LOS ANGELES — The Pet Innovation Awards, an independent platform recognizing innovative companies, products and services in the pet care industry, released the winners of its sixth annual awards program on Aug. 15. Categories for the awards span nutrition, grooming, housing, toys, healthcare services and much more.

According to the Independent Innovation Awards, the organization that conducts the awards, pet owners are increasingly transitioning to a “health-first,” or preventive, approach to their pets’ wellbeing, gravitating toward products that offer functional health benefits. 

“We’ve seen a shift from simple pet ownership to a lifestyle centered around our furry companion’s wellbeing, with innovations that cater to their health, happiness and longevity. This evolution reflects how much pets have become integral members of our families,” said Travis Grant, managing director of the Independent Innovation Awards. “Congratulations to the 2024 Pet Innovation Award winners, through creativity, dedication and passion your groundbreaking innovations are redefined the future of pet care and ensuring a better quality of life for our beloved companions.”

In dog nutrition winners include:

  • Pattes Vertes for Alternative Dog Treat of the Year
  • Jiminy’s for Dog Food Dry Product of the Year
  • JustFoodForDogs for Dog Food Wet Product of the Year
  • Ultimate Pet Nutrition for Dog Food Freeze Dried Product of the Year
  • W.F. Young’s Honest to Goodness for Dog Cookie Product of the Year
  • Vital Essentials for Dog Food Frozen/Raw Product of the Year
  • Badlands Ranch for Dog Food Grain Free Product of the Year
  • PawCo Foods for Dog Food Organic Product of the Year
  • Caru for Dog Food for Functional Diet Product of the Year
  • Solid Gold for Dog Food Innovation of the Year
  • Yumwoof! for Dog Food Product of the Year
  • Boss Nation for Dog Treat Frozen Product of the Year
  • CBD Dog Health Blanche’s Edibles for Dog Treat Alternative Product of the Year
  • KTR Group’s Poochie for Dog Treat Chews Product of the Year
  • Healthybud for Dog Treat Functional Product of the Year
  • JAC Pet Nutrition for Dog Treat Functional Frozen Product of the Year
  • Flossta by N-Bone for Dog Treat Innovation of the Year
  • Full Moon Pet for Dog Treat Product of the Year
  • Snif-Snax for Natural Dog Treat Product of the Year
  • Natural Farm for Dog Treat Roll Product of the Year
  • Penn-Plax for Flavored Dog Treat Product of the Year
  • Antelope for Health Focused Dog Treat Product of the Year
  • Petcurean’s Go! Solutions for Upcycled Dog Treat of the Year
  • PetIQ For Jerky-style Dog Treat Product of the Year
  • pNeo for Dog Calming Product of the Year
  • Petlab Co.’s ProBright® Advanced Dog Dental Powder for Dog Dental Care Product of the Year
  • Yummy Combs for Dog Dental Treat Product of the Year
  • K9Power Products for Dog Skin & Coat Product of the Year
  • MAXGEVITY Mobility Supplements for Health Focused Dog Food Topper Product of the Year
  • DoggyRade for Overall Dog Health Product of the Year
  • Treatly for Collagen Product of the Year
  • Park Life for Dog Biscuit of the Year
  • Jaffe’s Bone Broth Nutritionals for Dog Bone Broth Product of the Year
  • Big Canyon Country Club for Dog Food Bio-Organic Product of the Year
  • Webbox for Lickable Treat Product of the Year
  • BetterBone for Rawhide Alternative Product of the Year
  • Super Snouts for Dog CBD Product of the Year
  • ActivePower Inc. for Dog Hip & Joint Product of the Year
  • Smart Earth for Dog Vitamin/Supplement Product of the Year
  • Under the Weather for Dog Vitamin/Supplement Innovation of the Year
  • Kōrure Pets for Joint Care Powder Product of the Year
  • TummyRade Assist for Overall Dog Health Product of the Year
     
     

In cat nutrition winners include:

  • Open Farm for Alternative Cat Treat of the Year
  • RAWZ for Cat Food Dry Product of the Year
  • Kelly & Co’s for Cat Food Freeze Dried Product of the Year
  • Raised Right for Cat Food Frozen/Raw Product of the Year
  • Love, Nala for Cat Food Wet Product of the Year
  • Dibaq Petcare for Cat Food Functional Diet Product of the Year
  • ThaiAwesome for Health Focused Cat Treat Product of the Year and Cat Food Innovation of the Year
  • Catnibbs for Cat Treat Product of the Year
  • CBD Dog Health’s Cat Calm for Cat CBD Product of the Year
  • NaturVet for Cat Health Innovation of the Year
  • Zesty Paws for Cat Digestive Product of the Year and Cat Skin & Coat Product of the Year
  • Brillant for Cat Vitamin/Supplement Product of the Year

Additionally, Woof won Dog Toy Product of the Year for its product that combines a toy with a dog treat, Maev won Pet Innovation of the Year, and Bocce’s won Pet Company of the Year. 


Dog Cookie Product of the Year

W.F. Young’s brand Honest to Goodness™ Plant Snacks won Dog Cookie Product of the Year. Honest to Goodness Plant Snacks are a line of functional, sustainable and plant-based dog treats. The treats are formulated with fruits and vegetables and advanced, functional nutrients to help support different bodily systems in dogs. 

Honest to Goodness Plant Snacks productsSource: Honest to Goodness Plant Snacks

“Our love for pets inspired us to embark on a quest to create the yummiest, healthiest, tail-wagging-est treats in the world. These new plant-based snacks harness the natural power of wholesome fruits and vegetables with goodness you can actually see,” said Amy Cairy, vice president of marketing for W.F. Young. “It’s an honor to be recognized by Pet Innovation. We’re just getting started when it comes to creating pet treats that are minimally processed and made with whole food ingredients to keep our pet-families happy and healthy through every stage of their life.”

The line includes:

  • Happy Feet, formulated with flaxseed, apple, cinnamon and turmeric to provide mobility support
  • Mellow Belly, formulated with pumpkin, cinnamon and chicory root to provide digestive support
  • Way to Glow, formulated with coconut, flaxseed and turmeric to provide skin and coat health support
  • Golden Years, formulated with blueberries, carrots and broccoli to support senior pets
  • Good Vibes, formulated with chamomile, ginger and L-Tryptophan to support relaxation
  • Buddy Boost, formulated with cranberries, pomegranate and apple cider vinegar to support immune health

Each Honest to Goodness Plant Snack treat contains one to three ingredients at functional levels, as well as a postbiotic and marine microalgae oil to support overall health. The treats are free from synthetic additives, fillers and byproducts and are produced using sustainable, responsibly sourced ingredients from the United States, according to W.F. Young.

“These new Honest to Goodness snacks are loaded with healthy benefits to help your furry friend thrive. The demand for health benefits from plant-based food products has been extending into the pet industry, including treats, in recent years,” Grant said. “These minimally processed, plant-based snacks are free of common allergens that can trouble food-sensitive pets. The immense health benefits, great flavor and ethical packaging are a bonus. We’re proud to award Honest to Goodness with Dog Cookie Product of the Year.”

 

Dog Treat Chews Product of the Year

KTR Group’s Poochie Mini Triple Braids won Dog Treat Chews Product of the Year. The Mini Triple Braids product is an easily digestible alternative to traditional rawhide dog chews. According to KTR Group, the chews are ideal for dogs of all sizes, especially smaller breeds. 

Poochie Mini Triple Braids are formulated from beef hide and sweet potato, braided together to create a chew with a soft, flexible texture that can help promote dental hygiene. 

“Poochie Braided Mini Chews are made from extruded beef hide, which is a premium type of rawhide made from the inner layer of cattle skin, making these chews high in protein and low in fat. All KTR Group brands put the health and wellbeing of pets at the forefront of everything we do and our innovative offerings,” said Rich Mohr, owner of KTR Group. “We’re proud to accept Pet Innovation’s Dog Treat Chews Product of the Year award for our Poochie Mini Triple Braids Soft Chews. We are committed to providing delicious treats and chews that enhance a dog’s regular diet, supporting their overall health and vitality.”

Grant added, “The Mini Triple Braids from Poochie keep dogs engaged and satisfied during chewing sessions and promote dental health at the same time. As an alternative to traditional rawhide, they’re easier to digest and less likely to cause digestive issues compared to traditional rawhide, which can be tough and difficult for some dogs to break down. Small dogs usually have different preferences and chewing styles and these chews from Poochie provide peace of mind to pet owners concerned about their dog's health and wellbeing — as well as better digestive health, enhanced dental hygiene, and overall safety for the dogs themselves.”

 

Dog Treat Innovation of the Year

NPIC, a manufacturer of premium pet treat brands, has won Dog Treat Innovation of the Year for its Flossta by N-Bone product. Flossta by N-Bone is a canine dental chew that leverages a dual-action formula and a floss-like form factor to promote dental health in dogs. 

The chew is formulated with botanical ingredients including parsley and fennel, which can help address bad breath. With a minimal ingredient profile, the chew is ideal for dietary sensitivities, according to NPIC. The product is also free from wheat, corn and soy, as well as artificial flavors, colors and preservatives.

NPIC's Flossta by N-Bone chewSource: Sosland Publishing Co.

In addition to containing functional ingredients, Flossta by N-Bone features a unique design, allowing the product to reach the nooks and crannies of a dog’s mouth. The design can help combat the buildup of plaque and tartar, as well as reduce the risk of dental issues, according to NPIC. 

“Flossta reflects our dedication to providing innovative and high-quality pet care solutions while also reflecting our commitment to quality and transparency. The care we put into quality ingredients, manufacturing and production also underscores our allegiance to local communities and economies,” said Sam Chen, vice president of sales and marketing at NPIC. “We’re pleased to accept this award from Pet Innovation and will continue to embrace innovation in the search for the best nutrition for pets, putting pet health and wellbeing first in everything we do.”

The flexible texture of the chew allows dogs to easily grip and handle and is also completely digestible, according to NPIC. 

Flossta by N-Bone is available in various flavors, including chicken, beef liver and mint, and a range sizes. 

“Flossta by N-Bone is not just another dental chew; it represents a paradigm shift in the pet dental care category. Pet owners have become hyper aware when it comes to the ingredients that go into their fur-family’s diet, and when picking a dental chew, it’s also about those hard-to-reach places where plaque and tartar thrive,” Grant said. “We’re thrilled to recognize N-Bone Flossta Dual-Action Dental Chews as Dog Treat Innovation of the Year. Its unique form factor and natural ingredients mean each chew is a palatable experience that dogs simply cannot resist, making oral care a delightful part of their daily routine.”

 

Natural Dog Treat Product of the Year

Snif-Snax has won Natural Dog Treat Product of the Year for its limited-ingredient, all-natural treats. 

To create its dog treats, Snif-Snax uses sustainably sourced salmon and sweet potatoes, providing functional benefits to support overall wellness and reduce environmental impact. The company touts full control of a zero-waste supply chain, utilizing offcuts from Founder Jonathan Brown’s smoked salmon process. The company takes fresh, whole Atlantic Salmon that has been responsibly raised along the Scottland coast, and dry cures and smokes the protein.

“We believe in treating pets like family, and by introducing quality human-grade food in our zero-waste process, we’re doing just that. As animal lovers, we feel we can redefine pet care standards through sustainable practices, natural ingredients, and the love we put into every step of the process,” Brown said. “Winning this award from Pet Innovation just underscores our continued mission to enhance the bond between humans and their beloved pets by continuing to develop and deliver innovative, high-quality and responsibly sourced pet treats.”

In addition to the eco-friendly benefits, Snif-Snax’s treats also offer canines health benefits. Salmon is well-known for its Omega 3 content, which can help support skin, coat and brain health in pets. The treats also contain sweet potatoes as an alternative to wheat and grain, providing antioxidants, vitamins and fiber. According to Snif-Snax, the combination of these two ingredients offers dogs a balanced source of protein to help fuel energy levels and support muscle development, healthy digestion, joint and mobility health, weight management and cardiovascular health. 

The treats are available in a variety of forms, from bites and filets to cutlets, skins and more. 

“With decades of expertise in salmon production and a real dedication to animal welfare, Snif-Snax has been able to produce the best natural pet treats on the market. By not controlling the supply chain in pet food production, you run the risk of artificial ingredients that can potentially lead to adverse health effects and additives that lack nutritional value,” Grant said. “We’re thrilled to award Snif-Snax with Natural Dog Treat Product of the Year and applaud their efforts to provide wholesome and delightful treats through a commitment to nutrition, sustainability and quality.”

 

Dog Skin & Coat Product of the Year

K9 Power Products won Dog Skin & Coat Product of the Year for its Show Stopper® powder supplement product. Show Stopper is formulated with functional ingredients specifically designed to enhance skin and coat health in pups, promoting a glossy, shiny coat and optimal skin condition. 

K9 Power Show Stopper contains a propriety antioxidant blend of Icelandic kelp powder, blueberry powder, beet juice powder, vitamin C powder, green tea extract and citrus bioflavonoids. In addition, the company uses Collagen Type 1 ingredient, which makes up about 90% of the body’s natural collagen, according to the company. This ingredient contains amino acids glycine, proline and hydroxyproline, supporting skin and other organs, as well as playing a key role in replacing dead skin cells. According to K9 Power, including this specific type of collagen in its formula helps to diminish a dog’s natural loss of collagen. 

“To stay at the forefront of nutrition, we have evolved our products informed by the latest science and our own experience. We have increased the percentage of existing nutraceuticals and added new effective ingredients based on the latest animal health research, replacing some of the oils and liquids we used in our formulas with powder alternatives,” said Gerard Coughlin, chief executive officer of K9 Power. “We aim to remain the most effective dog supplement manufacturer in the market. This award from Pet Innovation underscores our continued commitment to producing the highest quality supplements for dogs for over 25 years.”

Show Stopper is also formulated with Omega 3 fatty acids from salmon oil powder and cold liver oil powder, and chelated trace minerals zinc, manganese and copper to support skin and coat health. Inactive ingredients include camelina meal, carrot powder, chicken powder, mixed tocopherols, pork liver powder, stabilized rice bran and vitamin E. The supplement powder is free from flax, wheat, corn, soy, byproducts, artificial colors and flavors. 

“A dog’s appearance reflects their overall health. Dull dry coats, itchy skin, hot spots, licking and excessive shedding are indicators that pets may be experiencing a wellness challenge,” Grant said. “We’re thrilled to award K9 Power’s Show Stopper with Dog Skin & Coat Product of the Year. This blend of specialized ingredients and trace minerals promote a healthy, glossy coat and includes ingredients critical for proper health and structure of the skin.”

 

Health Focused Dog Food Topper Product of the Year

HappyTails Canine Wellness, Inc., has won Health Focused Dog Food Topper Product of the Year for its MAXGEVITY Mobility Supplements. This product contains 20 active ingredients, ranging from pre-, pro- and postbiotics to antioxidants, digestive enzymes and superfoods, to support gut health and total wellness in dogs in all life stages. 

MAXGEVITY Mobility Supplements are a scientifically formulated supplement that seeks to naturally empower a pup’s immune system by helping reduce inflammation, promoting skin and coat health, enhancing the integrity of connective tissues, supporting mobility, and contributing to joint, cartilage and bone health. The supplement is formulated with New Zealand Green Lipped Mussels, which are rich in Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, EPA, DHA and ETA, glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, B vitamins, antioxidants, enzymes, amino acids, and minerals like zinc, copper, iodine and manganese. 

Additionally, Show Stopper contains EpiCor®, a postbiotic ingredient that can help support a health gut microbiome; and LBiome™, another postbiotic that is designed to support digestive and immune health. 

“We developed our supplements over a two-year period with our Chief Science and Technology Officer Gregory Sunvold, Ph.D., and the finest minds in supplement innovation and ingredient manufacturing, who all share our passion for improving the health and wellness of our faithful and beloved pets,” said Athena Boulgarides, founder and chief executive officer of HappyTails Canine Wellness, Inc., and co-founder and chief operating officer of MaxGevity, Inc. “This is a meaningful award from Pet Innovation, and we look forward to the future as we’re working on a wellness tracking app that will give us the ability to communicate directly with dog parents around the globe, monitor the dog’s wellness journey, and generate a valuable database that will help us further expand our innovation efforts.”

MAXGEVITY Mobility Supplements can be severed as a topper in addition to a dog’s complete-and-balanced diet or sprinkled on top of a dog’s preferred treats. 

“These remarkably innovative supplements deliver tremendous benefits to dogs in all stages of life. A dog’s overall wellness begins in the gut, and a clean healthy gut means a longer, healthier life. In addition, nutritional needs change as a dog ages, as well as their ability to absorb nutrients,” Grant said. “We’re pleased to recognize MAXGEVITY Mobility Supplements as our Health Focused Dog Food Topper Product of the Year. HappyTails Canine Wellness, Inc., is rapidly becoming the leading authority in canine wellness and no other pet company has delivered a similar product to the market.”

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