- Image by voteprime via Flickr
While the market says the pet industry is doing well and will continue to do so this year, there are also incidents like the cancellation of the Luxury Pet Pavilion scheduled for March 12 and 13 in Los Angeles with no reason offered that appear to be a nod to not pushing your luck. Given our economic “one foot in the water, one in the sand” perspective, what’s the pet product market doing to keep up with niche market demands?
People want products that go with their personal lifestyles and even their philosophical sensibilities. With Yep Yup and other design companies that focus on the whole lifestyle of you and your furry family beds, your sofa pillows, collars and leashes too, our interior lives with our dogs and cats are harmonious. But what about when we go out for long walks (on the beach would be nice about now…oh, sorry…digressing) or hiking with our dogs? Spring is fast approaching (thank you!) and we’ll be outside again. What’s new that works? What are you packing in your backpack?
The Squishy bowl started as an item that could easily be squeezed into a
hiker’s backpack, or a camper’s kit. Josh Guyot, CEO, designer and owner of Guyot Designs in Deer Isle, Maine, used flexible silicone and the bowl fits active people’s lifestyles. Then came the line for dogs, too, from the new 12oz to 48oz capacity. Prices start at $10.95 (BPA and polycarbonate free).
Aqua Pure Breed Mountain, Natural, and Mineral Enhanced dog waters available for “on-the-go canines” can be purchased retail or delivered. They have several formulas: Bone & Joint Support; Healthy Skin & Coat; Pure Premium Spring Water Pink with natural spring water, and Blue with more Magnesium for, as the maker states, ”maintaining nerve function and combating heart disease.”
This is a portable disposable water “bottle”, which is really shaped like a jar that holds 8 ounces. There are some questions, but I’ll go for two here. Shallow jars are not ideal for other than small dogs in terms of spill over from actively lapping tongues. Was the target market only small dogs? And regarding the disposable concept, does the product have an eco-friendly component?
When I called, I got a voicemail system that did not identify the company. I’ve not had a return call. Perhaps they are closed on Mondays. Or there’s a nice website with the sound of the surf playing in the background that we can use to stay relaxed while we work:)
If you’ve used the Squishy bowl, how has it worked for you? Is it easy to clean on trails?
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6 Responses
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I've never been a big consumer of "dog products". Then again, I'm not a hiker (maybe I should be), so I've not had the need to buy squishy bowls and the like. They do seem like a good idea for hikers or people that are traveling with their dog.
The canned water for dogs seems a little bit strange to me and I wonder if it is a very small niche?
(1) Shallow jars are not ideal for other than small dogs in terms of spill over from actively lapping tongues. Was the target market only small dogs?
(2) And regarding the disposable concept, does the product have an eco-friendly component?
Answer to Author: (1) Our 8 ounce water bottles are intended for smaller breeds, however, we are developing a larger 12 ounce water bottle for the big guys!
(2) These bottles are quality made and can be reused to a certain extent. All plastic inputs and assembly
Answer to Jim: You might be surprised at the amount of uses that a product like Aqua Pure Breed has. Activities like long walks, car rides, patio dining, traveling, shopping at outdoor malls, trips to the park or beach, or even storing in emergency preparedness kits (2YR shelf-life) are all practical uses for Aqua Pure Breed.
Do feel free to ask any additional question, or Email us directly at Info@AquaPureBreed.com.
Thanks for your Interest!
Hi David, and thanks for answering our questions. I am glad we got a chance to connect today! Space available wiped your direct email link, but it does give everyone stuck in this snowy weather the opportunity to hear the sounds of the ocean at your website!
Continuing the Discussion