13 Delectable Pet Products for the Furry Foodie
By: Lizz CaputoIs your pet's palate more refined than yours? Check out Figo Pet Insurance's top 13 picks for gourmet pet products and gifts for Michelin-starred pet snacking.
Psst - we don't receive any kickbacks or commission for these recs!
Let's face it - pet nutrition these days is more than kibble. In many cases, it's a full-on culinary revolution. We're witnessing a cultural transformation where your soulful sidekick's dinner is starting to look (and smell) better than yours. Now, it's all about brands that are elevating pet food from mere sustenance to a trendy, specialized, or tailored experience.
We're talking products so tasty your pet might start turning their nose up at table scraps. Whether you're window shopping for inspiration or ready to indulge your curious copilot, here's a peek at 13 delectable pet brands that are redefining the meaning of pet food.
Author's note:
Let's address the elephant (or dog?) in the room. While these cool pet brands are fun and aspirational, it would be tone deaf to ignore the fact that many families are struggling to meet their own basic needs, let alone splurge on luxury items for their pets.
Your dog or cat doesn't need premium, artisanal, or celebrity-endorsed products to feel loved and stay healthy. A nutritionally balanced, store-bought kibble is perfectly fine for most pets and has been keeping our sidekicks happy and healthy for generations.
The bond between you and your pet isn't built on the price tag of their food or the trendiness of their treats. It's forged through love, care, and attention. In doing your best to do right by your pet. Whether you're serving up gourmet patés or basic kibble, what matters most is the love and care you provide every day.
Don't let the pet influencers of the world make you feel like you're falling short. Keep loving your pets, keep them healthy, and remember that in their eyes, you're already the greatest thing since sliced bread.
With all that said - if you've got the extra funds to go a little wild on your dog or cat, why not do so?
1. Dog Sauce
Whole-food, super broth meal toppers
Dog Sauce is turning mundane kibble into canine haute cuisine. This isn't your average gravy; it's a flavor revolution that's got pups from Malibu to Manhattan licking their chops.
With varieties like "Chicken Broth & Sweet Potato" and "Beef Broth & Sweet Potato," Dog Sauce is bringing the farm-to-table movement to the dog bowl. It's the secret weapon that's making Fido forget he ever begged for leftovers.
With bold yet simple packaging and resealable squeeze tube, Dog Sauce is the brainchild of pet nutritionists and flavor experts who decided that "good enough" just wasn't cutting it anymore. They've managed to pack a punch of flavor and nutrition into every pour, proving that health and taste can go hand in paw.
We love Dog Sauce for their commitment to wholesome, human-grade ingredients. We're talking real meat, veggies, and superfoods that wouldn't look out of place on your own dinner plate. Plus, with added glucosamine and chondroitin, it's like your pup is getting a joint-health smoothie with every meal.
Dog Sauce is on a mission to make mealtime enjoyable again. In a world of rush and routine, they're encouraging pet parents to slow down and bond over the bowl. Just don't be surprised if they start giving your cooking the side-eye.
2. Republic of Cats
Totally unique cat food
Republic of Cats is here to cater to your kitty's every culinary whim. This UK-based brand has taken the concept of personalized nutrition and cranked it up to eleven, creating a subscription service that's essentially a private chef for your little lion.
Offering an array of textures and flavors, Republic of Cats is serving up everything from tender shredded meats to velvety pâtés. And let's not forget their custom kibble blends – because sometimes even the pickiest of cats just need to switch things up.
Cats are inarguably a discerning species, so Republic of Cats is right on the money with their fanatical dedication to personalization. They're not just asking about your cat's age and weight; they want to know about their lifestyle and their preferences, too. Their in-house cat nutritionist is the expert behind each bespoke menu, ensuring that each bite is tailored to your cat's specific needs. Whether you've got a picky eater, a senior citizen, or a kitty with a sensitive stomach, they've got a plan.
And to the delight of many kitty parents, flexibility is their middle name. Cat suddenly decides that fish is a no-go? No problem. Just hop online and adjust your plan. At around £1 per day, it's more affordable than other customized food options on the market. While you're reheating last night's takeout, your cat will be dining on a custom-crafted culinary masterpiece.
Join the feline foodie revolution here.
3. Rigby
100% organic squeeze pouch treats for dogs
Gourmet training in a squeeze; Rigby is revolutionizing the world of dog treats with their ingenious squeeze pouches. Forget about crumbly biscuits or messy peanut butter – Rigby's lickable treats are turning training sessions into gourmet experiences.
With flavors like "Organic Chicken, Butternut Squash, and Peas" and "Beef, Sweet Potato, and Spinach," Rigby appeals to both dogs' taste buds and to the health-conscious pet parent, too. Like if Whole Foods and a dog treat company had a really tasty baby.
Rigby stands out in the crowded treat market for several reasons. First, there's the convenience factor. The resealable squeeze pouch design means you can deliver a quick reward without getting your hands messy or fumbling with a bag of treats. It's perfect for on-the-go training or distracting your pup during nail trims or vet visits.
But Rigby isn't just about convenience – they're serious about nutrition too. Each recipe contains five ingredients or fewer, all organic and sourced from West Coast farms. There's no need for a dictionary to decipher the ingredient list – it's all real food you'd recognize.
The versatility of Rigby treats is another game-changer. Use them for training, as a Kong stuffing, spread on a lick mat for mental stimulation, or even to help administer medication. For reactive pups who need to sport a muzzle outdoors, Rigby is your best friend, making it easy to deliver tasty treats despite any kind of headguard.
Ultimately, Rigby has managed to create a product that's as appealing to pet parents as it is to dogs. The sleek, colorful packaging wouldn't look out of place in a high-end grocery store, and the commitment to organic, locally-sourced ingredients is admirable.
Instead of working for dry biscuits, your clever canine could be savoring a gourmet, organic puree that's making "sit" and "stay" feel like a 5-star dining experience.
Get your paws on some pouches here.
4. Bonkers
Freeze-dried cat treat pops
Bonkers is revolutionizing the cat treat game with their Purr Pops. These aren't your grandma's cat treats – they're the feline equivalent of a gourmet popsicle, minus the brain freeze.
Their 100% freeze-dried chicken (or tuna or salmon) served on a stick is a meaty, chewy, crunchy, bitey cat-candy that leaves felines wanting more. It's the kind of treat that makes cats forget their aloof demeanor and go, well, bonkers.
We love the novelty factor of a lollipop for cats, but even more so, we love that these treats are formulated by animal nutritionists to ensure they're not just fun, but also good for your little lion. With no artificial flavors or colors and low calories, it's a treat you can feel good about giving.
The testimonials speak volumes, showing that Bonkers has managed to make a cat treat that's as entertaining for humans as it is for cats. Watching your typically dignified feline go wild over a chicken lollipop is the kind of free entertainment that makes the price of admission well worth it.
Watch your cat go bonkers here.
5. PLANT DOG
Plant-based dog treats, supplements, and more
PLANT DOG is turning the notion of "meat-loving" dogs on its head. This innovative brand is bringing the plant-based revolution to the canine world, proving that dogs can indeed thrive on snacks and supplements of the greener variety.
Born in a quaint Vermont kitchen, PLANT DOG offers a range of treats and supplements that are 100% plant-based, organic, and bursting with flavor.
PLANT DOG stands out in the crowded pet treat market for their unwavering commitment to plant-based ingredients in a world where most dog treats are meat-centric, successfully appealing to eco-conscious pet parents and dogs with meat sensitivities alike.
PLANT DOG is most notable for their knack for creating human-inspired treats that are safe for pets. Their dog-friendly "hot cocoa" mix, made with organic coconut milk powder and carob, lets pups join in on cozy winter nights. Their ube cake mix for dogs and cats, crafted with allergy-friendly ingredients, is the perfect dish for any puppy party.
And their piece de resistance, a "Nutella" for dogs made with carob and hazelnuts, gives pets a safe way to indulge in a human-like treat. We're big fans of any product that allows pet parents to share human-style indulgences with their dogs and cats.
Don't be surprised if your dog starts turning their nose up at your steak dinner. They might have developed a taste for the finer, greener things in life!
6. Wulf Snacks
Locally-sourced pet treats for a long, nutritious life.
Straight from the heart of SoCal, Wulf Snacks is redefining pet treats with a no-nonsense approach. Spearheaded by Celine, a former vet tech who's now a social media powerhouse, this brand is all about single-ingredient snacks that are as nutritious as they are Insta-worthy.
Wulf Snacks is iconic not just for what they make, but how they present it. The brand's face is the sassy Wulf, a chihuahua mix with attitude to spare, leading a pack of diverse canine personalities who share their home with founder Celine. Together, they embody the Wulf Snacks ethos: simple, vibrant, and bursting with character.
Their product names alone are conversation starters - from Fuzzy Rabbit Feet to the provocatively named Blood Dust. But don't let the quirky titles fool you; each treat adheres strictly to Wulf Snacks' commitment to purity and eco-consciousness. And the best part? Pets can't get enough of them.
By prioritizing both pet health and environmental responsibility, Wulf Snacks is raising the bar for what pet parents should expect from treats. Grab a bag and watch your curious copilot embrace their wild side - the sustainable way.
Unleash the Wulf in your pet here.
7. Kismet
Premium dry food and treats for dogs
Kismet is shaking up the pet food world with a dash of Hollywood stardom. Founded by power couple John Legend and Chrissy Teigen and named after the serendipitous nature of pet adoption, Kismet offers a line of premium dry food they've dubbed 'nugs'.
And when a Grammy and Emmy award-winning musician teams up with a model-turned-cookbook-author, you know you're in for something special. But Kismet is more than just a famous face – it's backed by serious nutritional chops.
The brand has partnered with board-certified veterinary nutritionists to develop their recipes, ensuring that each 'nug' is as nutritionally sound as it is tasty. They've managed to create a product that's every bit as nutritious as fresh food, but with the convenience of dry kibble.
What truly sets Kismet apart is its commitment to transparency and education. Their website features a "Tails" section, offering pet care advice and humorous anecdotes that make you feel like you're swapping stories with Chrissy herself. And with their team of taste-testers (including the founders' own dogs Penny, Pearl, Pebbles, and Petey), you know these nuggets have passed some picky palates.
Importantly, Kismet has managed to strike a balance between premium quality and accessibility. While it's definitely a step up from bargain-bin kibble, it's priced to be attainable for many pet moms and dads who want to upgrade their furry friend's diet without breaking the bank.
Don't blame us if your dog starts demanding their own trailer and personal assistant after a few bowls – fame can go to anyone's head, even if it's covered in fur!
8. Dog Is Human
Vet-formulated multivitamin for daily health
Dog Is Human is bridging the gap between human wellness trends and canine nutrition. Their flagship product, the DM-01â„¢ Daily Multivitamin, isn't your average chalky pill hidden in peanut butter. Dog Is Human has created a chewable treat that dogs actually enjoy, packed with a powerhouse of nutrients that would make any health-conscious human drool.
Their philosophy is more than just clever branding. It's a commitment to holding canine wellness products to the same standards as human supplements. The brand's scientific advisory board, which includes both veterinarians and human doctors, brings a unique interdisciplinary approach to pet health. This collaboration has resulted in a multivitamin that addresses five core areas of canine health: hip and joint support, heart health, skin and coat care, immunity, and digestion.
What truly sets Dog Is Human apart is their transparency. In an industry often shrouded in vague claims and proprietary blends, this brand lays all their cards on the table. Every ingredient is clearly listed and explained, and their products undergo third-party testing for purity and potency.
But it's not all serious science – Dog Is Human has managed to inject a bit of fun into daily pet care. Their chews come in two tasty flavors that dogs love, making "taking your vitamins" a treat rather than a chore.
Dog Is Human has tapped into the growing trend of pet parents who view their dogs as true family members. By creating a product that pet moms and dads can feel as good about as their own daily multivitamin, they're helping to elevate both the concept of pet wellness and the ordinarily 'blah' taste of supplements.
Elevate your pup's wellness game here.
9. Vital Essentials
Raw frozen and freeze-dried food and treats for pets
Vital Essentials is where pet nutrition meets premium butcher-shop quality. With decades of experience in the meat industry, they're offering a range of raw, freeze-dried meals and treats. With products that cater to both dogs and cats, you can rest assured knowing that even the pickiest of pups or Persians can still enjoy high-quality, minimally processed proteins.
The brand sources whole-animal, butcher-cut proteins, preserving natural enzymes and nutrients often lost in traditional pet food processing. This approach aims to mimic the ancestral diets of dogs and cats. With a keen eye for both protein quality and processing standards, Vital Essentials adheres to strict safety practices, including a unique freeze-drying process that locks in nutrients at their peak freshness. This method ensures food safety without compromising nutritional integrity.
From meals to snacks, across a wide range of protein sources, Vital Essentials caters to picky eaters, allergy-prone pets, and parents who simply want to provide their soulful sidekicks with a diverse, exciting diet. While other pets are stuck with the same old kibble, your gourmet gourmand will be savoring a rotating menu of premium raw proteins that would make any human foodie jealous.
Vital Essentials is on a mission to make raw feeding an accessible experience for every pet parent. No gatekeeping here! They're tearing down the walls of pet nutrition elitism faster than a dog can demolish a chew toy. With a wealth of easy-to-digest info, they're showing that raw feeding isn't some secret club. The best part? It takes adding just 20% of their raw goodness to your pet's bowl to start seeing health benefits. From curious newbies to seasoned raw feeders, this brand is creating a community where everyone can geek out about pet nutrition without judgment.
Vital Essentials invites pet moms and dads to reconsider conventional pet nutrition and offers a path to feed pets in a way that aligns closely with their biological needs, potentially leading to healthier, happier animals. Stronger muscles, cleaner teeth, smaller poops and more? Sign us up!
10. KatKin
100% fresh food for 100% real cats
KatKin is turning the cat food industry on its head with their fresh approach to feline nutrition. Their meals are a carnivore's dream: 100% real meat, absolutely no grains, and recipes that cater to your cat's innate dietary preferences.
KatKin's frozen fresh meals are perfect for the pickiest of felines. They've ditched the fillers and artificial nasties, focusing instead on high-protein, moisture-rich formulas that would make any wildcat purr with approval.
Their packaging is a feast for human eyes too - bold, bright, and impossible to miss. But it's not just about looks; each recipe is the brainchild of a board-certified veterinary nutritionist. So while your cat is licking their chops, you can rest easy knowing they're getting a nutritionally complete meal.
KatKin knows modern pet parents are busy, so they've streamlined the whole process. Their subscription service is flexible, customizable, and as easy to manage as a catnap. Just tell them about your feline friend, and they'll whip up a personalized meal plan that delivers 100% of your cat's daily nutritional needs right to your doorstep.
Treat your cat to the KatKin experience here.
11. Barkista
The first coffee latte made for dogs
Barkista is revolutionizing mornings for dogs and their humans alike with K9-friendly coffee cups that turn that AM latte into a shared ritual. Inspired by a coffee-curious retired guide dog named Thai Noodles, Barkista has created a morning drink that lets your pup be part of your sacred java routine.
The ingenuity of Barkista lies in its carefully crafted recipe. Made with a blend of goat's milk, medicinal mushrooms, and other 100% natural flavors. Each cup delivers a dose of nutrients and calming properties, all without a drop of caffeine.
The idea of preparing Barkista for your dog alongside your own morning coffee turns a solitary human ritual into a shared pet experience, tapping into the 'humanization' trend in pet products without compromising on canine-appropriate ingredients. They've managed to create something that feels human-like in concept but is thoroughly dog-safe in execution.
With a bunch of seasonal flavors and convenient Keurig®-compatible packaging, there's no reason not to splurge so your pup can try a cup of joe.
Join in on canine coffee culture here.
12. Cosmicos Pet Bakery
Colorful, natural treats & cakes for cats & dogs
Cosmicos Pet Bakery transforms boring pet treats into edible art. Founded by culinary arts graduate Kim Padilla in Chicago, this innovative bakery crafts visually stunning and delicious goodies for pets. Their creations resemble miniature works of pop art more than traditional dog biscuits or cat nibbles.
Cosmicos stands out with its bold use of color and flavor; each creation bursts with vibrant hues derived from natural, pet-safe ingredients. This visual appeal extends beyond the bowl, making Cosmicos products Instagram favorites among pet parents.
Padilla's Latina heritage influences some of the bakery's unique flavor profiles. Pets can sample treats inspired by horchata, dulce de leche, and other mouth-watering flavors. Customization is key at Cosmicos. The bakery excels in creating personalized treats for special occasions, from birthday "pupcakes" to "good behavior" rewards. Each goodie celebrates the individual personality of the pet, turning snack time into a tailored experience.
Despite their artistic appearance, Cosmicos prioritizes nutrition by collaborating with veterinary nutritionists to ensure each recipe contributes positively to pet health. The combination of visual appeal, unique flavors, and nutritional value offers pet moms and dads guilt-free indulgence for their soulful sidekicks.
For dogs and cats accustomed to standard treats, Cosmicos offers a gourmet adventure that's almost (key word, almost) too pretty to eat.
Dive into this delicious and vibrant world here.
13. Community Treats
Thoughtfully curated pet treats made in small batches
Picture a fusion of a trendy farmers' market, a high-end wellness center, and a gourmet deli, but catering exclusively to canines—that's the essence of Community Treats. Their product line boasts a sleek, minimalist design that screams "premium lifestyle," offering dog snacks that are as visually appealing as they are delectable.
These aren't your average dog biscuits. Each treat is a carefully crafted delicacy, featuring a short list of natural ingredients, free from artificial additives, and produced in small, artisanal batches. It's the kind of snack that makes you wonder if your dog is eating better than you are.
Their brand philosophy goes beyond just treats, encompassing transparency in sourcing, generous charitable initiatives, and a steadfast dedication to supporting local Canadian suppliers. It's a holistic approach that caters to both pet health and eco-conscious sensibilities.
Their product range reads like a chef's tasting menu: dried tinned fish, savory bone broth, and an array of freeze-dried fruits and veggies. These gourmet offerings have pet parents just as excited as their furry companions. The cherry on top? The packaging is so chic, you'll want to showcase these treats prominently in your kitchen, rather than hiding them away in a cupboard.
Elevate your pup's snack game (and your kitchen aesthetic) here.
Bon(e) appetit
As we've seen, the world of pet cuisine is evolving at a rapid pace. These 13 brands are at the forefront of a movement that's redefining what it means to feed our animal companions. From celebrity-endorsed kibble to raw food revolutionaries, there's something here for every pet and every discerning pet parent. The pet food industry is no longer just about basic nutrition – it's about creating experiences, promoting wellness, and recognizing that our pets deserve the very best.
So the next time you're indulging in a gourmet meal or a fancy coffee, remember: your curious copilot has plenty of tasty options to choose from too. After all, why should humans have all the fun?
Lizz Caputo is the Manager of Content Strategy at Figo, animal enthusiast, and owner of a rescued senior American Bully. Her hobbies include checking out new restaurants in her area, boxing, and petting dogs of all shapes and sizes.