Pet parents, check out these paws-itively purr-fect products for your fur kids
Brevard residents Meghan Wolfgram and Mario Arbore, like many of the exhibitors at pet industry trendsetter Global Pet Expo earlier this year, were inspired to create new and better products by the needs of their own companion animals,
Wolfgram’s company, Swift Paws, took off because her mini pinscher, Pretzel, could not get enough of chasing things. This year, Wolfgram introduced her newest invention, Chase! (swiftpaws.com), a home lure course that can be used indoors and out. Arbore, owner of Square Paws (squarepaws.com) cat furniture company, developed clever scratching pads in shapes that include tuna cans and library bookshelves, and Arbore’s elaborate custom cat habitats take inspiration from legendary structures such the Chrysler Building.
The pet market, an annual $135-plus-billion industry, boasts plenty of pet-loving entrepreneurs, who, like Wolfgram and Arbore, are eager to catch the eyes and wallets of pet parents.
Here are some of the other latest products designed to entertain, feed, water and pamper those canine and feline fur kids.
That's furMe?
Imagine a head-to-tail at-home grooming experience that includes electric clippers, de-shedding brush and a grooming brush attached to a powerful but quiet vacuum. That’s furMe?(shopfurme.com), which this year is focusing on Pet Grooming Vacuum Kits in original and professional versions. The trimmed or brushed hair is vacuumed directly as you work. Both machines are whisper-quiet. In addition to hair, it captures dust, mites, allergens and more. The pro version is designed for multi-pet households. Info: 321-723-8371.
AI, collared
As expected, artificial intelligence were two words of choice at Global this year as manufacturers' focus tapped it for products that include smart collars.
The PetPace Health 2.0 (petpace.com) dog collar is fitted with sensors backed with sophisticated algorithms to accurately monitor a range of pet biometrics, including vital signs, behavior and, of course, location. Through an app, users can dive into insights that compare their animals to those of similar age and breed.
“The collar provides early detection for almost any disease that impacts a dog's vitals or biometrics,” said co-developer and veterinarian Dr. Asaf Dagan. "Customers use PetPace for common ailments such as joint disease, heart disease, cancer, epilepsy, and obesity. It also helps with managing existing medical conditions by monitoring response to treatment in an objective and accurate manner.”
Pet owners can share the data with their vet through a link the vet can then open on any browser. A feline biometrics version is planned for next year.
Charmdana
Not your run-of-the-mill pet bandana, Charmdana from South Florida’s Wag Around Town (wagaroundtown.com) is more like Crocs gone bandana. Adjustable for secure fit, the bandanas are made from lightweight, waterproof rubber that will withstand the wildest zoomies and can be rinsed off.
The bandanas, made in colors to complement holidays and seasons, can be accessorized with charms carrying sayings from the dog’s perspective, from “Go Fetch it Yourself” to “Wiggle Butt.”
It takes the pet cake
Melinda Kirk Stenger, aka the Canine Caterer, first garnerd pet lovers’ attention with PetCakes?(ilovepetcakes.com), the first organic microwavable treat for both cats and dogs. Humans just add water, pop in the microwave and, voila! a pet cake. Joining PetCakes baking kits for dogs this year is a new birthday baking kit for cats with reusable fish-shaped pan, two cake mixes, two frosting mixes, two ice cream mixes, a celebration candle and a bag of sprinkles. Ingredients are human-grade, blended and bagged in human-grade facilities.
“People think it’s too time consuming to cook for their animals, but this makes it so easy, and our mixes never have any of the bad stuff like wheat, corn, soy, salt or preservatives,” said Stenger.
Purr-fect
Catit(catit.us) introduced the PIXI? Vision Smart Feeder, a cutting-edge feeder with intelligent motion-detection camara technology that allows pet parents to schedule and monitor meals, even if away from home. Kitty may get the idea she is being watched, because, well, she is. Catit’s Smart Feeder feeds cats up to six varied meals per day, adaptable to their feeding patterns. Using the free Catit PIXI app, humans can schedule dry and wet food, or treats, to served to their feline royalty. Cat food won’t go stale with the PIXI Smart Vacuum Food Container. Vacuum-sealing technology keeps dry food crisp and prolongs shelf life by shielding kibble from air, light, moisture and nasty bugs.
BIONIC canines
Inveterate chewers may have well met their match with the new BIONIC toys (bionicdogtoys.com), designed for dogs that demolish ordinary toys within minutes.
Drink to that
Water bowls are so, so passe as the pet industry rolls out pet drinking fountains that entice animals to stay hydrated …and more.
Petkit (petkit.com) has gone cordless with the Eversweet Max pet fountain, which the company notes is “inspired by the purity and vitality of natural spring water.” With the use of an app, owners have a record of water intake. Cordless operation lasts up to 83 days on a charge, and the stainless steel fountain holds 108 ounces of water purified with a four-stage filtration system.
The Cascade Dog Drinking Fountain from Zeus (zeusfordogs.com) presents your favorite canine with an ever-flowing stream of fresh, clean water. A filter purifies the drinking water in three different ways, improving overall taste and quality.
LaLa Home’s RealFountain (lalahome.com) is geared to “bipetual” households, with a fountain-style water flow for cats and lake-still water for dogs. A 10-liter dual tank allows for continuous automatic operation during extended periods. UVC sterilization system and six-layer water filtration keeps water super clean.
Pet GURU(s)
J.J. and Amy Stone spent years developing new products for top pet industry brands. This year, the couple launched GURU Pet(gurupetcompany.com), based on the premise that dogs will be dogs and they — and their people — would be happier if canines are engaged through intentional play with challenging enrichment toys that stimulate and content them.
Made for serious chewers, toys such the Spin & Chew Bone feature bacon-flavored chewable ends. The Rock ‘n Treat rocks back and forth while slowly dispensing kibble and treats and could be used instead of a slow feeder. Looking like a mini-space module, the Treat Station can be stuffed with treats or paste and connected or used separately. The tantalizing Dox-X-Cube challenges dogs to move treats through several levels as the toy spins easily. GURU Pet’s Soft Scents are plush toys infused with scents, such as “Honey” Bear, “Peanut Butter” Hedgehog, “Banana Monkey” and more. The Tennis Max? Ball and the Tennis Max? Stick brings safety to tennis balls. The Squeaking Tennis Snuffle Rope, which can be used to hide treats, is made from two layers of tennis traffic, braided and knotted.
Taking care of 'business'
Pets invariably include an array of deposits and odors, so manufacturers of products that can better take of this business are always eager to make the chore easier. ALZOO?(alzoo-vet.com) Concentrated Stain and Oder Remover,? which arrives with a one-ounce jar of concentrate and reusable spray bottle customers keep and refill, is pretty potent stuff that keeps even grout from staining.
Green-certified, eco-friendly and all-natural Wee Away is offering Absorb, a semi-solid cleaner that solidifies liquids and encapsulates odors. Sprinkle over nasty stuff such as vomit, urine, blood, etc., and the dust-like products turns into a gel that picks up 100 times its weight in less than a minute, so it can be picked up via dustpan or cardboard.
Kick back, kitty
Darryl Michaelson thinks like a cat when designing Purrniture (purrniture.com) cat furniture. He also thinks like a environmentally responsible human, for the artisans in his shop use sustainable and often upcycled products to handcraft the pieces.
Brightkins
Some of the newest and cutest treat puzzles in town are from Brightkins (brightkins.com). With the Pizza Party, Pupstrami Surprise and Touchdown Time puzzles, pups sniff, paw and spin their way through different layers of tasty rewards. Pizza Party features 12 compartments, while the Pupstrami Surprise sandwich and the football-shaped Touchdown Time feeder stacks 16 compartments to fill with treats or kibble.
Snack time
There seems to be an ample supply of products to keep pets well-fed and well-hydrated. DoggyRade Unleashed (doggyradeunleashed.com) is aimed at dogs on the go, with a full array of prebiotics and electrolytes to maintain a healthy gut and proper fluid balance.
Shepherd Boy Farms (ShepherdBoyFarms.com) added Freeze-dried Goat’s Milk with a starting lineup of classic goat’s milk, Golden Blend with a medley of pumpkin, squash and other veggies and fruits, a Super Greens Blend and a Super Fruit Blend.
Honest to Goodness? (honest2goodness.com) plant snacks for pets harness the power of fruits and veggies, plus advanced nutrients, in a condition-specific line that encompasses mobility, digestive, skin and immune support, plus more.
From Brazil comes Natoo? (NatooPetFoods.com) and its new Oats, Banana and Honey Crunchy Biscuits, fortified with nutrients, antioxidants, prebiotics and fiber.
Vero Beach-based Caru? Pet Food (carupetfood.com) now infuses marine microalgae oil to homestyle stews and bone broths, both crafted from 100% human grade ingredients.
Grain Free Meaty Bites from Charlee Bear (CharleeBear.com) are the first raw, freeze-dried meat treats infused with fruit and vegetables pet parents can actually free.
Peanut butter is the newest flavor for Frankly Pet’s (FranklyPet.com) Beef Chew Rolls with collagen to promote healthy ski
One of the most commendable of pet food companies, Rawz (rawznaturalpetfood.com) donates 100 percent of profits, after taxes and reserves, to service dog providers, dog and cat rescues and organizations that enhance life quality for individuals with traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries.
Maria Sonnenberg is a Brevard-based freelance travel and lifestyles writer.
This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Live in an animal house? These pet products might fit right in
