The Power 50: Recognizing the Industry’s Leading Pet Product Manufacturers

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As 2023 draws to a close, the pet care industry remains a fast-changing one that continues to experience a great deal of success. After the first two years shining the light on individual members of the pet industry, we are excited to continue the Pet Age Power 50 program with the third annual list focusing on pet product manufacturers.

The honorees that appear in this section have been influential to the success of the pet market, so much so that Pet Age is recognizing them as this year’s recipients of its 2023 Power 50 list. The criteria for selection were relatively straightforward: Identify the manufacturers that are affecting the pet care community in a positive way, whether they be trusted household names, rising brands, innovative startups or companies that oversee a family of pet brands making products that play a major role in the pet care community and the well-being of the companion animals we serve. In reviewing the state of the pet market, Pet Age examined data on the top performing pet brands along with input from pet retailers, industry experts and observers.

The list isn’t an exact science and there is no ranking – the list goes by alphabetical order. What the Power 50 list offers is a snapshot of the companies that are highly efficient and vitally important to the pet care industry. It’s an impressive roster, and we are privileged to give these companies their well-deserved recognition. The 2023 Power 50 honorees are making substantial contributions to the pet sector, wielding their power and using their leadership to foster growth in the pet care industry.

Annamaet Petfoods is a family-owned and operated company that has been providing optimum nutrition to dogs and cats for over 35 years. Located in Hatfield, Pennsylvania, the company currently ships products throughout the United States as well as exports to 15 countries. Annamaet has two nutritionists on staff, one being its founder and CEO and the other a board-certified veterinary nutritionist, who carefully work together to formulate each Annamaet product. Given the company’s extensive science and nutrition background, Annamaet is continually exploring ways to bring the best products to the pet food market. While ensuring products are safe, natural, effective and palatable is a priority, the company is widely known for introducing novel, sustainable ingredients to the pet food industry as well. Annamaet’s product line includes multiple life-stage and pre-therapeutic diets, treats and performance supplements. Each formula is derived from four decades of research in nutrition and hands-on experience with canine athletes. Annamaet maintains strict standards of quality control and, in 2019, the company expanded its dedication to sustainable product development by partnering with BioFlex, a market leader in biodegradable technology, to launch new degradable packaging.

Antelope is on a mission to become the one-stop-shop for pet owners that are searching for all-natural products with healthy, limited ingredients they can feel good about. Since partnering with Alpine Investors in May 2021, Antelope has furthered its mission to transform the pet industry via a buy-and-build strategy, finding the highest-quality natural pet consumable brands, acquiring them and helping them grow to the next level. As Antelope continues to expand its portfolio, the company is committed to maintaining the highest standards of quality and customer satisfaction. Through its buy-and-build strategy, Antelope is dedicated to nurturing these brands’ growth and supporting their mission to provide natural, high-quality pet care. In 2022, Antelope acquired Ark Naturals, an industry leading pet health and wellness brand, which joined Antelope’s suite of pet brands: Bocce’s Bakery, an all-natural, limited ingredients pet treats and supplements brand, Diggin’ Your Dog and Super Snouts, a leading supplier of high-quality pet CBD supplements, health products and treats, and Doggo, nationwide digital insurance and training services provider for dogs and cats.

Carnivore Meat Company is an award-winning manufacturer of premium raw freeze-dried and frozen dog and cat food and treats, headquartered in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Recognized for its growth accomplishments and manufacturing excellence, Carnivore Meat Company has won several recent awards, including the Inc. 5000Fastest Growing Private Companies, for the fifth year in a row. Carnivore Meat Company’s freeze-dried and frozen products division supplies private label, co-packing and ingredients worldwide, with the mission to create uncompromised pet nutrition through a commitment to protein integrity, unrestricted capabilities and capacity and a culture of innovation. Carnivore Meat Company leads with innovation and has the power of out-of-the-box thinking for product development and a limitless scope of raw freeze-dried and frozen pet food options. The company’s rapidly growing brand includes Vital Essentials and VE RAW BAR, which are distributed to over 7,000 retailers nationwide in 14 international and online markets. Through Vital Essentials, Carnivore Meat Company provides premium raw butcher cut protein pet food, emphasizing sourcing only whole animal protein — meat, organs and bone, minimally processed to preserve essential nutrients and enzymes, offering the widest variety of whole animal protein diets in the form of frozen and freeze-dried foods, toppers, treats and raw bar snack.

In 1980, Bill Brown founded Central Garden Supply, a small, regional distributor of lawn and garden supplies in the Bay Area of California. After 12 successful years in business, the company prepared to go public. At this time, the company explored the possibilities of entering another, complimentary industry. Central acquired a pet distributor company. This is when a whole new business emerged, and the company became Central Garden & Pet. Shortly thereafter, Tropical Fish Hobbyist and Four Paws businesses joined the Central portfolio. Since that time, Central has become a true pet supplies industry leader. Today, Central Garden & Pet has grown into a portfolio of loved and respected pet and garden businesses that are dedicated to the millions of pets, gardens and communities that depend on the brands. With fiscal 2022 net sales of $3.3 billion, Central is on a mission to lead the future of the pet and garden industries. The company’s innovative and trusted products are dedicated to helping lawns grow greener, gardens bloom bigger, pets live healthier and communities grow stronger. Central is home to a leading portfolio of more than 65 high-quality brands that include Amdro, Aqueon, Cadet, Farnam, Ferry-Morse, Four Paws, Kaytee, K&H, Nylabone and Pennington.

Coastal Pet Products has been setting the bar for decades with standards that remain unsurpassed today. Since the beginning, its strength testing standards ensure that a product’s strength not only meets requirements but exceeds them. Its product buckles are strong enough to hold seven times the weight of the animal for plastic and 10 times the weight for tie out options. Coastal has always been on the forefront of innovation and design. It started in 1977 with the company’s curved buckle design and innovative hardware, which has continued to be a focus for Coastal. For example, its Li’l Pals Adjustable Dog Collars feature a pawprint shaped buckle that is curved for the dog’s comfort and features easy-to-snap technology for owners’ convenience. Li’l Pals leashes also feature an E-Z Snap, which is a patented, one-handed snap for easy clipping on to a collar or harness. Throughout 2023, the manufacturer launched four new product collections to elevate the dog and cat collars/leashes category. Pro Active is inspired by activewear and sneakers geared toward those with an active, sporty lifestyle. The collars and rope leashes are made of round comfortable woven material with reflective strips for added safety. The colors in this collection coordinate with our existing collection of Inspire Harnesses.

With roots dating back to 1842, Compana Pet Brands is a global leader in pet care and nutrition dedicated to enriching the lives of pets and their families. Based in St. Louis and employing approximately 700 passionate pet lovers around the world, the company manufactures and markets more than 20 household brands in dog and cat, backyard chicken, equine, small animal and indoor bird categories. Owned by funds managed by global investment firm The Carlyle Group. Compana believes pets are an important part of the family and its broad portfolio of brands that includes Vet’s Best, Fruitables, Oxbow and Manna Pro focuses on care and wellness solutions to improve the quality of life for pets of all shapes and sizes throughout their lifespans. Over the past two decades, the company’s revenue has grown eightfold through product innovation, retail expansion, organic growth and acquisitions – including more than a dozen acquisitions in the last 10 years. In March 2022, the company rebranded from Manna Pro Products to Compana Pet Brands to reflect the company’s transformation into the modern, diverse pet care and wellness company it is today.

n 1979, Dr. Roger Mugford founded Company of Animals in Surrey, England, with a profound dedication to enhancing the lives of pets and their owners. His vision was clear: develop innovative solutions to address pet behavior and training challenges. Today, Company of Animals boasts a diverse portfolio of over 40 product ranges. Its flagship product, the award-winning Halti, leads the pack alongside the renowned Baskerville muzzles and the groundbreaking Pet Corrector device, designed to interrupt unwanted behavior with a harmless hiss of air. In 2016,the company welcomed Pet Head into its family and, in 2022, launched Coachi, seamlessly blending training and play for pets. The company’s Surrey, England headquarters houses the Company of Animals Pet Centre, renowned for its comprehensive dog training programs, behavior consultations and legal assistance for pet-related issues. This unique setting drives the company’s constant research, product development and testing. With offices in the UK, U.S.A. and Australia, the company’s global team collaborates with partners across 50+ countries.

Diamond Pet Foods was created in 1970 and has always been a family-owned and operated business with a passion to provide quality, safe food to pets. Since its start, Diamond Pet Foods has expanded its offerings to include many different products within the Diamond and Taste of the Wild brands to meet the diversifying needs and preferences of pet owners and their pets. In addition to manufacturing its own brands, the company also manufactures several private-label brands. All products manufactured by Diamond Pet Foods are made and manufactured in the U.S.A. Almost all Diamond and Taste of the Wild dry formulas offer probiotics in the form of proprietary K9 Strain and Viables Probiotics. These probiotic blends are species-specific strains for dogs and cats that are derived from bacteria strains naturally found in the canine and feline GI tracts and are proven to survive in a pet’s system. These probiotics help pets maintain a strong gut barrier and break down food more efficiently, allowing the nutrients to be better absorbed. Additionally, Diamond Pet Foods is one of the few pet food companies that adds probiotics to each recipe after the cooking process to protect them from the heat of cooking

Dr. Elsey’s is the only veterinarian-owned cat product brand dedicated to creating products that solve the complex needs of pet owners. Founded in 1987 with the first all-natural clumping cat litter, Dr. Elsey’s line of best-in-class products has since grown to include a variety of premium litters and protein-rich food products that address the health and behavioral needs of cats in every stage of life. Over the years, Dr. Elsey has seen virtually every medical condition cats encounter within his feline-only veterinary practice. He takes this experience into account with each product he develops and implements solutions that are the best option for cats. Litter options like Cat Attract address the complexities of inappropriate elimination, while all-new litters like Ultra+ and Pine cater to the lifestyles and preferences of pet owners. By establishing the Dr. Elsey’s Fund to Cure Cancer in support of the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF), the Elseys’ support of over $15 million since 2009 has accelerated the development of new treatments for patients suffering from the second most common type of blood cancer, while propelling the MMRF towards finding a cure.

For more than 25 years, DuckyWorld Products has been selling organic leaf-and-flower-top blend Yeowww! catnip for the discerning feline. The company’s world-famous quirky catnip toys come in a variety of fun and unusual shapes, each one designed to encourage hours of spirited play. All Yeowww! Catnip toys are handmade in the U.S.A., which makes it popular with its discerning customers both internationally and domestically. Each and every toy that DuckyWorld makes is hand-packed full of Yeowww! organically grown catnip. Only the leaves and flower tops, which are the most fragrant parts of the plant, are used for DuckyWorld toys. These features have made the Yeowww! Catnip brand a favorite worldwide with cats and their owners. This, in turn, keeps their human family members entertained, bringing them back to pet stores to buy more of their cat’s favorite toys. Over the last year, the brand has remained hyper-focused on cat products, including its La CAT-rina catnip toy that honors the Day of the Dead celebration, as well as working with distribution partners and retailers to improve the performance of its cat business.

Since 1979, the founders of Earth Animal, Dr. Bob and Susan Goldstein, have been on a mission to help heal and protect animals, people and the environment. Their shared life purpose and major focus has been to improve the well-being and quality of life of companion animals. Under their direction, by combining science  and nature, the Goldsteins and their team have crafted a company whose mission is to provide Another Way, a more humane and sustainable approach to accomplish these objectives. Earth Animal relies on a veterinary oath taken years ago (known as “Cause No Harm”) as the mantra behind the products and services it provides. This philosophy is at the core of the solution-oriented foods, treats, remedies and supplements. It is reflected in the conscious selection of the people they hire, their working partners and sustainable packaging. Earth Animal is known as a pioneer in developing safe alternatives to the use of pesticides and chemicals for flea and tick prevention and was the first company to introduce No-Hide, the alternative to raw-hide. Earth Animal is a Reducitarian entity, committing to reducing its need for meat over the next five years. It uses 1 percent of its annual net sales for charitable purposes, recently achieved B-Corp certification and is Pet Sustainability Coalition’s first Icon member.

Farmina Pet Foods is an Italian-based, family-owned and operated manufacturer of ultra-premium pet food with more than 50 years of experience in pet nutrition and pet well-being. Based on the needs of the pet, Farmina offers personalized dynamic nutrition plans, thanks to a worldwide network of consultants and veterinarians who help pet parents monitor their pet’s health during the different stages of their life. The company possesses a legacy that dates back to 1965,when Francesco Russo founded the Russo Mangimi company that specialized in animal nutrition. In 1999, his son Dr. Angelo Russo, decided to operate in the pet food category with a new perspective; setting the ambitious goal to develop foods that are the result of scientific studies centered on pets and their well-being. Today, guided by animal nutrition that is backed by scientific research, Farmina has four factories and sells in more than 60 countries on five continents. In addition, Farmina offers a complimentary Genius Pet Health Coach service for pet parents to receive personalized nutritional support with a custom nutrition plan.

Frankly Pet started with Reagan, a German shepherd that loved to chew just about anything she could get her paws on. When her insatiable appetite disappeared, Reagan’s parents turned to the vet for help, but after five days of intensive care and no answers, they decided to start looking for something they could control, which was her food and treats. They created Frankly Pet, a U.S. brand that makes high-quality products with ingredients that were traceable back to the source. Frankly Pet offers a complete line of beef collagen treats and chews for dogs that are made from 100 percent traceable cattle that’s raised and sourced in the U.S.A. The line includes long-last chews, like Retriever Rolls, to ones that are more a combination of a chew/treat – like Beefy Chew Sticks, which are similar to granola bars. The brand’s also becoming known for its Beefy Puffs, which have a unique, light and crisp puffed appearance. Highly digestible and packed with high-quality collagen, the products in Frankly’s line help support healthy skin, coat, joints, nails and teeth. Frankly Pet utilizes air drying in its proprietary processes to further retain all the benefits that collagen has to offer. The company is also expanding the flavors and different ways in which collagen can be delivered to dogs and cats to ensure pets get the most out of this beneficial ingredient.

Freshpet is the leading fresh food for dogs and cats. Since its conception in 2006, Freshpet has been on a mission to transform the lives of dogs and cats through the power of fresh, nutritious food, while pushing the boundaries of sustainable practices. The recipes are developed by Veterinarian Nutritionists and made with natural whole ingredients, like fresh meats, vegetables and fruits, which are cooked in small batches at lower temperatures to preserve their natural goodness. Sustainably made in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania and its new kitchens in Ennis Texas, Freshpet foods and treats are kept refrigerated until they arrive at Freshpet fridges in local market or are delivered direct to your door. Freshpet is available in a growing number of mass, grocery, natural food, club and pet specialty retailers across the United States, Canada and Europe, as well as online in the U.S. for direct delivery and through its partnership with Petco. From the caretaken in partnering with farmers whose values align with theirs, to how each recipe is made, Freshpet’s commitment to integrity, transparency and social responsibility is a point of pride. In 2022, the company’s sales grew by 39.9 percent, and the company is investing in increased manufacturing capacity for further growth. Freshpet’s annual revenue in 2022 reached $595.3 million.

Since 1904, Fromm has maintained a tradition of quiet innovation dedicated to the health and nutrition of animals. In the1930s, The Fromm introduced the first canine and feline distemper vaccine. In 1949, Fromm introduced the concept of premium pet foods to the public with the launch of Fromm Complete Dog Meal backed with the largest-scale scientific feeding trial ever conducted for a pet food. In the 1980s, Fromm began to utilize mixed tocopherols as a natural preservative in its foods as opposed to synthetic preservatives that were commonplace. Fromm Gold, launched in 1999, was the first Fromm recipe to include probiotics to promote improved gut health. Fromm Four-Star, launched in2003, was the industry’s first variety driven product line promoting swappable recipes to make every mealtime unique. As a pioneer of premium pet food, Fromm has earned a reputation as an industry leader, producing the highest-grade pet foods with the finest natural ingredients at their own family owned-and-operated facilities. During the past year, Fromm has launched such innovative product lines as Tenderollies dog treats and Purrsnackitty cat treats as well as Frommbo Gumbo, a Big Easy-inspired line of dog food stews made with Wisconsin sausage and bone broth. Fromm also expanded its Fromm Gold Food line with canned foods and added the Bacon Blasters flavor to its Crunchy Os dog treats.

General Mills is a manufacturer and marketer of branded foods that entered the pet industry in February 2018 when it acquired Blue Buffalo Pet Products for $8 billion. Blue Buffalo, the country’s No. 1 natural pet food, started with a promise made to an Airedale named Blue that struggled with cancer, the No. 1 disease-related killer of dogs and cats. Blue’s entrepreneurial family, the Bishops, wanted to feed him the best food possible, so they created their own natural pet food with nutritious ingredients, real meat first and some of the highest standards in the industry. Since Day 1, Blue Buffalo’s team of veterinarians and animal nutritionists have carefully selected high-quality, natural ingredient sand upheld its True BLUE Promise to dog and cat pet parents– real meat as the first ingredient with no chicken (or poultry)by-product meals, no corn, wheat or soy, and no artificial flavors or preservatives. The result is a portfolio of high-quality, natural food and treats that both dogs and cats love. The philosophy of “Love them like family. Feed them like family.” lives on today in every Blue Buffalo recipe. In addition, since its founding in 2003, Blue Buffalo has also donated more than $30 million to fight pet cancer and has supported more than 9 million pet adoptions through partnerships with organizations like Helen Woodward Animal Center and Stray Rescue of St. Louis.

H&H Group is a global health and nutrition company with three thriving business segments in North America – Baby, Adult and Pet Nutrition and Care – devoted to fostering whole-family health and happiness through premium brands and providing nutrition and wellness solutions backed by science. The pet consumer brands include Zesty Paws, recently recognized as the No.1 selling pet supplement brand in the U.S.A., and Solid Gold Pet, America’s first holistic pet nutrition company. Zesty Paws offers a wide range of high-quality supplements formulated with natural ingredients, enhancing the health and happiness of dogs and cats and providing pet parents with effective and tasty solutions for common health concerns. Zesty Paws introduced its newest innovation this year, the Healthy Aging NAD+ Precursor powered by Niagen. This clinically studied precursor to NAD+ supports the aging of cells and is the category-first innovation to enable dogs to live zestier lives. Solid Gold, America’s first holistic pet food brand, has a history rooted in innovation. It continues to be a pioneer in gut health with its nutrientboost blend, which is proven to help support nutrient absorption, gut health and overall immunity. This year, Solid Gold is expanding its portfolio with the relaunch of the brand’s heritage Green Cow wet food, now enriched with nutrientboost.

For more than 35 years Healthy Pet has been using responsibly rescued, sustainably sourced natural fiber raw materials to create pet products that are Best in Home. Born out of finding a need for unused material from a local Georgia Pacific paper mill, Healthy Pet evolved from Absorption Corporation in 2011, when they were purchased by J. Rettenmaier and Söhne (JRS), a global leader in natural fiber technologies boasting over a century of expertise and serving a multitude of categories around the world. With a steadfast commitment to the principles of sustainability, Healthy Pet is a dedicated member of the Pet Sustainability Coalition and is proud to make pet products with materials that may otherwise end up in landfill. Healthy Pet brands include premium small pet bedding carefresh, as well CritterCare natural bedding, ökocat plant-based natural cat litter, and Puppy Go Potty natural fiber dog litter. The company’s small pet bedding brand carefresh, which is made entirely from scratch for optimal performance as opposed to shredded paper, remains a leading brand in its category, while ökocat has emerged as one of the fastest-growing natural cat litters in the U.S. Healthy Pet recently introduced 100 percent recyclable paper bag packaging for the full ökocat product line to further their commitment to sustainability.

Founded 75 years ago when Mark L. Morris contacted Hill Packing Company to produce Canine k/d, Hill’s Pet Nutrition is on a mission to help enrich and lengthen the special relationships between people and their pets. A subsidiary of Colgate-Palmolive, Hill’s is dedicated to pioneering research for dogs and cats using a scientific understanding of their specific needs. As a leading veterinarian recommended pet food brand with an unwavering commitment to science-led pet nutrition, knowledge is Hill’s first ingredient with 220+ veterinarians, PhD nutritionists and food scientists working to develop breakthrough innovations in pet health. Of the 94 diplomates in the American College of Veterinary Nutrition, Hill’s employs four, along with two veterinarians who are residency-trained in clinical nutrition. Hill’s Science Diet, Prescription Diet and Ideal Balance brand pet foods are sold at vet clinics and pet specialty retailers in more than 86 countries, with total annual sales of more than $2 billion.

The Honest Kitchen is a producer of all-natural human-grade whole foods, treats and supplements for dogs and cats. The company’s home base is in San Diego, California with production in Topeka and co-manufacturing in Illinois. The company was founded in 2002 by Lucy Postins in her home kitchen, and Lucy serves today as the company’s chief integrity officer. The Honest Kitchen successfully raised $150 million in minority investment funding in 2022 and, over the past 12months, has continued to see strong growth across all channels and has successfully harmonized supply chain challenges. The company has implemented a number of production facility optimizations to continue scaling up production for its unique, human-grade alternative to kibble, Whole Food Clusters. The past year has also seen the addition of several new members of the senior leadership team including Miki Dosen as chief marketing officer and most recently recruited Will Lisman, a consumer-packaged-goods veteran, as chief executive officer. The brand launched several new Functional Pour-Overs for dogs in 2023 and recently re-launched its entire cat food line.

INABA was established in Japan in 1805 by Yoshizo Inaba, who commercialized the production of dried bonito. Fifth-generation owner Sakutaro Inaba started a cannery in 1936 in Yui Shizuoka, where the company’s head office is currently located. In 1948,INABA FOODS CO. was established. In 1958, INABA began exporting pet food to the United States and Italy. In 1988, INABA launched an original, 100 percent Japanese domestic pet food brand based that instantly gained popularity and remains Japan’s No. 1premium cat food. The last decade brought the newest, innovative cat treat built on two centuries of tradition and excellence called Churu and the arrival of INABA Foods in the U.S. and Canada. Since its launch in 2012, Churu has helped cat parents create a special bond with their fur babies. The Churu tube is designed to feed by hand, which promotes interaction and creates special moments between cats and their owners. Churu can also be used as a topper on traditional dry kibble to provide more hydration or tempt kitties to eat. In 2021, the Churu line expanded with its first functional formula for skin and coat. Last year, the Churu line grew again with Churu for hairball control and Churu for kittens. At this year’s SuperZoo, INABA launched its newest version of Churu, a complete and balanced Churu Meal Topper for dogs and cats.

Since 2009, Innovacyn has been a leader in creating innovative medical devices and healthcare solutions, driving advancements in the human and animal health industries. Innovacyn is the parent company of the Vetericyn pet care product lines, the Puracyn human health care lines and BLDG Active human skin care lines to market. Innovacyn is headquartered in Rialto, California. Vetericyn makes innovative, safe and effective animal wellness products for skin, eye, ear and coat care. The Plus line of products is the first line of defense in the management of skin abrasions, lacerations, minor irritations, eye and ear issues, hot spots, and cuts on animals. Vetericyn Plus products contain hypochlorous technology, the new standard in wound care, setting the stage for optimal healing conditions. It is safe, non-toxic, and contains no antibiotics or steroids. FoamCare is Vetericyn’s revolutionary spray-on, foaming shampoo that is changing the grooming process for companion pets and horses alike. FoamCare shampoo is formulated and optimized specifically for the animal’s coat density. It provides a deeper clean that nourishes the skin and rinses easier than traditional pet shampoos. The most recent launch is Vetericyn’s ALL-IN-1 Multifunctional Dog Supplement, which powered by a unique organ meat blend and digestive enzymes for enhanced absorption.

The Jones family history as meat cutters and butchers began in1859 with Stephen Jones, a meat cutter in New York. Each new Jones generation has been trained in meat cutting, passing down the family tradition. Through the years, their entrepreneurial spirit grew, leading to Robert L. Jones founding a small meat market with a smokehouse in 1970 to provide custom butchering in Woodstock, Illinois. The first baked dog chews were introduced to in 1987. Jones Natural Chews was officially established in 1991. Eventually the company outgrew their original space and made the move to a larger location in Rockford, Illinois. Operations currently run out of four facilities, still located in Rockford. Jones Natural Chews provides a simple, honest product that store owners can depend on, pet parents can trust and dogs can enjoy. The company delivers consistent quality in its natural dog treats that are made from animal products raised and sourced from U.S. packers and ranchers. The team has worked hard to achieve and maintain Level 2 SQF Certification for Food Safety. Over the years, Jones Natural Chews has carefully developed many types and sizes of chews and treats for all size dogs.

Skout’s Honor officially debuted in 2016, swiftly achieving remarkable success through its inventive Stain & Odor Products and a contemporary approach to marketing. By 2017, Skout’s Honor had expanded its product range to include the industry’s pioneering Topical Probiotic Grooming line, followed closely by Topical Probiotic wellness, Training Aids, and Natural Flea & Tick solutions. Today, these products are available in over 10,000+ retail locations across North America. Unwavering in its commitment to the brand’s core vision and values, Skout’s Honor has consistently aimed to redefine people’s expectations of pet products. Their aim has been to make each purchase a source of pride, aligning with a brand that brings joy while enhancing the lives of both pets and their human companions. In 2023, the company remains a potent force in the industry, maintaining its dedication to better product solutions, leading in the development of socially and environmentally responsible offerings and removing obstacles that impede the full enjoyment of life for pets and their owners. Most recently, the company unveiled a user-friendly brushless oral care product line, a blend of technology, branding and innovation, ensuring a legacy in this evolving category.

 

SodaPup began its enrichment journey in 2013 with a single product, the Can Toy, a natural rubber treat dispenser. Since then, SodaPup has worked to innovate in a variety of product-types, including nylon chew toys, slow feeder bowls, lick mats, feeding trays and more. At SodaPup product innovation is an iterative process. By launching products frequently, it learns quickly from consumer feedback and then applies those lessons to the next products. In 2023, SodaPup introduced 32 new products across a wide range of categories, including rubber, nylon, enrichment and treats. Notably, it introduced several nature-inspired ebowl slow feeder bowls that increase the enrichment challenge for dogs. It also introduced a new etray design and five emat lick mats, pushing the design possibilities in order to create demand with consumers while also providing great functionality for pets. SodaPup also launched its Unstoppables line and developed a new, proprietary material called PUP-X, which is incredibly durable, takes bright colors beautifully and floats. PUP-X is being used in such new designs as the company’s Honey Pot and Flower Pot ecup treat dispensers. Finally, SodaPup recently introduced its line of all-natural peanut butter and Jelly Shots, which is a gelatin treat mix for dogs.

 

Headquartered in Middleton, Wisconsin, Spectrum Brands is a home essentials company trusted by millions of consumers all over the world. IAMS, EUKANUBA, Nature’s Miracle, FURminator, SmartBones, Tetra, Marineland, GloFish and Omega Sea are just a few of the pet brands that make up Spectrum Brands Global Pet Care. A Fortune 500 company, Spectrum Brands is structured for growth and efficiency by providing the newest innovative solutions to improve the way pets live life, ultimately exciting their owners. The company sells primarily to large retailers, pet superstores, online retailers, food and drug chains, warehouse clubs and other specialty retail outlets. In addition to product sales, in the US, Spectrum also performs installation and maintenance services on commercial aquariums. Live fish under its GloFish brand are produced, marketed and sold by an independent third-party breeder through a supply and licensing agreement with the company. A significant percentage of our sales are attributable to a limited group of retailer customers, including Walmart and Amazon, which represent approximately 35 percent of segment sales for the fiscal year that ended September 30.

 

SquarePet is a family-owned pet nutrition company that chooses to lead rather than follow, constantly innovating and pushing boundaries in the pet food industry. In 2018, Peter Atkins– known for co-founding Natura Pet Products and pioneering various industry-changing innovations – joined forces with his sons, Travis and Tyler, to launch the SquarePet brand. Dr. Travis Atkins is a veterinary medicine professional and his expertise in veterinary medicine greatly contributes to the development of SquarePet’s innovative products. Tyler Atkins, with a business background, leads the sales and marketing division, ensuring the company’s products reach as many pet owners as possible. SquarePet recently introduced VFS POWERHOUND and VFS POWERCAT, ultra-high protein additions to their VFS product lineup. These products complement the brand’s existing VFS premium solutions products for specific dog needs, including joint support, skin and digestive health, ideal digestion, low phosphorus and low-fat formulas – all available without a prescription. With its recent launch of the high-protein VFS Power series, SquarePet remains at the forefront of the industry innovation, providing pet owners with exceptional options for their pets’ nutrition and further solidifying their position as a leader in the pet food industry.

 

In 1997, Marie Moody adopted a dog named Stella from a local animal shelter and soon after decided that Stella needed a companion and adopted a sick pup named Chewy, who quickly became a part of the family. To help with Chewy’s health issues, Marie took the advice of a veterinarian and began feeding Chewy a raw diet. He quickly recovered and both Chewy and Stella thrive don their new food, inspiring Marie to start her own business. Today, Stella & Chewy’s offers a range of minimally processed, premium pet food, from frozen to freeze-dried, kibble to wet, and treats to mix-ins. The power of raw nutrition is the closest thing to their ancestral diet that a pet can eat, and it helps support a healthy weight, shiny coat, clean teeth, stronger muscle, bone and joint health, and improved energy. Stella & Chewy’s uses the world’s finest ingredients from trusted suppliers to focus on offering complete and balanced meal options full of responsibly sourced proteins and never the bad stuff. To provide the highest quality and best-in-class nutrition to each pet, all fruits and vegetables are 100 percent organic and meats never contain any added hormones or antibiotics. At Stella & Chewy’s, each complete and balanced diet is fortified with vitamins and minerals to ensure proper nutrition, and nothing contains any artificial preservatives, colors or flavors.

 

Swedencare USA is the North American distributor of Swedish parent company, Swedencare AB, which is a publicly traded, worldwide pet health and product company with a presence in more than 50 countries worldwide. Swedencare has an extensive portfolio with strong products including the ProDen PlaqueOff brand for oral health for dogs and cats as the largest. ProDen PlaqueOff comes with a dental heritage of over 17 years on the market and 1.5 billion doses sold, which gives the brand exclusive knowledge and competence regarding oral health. The ProDen PlaqueOff products have received the VOHC seal (Veterinary Oral Health Council) for dental efficacy against plaque and tartar. Swedencare also has a complete line of functional PlaqueOff System dental treats for dogs and cats that provide convenient and effective dental care. In 2022, Swedencare announced the acquisition of California-based NaturVet, which is one of the largest and most profitable U.S. companies in the premium pet supplement market. As SwedencareAB CEO Håkan Lagerberg noted at the time, “NaturVet is a dream partner, and the acquisition means that we take a big leap towards our goal to become a leading global pet healthcare group within nutraceutical and dermatology premium products to pets and companion horses.”

 

After more than eight decades in the baby products business providing wellness for babies and peace of mind for their parents, this fourth-generation, family-owned enterprise created Tall Tails to bring the same benefits to pet families and their fur babies. The company built the brand on its commitment to the highest quality standards based on child product safety requirements, ethically sourced production, and determination to create innovative, high-value products that enhance pets “wellness beyond food.” Tall Tails listened to pet parents, indie retailers and its distributor partners to learn about their needs. This past year, Tall Tails introduced durable natural rubber toys that hold assorted chew sticks and dispense various treats as well as ergonomically designed chew toys for even the most aggressive chewers with areas for soft treats and spreadables. An additional benefit is these new products encourage pet parents to “buy more of the store” by providing opportunities for plus-one purchases of treats, kibbles and other consumables. With the economic challenges and competitive threats from big box stores and major e-commerce sellers, Tall Tails invested more in marketing strategies and training to help indie retailers share the value in its products with expertise their customers expect from their local store.

 

Located in Richmond, Virginia, TDBBS is a leading provider of natural chews and pet treats. The company was founded in 2007by Avrum Elmakis, who focused on single or limited-ingredient, high-protein dog chews and treats. This effort resulted in renowned products like all-natural bully sticks, humanely sourced elk antlers, pig ears, marrow bones and gullet sticks. In 2008, the company launched Best Bully Sticks as a direct-to-consumer natural chews brand, dedicated to exceptional bully sticks and single-ingredient chews. Then, in 2011, the Barkworthies brand was launched, tailored for pet specialty retailers. Paw Love, founded in 2018, caters to the grocery mass channel, providing affordable, irresistible treats and chews that dogs adore. Recently, TDBBS conducted its own research, which revealed that pet parents are seeking healthy chews that bring dogs joy but without the typical off-putting odor. Inspired to help solve this challenge, TDBBS recently launched a line of authentically smoked natural chews, which are smoked low and slow, in small batches, in the brand’s Richmond, Virginia smokehouse. This time-tested process produces chews that smell as good to humans as they taste to their pups. The new smoked product line has garnered innovation awards and received outstanding ratings and reviews since its official launch this summer.

 

The Wellness Pet Company, formerly WellPet, is the largest independent premium pet food company in North America. It’s home to a portfolio of premium natural pet food, treat and dental chew brands, led by its flagship brand Wellness and well-known brands WHIMZEES, Old Mother Hubbard by Wellness, Good Dog by Wellness, Holistic Select, Eagle Pack and Sojos. With 100 years of heritage in premium pet foods and treats, Wellness Pet is on a mission to fulfill a shared life of well-being between pets and the next generation of pet parents through a foundation of premium, natural nutrition. Through a commitment to doing things the right way, never the easy way, Wellness crafts natural pet food and treat recipes, as well as daily supplements, that are carefully sourced and thoughtfully prepared. Through products and people, Wellness strives to enhance and promote the mutually beneficial relationship between people and pets. Wellness’ products offer greater variety and options for pet parents as they seek to target their pet’s unique health concerns and wellbeing with high-quality food and treats. In addition to its product innovation and variety, Wellness Pet Company continues to grow its efforts with The Wellness Foundation, which includes its ongoing support, funding and programming with pet partners.

 

Founded in 1996, West Paw has been family-owned and operated from Bozeman, Montana. Its products can be found in more than 6,000 retailers in 40 different countries. Known as a company that sustainably manufactures eco-friendly pet products, West Paw has recycled almost 150,000 pounds of award-winning dog toys, spun over 16 million water bottles into dog beds and toy stuffing, and innovated a toy line, Seaflex, which reclaims ocean-bound plastic. West Paw’s complete line of Creamy, Freeze-Dried and Air-Dried Dog Treats are all humanely raised, sustainably sourced, healthy, nutritious and made in the U.S.A. In addition, West Paw was a founding member of the Pet Sustainability Coalition, so that more companies can increase positive impact, too. In 2015, West Paw became the first company doing business in Montana to change its corporate status to a Benefit Corporation. And in 2021, West Paw also expanded its commitment to the company’s recycling program, Join the Loop, by offering free in-store recycling collection “centers” to its retail partners.

 

Whitebridge Pet Brands was founded in 2014 with the acquisition of Cloud Star and Tiki. These legacy brands formed a company growing through acquisitions, increased distribution, and organic sales. More brands followed: Dogswell in 2017, Pet Botanics in 2020 and Grizzly Pets in 2021. The company’s 2022 integration with Agras, the Italian-based home of Schesir, expand edits global footprint into Europe and deeper in Asia. Tiki and Schesir are strategic growth and global brands and play complementary roles in Whitebridge’s international expansion. Each assortment considers the nutritional requirements of the pet, the convenience and behaviors of the pet owner and the financial health of the pet retailer. Tiki and Schesir After Dark and Taste of the World offer more than 150 unique combinations of tastes and textures in wet food that pets enjoy, making it food owners want to feed. The company also delivers more service and revenue opportunities for pet retailers, as it has expanded the addressable market, bringing science, like Baby Thrive and Comfort, to the natural aisle. An educated consumer adding wet nutrition or toppers to kibble generates up to five times the revenue of an exclusively dry feeder.

 

Wild Earth offers complete nutrition for the evolved dog. The brand was founded with the vision to care for our pups and tore-wild our earth. This was the message shared on Shark Tank that earned a subsequent investment from Mark Cuban in 2019. Since then, Wild Earth has become the largest solely plant-based dog food company in the United States. They develop complete and balanced diets and treats for dogs, all created without the use of any animal-sourced ingredients. Wild Earth’s veterinarian-developed, plant-based dog foods are made without meat, dairy or wheat, which are dogs’ most common food allergens. Recently published research also suggests that plant-based diets are healthy – and even potentially more beneficial – and can lead to fewer vet visits, fewer health conditions and increased longevity up to 1.5 years longer than dogs fed meat-based kibble and raw meat-based diets. Over this last year, Wild Earth released two new dog food formulas that focus on dogs’ activity levels and protein needs. They are also exploring other product line expansions within the dog and other pet markets. They are currently available on retail shelves across Florida, New York and California, with more expansion in the United States to be announced.

In 1996, Joe Roetheli and his wife Judy turned entrepreneurs when they began a pet food/treat company with the dental treat known by many dogs and cats as Greenies. After growing the company to the eighth largest pet food/treat company in the world and receiving over four dozen awards, the company was sold to Mars, Inc. in 2006. Joe and Judy remain entrepreneurs today with their launch of Yummy Combs, a full-body pet treat that addresses dental health, superior nutrition and great taste, while actively battling choking hazards through special product innovations. A recent clinical study has proven a 26 percent removal of hardened tartar and improved breath by 46 percent by treating a dog with Yummy Combs once a day for 60 days, an important result that will change the way dog dental care is affected. This industry-changing study was conducted to further enhance the state-or-the-art dental care delivered by revolutionary-shaped Yummy Combs, complimenting the distinction of having earned the coveted VOHC Seal of Acceptance for Tartar Control.

Widely recognized for its award-winning recipes, ZIWI is the global leader and innovator of air-dried pet nutrition. Ethically and sustainably sourced in New Zealand, ZIWI combines the nutrition found in raw diets with the safe convenience of dry foods through the company’s own proprietary Z-TWINTECH gentle air-drying process. The success of the company goes hand in hand with its continued efforts to innovate and provide a high-quality, biologically appropriate, alternative-to-raw option. ZIWI recently commissioned its new super kitchen that will be the largest pet food manufacturing facility in New Zealand. This production kitchen is fitted with the latest processing technology, capable of doubling our current output. It also has new air-dried technology, which will allow the development of new product lines, ensuring that ZIWI maintains its global leadership in the air-dried pet food category. ZIWI joined the highest ICON level of Pet Sustainability Coalition and has officially joined the PSC Packaging Pledge, which helps companies meet voluntary, public and time-bound commitments that will improve the sustainability of their packaging.