Whether you have a dog or a cat, get ready to celebrate National Pet Day on April 11th.
National Pet Day is coming up on April 11th, but really, for those of us who have furry (or scaly) family members, what day isn’t your beloved pet celebrated?
According to a 2021 survey, approx 91 million Households in the United States have pets of some kind, which is about 70% of the country’s territory. Dogs lead the group, with 69 million households, and cats follow in 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 of all, they are dear family members. But it also has a significant impact on our well-being and health. In addition to providing comfort and emotional support, pet ownership can improve our physical health. a Study 2019 It found that owning a dog can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, such as a heart attack, by up to 24%.
Since 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 tested and approved (two paws!) by our trusted companions.
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Best gifts for your dog
Benebone Bacon Flavor Tough Dog Chew Toy ($18.80, originally $22.95 at Chewy)
The super chewers in our house can’t resist Benebone’s really tough chew toys. In fact, they are about the only chew toy that is not destroyed in a matter of minutes. Our dog could spend hours just gnawing on this nylon bone, and the wishbone design makes it really easy for him to grip and get a good chew on.
The Best Freeze-Dried Beef Cure ($15.99 at Amazon)
Our dog went bananas for these simple, one-ingredient treats from A Better Treat, a small, family-owned business out of California. Since our dog has sensitive skin, we are generally wary of mass-produced foods, so these are perfect for us as well. Bonuses come in the chicken and wild salmon, which our dog loved (maybe more than beef or chicken) but we found it a little stinky. Since he has such wonderful ingredients for his coat, we will continue to feed them.
Nina Ottosson from Outward Hound Brick Puzzle Game ($10.50 at Chewy)
Puzzle games are the real lifesaver for people with extra smart fangs. Just 15 minutes of mental stimulation has the same effect on a dog’s health as 30 minutes of exercise. So on those days when you can’t go hiking, it’s great to have a puzzle to help keep them occupied and interested. This particular puzzle has ways of getting more difficult as your pup progresses through the stages.
Orvis ToughChew Memory Foam Bolster Dog Bed (starting at $389 at Orvis)
While primarily known as the go-to retailer of outdoor gear, Orvis is also known for its high-quality dog products. Dogs love to snuggle up against the prop, which we suspect our dog has taken over in our favorite fluffy chair. If he had his own bolster bed, like this one, we might as well bring him back. Unlike our chair, the bed is also chew and scratch resistant, so it’s good for younger or more fussy dogs.
Lickimat Classic Soother Slow Feeder ($8.99 at Chewy)
When a dog spends too much time licking, endorphins are released that calm and soothe the wild beast inside of him, but this excessive licking is often misdirected and can lead to hot spots or other injuries. Using a licking mat like this helps your dog calm himself without hurting himself. It’s also great for slow feeding of soft foods, giving medication, or just for fun.
Active Pets Dog Car Seat Cover for Back Seat ($24.87, $45.96 originally at Amazon)
Our dog loves to ride in cars, but as a puppy he was too eager to try and sit in the front seat. This car cover, when used hammock style, keeps them from climbing out from the back sea. We love it because the hammock style lets us stash 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’s seats, and can be used in the molding bench or in the cargo area of an SUV.
Kurgo Tru-Fit Quick Release and Seatbelt ($23.24 at Chewy)
We had a wreck a few years ago that hit our giant Ford Explorer, and the dog was in the back seat. Luckily, he was strapped to this Kurgo harness and had only a few bruises. While he was enjoying the attention of the state troopers, we were glad that not only was he not hurt, but he didn’t have the chance to escape from the wreckage and be hit by another vehicle. Love cares for your pets, and this seat belt keeps them safe and secure while traveling.
Missing Link’s Ultimate Hip, Joint, and Coat Nutritional Supplement ($29.99 at Chewy)
As dogs get older, they become susceptible to arthritis and other joint problems, just as we do. This supplement is designed to counter the signs of aging with glucosamine for joints, omega fatty acids for a healthy coat, and fiber for good digestion. We suppose it tastes great too, because now our dog refuses to eat his food unless this supplement is added to it.
Best gifts for your cat
Frisco Multifunctional Covered Cat Litter ($64.99 at Chewy)
Cats deserve a little privacy when using their litter box, and this box with its high walls allows for all the privacy your kitty needs. As an added bonus, it has a low-profile door that slides off the litter tray, keeping litter in the box and not scattered all over your house like our cats used to do. It’s also easy to use, with a lid that comes off for easy cleaning.
World’s Best Unscented Corn Cat Litter for Multiple Cats ($32.15 at Chewy)
Our beloved cat has had countless allergies and asthma, so finding a good cat litter that wouldn’t send her into convulsions was a chore. We found unscented yet odor-absorbing cat litter that doesn’t irritate breathing because it’s dust-free. Best of all, it’s natural and washable, though we haven’t tested that ourselves.
Potaroma Flopping Fish Cat ($14.99, $18.99 originally at Amazon)
Our cat went missing 2 years ago, and we are so sad she hasn’t used this Potaroma toy. The fish mimics a live fish out of water, giving your cat the opportunity to use their innate fishing skills without harming any real fish. Available in four types of fish, we like the carp and 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 is a small cat cave that cats 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’ll be warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Plus, it can stand up to your cat’s claws.
YOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO Catnip Toy Variety Pack ($17.75 at Amazon)
Infused with organically grown catnip, your cat will love playing with any of these toys, whether it’s bananas, cigars, or rainbows. Made of natural cotton fibres, it will soon provide hours of entertainment for your cat.
Cat Ladies Organic Lawn Planting Kit ($14.90 at Chewy)
Cats love to chew on grass, which is great for them, as it provides folic acid and other vital nutrients. But outdoor grass is often covered in chemicals and sprays that make it dangerous for your cat to eat. If you can grow them in your home, organically, that’s a win for everyone. Your cat gets delicious, nutritious grass, and you don’t have to mow it. Easy for anyone to grow, this kit starts growing within 5 days of planting.
Soft and Chewy Grain Free Tiki Cat Candy ($31.92 for an 8-pack at Amazon)
These delicious tuna-flavored treats are also low in calories, in case your cat is a bit too mellow for their own good. Our cat loved these and went for them, but for her sake we won’t comment on her weight. It’s also grain-free because omnivorous cats don’t digest corn or other traditional fillings well.
Yaheetech Cat Scratching Tree ($62.53, originally $66.99 at Chewy)
It’s a jungle cat gym for your home! The many levels, chambers, and scratching posts will keep your cats interested and occupied, and possibly keep your furniture or carpet from damage from cat claws. The 54-inch height (a 70-inch option is also available) will provide a respite from other household animals, if you have a very fussy puppy or dog.
Best gifts for your other pets
Kaytee Yo Dips Pet Bird Treat ($3.99, originally $6.49 at Amazon)
Birds get bored, especially breeds like the African gray parrot, which is known to have the intelligence of a four-year-old. He had one friend, and we can vouch for that, though he used his power for evil instead of good. We digress. Introducing new flavors and foods to their somewhat limited diet can be challenging, but the good folks at Kaytee know a thing or two about birds both wild and tame, and they developed these delicious treats topped with yogurt so 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 bit sterile, but for apartment dwellers like ourselves, a large natural fish habitat like a koi pond is out of the question. This aquaponic system allows even a beginner to grow up to six plants and keep small fish in a more natural environment. The plants feed off the 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 the daylight hours. This cozy hanging cube gives them a safe haven from the day, which means less stress for these clever little creatures. It’s also machine washable because we know rodents can get a little messy. They are 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 a chew stick to a hay ball, will stimulate their little brains and mimic the activity of a natural habitat. It is also good for rabbits and hamsters.
MannaPro Alfalfa & Molasses Horse Treats ($7.99 at Tractor Supply)
Any of the MannaPro treats were a hit with our horse, including the mint, but the molasses flavor was especially beneficial. For years he would get it 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 are packed with vitamins and minerals to help support a horse’s natural diet.
Fluker’s Gourmet-Style Grasshoppers Reptile Food ($3.99, originally $6.08 at Chewy)
We can’t rule out reptile lovers! If feeding live insects on a beard or lizard is a bit 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 publication.