Bramble wins Best in Show at Global Pet Expo for plant-based fresh dog food

Bramble has won Best in Show at Global Pet Expo, taking first place in the Dog Food and Treats category, as the plant-based pet food company continues to expand its presence in the premium nutrition segment.

Bramble won first place in the Dog Food and Treats category and third place in Natural Products at Global Pet Expo.
The company showcased new plant-based recipes, including kidney-friendly formulations designed for dogs with specific health needs.
An independent feeding trial reported Bramble’s diets were as digestible as premium animal-based diets while improving gut health markers.

The New York-based company secured the top award in what organizers described as the show’s most competitive category, following the launch of new products at the industry event in Orlando, Florida.

Bramble, founded in 2021, produces veterinary-formulated, plant-based fresh dog food positioned as a human-grade alternative to conventional pet diets. The company has focused on formulations free from common allergens, targeting dogs with sensitivities while maintaining nutritional completeness.

The recognition came alongside the debut of three new recipes, including a line of kidney-friendly options designed with lower protein and phosphorus levels. These formulations were developed to support dogs with chronic kidney disease, a condition that affects an estimated 10% of dogs and can be managed in part through diet.

In addition to its new product launches, Bramble pointed to findings from an independent feeding trial conducted by Kelly Swanson, professor in the Department of Animal Sciences at the University of Illinois. The study evaluated the digestibility of two of the company’s plant-based formulas.

“One thing to remember is that animals don't have ingredient requirements, they have nutrient requirements. As long as they're consuming the essential nutrients in the correct amounts and ratios, dogs can be vegan, vegetarian, or meat-eaters,” said Swanson.

According to the company, the trial showed that its diets were as highly digestible as premium animal-based alternatives, while also improving gut health and reducing triglycerides and cholesterol levels.

Bramble’s approach has centered on delivering plant-based nutrition without compromising on taste or texture, using whole food ingredients and avoiding synthetic additives. The company reported that its recipes contain high-quality protein levels comparable to, or exceeding, many commercial animal-based pet foods.

Amanda Rolat, Founder & CEO of Bramble, said the award reflected growing acceptance of plant-based nutrition in the pet food sector.

“I’m so humbled by this recognition and excited for more dogs to be able to benefit from Bramble,” said Rolat. “I created Bramble because I truly believe that all dogs can benefit from an expertly formulated plant-based fresh food. It's easy to digest, clean protein that is nutritionally-packed and especially helpful for dogs with animal protein allergies and sensitive tummies. Along with our feeding trial, being awarded Best In Show at Global Pet Expo further demonstrates the benefits of feeding Bramble.”

The company’s product portfolio includes fresh food options such as The Cowbell, The Roost and the newly introduced The Wharf, alongside a range of organic, human-grade treats including Maple Bac’n, Carob Pumpkin, and Sweet Potato & Peanut Butter.

Bramble reported that its products are produced in the US using carefully sourced ingredients and prepared in small batches before freezing to maintain nutritional quality. Its fresh food offerings are sold in subscription-style packages, with pricing ranging from US$130 for a small box of 13 packs to US$380 for a larger box of 38 packs.

The Global Pet Expo recognition highlighted increasing innovation within the pet food sector, where alternative protein sources and functional nutrition are gaining traction alongside traditional formulations.