A large blue inflatable sphere with the words "Global Pet Expo" in white lettering.
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Wholesome Goods, through our PupGrade Pack, took on Orlando for the first time as an exhibitor at Global Pet Expo, one of the largest pet industry trade shows in the world. 

From meeting like-minded pet lovers and professionals to showcasing PupGrade’s latest innovations, it was truly an unforgettable experience. Oh, and did we mention? We won Best in Show for the Dog Category in the New Product Showcase, a significant achievement for our pet wellness division. 

Here’s a look at PupGrade’s exciting and successful adventure at the Expo:

A group of six PupGrade team members stand in front a booth with pet supplies and a dog lying on a bed in the foreground.

The PupGrade Booth: A Must-Visit Spot

Our vibrant booth quickly became a hotspot for both two-legged and four-legged visitors! We loved connecting with everyone who stopped by, sharing our passion for pet wellness, and handing out goodies—Free samples, PupGrade swag, and even delicious pup cups for their furry friends.

a photo collage of various dogs eating a pup cup at the PupGrade booth

The real star of our booth though was none other than one of our favorite PupGrade pups—Eli, the face behind the brand! He was a total canine celebrity, drawing in crowds with his charm and adorable face. 

And with a GoPro strapped to his back, Eli became the ultimate Expo reporter, capturing all the action from a pup’s perspective (when he wasn’t busy getting spoiled with pup cups, of course). 

This image depicts a medium-sized dog with a tan coat, wearing a harness with a camera attached to its back. The background is a digitally altered image with a teal circle in the center and blue cross-shaped designs in the corners.

Our PupGrade team, along with Eli, had the pleasure of meeting some incredible dogs (and their humans!) from all over the world. From adventure-loving pups to service dog heroes, these four-legged influencers made the Expo even more memorable. A huge shout-out to some of the amazing dogs we met:

Meeting so many diverse animals and the people who love them was incredible. It truly highlighted the strong bond we share with our pets, which is at the heart of everything we do at PupGrade.

photo collage with one photo being a group of PupGrade members and announcers on stage and the other an upclose shot of the award and PupGrade product Anal Gland Support

The Big Moment: PupGrade Becomes Best in Show

Now onto the moment we can’t stop barking about… 

One of the biggest highlights of the event was entering PupGrade’s latest product, Anal Gland Support soft chews, into the New Product Showcase—and taking home the Best in Show award for the Dog Category! 

This supplement was designed to support healthy gland function and digestion in dogs, offering a natural option for a common but often overlooked aspect of health. Winning this award is not just a milestone for PupGrade—it’s a testament to our commitment to pet health and wellness.

Anal Gland Support will be available on PupGrade’s site very soon, so be sure to keep an eye out for it!

Entrance to the Global Pet Expo with people walking through.

Beyond the Booth: Networking & Learning

Global Pet Expo offered much more than just a platform to showcase our brand and products; it was a giant hub for learning, making connections, and discovering new trends. Our team (including our resident good boy, Eli) spent time networking with retailers, industry experts, and fellow pet brands to gain valuable insights and form exciting new partnerships.

We also attended several key sessions to gain insights into the future of the pet industry, including the highly anticipated State of the Pet Industry presentation by NielsenIQ. Here are some of the major takeaways: 

So what did our team learn? A lot to say the least—Here are some highlights:

  • Human-Pet Health Trends: Consumers want pet products mirroring human health trends (gluten-free, natural).
  • Global Pet Growth: Pet ownership is rising, especially cats; global pet population over 1 billion.
  • Economic Impact: Pet parents seek deals due to economic pressures.
  • E-commerce Surge: Online shopping is a major pet category growth driver.
  • Sustainability & Innovation: Growing focus on sustainable products and natural ingredients.

Additionally, our team explored the growing role of AI automation and digital tools in the pet industry, including innovations like DogGPT (currently in beta). This AI-powered platform is designed to provide pet parents with quick, expert-backed answers to common pet care questions, offering a more reliable alternative to traditional search engines.

It’s clear that innovation is rapidly transforming the pet industry, and PupGrade is excited to be a part of that evolution.

A group of six people, who appear to be of various ethnicities based on their skin tones, stand in front of a pet supply booth with the branding "pupgrade." They are all wearing white t-shirts with the "pupgrade" logo and are holding white tote bags with the same logo. A small dog, possibly a mixed breed based on its appearance, sits on the ground in front of them.

So… What’s Next for PupGrade?

With all of that being said—Our first time exhibiting at Global Pet Expo was a resounding success! 

A huge thank you to our amazing PupGrade team, partners, and customers who continue to support our mission of creating wholesome, high-quality products for pets and their people.

With new connections, ideas, and now an award-winning product, we’re more excited than ever for what’s ahead. Stay tuned for more updates from PupGrade, Wholesome Goods, and our entire family of brands—we’re just getting started!