The Best New Pet Products of 2025 from Global Pet Expo
The Global Pet Expo 2025 once again proved why it’s the heartbeat of the pet industry. Held in Orlando, Florida, the event gathered thousands of exhibitors, retailers, media professionals, and animal lovers to showcase the newest innovations shaping the future of pet care.
Among hundreds of launches, the spotlight moment each year is the “Best New Pet Products Awards,” recognizing the most creative, sustainable, and impactful new items across 12 pet-care categories.
With over 1,000 entries this year, judges had a tough time narrowing down the winners. From eco-friendly treats and smart toys to advanced feeders and natural grooming products, the 2025 lineup reflects a market moving rapidly toward sustainability, technology, and wellness.
About the Awards
The Best New Pet Products Awards are a signature feature of the Expo’s New Products Showcase, the industry’s largest platform for unveiling new pet innovations.
Products are judged by pet industry buyers and media representatives on criteria such as:
- Originality and innovation
- Practical application and market readiness
- Sustainability and eco-friendliness
- Health, safety, and enrichment benefits for pets
- Design and usability for owners
Categories cover everything from dog and cat products to aquatic, avian, small animal, reptile, tech, and natural pet solutions.
Each category recognizes a Best in Show, 2nd Place, and 3rd Place winner, celebrating both established brands and emerging creators.
The 2025 Best in Show Winners
| Category | Winner (Best in Show) | What Makes It Stand Out |
|---|---|---|
| Aquatic | Mazuri Koi Pond Nuggets – Mazuri Exotic Animal Nutrition | Specialized nutrition for koi fish, tailored for pond health and color vibrancy — tapping into the growing “backyard aquatic” trend. |
| Bird | Beaktivity Bird Toy Bases – Beaktivity Bird Toys That Make Sense | Modular toy bases allowing owners to easily customize enrichment activities for different bird species. |
| Cat | Always Full Pet Water Bowl (7″ Small Pet) – Always Full Pet | Innovative water bowl that maintains a steady water level, ensuring hydration and hygiene — great for multi-pet households. |
| Dog Food & Treats | Farmland Traditions – Hillside Farms | Natural dog treats made from simple, U.S.-sourced ingredients. High-protein, grain-free, and sustainability-focused. |
| Dog Products | The Spa Collection – Project Sudz | Natural grooming collection with biodegradable ingredients and packaging. Reflects the rise of holistic pet care. |
| Pet Tech Innovation | SwiftPaws Chase – SwiftPaws | A smart lure-chase system bringing exercise and enrichment to home backyards — think of it as a “dog fitness game.” |
| Sustainable Pet | Montana Beef Stick – West Paw | A single-ingredient dog chew sourced from responsibly raised Montana beef, produced in zero-waste facilities. |
| Natural Pet | The Spa Collection (Project Sudz) | Doubling up here, Project Sudz also earned recognition for its natural approach to pet hygiene. |
| Modern Pet / Lifestyle | Always Full Pet Water Bowl (Additional recognition) | A design-forward yet practical hydration solution — stylish enough for modern homes. |
These products highlight a shift toward healthier, smarter, and more eco-conscious pet ownership.
Industry Trends Reflected in the 2025 Winners
1. Sustainability Goes Mainstream
Pet owners increasingly demand eco-friendly products, not just recyclable packaging, but also ethically sourced ingredients and reduced waste production. Brands like West Paw and Project Sudz are leading by example, using renewable materials and local sourcing.
2. Rise of Smart Pet Technology
Tech products like SwiftPaws Chase showcase how pet exercise and engagement can blend fun with fitness tracking. Expect more smart feeders, health sensors, and interactive play systems in 2026 and beyond.
3. Human-Grade Pet Nutrition
Pet food companies continue moving toward “human-grade” ingredients and transparent labeling. Farmland Traditions and similar brands represent a broader shift toward treating pets’ diets with the same care as human meals.
4. Health & Wellness Focus
From probiotics to calming chews, and from soothing shampoos to wellness treats, pet care has officially entered the self-care era. The message is clear: happy, healthy pets mean happier homes.
5. Inclusivity Across Species
This year’s winners weren’t limited to cats and dogs — categories for birds, fish, reptiles, and small animals demonstrate the industry’s expanding diversity. Niche pet owners now have premium-quality options too.
What This Means for the Pet Market
According to APPA data, the U.S. pet industry surpassed $150 billion in 2024, with continued growth projected for 2025 and 2026. Innovation is fueling this boom — especially products that align with consumer values of wellness, transparency, and sustainability.
Pet parents today are tech-savvy, socially conscious, and willing to invest in quality. Winning a “Best in Show” award at Global Pet Expo doesn’t just earn bragging rights — it can catapult a product into national retail chains and influencer circles overnight.
For small and mid-size brands, this platform provides instant credibility and often sparks distribution deals within weeks of the show.
Why It Matters to Pet Owners
For pet parents, these awards aren’t just about industry recognition — they’re a window into what’s next for everyday pet care.
- Cleaner, greener grooming routines
- Smarter ways to feed and hydrate pets
- Healthier, locally sourced treats
- Tech tools for better playtime and exercise
These innovations make life easier for humans while improving pets’ wellbeing — a true win-win.
Final Thoughts
The Global Pet Expo 2025 Best New Pet Products Awards celebrate creativity, compassion, and innovation in a world where pets are family.
From sustainable snacks and natural shampoos to smart toys and self-filling water bowls, this year’s winners reflect how far the industry has come — and how dedicated it remains to making life better for every kind of pet.
As we move into 2026, expect these trends to continue: eco-friendly design, digital pet tech, and personalized wellness solutions will shape the next generation of products filling our homes, stores, and hearts.
So whether you’re a retailer, rescuer, or proud pet parent — keep an eye on these names. The future of pet care looks bright, sustainable, and delightfully innovative.
For more updates on pet trends and product innovations, visit our Pet News section at I AM PET LOVERS.
