LOS ANGELES — On September 15, the prestigious Pet Independent Innovation Awards unveiled the results of its fourth annual ceremony, celebrating groundbreaking achievements in the pet care sector. This esteemed platform recognizes the most innovative companies, services, and products in the industry. The Pet Innovation Awards is dedicated to honoring excellence across various categories, including pet food, supplies, and services, ensuring that pet owners have access to the best offerings available.

In 2022, the awards attracted over 2,000 nominations from around the globe, showcasing the incredible talent and creativity present in the pet care market.

“It’s hard to articulate the significance and irreplaceable roles that pets play in our families and lives,” stated Travis Grant, managing director of the Independent Innovation Awards. “Pet parents are increasingly willing to invest in high-quality products that enhance the health and well-being of their cherished pets. We have received nominations from remarkable companies and innovative technologies that are truly elevating the standards for pet-centric products.”

Among the notable winners in the pet food category are:

• JAC Pet Nutrition for Cat Food Functional Diet Product of the Year
• Kit Cat International for Cat Food Wet Product of the Year
• Purpose Pet Food for Cat Food Freeze-Dried Product of the Year
• Paw CBD for Cat Treat Product of the Year and Dog Calming Product of the Year
• Solid Gold Pet for Dog Food Product of the Year
• Tucker’s for Dog Food Freeze-Dried Product of the Year
• Barkworthies for Dog Treat Product of the Year
• Paw Power for Lickable Treat of the Year
• Pets Best Life Health for Functional Dog Treat Product of the Year
• Ultimate Pet Nutrition for Dog Vitamin/Supplement Product of the Year

Innovative Cat Food Wet Product of the Year: Kit Cat Complete Cuisine™

Kit Cat International was honored as the winner of the Cat Food Wet Product of the Year for its exceptional Kit Cat Complete Cuisine™. This innovative cat food, developed by a team of expert nutritionists, offers a complete and balanced diet in a unique meat flake-only format, crafted from fresh, natural ingredients. Importantly, the recipe avoids grains, artificial flavors, and preservatives, ensuring a wholesome meal for your feline friend.

Kit Cat Complete Cuisine stands out as the first of its kind to comply with the European Pet Food Industry Federation (FEDIAF) standards, according to Kit Cat International.

“We are truly honored to be acknowledged by the Pet Innovation Awards and to be part of this distinguished group of winners,” remarked Kenneth Koh, co-founder of Kit Cat International. “Our commitment to animal welfare, shelters, and stray cats has driven us from the very beginning. We advocate for the well-being of cats and pets at every level.”

Source: Kit Cat International

“Our goal has always been to provide a natural and wholesome cat food made from the freshest raw materials,” Koh continued. “We are dedicated to creating simple yet high-quality and nutritious meals that even the most selective cats will appreciate. Cats are a vital part of our families, and they deserve the best we can offer to ensure they enjoy long, healthy, and ‘paw-sperous’ lives.”

Kit Cat Complete Cuisine is available in 14 delectable recipes, including Chicken and Goji Berry in Broth, Chicken and Skipjack in Broth, Chicken and Salmon in Broth, Tuna and Chia Seed in Broth, among others. The Pet Independent Innovation Awards highlighted Kit Cat Cuisine for its commitment to ingredient transparency and superior quality.

“Transparency regarding product sources is crucial in the realm of pet food,” Grant emphasized. “This is especially true for wet food. Ensuring high quality, wholesome, and natural ingredients in cat products significantly impacts the health and well-being of our feline companions. Kit Cat’s line of nutritious cat food is clearly crafted by cat lovers, making it easy to serve while being rich in essential nutrients and meeting the highest industry standards.”

Exceptional Cat Food Freeze-Dried Product of the Year: Purpose Pet Food

Purpose Pet Food, a New Jersey-based leader in premium freeze-dried raw pet food and treats, garnered the title of Cat Food Freeze-Dried Product of the Year. Their cat food, along with all freeze-dried formulas, is meticulously crafted using farm-raised, pasture-fed, free-range, and humanely reared protein sources, without any added hormones or antibiotics, complemented by organic produce.

Manufactured in a USDA-certified facility, Purpose Pet Food’s cat foods are composed of 99% meat, fortified with natural vitamins and minerals, ensuring a complete and nutritious meal for your pet. The product line includes enticing recipes featuring chicken, duck, turkey, and rabbit.

Source: Purpose Pet Food

“We extend our heartfelt thanks to the 2022 Pet Independent Innovation Awards for recognizing our dedication to excellence and our commitment to transforming the pet food industry for the better,” expressed Josephine Zee, owner of Purpose Pet Food. “Purpose was founded on the belief that wellness is a two-way street, and pet parents desire to provide their pets with better food that aligns with their ethical values, allowing us to make a positive impact together. Our core values as animal lovers drive our mission to provide the best natural ingredients while supporting independent, ethically operated American farms.”

According to the Pet Independent Innovation Awards, Purpose Pet Food’s offerings were selected for their unwavering commitment to food quality.

“Freeze-drying is considered the gold standard in food preparation, preserving nutrients once moisture is eliminated,” Grant explained. “This method results in some of the highest quality pet food available. However, with so many freeze-dried raw pet food options on the market today, it can be challenging for consumers to discern true quality.”

“Purpose Pet Foods exemplifies a company with a purpose, establishing a new standard within the pet food industry,” Grant added. “Their conscientious sourcing practices and quality ingredients set them apart. Additionally, their products are irresistibly appealing to our furry companions. We take pride in awarding Purpose Pet Food with this year’s Cat Food Freeze-Dried Product of the Year Award, and they have also earned a spot among the top three finalists in dog food.”

Innovative Cat Treat Product of the Year: Paw CBD

Paw CBD, a brand under cbdMD Inc., has been recognized as the winner of Cat Treat Product of the Year for its premium soft CBD cat treats. Formulated with broad-spectrum CBD, these soft hemp chews are free from THC and are designed to help cats manage daily stress, promoting calmness and comfort.

Source: Paw CBD“Cats of all ages require wellness support,” Grant elaborated. “From maintaining their happiness and activity levels when they are young to ensuring calmness and comfort as they age, their health and well-being are paramount. The CBD chews from Paw CBD offer even the pickiest of felines the love and support they deserve in one easy-to-use, flavorful bite.”

The soft treats are flavored with real chicken and catnip ingredients and have been certified by the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC). Paw CBD’s cat treats are available in two strengths tailored to a cat’s weight: 150 mg and 300 mg.

“Paw CBD was created by pet lovers, for pet lovers, to help our best friends lead their best lives,” stated Matt Coapman, chief marketing officer of cbdMD. “We are committed to delivering superior broad-spectrum CBD oil products for pets. Whether for everyday wellness or those particularly stressful moments like traveling in a carrier, vet visits, or grooming sessions, these CBD cat chews are the ‘purr-fect’ solution.”

Outstanding Dog Calming Product of the Year: Paw CBD Calming Oil

Paw CBD also claimed recognition from the Pet Innovation Awards as the winner of Dog Calming Product of the Year for its innovative Paw CBD Calming Oil designed for dogs.

“Being recognized in the winners’ circle for the Pet Innovation Awards twice this year is exhilarating and validates our commitment to our furry companions,” Coapman expressed.

Source: Paw CBDFormulated with broad-spectrum hemp, chamomile, passionflower, and melatonin, this oil can function as a natural sleep aid for dogs facing stressful situations.

“Among the various reasons dog owners seek out CBD products, one of the most prevalent is to alleviate stress and anxiety,” Grant noted. “Research indicates that 20% to 40% of dogs seen by veterinarians and behavioral specialists experience separation anxiety. Whether it’s due to separation, noise aversion, or other fear-based behaviors, desperate owners are looking for effective solutions to aid their anxious pups. Paw CBD Calming Oil addresses this critical wellness concern for dogs, utilizing an innovative blend of ingredients and care, making it a deserving winner in the Dog Calming Product of the Year category.”

The Calming Oil is NASC certified and is available in a delightful blueberry flavor. It can be administered as a standalone treat or drizzled over regular treats or meals.

“It’s a privilege to receive this category award for a second time from Pet Innovation,” Coapman commented. “While various options exist for calming and soothing our canine companions, very few products successfully combine the potent properties of both CBD and calming ingredients into one easy-to-use solution. Recognizing that our pets embody so much, Paw CBD was established to offer safe, versatile CBD oil products that promote the ongoing well-being and happiness of our beloved cats and dogs.”

Top Dog Food Product of the Year: Solid Gold Pet’s NutrientBoost™ Line

Solid Gold secured the title of Dog Food Product of the Year at the Pet Independent Innovation Awards for its groundbreaking NutrientBoost™ line of products.

Source: Solid Gold Pet 

The NutrientBoost line includes premium recipes and food toppers specifically developed to enhance nutrient absorption and support a dog’s immune and gut health. Solid Gold’s NutrientBoost line is uniquely formulated with plasma, protein, and a proprietary blend designed to promote a healthy gut and immune system in dogs, according to the company.

“We are thrilled to have our innovative NutrientBoost™ line recognized among the best products for dogs,” stated Steve Ball, chief executive officer of North America at H&H Group, the parent company of Solid Gold. “Over the past 40 years, Solid Gold has consistently disrupted the holistic pet food market with new innovations aimed at supporting pet wellness, and we are eager to continue introducing exciting, beneficial products for pets and their owners in the years ahead.”

Leading Dog Food Freeze-Dried Product of the Year: Tucker’s Freeze-Dried Formulas

Tucker’s was awarded the title of Dog Food Freeze-Dried Product of the Year for its unique freeze-dried dog food formulas, which can be served as a complete and balanced meal, food topper, or treat. Composed of 95% meat, bone, and marrow, along with 5% pumpkin, which aids in supporting digestive health, Tucker’s freeze-dried dog food is suitable for dogs of all ages.

Source: Tucker’s

“In the rapidly evolving pet care industry, both retailers and consumers are inundated with options, making it challenging to find the right products,” Grant explained. “Although numerous freeze-dried alternatives exist, they often form part of a complicated multi-step diet for pets, which can confuse consumers and create challenges during feeding times. Tucker’s Freeze-Dried Raw Formulas effectively address this issue while conserving valuable shelf space for retailers, offering a three-in-one product that can serve as a meal, topper, or treat. Tucker’s has successfully created a nutritious and innovative product that pet owners can trust.”

In addition to providing convenience for pet parents, the freeze-dried formulas also maximize nutrient absorption. Tucker’s achieves this by emulsifying its entire formulas, which expands the surface area of its freeze-dried products, allowing dogs to absorb more nutrients swiftly. The company proudly states that it is the only raw pet food provider to emulsify its entire product line.

Tucker’s freeze-dried dog foods are available in 12-oz and 14-oz bags, perfect for traveling or for on-the-go pet owners. The dog food comes in a variety of flavors, including Chicken-Pumpkin, Pork-Beef-Pumpkin, Salmon-Pumpkin, Pork-Bison-Pumpkin, and Pork-Duck-Pumpkin.

“We are incredibly excited to receive this recognition from Pet Innovation,” said Jeff Kalish, founder of Tucker’s. “Our love for pets drives us, as they are an extension of our lives and our biggest supporters. They deserve nothing but the best in raw nutrition. All our meats are sourced exclusively in the United States and are human-grade. In creating our formulas, we collaborate with three of the world’s leading zoological nutritionists, who have helped us develop our 95/5 raw diets. We also prioritize the needs of our retailer partners in our product development process.”

Revolutionary Dog Treat Functional Product of the Year: Yummy Combs® Dog Treats

Pet’s Best Life has been honored as the winner of Dog Treat Functional Product of the Year for its innovative Yummy Combs® Dog Treats. These treats feature a patented honeycomb shape that promotes oral care for dogs. According to Pet’s Best Life, this is the first thin-walled treat designed to floss and scrub a dog’s teeth from all angles, effectively reaching from the gum line to both the upper and lower jaws.

“Periodontal disease remains the number one health issue faced by dogs, and in its advanced stages, it can cause significant pain,” Grant explained. “Unfortunately, pets often hide their discomfort, which complicates early diagnosis. The repercussions of periodontal disease are not limited to the teeth and gums; this condition can lead to severe issues with a dog’s organs and even contribute to heart disease if bacteria enter the bloodstream.”

“The groundbreaking Yummy Combs Dog Treats are transforming how pet owners care for their dogs’ dental health,” Grant added. “Yummy Combs offer a unique combination of advanced oral care, nutrition, safety, and overall wellness, all aimed at enhancing the pet’s quality of life. With their delightful taste, these treats provide an enjoyable and effective way to floss and brush your dog’s teeth.”

Source: Pet’s Best Life

Yummy Combs are formulated with 47% protein, with chicken as the primary ingredient, offering both nutritional and dental benefits. These treats deliver all essential amino acids that dogs require, along with vitamins, minerals, and twelve wellness-focused ingredients to support digestion, cognitive function, skin and coat health, as well as heart, joint, and dental health. Yummy Combs are gluten-free, grain-free, non-GMO, and crafted with lower starch compared to standard treats.

In addition to their innovative shape, these treats feature a pending patent ingredient called Slick ‘M™, which renders the treat slippery when it encounters saliva, water, or gastric acid, facilitating easier digestion.

“We are truly honored that Yummy Combs have received this award from Pet Innovation,” expressed Joe Roetheli, PhD, co-founder of Pets Best Life. “Working alongside Board-Certified Veterinary Dentist Dr. Jan Bellows and Board-Certified Veterinary Nutritionist Dr. Lon Lewis, our mission was to create a unique treat that embodies excellence in oral care