With pet owners spending more and our pets now living longer, the industry is expected to expand exponentially from $320 billion in 2023, to nearly $500 billion by 2030.
The US finds itself to have the biggest pet care market, with pet care expenditure in the US alone reaching over $147 billion dollars at the end of 2023. It's predicted to reach $200 billion dollars by the end of the decade. Yep, you read that right!
Pet owners will go above and beyond to provide for their companions, and we don't blame them.
Our furry friends quickly establish themselves as part of the family, so it's only fair that they have all the bits and pieces to ensure they too have a comfortable life.
The pet industry is experiencing huge growth, with an exciting surge in innovative, high-quality products. With around 66% of households in the United States being pet owners, it's easy to see how it will continue to be a booming industry.
That's why we have taken the time to curate a list of some of the top trending pet products so that you can provide the best for your pooch.
Biodegradable poo bags
First up on the list may be an obvious one for many, but definitely one of the most important pet products you can invest in. As a pet owner, it's your responsibility to clean up any mess your pets make, no matter how bad it is.
There's nothing worse in this world than walking along on your morning coffee and croissant run, only to discover you've stepped in a big ol' pile of dog poop along the way. A guaranteed way to run your entire morning.
Don't be that person to leave your pet's mess lying on the street, or even worse, on the beach. Ensure you always carry dog poo bags with you just in case.
Even more important is to make sure they are bio-degradable bags. The last thing we need is more plastic waste–so please, do your duty and invest in some environmentally friendly dog waste bags. The environment, (and some stranger's shoes), will thank you for it!
Collapsible water bowls
A collapsible water bowl is a must-have if you're someone who loves to go on big walks or hikes with your pet. It's also super handy for those who travel with their animals.
It's a very simple product concept, but one that'll give you peace of mind when you're on the go with your pets and ensure they stay hydrated. They can also be used for food too, obvs.
They're lightweight and compact, some even come with a clip attached so you can hook it onto your bag and take it with you wherever you go. There are a bunch of different ones on the market to choose from.
This one from Kurgo, wittingly named Collaps-A-Bowl, is a perfect option and costs only $12.95. It holds 24oz, is made with food-grade silicone, and is even dishwasher-safe.
Lick mats
Pet lick mats are the perfect way to keep your pets busy and entertained...for a while anyway, and they work particularly well for dogs, (dog owners rejoice!). To use the mat you simply put your pet-friendly treat, such as yogurt or peanut butter, onto the mat and let 'em at it.
Due to the textured surface of the mat, your pet will spend longer trying to get the food off the surface, meaning more mental stimulation, and less gulping their food down before you can even turn your back.
It's a simple solution to a very common pet problem, and almost all pet owners can benefit from a product like this. LickiMat is available for cats and dogs for a variety of different needs.
Pet-nutrition
One of the hottest trends at the minute is pet nutrition. Pet owners are becoming more conscious of what they feed their pets, and more and more interested in sourcing nutrient-rich food.
Dog food toppers are on the rise. They're nutritious toppings you add to your pets' meals to enhance taste and nutrition.
Pet nutrition is always evolving as research advances and pet owners become more informed about their pets' health needs. Pet food with human-grade ingredients is also on the rise rapidly.
The Farmer's Dog is a pet food company that provides freshly cooked, human-grade meals for dogs. They are also veterinarian-approved and can be customized to the specific dietary needs of your pet. Fancy.
Airtag dog collars
One of the newer additions to pet care products is the Airtag Collar. Having a sturdy pet collar is important, but having an AirTag collar is a convenient way to keep track of your pet and banish any of your worries about them straying off or going missing.
For the collar to work, you'll need to have an Apple AirTag as well as an Apple device. You can purchase special collars with an AirTag holder online. You just put your AirTag into the holder and it works via Bluetooth to keep you up to date with your pets' whereabouts.
It's important to note that since animals are highly active creatures, you'll need to buy a durable, weather-resistant collar.
To go a step further, you could even engrave your pet's name and your phone number onto your AirTag on the Apple website. That way, you'll never have to worry about your companions running off.
Smart pet feeders
First there were smartphones, then smart TVs, and now we have smart pet feeders!
If you're a busy pet owner who works long hours, or sometimes have to spend time away from your pets, investing in a smart pet feeder will make your life a whole lot easier.
It allows you to control when you feed your pet via an app on your phone, meaning you can have control wherever you are. It's a great way to ensure frequent feeding instead of leaving all your food supply out at once and having them gobble it all up in one go.
You can set a schedule and ensure portion control for your pet, and some smart feeders even have a built-in camera so you can keep an eye on them while they eat.
The Petlibro Air WiFi Feeder is a great budget-friendly option, while still doing everything you need it to do. It's cordless, alerts you when food is low, and allows you to schedule up to 10 meals a day for your cat or dog.
Pet security cameras
Some pet feeders come with a camera installed so you can keep an eye on them, however, if you opt for one without (like the PETLIBRO one), purchasing a pet security camera could be a good investment.
Pet owners treat their animals like their family, and you wouldn't leave your kids alone unsupervised, would you? Having a security camera to keep a watchful eye on what they get up to while you're gone will ease your worries and stresses when leaving them behind.
The PetCube Cam 360° comes with a price tag that won't break the bank, phew!
You get a 360° view in 1080HD, they offer two-way audio so you can talk to your pet at any time, plus smart sound and motion notifications.
Tofu cat litters
No, you didn't misread that. Tofu cat litter is on the list of trending pet products this year, and let us tell you why.
Tofu cat litter is an eco-friendly, biodegradable litter option made from tofu byproducts.
Tofu cat litter has been on the rise thanks to its high absorbency, lightweight nature, clumping ability, and low dust production. It's also known for its reduced tracking compared to the likes of clay litter.
Since it's made from natural and non-toxic ingredients, it can be easily flushed down the toilet for hassle-free disposal. It's a great sustainable alternative to traditional litter, and definitely one we could get on board with.
Could we BE any more impressed?!
GPS dog fences
One of the biggest trending products for pets this year has been the GPS dog fence. Instead of using wire buried underground, the GPS fence wirelessly creates a virtual boundary for your pet. Unlike traditional physical fences or wired invisible fences, a GPS dog fence provides a customizable and portable solution to keep them within designated areas.
There are a couple of things to consider before deciding on a GPS dog fence.
- You need to consider the range of the boundary you need to set, they can vary greatly between different brands.
- You must ensure there is high GPS accuracy. Do your research and ensure the one you opt for has good performance and minimal drift.
- Choose one with a long battery life so you can avoid constant recharging.
- How straightforward is it to use? Is there an easily accessible app?
The SpotOn GPS Fence is a #1 best-seller. It comes with a hefty price tag, so it's definitely one you'll need to think about long and hard, and don't slack on background research.
Bath brushes
Bath brushes are a very useful grooming tool to have for your dogs. Not only are they good for cleaning and massaging your dog during bath time, but they also help remove any loose fur, helping you avoid excessive shedding around your home.
There are a ton of different kinds to choose from, from silicone and rubber brushes, to ones you can wear like a glove.
The Swiss-designed FurBliss Pet Brush can be used with cats or dogs, and can be used both wet and dry. Plus, it's super affordable.
Puzzle toys
Puzzle toys are the perfect way to increase your pet's mental stimulation and keep their minds busy. Puzzle toys for pets come in a variety of game styles, one of the most popular being the snuffle mat.
We touched on lick mats earlier, and this is another variation of mental stimulation for your pets. The idea is to get your pet to search among the tassels to find their reward, either a toy or a treat. It's great stimulation and will keep your cat or dog entertained for hours!
Other puzzle toys that have become increasingly popular are treat dispensing balls, interactive puzzle boards, and chewable puzzle toys.
Travel accessories
If you're one of those pet owners who just hates spending time apart from your four-legged friend, you should probably look into travel pet care to ensure that you have the adequate tools when traveling with them.
There's nothing better than having your pet ridin' shotgun, windows down with the wind in their ears, listening to your favorite song together. But, safety comes first.
Car doggy seat belts
First up on the list of necessary travel products is a car seat belt or harness. A crucial accessory for anyone who takes their pets with them in their car. Make sure you invest in a reliable one that will keep your pet strapped in and safe at all times.
Make sure the belt has been crash-tested and certified for safety as a car seat belt for your dog. To go even further, some of them can also be used as a walking harness.
Car seat covers
Next up is a car seat cover. This one is pretty self-explanatory, who wants their car covered in dog hairs?! Eh, no one.
Dog beds
Third on the list is a car dog bed. This is an essential item if you do long journeys. Make sure they stay comfortable and have one of their favorite chew toys to make the journey easier for them.
If you have a small dog, a dog car seat will do nicely, but if you have a larger dog, getting a comfortable bed to put in your boot will be the better option.
Paw cleaners
A pet paw cleaner is a gadget designed to do exactly what it says on the tinclean your pets' paws. Duh!
After coming home from a walk or being out and about with your dog, you can use the device to gently clean their paws from any dirt or mud they picked up along the way.
You add water to the cleaner, insert their paw and simply twist it around to remove dirt and other particles, leaving their paws, (and your home!), mess-free. The cleaner usually has soft bristles so it is gentle enough to be used every day.
Pet air purifiers
Pet air purifiers are a new trending product to help you maintain a clean, allergen-free home. Not only that, it'll help neutralize any of those smelly pet odors that come with the pet-owning territory.
Keep an eye out for pet air purifiers that feature an advanced filtration system, like HEPA and activated carbon filters–these are better equipped to deal with pet hair and dander, significantly improving the air quality in your home, reducing odors, and minimizing allergy symptoms.
Final thoughts
It's safe to say most pet owners consider their pets like family.
The pet industry is booming, with pet owners increasingly humanizing their pets. As a result, there has been an array of exciting launches in the pet care world. Online shopping has made purchasing pet products easier than ever, with same-day delivery straight to the front door, making it an attractive route for many busy pet owners.
The evolving relationship between pets and their owners is reflected in the surge of trending pet products, including advanced tech gadgets to ensure their health and safety, and eco-friendly, stimulating toys. The pet industry is not only creating innovative products, but also ones that enhance the lives of our furry friends. At the end of the day, isn't that all we really want?