Expo West standouts and trends in the pet aisle
![Expo West standouts and trends in the pet aisle Expo West standouts and trends in the pet aisle](https://eu-images.contentstack.com/v3/assets/blt09e5e63517a16184/bltafc06db067aebac6/64cbf83cdb0bcc7a8de33eaa/NewHopeNetwork_Horizontal_RGB.png?width=700&auto=webp&quality=80&disable=upscale)
Anybody who has wrapped a pill in bacon to fool their pet will appreciate a product that makes it easier to give their pet supplements. Sprays and mix-ins were popular. There were plenty of omega-3 treats but Tri-KRILL spray format krill oil from NWC Naturals makes the dosing the dog food more reliable. Got a Chihuahua? Start with one spray.
I only saw one dog treat that wasn't labeled as a "functional" treat. That's nothing new but more treats were emphasizing more general functions than the "hip" and "joint" treats we're used to seeing. This treat from Dogswell is intended for "eyes, skin and coat" but those functions are clearly secondary to "vitality" on the label.
Buckley's Immunity Chicken Jerky with its "functional benefits" is another good example of the more general function claims.
With a huge recall in early 2013 of antibiotic-laced Waggin' Train treats manufactured in China, "Made in the USA" was prominent, sometimes above the name, on every food or treat. Honest Kitchen took it a step further, declaring "No Ingredients from China" on their booth, on their packaging and in their marketing brochure.
Pet owners know that having a dog isn't all romping through meadows on a sunny afternoon. Somebody has to clean that meadow. The frank messaging on Pet Naturals products infuses a familiar bit of reality into pet care.
There are obviously a lot of hyper pets in this country because nearly every exhibitor had a calming product. Zen from CanineMatrix even promises "positive focus."
I had no idea there was a chewability scale. I didn't ask to see the science. I did note that even Aussie Naturals, with its Australia-centric branding, makes sure pet owners know their products are “Made in USA."
I had no idea there was a chewability scale. I didn't ask to see the science. I did note that even Aussie Naturals, with its Australia-centric branding, makes sure pet owners know their products are “Made in USA."
The natural & organic pet food category has been growing faster than mainstream brands over the last several years. Mass market has entered the game with their own organic offerings but the natural channel is where the real innovation happens. NBJ editor and dog owner Rick Polito took a tour, but not a taste, of the pet aisles at Expo West.
About the Author(s)
You May Also Like