(Cover photo: 2025 Global Pet Expo)
Best New Pet Products Announced at 2026 Global Pet Expo
39 New Pet Products Recognized at the Event’s 16th Annual New Products Showcase “Best in Show” Awards
The American Pet Products Association (APPA) and Pet Industry Distributors Association (PIDA) announced the winners of the 16th annual New Products Showcase “Best in Show” Awards at GlobalPet Expo, revealing the top pet products hitting the market in 2026. Best in Show, Second and Third Place honors were awarded across 13 product categories, including Aquatic, Bird, Cat, Dog Food/Treats, Dog Products, Farm and Feed, Modern Pet, Natural Pet, Pet Sustainability, Pet Tech Innovation, Reptile, Small Animal and – new this year – the Human Animal Bond Breakthrough Award.
Pete Scott, APPA CEO
“The New Products Showcase is one of the most powerful indicators of where the pet industry is headed,” said APPA President & CEO, Pete Scott. “Each year at Global Pet Expo, we see innovation that not only reflects evolving consumer expectations but also actively shapes the future of pet care. From wellness and sustainability to technology and design, these products demonstrate how our industry continues to grow, adapt and lead. This year, the addition of the Human-Animal Bond Breakthrough Award further underscores the industry’s commitment to products that strengthen the connection between pets and the people who love them.”
The Human-Animal Bond Breakthrough Award recognizes standout New Products Showcase submissions that support and strengthen the human-animal bond by fostering connection, trust, companionship, emotional well-being, and shared quality of life. Selected by the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI), the award reflects a commitment to honoring, preserving, and deepening the bond between people and their pets.
“The Global Pet Expo New Products Showcase is an amazing demonstration of the innovative and creative ways that the pet industry is supporting the human-animal bond,” said Steven Feldman, president of the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI). The Bond Breakthrough Awards celebrate the entire pet industry’s dedication to helping people care for their pets. Seeing all of these innovations, I can’t imagine a better time to be a pet owner.”
The New Products Showcase displays the latest pet products debuting in the market each year. The “Best in Show” Awards recognize the year’s top new products, selected based on the voting results of domestic and international buyers, media, and influencers attending Global Pet Expo. Out of all the submissions received this year, the following products won award recognition:
Aquatic
- Best in Show: Nano Arctica E-Chiller by JBJ Aquarium Products
- 2nd Place: PlantPod by Pisces USA
- 3rd Place: Aqua-Flora Naturals by Penn-Plax Inc.
Bird
- Best in Show: Suet Minis Fruit Blend by Wildlife Sciences
- 2nd Place: New Flavors of Crunch Stick Treats by Vitakraft Sun Seed Inc
- 3rd Place: Kaytee NutriDelight Pet Bird Food by Central Garden & Pet
Cat
- Best in Show: Lady N Pheromone Tofu Litter | Standard Box
- 2nd Place: BAYCAT Harness and Leash by BAYDOG
- 3rd Place: Cat Christmas Tree by Meowpy
Dog Food/Treats
- Best in Show: Bramble Human-Grade, Plant-Based Fresh Dog Food
- 2nd Place: Cheezie Yips™ Crackers with Cheddar Cheese by Three Dog Bakery
- 3rd Place: Saint Rocco’s Treats
Dog Products
- Best in Show: Ruff Liners Back Seat Extender w/ Door Protection
- 2nd Place: Itch & Allergy by Pupgrade LLC
- 3rd Place: StitchLeash Clip & Go Walk System
Farm & Feed
- Best in Show: ALZOO Horse Shampoo(s) Dark Coat & White Coat
- 2nd Place: Burt’s Bees Equine Grooming by Pets + People
- 3rd Place: Grazlee Goat Treats by Standlee Premium Western Forage
Human Animal Bond Breakthrough Award
- Best in Show: StitchLeash Clip & Go Walk System
- 2nd Place: Nibbles Garden Crunch Hay Pops by A&E Cage Company LLC
- 3rd Place: Lady N Pheromone Tofu Litter | Standard Box
Modern Pet
- Best in Show: Lady N Infinity Scoop by Lady N Tofu Cat Litter
- 2nd Place: The Buzzz Off Natural Anti-Mosquito/Insect Onesie by Pebot LLC.
- 3rd Place: Double Sided Dog Bandana & Ribbon Scrunchie Set by Dog Bandana Co.
Natural Pet
- Best in Show: Project Green by Project Sudz Supplement Line
- 2nd Place: Stress Releaf Edibites, Bacon Family Size by Pet Releaf
- 3rd Place: Bramble Human-Grade, Plant-Based Fresh Dog Food
Pet Tech Innovation
- Best in Show: Laundry Cycle Pro by Uproot Clean
- 2nd Place: TiCK Test by TiCK MiTT
- 3rd Place: PetVet Flavored Activated Charcoal by PetVet Products
Reptile
- Best in Show: Creature Décor by Zoo Med
- 2nd Place: CondoBox – Feeder by CondoBugs
- 3rd Place: Deluxe Tortoise House Heater by Zoo Med
Small Animal
- Best in Show: Nibbles Garden Crunch Hay Pops by A&E Cage Company LLC
- 2nd Place: Ele-Fun by Marshall Pet Products Inc.
- 3rd Place: 12oz Tropical Carnival Bento Box by Brown’s Pet Food
Sustainable Pet
- Best in Show: Freeze Dried Raw Regeneratively Sourced Lamb Lung by Open Farm
- 2nd Place: Honest to Goodness® Protein Bites by WF Young
- 3rd Place: Dr. Bob Goldstein’s Wisdom™ Air-Dried From the Air by Earth Animal
“The New Products Showcase plays an important role in connecting innovation with the marketplace,” said Celeste Powers, president of PIDA. “It creates a space where new ideas gain visibility and momentum, helping ensure these products successfully reach pet owners through every step of the distribution channel.”
For more information on the New Products Showcase Awards winners, visit: https://globalpetexpo.org/2026-best-in-show.
Source: APPA press release