Purina has announced the finalists for its eighth annual Pet Care Innovation Prize, recognizing innovative startups from the U.S., Canada, and Australia. Each finalist, chosen from nearly 150 global applicants, will receive $25,000 and expert mentorship to grow their businesses in the bustling $136.8 billion pet care industry. This year’s winners showcase a diverse range of products and services, including pet enrichment toys, specialized pet food, and groundbreaking health monitoring technologies. Here are the best pet care products 2024.
Best Pet Care Products 2024 – The Innovation Prize Winners
The winners of the 2024 Pet Care Innovation Prize, each pioneering unique solutions in the pet care sector, are:
RYERCAT: Innovating Feline Dental Care
Vancouver’s RYERCAT aims to revolutionize feline oral health with a toothbrush and dental line specifically designed for cats. Born from the founders’ personal struggles with brushing their cats’ teeth, RYERCAT provides a better solution for pet oral hygiene.
SwiftPaws: Enhancing Pet Playtime
Based in Melbourne, Florida, SwiftPaws is renowned for its American-made lure coursing kits. Featured on Shark Tank in 2022, SwiftPaws is dedicated to the mental and physical well-being of pets through engaging and playful enrichment products.
BestyBnB: Bridging Human and Animal Welfare
Kansas City’s BestyBnB addresses the intersection of human social services and animal welfare. The platform secures safe, temporary housing for pets of individuals facing crises, ensuring clients can seek necessary care without worrying about their pets’ safety.
Arch Pet Food: Sustainable and Allergen-Friendly Nutrition
From Chicago, Arch Pet Food offers alternative protein pet treats and food that prioritize nutrition, sustainability, and allergen-friendliness. Utilizing superfoods like microalgae and insect proteins, Arch is redefining pet nutrition.
VetChip: Advanced Health Monitoring Technology
Perth-based VetChip is at the forefront of biotechnology for pets. Their innovative VetChip, implanted to monitor pet health, alerts owners of potential health issues, enabling quicker diagnosis and treatment.
The Culminating Pitch Competition and Grand Prize
In March, during the Global Pet Expo, the finalists will present their businesses to an audience of Purina executives and industry leaders. A grand prize winner will be selected to receive an additional $25,000 from Purina.
The Pet Care Innovation Prize, powered by Purina’s 9 Square Ventures and Active Capital, aims to support and connect with innovative pet care startups, driving progress in pet health, wellness, technology, and nutrition. This initiative underscores Purina’s commitment to enriching the lives of pets and their owners through innovation and collaboration.