My Top Picks from SuperZoo 2023

My Top 5 Finds from SuperZoo 2023

Last week marked the arrival of the annual extravaganza known as SuperZoo. For those not in the know, SuperZoo isn't your typical pet event; it's a playground for pet professionals who find joy in the enchanting world of our four-legged friends.

In a nutshell, nestled within the vibrant confines of Mandalay Bay are rows upon rows of innovation coming to life, housing a staggering array of inventive pet products, ingenious gadgets, and an abundance of treasures tailored to pets of all kinds.

SuperZoo is more than just an event to restock treats and toys for my own canine crew; it's a golden chance to stumble upon hidden gems crafted by small businesses and to uncover the latest trends that I'm eager to share with all of you.

This year, the SuperZoo spectacle was grander than ever. Though I only attended on the final day, missing out on quite a few rows of excitement, I've compiled a list of my personal favorites from this year's discoveries:

1. Small Animals and Chickens: All Walks Hemp Nesting Mats and Bedding

Recently, I welcomed two charming hens into my yard, and naturally, my interest expanded to include products for these feathered companions. Among my top finds for my new additions was a company from Montana, specializing in hemp farming. All Walks caught my eye with their hemp nesting mats and bedding. What makes them special? Hemp is emerging as a superior choice for chicken habitats, as it helps manage odors and reduces the frequency of cleaning. Beyond the product, the company's passion and eco-friendly approach aligned with my values and desire to avoid toxins when possible, and they refrain from using pesticides on their hemp crops.

2. Canine chewing enrichment: QT Dog's Variety of Collagen Chews and More

Continuing a trend from last year, QT Dog remains a standout in the please dogs let me have a few minutes of peace and quiet/ chew department. From collagen chews to beef cheeks, buffalo horn to buffalo ears, their selection is a chew-lover's paradise. My dogs give their products five enthusiastic paws, and that's a commendation not taken lightly.

3. Innovative Treat Dispenser: Starmark's Treat Dispensing Puzzle Ball

As someone who values mental stimulation for my canine companions, I'm always on the lookout for fresh challenges. Starmark, a brand I love for their innovative, safe products, delivered with their Treat Dispensing Puzzle Ball. Sheesh, the name is a mouthful, and the device itself is more cube than ball, featuring multiple sides with four chambers. The challenge? Treats in chamber 4 must travel through chambers 3, 2, and 1 before they're released—an ideal match for your puzzle-solving pros.

4. Unique Ball: WACKYwalk'r WUNDERBALL Fetch Dog Toy

In the world of dog toys, balls hold a timeless appeal. But, I stumbled upon a ball with a twist: the WACKYwalk'r WUNDERBALL Fetch Dog Toy. With a shape that defies convention and an unpredictable bounce, this toy promises hours of unpredictable entertainment. A word of caution, though: if your dog tends to launch into walls or engage in aerial acrobatics, this might not be the best choice. Safety first, my friends. 

5. Standout Discovery: Back on Track's Cool on Track Collection

Saved the best for last, my standout discovery of SuperZoo 2023 was Back on Track's Cool on Track Collection. If you're familiar with Back on Track, you'll know their products are amazing and truly work - I swear by Back on Track for myself and my dogs. This collection, however, brings a refreshing twist—it doesn't offer pain relief, but instead provides hours of welcome cooling comfort. 

What did I buy, you ask? At the show, I picked up one Cool on Track Coat, and one Cool on Track Towel, then I came home and ordered another coat (different size) and the Cool on Track Bandana. So Basically, the whole collection! Stay tuned—I'll be sure to update you on the performance of these products, once I've logged some hours of use with them.

UPDATE- Adding Essential Sizing Info.

I realized I left out a crucial piece of information and came back to add info. Because of the various styles of BOT coats, I have found the sizing to be inconsistent. One would think that in centimeters, just measuring your dog's back would be super accurate. I have not had this experience. The styles are all so different, and seriously it took me several years to get Flea's size down because they discontinued one style, and then I ordered the wrong size in the new style, and they had product shortages, etc. But now he finally has a coat and I'm hoping his Cool on Track Coat will be the correct size.

So, hopefully, this helps. My Border Collies are about 40ish pounds, one is long-backed, the other is shorter-backed, both wear a size 55 in the old traditional style 'dog blanket' coats. The Cool on Track has fewer size options, and the 50 looked way too small, so I bought a 60 and it fits them both perfectly.

For smaller dogs, accurate sizing is tougher, because a few centimeters makes a big difference. This is where my issues came in with Flea's coats. So, Flea has 2 of the old-style coats (these were called the dog blanket and are no longer available, but similar looking to the Nella Coat). He has a 34 which is fine, a little small but fine, and he has a 37, which is a wee big, but perfect for protecting his muscles when doing activities in the cold. I just ordered him a size 40 Cool on Track. I knew 30 would be too small and 40 is going to be iffy. I think it will work though, because this coat style ends at the tail. But, we'll see when it arrives.

And there you have it—my curated list of favorites from this year's SuperZoo. If you attended, I would love to learn about your finds. Share in the comments!