Editor’s Select 2026: These Products are Setting the Benchmark for the Pet Industry

The United States is a pet-loving country, with nearly 94 million households having at least one pet, according to the American Pet Products Association. It’s those companion animals that the pet care industry serves.

Due to the immense impact that pet parents have on our industry, Pet Age created Editor’s Select, a distinction we award to high-quality products that reach their highest potential by offering solutions to improve the well-being of pets.

Editor’s Select honors innovation and recognizes excellence, hard work and achievement across the Aquatics, Birds, Cats, Dogs, Reptiles, Small Animals and General pet sectors for a total of 69 different categories. It’s important to know that Editor’s Select is not a nomination-based program, and the following selections are based on observations at trade shows, in pet shops, grocery outlets, big box stores and from firsthand experiences as a pet parent.

Editor’s Select it’s a badge that is not handed out lightly – it signifies products that have achieved Pet Age’s stamp of approval through their outstanding quality, innovation, performance and value; thereby giving us the confidence to recommend them to you.

To earn the distinction of Editor’s Select, a product must truly stand out. This involves Pet Age identifying the outstanding products in a wide range of pet care categories, including Accessories, Beds, Bowls, Grooming, Cleaning, Health, Food, Treats and more.

Among the brands that are appearing on Editor’s Select for the first time are Bonne et Filou, inClover, Tvati, Wee Away and Wonder Bark (which was formerly known as Einstein Pet when the brand appeared on the 2024 Editor’s Select list). And Smallbatch is one of the newcomers that’s recognized in multiple categories, Raw Frozen food for both dog and cat.

Zymox, which is a vet-recommended brand of health products known for its ear and skin treatments that use natural enzymes to fight bacteria, yeast and inflammation, can be found in several pet categories thanks to the versatility of its products.

Meanwhile, Fluval and Aqueon are brands that are leaders in the aquatic market, standing out with their food options, health supplies, accessories and aquarium kits. Their commitment to providing high-quality products for aquatic livestock is making them favorites among hobbyists and their aquatic livestock.

We’re incredibly excited to bring you this new, expanded lineup of honorees as we celebrate the best of the best in pet care. Pet Age recommends that you examine the products in all 69 categories and consider adding the brands and their products to your distribution portfolio, pet store or grooming salon. 

Click on one of the seven images below to view the products that made this year’s Editor’s Select!