Play time is an important activity for pets. With the understanding that today’s consumers view their pets as members of their family, the pet toy sector has continued to grow at a steady pace. Pet parents are on a constant search for high quality, durable, engaging and often eco-sustainable toys for their companion animals.
Most companion animals love to play, but it’s dogs and cats that are the focus of most toys on the market. Established brands that have gained a reputation for their reliable, well-made dog and cat toys include SodaPup, Duckyworld, Nylabone and Vee Enterprises, to name just a few.
Innovative brands, such as Tall Tails, recognize that the style of play for each pet differs from one another. For example, some dogs prefer to fetch while other pups enjoy tugging games. As a result, Tall Tails took the concept in 2021 and built out its categories of play: Fetch, Tug, Sensory and Reward. This strategy is seamlessly executed into its newly designed hangtags for Tall Tails toys. By categorizing play styles, pet parents can determine which toys are the best for their dogs. Not only will pet parents have better direction of which toys to buy for their pet, but store associates have a better opportunity to educate their customers by utilizing our hangtags to guide pet parents in the right toy.
“Nowadays, pet parents are seeking pet products that go beyond simple entertainment for their pets. They are looking for toys that can provide both the necessary mental and physical stimulation, contributing to their dog’s overall well-being,” said Alexandra Barone, sales and marketing coordinator for Tall Tails. “Independent retailers can meet the demands of their customers by offering pet toys that fulfill these needs and come from trusted brands. To enhance the shopping experience, consider creating statements by toy feature/type within the toy aisle or brand block, providing customers with a convenient and enjoyable shopping experience.”
Sustainability is also a growing concern with pet parents, which is helping to drive the popularity of eco-friendly toy lines. Diversity of selection is important for retailers, as a wide assortment of toy offerings will enable customers to find the specific toy that will satisfy their pet’s specific needs. This variety includes toys for dogs, cats, birds and small animals. Toys are designed to be safe and durable; however, no toy is indestructible, so retailers need to advise that dogs and cats be supervised to prevent a piece from becoming chewed off and swallowed.
Duckyworld Cat Toys
Yeowww! Catnip products are made of durable cotton twill and filled with a 100 percent organically grown catnip — no fillers or chemicals. It’s a combination sure to send even the most pampered cats into orbits of delight.
Crinkle Balls
CanCor underwent a rebrand earlier this year, releasing brand new packaging and a new logo. You can expect the same, great Crinkle Ball that offers cats of all age’s endless fun with a new, modern look. CanCor offers a wide range of styles. It is Canadian made and sources materials from the U.S.A.
Animated Frog & Jackalope
These animated toys from Tall Tails are designed for endless interactive play and cuddles; dogs will love these toys’ movement. No batteries required — with just a squeeze, the toy’s quirky movement is activated, keeping dogs mentally, physically and audibly stimulated. All Tall Tails sensory toys are designed with reinforced mesh fabric and the squeaker sewn into a separate pouch and stitched into the seam for extra protection.
Dharma Dog Toys
Dharma Dog pure wool and hemp twist toys are the kind of fun that dogs can sink their teeth into, all the way to the gums. Coarse wool fibers have jagged edges to scrape away food and plaque. Dharma Dog uses safe, non-toxic dyes and there are no synthetic fibers that may be harmful if ingested.
Chew-N-Tug
Keep your dog happy with Chew-N-Tug Elk Antler Chews by Wapiti Labs. These Unique chew products are for medium breed to large breed dogs; the 100 percent cotton rope holds up to serious rounds of tug-of-war. Wapiti Labs Elk Antlers are water rinsed only, with no chemical treatments on our antlers. They are a renewable source — antlers are naturally shed and re-grown by male elk each year.
Power Chew Toy Shapes
A fun twist on everyday objects — like a smiling broccoli stalk — these chew toys add extra fun and flair to any dog’s chew toy collection. The three brand-new shapes include a broccoli, baguette and lobster — each with its own engaging design and features to occupy dogs and help clean teeth as they chew. The chew toys are made from the Nylabone brand’s most durable material with delicious flavor throughout. Chew toy sizes include Small, Medium, Large and X-Large.
Vee Cat Wands
Made in the United States, Vee’s line of cat wands includes the Wispy Bouncer, featuring soft, natural iridescent peacock flue feathers and the Satin Bouncer, with satin tassels that are intended for batting or biting. There is also the PURRfect Go-Fur-It wand, which has a plastic string coil that stretches over eight feet. It also has an end with faux fur and natural tinted feathers for energetic cats to chase and capture.
Bamboleos Cat Toys
Bamboleos cat toys are as satisfying for cats as they are for people. Made with wine corks inside, these toys bounce around unpredictably, great for casing, tossing and carrying. A touch of organic catnip makes them extra enticing. Who says cat toys can’t be beautiful?
Furry Flingerz
Featuring four adorable woodland characters, Furry Flingerz by Flingerz Pet offers a hands-free way to pick up and throw plush toys to your dog. The patented TPR insert allows the plush Furry Flingerz to easily slide onto the throwing handle and fling through the air for your dog to fetch. For dogs that don’t chase balls, Furry Flingerz by Flingerz Pet offers interactive play with flinging plush toys.
Indipets Organic Rubber Toys
After successfully serving 15 years in feeding products, Indipets has launched its All Natural Organic Rubber Toys line. Available in various shapes and sizes, the toys are made of durable and safe plant-derived natural rubber, with no plastic or artificial additives. They help maintain oral hygiene and encourage outdoor and indoor play.
Pet Factory Tug & Chomp
These premium plush toys for dogs come in a variety of cuddly critters and colorful characters that have a fun hide-n-seek pocket that reveals the small toy out of the mouth. Pet parents can keep their pets engaged at play by pulling, tugging and tossing this interactive toy. With double squeakers and made with tough plush materials, they’re perfect for interactive play.
Chuckit! Value Pack
Designed for fetch-loving canines, all toys in this value pack are made from the same durable, natural rubber as our popular Ultra Ball and feature the same bright orange and blue colors that Chuckit! lovers have come to recognize. The set comes with one RingChaser, one Ultra Fetch Stick and one Ring Flight.
Tower of Tracks
Your cat is sure to have a ball chasing, swatting, batting and catching these balls as they race around the track! The Petstages Tower of Tracks ball track toy for cats has three-times the levels and balls for three-times the fun.
Project Hive Dog Toys
Dogs love this U.S.A.-manufactured, treat-compatible Hive Chew Toy. Made of recyclable thermoplastic elastomers, it has an erratic bounce, floats in water, is non-toxic, BPA-free and dishwasher-safe. With Project Hive Pet Company’s mission to save the bees, each purchase helps establish healthy wildflower habitat.
HYDRO Toys
N-GAGE, a maker of premium dog toys, collars, leashes and travel gear, has launched a new line of HYDRO toys. The enhanced HYDRO line includes a training bumper and two different size balls. The HYDRO bumper is a no-squeak, lighter-weight version of their most popular bumper toy, but with multiple cutouts for easier retrieval. The HYDRO balls, available in regular and jumbo sizes, have multiple built-in handles for enhanced interaction and rigorous play.
Power Duo
BULLTUG is a modern dog toy company with a range of toys to match all play styles. Popular toys include the brand’s Puzzle Plush and Power Duo, a 2-in-1 product for pups that love to fetch and chew. The Power Duo rubber dog toy is a textured, heavy-duty tug ring and fetch ball that is among the toughest and most durable toys available on the market for power chewers.
WAUDOG Fun Collection
The Fun Collection from WAUDOG features dog toys that are simple, functional and made from durable and easy-to-maintain fabric. The squeakers inside excite the pets and encourage them to play. A handle allows the parent to play with the pet or to throw the toy. The toys are filled with hypoallergenic artificial swan pooch. The toys are made in three sizes and five vivid designs.
Enriched Life
Oxbow Animal Health’s Enriched Life line of enrichment and care accessories includes a variety of toys, natural chews, engaging activity centers and innovative habitats and premium care items. Made of 100 percent pet-safe materials, the Enriched Life line is designed to support natural behaviors that include exploring, playing, hiding and chewing.
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