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Editor’s Select: Products Setting the Gold Standard in the Pet Industry
Glenn Polyn//January 1, 2024//
Editor’s Select: Products Setting the Gold Standard in the Pet Industry
Glenn Polyn //January 1, 2024//
Listen to this articleNearly two-thirds of U.S. households, or 86.9 million, have at least one pet, according to the American Pet Products Association. Each and every one of those companion animals depends on the pet care industry for their daily needs.
However, Pet Age also realizes the immense impact those pet parents have on the pet care industry, and why the top products deserve to be recognized among the entire spectrum of pet sectors, from aquatic livestock to reptiles and herps.
This is what inspired Pet Age to create its Editor’s Select program, the mission of which is to honor innovation and recognize excellence, hard work and achievement in a wide range of pet care categories, including Apparel, Beds, Grooming, Cleaning, Health, Food, Treats and more. It’s important to know that Editor’s Select is not a nomination-based program, and the following selections are based on observations at trade shows, in pet shops and during first-hand experiences as a pet parent.
Among the brands whose products are being recognized is San Francisco Bay Brand (SFBB), which has provided all-natural frozen foods for tropical fish since 1934. Its commitment to providing nutritious and natural diets for aquatic species has made it a favorite among aquarists and their fishes.
“SFBB’s frozen brine shrimp are a popular and nutritious option for feeding freshwater and marine fish and invertebrates due to being readily recognized as prey, promoting vibrant colors, high energy levels and being digested quickly, thus improving water quality,” said Jason Oneppo, the research and development manager for SFBB.
Another brand with a product in this year’s Editor’s Select program is Farmina, the Italy-based brand that prides itself on delivering innovative and scientifically proven nutritional solutions. According to Josh Wasserman, senior marketing manager at Farmina, its N&D Ancestral Grain range stands as a testament to his company’s unwavering commitment to pet health and wellness.
“Farmina’s Italian heritage inspired the N&D Ancestral Grain range by carefully combining low glycemic index Ancestral Grains, Spelt and Oats, an integral part of the Mediterranean diet, with the highest quality cuts of meat,” noted Wasserman. “This line features an industry-leading 90 percent of the protein from animal origins. Our diets have undergone comprehensive clinical testing through cruelty-free research, affirming their low glycemic index. This unique attribute plays a pivotal role in controlling glycemic levels in pets, aiding in preventing diabetes and obesity.”
Tall Tails, which has been helping pets remain comfortable and happy since 1933, and GURU Pet, launched last year by industry veterans JJ and Amy Stone, are two companies with vastly different histories; however, both are being recognized as leaders in the Dog Toys categories.
“Tall Tails toys are well received by independent pet retailers because of the quality, look, feel and assortment,” said George Barton, director of marketing at Tall Tails. “The Tall Tails Yeti is designed with Real Feel Fabric, specially selected high-pile fabric that recreates the comforting feeling of a puppy cuddling with its litter and mother. Pet parents will have no shortage of photo opportunities as their dog carries the Yeti around the house, snuggles up with it for naptime or tosses it around during play.”
“GURU toys are designed for dogs, to satisfy their natural instincts, keeping them engaged and content,” noted Amy Stone. “GURU’s Soft Scents is a patent-pending innovative plush+ toy that simultaneously addresses a dog’s two strongest senses, sound and smell. What makes these plush toys truly unique is that the squeaker is custom made with Chew Pro, which is our ultra-durable, non-toxic thermoplastic rubber designed specifically for tough chew sessions.”
Meanwhile, Stella & Chewy’s is a brand that can be found in two categories, one for Cat Food and the other for Dog Food.
“Stella & Chewy’s offers a range of minimally processed premium pet food founded on raw, real love for both dogs and cats, which is why we’re committed to offering a wide variety of different products with delicious, best-in-class nutrition that pets love,” stated Rob Nelson, VP of brand marketing. “Stella & Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Raw Dinner Morsels offer 100 percent complete and balanced nutrition for kittens and adult cats, and our Freeze-Dried Raw Dinner Patties offer high-quality nutrition formulated to mirror a dog’s ancestral diet. We never use artificial preservatives, colors or flavors, and the meat, poultry and fish we use never contain added hormones or antibiotics, so pet parents can trust that by feeding their dog or cat Stella & Chewy’s, they’re providing their pets with only the good stuff.”
Pet Age hopes that these products can be found in your pet shop or, if not, that you consider adding them to your store shelves. With that, enjoy the products being honored as the top offerings in the 40+ categories of pet categories that comprise the 2024 Editor’s Select program.
AQUATIC – ACCESSORIES
Fluval
Stratum
EcoTech Marine
VorTech QuietDrive Pump
Marineland
Contour Desktop Kit
AQUATIC – FOOD
SFBB
Brine Shrimp
Tetra
BettaMin
Aqueon
Nutrinsect
AQUATIC – HEALTH
API
Perfect Start
Aqueon
Pure Betta Beads
Blue Shark
Paradigm
BIRD – ACCESSORIES
Kaytee
EZ Care Pet Bird T-Stand
Wyld’s Windgom
PerchPal
Prevue Pet
Flight Cage
BIRD – FOOD
ZuPreem
Essential Nutrition
Volkman
Featherglow
Sunseed
Vita Prima
BIRD – HEALTH 
ZYMOX
Avian Care
Zoo Med
Avian Electrolyte
Versele-Laga
Oropharma
CAT – BEDS
Distinctly Himalayan
Karma Cat Cave
Zee.Dog
Cat Bed
Hagen
Catit Fluffy Bed
CAT – BOWLS/FEEDERS
Hagen
Catit PIXI Fountains
PetSafe
Creekside Ceramic Pet Fountains
Messy Mutts
Messy Cats Silicone Feeders
CAT – FOOD (KIBBLE)
Hill’s Pet Nutrition
Science Diet Indoor
Wellness Pet Food
Wellness Complete Health
Royal Canin
Fit & Active Cat Food
CAT – FOOD (RAW/FREEZE-DRIED/AIR-DRIED)
Instinct Pet Food
Instinct Raw
Stella Chewy’s
Freeze-Dried Raw Dinner Morsels
Primal Pet Foods
Freeze-Dried Nuggets
CAT – FOOD (WET)
Merrick Pet Care
Purrfect Bistro
Fromm Family Pet Food
Gold Cans
Tiki Pets
Tiki Cat After Dark
CAT – HEALTH
Purina
Pro Plan FortiFlora
Pure & Natural Pet
Ear Cleansing System
Vetriscience
Vetri Lysine Plus
CAT – LITTER
Dr. Elsey’s
Ultra Cat Litter
Healthy Pet
ökocat
Kent Pet Group
World’s Best Cat Litter Multiple Cat
CAT – TOYS
Vee Enterprises
PURRfect Cat Toys
Distinctly Himalayan
Karma Cat Sushi
Yeowww! Catnip
Chi-CAT-a Banana Catnip Toys
CAT – TREATS (CRUNCHY)
This & That
Crack Nip
NutriSource Pet Foods
Crunchy Cat Treats
Nulo Pet Food
Crunchy Cat Treats
CAT – TREATS (FREEZE-DRIED/AIR-DRIED)
Vital Essentials
Freeze-Dried Minnows
PureBites
Freeze-Dried Cat Treats
Icelandic+
Air-Dried Fish Cat Treats
CAT – TREATS (LICKABLES) 
INABA Foods
CHURU Creamy Treats
TEMPTATIONS
Purrrr-ee
Solid Gold Pets
SeaMeal Squeeze
CAT – TREATS (SOFT/CHEWY)
NPIC
Get Naked Biteables
Tiki Pets
Tiki Cat Soft & Chewy
INABA Foods
Churu Bites
DOG – APPAREL
GF PET
Elasto-fit Reversible Raincoat
Royal Animals
NYPD/NYFD Collection
Canada Pooch
Alaskan Army Parka
DOG – BEDS
Bowsers
Canopy Bed
Arlee
Chew Shield Dog Bed
Petmate
SnooZZy Couch Bed
DOG – BOWLS/FEEDERS
Indipets
SuperMax Bowl
SodaPup
Slow Feeder Bowls
PetRageous Designs
Marble Stoneware Bowl
DOG – FOOD (AIR DRIED)
ZIWI
ZIWI Peak
Badlands Ranch
Superfood Complete
New Zealand Natural Pet Food
Woof
DOG – FOOD (FREEZE-DRIED/RAW)
Stella & Chewy’s
Freeze-Dried Raw Dinner
Nulo
FreeStyle Freeze-Dried Raw
Vital Essentials
Freeze-Dried Entrees
DOG – FOOD (KIBBLE)
Farmina Pet Foods
N&D Ancestral Grain
SquarePet
Veterinarian Formulated Solutions (VFS)
Annamaet Petfoods
Grain-Free
DOG – FOOD (WET)
Fromm Family Pet Food
Diner Cans
Open Farm
Rustic Stew
Petcurean
Go! Solutions Cartons
DOG – GROOMING
Pure and Natural Pet
USDA Organic
GLO-MARR
Kenic Retro
ALZOO
Concentrated Shampoo Bundle
DOG – HEALTH
Pets Best Life
Yummy Combs
Ultimate Pet Nutrition
Nutra Thrive
Vetericyn Animal Wellness
Vetericyn Plus
DOG – LEASHES/COLLARS/HARNESSES
COLLAR Company
Evolutor
MyFamily USA
No Pull Leash
Leather Broth3ers
Luxe Leather
DOG – TOYS (CHEW/ENGAGEMENT TOYS)
SodaPup
Ultra Durable Nylon Chew Toys
Zee.Dog
2-in-1 Toys
West Paw
Seaflex Toys
DOG – TOYS (PLUSH TOYS)
Tall Tails
Yeti With Squeaker
Patchwork Pet
Snuggler
GURU Pet Company
Soft Scents
DOG – TREATS (BAKED/CRUNCHY)
K9 Granola Factory
Gourmet Donuts
Einstein Pets
Everydays Collection
Nature’s Animals
Gourmet Select Organic Biscuits
DOG – TREATS (BODY PART/CHEWS)
Barking Buddha Pet
Longlastics
Jones Natural Chews
Windees
Natural Farm
Stuffed Collagen Sticks
DOG – TREATS (FREEZE-DRIED/AIR-DRIED/DEHYDRATED)
Dr. Marty Pets
Air-Dried Cod
Kennelmaster Foods
Chips Naturals Originals
Mika & Sammy’s
Dehydrated Jerky
DOG – TREATS (SOFT/CHEWY)
Fromm Family Pet Food
Tenderollies
Jiminy’s
Chewy Cricket Treats
Polkadog
Wonder Nuggets
GENERAL – FLEA & TICK
ALZOO
Plant-Based Flea &Tick
Earth Animal
Nature’s Protection
Vet’s Best
Flea + Tick
GENERAL – STAIN CLEANING
Best Shot
256 Disinfectant
Skout’s Honor
Stain& Odor Remover
Wee Away
X2 Ultra Concentrated
REPTILE – ACCESSORIES
ZILLA
Habitat Accessory Kits
Zoo Med
ReptiHabitat Kits
Exo Terra
Hides
REPTILE – FOOD
Timberline
Vita-Bugs
ZILLA
Reptile Munchies
Hikari
Herptile
REPTILE – HEALTH
JurassiPet
JurrasiVite
Repashy
Mineral Supplements
Fluker’s
Repta Calcium
SMALL ANIMAL – ACCESSORIES
Happy Habitats
Halo
Healthy Pet
carefresh
Oxbow
Enriched Life Multi-Level Habitat
SMALL ANIMAL – FOOD
Supreme Petfoods
Science Selective Rabbit Range
Sunseed
Vita Prima
Kaytee
Food from the Wild
SMALL ANIMAL – HEALTH PRODUCTS
NPIC
N-Bone Ferret Chew Sticks
ZYMOX
Small Animal & Exotic
Sunseed
Vita Prima Sun Drops
