What is Pet Product Testing?
Understanding Product Testing for Pets
Product testing in the pet industry refers to the process where pet owners receive items—like food, treats, toys, or grooming products—from brands to try out at home. The goal is to provide feedback about the product’s quality, usefulness, and how well it works for their pets. This allows companies to test their products in real-world settings before releasing them to a broader market.
For pet brands, it’s an invaluable way to refine and improve their offerings. For pet owners, it’s a chance to access new products for free or at a discount, while helping shape the future of pet care.
Why Pet Owners Should Participate in Testing Programs
Saving money on pet products
Pet expenses can add up quickly—especially when it comes to high-quality food, supplements, or accessories. Product testing programs offer a practical way to cut down on costs. By receiving free or discounted samples in exchange for feedback, pet owners can try premium products without stretching their budget.
Trying products before committing to purchases
Every pet is unique. A product that works for one dog or cat might not work for another. With testing programs, pet owners can see how their pets respond to new products before spending money. This helps avoid waste and ensures the chosen product truly fits their pet’s needs.
Helping brands improve their products
Your feedback matters. When pet owners share their honest opinions, they help brands develop better products. Whether it’s adjusting the flavor of a treat or improving the durability of a toy, your input plays a critical role in the product design process. Participating in these programs lets you influence what ends up on store shelves.
The Benefits of Free Pet Samples and Trials
Saving Money on Pet Products
One of the biggest advantages of participating in pet product testing programs is the opportunity to cut down on expenses. Instead of buying full-sized items with no guarantee your pet will like or benefit from them, you receive free pet samples or deeply discounted products to try out first. Whether it’s a new brand of dog food, cat litter, or grooming tool, product testing lets you evaluate quality before investing.
Here’s how these savings can stack up:
Table: Potential Savings from Pet Testing Programs
| Product Type | Average Retail Price | Cost via Product Testing | Savings Per Item |
|---|---|---|---|
| Premium Dog Food (5lb bag) | $25.00 | $0 (sample) | $25.00 |
| Cat Litter (10lb bag) | $15.00 | $0 (sample) | $15.00 |
| Dog Chew Toy | $10.00 | $2.00 (discounted test) | $8.00 |
| Pet Shampoo (8oz) | $12.00 | $0 (sample) | $12.00 |
| Flea Treatment Sample | $30.00 | $5.00 (trial price) | $25.00 |
Across just a few categories, it’s easy to see how pet owners can save hundreds of dollars per year while trying out high-quality, often premium, products.
Ensuring Quality and Safety for Your Pet
Not all pet products are created equal. When you participate in a pet testing program, you’re not just saving money—you’re also taking a hands-on role in ensuring that what you give your pet meets your expectations for safety and quality.
Brands usually submit their products for testing only after complying with certain standards, especially for food, treats, and health-related items. Many manufacturers adhere to the AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) guidelines or FDA regulations for pet food safety, ensuring proper ingredient quality and labeling.
Your real-world feedback adds another layer of safety verification—by observing how your pet responds, you can spot allergic reactions, aversions, or any inconsistencies brands might have missed during internal testing.
Discovering New Products for Your Pet
One of the most exciting parts of pet product testing is getting early access to innovative or lesser-known products. Maybe you’re introduced to a grain-free treat your dog loves, or an eco-friendly litter that solves a long-standing odor issue. Testing programs often work with newer brands or freshly released products, meaning you get to be on the frontlines of what’s new in the pet care world.
Even larger companies use these programs to launch new lines of food, grooming products, or enrichment toys. Instead of sticking to what you know, you get the chance to broaden your pet product horizon—often at no cost.
Top Pet Brands Offering Product Testing Platforms
Petco
Petco is one of the most recognized names in the pet industry, and they occasionally offer opportunities for customers to participate in product testing programs. These can include testing pet food, grooming tools, treats, or accessories. While they don’t run an always-open public tester platform, they partner with third-party platforms and conduct seasonal product trials for engaged customers.
If you’re subscribed to Petco’s rewards program or newsletter, you may receive invites for beta tests or early product access.
Petco Product Testing Opportunities
| Product Type | Availability | How to Join |
|---|---|---|
| Dog/Cat Food | Occasionally | Subscribe to Vital Care or newsletters |
| Pet Toys | Ongoing | Watch for in-store promotions or surveys |
| Grooming Tools | Rare | Join customer feedback programs |
| Accessories | Seasonal | Participate in promotional events |
PetSmart
PetSmart offers occasional product sampling and testing campaigns through partnerships with pet brands and loyalty programs like Treats Rewards. While they don’t offer a centralized product testing platform, users who engage regularly with PetSmart content, social media, or events can score early-access samples or participate in review campaigns.
PetSmart also partners with sampling companies and market research firms to distribute samples of pet food and treats.
Types of Products Available for Testing:
- Dry and wet pet food
- Pet treats
- Grooming products
- Toys and training tools
How to Sign Up:
- Join the Treats Rewards program
- Complete PetSmart surveys and feedback forms
- Check emails for exclusive offers and free sample invites
Chewy
Chewy is known for its customer-first approach and often surprises loyal customers with free samples of new or popular products. While they don’t have a formal product testing platform open to everyone, many customers report receiving trial items based on their purchase history.
They also partner with third-party platforms and conduct periodic product trials, especially for food, toys, and supplements.
Popular Tested Products Include:
- Blue Buffalo treats
- Greenies dental chews
- Hill’s Science Diet dry food
- Natural flea treatments
Tips:
- Leave reviews regularly on purchased items
- Subscribe to Chewy emails and push notifications
- Follow their social media for giveaways and test campaigns
Purina and Hill’s Pet Nutrition
These two industry giants often run structured pet product testing programs—especially for food, supplements, and special dietary needs. Both companies offer robust feedback mechanisms and include vet-approved trials for pets with specific health conditions.
How to Join:
- Visit their brand-specific websites (e.g., Purina’s “Try It First” campaigns)
- Register for email newsletters and pet profiles
- Participate in social media campaigns and vet clinic promotions
Program Benefits:
- Receive high-value samples tailored to your pet’s dietary needs
- Access to nutrition experts and detailed product education
- Option to submit reviews or testimonials that may be featured
Royal Canin
Royal Canin focuses on scientifically-formulated pet nutrition, often collaborating with veterinary clinics and breed-specific organizations. Their testing programs are especially beneficial for pet owners with dogs or cats that require tailored diets—like weight management, sensitive digestion, or breed-specific formulas.
Key Highlights:
- Invitations often come through veterinary partners
- Their sample campaigns are breed- or issue-specific
- Great for owners of senior pets or pets with allergies
Pro Tip: Ask your vet if they’re affiliated with Royal Canin’s vet outreach programs for access to exclusive test samples.
BarkBox
BarkBox is a subscription-based service focused on toys and treats for dogs. While it’s a paid subscription, BarkBox also offers periodic opportunities to test new or prototype toys before full releases. Feedback from subscribers is a core part of their product development cycle.
How Their Testing Works:
- Subscribers receive themed boxes monthly
- Occasionally, test items are included in the box with a request for feedback
- They monitor customer response to select top items for future boxes
Why It’s Worth It:
- Exposure to brand-new or custom-designed dog toys and treats
- BarkBox tailors options to dog size and play style
- Fun and engaging for both dogs and owners
Nutro and Weruva
While Nutro and Weruva are smaller brands compared to the giants, they’re highly trusted for their natural and health-focused pet foods. They occasionally offer free trial packs, especially during new product launches or through third-party testing platforms.
Opportunities with Nutro:
- Grain-free and limited ingredient food testing
- Often works with pet retail partners like Chewy and Petco
Opportunities with Weruva:
- Known for high-moisture canned foods
- Trials often promoted through email campaigns and social media
How to Get Involved:
- Follow their brand pages on Instagram and Facebook
- Sign up for their newsletters
- Look out for pet blogger collaborations or influencer campaigns
How to Sign Up for Pet Product Testing Programs
The General Sign-Up Process
Signing up for pet product testing programs is a straightforward process, but it does require a little effort to ensure you’re eligible. Here’s how you can get started:
- Visit Brand Websites: Many brands with product testing programs offer sign-up forms directly on their websites. Look for sections like “Free Samples,” “Product Testing,” or “Become a Tester.” You may need to create an account or sign up for their newsletter to receive notifications when testing opportunities become available.
- Social Media Platforms: Brands often promote testing programs through social media, especially on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter. Follow your favorite pet brands and look for posts inviting you to join their product testing programs. Engaging with their posts can increase your chances of being chosen as a tester.
- Influencer Partnerships: Many pet brands partner with influencers or pet bloggers who share product testing opportunities with their followers. These influencers may share sign-up links or exclusive invitations to join testing programs.
- Third-Party Platforms: Some brands work with third-party companies, like Smiley360 or BzzAgent, which facilitate product testing opportunities. Signing up with these platforms gives you access to a variety of testing programs across multiple brands.
- Pet-Specific Platforms: Certain platforms focus entirely on pet products. For example, websites like Petco and Chewy offer exclusive testing opportunities to their loyal customers. Be sure to subscribe to their emails and update your preferences to get notified about any available offers.
Tips to Increase Your Chances of Being Selected
While the sign-up process is simple, getting selected for a product testing program can be more competitive. Here are a few strategies to increase your chances of being chosen:
- Engage on Social Media: Follow your favorite pet brands on their social media platforms and actively engage with their posts. Brands are more likely to pick customers who interact with their content regularly. Leave comments, share posts, and even tag friends in relevant product-related discussions.
- Write Reviews and Share Feedback: Many brands look for testers who have experience reviewing products. If you’ve already used a pet product and left a thoughtful review online (e.g., on Amazon, Chewy, or brand websites), this can increase your chances of being selected for future testing opportunities.
- Stay Active on Pet Forums and Groups: Some pet brands monitor pet-owner communities on Facebook or Reddit. Participating in discussions and sharing product experiences can help brands identify potential testers. These communities may also be the first to know about new testing programs.
- Update Your Profile: Make sure your account profiles on testing platforms or brand websites are complete. Some brands will ask for specific information, such as your pet’s breed, age, or health conditions to tailor products to your needs. Keep this information updated to increase the chances of being matched with the right products.
- Be Consistent with Surveys: If a brand asks you to fill out surveys, complete them with thorough and honest answers. Brands value testers who actively participate and provide valuable feedback. Filling out surveys not only keeps you engaged but also increases your chances of being considered for future opportunities.
- Respond Quickly: When you receive an invite to join a product test, don’t hesitate—respond quickly. Some programs have a limited number of spots, and the early birds often get the best opportunities.
By being proactive and engaging with brands, you’ll improve your chances of getting chosen for pet product testing programs.
Product Testing for Different Types of Pet Products
Food and Treats for Pets
Pet food and treats are among the most commonly tested products in the pet industry. Pet owners can try new food options for their dogs and cats without having to commit to a full-size purchase. Testing food products not only gives owners the chance to see if their pets enjoy the taste and experience any allergic reactions, but it also helps brands improve formulations based on real-world feedback.
Some popular food types that are commonly tested include:
- Dry kibble for dogs and cats
- Wet food or canned food
- Treats and snacks, ranging from training treats to special dietary options
- Specialized diet products, such as grain-free, hypoallergenic, or weight management formulas
Table: “Most Popular Pet Food Brands with Testing Opportunities”
| Brand Name | Product Type | How to Join Product Testing |
|---|---|---|
| Purina | Dog and Cat Food, Treats | Sign up via Purina’s website or social media offers. |
| Hill’s Pet Nutrition | Dry Food, Canned Food | Join their testing platform by subscribing to their newsletters. |
| Blue Buffalo | Dog and Cat Food, Treats | Register for free sample offers through their website. |
| Pedigree | Dog Food, Treats | Participate in surveys and review programs. |
| Royal Canin | Specialized Dog and Cat Food | Join through veterinary clinics or online offers. |
Pet Toys and Accessories
Testing for pet toys, bedding, and other accessories is a valuable part of the product testing experience. Pet owners want to ensure that toys are safe, durable, and suitable for their pets’ play needs, while accessories such as beds, collars, and leashes need to meet both comfort and safety standards.
- Toys: Product testing often involves durability, safety, and entertainment value. Pet owners can help brands understand if a toy keeps their pets engaged or if there are safety risks like small parts coming loose.
- Bedding: Testing includes comfort and support, especially for pets with specific needs such as orthopedic support for older pets.
- Accessories: Items like collars, harnesses, and leashes are tested for functionality, material quality, and comfort.
Real pet owners have shared how they benefited from testing products in these categories:
- One dog owner found a new favorite toy for their pet after testing a range of puzzle toys.
- A cat owner was able to test a self-cleaning litter box before committing to a full purchase, discovering that it wasn’t suitable for her cat’s size.
Pet Health Products (Supplements, Vitamins, etc.)
Pet health products such as supplements, vitamins, and wellness products are essential for pet owners who want to improve their pets’ quality of life. Participating in product testing allows owners to try out these health-focused products without risk.
Examples of popular pet health products tested include:
- Joint supplements for older pets or those with mobility issues
- Digestive aids and probiotics
- Vitamins and minerals for general health maintenance
A well-known example is Bayer Animal Health, which offers free trials of their Joint Care supplements for pets. This program allows pet owners to see the effectiveness of the supplements on their pets’ mobility and overall well-being. Feedback from real users has shown that such products can significantly improve pets’ health, provided they are chosen to suit the individual needs of the animal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are These Pet Product Testing Programs Legit?
When it comes to participating in pet product testing programs, it’s natural to have concerns about legitimacy. Unfortunately, not all testing platforms are trustworthy, and some may be scams designed to gather personal information or waste your time.
Here’s how you can ensure you’re joining legitimate programs:
- Check the brand’s official website: Reliable companies will often promote their product testing programs through their official channels, such as their website or social media.
- Read reviews: Look for feedback from other pet owners who have participated in the testing program. Websites like Trustpilot, Better Business Bureau (BBB), and social media reviews can provide insight into the program’s credibility.
- Avoid paying fees: Legitimate product testing programs will never ask you to pay upfront for samples. Be cautious if you’re asked for payment or credit card information.
- Verify with official retailers: Programs hosted by well-known pet retailers such as Petco, PetSmart, or Chewy are usually safe and reliable.
By verifying the platform’s legitimacy and doing a little research, you can avoid scams and safely participate in product testing.
Can I Get Paid for Testing Pet Products?
While most pet product testing programs offer free samples, the idea of getting paid for your time and participation is a common question. Generally, most programs offer free products or coupons rather than direct monetary compensation.
However, some platforms do reward testers with points, gift cards, or store credit, which can be redeemed for products. For example:
- BzzAgent and Influenster: These platforms offer points, rewards, and free product samples in exchange for honest feedback and product reviews. While the rewards are not direct cash payments, testers can accumulate points that can be converted into gift cards or used for future purchases.
- Smiley360: Similar to BzzAgent, Smiley360 provides product samples and earns points toward rewards, including gift cards.
If you’re looking for direct monetary compensation, be cautious. Pet product testing is usually more about providing valuable feedback than earning money.
How Many Free Samples Can I Get?
The number of free samples you can receive from pet product testing programs depends on the platform and your level of participation.
- Platform-specific limits: Some programs, like Chewy or Petco, have limits on how often they offer free samples. Typically, you’ll only receive free products once you’ve completed previous tests and provided feedback. You may also be limited to receiving one sample per product category (such as food, toys, or health products).
- Frequency of offers: The number of free samples you can get also varies based on demand, your pet’s profile (e.g., breed, age, dietary needs), and the number of testers required for a specific product. Some testers may receive multiple offers for different products over time, while others may receive fewer.
- Program requirements: The more actively you participate (e.g., reviewing products, sharing feedback), the more likely you are to receive additional samples or invitations for future product testing opportunities.
Best Practices for Participating in Pet Product Testing
Providing Honest Feedback
When participating in pet product testing programs, one of the most valuable contributions you can make is providing honest feedback. Brands rely on testers’ reviews to improve their products and ensure they meet the needs of both pets and their owners. Here’s why your input is crucial:
- Helps improve product quality: Your feedback can highlight strengths and potential improvements, guiding brands in refining their products.
- Builds trust with brands: Honest reviews, even if critical, show that you’re engaged and invested in helping the brand create better products.
- Influences future product development: Brands may use your feedback to shape the features of future products, especially if multiple testers share similar opinions.
Tips for writing effective product reviews:
- Be specific: Instead of just saying “I like it,” mention why you like the product (e.g., “My dog loves this toy because it’s durable and safe for chewing”).
- Mention your pet’s details: Sharing your pet’s breed, size, and age helps brands understand how different products work for different types of pets.
- Offer constructive criticism: If something didn’t work, explain why and provide suggestions for improvement.
By taking the time to write thoughtful and constructive feedback, you help the brands improve while also making sure you’re contributing to the testing community.
Sharing Your Pet’s Experience on Social Media
Sharing your testing experience on social media platforms is a great way to support both the brand and your pet’s journey. Here’s why social sharing matters:
- Increases brand visibility: When you post about the product on social media, you’re helping the brand reach a wider audience.
- Creates a community of testers: Engaging with others who test pet products can lead to valuable discussions and insights on what works best for your pets.
- Helps other pet owners: Your experience can guide other pet owners who are considering purchasing the same products.
Table: Top Social Media Platforms for Pet Testing Reviews
| Platform | Benefits | Best for Posting |
|---|---|---|
| Visual platform perfect for photos/videos of your pet with the product. | Showing your pet enjoying the product (e.g., food, toys). | |
| Large community groups for pet product discussions and reviews. | Sharing reviews in pet-related groups and pages. | |
| Quick posts that can reach a wide audience through hashtags. | Concise product reviews or product-related tips. | |
| TikTok | Ideal for short, engaging videos showcasing pets with the product. | Fun videos of your pet using the product. |
| YouTube | Long-form video reviews where you can explain in detail. | In-depth reviews, unboxings, and pet experiences. |
How to Maximize Your Free Pet Samples
Combining Product Testing with Coupons
One of the best ways to maximize your free pet samples is by combining them with coupons or discounts. This strategy not only allows you to receive free products but also helps you save more on your overall pet care expenses. Here’s how to do it:
- Stacking free samples and coupons: Many brands allow you to use coupons or discount codes in addition to receiving free samples. For example, you may get a free sample of dog food and also apply a coupon for 20% off your next purchase.
- Look for combo offers: Some pet product companies bundle free samples with special promotional offers like buy-one-get-one-free deals. Check for these types of promotions when you sign up for product testing programs.
- Sign up for newsletters: Brands often send out exclusive coupons or discounts to subscribers, which can be combined with free samples for even greater savings.
Example of brands that allow combining free samples with discounts:
- Chewy often sends out special promo codes alongside free product trials, allowing you to save on future purchases.
- Petco frequently provides a discount code when you participate in their testing programs for certain pet products.
By using these techniques, you can stretch your savings while getting to try out new products without committing to full-price purchases.
Expanding to Subscription Boxes for Pets
Another effective way to maximize your free pet samples is by subscribing to pet subscription boxes. These boxes, such as BarkBox or Petco, regularly include free samples of pet food, treats, toys, and more alongside their regular deliveries. Here’s how subscription boxes can be a great addition to your product testing strategy:
- Consistent access to new products: Subscription boxes often contain a variety of products, giving you the chance to try out new brands and products that you might not find otherwise.
- Free samples included in boxes: Many subscription services offer free samples of premium or new pet products, which you can test at no extra cost.
- Customized for your pet’s needs: Some subscription boxes tailor their selections based on your pet’s size, breed, and health requirements, providing a personalized experience that makes product testing even more relevant.
For example, BarkBox for dogs includes toys, treats, and chews that are sometimes tested by their team and sent out as free samples. Petco’s Pet Lovers Box may include free product trials, such as food or grooming products, that help you discover new items for your pet.
By adding subscription boxes to your product testing efforts, you can keep your pet’s routine fresh with new and exciting products, all while enjoying the benefits of free samples.
About the Brands Offering Product Testing Platforms
About Petco
Petco is a leading pet retailer that has been providing high-quality products and services for pets since 1965. The company’s mission is to improve the lives of pets and pet parents by offering the best products, services, and advice. As part of their commitment to pet wellness, Petco offers product testing programs to ensure that the products they carry meet the highest standards of quality and safety.
Petco’s product testing program is designed to allow pet owners to try out new products before they make a purchase. The goal is to gather valuable feedback from pet parents on how the products perform in real-life situations. This helps Petco ensure that the items they offer are both effective and safe for pets. Participants in the program may receive free samples of pet food, toys, grooming products, and more.
For more information, you can visit Petco’s product testing program. Stay updated with new offerings and opportunities through their official site and social media channels.
About PetSmart
PetSmart, founded in 1986, is another major player in the pet care industry, offering a wide variety of products, services, and grooming options for pets. PetSmart has built a reputation for providing top-notch products that enhance the lives of pets, and they also offer a product testing platform to ensure their offerings are of the highest quality.
PetSmart’s approach to product testing is focused on gathering feedback from real pet owners. By participating in product trials, pet parents can help PetSmart refine and improve the pet products they carry, ranging from food to accessories. PetSmart’s program is part of their broader commitment to pet wellness, aiming to create products that enhance the health and happiness of pets everywhere.
PetSmart has earned recognition for its high standards in pet care and product quality. It is also one of the most trusted names in the pet industry, known for its customer service and commitment to pet welfare.
To learn more about PetSmart’s product testing program and participate, visit PetSmart’s official site.
About Purina and Other Major Brands
Purina, one of the most well-known names in the pet food industry, is dedicated to ensuring the health and well-being of pets through its extensive range of pet foods, treats, and products. With a history dating back to 1894, Purina has earned a strong reputation for quality and innovation. They offer product testing programs as part of their ongoing commitment to improving the pet food industry. Purina’s product testing allows consumers to try new pet food products, helping the company gather crucial feedback to refine and perfect their offerings.
Hill’s Pet Nutrition is another major player in the pet food industry, focusing on science-based nutrition for pets. With a commitment to improving the lives of pets through better nutrition, Hill’s works closely with veterinarians to develop specialized formulas for pets with specific health needs. Their product testing program helps gather valuable feedback from pet owners and professionals to ensure that their products are effective in supporting pet health.
Royal Canin is a leading global pet food brand that specializes in creating high-quality food designed for specific breeds, sizes, and health needs of pets. Royal Canin’s dedication to pet health and nutrition is evident in their product testing programs, which allow pet owners to try out their specialized foods. They also work closely with veterinarians to develop products that support the specific dietary needs of pets.
Other major pet care brands like Pedigree, Iams, and Blue Buffalo also offer product testing opportunities. These brands are committed to maintaining high standards of quality and continuously seek feedback from their customers to improve their products.
The common thread among these leading brands is their strong dedication to consumer feedback, ensuring that pet products meet the expectations and needs of pet parents. Through their product testing programs, these brands demonstrate their commitment to pet wellness and their desire to provide only the best for pets worldwide.
