Best Pet Products in 2020 (August Reviews)
The best pet products usually do one of two things. Either they enrich the life of your pets, or they make your job easier as their owner and caregiver. During our 15-hour search, we looked for items that would do one of those things, which should also improve the relationship with your furry companions. We also looked for healthy, safe options, especially when choosing food or treats.
Because every pet deserves some treats, our top pet product pick is the Milk-Bone Original Dog Treats, delicious biscuits for a furry companion. They offer a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals, while also cleaning the teeth and freshening up their breath. The Temptations MixUps Crunchy and Soft Cat Treats are the “honorable mention,” because they’re yummy snacks for feline companions. A single tub comes with 3 tasty flavors, and each treat is under 2 calories. Keep reading to learn more about our top picks of the best cat and dog items.
Top 10 Best Pet Products
#1 Milk-Bone Original Dog Pet Treats 24oz
Award: TOP PICK
WHY WE LIKE IT: Man’s — and woman’s — best friend needs to be rewarded, and what better way to do it than with these delicious refreshments? A single box contains 24oz of goodness, with a host of vitamins and minerals to improve their health.
- Crisp texture helps with dental care and maintenance
- Over 12 vitamins and minerals towards the daily intake
- Formula tested for pet safety
- Recommended serving is 1 biscuit per 10pds so it adds up quickly
These bones offer double the health benefits, thanks to their ingredients and the outer texture of the bone. The crunchy and crisp texture will clean the dog’s teeth as they chew, helping to remove plaque and other nasties, and also freshen up their breath. Each bone contains over 12 vitamins and minerals, which make up part of a dog’s daily dietary requirements.
A single box includes 24oz worth of bones, but there are other size boxes available. There is no distinct flavor, other than original, although they smell just like biscuits. The recommended serving is 1 biscuit per 10pds, so if the dog is large you may need to replenish frequently, just keep that in mind. This will definitely be the best dog treats to feed to your favorite pets.
#2 Temptations MixUps Crunchy and Soft Cat Pet Treats
Award: HONORABLE MENTION
WHY WE LIKE IT: Felines need to be rewarded too, and these irresistible delights are the perfect way to do that. There are several flavors to choose from, and each comes in a sizable tub.
- Barely 2 calories per serving
- Large 16oz tub size with lots of servings
- 3 tasty flavors per package
- Some cats may not tolerate the treats
Because cats need some treats too, these scrumptious tidbits are the “honorable mention” for the best pets collection. Compared to most feline treats, which often come in smaller baggies or packages, this bin holds 16 oz worth. There are several flavor combinations available, but each bin contains three flavors in total. From chicken, catnip, and cheddar to tuna, shrimp, and salmon.
Each treat is less than 2 calories, offering your furry companion a healthy, delicious snack. They aim to provide complete and balanced nutrition for healthy, adult cats. Some ingredients also provide hairball control properties, to keep your cat from hacking up a lung. The best air purifier for pets might help too.
#3 Greenies Original Regular Natural Dental Dog and Pet Treats
Award: BEST FOR TEETH CARE
WHY WE LIKE IT: In addition to providing good food and nutrition, dogs also need to have their teeth cleaned regularly, which is what these bones do. They’re VOHC recommended and offer an array of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients.
- Easy for canines to digest
- An excellent source of vitamins and nutrition
- VOHC and veterinarian recommended
- May cause some dogs to have loose stools and diarrhea
Regardless of whether or not you feed your dog bones and dental-hygienic foods they will need to have their teeth cleaned as part of their regular health care routine. These bones will clean teeth to the gumline. They fight both plaque and tartar and will freshen the dog’s breath. Natural ingredients are also inside, including vitamins, minerals, and various nutrients. They are safe and have been recommended by VOHC, the Veterinary Oral Health Council.
A single box contains 36-treats total — or the specific amount that’s been chosen — which is the equivalent of 36oz. The recommended serving is 1 treat per day, so a single box should last over a month. If you’re worried about keeping your house clean with your pet, you should also read our review of the best stick vacuum.
#4 FURminator Undercoat Deshedding Tool for Pets
Award: BEST FOR GROOMING
WHY WE LIKE IT: Dogs shed, a lot, so it’s best to have a brush handy. This deshedder will collect all loose fur, even what’s hidden beneath the topcoat, before it falls onto the floor or gets all over your furniture. After, a quick-release button ejects the fur for disposal.
- Extends through the top coat without cutting the skin
- Works for dogs, cats, and pets with an undercoat
- Easy-release button ejects collected hair
- Not ideal for pets with sensitive skin
Dealing with loose hair, from any pet, is not an easy task. With the proper grooming regimen, however, the amount of hair that spreads around a home and gets all over furniture can be reduced. This handheld brush is a simple yet effective solution, as it collects loose hair even under the thick topcoat. The brush will hold the hair clumps until the ejection button is pressed, presumably over a trash can.
This particular model is meant for large dog breeds over 50pds, but there are other variants, including some for small pets or long-hair dogs. Each brush can be used with more than just dogs too, such as cats or other short-haired animals with an undercoat. Although, the brush tines are not the best for those with sensitive skin. If you really don’t want to worry, you could also look into a pair of the best grooming clippers.
#5 SmartyKat Catnip Cat Pet Toys
Award: BEST ON A BUDGET
WHY WE LIKE IT: These mice provide the best entertainment for felines, and they’re filled with a rich, potent catnip. Cats love it, and it provides them a brief burst of energy before they calm down. They’re also just a fun soft toy for kitties to bat around.
- Nepeta cataria energizes cats then mellows them out
- Made with healthy, non-toxic, and certified organic materials
- They’re an awesome play size for cats and each package ships with 3 mice
- Catnip comes pre-packed and no way to replenish
This small collection of feline toys have catnip packed inside, which energize cats before mellowing them out after a short period of activity. There are several cute mice in a pack, all made from reclaimed, recycled, and certified organic materials — they’re environmentally-friendly. Plus, they’re perfectly safe for kitties.
The pure and rich catnip packed inside has not been treated with any toxic chemicals or pesticides. The filling inside is composed entirely of recycled plastic. Moreover, there are several multi-count packs available, including some that feature other animals and critters.
#6 AmazonBasics Unscented Dog and Pet Poop Bags
Award: BEST CLEANUP TOOL
WHY WE LIKE IT: These to-go packs are perfect for walking your dog. They load into a convenient dispenser, which has a carrying clip, and it can attach to a leash or belt loop.
- Bulk-collection starting at 270-units up to 810
- Extra strength for collecting even large loads and minimizing the odors
- Includes dispenser and carabiner belt or leash clip
- Not biodegradable and made of plastic
This bulk collection of waste bags is a must-have for every dog owner. The dispenser has a built-in clip so it can be attached to a dog leash or the belt. It will spit out small yet tough bags for picking up poop — no one likes a huge dud on the sidewalk or their lawn. The bag is tear-proof so it won’t break, and it also minimizes odors which is good when a dog has smelly turds.
There are 600 bags total in this bundle, with 15 bags per roll, at 40 rolls. They slide easily inside the dispenser making for easy refills when one has been used up. They aren’t biodegradable bags, so you will need to find a trashcan nearby, or back at home. If you also have a problem with your dog barking, you should also read our guide to the 7 anti-bark devices to keep Fido quiet.
#7 Brellavi Pet Hair Remover Brush for Pet Owners
Award: BEST FOR FURNITURE
WHY WE LIKE IT: This tool was designed for furniture and people alike. It will remove fur from clothes, car seats, fabric, beds, and more. There are 2 brushes, both reusable. They’re double-sided and super easy to care for thanks to a self-cleaning system.
- Also works great to remove lint
- The self-cleaning system removes collected hair
- Double-sided for maximum efficiency
- Moving in the wrong direction can ruin brushes
This kit includes 2 brushes for cleaning fur and lint off of various surfaces. One brush is a standard-size and has a matching self-cleaning base. The other brush is travel-size, perfect for use on-the-go. Both are double-sided, and safe for reuse as long the instructions are followed. They should be brushed in a single direction, as going the opposite way might ruin the bristles and the brush.
The self-cleaning system will remove the hair from the bristles, allowing for multiple uses before the hair needs to be ejected. It makes the entire cleaning process much easier, especially for pets that shed a lot. The brushes will clean almost any soft material or fabric item, including pillows, carpets, clothing, car seats, couches, and much more.
#8 Cesar Soft and Wet Dog and Pet Food Filets)
Award: BEST CANINE MEAL
WHY WE LIKE IT: Some pups will only eat gourmet food, and for that, there are these delicious moist meals made of real U.S. beef. From Prime Rib to Chicken, and Top Sirloin they offer plenty of vitamins and minerals.
- Crafted with real meat and U.S. Beef
- Works as a full meal or a topper mixed with dry food
- Packaged in convenient, individually-wrapped trays suitable for serving
- Spoils faster than dry dog food
One of the best things about wet or soft food is that it can be used as a standalone meal, which is superb for little dogs, or it can be used as an additive and mixed with dry food. This type is gourmet-quality with fantastic flavors like Prime Rib, New York Strip, Bacon and Eggs, and more. Each pack comes with multiple flavors, usually 3 kinds, and there are 24 trays per bundle or 2 packs of 12 trays. They can also be ordered in a smaller pack.
The trays are individually-wrapped and in a convenient serving-friendly design, so you can either put out the tray or spoon the food into a dish. Each meal is made with 100% meat, sourced from the U.S., and primarily beef.
#9 Fresh Step Multi-Cat with Febreze Freshness Clumping Pet Litter
Award: BEST FOR INDOOR FELINES
WHY WE LIKE IT: This is one of the best kinds of cat litter for a couple of reasons, but most importantly, it’s easy to clean because it clumps so well. It always smells fresh too, even when cats have done their business, thanks to the added Ammonia-blocking ingredients.
- Inhibits bacterial odors for up to 10 days
- Adequate for homes with more than one cat
- Messes collect in tight clumps for easier cleaning
- Smaller packages run out quickly
Not all litter is created equal, and we’d argue there aren’t many others that can compete with this kind. It smells so fresh and clean, even after it’s been soiled thanks to unique ammonia-killing ingredients that also fend off bacterial odors. What’s more, it’s effective even in households with multiple cats that are using the same box. It should stay clean, and odor-free, for up to 10 days at a time.
Even better, messes clump tightly together so it’s much easier to clean out of a litter box without spillage and waste. The tighter clumps also mean less soiled granules staying in the box to produce stronger odors and problems. A cleaner box translates to fewer health problems for cats, like urinary tract infections.
#10 Urpower Heavy-Duty Waterproof and Non-Slip Seat Cover for Pets
Award: BEST FOR TRAVEL
WHY WE LIKE IT: Dogs love a good joy ride but they shed a lot. This water-resistant cover is unmatched when it comes to protecting car seats and upholstery. It has a hammock-style design that’s easy to set up and breakdown, with several fasteners to keep it secure, along with your pups.
- Hammock design with side flaps for easier breakdown
- Made of a super durable and resistant oxford fabric
- Built-in seat anchors to keep the mat secured in place
- Not machine-washable
This universal cover slides over the back seat of most vehicles to protect the upholstery underneath from dogs, cats, and more. It’s easy to set up and comes with all the necessary tie-down gear, including seat anchors, buckle straps, and a bonus seatbelt for dogs. The cover is made of heavy-duty oxford fabric, with a cotton mat over the top.
It’s not machine-washable, which is a bummer, but it’s still fairly easy to clean the surface of the mat. It can be cleaned with a damp cloth, vacuum, or even hand-washed. The PVC underside keeps the mat, and pups, from sliding around the car during a drive. It’s a must-have item for people that love to travel with their furry companion! Believe it or not, the cover also works amazing if you have small children or young children on a ride along!
How We Decided
Because this is a mixed bag of tricks, we chose more generalized features such as the price. Everything on the list is relatively affordable and has a high price to value ratio for its particular category. The budget pick, for example, is a small bundle of cat toys that has a highly-competitive price.
Another important factor was how much an item enriches either a pet or their owner’s lives. The food selections are healthy and delicious, offering an excellent meal. The snacks and treats serve as great rewards. The toys will provide hours of entertainment and the other useful devices will improve pet ownership. The poop bags make it easier to clean up after a companion, while the seat cover keeps a car clean during a ride.
Finally, we looked for items that had long-lasting support or durability. With food, we made sure to choose bundles that include plenty of portions so they don’t have to be replenished for a while. We looked for the same when choosing treats. For the other items, like the seat cover, we made sure the durability was adequate and would provide extensive use.
Best Pets Buyer’s Guide
The Most Important Features to Consider
- Support
How is the item going to help you or your pet live a better life? Are they treats that provide a delicious snack and also help to improve the dental hygiene of your furry companion? Will the toys provide hours of entertainment? Be sure you’re choosing items that provide the most benefit to either you or your best friend. It seems a silly thing to discuss, but there are a lot of items out there that offer no value or convenience. - Price
Because the items here are so varied, it’s difficult to provide an adequate price range as each product is going to cost more or less depending on what they are, and what they include. During your search, consider the prices of similar items and brands and watch out for sales. Sometimes, you can find a more expensive item at a great price that offers incredible value. With pet items, it can be hit or miss. You may find something that’s convenient and works for you and your companion, or you may find it doesn’t. Try not to take risks on items you’re not sure your pet will like. - Vet or Organization Approval
No matter how much a product or brand promises that they offer safe, healthy products or ingredients, it’s always better to double-check. The best way to ensure you’re choosing something truly healthy, especially with food and treats, is to look for veterinarian or vet-friendly organization approvals. The VOHC, the Veterinary Oral Health Council will often certify foods and treatments that improve oral hygiene in pets, for instance. - Quantity
Depending on what the item is, you’ll want to be sure the quantity is enough to last for a good while. The AmazonBasics Dog Poop Bags comes with 600 total bags, which should last for a long time. Not only is it an outstanding deal, but it ensures they won’t have to be replenished for a long while even with multiple walks a day. - Sustainability and Environmental Impact
It’s always best to opt for products that utilize eco-friendly ingredients and materials over those that don’t. When looking for products, try to stick with those that use more sustainable manufacturing processes. Generally, they’re not any more expensive, and they’re also healthier for your companions.
Pet Product FAQs
What pet products sell best?
As a general rule, the best products are those that enrich either an animal’s life or the owner’s. Pet treats are an excellent example, but so are collars, leashes, food and water bowls, and even toys. If we had to recommend the best pet products then it would be either the Milk-Bone Original Dog Treats or the Temptations Mix-Ups Cat Treats. Animals do love their treats and both of those options will provide them with delicious snacks for quite a while. A great pet deserves great snacks!What is the most popular pet in the world, these days?
The number 1 or most popular pet in the world is a dog, followed by cats as a close second. Some other popular pets include hamsters, leopard geckos, fish, mice, birds, Guinea Pigs, snakes, Iguanas, and Ferrets. Bearded Dragons, turtles, and tarantulas are also fairly popular. Many of those are cheap pets, too, including their care, habitats, and food. Moreover, most tend to be low maintenance pets that like to cuddle. The next question, of course, is what animals make the best pets? The answer depends on what you’re looking for and your lifestyle. If you have more time to devote to a pet then the options are wide open, but if you’re limited then you’ll need to be more selective. Dogs are the best pets for a child with anxiety, but not necessarily one of the best pets for busy families because they can require a lot of attention. Cats tend to be excellent low maintenance pets for apartments, and some of the best small pets for cuddling. The downside with cats tends to be the litter box, which can smell when not properly cared for, and their personality is wildly different from cat to cat. You could end up with a feline that doesn’t want attention or doesn’t like to cuddle, just as you could end up with the opposite. The best pets for children include hamsters, fish, Guinea Pigs, and turtles because they are some low maintenance pet options. Choosing pets for kids can be tough because they need to be resilient, with a relaxed temperament and fewer care requirements. Hermit crabs, sea monkeys, and Betta fish are some additional starter pet options, and make some of the best pets for toddlers. If you can stomach having them in your home ant farms also work.What are the best pet treats for dogs? What are the best pet treats for cats?
The Milk-Bone Original Dog Treats and the Temptations Mix-Ups Cat Treats are two highly sought after kinds. The Greenies Original Regular Natural Dental Dog Treats are also outstanding and will help clean your dog’s teeth up to the gumline.What are some “must-haves” when you adopt a new dog? What about a cat?
The best items to get a new dog are:- A leash and collar
- Some dog treats
- Food
- Toys
- Pee or potty pads
- A crate
- A dog bed
- A collar (optional)
- A scratching and climbing post
- Some cat treats
- Food
- Toys
- Catnip
Latest Pet Reviews & Buyer Guides
The world of pet gadgets is a big one, and includes plenty of smart devices for all sorts of pet-related activities. If you want to take care of pets while you are at work, there are food stations and pet cams that you can access via your phone or computer. If you want to make sure your pet is safe, there are tracking chips and collars to help monitor movement and locate lost pets. No matter what you need, there's a solution for you and your pet at Gadget Review!