STAMFORD, CONN. (March 27, 2026) – 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 Global Pet 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.
“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 how dedicated the entire pet industry is 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: www.globalpetexpo.org/2026-best-in-show.