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Pet Age Announces 2018 Readers’ Choice Awards
Glenn Polyn //December 12, 2018//
Listen to this articlePet Age is proud to announce the winners of its second annual Readers’ Choice Awards. Retailers from across the country voted for their top three favorite pet products that were launched in 2018 across 20 categories. We counted the ballots and what follows are the three products that received the most votes in each category.
Pet Age congratulates the 43 manufacturers that launched what voters have selected as the best new products of 2018.
CAT: BEDDING
P.L.A.Y. — Horizon Chill Pads
P.L.A.Y.’s Horizon Chill Pads put the “chill” in chill time. Their versatile, lightweight design paired with the same soft and durable woven fabric from the Horizon Bedding Collection makes them the “pawfect” mat to go wherever pets and their owners go. Whether off to a visit at grandma’s house or spending a relaxing day at home, pets will always have a comfy place to rest.
Innovational Pet Product LLC — MyLap Pet Bed
The MYLAP Pet Bed is so unique it was awarded a patent! This one-of-a-kind pillow/bed allows cats to snooze with their favorite spot and scent. The bed’s unique lap-shaped design allows owners to add their scent to the bed by using their own previously worn soft pants as the pillow bed’s cover; the MyLap Pet Bed allows owners to be there for pets when they’re not.
Petique — Feline Chateau Cat House
Feline Château Cat House is the perfect place for feline friends to roam around like royalty. Made of compressed, recycled cardboard that is strong enough to accommodate several cats, it also includes multiple scratch boards inside! As if that’s not “paw-sitively” amazing, did we mention it’s non-toxic and easy to build? Furry friends will be “puuuuring” with satisfaction!
CAT: CHEWS AND TREATS
The Bear & Rat — Frozen Goat Milk Yogurt
The Bear & The Rat’s frozen goat milk yogurt for cats is convenient and ready-to-eat; serve straight from the freezer. The innovative food supplements are packed with nutrient-dense ingredients: goat milk, ginger, turmeric and cinnamon. Each cup contains one serving of InClover’s Optagest Digestive Aid and adds hydration, nutrients and is a complete digestive aid.
Wellness Natural Pet Food — Wellness Kittles 6-ounce bag
The number one natural crunchy cat treat is now available in a larger 6-oz. bag in two flavors—Salmon & Cranberries and Tuna & Cranberries—to give cat parents more value when it comes to snack time. Like all Kittles recipes, they’re grain-free and under two calories per treat. These crunchy bites are not only delicious, but help clean teeth, too!
Tiki Pets — Tiki Cat Tummy Topper
Tiki Cat’s brand new Tummy Topper is a delicious meal enhancer that provides functional benefits with a great taste. The Pumpkin-Wheatgrass formula is pureed with no added sugars or fillers. Pumpkin and wheatgrass provide a great source for vitamins, minerals and fiber for digestive health, as well as nutritious and wholesome flavors for even the pickiest of eaters.
CAT: CLEANING AND ODOR CONTROL
BISSELL Home Care — BISSELL air400 Air Purifier
Featuring a three-stage air filtration system, the BISSELL air400 air purifier is designed to continuously clean and purify indoor air of pet dander and other pollutants to help everyone enjoy their home even more. Its unique CirQulate system uses a pre-filter and an extra-large HEPA filter to capture up to 99.97 percent of 0.3 micron particles, while tough odors are trapped by an activated carbon filter.
World’s Best Cat Litter — Picky Cat
Cat not going in the box? World’s Best Cat Litter Picky Cat is a multiple-cat litter that combines the concentrated power of corn with a natural, plant-based ingredient that safely attracts cats to the litter box. Stop worrying about accidents, smells and messy cleanup. Picky Cat is perfect for newly adopted cats, kittens, senior cats and any fussy feline!
Best Shot Pet Products Intl. — Best Shot 256 Disinfectants
This one-step disinfectant is effective against a broad-spectrum of bacteria, is a virucide and inhibits the growth of mold and mildew, including their odors when used as directed. It kills parvo, H1N1, H3N2, MRSA and more. It’s appropriate for animal holding facilities, veterinarian clinics and pet grooming establishments. One gallon makes 256 gallons of cleaning solution (dilute ½ oz. to one gallon of water).
CAT: FEEDERS
Hagen Group — Catit Treat Puzzle
The Catit Treat Puzzle is a slow feeder with six fun activities to encourage cats to work for their food. Pet parents can place treats or kibble in the different puzzle parts and let the fun begin!
Petique — Eco-Friendly 2-in-1 Pet Dish
Eco-Friendly Pet Dish is a 2-in-1 cat bowl pet owners can take anywhere! It’s perfect for camping, hotel rooms, and even a picnic at the park. It snaps together for easy travel and it doesn’t absorb odors. The best part of this Eco-Friendly Pet Dish is that it’s BPA-free, non-toxic and made out of plant-based material, which makes it completely biodegradable!
Petmate — Arm & Hammer Gravity Feeder
The convenience of a gravity feeder with the trusted power of Arm & Hammer. This waterer and feeder contains Microban and inhibits the growth of odor-causing bacteria on the base. The bottle is BPA-free and convenient lift handles make the waterer/feeder easy to maneuver.
CAT: FOOD
Tiki Pets — Tiki Cat Born Carnivore for Kittens
Tiki Cat Born Carnivore for Kittens is high in protein from real chicken combined with highly digestible egg and nutrient-packed chicken liver for taste. This grain-free Chicken & Egg Luau flavor includes Omega-6 and Omega-3 essential fatty acids from salmon oil and flaxseeds, as well as pumpkin to help support healthy digestion. There is added DHA and folic acid for healthy brain and eye development.
Ziwi USA Inc. — Ziwi Peak Air-Dried Free-Range Chicken
Crafted in Ziwi’s family-owned kitchens Ziwi Peak Air-Dried Free Range Chicken is sourced exclusively from certified free-range New Zealand farms. It contains 96 percent chicken meat, organs, bone and New Zealand Green Mussel for natural glucosamine, chondroitin and Omega-3s. The recipe is limited-ingredient, whole-prey diet and free of rendered meats/meals, grains, peas, potatoes, lentils or other legumes. It’s slowly and gently air-dried to maximize nutrients and flavor.
Nulo Pet Food — Nulo Freestyle Pouches for Cats
Grain-free Nulo Freestyle Pouches for cats come in a variety of recipes made with minced beef, shreds of chicken, or flaked fish. All ingredients in these 2.8oz pouches are either meat or broth. A great way to treat cats or increase moisture intake.
CAT: HEALTH AND MEDICINE
Pet Releaf — Pet Releaf Professional Liposome Hemp Oils
Pet Releaf Professional Liposome Hemp Oils are a new patent-pending oil technology that allow Pet Releaf’s Certified USDA Organic full spectrum CBD hemp oil to be administered directly on pets’ food. Available in two potencies and mixed with sustainably-sourced Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil, it’s a whole new line of products to best meet the needs of every dog and cat.
Pura Naturals Pet — Feline Ear Cleansing System
New and improved Pura-Tips are made with a medical grade foam that’s designed to effectively attract and absorb dirt, oil and grime. The new shape and dual-sided tips allow for exceptional cleaning in tight crevices and with smaller breeds. Pura-Tips gently clean cats’ ears without doing any damage to the inner ear or ear canal. Pura-Tips are safe and effective for pets and the environment.
Affordable Allergy Test Kit — Affordable Allergy Test Kit
Affordable Pet Test offers simple, comprehensive and Affordable Testing for pet intolerances without a visit to the vet. Simply mail in four to five strands of pet hair and in seven to ten days receive a comprehensive report that includes intolerances for 300 food and environmental items.
CAT: LEASHES, LEADS AND COLLARS
RC Pets — Adventure Kitty Harness
For equipping an adventurous cat for the great outdoors, the Adventure Kitty Harness will keep kitties safe and comfortable when walking or hiking. No more having to use a small dog harness on a cat; this harness was designed specifically for felines. It has a reflective binding, adjustable waist and neck for a secure fit and an air-mesh fabric that offers great breathability and comfort.
Up Country — Cat Collar (Best.Cat.Ever)
Up Country’s stunning selection of cat collars will give feline friends something to purr about. Cat Collars are made of lightweight, flexible nylon webbing with sewn-on designer ribbons. Each collar fastens with a breakaway clasp—the safest way for cats to dress. This clasp will release under pressure to assure safe outdoor play, but is durable for daily wear.
Coastal Pet Products — Earth Printed Soy Breakaway Cat Collar
Printed Soy Breakaway Collars are made of natural soy fibers that are comfortable, durable, eco- and animal-friendly and have anti-bacterial properties. The soft, cashmere feel of the collars is perfect for cats with sensitive skin. The designs are available in an array of beautiful, earthy colors, using all-natural dyes.
CAT: TOYS
Ideal Pet — Automatic Laser, Eyenimal
Time to toss that manual cat laser pointer. The Automatic Laser is a super fun cat laser toy that is a perfect frolicsome companion for felines of all ages! This high-quality, 360-degree rotating laser light for cats will provide endless opportunities for kitties to pounce, chase and bat at exciting digital patterns.
DuckyWorld Products — Yeowww! Chi-CAT-a Banana
Is your cat top banana? Try seven inches of YEOWWW! catnip bliss. Cats love the curve. This catnip banana is 100 percent stuffed full of premium, organically grown catnip. No cotton fillers, no plastic pieces, and certainly none of that cheaper ‘toy grade’ stuff. The fabric is high quality cotton twill, strong enough to withstand biting, scratching and bunny kicking. Yeowww! Catnip toys are handmade in the USA.
P.L.A.Y. — Feline Frenzy Plush Toy Collection
P.L.A.Y. is getting catty…with its new Feline Frenzy Collection! The first collection of cat toys features eight sets of enticing plush toys that come with a built-in refillable pouch pre-stuffed with USDA Organic Catnip. Featuring a range of engaging shapes and textures, from barbeque favorites to crawly critters, every cool cat will want to play with these tempting toys.
DOG: BEDDING
P.L.A.Y. — California Dreaming Memory Foam Bed
Sweet dreams are only a few paw prints away with P.L.A.Y.’s California Dreaming Memory Foam Bed. Ideal for larger or older dogs who need a little extra lovin’ on their joints, this luxurious bed offers relief from life’s daily pressures and stresses. Featuring a memory foam center protected by a water-resistant liner and plush bolster sides, filled with eco-friendly PlanetFill stuffing.
Pura Naturals Pet — Pura Soft Blanket
These ultra-soft American-made Pura Soft Blankets will not pill and easily wipe away pet fur with the brush of a hand. They’re machine washable and dryable. They feature a Smart Tech fabric that warms in the winter and cools in the summer. Blankets can be embroidered with a pet’s name and our signature paw prints. They’re available in two sizes and seven decor colors.
Innovational Pet Product LLC — MYLAP Pet Bed
The MYLAP Pet Bed is so unique it was awarded a patent! This one-of-a-kind pillow/bed allows dogs to snooze with their favorite spot and scent. The bed’s unique lap shaped design allows pet owners to add their scent to the bed by using their own previously worn soft pants as the pillow bed’s cover; the MYLAP Pet Bed allows owners to be there for pets when they’re not.
DOG: CHEWS AND TREATS
Ziwi USA Inc — Ziwi Single-Ingredient Oral Health Chews
Ziwi’s Oral Health Chews are gently air-dried for maximum nutrition and flavor and long-lasting enjoyment. Ziwi’s grass-fed and finished meats are raised without added hormones or growth promotants on local free-range New Zealand farms. They contain no artificial flavors, colors or preservatives, and are available in four new single-ingredient options: Lamb Tripe, Trachea, Drumsticks and Beef Weasand.
The Bear & The Rat — Frozen Goat Milk Yogurt
The Bear & The Rat is reimagining goat milk for dogs! Our ready-to-eat food supplement with prebiotic and digestive enzymes is easy, convenient and effective. One cup adds hydration, nutrients and one serving of InClover’s Optagest, supporting intestinal balance and a healthy immune system. Two flavors avail in a four-pack with (four) cups: Plain and Coconut.
Redbarn Pet Products — Protein Puffs
Redbarn’s new Protein Puffs are a natural, clean label treat, packed with 75 percent protein at less than one calorie per treat. Light and crispy, the protein comes from human-grade caseinate, a milk-based protein commonly used in health supplements. Made in the USA, these healthy, grain-free treats can also be used as a food topper or training aid.
DOG: CLEANING AND ODOR CONTROL
Dog Rocks — Dog Rocks 600-gram Bag
Dog Rocks are 100 percent natural rocks that are proven to work continuously to filter out the specific impurities responsible for excess nitrate concentrations in canine urine, which is the cause of lawn burn. Plus, it works to help fertilize pet owners’ lawns. The new 600-gram bag size is ideal for households with multiple water bowls or larger water sources such as fountains.
BISSELL Home Care — BISSELL air400 Air Purifier
Featuring a three-stage air filtration system, the BISSELL air400 air purifier is designed to continuously clean and purify indoor air of pet dander and other pollutants to help everyone enjoy their home even more. Its unique CirQulate system uses a pre-filter and extra-large HEPA filter to capture up to 99.97 percent of 0.3 micron particles, while tough odors are trapped by an activated carbon filter.
Best Shot Pet Products Intl. — Best Shot 256 Disinfectants
This one-step disinfectant is effective against a broad-spectrum of bacteria, is a virucide and inhibits the growth of mold and mildew, including their odors when used as directed. It kills parvo, H1N1, H3N2, MRSA and more. Appropriate for animal holding facilities, veterinarian clinics and pet grooming establishments. One gallon makes 256 gallons of cleaning solution (dilute ½ oz. to one gallon of water).
DOG: ENCLOSURES
Sure Petcare — Sure Petcare Pet Door Connect
SureFlap Microchip Pet Door Connect, the world’s first app-controlled pet door, enables pet owners to proactively care for their pet from anywhere. Combined with the SureFlap Hub and Sure Petcare app, it allows pet owners to control the pet door remotely from a smartphone or tablet, as well as monitor their pets’ activity and routines.
Ramah Inc. — K9 Kennel Garage Door Net
The K9 Garage Door Kennel Net turns any garage into a safe and secure outdoor area for dogs. This industrial-strength nylon net stretches across open garage door entrances, providing dogs with additional room to roam and the added stimulation provided by an outdoor environment.
Hip Doggie — Hip Doggie Hemp Eco Pet Carrier
This is the highest quality Eco Pet Carrier on the market. It features a 100 percent hemp soft sided exterior. It’s extremely light weight yet durable. It features recycled or reclaimed hardware and interior materials, three all-natural sea grass windows, excellent storage space, two exits/entrances, a luggage attachment feature and adjustable shoulder strap. It is airline approved and easily folds down.
DOG: FASHION
Pet Krewe — German Barktoberfest Dog Costume
This is a two-piece costume that comes with an Alpine hat and a classic German lederhosen suit! The hat fits with an adjustable elastic band, and the suit fits with Velcro closures, to ensure the utmost comfort for your pet.
Doggles — Doggles ILS!
For true eye protection or fashion, your pet deserves the very best. Doggles offer 100 percent UV protection, shatter-proof lenses and anti-fog treatment on the inside of the lenses. Lenses on the ILS style are interchangeable and replaceable. This style is suited to all dog head shapes and sizes. The new Metallic Black frame with the Mirror Blue Lens makes any dog stand out in a crowd!
Rubies Pet Shop Boutique — Disney Princess Pet Costumes
Bringing pets to the palace! Rubie’s introduced a full line-up of Disney pet costumes this year, with plans for expanding the line over the next two years. The Disney princess pet costume collection includes favorites like Cinderella, Snow White, Ariel and Belle. Each costume includes a dress, necklace and headpiece or wig.
DOG: FEEDERS
Petmate — Fresh Flow Rain Fountain
New Fresh Flow Rain Fountain is perfect for pets, as it is completely battery operated. Batteries will last for months due to innovative, patent-pending water flow design. Multiple sounds of the water “raining” will draw pets’ interest and encourage them to drink.
Pet Partners Worldwide — MyPetPail
The original pet pail, MyPetPail is the all-in-one travel solution feeder for pets on the go. From built-in bowls and water bottles to a spare collar and leash, this ten-products-in-one lunch pail style feeder is perfect for a dog’s next outdoor adventure. The Pet Pail resembles a stylish lunch box that is packed with everything needed for a trip away from home.
Petique — Eco-Friendly 2-in-1 Pet Dish
The Eco-Friendly Pet Dish is a 2-in-1 dog or cat bowl owners can take anywhere! It’s perfect for camping, hotel rooms and even a picnic at the park! It snaps together for easy travel and it doesn’t absorb odors. The best part of this eco-friendly pet dish is that it’s BPA-free, non-toxic and made out of plant-based material, which makes it completely biodegradable!
DOG: FOOD
Ziwi USA Inc — Ziwi Peak Air-Dried Free-Range Chicken
Crafted in Ziwi’s family-owned kitchens, the Air-Dried Free-Range Chicken food is sourced exclusively from certified free-range New Zealand farms. It contains 96 percent chicken meat, organs, bone and New Zealand Green Mussel for natural glucosamine, chondroitin and Omega-3s. This limited-ingredient, whole-prey diet is free of rendered meats/meals, grains, peas, potatoes, lentils or other legumes. It is slowly and gently air-dried to maximize nutrients and flavor.
Annamaet Petfoods — Annamaet Re-Juvenate
Annamaet’s new Senior dog formula, Re-Juvenate, is grain-free and made with wild caught, sustainable, silver carp, which provides Omega-3 fatty acids, helping to promote healthy cognitive function in aging dogs. Annamaet Re-Juvenate contains coconut oil, for optimizing elderly brain function; anti-inflammatory turmeric; L-Carnatine for lean muscle; and prebiotics for senior dogs’ benefit.
CANIDAE — CANIDAE Grain-Free Pure Ancestral Red Meat Formula
Our Red Meat Adult Dog Formula is made with an abundance of regionally sourced red meat species, including deboned lamb, goat, bison, wild boar and venison. Each 20-pound package is made with as much as 14 pounds of meat ingredients! Each formula is made with a variety of ranch-raised, farm-raised, or wild-caught ingredients for high animal protein and the powerful nutrition your dog craves.
DOG: GROOMING
Pura Naturals Pet — 2-in-1 Avocado & Olive Oil Organic Shampoo & Conditioner
This product is a timesaving 2-in-1 with organic hemp seed oil. Avocado is packed with proteins, amino acids and vitamins soothe the skin, and olive oil moisturizes and exfoliates. Hemp Oil is an essential omega fatty acid with proteins, and is a natural moisturizer that also acts as a barrier to prevent moisture loss.
Skout’s Honor — Probiotic Pet Shampoo & Conditioner in Honeysuckle Scent
The first and only grooming products that stop skin problems before they start! Patent-pending topical probiotic technology supports a pet’s natural defenses against shedding, itching, dryness, hot spots and odor for a naturally balanced and healthier skin and coat. This 2-in-1 shampoo-and-conditioner combo gently cleanses and hydrates, while leaving a pet’s fur silky and smelling amazing!
Groomers Helper — NO-CHOKE Control/Slip Lead
The Groomers Helper NO-CHOKE Control/Slip Lead does not allow the end loop to tighten around the animal’s neck like a noose. It is designed for regular dogs, brachycephalic dogs and older “trach” dogs as well. An emergency quick release buckle has been incorporated as an added safety feature for both the animal and the handler so he or she cannot be bitten when putting it on.
DOG: HEALTH AND MEDICINE
Pet Releaf — Pet Releaf Professional Liposome Hemp Oils
Pet Releaf Professional Liposome Hemp Oils are a new patent-pending oil technology that allow Pet Releaf’s Certified USDA Organic full spectrum CBD hemp oil to be administered directly on a pet’s food. Available in two potencies and mixed with sustainably-sourced Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil, it’s a whole new line of products to best meet the needs of every dog and cat.
Pura Naturals Pet — Flea & Tick Natural Dog Shampoo
This shampoo safely and effectively repels fleas and ticks. The skin-soothing formula is made with organic rosemary oil, a natural antiseptic with superior and moisturizing properties. Aromatic cedar and peppermint oils are natural insect repellents. The shampoo is safe for dogs 12 weeks and older.
Healthy Hemp Pet Company — CannaCrush Immune Supporter
CannaCrush Immune Supporter combines our three premium ingredients: USDA certified organic PCR hemp oil, USDA certified organic turkey tail mushroom, and New Zealand green-lipped mussels. These natural ingredients may help pets with a variety of health conditions such as movement and joint concerns, and immunity issues including cancer.
DOG: TOYS
Fluff & Tuff — Tico the Sloth
When it comes to play, there’s no rushing Tico—he’s a laid back guy on his own timeline. Once he’s ready to go, he sees the fun in every situation. Pups will love tugging and tossing his long arms. Afterwards, Tico is always game for a post-play snooze.
iFetch LLC — iDig
iFetch is committed to bringing innovation to the dog toy category. This year, they are proud to introduce the iDig digging toy – the first-ever digging toy for dogs. Owners hide toys or treats in the flaps of the iDig and then let the digging begin! It’s great mental and physical stimulation for dogs of all sizes, and a positive outlet for dogs’ innate behavior to dig. “Let the diggers dig!”
Ethical Products, Inc. — Flip a Zoo Pet Toys
Flip a Zoo pet toys are soft plush dog toys that are two toys in one. Flip a Zoo toys flip upside down and inside out for two times the fun!
DOG: LEASHES
Gold Paw Series — Walking Collection
The Walking Collection features a Martingale Collar, Traditional Flat Collar, Adjustable Length Lead, and Step-In Hybrid Harness. Choose from standard buckles or a SwiftLock magnetic buckle; the latter requires minimum hand strength, making it incredibly easy to gear up pups. Plus, the more tension placed on the ends, the greater the force required to open it, creating a self-securing clasp.
Soggy Doggy — No-Pockets Leash
Designed to be an extra hand for those who walk the dog without a pocket to stow the phone, the No-Pockets Leash safely secures your phone, leaving a hand free to hold a used poop bag or other items. The waterproof phone case is attached securely by the leash handle. The clear, touchscreen window allows use of the device, including the flashlight function, while it’s in the case.
High Tech Pet Products — BlueFang 5-in-1 Super Collar
The Bluefang Super Collar does training with tones, vibration, static correction (99 Levels), and clicker training. The Super Collar also has Bark Control (Tone Only Option), tracks activity and calculates your dog’s BMI. The same collar also works with our Power Pet Doors, Electric Fences and many more High Tech Pet Products. High Tech Pet can also send automatic upgrades with new features instantly!
SMALL ANIMAL: BEDDING
Central Garden & Pets — Clean & Cozy Extreme Odor Control Bedding
Kaytee Clean & Cozy Extreme Odor Control bedding gives you a whole new standard in super-soft, absorbent bedding. Clean & Cozy Extreme Odor Control eliminated odor from urine and feces for 14 Days! Clean & Cozy is soft and fluffy to encourage burrowing or nesting while absorbing two times more liquid than wood shavings. Plus, Clean & Cozy is 99 percent dust-free for a cleaner cage.
Ware — Kapok Build-A Series Small Animal Collection
Kapok Build-a-Bed, Kapok Build-a-Hut and Kapok Build-a-Nest from Ware Pet Products is the softest bedding created to keep small animals cozy. Eco-friendly, the packaging for these actually transforms into the product itself, turning into a bed, a hut or a nest. Each product is printed with vegetable-based inks making this product convertible, efficient and safe to chew.
Petique — The Velvet Blankey Pet Blanket
Velvet Blankey Pet Blanket is a reversible, super soft and comfortable blanket to keep your pets warm and snuggly. This large blanket will make your pets feel nice and toasty while they are bundled up in their bed, on the couch, and even in their stroller during a chilly night out.
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