We’re Back and Full of Big Pet Energy 🌎

What a show. Running on fumes, but super excited for what’s ahead in the pet industry. 

We spent the week catching up with our amazing clients, meeting our petfluencer friends IRL, supporting our client at an ice cream social (for pets, obviously), and even made a cameo on the local news. Safe to say it was a whirlwind, but we’re here for it.

Now that we’ve had a moment to catch our breath, we’re ready to spill everything we saw on the show floor. 

Here are our top takeaways from this year’s Global Pet Expo:

 

🐱 Cats are King

With Gen Z adopting cats at higher rates than dogs, cats are having a serious main character moment. The CATegory was everywhere this year, and it’s only getting bigger.

Michu Cat NatureMix Litter
I know first hand one of the least glamorous parts of cat ownership is cleaning the litter box. So… why not make it aesthetic?

This brand immediately caught my eye with its standout packaging, but it’s more than just a pretty face. Michu is also committed to sustainability, with a plant-based formula crafted from a tofu and cassava blend.

Proof that even the most mundane parts of pet ownership can feel a little more elevated.

RAWZ 10+ Essentials Cat Food
Crafted with 10 proteins and 10 superfoods, this formula truly packs a punch, delivering 10 targeted health benefits for cats.

It’s especially timely heading into kitten season, but just as valuable for our pandemic-era kitties who are now starting to lean into their senior years. Safe to say it’s a 10/10!

Giddy Kitty Purrsuits Collection
I discovered this brand on the show floor, and they’re doing everything right! Their Purrsuits Collection is the first-of-its-kind treat system to maximize playtime and help kitties of all ages reconnect with their natural instincts.

If you’re as obsessed with springtime as I am, you absolutely have to take a look at this Springy Flower Cat Treat Toy. I mean, could it be any cuter?

🥩 Air-Dried Food & Treats

Air-dried has made its way to the spotlight. From food to treats, this trend was all over the show floor, and I am here for it! 

Plato Air-Dried Jerky Bites
New look, who this? Anyone else completely obsessed with Plato’s brand revamp? It got a full makeover, and I’m honestly in love with where it landed.

While the look feels fresh and elevated, the brand is still staying true to its roots by offering air-dried treats thoughtfully crafted with purposeful ingredients.

🌿 Gut Health

The gut health trend isn’t slowing down. Brands are doubling down on probiotics, prebiotics, and everything in between, bringing digestive support to the forefront.

Open Farm GoodGut Kibble
The packaging made me stop, the ingredients made me stay! 

These vet-formulated recipes combine nutrient-dense kibble with freeze-dried raw cubes, powered by Lifeway™ probiotics delivering 2 billion CFUs per pound to support digestive health and a balanced gut microbiome.

What I also love about this brand is that all of their recipes are ethically sourced, which makes me feel really good about feeding it to my besties.

Gutsy Prebiotic Bites
Tell me you’re a sucker for packaging design without telling me you’re a sucker for packaging design.

I love these bites and the fact that each variety has a function. Prebiotics with a touch of calming, immune support, or mood-improving benefits? Please sign me up.

The packaging is a delight on the outside, and the product itself honestly looks like a delicious protein bite I’d eat myself… best of both worlds.

🧩 Enrichment

Mental stimulation is just as important as physical activity, and the industry is catching up fast with creative, engaging products.

Spot Seek A Treat Double Puzzle Ball
Having two high-energy rescue dogs, enrichment is my best friend, TBH. When I spotted the SPOT Double Puzzle Ball, I knew the girls had to have it.

It’s a durable rubber ball with two compartments for different-sized treats, perfect for keeping pets mentally stimulated and occupied. It’s also easy to use, easy to clean, and safe for both the freezer and dishwasher. You had me at dishwasher safe!

WagLab Play Stack
New brand alert!! This customizable dog toy is built for fun. Bold colors and shapes allow pet parents to create a toy tailored to their dog’s play style. The more pieces you connect, the longer they play. As someone who thrives off of creativity energy, I can’t wait to mix and match my dog’s custom stack.

Not available to the public just yet, but I’ll definitely be adding this to my cart the second it is!

💧 Hydration

Hydration is getting a serious upgrade, and it’s way more than just a bowl of water.

Across the show floor, brands are rethinking how pets hydrate, from functional toppers and broths to on-the-go solutions and smarter accessories.

PAWP Water
This brand first caught our eye at SuperZoo last year, so we were excited to see them back again at Global Pet Expo.

From standout packaging to functional varieties, this is not your everyday dog water. Pawp is a hydration beverage designed to support everyday health, built on the belief that dogs are family and deserve the same level of care we give ourselves.

Springland
I’ve been completely obsessed with this brand ever since I picked up two of their dog travel water bottles for my girls. Pet momming in the city? You need this ASAP.

While known for their fun (and actually functional) bottles, they’ve expanded into waterproof collars and leashes, customizable charms, and a must-have for city pet parents: the Dog Essentials Gift Box, complete with a water bottle and treat dispenser.

Cheers to all my pet industry friends, and I hope y’all had a great show! 

Until next year, Global Pet Expo ✌️💖🐶🐈
Beckie