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Brand of the Month: Project Hive
If there’s two things we’re passionate about here at WOOOF, it’s dogs and sustainability. We want our pups to be happy, healthy and enjoy a world that’s being taken care of. It’s for this reason we love Project Hive Pet Company so dearly, and why we’ve chosen them as our Brand of the Month.
Project Hive is a company that combines the playfulness of pet care with the importance of a healthy, sustainable planet. They have worked to create interactive dog toys and treats that not only keep our dogs stimulated, but the bee population growing. With every purchase of their products, whether it be one of the Project Hive Scented Fetch Sticks or the Project Hive Treat Dispensers, you’re helping to save bees by planting wildflowers.
Table of content
Who Is Project Hive? The Project Hive Scented Fetch Stick How does it work? Benefits of Project Hive's Scented Dog Toys The Project Hive Treat Dispenser How does it work? Benefits of the Project Hive Treat Dispenser The Project Hive Dog Disc & Lick Mat How does it work? Benefits of the Project Hive Dog Disc & Lick Mat Lick Mat Recipes The Berry Delight The Sunday Roast Conclusion
Who Is Project Hive?
The smiling faces behind the Project Hive Pet Company are Jim Schifman and Melissa Rappaport Schifman, a husband and wife team who decided it was time for bigger companies to change their way of thinking. It all began when Melissa dragged Jim to see the movie, The Corporation, a documentary that investigates the way businesses act entirely in their own self-interest. Jim, who was working in the pet category for Target at the time, realised it was time for change.
Together, the duo set out to create better-for-you, and better-for-the-planet pet products. It was quickly decided that their collections would be made in their home country of USA and would be developed as sustainably as possible. Then it hit them: what if they could create dog toys and treats that were not only innovative and sustainable, but also helped the declining population of bees at the same time?!
Bees are vital for a healthy planet. They are the essential pollinators that keep our planet blooming with tasty treats like fruits and veggies. They not only benefit us, but our pooches too. Bees help produce the ingredients we need for our nutritious pet food. And so, the Project Hive Pet Company was born, driven by a mission to create a planet that is safe for humans, dogs, cats and bees!
Formed as a Public Benefit Company and now B Corp Certified, Project Hive are committed to making an impact by planting wildflowers to help nourish and restore the bee population. With every purchase of a Project Hive dog toy or treat, the company will donate to The Bee & Butterfly Habitat Fund who are planting acres and acres of wildflower habitats for our winged friends.
Exclusive Interview with Project Hive!
We got to speak to Melissa Rappaport Schifman, Co-Founder of Project Hive Pet Company and ask her all about the brand!
What inspired you to start Project Hive?
We started Project Hive Pet Company because we saw the opportunity in the pet space for a mission-driven, authentic pet company that sells innovative, compatible dog toys and treats. Jim is a manufacturers’ sales rep and has been selling better-for-you and better-for-the-planet products to mass retailers for the past 20 years. He has been involved in the pet industry, watching it grow tremendously.
My experience has been as a sustainability consultant, helping businesses become more sustainable while saving money and communicating the benefits to their stakeholders. We both found ourselves trying to convince other organizations how and why to be more sustainable, so it was a natural development to want to chart our own business path. I have an MBA and a background in finance, marketing, and business development, so merging our backgrounds and experiences into one business where we could make our own decisions—and test our ability to use business as a force for good—was enticing.
What have you incorporated into your business to ensure you are as eco-friendly as possible?
Project Hive Pet Company includes sustainability efforts in its reason for being: its mission is to save the bees. Bees are essential to our food supply and a sustainable future for pets, people, and our planet. As a member of 1% for the Planet, we donate one percent of sales to nonprofit partners in North America to establish wildflower habitat that nourishes and sustains the bees. And planting wildflower habitat does more than save the bees: it also helps the health of the soil, feeds birds and other pollinators, and adds to biodiversity.
But beyond our mission, we consider sustainability in every business decision, both at the brand and product levels. We were founded as a Public Benefit company and are now B Corp Certified. As a B Corp, we're part of a global community of businesses that meet high standards of social and environmental impact. Project Hive is also an advocate for sustainability, which is evident on our blog, social media, and product design: our dog toys and treats sport the beehive-inspired design language, gently reminding pet parents to think about the importance of saving the bees.
At the product level, we make all of our Project Hive toys and treats in the United States, which helps reduce carbon emissions related to freight. Our dog treats are vegetarian, which is much less carbon and water-intensive than treats made with animal proteins. Additionally, all our treats are Non-GMO Project Verified—a certification essential to our brand and mission because the industrial agricultural practices supporting GMOs contribute to unhealthy habitat for bees.
Our Project Hive dog toys are BPA-free, non-toxic, and 100% recyclable. If a customer wants to participate in our Toy Recycling Program, they can send them back, and they will be ground up and made into new toys. We have minimized our toy packaging: we only use paper, a renewable resource that can also be recycled.
As our saying goes, let's make our planet thrive–one happy dog and countless bees at a time.
In your opinion, why is dog enrichment important?
Dogs are members of the family, so we want them to be as healthy as possible! Enrichment can have an enormous impact on dogs’ physical and mental well-being—in addition to helping establish stronger bonds with their pet parents. As we wrote in one of our blog posts, “Enrichment helps satisfy your dog’s physical and mental needs by engaging their natural instincts. These activities give your dog a sense of control over their environment, which reduces their stress levels and keeps their brain engaged.”
Which product/products would you recommend to someone new to dog enrichment?
Project Hive Pet Company have designed our line of compatible dog toys and treats with enrichment in mind! We have two top recommendations for toy/treat combinations that have proven to be super engaging for dogs:
Our Project Hive Chew Toys (available in large and small) are great for playing fetch but also serve as treat dispensers. The cavity in the middle was made for treats—specifically, our Hive Chew Sticks fit snugly in the center, so it’s sort of a puzzle for dogs to get them out. We carry the Project Hive Chew Sticks in large and small sizes to go perfectly with our large and small Hive Chew Toys. One of our friends, remarking how long their dog Callie engaged with our products, said, “This is the longest-lasting toy and treat combination we’ve ever had!”
Our Project Hive Disc + Lick Mat is also a multifunctional, engaging toy. It’s a wonderful super-glider for games of fetch; when you flip it over, it’s a lick mat! The hexagonal pattern helps soothe dogs and relieve their anxiety when they lick it—and we have the perfect product to do so: our Peanut Butter Spreadable Dog Treat!
And we have to talk about our Project Hive Scent Collection™ of whiff-worthy dog toys! Dogs engage with the world through their sense of smell, and our fragrant dog toys are intentionally designed to fulfill this key enrichment need. We offer our Project Hive Fetch Stick, Project Hive Disc + Lick Mat, and Project Hive Chew Toy in five pleasing scents that humans love almost as much as dogs do: Wild Berry, Tropical Coconut, Calming Lavender, Sweet Mango, and Soothing Vanilla. In alignment with Project Hive Pet Company’s mission to save the bees, all aromas in the Hive Scent Collection are inspired by plants that feed and need bees for pollination.
Can we expect any new projects or launches in the near future?
Yes! We’re super excited to launch our Project Hive Zoomer Collection at SUPERZOO this year! Those attending this industry event in August will be the first to see and experience real innovation and differentiation in the active fetch category. Our new Hive Zoomer dog toy launcher is a true game-changer—once people try it, they realize how effortless it is to pick up, aim, and throw the compatible Looped Toy.
With its patented power curve design, pet parents can launch the looped toys super far—without wearing out their arm—for endless games of fetch. Made in the USA, it’s designed for easy, slobber-proof, 360° retrieval on any surface, including in water (all Project Hive Toys float). You can even pick up and throw multiple toys at once, with different sizes for small or large dogs. And there’s a convenient hook on the end to keep the Project Hive Zoomer and Looped Toys together for easy carrying and storage.
The Project Hive Scented Fetch Stick
If your pup loves chewing and fetching, the Project Hive Scented Fetch Stick is a no brainer. Made in the USA, these interactive dog toys do it all; it’s a chew champ, fetch fanatic and treat dispensing genius. It’s crafted from a flexible, doggy-dental approved material that’s gentle on gums and teeth, meaning your pooch can enjoy hours of playful gnawing without the worry. It’s also non-toxic, BPA-free, latex-free, phthalates-free, and FDA-compliant. The cherry on top? It’s also dishwasher safe!
How does it work?
- For Fetch: The Project Hive Fetch Stick is designed for optimal aerodynamics and a satisfying bounce, making it perfect for high-energy fetch sessions. Its durable, yet gentle material ensures safe play and promotes exercise, keeping your dog active and engaged for a healthy mind and body. It’s also waterproof and floats, so don’t be afraid to toss it into oceans, lakes and swimming pools. Just don’t blame us for the wet dog smell!
- As a Treat Dispenser: The Hive Fetch Stick also doubles as a stimulating treat dispenser. It has a hollow core perfectly sized for inserting one of the Hive Chew Sticks, or another of your pup’s favourite treats. It’s great for turning playtime into a rewarding enrichment activity, encouraging problem-solving skills and providing mental stimulation.
The Benefits of Project Hive's Scented Dog Toys
Many of Project Hive's dog interactive toys are scented, and for good reason! Turning an ordinary dog toy into a scented one is the ultimate game-changer for making playtime all the more exciting. In the same way humans enjoy a scented candle or the smell of clean washing, dogs find joy in new and exciting smells. With this in mind, Project Hive has incorporated scents like coconut, vanilla mango, lavender and wild berry into their Lick Mats, Fetch Sticks and Treat Dispensers.
Scented toys for dogs like this offer a variety of benefits to enrichment time! They help to keep dogs relaxed, entertained and oh-so-happy. For example, lavender scented dog toys are perfect for those pups that need a chill pill. Whether your dog tends to get overexcited when people come to visit, or they get anxious during thunderstorms or vet visits, the properties of lavender will help them relax and feel more at ease.
On the other hand, Project Hive's mango, berry and coconut scented dog toys will transport your dog to a tropical paradise! They'll help to keep your dog feeling cosy and secure, and no doubt keep them entertained for hours. In a nutshell, dog scented toys turn every play session into an exciting sensory experience and Project Hive has no shortage of scented enrichment toys to help with that!
The Project Hive Treat Dispenser
Project Hive also has their own designated treat dispenser. It comes in two sizes, small or large, to suit every size of furry friend, and features a vibrant colour palette to make playtime all the more exciting. Once again, it’s crafted from durable materials to handle even the most enthusiastic play session and can be filled with your pup’s favourite treats for a stimulating, interactive adventure.
How does it work?
Using the Project Hive Treat Dispenser couldn’t be easier!
- Load it up: Fill the Hive Treat Dispenser with your dog's favourite treats, whether it be Hive’s own Chew Sticks or another type, to kickstart the excitement!
- Roll & Rumble: Watch as your pup rolls, nudges, and spins the enrichment toy to get hold of their delicious rewards.
- Challenge accepted: Encourage problem-solving by adjusting the difficulty level to keep your furry friend engaged and entertained.
Benefits of the Project Hive Treat Dispenser
- Mental Gymnastics: Dog enrichment toys like the Project Hive Treat Dispenser are great exercise for your dog's mind. It helps keep them sharp and agile as they learn how best to access their favourite food.
- Beat Boredom: Dogs get bored too, but with treat dispensers you can turn a normal meal or snack time into fun playtime. It’s also great for when you need a moment to yourself, but your dog has other plans. Distract them with a treat-filled toy and watch them entertain themselves.
- Rewarding Play: It’s essential to promote positive behaviour in our pups, and with a treat dispenser, you are rewarding your dog for showing curiosity and putting in physical and mental effort.
The Project Hive Dog Disc & Lick Mat
As you can probably tell by now, the Project Hive Pet Company are something of experts when it comes to turning two interactive dog toys into one, saving us humans money, time and packing space! Their Project Hive Dog Disc & Lick Mat functions as both a fun toy and a lick mat for their favourite treats. It’s perfect for scent games and fetch, working as a tasty smelling frisbee. Then, flip it over for round two and you have an enriching lick mat! Slather it with peanut butter, yoghurt and treats and keep your dog happily occupied during grooming or chill-out time.
How does it work?
- Fetching Disc: Get ready to throw and watch your pup go! Head to the park, beach or any big open space and throw the Project Hive Dog Disc for your dog to chase and retrieve. The textured side adds an extra challenge, plus it’s floppy and rigid so your dog can safely thrash it about for added enjoyment.
- Lick Mat: Once you’re home from playing fetch, flip the disc over and prepare for some instant chill vibes! Spread on some of your dog’s favourite food such as peanut butter or pumpkin puree – you can even add some treats or kibble as a special extra – and watch as they take their time licking up all the goodies off the lick mat. After, clean-up is a breeze – just pop it onto the top shelf of your dishwasher!
Benefits of the Project Hive Dog Disc & Lick Mat
- Cooldown Time: We all know how excited our furry friends can get when the treats come out of the cupboard. But with the Project Hive Dog Disc & Lick Mat, you can turn snack time into a zen moment by keeping your dog relaxed and happy with a long-lasting lick mat recipe.
- Mental Workout: You might not think it, but lick mats are great workouts for your pup’s brain. As they lick away into the crevices of the mat’s design, you help to promote focus and problem-solving skills.
- Frisbee Fun: The Project Hive Dog Disc & Lick Mat is also just great fun, for both us and our dogs. It keeps your dogs active and entertained and throwing it across large open spaces help keep them fit and healthy.
- Two-in-One Convenience: Finally, the Project Hive Dog Disc & Lick Mat is convenient for us humans too. It’s dishwasher safe plus its dual functionality saves us from having to buy and store a separate lick mat and frisbee. It’s particularly good for those dog-friendly adventures away where you have limited packing space!
Lick Mat Recipes
The Berry Delight
What you’ll need:
- Plain yoghurt
- Honey
- Pumpkin Powder Digestive Booster
- Blueberries
- Raspberries
- Blackberries
- Banana
Instructions:
1. Spread 1/2 cup of plain yogurt evenly across the surface of the lick pad.
2. Evenly distribute berries over the yoghurt base, and add in the banana slices in between for an extra treat
3. Drizzle a teaspoon of honey over the top for added sweetness and sprinkle on some Pumpkin Powder Digestive Booster for some digestive-boosting benefits.
4. Serve as is or pop the lick mat in the freezer for a longer lasting treat!
The Sunday Roast
What you’ll need:
- Hive's 6 OZ Peanut Butter Spread
- Cooked chicken
- Your pup’s favourite kibble
- Carrot
- Green beans
- 7 Mushroom Blend Immune Booster Powder
Instructions:
1. Spread 2 tablespoons of dog-friendly peanut butter (Hive have their own!) evenly across the surface of the lick pad
2. Evenly distribute the cooked chicken, kibble and finely chopped vegetables over the top
3. Sprinkle some 7 Mushroom Blend Immune Booster Powder over the ingredients to add a nutritional boost
4. Once again, serve to your pup as is or pop it in the freezer to creater a longer lasting snack.
Conclusion
Maybe we’re bias, but we think Project Hive Pet Company is a stellar brand in more ways than one. They are dedicated not only to creating some of the best interactive dog toys, but sustainability, something that benefits us and our pets. With every purchase, you’re helping to support the environment as they plant wildflowers to boost the declining bee populations.
Their products are also durable, safe and great fun! Many are dual-purpose, which is super useful if you’re like us and you enjoy taking your dogs travelling. Project Hive dog toys also help to stimulate your pup mentally and physically, which in turn keeps them happy and healthy.
For a limited time only, we're also giving away a free gift with every Project Hive order! With every purchase, you'll receive a colourful set of Bumblebee seed boxes filled with bee and butterfly friendly wildflower seeds, so you can help encourage the population of our winged friends yourself!
You can view the full line-up of Project Hive Pet Company products by visiting the WOOOF website here!
The Author: Charlotte Harris
Charlotte has been a writer and dog owner all her life, so combining these two things together is a dream come true. The love of her life is her oversized Golden Retriever, Milo, who has a love of tough chews and anything filled with peanut butter!
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are Project Hive Dog Toys Made From?
Project Hive's toys are crafted from thermal plastic rubber sourced from the US. They undergo rigorous third-party testing to ensure they are free from BPA, latex, and Phthalates, and comply with FDA safety standards. Rest assured, these enrichment toys are both safe and non-toxic for your fur babies.
Do Project Hive Dog Toys Float?
Yes! All of Project Hive's enrichment toys float which makes them perfect for throwing and playing with in, on, or around water!
How Do I Clean Project Hive Dog Toys?
Keeping Project Hive's toys clean couldn't be easier. After your pooch has finished playing with their lick mat or fetch stick, wash it with warm water or soap in the sink. Or throw them onto the top rack of your dishwasher for even less hassle!
