Whether you have a dog or you’re about to bring a new pup home, there are so many products on the market. From foods to toys and enrichment activities, there’s a lot to choose from when it comes to spoiling your furry friend. You want to offer your pet products that they’ll love and enjoy. However, sometimes it’s hard to know what’s best for your four-legged friend.
Since they can’t directly communicate with you, you might have to get creative. A great way to ensure you find the best products is to pay attention to what other dogs enjoy. Looking at reviews, safety ratings, and health benefits are just a few ways to find quality products. Here are six pet-friendly products that pup can’t stop barking about.
1. Fresh Dog Food
Traditional dog food can be packed with fillers, ranging from plastic to animal by-products. Checking your dog’s food’s ingredient list is an easy way to avoid unsafe additives. But you could also try feeding your pet fresh dog food. It’s becoming increasingly popular amongst furry food critics.
Fresh dog food is packed with veggies and proteins. This allows your four-legged friend to receive the nutrition they need to be healthy. Fresh dog foods typically have a variety of essential minerals and vitamins added to the ingredients list. These may include fish oil for a healthy coat, vitamin E for eye and muscle well-being, and B12 for brain function. Recipes are carefully crafted to ensure great taste and health benefits. Many fresh pet foods are vet recommended, if not also backed by scientific research.
2. Car Safety Equipment
Most dogs go crazy when they hear, “Want to go for a ride?” Unfortunately, it’s not always the safest adventure for your pup. With so many products on the market targeting dogs’ car safety, it’s hard to know where to start. Seat belts, booster seats, and harnesses all have their pros and cons.
Swapping your pet’s collar for a harness can avoid a choking hazard if in an accident. Car seats are becoming increasingly popular. For little pups, they can see out the window without having to unsafely lean on the dashboard or car door. Using a car seat, your car’s seat belt threads through the bottom. Then, you are able to hook your pet’s harness to the safety leash. These car seats are typically padded and comfy, making long drives safer and cozier for dogs to enjoy.
3. Monthly Subscription Boxes
Two words: Toys. Delivered. Companies like BarkBox and BullyMake are all the rage with dogs. From new toys to special treats, pets get excited when their monthly box arrives. The subscription box you go with will determine the options available; however, they usually have a few standard items. These boxes typically include a couple new toys, small bags of treats, and a few chew sticks.
BarkBox is well known for their themed boxes. They celebrate most holidays with carefully curated toys and treats on theme for the month. In addition, they have SuperChewer boxes for dogs that will chew through anything and everything. BullyMake is designed for tough chewers regardless of the subscription you sign up for. Identify your dog’s needs and find the best box for them.
4. Enrichment Toys
If your pet has more energy than you can manage, try enrichment toys. If you have an inquisitive pup, a dog puzzle can be a great addition to meal time. These puzzles hold food hostage behind little doors. It’s up to your dog to open them and eat up. Activities like this are especially good for working dogs. They have likely been missing that stimulation and will thrive when their brain is put to good use.
If you have multiple dogs or one that is food aggressive, there are other enrichment ideas to consider. Many videos of dogs jumping in ball pits are circulating the internet. Flirt poles, similar to a fishing pole with a toy on the end, can be DIY-ed and are relatively low-impact for the owner. If you can’t find a product right for your furry friend, remember that enrichment can be as simple as playing with the sprinkler or teaching your dog a new trick.
5. Aesthetic Crates
This one is equally for you, the owner, and your pet. If your dog is crate trained, you likely have a big metal crate sitting around your home. It’s probably taking up space, and, let’s face it, it’s most likely ugly. Modern pet companies are trying to change this with a crate that doubles as a side table.
These crates will provide your pet with a safe space to lounge, but not destroy the aesthetic of your home. More and more companies are beginning to release similar models at various prices, matching different decor styles. Some will fit mid-century modern styles while others are built to look more industrial.
6. Communication Buttons
Have you seen the viral videos of Bunny the talking dog? She communicates with her owner using “talking buttons.” These buttons are programmed by her owner with Bunny’s favorite words and sayings. While it sounds impossible, other dogs have started communicating with their owners too. You can buy these buttons online from companies like Fluent or Hunger for Words.
You can see the excitement on dogs’ faces when their owner understands what they’re saying. They say “I love you,” “outside,” and even ask questions like, “where’s dad?” Teaching your pet to use the buttons is a great enrichment idea. And, if you don’t want to wait for shipping when buying online, they likely sell a version at your local pet store.
Buying new products for your best friend can be fun. You could even make it an adventure and take your pup with you to the pet store. Let them pick out their new harness or new favorite toy. Try ordering new, healthy food or talking buttons so you two can communicate better. Your pet will be barking with excitement in no time!