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It’s always interesting to look through our shopping articles at the end of the year to see what Rover blog readers purchased the most: not only does this give us valuable insight into the needs and necessities of pet parents, it usually reveals a time capsule of sorts, a glimpse into the things that happened in the world over the last 12 months. And boy, was 2020 a doozy.
Looking at the data from this year, we could see that from all the puppy basics and pet essentials purchased, lots of folks hopped aboard the pandemic pet adoption boom and welcomed a new puppy or adult pet into their life. From the enrichment and puzzle toys in high demand this year, pet parents were seeking new and inventive ways to entertain and engage their new family members. And from the grooming items sold, from dental products to pet wipes, keeping pets healthy and comfortable—from the comfort and safety of home—was a big priority.
All these data points ladder up to how so many of us spent time with our pets during this unprecedented year.
So, what were pet moms and dads buying online the most? Read on to learn more about the items that were flying off the e-shelves at Chewy in 2020.
Our Readers’ Favorite Chewy Pet Products of the Year
From puzzle toys to pet lasers and canine loungers, here are the products our readers bought the most on Chewy in 2020.
Top Harness: Kurgo Tru-Fit Smart Harness
Created with technology used by rock climbers, this crash-tested dog harness is designed to keep your dog safe while riding in the car. But, with adjustable straps and steel clips at the back for walking and front (for pullers), it’s a great, versatile all-around dog harness, too.
Shop at ChewyTop Dog Bowl: Frisco Stainless Steel Bowl
This bowl is more than just a shiny, pretty face—it’s also got a super-smart design (and believe me, we know a lot about dog bowls). The wide, rubber base of this 4.75-cup dog bowl keeps it from sliding around, no matter how enthusiastically your dog devours their dinner. Plus, it’s easy to keep clean since it is dishwasher safe. Bonus: Get two matching bowls via the link below.
Shop at ChewyTop Pet Bed: Dogzilla Rectangular Lounger
Stuffed with a plush, recycled polyester fill and covered with a durable polyester fabric, this lounger is both comfy and made to last. And even better—if this gets dirty, you can toss this bed straight into the washer.
Shop at ChewyTop Dog Wipes: Nature’s Miracle Deodorizing Dog Bath Wipes
Keeping canines smelling fresh and clean became its own at-home adventure this year. Luckily, these deodorizing bath wipes came to the rescue for many pet moms and dads. Simple to use but effective at getting rid of odors, they’re gentle enough that you can use them everyday on your dog without drying out their skin or coat.
Shop at ChewyTop Bully Stick: Bones & Chews Bully Stick
We all deserve treats for surviving this year—and our dogs are no different! These all-beef chews seem to be doing the trick for lots of folks, not only because they protein-rich and tasty, but they keep clean teeth and gums while the pup chews away. Just make sure to keep an eye on them while they’re chewing to avoid any potential choking hazards.
Shop at ChewyTop Plush Toy: Kong Cozie Moose Plush Dog Toy
It’s not just kids that appreciate a good lovey—and these plush toys make an excellent friend for pups who haven’t been able to get as much socializing in during this past year. Got a frisky pup on your hand? No problem. Though these fellas are cute and cuddly, they’re also made with an extra layer of material that protects them from energetic chompers.
Shop at ChewyTop Poop Bags: Frisco Planet-Friendly Dog Poop Bags
Though perhaps not the most…sexy…pet product, dog parents know poop bags are of the utmost importance. These Frisco bags are available in scented or non-scented 120- or 270-bag packs, fit in most standard bag dispensers, and are made with a special kind of plastic designed to break down faster than other brands.
Shop at ChewyTop Chew Toy: Kong Puppy Dog Toy
It’s no surprise that this classic made the list: trusted pet brand Kong is one of the first companies new pet parents often learn about when seeking toys for new puppies. This version is specially customized for a puppy’s growing baby teeth and made of all-natural rubber that’s gentle yet satisfying to a puppy with an instinctual need to chew. Bounce it around the house or stuff it with treats—however you use it, you’ll quickly understand why Kong has been a staple with pet parents for decades.
Shop at ChewyFavorite Treat: Wellness Soft Puppy Bites Dog Treats
Rover readers really had puppy fever this year, because, yes, the top purchased treat across the board was a puppy training treat!
Puppies with growing teeth and gums will benefit from a chewier treat, and these soft training treats are specially formulated for dogs under a year old. They’re the perfect snack to support and incentivize your eager young pup on their training journey.
Shop at ChewyFavorite Food: Blue Buffalo Dog Food
The top all-around dog food purchased on Chewy this year? Yet another puppy-specific product, making it safe to say that pet adoptions drove a lot of business on the pet e-tailer in 2020. Blue Buffalo’s highly-rated and little-recalled puppy formula is always a quality option—just be sure to buy the right formula for your specific puppy (there are different formulas based on puppy size and breed). Remember to make sure to never feed your puppy adult dog food, as puppies and adult dogs have very different nutritional needs.
Shop at ChewyTop Fetch Toy: Chuckit! Rubber Ultra Ball
Born to fly, these classic Chuckit! Ultra rubber balls are the best friend of any dog who loves to play fetch and run like the wind, and the best friend of any human hoping to tire that dog out. Whether you use the Chuckit! launcher or throw it by hand, this ball is popular for a variety of reasons—it’s easy to clean, floats in water, can bounce off of pretty much anything, and is bright enough to keep track of.
Shop at ChewyTop Puzzle or Enrichment Toy: Trixie Dog Games
We’re all spending a lot more time indoors, and it’s important to have some games for your dog to play. This toy pictured is not the exact top-purchased Chewy toy (that one is out of stock), but readers gravitated towards the Trixie brand of puzzle toys this year. The brand’s various lines of toys stimulate your dog as they work to solve the puzzles and find treats, and they are also adjustable when it comes to levels of difficulty. Non-slip rubber feet keep the toy in place, and you can always toss this in the dishwasher when the slobber’s gone too far.
Shop at ChewyTop Training Treat: American Journey Training Treats
Soft, tasty, and low in calories, each treat is a protein-rich reward that your dog will love. Their small size makes them perfect for training, but you don’t have to feel guilty about doling them out to your good boy or girl just because, either.
Shop at ChewyTop Pet Toothpaste: Virbac Enzymatic Toothpaste
This toothpaste is safe for both canines and kitties, and the enzyme-based formula is designed to keep plaque from forming. The poultry flavor is appealing to pets, making brushing their teeth go a bit more smoothly.
Shop at ChewyTop Cat Toy: Ethical Pet Dog & Cat Laser Exerciser
Keep your cat amused while you’re working from home with this laser toy that’ll inspire them to chase their “prey” all over the house. The LED light is safe for animals (and for you), and can provide much-needed exercises and entertainment when they’re trapped indoors during these winter days. And who are we kidding, it’s so fun to watch them go crazy for this thing. (Just remember to go easy on it with dogs (who can get a little…obsessed), and reward your hard-working pet with a treat afterwards to satisfy the hunting instinct.)
Shop at ChewyTop Cat-Specific Toy: Frisco Bird Teaser With Feathers
From the vibrant colors to the hints of catnip, this toy is going to quickly become your kitty’s favorite things to play with! You can feel good waving this bird around, considering it’s helping to keep your feline sharp, and giving them some of the daily exercise they need to stay healthy. And judging from the copious amounts of positive reviews of this toy, it seems to quickly become the “top bird” in every kitty’s pile of toys.
Shop at ChewyTop Cat Litter: Dr. Elsey’s Precious Cat Clumping Clay Litter
Since we’re spending a lot more time in our houses, it’s important to keep that environment…fresh. Therefore it’s very important to select the right cat litter not only to keep unpleasant smells at bay but to keep your kitty motivated to keep using it (as we all know, kitties love clean and tidy environments). This litter is “ultra clumping” and prevents moisture from reaching the bottom of the tray with clumps that don’t break down. It’s also good for houses with more than one cat, and is hypoallergenic, too.
Shop at ChewyTop Cat Food: Fancy Feast Canned Cat Food
Fancy Feast is a classic for a reason: kitties simply go crazy for these gravy-drenched meals. This variety 24-can pack offers a variety of flavors your cat will come running for whenever you pop a lid.
Shop at ChewyFurther Reading
For more solutions to living your best life with your pet, check out the articles below.