointment of Jaime Mahoney as General Manager, North America. In this newly established leadership role, Mahoney will oversee the company’s business operations across the United States and Canada, driving regional strategy for its award-winning ORIJEN and ACANA brands.

The creation of a dedicated General Manager structure for North America reflects Champion’s commitment to matching the scale of its regional opportunities with bold growth ambitions.

Mahoney will lead a full North American Leadership Team to sharpen market focus and unlock the next phase of value for the business.

Mahoney joins Champion Petfoods from JDE Peet’s, where

she most recently served as CEO of JDE USA, leading their premium tea and coffee portfolios through a period of exceptional growth. Her background spans general management, e-commerce, marketing, innovation and global supply chain logistics.

“Jaime is a visionary leader who knows exactly how to capture the heart of the premium market,” said Stacey Osborn, President of Champion Petfoods. “Her expertise in scaling high-growth brands and her bold approach to storytelling make her the ideal choice to accelerate our momentum and redefine our North American footprint.”

Beyond her corporate leadership, Mahoney is a dedicated advocate for professional development. She serves as a Board Director for the Center for Women & Enterprise and is actively involved with mentorship at Babson College.

ADORE PET PARTNERS WITH INDEPENDENT PET SUPPLY

ADORE Pet, a trusted leader in natural pet oral care and wellness solutions, announced a new strategic distribution partnership with Independent Pet Supply Distributors (IPS). Starting immediately, ADORE Pet’s product line will be available through IPS, expanding access for independent pet retailers across the Western United States, including Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana.

“IPS has a strong reputation for supporting independent retailers and bringing meaningful brands to market,” said Andrew Groth, President of ADORE Pet. “This partnership allows us to better support Pacific Northwest retailers with proven, education-driven products that give pet parents real confidence.”

Founded in 1995 by Keya and Neda Khorami, Independent Pet Supply was built on a bold vision: to strengthen independent pet retailers and revolutionize the pet industry. Guided by a passion for people-first businesses, the company is rooted in integrity, quality, and long-term partnership — delivering exceptional products and support to help independent retailers thrive.

“We’re thrilled to add Adore Pet to our growing portfolio and to expand access to their natural oral care and wellness solutions

for independent pet retailers throughout the Pacific Northwest,” said Neda Khorami, CEO of Independent Pet Supply. ADORE Pet traces its roots back more than two decades as the original team behind PetzLife, a pioneer in no-brush, all-natural pet oral care. Founded in 2003, the brand earned global recognition for delivering safe, effective alternatives to traditional dental procedures. In 2023, the company relaunched as ADORE Pet, building on a trusted foundation while refining formulations, quality standards, and education for today’s pet wellness market. At the heart of the brand is ADORE Pet’s Guaranteed Oral Care line, available in spray and gel formats. The no-brush formula helps dissolve plaque and tartar, freshen breath, and support healthier gums — with noticeable results and a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

In addition to oral care, ADORE Pet offers holistic wellness solutions including its Natural Ingestible Flea & Tick Repellent, a botanical, non-chemical alternative designed to help make pets less appealing to fleas and ticks while supporting overall skin and coat health.

PFX ADDS HUMBL TO DISTRIBUTION PORTFOLIO

Pet Experts (PFX), a leading pet specialty distributor in the U.S., announced last month that it has added humbl to its brand portfolio in all regions. humbl offers gently cooked dog food using EU-quality, human-grade, non-GMO ingredients sourced from small European farms. Prepared in Europe and available in both frozen meals and shelf-stable glass jars, humbl delivers the nourishment of fresh food in formats designed for real-life feeding flexibility. Using a low-temperature steaming process, each recipe is cooked to naturally protect nutrients, moisture and taste without the use of preservatives, for healthier dogs and happier pup parents.

“The gently cooked category has been waiting for true innovation, and humbl is here to deliver it,” said Doug Siegal, CRO of humbl. “With both our frozen and shelf-stable lines – crafted with EU-sourced ingredients and elevated standards – we’re making fresh feeding easier, and more accessible than ever, without compromising on quality or nutrition.”

Real chunks of meat, veggies & fruits are frozen into scoopable pieces for easy, mess-free mealtime. These effortless meals are complete and balanced and can be used for everyday feeding or as nutritious toppers.

BOOPS PETS AWARDED NASC QUALITY SEAL

Boops Pets, a science-driven pet wellness brand dedicated to the highest standards of animal health, is proud to announce it has been officially awarded the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) Quality Seal. This certification serves as independent validation of the company’s operational excellence, confirming successful completion of a comprehensive third-party audit regarding quality control, labeling compliance, and adverse event monitoring.

In a marketplace where quality and transparency standards can vary significantly, the NASC Quality Seal is the gold standard for consumer confidence. The certification process rigorously verified Boops Pets’ oversight of Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs), modeled after 21 CFR 111 & 507 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. It further validated the company’s adherence to strict labeling guidelines and its integration with the NASC Adverse Event Reporting System (NAERS), the world’s most advanced pharmacovigilance system for animal supplements.

Achieving NASC membership distinguishes Boops Pets as a brand that prioritizes data-led formulation and manufacturing transparency. The audit confirmed that Boops Pets maintains robust Quality Control Manuals and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) tailored to its scope of operations, ensuring complete traceability and quality assurance from raw material to finished product.

“We founded Boops Pets with a singular directive: to bring rigorous scientific discipline to the pet supplement aisle,” said Jeffrey Meng, Founder of Boops Pets. “Earning the NASC Quality Seal is not just a badge; it is an objective verification of our operating philosophy. We believe that ‘good enough’ is unacceptable when it comes to the health of our companions. This certification assures our customers that every formula is backed by rigorous quality control, transparency, and a dedication to safety that matches their own devotion to their pets.”

“Boops Pets has fully and successfully completed the NASC Audit certification program, demonstrating a clear understanding of and compliance with the SC requirements,” said Bill Bookout, President of the NASC. “Their commitment to meeting the standards of the NASC audit certification program is to be commended.”

Dick with Eddie, Buddy & Mogley

ANSWERS PET FOOD PARTNERS WITH PHILLIPS

Answers Pet Food has announced a new partnership with Phillips Pet Food & Supplies, one of the pet industry’s most respected and trusted distributors. This strategic collaboration will significantly expand the availability of Answers Pet Food’s products across the United States.

Through this partnership, Phillips will distribute Answers Pet Food’s full line of raw, fermented pet products, making it easier than ever for retailers to access the brand’s innovative, high-quality products that support optimal pet health. Phillips Pet has gained distribution capabilities for Answers Pet Food products through the following distribution centers: Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Florida, South Carolina, California, Oregon, Colorado and Montana.

“We are incredibly excited to partner with Phillips,” said Robin Wertz, Vice President at Answers Pet Food. “Phillips shares our commitment to education, integrity and supporting independent retailers. This national partnership allows us to reach more pet parents while staying true to our mission of doing what’s right in pursuit of healthy food, animals and environment. With an unwavering commitment to secure the future of raw, we craft the safest and healthiest food possible, build community through education and live by standards that inspire others to do better and feed better.”

t parents are increasingly seeking functional, minimally processed nutrition options for their pets,” said Jessica Morris, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer at Phillips Pet Food & Supplies. “Answers Pet Food aligns perfectly with our focus on innovation and premium solutions. We’re excited to add this brand to our raw portfolio, meeting the growing interest in raw and fermented pet food by our retailers.”

VAN DEN BOSCH PARTNERS WITH THE GRANVILLE ISLAND PET TREATERY

John A Van Den Bosch, a respected leader in premium pet food distribution, has announced its new partnership with The Granville Island Pet Treatery, a Canadian pet lness brand known for its clean-label, wildly delicious treats. Around since 1985, Pet Treatery has grown through focusing on crafting simple, honest and irresistibly tasty products, treats that stand out on shelves and connect instantly with today’s pet parents.

Partnering with Van Den Bosch allows Pet Treatery to extend this mission, bringing its single and minimal ingredient favorites to even more retailers across the region.

“Van Den Bosch shares our commitment to quality and long-term partnership,” said Kate Ge, Head of Marketing at Pet Treatery. “Together, we can bring clean, trustworthy treats to more families, without losing the playful spirit that makes Pet Treatery who we are.”

For Van Den Bosch, Pet Treatery fills a growing market demand: transparent ingredients, responsible sourcing and nutrition-forward treats with high consumer repeat es. Retailers will gain access to the brand’s strong shelf presence, education-rich marketing materials, and flexible promotional support.

This new relationship blends Pet Treatery’s innovation and personality with Van Den Bosch’s trusted distribution network, creating fresh opportunities for growth, connection and plenty of happy tail wags.

“We are very excited about the assortment Pet Treatery has to offer. They have a great selection of cookies, crackers, dehydrated and freeze-dried treats, including their best-selling sardines, which are wild caught, single ingredient and full of omega-3s. We are looking forward to a long-lasting partnership,” stated Abby Siebern, VP of Sales & Purchasing at John A. Van Den Bosch.

PET FOOD INSTITUTE INTRODUCES NEW PRESIDENT, CEO

The Pet Food Institute (PFI) recently announced that Elise Fennig has been named president and chief executive officer, effective March 16, 2026. Fennig succeeds Dana Brooks, who has served as PFI’s president and CEO since 2018.

Fennig brings extensive experience leading national trade associations and advancing collaborative, member-driven strategies across the food and consumer products sectors. She is widely recognized for her operational leadership, strategic insight, and ability to guide organizations through periods of growth and change.

Association, where she oversaw organizational operations, strategic initiatives, and cross-functional teams supporting membership and events, industry affairs, and global engagement. She has also held leadership roles at Consumer Brands Association, the American Frozen Food Institute and The Kraft Heinz Company.

“Elise is an accomplished executive with deep experience across the food industry and a strong understanding of the issues facing manufacturers today,” said Scott Salmon, chair of PFI’s Board of Directors. “She is the right leader to build on PFI’s momentum and to guide the organization into its next chapter, strengthening our work on behalf of pet food makers and the pets they serve.”

Most recently, Fennig served as chief of staff and as senior vice president of industry engagement at the National Confectioners

“After eight years leading PFI, I am confident the organization is well-positioned for the future,” said Brooks, PFI’s outgoing president and CEO. “Elise’s leadership experience, collaborative approach, and commitment to supporting food makers make her exceptionally well-suited to lead PFI forward.”

“I am honored to join the Pet Food Institute and build on the strong foundation that Dana and the PFI team have established,” said Fennig. “PFI plays a vital role in supporting pet food makers and reinforcing confidence in the safety, quality, and nutrition of pet food. I look forward to working with the Board, staff and members to advance the industry’s shared commitment to pets and the people who care for them.”

SQUAREPET NUTRITION PROMOTES ADAM BIRD TO VP OF SALES

SquarePet Nutrition, a leading U.S. manufacturer of premium pet nutrition products, announced last month the promotion of Adam Bird to Vice President of Sales, recognizing his leadership, strategic impact and continued contributions to the brand’s expansion across key retail channels. In his new role, Bird will oversee SquarePet’s North American sales strategy, retail partnerships and distributor relationships, with a focus on accelerating growth, deepening retail presence and strengthening SquarePet’s position in the premium pet food and treats category.

Bird joined SquarePet in 2019 with extensive experience in sales leadership within the pet and consumer goods industries. During his tenure, he has been instrumental in expanding SquarePet’s retail footprint, supporting new product introductions, and collaborating closely with marketing and operations to deliver sustainable, profitable growth.

“Adam has played a critical role in building SquarePet’s sales foundation, culture, and cultivating strong, trusted relationships with our retail and distributor partners,” said Tyler Atkins, Chief Marketing and Sales Officer of SquarePet. “His deep understanding of the pet category, combined with his hands-on leadership style, makes him the right person to lead our sales organization into its next phase of growth.”

“I’m honored to step into the Vice President of Sales role and continue working alongside such a dedicated team,” said Bird. “SquarePet’s commitment to innovation with integrity truly resonates with today’s pet parents, and I’m excited to help drive our continued growth and bring our products to even more retailers and families.”

In January, SquarePet appointed Ingrid Oswald as its new Regional Sales Manager for the Southeast territory. Oswald will lead sales efforts and distributor relationships across the region as SquarePet continues its nationwide expansion via retail partners.

Before joining SquarePet, Oswald built a successful career managing sales and distribution relationships for consumer pet brands including Augie Bones and Phillips Pet Food & Supplies, demonstrating strong performance in growth, account development and territory management. Her expertise aligns with SquarePet’s commitment to premium quality and customer satisfaction. In her new role, Oswald will oversee sales strategy and execution across the Southeast region, support retail partner and distributor onboarding, and help strengthen SquarePet’s retail presence. She will also collaborate with marketing and operations teams to align product availability with consumer demand and ensure strong execution at retail.

EQUISCOPE PARTNERSHIP EXPANDS TVATI HOLISTIC WELLNESS SOLUTIONS

Tvati, an innovative wellness company dedicated to elevating movement, comfort and recovery, has announced a strategic partnership with Equiscope Performance, a leader in advanced therapeutic technology and performance solutions. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in Tvati’s vision to create a powerful foundation for expanding holistic wellness solutions nationwide. Through this partnership, Tvati’s complete portfolio of premium wellness products will be introduced into Equiscope Performance’s established U.S. market, broadening access to integrated movement and support recovery solutions for practitioners, athletes and performance-focused communities. Equiscope Performance is recognized across the United States for its cutting-edge neuromuscular therapy technology and strong network of practitioners who specialize in optimizing movement and recovery. Tvati’s natural, science-informed topical

formulations complement this expertise by supporting comfort, mobility and performance — extending Equiscope’s performance philosophy into a more complete wellness offering.

Partnering with Equiscope allows Tvati to launch its complete portfolio into a community that deeply understands the value of performance and recovery. Together, both companies are building a formidable foundation that supports expansion across the United States.”

This collaboration reflects a broader industry shift toward unified wellness strategies — recognizing that optimized movement, recovery and long-term wellbeing are connected when supported by expert-driven solutions. Both Tvati and Equiscope Performance are committed to ongoing collaboration, education and innovation, with future initiatives planned to further elevate outcomes nationwide.

PAWS PR FOUNDER PATRICIA JONES ON CREATING PAWSPR.TV

Paws PR specializes in business growth and communications for pet and veterinary brands and animal welfare organizations. We partner with leadership teams to launch, grow, and elevate brands through strategy, storytelling, modern visibility, and purpose-driven partnerships.

What inspired the creation of Paws PR TV?

A: At Paws PR, our mission has always been to help pet brands tell their stories with credibility and heart. Over the past few years, I’ve watched even exceptional pet products struggle to earn meaningful earned coverage. It’s not because they aren’t newsworthy, but because the earned media landscape has fundamentally changed.

What exactly has changed?

A: Legacy media brands are closing, newsrooms are shrinking, editors are overloaded, and editorial space is smaller than ever making it harder for even great products to earn media coverage. In 2026, product coverage is driven by commerce, affiliates and paid partnerships. Brands

need a broader visibility strategy that blends strong storytelling with paid editorial opportunities to amplify earned media and drive real impact.

Why does television news still matter for pet brands today?

A: TV news delivers instant credibility and broad reach. It also creates high-quality content brands can use across digital, retail, and social channels. When done strategically, TV is still a powerful brand-building tool.

What is Paws PR TV?

A: We wanted to create a space where brands can confidently lean into promotional storytelling that still feels polished, credible, and useful to viewers. Paws PR TV is an advertorial segment hosted by Kelly Diedring, our VP of PR for Pet Brands, who brings 16 years of national television sales experience. We call it Kelly’s Pet Picks, a pet focused segment where every product is vetted, visually strong, and relevant to pet parents. Kelly’s Pet Picks is curated, not commercial and the segment is turnkey for selected brands.

So how does Paws PR TV differ from traditional PR?

A: Paws PR TV is our TV-first publicity arm, focused on consistent broadcast visibility for pet brands. We believe that great pet brands don’t need to be louder, they need to be positioned smarter. Traditional PR still matters, and we do both. By combining classic media outreach with a TV-first strategy, we build long term, omnichannel credibility and position our clients as trusted voices in the pet space.

How do brands participate in a segment?

A: Visit our website PawsPR.TV or email Kelly@PawsPR.com

Patricia Jones is the founder and President of Paws PR, bringing decades of senior-level experience helping brands launch, grow, and build visibility that drives real business impact. She is driven by making the world a better place for pets and the people who love them. In 2025, she launched PawsPR. TV with Kelly Diedring, a syndicated TV platform for pet products and animal causes.

OPTIMIZE Your

BY GLENN A. POLYN

Today’s retail environment demands flexibility, efficiency and omnichannel readiness. Although imposing to some business owners who are interested in investing in a point-of-sale management system, POS systems and their features that are specifically designed for pet retailers ultimately offer a unique opportunity to not only streamline business operations and boost sales, but enhance customer engagement as well.

Pet Age has reached out to Annie Schneider (Senior Director of Product Marketing at Epicor Software) and Brett Wickard (Founder and CEO of Fieldstack) to share their insights on topics that can have a major impact with pet retailers.

How can a POS system incentivize customers to return to a pet store?

(Schneider) A modern POS system plays a central role in creating repeatable, loyalty-driven experiences that keep customers coming back. In pet retail — where purchases are both emotional and replenishment-based — the POS can capture customer data to personalize every interaction. Retailers can use the system to manage loyalty rewards, track frequent buyer programs like Astro, and deliver targeted promotions based on each customer’s buying habits. By empowering employees with access to purchase history and product preferences at checkout, the system enables more

e n gaging service. Ultimately, the POS becomes a r elationship building engine: rewarding loyalty, removing friction, and deli vering personalized convenience that strengthens trust — and repeat business.

(Wickard) A POS system helps turn first-time shoppers into regulars when it makes personal, informed service easier. When customer and pet data live in the same system, staff can recognize shoppers by name, know which pets they’re shopping for, and reference past purchases. That kind of context makes every conversation more meaningful — and in pet retail, trust goes a long way.

Loyalty programs reinforce that. When points or rewards are visible at checkout, associates can proactively remind customers of what’s available and help them redeem rewards right then. It makes loyalty feel natural instead of transactional.

At the end of the day, a POS system doesn’t make customers come back on its own. It supports consistency, recognition, and personal touches that make a store feel more welcoming. When your customers feel seen, they’re more likely to come back — and tell their friends.

How can a retailer get the most out of a POS system for inventory counting, re -

ordering, and tracking? Can an inventory control system become a detriment?

(Schneider) To maximize value from a POS-powered inventory system, retailers should rely on its automation tools and real time data to guide purchasing and stock decisions. A strong system simplifies cycle counting with mobile scanners, ensures accurate on hand quantities, and uses sales velocity and vendor lead times to generate intelligent reorder suggestions. This is especially critical for pet retailers managing diverse assortments — each with unique turnover patterns. However, a POS-driven inventory system can become a detriment if it’s poorly configured, inconsistently maintained, or not aligned to store workflows. An inventory system should adapt to the retailer — not the other way around..

(Wickard) Inventory works best when all sales, returns, and orders feed into one system. That gives staff a real-time view across locations and channels, so questions about stock can be answered instantly. Reordering becomes more ac-

curate, and forecasting isn’t guesswork. That said, even the best system can be a problem if the data isn’t kept clean.

Operations

RETAILERS CAN MAXIMIZE EFFICIENCY WITH RIGHT POS SYSTEM.

Skipped counts, inconsistent receiving, or messy updates can throw off reorder recommendations and create stock issues. Automation isn’t magic — it works best when paired with clean data and regular operational checks.

A well-managed inventory system takes the stress out of daily operations. It frees staff to focus on customers and their pets — but it does take ongoing attention to stay accurate.

How does a POS system make a retailer more efficient? What reports are especially useful for a pet store?

(Schneider) A well-implemented POS system increases efficiency across the entire retail operation—from checkout to purchasing to customer engagement. Automated tasks like inventory adjustments, label printing, promotion management, and purchase order creation free staff to focus on customer

service. Real time inventory visibility reduces time spent searching aisles or manually confirming stock. Integration with ecommerce, loyalty, and payment solutions eliminates duplicate work and ensures consistent data everywhere. And the flexibility of mobile and offline capabilities help staff assist customers more effectively wherever they are and keep registers ringing.

For pet retailers specifically, certain reports drive smarter decisions. Top-selling product reports identify fast movers, and low stock/out-of-stock alerts prevent revenue loss. Vendor performance reports improve replenishment reliability, and buying patterns reveal opportunities for cross-selling. With the right reporting and insights, retailers elevate both operational speed and strategic decision-making.

(Wickard) A POS system improves efficiency when everything is connected in one place. At the counter, it handles pricing, loyalty, and promotions automatically, so checkout is faster and mistakes happen less. Behind the scenes, staff aren’t bouncing between spreadsheets, platforms, and paper lists — they can spend that time serving customers and keeping the store running smoothly.

The reports retailers actually use every day are the ones that make decisions easier. Inventory reports show what’s selling, what’s running low, and what’s seasonal. Customer reports reveal who’s coming in and what they’re buying, which helps with merchandising and engagement. Margin and vendor reports make it clear which products are driving the business. When the data is accurate and easy to understand, decisions come faster and with confidence. Staff aren’t guessing, and owners can address problems before they turn into bigger issues.

What are the most common mistakes retailers make with their POS system?

(Schneider) A POS system handles transactions, but a Retail Management System (RMS) is the operational backbone for the entire retail workflow that connects inventory, merchandising, supply chain, stores, ecommerce, reporting and customer insights. When retailers understand this distinction, they can unlock the full value of their RMS by using it to drive smarter decisions, tighter operations, and a seamless omnichannel experience. The most common mistake is underutilizing the system’s capabilities — treating their RMS simply as a cash register rather than a central intelligence hub.

Challenges arise when the system is not user-friendly, and staff aren’t effectively trained. A system with role-based and guided learning can enable productivity and help ensure tasks are performed properly. An intuitive, easy-to-learn POS can help onboard staff of any generation in minutes, so managers can stay on the sales floor and focus on serving customers.

Pet retail is relationship-driven and failing to use built-in or integrated loyalty tools leaves valuable customer engagement opportunities on the table. Retailers may overlook reporting and the rich analytics their system provides — limiting insights into buying patterns, promotions, and store performance.

(Wickard) The most common mistake? Treating a POS as just a cash register. It should be an operational hub. We often see stores layering on disconnected tools to try to fill gaps in reporting and inventory visibility. That creates more work, more errors, and more frustration.

Another big one is underutilization. A system may have great features, but if staff aren’t trained or workflows aren’t updated, those tools sit idle. Opportunities get missed, and efficiency suffers.

What does an ideal retailer–POS provider partnership look like?

(Schneider) From day one, the provider should invest the time to understand the retailer’s workflows, customer base, and unique service offerings—customizing the system to support how their business operates. A great partner provides clear onboarding , best practices informed by industry trends and expertise, and regular updates on new features and innovations. The provider should also offer reliable support and scalability as the retailer grows — whether expanding locations or broadening services. When the POS provider acts as a strategic advisor, not just a vendor, the retailer gains a technology foundation that evolves with the business and strengthens long-term success.

(Wickard) A strong partnership is collaborative. Retailers need support teams who understand pet stores and can help solve issues efficiently — not just respond to tickets. The level of guidance may vary depending on the tools you use, but even a lighter touch should help you get the most out of your system. It’s also about support that fits your business. A good provider helps get the most out of the tools you already have, without pushing extra modules or addons you don’t need. As your store grows, guidance can grow with you, offering practical tips and best practices that will make the biggest difference. And alignment matters. When both sides succeed together, the relationship feels like a true partnership, not a contract.

What’s New at

global

SHOW TIME!

UNVEILING INNOVATION AT THIS YEAR’S TRADE SHOW.

BY GLENN A. POLYN

March in Orlando means it’s time for thousands of members of the pet care community to convene for Global Pet Expo at the Orange County Convention Center. The trade show can always be counted on for emerging brands to unveil their innovative products, but it’s also a great source of newsworthy announcements from brands that are making an impact on the future of pet care.

This year is no different, as Quality Marine will be showcasing the first ever aquacultured Gem Tangs (Zebrasoma gemmatum). With a mission to advance aquaculture to complement sustainable wild collection and preserve the future of the aquarium trade and the health of our oceans, Quality Marine has been actively supporting aquaculture and mariculture initiatives while pushing boundaries at its state-of-the-art QM Labs facilities in Los Angeles.

According to Quality Marine, these remarkable fish are thriving and actively feeding on Nutramar dry foods — an essential factor for their success in home aquariums. Raised in controlled environments with regular human interaction and formulated diets, these fish adapt rapidly to aquarium life and readily accept commercial food preparations with minimal transition. Throughout their development, Quality Marine has closely monitored their health and nutritional needs, emphasizing premium nutrition from the earliest life stages.

Gem Tangs are highly sought after for their striking appearance and rarity in the aquarium trade. These fish are native to the Western Indian Ocean, primarily found around South Africa, Mozambique, Madagascar, Mauritius, and Réunion. Gem Tangs thrive in stable, pristine water conditions and require an her-

bivorous diet primarily consisting of algae, supplemented with high-quality marine flakes, pellets and nori to maintain their health and vibrant coloration. According to Quality Marine, these aquacultured Gem Tangs will initially be available in very limited quantities.

Retailers in search of the newest treat offerings will want to visit Dog Nip on the Global trade show floor. This second-generation, family-owned company will be launching DogNip, a unique line of single-ingredient protein chews and treats. Easy to digest and naturally abrasive to help support dental and oral health, the lineup being unveiled at Global Pet Expo features the novel proteins of geese, camel and goat.

The drool-worthy line includes Geese Chews (Strips, Neck, Cubes, Hearts), which provide an excellent source of iron and B vitamins to support sustained energy and healthy weight gain. Then there are the Camel Chews (Skin), which are highly digestible treats that are ideal for dogs with food sensitivities or adventurous appetites. The iron-rich snacks also support vitality and provide lasting enjoyment.

Finally, the line features Goat Chews (Skin), which are naturally lean chews that are gentle on sensitive stomachs and packed with iron and potassium to help support overall health while satisfying dogs’ natural chewing instincts.

Designed for all dogs and especially ideal for those with sensitive stomachs, the collection of chews delivers clean, natural nutrition with irresistible taste and functional benefits. Made without chemicals or artificial ingredients, DogNip offers pet parents clean, honest nutrition that keeps dogs coming back for more while supporting overall health and well-being.

“At the Global trade show, my goal is to educate distributors, independent retailers and mass-merchant partners about a new category of novel proteins — goose, camel and goat — that have not been introduced to the pet market until now,” said Dog Nip president Greg Claypool. “These proteins create an opportunity to expand assortments, differentiate on shelves, and meet growing consumer demand for alternative protein sources in pet nutrition. This is about bringing something genuinely new to market and giving retail partners a true first-mover advantage.”

BIRD’S The Word

THE FEATHERSNAP FLOCK LANDS ON GLOBAL PET EXPO SHOW FLOOR.

BY CARY KESSENICH

Have you heard? Bird’s the word this year at Global Pet Expo with the debut of the brand new FeatherSnap booth in the “What’s New” section! We’re not like regular bird feeders, we make cool feeders equipped with solar power, Wi-Fi, and integrated AI that instantly brings nature right to your screen. We blend tech with the outdoors in a way that’s equal parts educational, entertaining, and just plain fun, whether you’re a backyard birder, a curious kid, or a self-proclaimed “bird nerd” like us. At FeatherSnap, we’re such bird nerds that we’ll do anything to expand our flock of enthusiasts, which is why we’re excited to be on the Global Pet Expo show floor! This mile-

stone moment allows us to connect faceto-face with retailers, distributors, partners, educators, and pet professionals who share our excitement for innovation, sustainability, and the growing role of backyard wildlife in everyday life. We’re here to collaborate, to listen, and to build meaningful relationships that extend well beyond the show.

That joy carries our conversations at the booth, where we’re interested in building relationships with pet industry professionals that can become our collaborators in driving the industry forward with science-based, entertaining backyard technology. From solar-powered components to thoughtful product design, we’re committed to minimizing our footprint while maximizing impact, proving that tech-forward products can still honor the natural world they celebrate.

FeatherSnap is certified STEM.org Authenticated for promoting hands-on learning, problem-solving, and curiosity worth chirping about. The certification honors what’s at the core of FeatherSnap’s mission, inspiring learning with connection to nature through technology. The STEM.org Authenticated trustmark showcases the value of FeatherSnap products in both homes and classrooms.

Allow the backyard to blossom in your pocket with the FeatherSnap App, showcasing HD photos, live views and audio to experience nature on another level. Upgrade

your feed (literally) with the premium subscription, offering AI and manual bird identification, a personalized Bird Book, and a Nestwork Community to share snaps, videos, and more!

Our on-site team is buzzing with excitement to showcase this technology to attendees. Whether you’ve been walking the Global Pet Expo floor for twenty years or you’re making your very own debut this year, FeatherSnap offers something genuinely exciting to see. Our feeders provide a unique opportunity to connect users to their backyards from anywhere, at any time, making nature more accessible than ever before. That same philosophy extends to our partners. We pride ourselves on being easy to connect with, easy to work with, and committed to supporting our retail and distribution partners every step of the way. So come say hello, ask questions, and experience FeatherSnap for yourself.

Just like our dual seed bins are designed to serve a diverse flock of feathered friends, FeatherSnap products are built to appeal to a wide range of consumers. From tech enthusiasts and educators to families and retirees, our feeders fit seamlessly into everyday life. For retailers, that means a product with broad appeal that brings both new and returning customers flying through your doors.

Parents and teachers love us for the experience of science class and recess all in one,

Cary Kessenich is the Director of Brand Management at FeatherSnap, a fast-growing brand that combines smart technology with the simple joy of backyard birding.

providing an educational and fun experience in an easily digestible format. Then, of course, there’s the classic bird nerd, who enjoys the HD quality of photos and videos that can be instantly saved to the Bird Book in their premium app subscription. For everyone in between, FeatherSnap makes a great, thoughtful gift for any holiday, whether you’re looking to provide some easy connection for the grandparents, a platform to defend doom scrolling for your teens, or a new pastime to enjoy with your very own lovebird.

The reach potential only expands with our newest Hummingbird Feeder, equipped to capture high quality content of the fastest wings in nature. Complete with a solar-powered roof, motion-activated camera, three nectar ports, and built-in Wi-Fi connectivity, this feeder opens a breathtaking window into the world of

hummingbirds, bringing their beauty, speed, and grace right to your screen.

Global Pet Expo provides us with that same window to the world, supplying the

opportunity to meet new people with our shared interests in the intersection between wildlife, sustainability, education, and tech.

We’ll also be able to pick up a pulse on the industry, which drives us all forward in our continued collaboration and partnership.

That partnership doesn’t end when we leave Orlando. In fact, Global Pet Expo is just the beginning of our plans to collaborate and expand throughout the year. The connections made on the show floor spark ongoing conversations, product innovation, and long-term relationships that continue to take flight well beyond the expo doors. We’re committed to nurturing those partnerships through continued communication, shared insights and meaningful collaboration that supports growth on every side.

We see the show not only as a single moment to expand our impact, but as the start of an ongoing journey in growing our flock... and you know what they say, birds of a feather stick together.

PUBLICITY, PROMOTION and Public Relations

LEARN WHY THE NEWS MEDIA IS A GOLD RUSH ON THE TRADE

SHOW FLOOR.

BY MARY TAN

As you explore the latest pet product innovations at Global Pet Expo, you’ve likely noticed the thought leadership presentations on the trade show floor, but have you ever stopped to attend one? This year, you have the chance to discover why public relations and the pet product industry are liquid gold. It will be the best 20 minutes of publicity, promotion and public relations.

Public relations is often misunderstood as merely securing a brief mention in a local newspaper or a thirty-second slot on a city’s evening newscast. While those are certainly outcomes of a successful campaign, true PR is a strategic engine that drives brand authority, consumer trust, and long-term viability. For those in the pet industry — whether you are a burgeoning pet tech startup, a boutique manufacturer of organic treats, or a major brick-and-mortar retailer — the news media represents a literal “gold rush.”

In an increasingly crowded marketplace, the difference between a brand that survives and a brand that thrives is often its ability to harness the power of the press. Why? Because the media offers something that paid advertising never can: third-party validation. When a journalist covers your story, they are essentially providing a stamp of credibility that tells your audience you are a leader in the field. For pet brands and retailers, this is the ultimate competitive advantage. By learning to navigate the news cycle, you aren’t just selling a product; you are building a reputation that resonates across magazines, websites, and the digital newsletters that land in the inboxes of

your most loyal customers.

Before we dive into the “how-to,” we must address the “why.” If you are a pet brand, the media is your megaphone to reach a global audience of pet parents who are hungry for innovation. If you are a retailer, the media is your tool to establish your store as a community hub — a place where expertise and passion meet commerce.

In today’s multi-channel environment, your story doesn’t just live in one place. A wellplaced feature in a trade magazine like Pet Age often finds a second life on a high-traffic website and a third life in a curated industry newsletter. This cross-pollination ensures that your brand stays top-of-mind for both the B2B partners you want to impress and the B2C customers you want to serve. The news media isn’t just a platform; it is a gateway to the entire pet ecosystem.

To lead the narrative, you must first understand what constitutes “news” in the eyes of a producer or editor. News organizations are under constant siege. On any given day, an editor’s inbox is flooded with hundreds of story pitches via email, social media, and phone calls. Because of this sheer volume, many phenomenal stories are overlooked simply because they weren’t framed correctly.

To stand out, your story must meet specific, non-negotiable criteria. It shouldn’t just be “good” — it should be interesting, new, trendy, unusual, or contrarian. Journalists are looking for specific hooks that will stop a reader from scrolling or prevent a viewer from changing the channel.

What Journalists Look For:

• Newness: This is the most basic requirement. Is it a groundbreaking medical treatment? A novel way to manage local animal populations? If it’s been done before, it’s history, not news.

• Trends: Does your story align with the latest cultural crazes? For example, if “pet-friendly travel” is trending, a retailer offering “travel-ready” gear kits has a perfect news hook.

• The Unusual: Events that are out of the ordinary catch the eye. Think of the classic headline: “Dog bites man” isn’t news, but “Man bites dog” is. A moose wandering into a grocery store is unusual; a golden retriever winning a surfing competition is unusual.

• Emotional Impact: This is the “secret sauce” of the pet industry. Anything that arouses emotion — particularly positive stories involving animals or children — is highly likely to be picked up.

How you pitch a story will get it into the paper or kill it on arrival. Pitching is an art form that can be mastered with the right approach.

Mary Tan is the founder and chief storyteller of Whisker Media Pet Public Relations. Come see Mary Tan during Global Pet Expo on March 25 on the Glonal Petfluence Studio.

• The Subject Line: Your Five Second Audition

The subject line of your email is the most important sentence you will write. It must be “clicky” without being “clickbait.” Instead of “New Product Announcement,” try “How a Local Startup is Solving the Pet Obesity Crisis.”

• The Inverted Pyramid Journalists use the “inverted pyramid” style of writing. Put the most important information (who, what, where, when, why) in the first paragraph. If the journalist stops reading after the first three sentences, they should still have the gist of the story.

• Multimedia is Non-Negotiable In the digital age, a story without a photo or video is a story that doesn’t exist. Provide high-resolution images, B-roll footage, and perhaps even a short “explainer” clip. The easier you make it for the journalist to build

their story, the more likely they are to use yours.

The most successful pet professionals are those who stop watching the action from the sidelines and start leading it. They don’t wait for the media to call them; they position themselves as “go-to” sources. If a reporter needs a quote about a new pet safety law, they should be calling you. If a news station needs a backdrop for a segment on “National Puppy Day,” they should be filming at your retail location.

How do you transition from a “company” to a “source”? It’s about relationship building.

1. Research: Find the reporters who specifically cover the “lifestyle” or “business” beats in your area or industry.

2. Follow and Engage: Don’t just pitch them; follow their work. Comment on their articles (genuinely) and share their stories on social media.

3. Offer Value Without a Pitch: Sometimes, send a note saying, “I saw your story on X; if you ever need an expert opinion on Y, I’m happy to help.” This builds a bridge of trust. When you eventually do have a big announcement, they are much more likely to open your email because they recognize your name as a helpful professional, not just another solicitor.

The pet industry is a gold mine for media coverage. By understanding the news cycle, mastering the power pitch, and positioning yourself as a credible source, you can command the kind of PR that transforms a business. The airwaves are waiting for a heartwarming rescue story, the magazines are looking for the next big trend, and the newsletters are seeking the “unusual” to delight their readers. The question is: Will it be your story they tell?

aquatic

DREAMSCAPES AQUASCAPING KIT

Scape your aquatic paradise with LifeRock Dreamscapes. Arches, boulders, ledges, branches, tunnels and everthing you need to perfectly scape a 15-25 gallon aquarium. Dreamscapes rock is ready to use, reef safe, contains live bacteria and is made in the USA. No curing needed, no paint or plastic, and incredible porosity for amazing biological filtration.

www.caribsea.com

Ultrascape Diamond Bluetooth Set

Ultrascape is the perfect solution for aquarists who appreciate products that combine high quality workmanship and elegant appearance. Featuring an aquarium made of high quality Optiwhite glass, the set is characterized by dimensions recognized by aquascapers, harmonious proportions and aesthetic accessories. The Ultrascape set also includes an effective luminaire made of aluminum.

www.aquael.com

ATF-MAX AUTOMATIC FISH FEEDER

Take the guesswork out of feeding your fish with the Aquatop ATF-MAX Fully Programmable Automatic Fish Feeder. Ideal for both beginners and seasoned aquarists, this versatile feeder ensures your fish receive the right amount of food at the right times — up to four times daily. With three included augers, you can easily dispense a variety of foods including flakes, crisps, pellets, or sticks without clumping or clogging.

www.aquatop.com

aquatic

Chemiclean

Chemiclean cleans stains from red, black, blue-green, and methane (bubble) producing cyanobacteria in marine aquariums. It is completely safe for all fish, corals, invertebrates, and nitrifying bacteria in reef systems. It’s simple, quick and easy to use. Chemiclean works within 48 hours oxidizing trapped organic sludge and promotes an ideal enzyme balance. Chemiclean will clean stains from red cyanobacteria in aquariums. www.chemi-pure.com

JBJ NANO-CUBE

The JBJ Nano-Cube is a curved-glass all-in=one aquarium that offers the ideal dimensions for a mini-reef or freshwater aquascaped aquarium. Comes with powerful 72 watt of lighting and 3 stage filtration. The new streamlined design is engineered from solid glass and features stunning glass clarity. Available in 10, 15 and 20-gallon capacities.

www.jbjaquarium.com

KOI PLATINUM NUGGETS

Mazuri Koi Platinum Nuggets are a floating koi fish food designed to help keep your koi healthy and beautiful. Ideal for koi 6 inches or larger. This koi fish food provides optimal nutrition and contains nutrients for vibrant coloration. Plus, the floating nuggets encourage fish to come to the surface of your pond, tank or aquarium.

www.mazuri.com

GRUB FRENZY

Grab some grub on the fly with Grub Frenzy, the high-calcium treat made from 100% natural black soldier fly larvae. These are our all-natural chicken treats made of tasty dried black soldier fly larvae. Your flock is sure to love this great alternative to our popular Mealworm Frenzy. These chicken treats are high in protein and are great for training or taming. Simply feed the treats straight from your palm or scatter them on the ground.

www.happyhentreats.com

ROLLINIS TREATS

Vitakraft Rollinis Treats for Parrots are crunchy, triple-baked treats that double as engaging toys. These round, interactive snacks keep birds mentally and physically stimulated, helping prevent cage boredom and destructive behavior. Made with real fruits and vegetables, they encourage natural nibbling instincts and healthy snacking. Fortified with vitamins and minerals, Rollinis contain no artificial colors, flavors, preservatives or added sugar. Each pack includes seven treats for busy birds.

www.vitakraft.com

Beaktivity Boomerang

Tropical Fruit Gourmet Pellets

Tropical Fruit Gourmet Pellets are the only pet bird, fruit pellets made exclusively with the natural taste of fruit. They contain no added sugar or fructose. The pellets provide all the nutrients needed for pet birds to live full, energetic and healthy lives. Each pellet contains essential vitamins, chelated minerals and balanced Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids. Tropical Fruit Gourmet Pellets come in seven varieties: Finch, Canary, Parakeet, Cockatiel, Conure, Parrot as well as Macaw and Cockatoo. www.lafeber.com

The Boomerang Toy has a stainless steel base that is strong, durable and will hold up to even the toughest beaks. It arrives with four reloadable cables that are loaded with fun enrichment and entertainment items. It has stainless steel spoons for clanging and making fun sounds. This toy base is wide and can be suspended from any type of cage top, overhead hook or playstand. The Boomerang saves space because it can be mounted against the side wall of a cage, which is a great option for smaller enclosures, birds who are anxious about new items, or those who do not like toys that hang overhead.

www.beaktivity.com

HomeoPet and HomeoVet are your trusted partners for natural animal health, offering a range of veterinary formulated homeopathic medicines to help keep your feathered friends healthy and happy, naturally. The HomeoVet Avian range supports various health issues in hens, chickens, domestic and exotic birds. From anxiety challenges and respiratory issues to digestive problems and natural worm treatment, HomeoPet offers a safe, gentle and cost-effective alternative to conventional treatments.

www.homeopet.com

HomeoVet

Safe Cat Breakaway Collars

Safe Cat Fashion Breakaway Collars are lightweight, durable and feature high-quality patterned webbing that is ideal for indoor and outdoor cats. The multi-directional breakaway buckle has a consistent breakaway point in the event that the cat becomes entangled. Adjusting from 8-12 inches, these collars are designed to easily adjust to fit any cat. Available in a variety of patterns, this adjustable collar is the perfect option for owners searching for a fashion-forward, safe and reliable collar option.

www.coastalpet.com

PYRAMID HOUSE

This pet house is designed in a pyramid shape. This is especially suitable for those cats who love wedging themselves into tight spaces to rest or sleep. With the enclosed design, you pet has its own space with privacy, not being disturbed by the outside world. The entrance features a hanging ball that makes for engaging play.

www.www.cozytails.com

Goat’s Milk KMR

Goat’s Milk KMR Kitten Milk

Replacer Powder is a gentle, highly digestible formula for kittens and sensitive adult cats. Featuring a scientifically formulated recipe made with a variety of ingredients, including whole goat’s milk protein, essential amino acids, minerals, vitamins and trace nutrients, this milk replacer for kittens closely matches the protein, fat and carbohydrate makeup of mother’s milk, making it easy to wean them off.

www.petag.com

Kitty Love Bubbles

Kitty Love Calming Bubbles are designed to promote relaxation and comfort for cats, encouraging positive behaviors and reducing stress-related issues. The pheromone-infused formula offers a gentle and effective way to support feline well-being.

www.atomicbubbles.com

Smalls Licks

Licks are irresistible cat treats, available in convenient single-serving squeezie packs, that are highly palatable for even the most selective feline foodie. Crafted to support cats’ health from the inside out, Smalls’ Licks are packed with gut-friendly prebiotics, coat-boosting Omega-3s and real, high-quality ingredients. Smalls’ Licks don’t just taste good, they’re functional.

www.smalls.com

Dog Nip Treats

Dog Nip is a second-generation, familyowned natural dog chew and treat brand dedicated to helping dogs live happy, healthy lives. Designed to satisfy dogs’ instinctive urge to chew, Dog Nip products deliver high-protein, singleingredient nutrition made without fillers, additives or artificial ingredients. Free from unnecessary chemicals and artificial flavors, the brand offers a trustworthy alternative to conventional treats.

www.dognip.com

Dogginstix UFO

The Dogginstix UFO is crafted from premium beef collagen, a natural material known for its digestibility, dental benefits and joint support. Each UFO is laserengraved with whimsical, food-grade artwork, making chew time an imaginative adventure. All Dogginstix products are single-ingredient, human-grade, odor-free and made with transparency.

Freeze-Dried Chicken Hearts

Vital Essentials Freeze-Dried Chicken

Hearts Dog Treats are single-ingredient, guilt-free treats packed with naturally occurring vitamins and minerals. These nutrient-rich hearts help support strong muscles, healthy digestion, and oral care while delivering essential nutrition to fuel your dog’s energy and overall vitality. Available in 1.9 oz and 3.75 oz sizes, for a daily protein-rich daily treat.

www.vitalessentials.com

Soft-Baked Treats

SquarePet’s soft-baked treat varieties, VFS Skin & Digestive and VFS Low Fat, are the first of their kind available without a prescription. Never before have independent pet stores had direct access to a hydrolyzed meat treat or a controlled low-fat treat, making this launch truly unique in the market. These innovative treats allow pet parents to reward their dogs without compromising dietary needs, making them ideal for pets with food sensitivities, digestive issues or fatrestricted diets.

www.mysquarepet.com

Simple Shed Treatment

Espree’s Simple Shed Treatment is formulated to release loose hair and undercoat while it conditions. Formulated to decrease seasonal and non-seasonal shedding, Simple Shed Treatment aids in the release and removal of undercoat and excessive shedding www.espreeprofessionals.com

Pet Nose Prints

This silver pet nose print pendant from Precious Metal Prints will keep your companion close forever. The pendant includes an 18-inch sterling silver necklace. These heirloom quality treasures make great gifts that can be worn in many forms. Personalized and effortlessly charming, it will be a piece that everyone in your life will want to know about.

www.preciousmetalprints.com

NOPEE

NOPEE bags offer a simple yet powerful solution to indoor marking issues. With a unique two-pronged approach, these bags use a combination of deodorizers and pet-safe fragrances to eliminate old odors and keep pets from returning to the same spot. Just place the bag on a cleaned area and let it do the work — no sprays, no mess, no stress.

www.doggienopee.com

Lilly Brush

Lilly Brush is a pet hair remover used to remove stubborn trapped fur from carpets and fabrics. Simply take the quiz on the homepage to see which brush is a fit for you and your dog or cat. The Lilly Brush has products for cars, carpet, home furniture and clothes. The brushes are washable and do not require refills, making them last for years! Lilly Brush donates a portion of every sale to protect animals and the planet. www.lillybrush.com

Breakfast in Bed

Breakfast in Bed, a warm and cozy fragrance, is part of Pet House by One Fur All’s popular autumn collection. Blending creamy almond milk with warm oats and cinnamon sugar, finished with toasted bread and sweet vanilla honey, this indulgent fragrance is available in full-size 9 oz candles, mini candles, and wax melts. The entire autumn collection features a variety of warm, spicy, sweet, and earthy fragrances designed to bring the cozy and inviting feel of fall into pet-loving homes.

www.onefurallpets.com

iMARC Pet Tag Engraver

Made in the USA for over 35 years, the iMARC Pet Tag Engraver is a high-quality, space-saving machine that is small enough to fit on most countertops. Requiring no training or maintenance. iMARC tags are available in a wide range of styles, colors and sizes. The iMARC is easy to use and features a large, full-color, high-resolution display. www.imarcengraver.com

NOPEE is a revolutionary product to prevent dog and cat indoor marking. NOPEE bags have powders that deodorize and fragrances that substitutes a fresh scent. Set the bag directly on a cleaned area where the animal has marked and leave it. NOPEE will last 3-6 months and will protect a 3’ area. A permanent solution to indoor marking. •Child and Pet safe •Safe for wood, carpet, concrete, and fabrics •Fresh scent to humans, gentle deterrent to dogs and cats •Biodegradable, cruelty-free ingredients

Must-See Products reptile

Dubia Roaches

Dubia roaches are widely renowned as one of the best feeder insects and Super Fresh Insects has pioneered a new way to feed reptiles, amphibians and other exotics. Organically farmed Super Fresh Insects have been processed in an FDA certified facility where they are sterilized and vacuum packed. Free of bacteria and parasites, these shelf stable insects make a great “Plan B” for feeding your animals in situations where you are unable to source live insects.

www.piscesusa.com

Mojave Reptile Lounge

New Age Pet’s XL Mojave Reptile Lounge is a 60-inch enclosure featuring front sliding glass doors for easy access and cleaning, a top mounted feeding door, large screen top, accommodating most UV and heat lamp set-ups, vented side panels for optimal ventilation and two cord routers on the back panel for temperature probes, misters and more. Available in two colors, gray and maple. www.newagepet.com

Zilla Waterfall

Zilla Waterfalls help to create a tranquil and humid environment for your pet. Their natural look and feel helps them blend into even the most naturally designed habitat. Small openings for the cord and to drain the water keep feeder insects from drowning and your pets from getting stuck inside. Running water entices animals to drink and stay hydrated, while the water flow helps to add humidity to the habitat. These unique décor items can help transform any terrarium into a tropical paradise. www.zillarules.com

TurtleMatic

The TurtleMatic provides a convenient way for you to feed your pets on a consistent schedule, even when your life is not. Program feedings for 1- 4 times a day for a duration 3, 5, 10, 20, or 30 seconds. It can be mounted anywhere in your tank and can rotate 360 degrees. The food chamber keeps food fresh, and includes an option to attach a Zoo Med Aquatic Turtle Pellet bottle directly to the TurtleMatic. This gives added volume and a convenient storage spot for your pet’s food.

www.zoomed.com

Leopard Gecko Foods

Formulated and manufactured by a herpetologist and pioneer in the reptile nutrition industry, Gargeer gels are a complex nutritional formula that come as a concentrated powder, which gels when you add boiling water. Gargeer’s gecko formulas offer a complete gel diet for those who insist on the best for their leopards. No need to breed and dust live worms and insects. All the nutritional values your leopard needs in one scoop, without any grains, fillers, artificial preservatives, flavors or colors. www.gargeer.com

Must-See Products small animal

Blue Mountain Hay

Grown slowly in the cool mountain air of the Pacific Northwest, Blue Mountain’s hay develops a natural sweetness and softness that makes it easier to chew and digest while supporting dental and digestive health. When it’s time to rest, our organic straw provides a clean, safe, and comfortable bedding option that keeps their homes cozy and stress-free. From daily nutrition to nesting comfort, every bundle is grown with care to keep small animals happy and healthy.

www.bluemountainhay.com

Science Selective Care

Science Selective Care Supplements support the health of rabbits, guinea pigs and chinchillas. These functional treats include Digestive Care with mint, chamomile, prebiotics and fiber; Urinary Care with dandelion, cranberry and vitamin C; and Skin & Coat Care containing spinach, linseed and vitamin C. The range is completed by Vitamin C Care which supports immune function and overall vitality. Designed to complement a balanced diet, they provide targeted nutritional support. www.supremepetfoods.com

inTune Duets

Higgins inTune Duets are crafted with a blend of wholesome ingredients, including chicken meal, to offer a nutritious treat that ferrets love. What sets inTune Duets apart is their unique texture and flavor profile. Each treat features a crunchy shell, with a soft and treat filling. This combination of textures makes for an engaging and enjoyable snacking experience. Available in two flavors: Salmon and Turkey. www.higginspremium.com

Healthy Salad Bowl

The Healthy Salad Bowl is made from a 100% edible palm leaf bowl, filled to the brim with a delicious mix of dried leaves, fruits, and veggies. Once your furry friend has enjoyed the leafy mix, they can move on to the bowl itself, because yes, it’s completely edible. Made from 100% natural ingredients with no additives or fillers, this treat supports a healthy, balanced diet while keeping your pet happily engaged. The Healthy Salad Bowl is suitable for rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, rats, mice and most other small animals.

www.smallpetselect.com

SHOW STOPPERS

The kibble customers come back for.

Three proven flavors made with care, consistency, and scale. Clean recipes. Strong repeat. Reliable supply. Built by Natural Farm to perform on shelf — and in bowls.

Booth #1804

www.naturalfarmpet.com sales@naturalfarmpet.com 623-694-5335

Ultra+

Dr. Elsey’s Ultra+ delivers our strongest odor control available. Built with premium bentonite clay for hard clumping and long-lasting performance, it locks in moisture and odors at the source. Ultra+ is for cat parents who demand maximum odor protection without added perfumes or unnecessary extras.

Booth #4909

Michelle Schwechler (877) 311-2287 X101 michelle@drelseys.com

Unlock Premium Small Animal Products at Global Pet Expo 2026!

Discover the latest in premium small animal products at Supreme Petfoods’ stand at Global Pet Expo Florida, March 2026! Retail buyers will gain exclusive access to innovative products, expert insights, and special promotions designed to boost sales and attract loyal customers. Don’t miss this must-visit opportunity to elevate your store!

Booth #1700

+44(0) 1473 823296

experts@supremepetfoods.com www.supremepetfoods.us

Pet’s Best Life featuring Yummy Combs & Longevity15

Stop by to discover how Pet’s Best Life helps your customers give their pets longer, healthier lives through science backed oral care and innovative wellness solutions. Explore our 2026 seasonal promotions, Longevity15®, our Grooming Program, and why Yummy Combs® is the must have dental solution driving revenue, loyalty, and repeat sales.

Booth #5354

866-944-4567

info@petsbestlife.com petsbestlife.com

SHOW STOPPERS

Fera Pets

Fera Pets is a vet-founded, vet-formulated pet wellness brand. Postbiotics Plus supports gut balance, digestion, and intestinal integrity for dogs and cats.

Booth #550 626-656-3372

sales@ferapets.com www.ferapets.com

ht-pet

Chase us down at Global Pet for lots of fun! Run to our booth for BIG, HEAVY DUTY, Dog Toys designed and manufactured in the USA! Come see what’s new! ht-pet, LLC., for over 50 years contract manufacturing in the pet industry!

Booth #2115 419-483-3501

info@ht-pet.com www.ht-pet.com

Ernie’s Positively Good

New Bags, clear windows, new products, increased customer value. All Natural, premium ingredient priced right treats for cats and dogs. Purpose driven company, advocating for the Autism Community. Endorsed and recommended by veterinarians, as great quality for your pets.

Booth #4813

Mark Segal

info@ernieelspet.com 917-453-5307

www.ernieelspet.com

Vitakraft®

Vitakraft ® expands its meaty dog treat lineup with MeatyStick and MeatyBits, protein-first recipes slow smoked over real beechwood. Designed for everyday treating and performance training, both deliver irresistible flavor without added sugar or artificial ingredients, positioning the brand as the perfect meaty treat choice for every treating occasion.

Booth#5204

800-221-6175

customerservice@vitakraft.us

www.vitakraft.us

SHOW STOPPERS

Fera Pets

Our Collagen Plus supports healthy joints, skin, coat, mobility, bones and gut for dogs and cats with five types of collagen. We set a new, transparent standard for holistic pet wellbeing.

Booth #550 626-656-3372

sales@ferapets.com www.ferapets.com

GoodGut kibble recipes

Crafted with veterinary expertise and powered by Lifeway probiotics, GoodGut kibble recipes redefine canine nutrition — supporting gut health and whole-body vitality. This nutrient dense kibble includes pre and postbiotics to help nourish, maintain and protect your dog’s gut. Available in chicken, salmon, and beef recipes.

Booth#600 1-833-399-3403

support@openfarmpet.com www.openfarmpet.ca

Show Stoppers

Furever Cling Sticky Wipe + Furever ClingOn Dry Mop

The fur cleaning sheet that pet homes need! Dofu Cat’s Furever Cling Sticky Wipe clings to fur, dust, and dander on contact, making a cleaner, less furry space possible in pet homes. Pair it with the Furever Cling-On Dry Mop for an easy press-and-attach clean. Double-sided for extra use and made from recycled bottles for a more sustainable swipe.

Booth #1131

meow@dofucat.com www.dofucat.com

Barknola

On-the-go treating dilemmas are solved with the Barknola Bar! Available in 2 great flavors, this snack is perfect for your next adventure with your pup. Beginning with USA sourced meat, as the first ingredient, rolled oats and real fruit and vegetable pieces are added in and then baked, creating a tasty flavor profile and an enjoyable blend of crunchy and chewy textures.

Booth # 818

815-316-6635

info@jonesnaturalchews.com jonesnaturalchews.com

SHOW STOPPERS

LILLY PET HAIR CLEANUP

Lilly has been the trusted name in pet hair clean-up products for 15 years. Over 46,000 5-Star reviews. Safe for all fabrics. Easier than vacuuming. Faster than lint rollers. No waste, No Mess, No refills! Perfect for your home, office and autos.

Live Furlessly with Lilly!

Booth #3874 (303) 757-4184

Sales@Lillybrush.com www.lillybrush.com

Annamaet Freeze-Dried Raw

Coming to shelves spring 2026: Annamaet Freeze-Dried Raw. Three complete and balanced formulas delivering the benefits of raw feeding with everyday convenience. These Freeze-dried raw formulas are made with Annamaet’s standard highquality ingredients, and each recipe can be fed as a complete diet, topper, or high-value treat.

Booth #846

888-723-0367 | info@annamaet.com www.annamaet.com

brand

The Guide

DOGNIP NOVEL PROTEIN CHEWS

New to the market, a unique line of terrifically tasty geese, camel and goat protein chews. The perfect alternative for dogs with food sensitivities.

DogNip.com

DOGNIP CAMEL CHEWS

These novel, lean protein chews are simply delicious. Ideal for pups with adventurous appetites or food sensitivities.

DogNip.com/camel-protein

DOGNIP GEESE STRIPS, HEARTS, CUBES & NECK CHEWS

Packed with protein, these delicious, long-lasting chews are preservative, additive and chemical free.

DogNip.com/geese-protein

DOGNIP GOAT CHEWS

Highly digestible and low in cholesterol, these singleingredient chews are crafted in small batches without chemicals, additives or preservatives.

DogNip.com/goat-protein

CALMING:

Badlands Ranch Super Yak Chews Superfood Formula combines the appeal of a long-lasting chew with a powerful blend of functional canine superfoods. Each hard chew is infused with a unique Superfood Formula, featuring antioxidant-rich blueberries, gut-friendly pumpkin, and nourishing lion’s Mane mushroom. This powerful trio works to support your dog’s sharp mind, digestive balance, and immune system.

Available in 3 sizes: 1 oz. - optimal for small dogs under 30 lbs in singles or 5pk, 3 oz. - optimal for most dogs available in singles of 2pk, 5 oz. - optimal for large dogs over 50 lbs available in singles.

SUPERFOOD:

Badlands Ranch Super Yak Chews Calming Formula combines the appeal of a long lasting chew with an ultrasoothing blend of lemon balm, passion flower, and chamomile. These calming chews are ideal for keeping even nervous dogs occupied and engaged, and helping to soothe nervous pups. It’s a smarter, healthier, and more engaging chew for your beloved companion.

Available in 3 sizes: 1 oz. - optimal for small dogs under 30 lbs in singles or 5pk, 3 oz. - optimal for most dogs available in singles of 2pk, 5 oz. - optimal for large dogs over 50 lbs available in singles.

APPLAWS KITTEN

HEALTHY START VARIETY SELECTION PATÉ (12X2.47OZ)

Made with natural ingredients, this smooth, hydrating recipe features chicken breast or tuna fillet as the number one ingredient. Added vitamins, minerals, calcium, and vitamin D support bone development, while prebiotics and postbiotics promote healthy digestion and immune health for growing kittens.

APPLAWS VITALITY CHICKEN BREAST & DUCK IN BROTH

This natural recipe is made with the highest quality protein and boosted with essential vitamins and minerals. A complete meal that is grain and carrageenan-free, with no fillers, providing balanced nutrition to support overall health and well-being in every bite.

APPLAWS HEALTHY START DRY KITTEN FOOD

Crafted for kittens, this complete dry food features a 43% protein formula to support energy and muscle growth. It promotes digestive health with prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics, aids brain development with DHA and EPA, strengthens bones with calcium and vitamin D, and boosts immunity through vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

APPLAWS VITALITY TUNA FILLET & CRAB IN BROTH

This complete recipe is made with tuna fillet as the number one ingredient and is boosted with essential vitamins and minerals. A natural meal that is grain and carrageenan-free, with no fillers, providing balanced nutrition to support overall health and well-being in every bite.

APPLAWS VITALITY CHICKEN AND SALMON DRY FOOD

This complete dry food for kittens and adult cats provides 43% protein to support energy and muscle maintenance. Made with real chicken as the No.1 ingredient, it promotes digestive health with prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics, strengthens immunity with vitamins and antioxidants, and supports a shiny coat with omega-3, 6, and biotin.

APPLAWS VITALITY CHICKEN BREAST & CHICKEN LIVER IN BROTH

This natural recipe is made with the highest quality protein and boosted with essential vitamins and minerals. A complete meal that is grain and carrageenan-free, with no fillers, providing balanced nutrition to support overall health and well-being in every bite.

BEST BULLY STICKS. BEST PRICING. PERIOD.

A dedicated display built to move volume. Featuring our best-selling bully sticks at unbeatable value –buy 2, get the 3rd free. Grass-fed, odor-free, single-ingredient chews customers already trust.

BIG FLAVOR. EVEN BIGGER VALUE.

Our premium kibble line, available in three high-performing flavors. Clean ingredients, consistent quality, strong repeat buyers.

PURE INGREDIENTS. POWERFUL MARGIN DRIVER.

High-protein minimally processed freeze-dried recipes customers love. Perfect for toppers, training, or full meals. Buy 5, get 1 free a simple offer that encourages bulk buying and repeat business.

A CHEW FOR EVERY DOG –ONE EASY OFFER.

Our full assortment of natural chews, made from single, traceable ingredients. Long-lasting, highly engaging, and proven sellers. Buy 5, get 1 free to keep shelves full and customers coming back.

NEW! ZIGNATURE FREEZE-DRIED

Limited ingredient, high animal-protein, complete & balanced nutrition in six single-animal solutions and one multi-protein option. With pumpkin and fenugreek to support digestibility, plus some with kale, apples and carrots. Crafted in the USA and formulated without grains, legumes, or potatoes. Kangaroo not for sale in California.

NEW!

ZIGNATURE SELECT CUTS PUPPY FORMULA WITH SUPER GRAINS & GOAT MILK

Multi-protein, grain-inclusive recipe featuring real lamb and whitefish first, plus wholesome oats, millet, barley and flaxseed with nourishing goat milk. Formulated without chicken, legumes or potatoes, each serving is rich in omega-3, omega-6, and DHA to support brain development and skin and coat health.

NEW! FUSSIE CAT SUPER PREMIUM MARKET FRESH DRY KITTEN RECIPE

A gentle, growth-focused kitten kibble made with real chicken first, nutrient-dense goat milk, natural fibers like pumpkin, chickpeas and lentils, and DHA-rich salmon oil. Crafted in the USA with globally-sourced ingredients to support developing muscles, digestion, and overall wellness with antioxidant-rich dried blueberries & cranberries in a crunchy texture cats crave.

NEW! FUSSIE CAT SUPER PREMIUM KITTEN RECIPES WITH GOAT MILK (WET)

Nutrient-dense pouches, cans and purees made specifically for kittens with real meat first, nourishing goat milk and gentle pumpkin in a variety of textures including tender shreds, silky mousses, and irresistible purees/toppers. Try Chicken with Pumpkin, Tuna with Pumpkin, Tuna with Salmon & Pumpkin, and Tuna & Chicken with Pumpkin.

NEW!

ZIGNATURE SELECT CUTS KANGAROO FORMULA WITH SUPER GRAINS

This wholesome recipe features wild, humanely-sourced Australian kangaroo as the first ingredient—a lean, novel protein rich in B12, DHA, EPA, iron and zinc to support heart health and overall wellness. With nutrientrich oats, millet, barley, and flaxseed for balanced energy and functional fiber. Not available in CA.

NEW! FUSSIE CAT PREMIUM VARIETY PACKS

Our best-selling purees, now in flavor-filled and valuepacked 50-count assortments, perfect for multi-cat households. These high-protein, moisture-rich treats/ toppers come in easy-squeeze tubes for mess-free, interactive treating. Irresistible texture, added Vitamin E, and no artificial colors or preservatives.

SQUAREPET VFS® SKIN & DIGESTIVE SUPPORT

SquarePet VFS® Skin & Digestive Support is a limitedingredient, hydrolyzed protein diet designed for dogs with food sensitivities and ingredient intolerances. This highly digestible formula supports digestive comfort while promoting skin health and a shiny coat with essential omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. All-natural, veterinarian formulated, and made in the USA.

SQUAREPET VFS® LOW FAT FORMULA

SquarePet VFS® Low Fat Formula supports digestive health in dogs that struggle with fat digestion. Made with naturally lean ocean whitefish and enriched with a GI-health blend of prebiotics, probiotics, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids, this vet-formulated diet delivers targeted low fat levels without sacrificing palatability, nutrient balance, or overall wellness.

SQUAREPET VFS® IDEAL DIGESTION

SquarePet VFS® Ideal Digestion is a gentle, highly digestible diet formulated to support sensitive stomachs and maintain stool quality. Featuring cage-free turkey, whole eggs, digestive fibers, prebiotics, probiotics, and antioxidant support, this veterinarian-designed food nourishes gut health while delivering complete, balanced nutrition for adult dogs with digestive concerns.

SQUAREPET VFS® ACTIVE JOINTS

SquarePet VFS® Low Phosphorus Formula is a specialized, veterinarian-formulated diet offering low protein, low phosphorus, and low sodium nutrition for dogs with specific needs. Made with highly palatable cage-free turkey and whole eggs with added omega3s and antioxidants, this food supports targeted dietary requirements while delivering premium, natural ingredients.

SQUAREPET VFS® LOW PHOSPHOROUS FORMULA

SquarePet VFS® Low Phosphorus Formula is a specialized, veterinarian-formulated diet offering low protein, low phosphorus, and low sodium nutrition for dogs with specific needs. Made with highly palatable cage-free turkey and whole eggs with added omega3s and antioxidants, this food supports targeted dietary requirements while delivering premium, natural ingredients.

NUTRISOURCE CRISPY CRISPERS:

NutriSource Element Series Crispy Crispers come in three different flavors: Chicken & Duck, Lamb & Beef, and Turkey & Venison. They’re crunchy, craveable, and made with real meat!

NUTRISOURCE GRILLIN’ GRILLERS:

NutriSource Choice Grillin’ Grillers come in four different flavors: Beef, Chicken, Turkey, and Whitefish. These treats include wholesome ingredients that dogs love. Made with real meat and that fresh-off-the-grill flavor, they’re totally drool-worthy!

FINLEY’S BEEF, BROWN RICE & VEGETABLE DRY DOG FOOD

At Finley’s, we know that feeling good starts with doing good. Finley’s Beef, Brown, Rice & Vegetable Dry Dog foods blends humanely sourced meat with plant-based proteins from superfoods and non-GMO fruits and veggies to deliver the protein-rich nutrition your dog needs with a more sustainable, Lower Carbon PawPrint formula.

NUTRISOURCE CAT & KITTEN COUNTRY SELECT GRAIN FREE CAT FOOD

Our new NutriSource Cat & Kitten Country select dry cat food includes probiotics and prebiotics for gut health. It is also infused with Non-GMO Goat’s Milk from grass-fed New Zealand goats. Even the pickiest of felines can’t resist the irresistible taste of goat milk. It’s naturally rich in glutamic acid, which enhances meaty flavors and keeps their motor purring!

FINLEY’S

CHICKEN, BROWN RICE, & VEGETABLE WET DOG

FOOD

Finley’s Chicken, brown rice, & vegetable wet dog food is the hydrating protein-rich nutrition your dog needs. Finley’s consciously complete and balanced meals are made with premium, responsibly sourced ingredients. Every bite is packed with real, humanely raised protein for rich, meaty flavor and high-quality protein to support lean muscles and lasting energy.

NUTRISOURCE CAT & KITTEN CHICKEN & SALMON SELECT PATE

Our NutriSource Cat & Kitten Chicken & Salmon Select Pate recipe delivers balanced nutrition that powers the purr. Infused with Non-GMO Goat’s Milk from grass-fed New Zealand goats, goat milk is a powerhouse of calcium, potassium, and vitamin B12, supporting strong bones and a sleek coat. More nutrients, less inflammation, and a whole lot of purring!

An exciting new program honoring the best retailers in the pet industry. The Retailer Excellence Awards program recognizes retail excellence in seven categories, as well as honoring a Sales Representative of the Year, Manufacturer of the Year and Distributor of the Year.

• Social Media Outreach and Online Initiatives

• Store Design/Redesign

• Visual Merchandising

• Socially Responsible Categories include:

• Store Events

• Single Store

• Multiple Locations

For complete information go to PetAge.com or contact Juliana Hefford at 310-507-4605 or jhefford@petage.com

TAIL-WAGGING PET APPAREL

SPRINT TO SUCCESS WITH THE FOUR-LEGGED CLOTHING MARKET.

BY GLENN A. POLYN

Pet apparel has entered 2026 no longer as a niche accessory, but more a fully mature category driven by functional performance, seasonal readiness and fashion sensibility while being boosted by a deeply informed customer base with lofty expectations. Retailers today are catering to an audience that sees pets not just as companions but as family members whose comfort, protection, safety and style matter across every type of weather, every age of life, and every outdoor pursuit. As consumers increasingly prioritize premium, purpose-driven products, pet retailers who understand and can communicate the nuanced differences among rainwear, cold-weather gear and cooling systems will enjoy a strategic advantage in a competitive market.

Rainwear for dogs and cats has emerged as one of the standout categories over

the past few years. Gone are the days when a simple slick plastic poncho was the default offering. Today’s raincoats are engineered garments that combine waterproof performance with breathable fabrics, ergonomic fits, and fashion lines that appeal to pet parents who want utility without sacrificing style.

GF Pet has distinguished itself with a range of raincoats that reflect both function and a sense of seasonal trendiness. GF Pet’s offerings often feature sealed seams, reflective accents for visibility during low-light walks, and tailored silhouettes that move with the animal rather than constricting them, points that retailers should emphasize to discerning buyers. For dog owners who winter in rainy climates or who routinely walk throughout stormy seasons, these raincoats represent product investments that truly improve daily experiences.

“At GF PET, innovation starts with a simple question: how can we make life better for dogs and the people who love them? That mindset has made us a global leader in dog apparel and accessories, trusted by retailers and pet parents around the world for combining smart design, premium quality, and exceptional value,” explained Jarrad Freeman, VP of Sales at GF Pet. “Our patented Elasto-Fit technology changes the way dog clothing fits. Designed to gently expand and contour to each dog’s unique shape, it delivers a secure, comfortable fit with no leg lifting or restriction, while incredibly easy to put on and take off. One jacket, multiple fits, zero fuss.”

While rainwear protects from damp conditions, cold-weather gear dominates winter wardrobes and has seen robust expansion in 2026. Certain dogs start to feel the cold at 41 degrees

Fahrenheit. This is particularly true for young dogs, elderly dogs, small dogs, dogs with thin coats as well as those with certain medical conditions.

In cold and wet conditions, the premium segment of protective gear continues to expand, and one brand that exemplifies this trajectory is Non-Stop Dogwear. Founded in 2009 in Norway, Non-Stop Dogwear was born from its expertise in dog sports and a passion to empower the lives of dogs and their owners. The journey began with Hårek, a talented skijoring dog whose performance was limited by conventional gear that restricted his movement and breathing. The company’s founders created an innovative harness that allowed Hårek to unleash his potential, marking the beginning of Non-Stop Dogwear’s first products.

Non-Stop Dogwear’s gear is trusted by dog owners, dog sports athletes and professionals in search and rescue, military and law enforcement. Today, Non-Stop Dogwear is available in over 2,000 stores across 58 countries.

The brand’s Glacier Jacket and Fjord Raincoat exemplify how technical materials and thoughtful construction can elevate pet apparel from simple outerwear to serious weather protection systems. The Glacier Jacket, built for severe cold, is insulated with PrimaLoft Black Insulation Eco, enabling the winter jacket to be remarkably lightweight yet powerfully warm. Originally developed for human outdoor gear and sleeping bags, its recycled fibers retain insulating properties even when wet.

Meanwhile, the Fjord Raincoat is a

high-performance, full-body raincoat that is both waterproof and windproof, designed to keep dogs dry and comfortable in any weather. Featuring Freemotion tech, which uses a five-panel construction to ensure natural, unrestricted movement, allowing dogs to run and play freely. A breathable 2.5-layer membrane, with a 15,000 g/m²/24hr breathability rating, helps regulate temperature and reduce condensation. The 13,000 mm water column rating guarantees waterproof protection, while 3M reflective details improve visibility in low-light conditions. Perfect for active dogs, this raincoat keeps them clean, dry and comfortable without compromising on fit or freedom of movement.

For retailers, understanding the differences among raincoats, sweaters, insulated jackets and layered winter

systems is vital to reach a broader range of consumers. Sweaters typically offer core warmth in moderate cold, ideal for urban settings or short walks. Insulated jackets, often featuring quilted or synthetic fill, deliver enhanced protection down to sub-freezing degrees and are preferred for extended outdoor excursions.

In hot weather and sun-intensive climates, cooling vests have truly come of age as must-have functional apparel that keeps pets safe and comfortable during heatwaves. Particularly for short-nosed breeds, senior pets, and those with underlying health concerns, overheating is a legitimate risk that can lead to heat exhaustion and other serious conditions. Cooling vests leverage evaporative materials and wicking fabrics that help to absorb and regulate heat.

GF Pet’s cooling vest line reflects this trend with thoughtfully engineered panels that cover critical muscle groups while allowing free movement. The GF Pet Elastofit Ice Dog Vest uses the brand’s Elastofit technology to absorb and release water through evaporation so your dog won’t stay too wet. Two adjustable Velcro closures allow for a proper fit, and it comes in multiple sizes, making it suitable for any dog breed size.

“AT GF Pet, we solve real problems,” said Freeman. “Our lightweight Ice Vest, for example, activates quickly and stays cool for up to five hours, helping dogs stay safe and comfortable in the heat. At GF PET, we don’t just make dog clothing we rethink it, innovate it and elevate it.”

Consumers in 2026 are looking for choices that reflect their own style pref-

erences and that make their pets look good while staying safe. Bold colors, geometric patterns and coordinating accessories allow pet parents to express personality through apparel. Retailers should position cooling vests not as luxury fashions but as health-focused

Visit us at GLOBAL PET EXPO MARCH 25-27 BOOTH 4841 appointments: contact@k9wear.com

gear that mitigates heat stress — a message that resonates strongly in regions where summer temperatures continue to climb.

Across all segments — rainwear, cold gear, booties and cooling vests — licensed and designer apparel continues to exert influence as a growth driver. Far from a passing trend, this functional fashion category appeals to customers who see their pets as active participants in outdoor life, whether that means socializing at outdoor cafes in cool weather or accompanying families on winter hikes.

Brands such as PetRageous Designs and K9 Wear have leveraged licensed partnerships, bringing beloved characters, team logos and cultural motifs into apparel lines that appeal to fashion-savvy pet parents. These items reinforce

emotional connections and often carry higher margins, provided that retailers understand their audience’s interests and preferences. Licensed designs can be especially effective in seasonal displays or themed campaigns, such as holiday launches or event tie-ins, which boost foot traffic and social engagement. Retailers should mix licensed fashion pieces with core performance gear to encourage cross-category purchases, emphasizing that style and function can co-exist without compromise.

The humanization of pets continues to drive demand for seasonal wardrobes rather than one-off purchases. What’s trending among licensed apparel? According to Gretchen George, President of PetRageous Designs, it’s pet clothing that aligns with human fashion trends.

“Dog apparel trends continue to empha-

size both performance and comfort,” she noted. “Insulated coats, breathable windbreakers, rain gear, lightweight layers and stretchable fabrics are all gaining momentum. Functional details such as zippered pockets, snap-down hoods and built-in harness openings add everyday practicality, while enhanced reflective elements improve visibility and safety. At PetRageous Designs and within the Eddie Bauer dog apparel line, we consistently align our collections with human fashion trends, using quality, high-performance materials designed to deliver both style and function.”

PetRageous Designs plans to introduce five new color options in its popular Eddie Bauer Ravenna Colorblock Windbreaker collection. Crafted from a durable nylon and polyester blend with a breathable mesh lining, this versatile

piece functions as both a windbreaker and a raincoat. The stylish colorblock design features complementary tones for added visual appeal. Thoughtful details include a functional pocket for treats or essentials, an easy-grip zipper pull, a convenient leash opening, and a snap-down hood for reliable weather protection.

According to K9 Wear, pet lovers are no longer choosing between style and performance — they expect both. Therefore, the brand is rolling out vibrant new designs across its three premier brand partners — IZOD, Tommy Bahama and Trust. Respect. Love by Cesar Millan — each delivering its own take on functional-fashion. One major trend that pet parents can expect from K9 Wear this year is water repellant rainwear. K9 Wear CEO Frank Cam-

marata explains the motivation behind the category.

“Our tail-wagging friends go out in inclement weather all the time,” Cammarata noted. “So we wanted to give our consumers water-repellent options that are easy to administer and remove, while providing protection from the elements, and, of course, look great on dogs of all sizes and breeds.”

In addition, Tommy Bahama’s reversible Frandy jacket delivers the brand’s signature laid-back aesthetic with a “two-looks-in-one” concept. Designs include a blue floral print that flips to solid blue, a coconut print that reverses to solid green, and a blue bandana print paired with solid blue. Thoughtful details — such as usable pockets and contrast collars -- blend island-inspired style with everyday functionality.

Finally, for its new Trust. Respect. Love by Cesar Millan line, the reversible Frandy sports reflective piping, a warm yet breathable lining, and easy Velcro closure. The lightweight apparel piece is designed for comfort, with easy onand-off features, in combination with eye-catching colors and patterns.

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K9 Wear is also showcasing a Frandy shell reversible jacket this year. The sport-classic IZOD jacket designs feature reversible shell jackets in crisp, preppy colorways: solid orange with multi-checks, solid blue with stripes, and solid red with multi-plaids. Water-repellent with the popular IZOD logo on display, the jackets feature functional pockets on both sides and reverse-color collars.

From GF Pet’s cooling vests and NonStop Dogwear’s winter gear to licensed

fashion pieces from PetRageous Designs and K9 Wear, today’s assortment reflects a deep understanding of contemporary pet lifestyle expectations. Retailers who master category knowledge, educate customers and curate assortments that speak to both aesthetic and elemental needs are poised to thrive.

Visual merchandising that demonstrates layered looks, color-coordinated outfits and weather-ready ensembles

increases average transaction value and deepens customer engagement. For merchandising pet apparel, PetRageous Designs recommends using end caps and floor displays positioned at the front of the store, which will help customers see the products upon entry or while checking out.

“High visibility helps signal that you carry dog apparel,” explained George.

“This past fall and into the current winter season, we introduced our first pre-assorted sweater and coat program, which includes a vertical spinner rack for displaying the full assortment. Placing these displays in high-traffic areas is

key, as customers may not realize their dog needs a sweater or coat until seeing it This often serves as a reminder to refresh their dog’s wardrobe.”

Cammarata of K9 Wear agrees and sees strong in-store merchandising potential for apparel offerings.

“Most pet product retailers in the U.S. display their products on front-facing hooks, while others use horizontal systems with thick bare,” explained Cammarata. “Our products are packaged on a recycled paper hanger with a swivel hook that adjusts to different store fixtures and keeps each item upright and perfectly aligned. This design ensures a clean and consistent presentation across various display systems and helps prevent products from falling over.”

A Dutch Brand Growth Story

WHEN RETAILERS LEAD, THE MARKET FOLLOWS.

BY EMILIE MESNIER

One of the most compelling European pet brand stories I’ve heard recently comes from a company that doesn’t look flashy at first glance, and that’s exactly the point.

Prins Petfoods is a Dutch, family-owned pet food company that has been operating for decades (since 1963) and is still deeply involved in day-to-day strategy. Today, it is led by Marlou Mulder, the daughterin-law of the original founder. This continuity matters, because Prins doesn’t think in quarters. It thinks in relationships.

Their strategy is built around three pillars: nutrition, knowledge and trust.

Prins is a rapidly growing brand, producing their own pet food brands in-house, and it also serves as the leading manufacturer of cold-pressed pet food in Europe.

However, what really differentiates the business is what happens around the product.

Over the years, Prins built an ecosystem that includes Edupet, an independent education and training center with more than 70 instructors, most of them veterinarians or trained professionals. Courses are built for multiple audiences: pet owners, veterinarians, veterinary support staff, pet retailers, and even breeders and

groomers. Retailers selling Prins products are doing more than simply stocking bags.

They are being trained: on nutrition, on feeding behavior, on how to talk to pet owners who arrive anxious, confused, or overwhelmed by online or conflicting information. Education is not a marketing afterthought for Prins; it is part of the core infrastructure. Prins also runs a dedicated care team where consumers can reach nutrition experts via chat, WhatsApp (very popular in Europe), social media, email, or phone. Interestingly, they are seeing phone and email usage decline, while messaging, WhatsApp chats, and social media communications continue to rise. Today, the Prins CareTeam includes approximately 10 full-time people, which is significant for a company of its size.

While Prins Petfoods is best known as a manufacturer, its direct-to-consumer model and education-led service ecosystem place it firmly in retailer territory. Prins goes beyond making pet food; instead, it manages the relationship, the advice and increasingly the decision-making moment.

The communication challenge Prins faces, like many brands, retailers and manufacturers in Europe, is scale.

“People want answers now and fast, and they don’t want just answers, they want conversations,” Marlou shared

at GlobalPETS Forum in Istanbul this past January.

They also want advice that feels personal, reliable and consistent across channels. And it is increasingly difficult to provide that with humans alone.

That is where Prins made a deliberate, cautious move into agentic AI. They partnered with CM.com, a global cloud software and conversational commerce platform, to build a virtual colleague and customer-facing agent named “Pettie.”

Pettie is not just a chatbot dumping answers. She is designed to hold conversations, ask follow-up questions, and adapt her tone to the person she’s interacting with. She is multilingual, which is really handy amid Europe’s 24 official languages. She is trained only on trusted Prins data, and, critically, she is live for just two hours a day.

Why so limited? Because Prins insists on a human-in-the-loop approach. Every answer Pettie gives is reviewed by a real person. Humans correct her, refine her phrasing, and retrain the model. It’s slow by Silicon Valley standards, but intentional.

Marlou was very clear: “This is about managed scale, not speed for speed’s sake.”

The result is striking. In 2002, Prins generated about 2% of sales online. Today, over half of its business is digital, all without abandoning independent pet stores. Instead, they actively help connect consumers back to local retailers, reinforcing loyalty on both sides.

The lesson here for U.S. retailers is not “add AI.”

It’s this: service and knowledge can scale if you treat technology as a colleague, not a replacement.

Another European Retail Fairytale

Every market has its origin story, and Europe’s most famous pet retail story reads almost like a dare.

In the late 1980s, Torsten Toeller, the son of a successful German

wholesaler, traveled to the United States to study retail and discovered something that barely existed back home: large, specialized pet stores entirely dedicated to animals. When he returned to Europe with the idea of replicating the model, his father was unconvinced. The risk seemed enormous. The category felt niche, and people there already thought pet food belonged in grocery.

Torsten did what many visionary founders do. He put everything on the line and opened the first store himself. It didn’t work initially, and he still doubled down on his vision by selling his car, asking for multiple petfood brands to invest in his idea, and opening a second store.

Fast forward to 2024, and Torsten Toeller announced that Fressnapf’s estimated total turnover will reach nearly €4.8 billion ($5.7 billion USD), securing a 24.6% EU market share including online sales. The company now operates over 2,700 stores in 15 countries. What started as a borrowed idea became a distinctly European retail machine, and Torsten Toeller net worth is now evaluated at $1.7 billion USD.

What makes the story resonate today is not just the scale, but the consistency. Fressnapf invested early in private labels, clear in-store navigation, and everyday accessibility — not luxury theater. While trends come and go, the chain has stayed anchored in function, value, and trust, adapting formats without losing its core promise.

For US readers, it’s a reminder that many of Europe’s largest players were not born from tech or venture capital, but from retail instincts sharpened on the shop floor.

The Fashion Corner

Recent market data show Europe’s pet fashion category has grown into a $1.28 billion USD business and continues to expand, a reminder that style and function are converging on pet shelves across the continent.

Europe might not be ready for Adidas’ Originals, a dedicated pet collection for Fall/Winter 2025 featuring scaled-down versions of its signature track tops and vests tailored for pets. However, but we could imagine more brands and retailers taking note, considering that pet ownership continues to grow and birth rates continue to decline.

Closing Thought

European retail success today is not about who shouts loudest or moves fastest. It’s about who builds trust over time through education, service, and formats that make sense in everyday life. It’s about adopting new tools and technologies in a controlled and mindful way.

WELLNESS

Supplements, first-aid and other health-oriented products are widely considered of the utmost importance for a pet’s overall wellness. Dog ailments typically involve hip and joint, skin and gastrointestinal (GI) issues, while GI and urinary tract infections are common ailments for cats.

RUBY REEF FISH AID KIT

The Ruby Reef Fish Aid Kit is a combo pack that contains Kick-Ich PRO and Rally PRO. The kit is designed for treating various fish diseases, including ich (white spot), marine velvet, bacterial infections and flukes, in freshwater and marine aquariums. www.rubyreef.com

RESCUE

TVATI

Tvati is available in two formulas: Tvati Pet, to be applied to cats’ and dogs’ necks, and Tvati Equine, to be applied to horses’ upper withers. Free from parabens, sulfates and dyes, Tvati is designed for pets dealing with aging and mobility challenges. www.tvatipet.com

RESCUE is a revolutionary line of pet wellness products to soothe inflammation, reduce irritation and accelerate the healing process using pure hypochlorous acid (HOCl), which is trusted in human healthcare for wound care and surface disinfection in hospitals. RESCUE remedies four common pet-parent concerns (skin spray, oral spray, ear drops and eye drops) and are safe if licked. www.wondercide.com

RAPID WOUND REPAIR

Silver Honey wound care line combines the natural power of Manuka Honey and MicroSilver BG. These unique animal wound care products immediately stops 99.9% of bacteria to protect and speed the healing of cuts, scratches and skin conditions for horses, dogs and all animals. ww w.silverhoney.com

CANNANATURAL CRUSH IMMUNE

Healthy Hemp Pet CannaNatural Crush Immune is made with USDA Certified Organic Mushroom 5 Blend (Chaga, Reishi, Maitake, Shiitake & Turkey Tail). It is specially formulated to boost immunity support in pets, combining Organic Full Spectrum, terpene-rich hemp (CBD) oil with USDA Certified Organic Mushroom 5 Blend and Green-lipped mussels. www.healthyhemppet.com

PROBIOS INTELLIFLORA

HEALERS MEDICAL BOOTIES

The Healers Medical Booties line allows pet owners to effectively protect dogs’ paws while healing from many injuries. The product includes gauze inserts to protect the wound and aid in the application of topical medication. Any consumer that has had a dog with a paw injury knows the difficulty of keeping the wound clean and free of debris – especially when going out for business walks.

www.healerspetcare.com

Probios Intelliflora is a probiotic supplement for dogs and cats that provides an antibiotic free approach to help maintain a healthy immune system. There are four probiotic strains offered in Probios Intelliflora. The simple design creates ease of use when providing this supplement to pets. Daily use helps support balanced gut microflora.

www.probios.com

LONGEVITY15

Longevity15 is the world’s first supplement for dogs with the ingredient C15:0; a discovery 90 years in the making. Powered by Fatty15, this supplement supports and promotes longterm health, supports cellular health, helps support glucose metabolism, supports metabolic functioning of the liver and helps protect body cells and tissues. Give Longevity15 once a day at mealtime for a happier, healthier and longer life. Gi ve Longevity15 and love your dog longer. www.petsbestlife.com

ROOTED OWL WEIGHT MANAGEMENT

Rooted Owl Weight Management is the first pet supplement designed for weight control in dogs and cats using Carnipure L-Carnitine, a clinically studied ingredient that supports fat metabolism, lean muscle maintenance and overall healthy body composition. This vet-formulated, microdose capsule ensures optimal absorption with no fillers — just targeted support for managing weight effectively. A sciencebacked, easy-to-administer solution for maintaining your pet’s health and vitality.

and gut health blend to maximize absorption. Enhanced with Glucosamine, Chondroitin, Fish Oil (Omega 3), Collagen, Biotin, Calcium, and much more. Natural ingredients, no added fillers or colors. Available in three age-specific formulas, they deliver lifelong health for your lifelong friend.

www.vetericyn.com

NASC at Global Pet Expo

Sleeping in

STYLE

The materials and quality of today’s pet beds and furniture are comparable to their human equivalent. In addition to durability and an attractive design, the ease of cleaning is another important factor that consumers consider when seeking a bed for their dog or cat.

RIPPLE HOME

The Ripple is an end-to -end sustainable pet home that fits in with any aesthetic. It features a durable, slim design with a frame that is 100% reusable composite and ash wood sustainably harvested from West Virginia’s Appalachian forest. www.wecoexiste.com

TERRITORY CRATE BEDS

WAUDOG RELAX

The new WAUDOG Relax series of pet beds go with removable cushions, so you can change them anytime. Pet beds are made from wearresistant and durable rip-stop fabric. WAUDOG Relax pet beds come in three sizes. www.collarglobal.com

The Territory Crate Mat offers a soft and cozy surface with a plush printed flannel top and a durable twill bottom. With over an inch of cushioning, is provides comfort without overcrowding the crate, while perimeter stitching helps maintain its shape wash after wash. Perfect for on-the-go comfort, it folds easily for travel and fits standard crates for an added layer of comfort. www.territorypet.com

KARMA CAT

CAT TUNNEL BED

Transform your pet’s playtime and rest with Lesure’s innovative 2-in-1 Cat Tunnel Bed. This design marries the excitement of a zip-together play tunnel with the serene comfort of a cozy nap spot, perfectly accommodating cats up to 15 pounds and small pets like rabbits or ferrets. www.lesurepet.com

Karma Cat beds are handcrafted with a unique blend of lanolinrich wools that are healthy for cats and safe for the planet. With more than 40 styles and colors, these beds fuse comfort, durability and design with environmentally sustainable production and socially conscious business practices. www.karmacat.com

Trends & Products BEDS

COMFY MONSTER HIDEAWAY

Comfy Monster Hideaway is a cozy hideaway for your cat or kitten. Add a fun and functional element to your home with this whimsical design. It creates a comfortable and soft space where your kitty can rest. The hideaway is perfect for when your kitty needs some alone time to minimize social stress. The removable plush pillow can be spot cleaned and easily vacuumed. The exterior of the Comfy Monster is covered in a short shaggy blue fabric with accents - this plush material adds to the comfort and coziness of the hideaway. www.prevuepet.com

SNOOZE REVOL PAD

The Snooz Revol Pad from Diggs is designed to fit perfectly into the Revol Crate. It can also be used as a comfortable bed anywhere. The orthopedic pad features premium memory foam and a removable, machine-washable outer cover. The Snooz Revol Pad features CertiPURUS certified foams and is engineered for dogs up to 30 pounds.

www.diggs.pet

COZY COVE CAT TENT

P.L.A.Y.’s Cozy Cove Cat Tent creates a special hideout for your cat. Constructed of 100% natural cotton canvas and pine wood poles, the design features a circular front opening and removable interior cushion for comfort. Designed for easy set-up, introduce a safe space for your cat and add a fun architectural design element to your home. www.petplay.com 9

SNOOZER COZY CAVE BED

The Rectangle Cozy Cave is the most spacious model Snoozer Pet Products has ever designed, allowing big dogs to experience the comfort of our beloved nested beds! The rectangle shape offers a wider opening for entry and a multitude of restful positions for your pup. It also welcomes multiple pets who are willing to share their coveted cave with a furry friend. www.snoozerpetproducts.com

LA-Z-BOY MILO SOFA

La-Z-Boy provides pets with the same level of high-quality styling and comfort already found in homes across the country. With superior solid wood framing and multi-layer cushions, La-Z-Boy furniture provides support for achy joints and pressure points. Fabrics designed to resist wear and tear. Comfortable sofa made with Conserve sustainable velvet fabric and filled with high loft, recycled white fiber. Made for medium pets up to 50 pounds. www.petmate.com

HELLO KITTY COVERED CAVE BED

This cozy hideaway cave is shaped in the classic design of Hello Kitty and is made with luxuriously soft velboa material. The roomy cave also includes a removable flat bed insert for added space that doubles as a second lounger bed. The insert is machine washable allowing for quick and easy maintenance. Product is recommended for cats and small dogs. Officially licensed Hello Kitty and Friends product from Jazwares.

www.squishmallowspetbed.com

SHERPA PUFF BALL PET BED

The Sherpa Puff Ball Pet Bed offers a warm and inviting retreat that both cats and dogs adore. Its soft, plush design provides a comforting pouf perfect for curling up and relaxing during long naps. Featuring a zippered cover and liner, this bed makes cleaning simple and hasslefree, helping maintain a fresh resting space for your furry friend. It is filled with a plush polyester fiber fill made 100% of recycled water bottles.

www.carolinapetcompany.com

CARHARTT DOG BED

Every dog needs a comfy place to rest and recharge, but it’s imperative that it can also pass the test of time. This bed is made from the same durable duck used for the Chore Coat (and human jackets), but with a feel that’s broken in from the start. With a washable shell that’s easy to remove, this bed is designed for your dog to get dirty — and for the pup who’s used to luxury, you can upgrade to a sherpa top option for ultimate coziness. www.carhartt.com

The new line of eco-friendly signature pet beds from Guy Harvey are the perfect gift for ocean and marine wildlife enthusiasts. Made with 100 percent biodegradable water-based ink and recycled materials, these colorful, artistically designed beds feature high-resolution iconic artwork by world-renowned artist, conservationist and scientist Dr. Guy Harvey. Sales benefit ocean conservation through the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation. www.guyharvey.com

CLUB NINE LUXURY PET FURNISHINGS

Club Nine’s luxury beds are designed to provide the highest level of comfort for a pet while complementing the furnishing style of a home. With collections that range from traditional and mid-century modern to metro and soho, these furniture designs are made of premium yet durable pet-friendly fabrics that offer a value unsurpassed within the industry. www.clubninepets.com

GUY HARVEY PET BEDS

Small

While small animal food is far from being a large segment in the pet industry, they make exceptional repeat-sales items. Savvy retailers who have been stocking their shelves with these products are seeing a consistent rise in sales with repeat business among their critter-keeping customers.

PE FLAKES

PE Flakes are a palatable, nutritionally complete fish food designed to enhance coloration and induce an energetic feeding response in a variety of fish. Offered in Saltwater, Freshwater, Cichlid and Goldfish formulations, they contain fresh PE Mysis for a rich and nutritionally complete diet. www.mysis.com

HOUSE RABBIT

House Rabbit Food meets the nutritional needs of bunnies that live indoors. The pellets provide a unique, irresistibly crunchy, tasty texture with no need for added sugars. It is fortified with essential vitamins A and D for optimum health. www.supremepetfoods.com

NATURAL BEHAVIORS FORAGING PELLET

Brown’s line of Tropical Carnival Natural Behaviors Foraging Pellets Daily Diets are formulated for digestive support and balanced fiber in adult rabbits, guinea pigs and chinchillas. Each pellet contains five types of natural hay and grasses, and 6 holistic herbs and flowers so nutrients are evenly distributed with every bite. www.fmbrown.com

BETTA WORM SHAPED BITES

Betta Worm Shaped Bites is a nutritionally complete worm-shaped food tailored to the needs of bettas and other labyrinth fish. Bites mimic the swimming behavior of bloodworms for acceptance by bettas that prefer live prey. The diet contains shrimp and added carotenoids to enhance colors. www.tetra-fish.com

TINY HANDS NUTRI-TREATS

Tiny Hands Nutri-Treats are expertly crafted to support the health and enjoyment of small animals. These treats combine Timothy Grass, Beet Pulp, and Brewers Dried Yeast, balancing nutrition with irresistible taste. Originally inspired by the brand’s Grazers Nutri-Bites, these are perfectly tailored to meet the unique needs of small pets, focusing on digestion, dental health, and overall vitality.

www.equinebalancedsupport.com

LRS REEF FRENZY

Reef Frenzy has all the nutrients needed to feed your entire reef aquarium in one package. The fresh ingredients listed are free from any phosphate rinses and sourced at the Carolina Coast. The superior fatty acid profile of LRS foods demonstrates why breeders, marine biologists and hobbyists report increased health, vigor and color of their livestock. www.larrysreefservices.com

CORAL FRENZY

Coral Frenzy’s coral food options boast an enhanced formulation, unparalleled traceability and increased support for independent pet retailers. Probiotics have been added to the improved formulation, with the goal of helping maintain excellent water quality. There are no “secret” ingredients or fillers. These product offerings are streamlined to include two core formulations: a powder-sized offering and a 0.5 mm pellet variation. Powdered version is available in 45-, 90and 180-gram canister sizes. The 0.5 mm pellet is available in 65-, 130- and 260-gram sizes.

www.coralfrenzy.com

BLUE TONGUE SKINK FOOD CRUMBLES

Zoo Med’s Blue Tongue

Skink Food Crumbles are an omnivorous blend created to ensure proper growth and development of blue tongue skinks. It includes timothy, miscanthus and alfalfa grasses to add long-stem fibers, black soldier fly larvae to add animal protein, and other blue tongue favorites like dandelion greens, endive, yucca and mango to add irresistible flavor and beneficial nutrients. This is a natural diet with no artificial colors, flavorings, or preservatives added. www.zoomed.com 9

TDO Color BOOST

TDO Color BOOST is a highperformance, color-enhancing granulated food ideal for a wide variety of freshwater fish including tetras, bettas and other nano fish. With its appropriate size and exceptional nutrient profile, it’s ideal for maintaining fish health and promoting good growth — delivering complete, balanced nutrition in every bite.

www.reefnutrition.com

HIGGINS INTUNE DUETS

Higgins inTune Duets are made with a blend of wholesome ingredients, including chickpeas, to offer a nutritious snack option for birds. With no artificial additives or preservatives, pet parents can feel confident in the quality of the treats they are providing to their feathered friends. Each treat features a crunchy shell that satisfies a bird’s natural urge to chew, while inside, a soft and flavorful filling. This combination of textures makes for an engaging and enjoyable snacking experience that birds simply can’t resist.

www.higginspremium.com

THE BAILEY KIT

On The TRAVEL PRODUCTS

ROAD AGAIN

Because dogs are game for anything, they make great buddies for road trips and other outdoor activities. Pet brands are creating products to help enhance a pet’s outdoor adventures, from crates and carriers to travel bottles and first aid kits. While traveling with a pet can be complex, these products can make reaching one’s destination an easier affair.

WAUDOG TRAVEL BACKPACK

TRAILBLAZING COAT

The Baile y Kit from Playfield is a modular dog walking kit that’s a premium solution for modern pet owners on the go. The Bailey Sling Bag features a built-in poop bag dispenser, a retractable mesh water bottle pocket, and a removable carabiner for multifunctional dog walking.. www.ourplayfield.com

SUPER FEEDY

WAUDOG backpacks feature a sturdy bottom, breathable mesh windows, several opening options, molded lining and convenient accessory pocket and safety rope. The shoulder straps and an additional chest buckle help reduce the load on the pet parent’s back. www.collar.com

THE WOLF PACK

Designed for comfort, style and mobility, P.L.A.Y.’s Trailblazing Coat features a split tail hem, weather-resistant collar and luxe fleece lining to keep dogs warm and protected. The easy-access harness slot and water-resistant, machine-washable fabric ensure lasting durability. ww w.petplay.com

The Super Feedy 4-in-1 solution combines a slow feeder, a reversible lick mat, a food prep bowl and a travel dog bowl. It’s equipped with an anti-skid suction cup base and is vet-approved, ensuring that it meets the highest quality and safety standards. Super Feedy is made from eco-friendly, non-toxic materials. www.superfeedy.com

The Wolf Pack by Uncharted Supply Company is a rugged, adventure-ready dog collarthat is built for life on the trail. Crafted with premium materials, it features a hidden, comprehensive first aid kit designed for both you and your four-legged companion. Whether hiking, camping, or exploring the backcountry, the Wolf Pack delivers unmatched utility, durability and peace of mind, so you’re always prepared for whatever the wild throws your way. www.unchartedsupplyco.com

Flip Dog Water Travel Bottle

With a leakproof design and builtin foldable silicone drinking bowl, you can easily give your dog fresh water whenever they need it, no matter where you are. It’s compact, foldable and lightweight design makes it easy to pack and carry. It fits in most cup holders and easily attaches to your backpack or leash with the included carabiner. www.springland.com

SLEEPYPOD CARRIERS

Sleepypod carriers combine travel safety with everyday comfort. Sleepypod transitions from cozy bed to crash-tested car seat and carrier, easing travel anxiety by letting pets ride in familiar surroundings. Sleepypod Air adapts to in-cabin airline travel with an expandable design and crash-tested car seat functionality. Both are certified by the Center for Pet Safety and feature plush bedding for stress-free journeys. www.sleepypod.com

ALL-PURPOSE KENNEL

The Petmate All-Purpose Kennel is a safe and secure solution for everyday use — perfect for home environments, assisting with house training, and providing a comfortable and reliable way to travel. It features full ventilation on all sides to ensure optimal airflow. Available in a variety of neutral and fashionforward colors, this kennel combines functionality with style — and it’s proudly made in the U.S.A. www.petmate.com

STURDIBAG

TThe SturdiBag Pro 2.0 series pet carrier is fully machine washable and features exterior rod guide tab closures. It also has enhanced security with its lock hole zipper sliders, a new hair-free interior hook/loop attachments to help to decrease the grabbing and collecting of hair and fur and can be used with luggage or wheeled cart handles. The carrier handle was changed from leather to animal free quality leather-look material.

www.sturdiproducts.com

MAEVE PET PROTECTION SYSTEM

Created by the makers of Nuna Baby, Tavo is built with the latest United Nations ECE child restraint standards, which sets it apart from many others in the industry. It has undergone rigorous testing at dynamic testing facilities to provide enhanced protection for pets. The spacious pod is lightweight yet durable and has EPP foam that surrounds your pet which absorbs energy and disperses impact. The Maeve Pet Protection System is available in small and medium sizes, with both medium sizes offering rigid handles. The Tavo Maeve Car Seat is available in five luxurious fashions for the carrier, which include Onyx, Fawn, Merle, Sable and Brindle. www.tavopets.com

Trends & Products TRAVEL PRODUCTS

SUV PET COMFORT PAD

The SUV Pet Comfort Pad by Jump Dog returns energy to your pet, supports the skeletal structure of its body and is great for day-to-day travel or long road trips. At 0.6 inches thick, this premium foam cushion provides a comfortable and stable surface, keeping your pet elevated and secure while in the car. This comfort pad is an all-in-one solution that provides comfort, safety and ease of use.

www.jumpdog.com

WROUGHT IRON TRAVEL CARRIER

This durable travel carrier comes with everything you need to keep birds safe and comfortable during travel and transport. It has welded bracket seat belt collars for car travel safety; a bendable rope perch; solid cup doors to prevent spilling; a secure, bird-proof door lock and more.

www.prevuepet.com

14

Crash Tested Harness

The Crash Tested Harness from Company of Animals is made for dog owners looking for extra peace of mind. Certified up to 70 pounds, the harness directly links to the car seat belt system with no extra connection clip required. The high tech f ully reflective fabric features a breathable layer on the ches t panel for comfort, stability and walking safety. Two years in development, this innovative new harness is engineered for easy fitting and conversion into a comfortable walking harness for the perfect day trip. www.companyofanimals.com

BERGAN TRAVEL PRODUCTS

Coastal’s Bergan travel products include crash test-rated auto harnesses in sizes small through extra-large, covering dogs up to 100 pounds; protective liners for a vehicle’s cargo areas, bucket and bench seats (extra wide options for the bench cover and hammock are ideal for larger vehicles); a hanging booster seat; booster and backpack-style carriers; and airline-compatible comfort carriers in small or large.

www.coastalpet.com

HAPPY RIDE COLLAPSIBLE TRAVEL CRATE

The PetSafe Happy Ride Collapsible Travel Crate safely contains pets in the backseat while heading to the next great adventure. The large mesh front and sides allow dogs to see outside the car window and make it easy for pet parents to peek into the backseat to check on them. Inside the travel crate is a pad with a washable fleece cover for pets to feel extra snug on the road. The crate has two zip-open side doors that make it easy for pets to get in and out of the car between trips, and the drawstring openings on the crate are perfect for pet parents to pass toys and treats without unzipping the door.

www.petsafe.net

Company

Profiles

COMPANY PROFILE

Golden Pet Brands Sets a New Standard in Premium Nutrition

Golden Pet Brands is setting the standard in premium pet nutrition by making longevity-focused, nutrient-dense, minimally processed food that is simple for pet parents and rewarding for pets. With three leading brands, Dr. Marty Pets, Badlands Ranch, and Ultimate Pet Nutrition, powered by veterinary expertise and the most powerful consumer education engine in the category, drives high-intent shoppers into stores and delivers measurable growth for retail partners.

The Golden Pet Difference

Expert voices shape each brand from the inside out. Dr. Marty Goldstein, Katherine Heigl, and Dr. Gary Richter actively influence product development and consumer education. Their involvement spans formulation reviews and long-form educational content reaching more than 25 million pet parents annually.

“Our partners are deeply involved in how we build our brands and business,” said CEO Apu Mody.

“They bring decades of hands-on veterinary and advocacy experience, grounded in real-world practice and a shared commitment to advancing pet health.”

Leadership and Vision

Golden Pet Brands recently welcomed CEO Apu Mody, a proven CPG executive who has driven transformational growth, managed P&Ls up to $2.5 billion, and built category-leading brands across both Fortune 50 and private equity backed companies. Under his leadership, the company is growing its state of the art manufacturing footprint, modernizing its digital education ecosystem, and deepening retail partnerships grounded in category leading brands, the highest quality, nutrient-dense pet foods, and an end to end supply chain.

“We are building the future of pet nutrition where science, transparency, and real food create better outcomes for pets,” said Mody.

COMPANY NAME: GOLDEN PET BRANDS

COMPANY FOUNDED: 2017

HEADQUARTERS: LOS ANGELES, CA

NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: 180

Retail Momentum

Buyers continue to see strong performance across pet speciality and national accounts. Golden Pet is the fastest growing brand in the Alt Food Category within Independent Pet Retail, per syndicated POS data for the 52 weeks ending November 29. Badlands Ranch has recently launched in Petco, with Dr. Marty Pets entering stores nationally in March as consumer demand accelerates.

Flagship Brands

Dr. Marty Pets delivers freeze-dried raw diets developed over 53 years of clinical experience by integrative veterinarian Dr. Marty Goldstein, recently named Dog Food Company of the Year by the 2025 Pet Innovation Awards and endorsed by Cesar Millan.

Badlands Ranch, founded by Katherine Heigl, features air-dried recipes and premium treats for whole-body vitality, advised by veterinary nutrition expert Dr. Amibika Vaid-Sidhu, DVM.

Ultimate Pet Nutrition, created by Dr. Gary Richter, offers science-guided supplements and advanced nutrition formulas trusted nationwide.

The Retail Advantage

This is where Golden Pet Brands separates from

the field. Built from a direct-to-consumer DNA, the company applies data-backed precision and performance marketing rigor to omnichannel retail growth. Creative is inspired by deep consumer insights and deployed at scale across national television, significant online investment, and proprietary educational content. The result is a fully integrated sales and marketing engine that synchronizes media, message, and retail activation to drive sustained category expansion.

“Retailers do not just get category defining products,” said Alex Block, CMO. “They get a marketing engine that brings educated, high intent pet parents straight into stores.”

Innovation at Global Pet Expo

Golden Pet Brands will showcase new functional Yak Chews from both Badlands Ranch and Dr. Marty, featuring benefits including calming, dental, digestion, and skin and coat formulas in multiple sizes. The company is also introducing Sensitivity Select Small Bites, a new small breed expansion of its best-selling recipes free from common problem foods.

Made in the USA

Golden Pet Brands owns and operates its own state of the art Wisconsin manufacturing facilities, a rare advantage in the category. Manufactured in the USA with the highest quality ingredients, the company continues to rapidly expand production while maintaining its elite BRC AA+ rating, reflecting a disciplined operational track record and uncompromising quality standards.

To learn more, visit GoldenPetBrands.com

The story begins with Pamela K. Bosco, a true animal lover and visionary, seeking a solution for her own German Shepherd, Elizabeth, who suffered from chronic ear infections. Pamela’s determination to find a safe, antibiotic-free remedy led to the founding of Pet King Brands and the creation of ZYMOX®, a product that has since revolutionized pet health care. Today, Pet King Brands has grown to include a comprehensive line of ear, skin, and oral care solutions suitable for animals of all sizes and ages.

For over 40 years, ZYMOX products have empowered pet parents with natural, effective at-home solutions that support everyday wellness and help address common pet health concerns. From soothing irritated ears to calming dry, itchy skin, ZYMOX products are designed to give pet owners confidence and control when issues arise. As warmer weather brings increased exposure to allergens, moisture, and outdoor activity, ZYMOX products continue to be a trusted resource for managing conditions like seasonal allergies, hot spots, and swimmer’s ear.

COMPANY NAME: PET KING BRANDS

COMPANY FOUNDED: 1998

HEADQUARTERS: Austin, TX

NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: 50

antibiotic-free, it helps reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance and unwanted side effects, making it a gentle yet highly effective option for pets with sensitive skin and ears. Spring and summer can be especially challenging for pets. Increased pollen and environmental allergens often trigger itching, redness, and inflammation, while swimming, humidity, and trapped moisture create ideal conditions for ear infections and hot spots. ZYMOX products are formulated to address these seasonal stressors by providing targeted

family. Designed to address odor, irritation, and bacterial overgrowth on paws, noses, and skin folds, Funky Paws is especially helpful during warmer months when dogs spend more time outdoors. Feet and skin folds can trap dirt and moisture, creating an environment where bacteria and yeast thrive. By combining the LP3 enzyme technology with nourishing ingredients like oat extract and vitamin D, Funky Paws helps soothe irritation, moisturize dry areas, and reduce the odors that often lead to excessive licking and discomfort.

Pet King Brands' key decision-makers gathered to develop and align on the company’s long-term vision for its enzymebased ZYMOX® and Oratene® products for pets' ear, skin and oral care conditions.

At the heart of every ZYMOX and Oratene® product is the LP3 Enzyme System, a powerful, enzyme-based technology that delivers antimicrobial protection without the use of antibiotics. This unique system combines three naturally derived enzymes that work synergistically to combat harmful bacteria, fungi, and viruses while preserving healthy flora. Because the technology is

care that supports the body’s natural defenses. Whether it’s managing itchy ears after a day at the lake or calming irritated skin caused by heat and allergies, ZYMOX offers convenient solutions that can be used at home or on the go.

Innovation remains a key focus for the brand, as demonstrated by the addition of Funky Paws® to the ZYMOX product

Pet King Brands’ ZYMOX and Oratene products are proudly made in the USA, supporting American workers and maintaining high manufacturing standards. This commitment reflects the company’s dedication to quality, community, and transparency, values that resonate strongly with today’s pet parents who seek trustworthy, longterm wellness solutions.

Looking ahead, Pet King Brands remains focused on education, accessibility, and advocacy. By providing natural, science-backed products that support pets before, after, and in between veterinary visits, the brand continues to redefine athome pet care. With a longstanding mission to improve the lives of animals everywhere, Pet King Brands is well positioned to help pets stay comfortable, healthy, and active through every season.

COMPANY NAME: MCKERNAN PACKAGING CLEARING HOUSE

COMPANY FOUNDED: 1959

HEADQUARTERS: Reno, NV

NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: >125

For over six decades, McKernan Packaging Clearing House has been a trusted source for high-quality packaging components. With a consistent stock of over 1,200-line items and more than 100 million packaging units in stock, they offer everything from bottles, caps, jars, trigger sprayers, treatment pumps, fine mist sprayers, lotion pumps and much more—all ready to ship.

MCKERNAN’S

HISTORY

Founded in 1959, McKernan was an innovator by buying and selling unused surplus packaging, laying the foundation for their “Best Value” line. This was later joined by a growing wholesale line, eventually leading to the selection and variety for which McKernan is known. Today, McKernan continues to serve businesses of any size, with in-stock packaging designed to complement any brand.

A NEW WAY TO BUY

McKernan’s new ecommerce platform offers a faster, more flexible way to buy packaging. Customers can now browse a curated selection of packaging components, check real-time inventory, view online pricing and place orders at any time. McKernan’s online ordering is designed to offer businesses a simpler option when needing quick turnarounds or smaller volumes—while still complementing the traditional phone-ordering experience. Customers can reorder trusted components or

explore new options, all while shopping with the convenience of online ordering. For more information, email ecommerce@ mckernan.com.

SURPLUS SPECIALISTS

“We Buy Packaging!” Turn unused packaging into opportunity with McKernan’s We Buy Packaging program, which offers businesses a smart, sustainable solution for clearing excess inventory. In 1992, McKernan coined the term “Precycle,” becoming a pioneer in the green movement by giving packaging components a second chance while helping companies recover value— McKernan even covers the shipping. When you need to clear inventory in a short amount of time, call McKernan. To learn more, visit WeBuyPackaging.com or email surplus@mckernan.com.

in-stock packaging at your convenience or call 1-800-787-7587 or 775-3566111 and the staff at the front desk will connect you with a knowledgeable sales representative or surplus specialist for further assistance.

THE MCKERNAN EXPERIENCE

Whether you are buying or selling packaging, when you work with McKernan Packaging Clearing House, you’ll receive the same high-quality service that has been available for over 67 years. Go to McKernan.com to order

COMPANY NAME: ROYAL PET INC

COMPANY FOUNDED: 1996

HEADQUARTERS: Hastings, MN

NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: >100

As the pet industry continues to grow with new brands, categories, and product launches entering the market each year, retailers are increasingly looking for more than a traditional supplier relationship. To remain competitive, they need partners who bring experience, operational expertise, and the ability to deliver differentiated private label solutions that drive both brand value and profitability. Royal Pet Inc. has built its business around exactly that role, combining nearly three decades of industry knowledge with robust private label capabilities designed to help retailers create, develop, and grow successful programs.

Founded in 1996 by Troy Petersen, Royal Pet began with a single, innovative product - cat litter box liners - that addressed a clear unmet consumer need. That early focus on practical innovation established a philosophy that continues to guide the company today: develop smart, scalable solutions that make sense for consumers while delivering measurable results for retail partners. As Royal Pet celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2026,

private label programs remain central to both its identity and long-term growth strategy.

Royal Pet works closely with major regional and national retailers to build customized private label programs aligned with individual brand goals, category strategies, and margin objectives. Rather than offering off-the-shelf products, the company takes a collaborative, start-to-finish approach. Royal Pet supports every stage of the process, from product ideation and trend-driven concept development to sourcing, engineering, prototyping, packaging design, and final execution. This comprehensive support allows retailers to bring unique, brand-right products to market with confidence.

A key advantage of partnering with Royal Pet is its depth of in-house capabilities. Awardwinning product and packaging design teams, full CAD engineering, and prototyping services ensure concepts are thoroughly refined before launch. Independent factory audits and routine inspections further reinforce quality assurance,

consistency, and compliance - critical requirements in today’s complex global supply environment. Together, these capabilities create an efficient path from concept to shelf, helping retailers move quickly without compromising product performance or brand standards.

Private label has been part of Royal Pet’s DNA since its earliest days and continues to expand year over year. Retail partners benefit from programs that differentiate their assortments, strengthen brand ownership, and unlock additional margin. Just as importantly, Royal Pet takes a longterm view of category growth, helping partners evolve and expand their private label offerings as consumer expectations, pet ownership trends, and retail demands change over time.

The strength of Royal Pet’s private label business is reflected in its longstanding retail partnerships, many of which span decades. Built on trust, collaboration, and adaptability, these relationships demonstrate the company’s ability to evolve alongside its customers while consistently meeting the demands of modern retail.

As Royal Pet marks 30 years in business, it does so with pride in the private label programs, partnerships, and people that have shaped its success. With multi-generational leadership and a clear focus on capability-driven growth, Royal Pet remains committed to helping retailers create and develop private label programs that deliver meaningful differentiation, sustained profitability, and long-term value - today and well into the future.

BACKED BY SCIENCE

ROOTED OWL FINDS SUCCESS IN BOTANICAL ANIMAL HEALTH PRODUCTS.

While a well-balanced diet is the cornerstone to nutrition, supplements can help to augment the nutrients available to a pet’s system. The market for pet supplements has increased of late as pet parents seek to slow the progression of disease and support their pet’s body to prevent illness. Rooted Owl develops pet wellness supplements using a science-led approach and human-grade standards. Pet Age recently spoke with Rooted Owl CEO and founder Karan Madan, who discussed how the brand’s products are developed following pharmaceutical human-grade standards, ensuring consistency, reliability and effectiveness with every dose.

What can you tell us about the science behind Rooted Owl?

At Rooted Owl, science is the starting point. The brand was built on the belief that natural pet wellness delivers its greatest value when it is designed to achieve clear, measurable results. Efficacy is the guiding principle behind every product we develop. Our development process begins with rigorous ingredient selection. We focus on clinically studied actives with proven biological relevance and reproducible outcomes, rather than following ingredient trends. Each formula is designed to support a specific physiological function, using ingredi-

ents that are supported by research and suitable for long-term use.

Across the brand, delivery is treated as a scientific decision. In our supplement line, microdose capsules are used deliberately to protect sensitive active ingredients and allow them to pass through the early stages of digestion intact, reaching the gut where absorption and systemic distribution occur most effectively. This ensures that what is listed on the label is what actually reaches the body.

Rooted Owl products are developed with human-grade standards in mind — applying the same level of ingredient quality, formulation logic and scientific rigor expected from products designed for human use. Our goal is simple: create natural solutions that work because they are built on solid science.

What makes Rooted Owl’s formulas so effective?

The effectiveness of Rooted Owl’s formulas lies in recognizing that science has its own vehicles. Ingredients alone do not determine outcomes — how they are delivered is equally critical. Our supplement line is intentionally built around capsule-based delivery. Capsules act as a protective vehicle, shielding sensitive active ingredients as they move through the early stages of the digestive system. This allows those

actives to be released in the gut, where absorption and bioavailability are optimized. Equally important is formulation discipline. Our products are minimalist, avoiding fillers and unnecessary additives that dilute performance. Every ingredient has a defined role, and every formula is designed to support a clearly identified function.

Tell us about your product range and your most popular varieties.

Rooted Owl offers a portfolio designed around performance-driven solutions, with particular strength in joint health and stress support. Joint & Muscle Health, a formula that combines UCII undenatured type II collagen with L-Carnitine, is our most recognized product. UC-II has been clinically shown to be more effective than traditional ingredients, such as glucosamine, for supporting joint function, while requiring a fraction of the dose.

Calming Oil is our flagship hemp line product. It features one of the highest concentrations of cannabinoids available in the pet market and is formulated with whole-plant hemp extract to preserve natural cannabinoid and terpene synergy. Its combination with Ashwagandha, an adaptogenic botanical that supports the body’s response to stress, further differentiates the formula.