The Local newsletter is your free, daily guide to life in Colorado. For locals, by locals.
Denver’s notorious pro-pet persona has made it a hotbed for innovation in the industry. This means that there are tons of new products hitting pet shops across town, and sorting through them all can be a bit overwhelming. Here, we’re highlighting eight leaders of the pack—all crafted by your fellow dog-loving Coloradans.
Read More: The Oversimplified Guide to Adopting an Adventure Dog
Jump Ahead:
- Two Dog Night Melanzana Microgrid Fleece Hoodie
- Rocky Mountain Hound Paw Balm
- Kong Deluxe Swivel Tether
- Puzette
- Outward Hound Granby Splash Dog Life Jacket
- Atlas Pet Company Lifetime Leash
- OllyDog OllyBottle
- Hoot & Co Quick Release Collar
Plus, Local Dog Food:
1. Two Dog Night Melanzana Microgrid Fleece Hoodie
- Price: $45–$50
- Where to buy: Made to order
Forget Prada; owning a Melanzana pullover is the status symbol in the Centennial State. Now you and your mutt can match, thanks to Two Dog Night. The Leadville maker upcycles scraps of the signature stretchy, microgrid fleece to craft athleisure hoodies for pups. With eight different sizes and 25 colorways to choose from, every breed can be a part of the Melly mania.
Read More: Melanzana Is Colorado’s Most Coveted (and Reclusive) Clothing Line
2. Rocky Mountain Hound Paw Balm
- Price: $12
- Where to buy: Online
Colorado’s dry climate can be tough on canines. That’s why Rocky Mountain Hound, based in Ridgway, created this soothing Paw Balm to moisturize your mutt’s beans. Rub this all-natural combo of organic beeswax, shea butter, vitamin E, coconut oil, and olive oil on Fido’s Fritos the next time you notice cracked or dry paws (it’s safe for their snoot, too).
3. Kong Deluxe Swivel Tether
- Price: $30
- Where to buy: Online or at many major pet stores
Yes, even your pupper should wear a seatbelt. Add an extra layer of safety to your next trip to the trailhead with Golden-based Kong’s Deluxe Swivel Tether. One end inserts directly into the seatbelt slot, and the swivel clip attaches to your dog’s harness. The tether can be adjusted to up to 30 inches and includes a shock absorber.
4. Puzette
- Price: $60
- Where to buy: Online
Inspired by the musette, a small bag designed to carry cyclists’ food and water, the Puzette serves the same purpose for your pup. With a total capacity of 4.5 liters, this small-but-mighty satchel made by a Denver-based company of the same name can tote everything your tail-wagging trail buddy needs. Easily grab poop bags from the corner dispenser, store toys and water bottles inside the main compartment’s interior elastic organizer, and keep treats accessible in the front snap pocket. The stabilizer cord keeps the cross-body bag from dangling when you bend over, and the cinch cord on the outside gives you a place to carry used poop bags (that isn’t your hand).
5. Outward Hound Granby Splash Dog Life Jacket
- Price: $25–$45
- Where to buy: Online or at many major pet stores
Before you bring your border collie on the boat, invest in a high-quality life jacket, like this one from Centennial-based company Outward Hound. Made with ripstop material and a neoprene belly band, the Granby jacket is suitable for seasoned and novice swimmers. Rescue handles on the top make for easy retrievals, and a front neck float helps keep your canine’s head above water.
6. Atlas Pet Company Lifetime Leash
- Price: $85–$100
- Where to buy: Online
This may be the most expensive leash you’ll ever buy, but Atlas Pet Company guarantees it’ll also be the last. Made from dry-treated climbing rope and offered in five- or eight-foot lengths, the Lifetime Leash is built to withstand Colorado’s sun, snow, and everything in between. The custom clamps are repairable, and the stainless-steel swivel clip is both durable and user-friendly. If your dog does manage to chew through it or grows out of it, the Golden-based company will repair or replace the tether for free.
7. OllyDog OllyBottle
- Price: $18 for 600 milliliters; $20 for one liter
- Where to buy: Online
This water bottle from Boulder-based OllyDog pulls double duty by carrying hydration for humans and hounds. Available in two sizes, the OllyBottle has a built-in, detachable bowl that makes sharing water on the trails simple. No worries if your St. Bernard is a bit of a slobbery slurper; the whole thing is dishwasher safe.
8. Hoot & Co Quick Release Collar
- Price: $45–$62
- Where to buy: Online
Since 2014, Hoot & Co has been crafting sturdy yet stylish pet accessories from its Denver headquarters. Its Quick Release Collar, which comes in 13 earthy colors that range from plum to sage, are composed of a custom-coated webbing that’s waterproof, mold-resistant, and easy to clean. And the brass hardware and buckles won’t rust no matter how many lake days your doggo enjoys, thanks to the top layer of zinc alloy.
4 Colorado Dog Food Brands to Check Out
Anderson’s Natural Pet Food
Owner Dan Barnet boasts that if a five-year-old can’t read an ingredient, it doesn’t go into the blend. This rule has resulted in a simple, healthy, chemical-free product. The elk, beef, and lamb meat starts at the company’s ranch in Montrose, Colorado, where animals are kept hormone- and steroid-free. Then, Colorado-grown fruit and veggies like zucchini, kale, and apples are thrown into the mix.
Suzie’s CBD Treats
These soothing CBD biscuits and tinctures are an effective antidote for your pet’s anxiety (perfect for doggos fearful of thunderstorms or fireworks). The products are made with organic hemp grown on the company’s farm in Fort Collins, which is turned into oils and baked goods.
The Bear & The Rat
Give Fido a frozen treat that won’t upset his tummy. Made from goat’s milk and containing no preservatives, these yogurt cups come in fun flavors like bacon and peanut butter and pumpkin and cinnamon, and even contain probiotic cultures to keep your pet’s gut healthy and happy.
I and Love and You
Beloved brand I and Love and You started when employees of a small Boulder pet store wanted to give their own pets raw, healthy food. They started selling the food they made for their furry friends in stores, and their creation became so popular that the employees spun it off into a new company that hawks raw food, kibble, and treats.
