The BSM Partners Holiday Pet Gift Guide: Innovations, Insights, and Must-Haves

As the holiday season approaches, all of us at BSM Partners are delighted to share our expertise once again. With hundreds of pet products—food, treats, supplements, grooming, enrichment, and more—crossing our desks each year, we have a unique vantage point on what truly stands out. Our work spans every category of pet care, from dogs and cats to equines, small animals, and exotics, giving us deep insight into innovations that genuinely support animal health and well-being.

Whether your calendar is filled with festive gatherings or you’re enjoying quiet moments at home, we hope this season brings you and your pets comfort and joy. Below, you’ll find our carefully curated holiday gift guide featuring products we trust, rely on, and believe make a meaningful difference. Let’s celebrate the season with the best in thoughtful, pet-focused giving.

For the Dogs Who Do It All

Thoughtfully selected favorites that keep dogs happy, healthy, and engaged all season long.

These Charlee Bear Crunch Treats deliver big flavor in a tiny package at just three calories each, making them an easy, guilt-free reward for dogs of every size. Recommended by Lee Ann Hagerty, Director of Customer Enrichment and Consumer Insights, their perfectly bite-sized shape keeps training sessions smooth, while a wide variety of flavors (available in both grain-inclusive and grain-free options) ensures there’s a favorite for every palate.

A favorite of Dr. Stephanie Clark, Vice President of Nutrition, the Injoya Artichoke Snuffle Toy offers playful enrichment and mental stimulation for dogs (and cats) by turning treat time into a sniff-and-search game. With multiple leafy layers to hide treats inside, the toy encourages natural foraging behaviors. As Dr. Clark puts it, “You can hide treats inside the artichoke leaves, and my dog Barley has to sniff them out and root around to get them.” This not only delights pets but also helps slow their eating and engage their brains, making each treat a fun, enriching experience.

“My dog could roll this around all day if I let her,” said Neeley Bowden, Product Innovation Manager, about this next toy. The Outward Hound Treat Tumble is perfect for pets who thrive on activity and mental stimulation. Because dogs can push it around on their own, it turns treat time into a game, encouraging natural foraging instincts, physical movement, and longer play. It’s a great pick for energetic pups who need a bit of fun and enrichment built into their routine.

For the Humans Behind the Hounds

First, we have the Cleverpup Park Pack Dog Gear Tote Set, a thoughtfully designed, all-in-one tote that makes outings with your dog easier and more organized. Recommended by Neeley, it includes a human-grade, food-safe treat pouch, a built-in poop-bag dispenser, a collapsible travel bowl, and a ventilated ball pocket, all housed within eight total compartments for treats, toys, hydration, and essentials. A wipe-clean base and durable polyester construction make it rugged enough for park trips, hikes, or everyday errands. Whether you’re packing for a walk, a play session, or a weekend adventure, this tote keeps everything you and your dog need in one tidy, easy-to-carry bag.

Another recommendation from Neeley, these mission-driven socks deliver comfort with a cause. Each pair of Conscious Step Socks That Save Dogs helps fund organizations dedicated to rescuing, protecting, and rehoming dogs in need. Made with soft, durable materials and designed for everyday wear, they offer a simple way to support animal welfare while adding a bit of personality to your wardrobe. A thoughtful gift for dog lovers who want their purchases to make a meaningful impact. 

For Your Favorite Feline

Essentials that enrich a cat’s day, from whiskers to tail.

“My cat loves the Blue Buffalo Tastefuls Purées and would happily make it part of her everyday routine,” said Anna Gilfoyle, Analyst with Nutrition & Innovation Services. They’re made with just five ingredients, and the resealable pouch keeps well in the fridge for up to five days, meaning cat parents can give a small portion at a time. Anna added: “She licks it straight from the tube and somehow always manages to get a little stuck on her nose—adorable!”

Cady Wolf, Media Analyst, recommends the Yeowww! Daisy’s Flower Catnip Toy, a favorite in her household. Made with 100% organic leaf-and-flower-top catnip, this toy is brightly colored and contains no fillers. It’s crafted from durable twill fabric and plush faux fur to offer varied textures and withstand rough play. Each toy is hand-stuffed and sewn in the USA. It’s the perfect item for interactive play or a cozy snuggle.

Catalyst Pet’s Healthy Cat Soft Wood Litter delivers an impressive mix of performance and sustainability. This pine-based, lightweight litter keeps dust to a minimum while forming tight, easy-to-scoop clumps. Its natural wood fibers absorb significantly more than traditional clay options, helping neutralize odors and keep the entire space feeling fresh. Kait Wright, Senior Analyst, notes that it’s one of the only litters her cats will reliably use—a strong endorsement of its soft texture and naturally clean scent! For anyone hoping to give their pets, the planet, and themselves a meaningful upgrade this season, this litter is a thoughtful and eco-friendly choice. As a bonus, if you order it online, it comes shipped in a cardboard box; what cat doesn’t love that!

For Proud Cat Parents

This custom, hand-embroidered tee is a heartfelt way for cat lovers to wear their affection proudly. Each shirt is personalized with your cat’s name and a stitched portrait that captures their unique charm, making it a one-of-a-kind keepsake. Soft, durable fabric ensures all-day comfort, while the handcrafted embroidery adds an artisanal touch that feels special and intentional. It’s a meaningful gift for anyone who wants to carry their feline companion close, whether they’re lounging at home or out sharing their cat-parent pride with the world.

Pet Wellness Essentials

Trusted picks designed to help pets feel their best, from recovery to daily care.

The PETS PEMF Pad for Pets is a cutting-edge wellness tool designed to support pets’ comfort, recovery, and overall quality of life. By delivering gentle pulsed electromagnetic fields, this pad helps stimulate circulation, soothe tired muscles, and promote relaxation, especially beneficial after activity, with aging, or during recovery. Take it from Lee Ann, who has fostered more than 20 dogs! Its pet-friendly size and simple setup make it suitable for animals of many shapes and sizes, from small cats and dogs to larger breeds. For pet parents committed to proactive, holistic care, this PEMF pad offers a modern, science-inspired way to support long-term wellness and well-being.

Recommended by Dr. Jen Parsons, Director of Nutrition, the SurePet Microchip Feeder is a true game-changer for multi-pet households, giving cats and dogs individualized access to their own diets while preventing food stealing and supporting pets with medical, dietary, or weight-management needs. Its latest model features an integrated scale that tracks exactly how much each pet eats and when, and the connected app lets you monitor feeding behavior from anywhere. Paired with SurePet’s water dispenser, which records individual hydration, the system offers a smart, data-driven approach to daily care that helps families stay ahead of their pets’ nutrition and wellness needs.

Another recommendation from Neeley, the Keep Going Pet First Aid Kit is a thoughtfully assembled, 99-piece emergency kit designed to help pet parents stay prepared for unexpected scrapes, stings, or minor injuries at home or on the go. Stocked with essentials like bandages, antiseptic wipes, gauze, tools, and pet-specific care items, it’s a practical addition for families who adventure with their dogs or want peace of mind for both cats and dogs in everyday life. Compact, organized, and easy to pack, this kit ensures you’re ready to respond quickly and confidently when your pet needs a little extra care.

For All Your Furry, Feathered & Scaly Friends

Curated picks that help pets of all shapes and sizes stay healthy and engaged.

For horses who appreciate something truly special, Honest to Goodness Upcycled Horse Treats deliver big flavor with a light environmental footprint. Made with just nine simple ingredients, including upcycled bananas and apples, these treats strike a rare balance: nutritious, planet-friendly, and absolutely irresistible. Neeley’s horses go crazy for them, and she loves knowing that every bite supports both their well-being and a more sustainable food system. A smart, feel-good choice for any equine household.

The BirdBuddy Smart Bird Feeder brings backyard birdwatching to life with automatic photo and video capture of every feathered visitor. Its built-in camera identifies species, sends real-time alerts, and creates a personal gallery of stunning close-ups you’d never catch with the naked eye. Durable, weather-ready, and easy to set up, it’s a delightful addition for anyone who loves wildlife or wants a daily dose of nature right outside their window. A thoughtful, tech-forward gift that turns birdwatching into an interactive, joyful experience.

The Mealworm Growing Pods from The Bug Factory offer an eco-friendly, nutrient-rich treat option that supports natural foraging behaviors and promotes sustainability. Ideal for reptiles, birds, small mammals, or insectivorous pets, these pods grow live mealworms from larvae, delivering fresh, protein-packed food that pets instinctively enjoy. They’re easy to maintain, space-efficient, and a more natural alternative to processed treats. For owners who care about nutrition, enrichment, and sustainability, these growing pods provide an imaginative, wholesome way to support your pet’s dietary and instinctual needs.

The Enriched Life Bamboo Ball Pit is a playful, low-impact enrichment tool designed for small animals like rabbits, guinea pigs, and even some exotic pets, providing a safe, stimulating outlet for their natural digging and burrowing instincts. Crafted with pet-safe bamboo and designed to encourage exploration and physical activity, it helps prevent boredom, supports mental well-being, and adds enriching variety to everyday life. Especially for indoor pets, this ball pit offers a fun, engaging way to mimic natural behaviors in a controlled environment.

As we wrap up this year’s Holiday Gift Guide, we’re grateful to share insights shaped by the hundreds of products, innovations, and ideas we evaluate each year across every corner of the pet industry. Our goal is always the same: to help pets thrive and to support the people who care for them with dependable, research-informed recommendations. We hope these selections spark inspiration, bring joy to the animals in your life, and make the season a little brighter for every species in your home.

From all of us at BSM Partners, we wish you a wonderful holiday season filled with health, connection, and countless moments shared with the pets who mean so much! 

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About the Authors

Neeley Bowden is a Manager of Special Services on the BSM Partners Product Innovation team. She earned her bachelor's degree in pet food production and her master's in food science. In her early career, she worked in product innovation of pet food ingredients, focusing on the development of palatability enhancers. Bowden calls her horse farm in South Carolina home, along with her faithful canine, Allie. 

Anna Guilfoyle is a Product Innovation Analyst at BSM Partners. She earned her bachelor's degree in Animal Science with a minor in Pet Food Science from Kansas State University. During her undergraduate studies, Anna supported research in animal welfare and completed coursework in food safety, product development, and pet food processing. She also holds a PCQI certification in human food production.

She has internship experience in companion animal nutrition including formulation and production support across various product types. Anna enjoys blending creativity with science to support innovation within the industry. She is passionate about improving the well-being of animals and has cared for a wide range of species from companion animals to production animals.