VANGUARD AWARDS

Suppliers in the enrichment solutions arena have developed the category and continually proven how they are leading its growth and why their position and rank is unshakable. Companies such as SodaPup, Starmark Pet Products and West Paw are addressing an often overlooked aspect of pet care— exercising pets’ minds—with products that challenge and spark their intellect.

“We continue to bring forth our daily hands-on experience with dog training and behavior, as well as material testing, to our new product offerings,” said Emily Benson for Starmark Pet Products. “Our commitment to sticking to these core strengths has allowed us to develop quality products that help enrich our pets’ lives while also drawing a strong following among our customers.”

“Our leadership within the enrichment category is a product of several factors including improving upon existing categories, as well as creating whole new product types that didn’t exist before,” said SodaPup’s Adam Baker. “For example, we didn’t invent the slow feeder bowl, but our designs are more effective at slowing down a dogs’ eating because they are more difficult for a dog to use. We also elevated and differentiated our slow feeder bowls with beautiful and non-traditional designs.”

“Similarly, we didn’t create the first lick mat, but we improved upon the concept by making them more durable,” Baker added. “We also created different