The sustainable pet product scene has come a long way since West Paw first started churning out recycled toys in Montana two decades ago. While they deserve credit for pioneering eco-friendly pet gear, a fresh crop of independent brands is taking things in fascinating new directions. From unexpected materials to clever functionality tweaks, these companies are rethinking what pet products can be.
We've rounded up seven brands that caught our eye for bringing something genuinely different to the table. Each has carved out its own distinct niche in the pet product landscape, whether through innovative design approaches, material choices, or novel solutions to common pet parent headaches.
: Where Fashion Week Meets Fido
This isn't your typical pet gear startup. When fashion industry veteran Parisa Fowles-Pazdro launched Maxbone, she brought runway sensibilities to the world of water bowls and waste bags. Their GO! Portable Bowls look more like something you'd spot in a design museum than stuffed in a hiking pack.
What intrigues us about Maxbone is how they've managed to elevate everyday pet items without sacrificing practicality. Their freeze-dried food line, for instance, shows that you can have both style and substance – the ingredients list reads like a high-end restaurant menu, while the packaging wouldn't look out of place in a modern art gallery.
Why we like Maxbone
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Fashion-Forward Design
Brings runway-inspired aesthetics to everyday pet products
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Practical Luxury
Combines high-end design with genuine functionality
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Premium Materials
Uses museum-quality materials in practical pet accessories
Perfect for the pup when we’re out hiking, trail running or backpacking!
If Apple decided to design pet products, we imagine they'd look something like Wild One's lineup. Their Walk Kit isn't just a collection of walking essentials; it's a carefully orchestrated system where each piece complements the others. The aesthetic screams "Silicon Valley minimalism," but in the best possible way.
The engineering behind Wild One's products suggests serious attention to detail. Their Harness features the kind of thoughtful touches we'd expect from high-performance athletic wear – strategic padding, careful stitching, and clean lines that somehow make even the most energetic pup look effortlessly sophisticated.
Why we like Wild One
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Systematic Design
Creates cohesive product systems rather than standalone items
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Technical Excellence
Incorporates athletic wear engineering into pet products
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Minimalist Aesthetic
Delivers sophisticated style with clean, modern lines
I have two different colors and I want another! They’re so easy to wash and adjust too :)
: Handcrafted in the Heart of America
In an era of mass production, Love Thy Beast's approach feels refreshingly old-school. Their Licki Mat Soother exemplifies their craft-focused philosophy – each piece shows the kind of attention to detail you'd expect from a master artisan. The fact that everything's made in America isn't just a marketing point; it's central to their quality control process.
The brand's products have a way of blending into home decor that's quite clever. While most pet accessories demand to be hidden when company comes over, Love Thy Beast's items – from beds to jackets – look like intentional design choices rather than necessary evils.
Why we like Love Thy Beast
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American Craftsmanship
Maintains high-quality standards through domestic production
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Artisanal Quality
Delivers handcrafted attention to detail in every product
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Decor-Friendly Design
Creates pet accessories that complement home aesthetics
: The Tank Factory of Dog Toys
Some dogs treat their toys like precious treasures. Others... well, that's where Jolly Pets comes in. Their Teaser Ball employs a fascinating ball-within-a-ball design that's apparently survived the jaws of everything from Jack Russells to German Shepherds. Their testing process involves weeks of playtime with up to 100 dogs – talk about quality control.
Beyond pure durability, we're impressed by how Jolly Pets incorporates behavioral science into their designs. Hidden squeakers and treat compartments aren't just fun features; they're tools for managing separation anxiety and excessive chewing. It's like having a pet psychologist and an engineer collaborate on toy design.
Why we like Jolly Pets
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Extreme Durability
Creates virtually indestructible toys for aggressive chewers
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Behavioral Science
Incorporates pet psychology into product design
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Rigorous Testing
Conducts extensive real-world testing with numerous dogs
: Silicon Valley Meets the Dog Park
When your dad invented the travel coffee mug, you probably grow up thinking differently about product design. That's Shannon Ross's story, and her company Springer reflects that innovative DNA. Their Classic Dog Travel Bottle tackles the seemingly simple problem of dog hydration with the kind of elegant solution that makes you wonder why no one thought of it sooner.
The company's rapid growth (including a successful Shark Tank appearance) suggests they're onto something with their approach to reimagining pet basics. Their partnership with 1% For The Planet adds an environmental dimension that feels genuine rather than tacked-on.
Why we like Springer
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Innovative Solutions
Reimagines basic pet products with clever engineering
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Environmental Commitment
Partners with 1% For The Planet for sustainability
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Problem-Solving Focus
Creates elegant solutions to common pet parent challenges
very convenient water bottle to bring for my pup on hikes! love the color selection
: For the Dog Who Has a Better Social Calendar Than You
Django seems to understand that modern pets lead surprisingly sophisticated lives. Their Highland Cold Weather Dog Jacket and Raincoat manages to look runway-ready while including practical features like an adjustable hood and leash portal. It's the kind of gear you'd expect to see on a dog who splits time between mountain trails and city cafes.
The brand's origins in search of the perfect pet carrier have led them down some interesting paths. Their blog reads less like marketing material and more like a travel magazine for the four-legged set, offering genuine insight into everything from airline policies to trail etiquette.
Why we like Django
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Lifestyle Integration
Creates products for both urban and outdoor adventures
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Practical Luxury
Combines high-end aesthetics with functional features
3
Educational Content
Provides valuable resources for pet travel and activities
Leave it to an art world veteran to completely reimagine what a dog toy can be. Lambwolf Collective's Baguette isn't just a squeaky toy – it's a piece of interactive art that happens to be incredibly durable. Founder Ang Wong's background in design shines through in products that wouldn't look out of place in a modern art installation.
The brand's approach to color and material selection shows unusual sophistication. These aren't toys you'll want to toss in a basket – they're conversation pieces that just happen to keep your dog entertained. The modular nature of their designs adds an element of customization that feels genuinely thoughtful rather than gimmicky.
Why we like Lambwolf Collective
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Artistic Vision
Transforms pet toys into sophisticated design pieces
2
Material Innovation
Uses unique materials and color combinations
3
Modular Design
Offers customizable products with genuine purpose
The Future of Pet Products is Here
This new wave of pet brands suggests we're entering an era where design, functionality, and sustainability don't have to be mutually exclusive. While West Paw helped pave the way for eco-conscious pet products, these companies are taking things in exciting new directions. Whether you're drawn to artisanal craftsmanship or cutting-edge design, there's never been a more interesting time to be a discerning pet parent.