It’s Show Time! Unveiling Innovation at Global Pet Expo

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, and one brand that should be on the radar of attendees is SodaPup, the Boulder, Colorado-based company founded by Adam Baker. SodaPup specializes in innovative, durable and enrichment-focused dog toys. From power chewers to puppies, SodaPup products are designed to solve behavioral problems and provide mental stimulation.

To celebrate the country’s historic 250^th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, SodaPup is launching its Fourth of July Collection. This commemorative line of USA-K9 branded durable chew toys and enrichment mats combines patriotic pride with the the brand’s dedication to high-quality, non-toxic materials. Every item in the collection is made in the U.S.A. from FDA-compliant materials, ensuring a safe experience for pets and peace of mind for their owners.

“Independence Day is a quintessentially American holiday, and as a company committed to domestic manufacturing, we wanted to create something special that honors the upcoming 250th anniversary of our nation,” said Baker. “This collection isn’t just about festive colors; it’s about providing enrichment and stress relief for dogs during a season that can often be loud and overwhelming.”

Baker is also expanding his innovative line of eSticks, which are designed to offer dog owners and professional trainers more versatility for enrichment and reward-based training. The newest product in the collection, the Waffle eStick, was designed to hold a greater volume of soft foods — such as peanut butter, yogurt, or wet food — than its predecessors. This increased capacity makes it an ideal tool for extended target training sessions, providing a long-lasting reward that keeps dogs focused and engaged.

“Our eStick collection has become a favorite for pet parents looking for a mess-free way to provide enrichment on the go,” said Baker. “The Waffle eStick takes that convenience to the next level. The waffle texture is perfect for trapping more food, making it the ultimate high-value reward tool for grooming, vet visits, target training or focused leash work.”

Meanwhile, for those with an interest in the aquatic sector, the big news is that 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 a stunning marine species and 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 herbivorous diet primarily consisting of algae, supplemented with high-quality marine flakes, pellets, and nori to maintain their health and vibrant coloration.

This achievement represents a major milestone for QM Labs, which has been actively culturing a wide range of both demersal and pelagic species. 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 Dog Nip, dogs are part of our family, and we’re committed to creating treats that pet parents can trust and pups love,” said Dog Nip president Greg Claypool. “Using novel, single-ingredient proteins like geese, camel and goat, we’re able to provide options that are easy to digest, nutrient-rich and naturally long-lasting.”

Claypool notes that he’s looking forward to meeting and networking with fellow members of the pet care community.

“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,” he explained. “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.”