National Pet Day is coming up on April 11, but really, for those of us with treasured furry (or scaly) family members, what day isn’t a celebration of your beloved pet?
According to a 2021 survey, almost 91 million households in the U.S. have a pet of some kind, which is about 70% of the country. Leading the pack are dogs, with 69 million households, and cats follow behind at 45 million households. That same year, we spent $123.6 billion on pet products, supplies, and veterinary care.
Why do we spend so much money on our pets? Well, first and foremost, they are treasured members of the family. But they also have a great influence on our well being and health. In addition to providing comfort and emotional support, owning pets can improve our physical health. A 2019 study found that owning a dog can decrease your risk of a cardiovascular event, such as a heart attack, by up to 24%.
Because they do so much for us, it’s only natural to want to spoil your pet with the best pet products available, so we’ve put together a list that has been tested and approved (two paws up!) by our trusted companions.
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Best Gifts for Your Dog
Benebone Bacon Flavor Wishbone Tough Dog Chew Toy ($18.80, originally $22.95 at Chewy)
The super-chewer in our household cannot resist these really tough chew toys from Benebone. In fact, they are about the only chew toy that doesn’t get destroyed in a matter of minutes. Our dog can spend hours just gnawing on this nylon bone, and the wishbone design makes it really easy for him to hold and get a good chew going.
A Better Treat Freeze-Dried Beef Dog Treats ($15.99 at Amazon)
Our dog went bananas for these simple, single-ingredient treats from A Better Treat, a family-owned small business out of California. Because our dog has sensitive skin, we are generally wary of mass-produced treats, so these are perfect for us as well. The treats come in chicken and wild-caught salmon, which our dog loved (maybe more than the beef or chicken) but we found it a little smelly. Since it’s got great ingredients for his coat though, we’ll keep feeding them.
Nina Ottosson by Outward Hound Brick Puzzle Game ($10.50 at Chewy)
Puzzle games are a real lifesaver for folks with extra smart canines. A mere 15 minutes of mental stimulation has the same impact on your dog’s well being as 30 minutes of exercise. So those days when you can’t take long walks, it’s great to have a puzzle to help keep them occupied and interested. This particular puzzle has ways to make it more difficult as your pup advances through the stages.
Orvis ToughChew Memory Foam Bolster Dog Bed (Starting at $389 at Orvis)
While primarily known as the go-to retailer for outdoor gear, Orvis is also famous for their quality dog products. Dogs love to snuggle up against a bolster, which we suspect is why our dog has commandeered our favorite fluffy chair. If he had his own bolstered bed, like this one, maybe we’d get it back. Unlike our chair, the bed is also resistant to chewing and scratching so it’s good for younger or more mouthy dogs.
Lickimat Classic Soother Slow Feeder ($8.99 at Chewy)
When a dog spends an extended time licking, endorphins are released that calm and soothe the savage beast inside, but often that excessive licking is misdirected and can lead to hot spots or other injuries. Using a lick mat like this one helps your dog self-soothe without self-harm. It’s also great for slow feeding of soft food, administering medications, or just plain fun.
Active Pets Dog Car Seat Cover for Back Seat ($24.87, originally $45.96 at Amazon)
Our dog loves car rides, but as a puppy he was a little too keen on trying to get into the front seat. This car cover, when used in the hammock style, keeps them from climbing out of the back sea. We love it because the hammock style allows us to stow things away from him under the seat, so trips home from the pet store don’t end in disaster. It’s easy to clean, protects your car seats, and can be used in a bench seat formation or in the cargo area of an SUV.
Kurgo Tru-Fit Quick Release and Seatbelt Harness ($23.24 at Chewy)
We had a wreck a few years ago that totaled our giant Ford Explorer, and the dog was in the backseat. Luckily, we had him strapped in with this harness from Kurgo and he had only minimal bruising. While he enjoyed the attention from the state troopers, we were happy that he was not only unharmed, but didn’t have the chance to run out from the wreck and get hit by another car. Love is taking care of your pets, and this safety harness keeps them safe and secure when traveling.
The Missing Link Professional Veterinary Formula Hip, Joint & Coat Superfood Supplement ($29.99 at Chewy)
As dogs age, they become prone to arthritis and other joint issues, just like we do. This supplement is designed to counteract those signs of aging with glucosamine for joints, Omega fatty acids for a healthy coat, and fiber for good digestion. We’re assuming it tastes great too, since our dog now refuses to eat his food unless it has this supplement added.
Best Gifts for Your Cat
Frisco Multi-Function Covered Cat Litter Box ($64.99 at Chewy)
Cats deserve a little privacy when using their litter box, and this one, with its high walls allows for all the privacy your kitty needs. As an added bonus, it has a low-profile door that is offset from the litter tray, keeping litter in the box and not strewn all over your house like our cat used to do. And it’s easy for you to use as well, with a lid that removes for easy clean up.
World’s Best Multi-Cat Unscented Clumping Corn Cat Litter ($32.15 at Chewy)
Our beloved cat had a myriad of allergies and asthma, so finding a good cat litter that didn’t send her into convulsions was a chore. We found this unscented but odor-absorbing cat litter that didn’t irritate her breathing, because it’s dust free. Best of all though, it’ss all natural and flushable, though we never tested that out for ourselves.
Potaroma Flopping Fish Cat Toy ($14.99, originally $18.99 at Amazon)
Our cat has been gone for a couple of years now, and we’re so sad she never got to use this toy from Potaroma. The fish mimics a live fish out of water, giving your cat the chance to use their instinctive hunting skills without harming any actual fish. Available in four fish species, we like the carp and the rainbow trout the most.
Meowfia Premium Felt Cat Cave Bed ($49.99, originally $59.99 at Chewy)
Let’s start with the fact that it’s a tiny personal cat cave, which your feline will appreciate. You know, when they want to be alone, they can really be alone. It’s also made in Nepal by skilled artisans from 100% merino wool, which means it will be warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Additionally, it can stand up to your cat’s claws.
Yeowww! Catnip Toy Variety Pack ($17.75 at Amazon)
Filled with organically grown catnip, your cat will love playing with any of these toys, whether it’s the banana, the cigar, or the rainbow. Made of natural cotton fibers, they’ll provide hours of entertainment for your soon to be blissed out kitty.
The Cat Ladies Organic Pet Grass Growing Kit ($14.90 at Chewy)
Cats love chewing grass, and it’s great for them, providing folic acid and other vital nutrients. But outdoor grass is often coated in chemicals and sprays that make it dangerous for your cat to eat. If you can grow it in your house, organically, then it’s a win-win for everyone. Your cat gets delicious and nutritious grass, and you won’t have to mow it. The kit makes it easy for anyone to grow, and starts sprouting within 5 days of planting.
Tiki Cat Grain Free Soft & Chewy Treats ($31.92 for pack of 8 at Amazon)
These delicious tuna flavored treats are also low calorie, in case your cat is a little too fluffy for their own good. Our cat loved these and went nuts for them, but for her sake we won’t comment on her weight. They’re also grain free because as carnivores cats don’t digest corn or other traditional fillers well.
Yaheetech Cat Scratching Tree ($62.53, originally $66.99 at Chewy)
It’s a cat jungle gym for your house! The many levels, rooms, and scratching posts will keep your cats interested and engaged, and possibly save your furniture or carpet from damage from cat claws. The 54-inch height (a 70-inch option is also available) will provide respite from other household animals, should you have a puppy or overly-interested dog.
Best Gifts for Your Other Pets
Kaytee Yo Dips Treat for Pet Birds ($3.99, originally $6.49 at Amazon)
Birds get bored, especially breeds like the African Gray Parrot, which are known to have the intelligence of a four-year-old human child. A friend had one, and we can vouch for that, although he used his powers for evil instead of good. We digress. Introducing new flavors and foods to their somewhat limited diet can be tricky, but the good people at Kaytee know a thing or two about birds both wild and tame, and developed these delicious yogurt-covered treats so your birds can enjoy a tropical treat.
AquaSprouts Fountain Aquaponics Ecosystem Kit ($149.99, originally $169.95 at Chewy)
We’ve always found fish bowls to be a little sterile, but for condo dwellers like ourselves, a large, natural fish habitat like a koi pond is out of the question. This aquaponic system allows even newbies to grow up to six plants and keep small fish in a more natural setting. The plants feed off of fish waste and clean the water, which means no complicated filters or water changes.
Ferret Nation Cozy Cube for Cages ($12.82, originally $14.99 at Amazon)
The nocturnal nature of ferrets means they need a great hiding place for daytime hours. This snug hanging cube gives them a safe retreat from the day, which means less stress for these intelligent little beings. It’s also machine washable because as we know, ferrets can get a little stinky. They’re still cute.
Oxbow Enriched Life Timbells Small Animal Chew Toy ($5.69, originally $5.99 at Chewy)
Your guinea pigs will thank you for this chewable ball of high-quality timothy hay. The variety of textures, from the chewable stick to the ball of hay, will stimulate their little brains and mimic natural habitat activity. They’re also good for rabbits and hamsters.
MannaPro Alfalfa & Molasses Horse Treats ($7.99 at Tractor Supply)
Any of the MannaPro treats were a big hit with our horse, including the peppermint, but the molasses flavor was a particularly valuable treat. For years he got them for good behavior, and then as he got older it was just because. We loved that they were small and fit in almost any pocket, and they’re full of vitamins and minerals to help support the horse’s natural diet.
Fluker’s Gourmet-Style Grasshoppers Reptile Food ($3.99, originally $6.08 at Chewy)
We couldn’t leave out the reptile lovers! If live feeding of insects to your beardie or lizard is kind of unpleasant, these gourmet grasshoppers are a great nutritious alternative to a bag full of live crickets. You can also feed them to tropical freshwater fish and some birds.
Prices are accurate and items in stock at time of publishing.
