# Meat-Shaped Dog Rugs The 'Niku Rug' is a Dog Mat Patterned to Mimic Various Cuts of Meat By David Ingram | Published 2015-08-17 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dog-mat References: [dezeen](http://www.dezeen.com/2015/08/13/ma-yansong-mad-meat-patterned-rugs-dogs-kenya-hara/) & [i-mad](http://www.i-mad.com/press/ma-yansong-revealed-niku-rug-design-for-labradors/) Chinese architect Ma Yansong designed the perfect dog mat for man's best friend with this creation that playfully resembles fresh cuts of meat. Titled the '[Niku](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/plant-based-sushi-roll) Rug,' after the Japanese word for "meat," the rugs come in a set of three different sizes to accommodate a dog's growth from a puppy to adulthood. Each dog mat is pattered to resemble the red and white marbling of a freshly cut piece of steak. The 'Niku Rug' is also easy to move around the house with you and was designed this way in hopes of helping to strengthen the relationship between both owner and pet. The project was built with specifically with [Labrador](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/labrador-retriever) dogs in mind and was made in part for a collection titled 'Architecture for Dogs,' which sought to bring together 13 different architects and designers to each create a piece for a particular breed of dog. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.0/10 - Popularity: 3% | Activity: 18% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Pets](https://www.trendhunter.com/pets) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Meat-shaped Dog Rugs:** The trend of creating dog rugs that resemble different cuts of meat presents a disruptive innovation opportunity in the pet supplies industry. - **Personalized Pet Accessories:** The trend of designing specialized pet accessories, such as dog rugs tailored to specific breeds, offers a disruptive innovation opportunity in the pet product customization industry. - **Design-inspired Pet Products:** The trend of collaboration between architects and designers to create unique pet products, like the 'Niku Rug,' presents a disruptive innovation opportunity in the intersection of design and pet market industries. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Pet Supplies Industry:** The pet supplies industry can tap into the trend of meat-shaped dog rugs by offering a range of creative and interactive pet products. - **Pet Product Customization Industry:** The trend of personalized pet accessories, exemplified by the 'Niku Rug' for specific dog breeds, presents an opportunity for the pet product customization industry to create tailored offerings. - **Design and Pet Market Industries:** The collaboration between architects and designers to create design-inspired pet products like the 'Niku Rug' can disrupt both the design and pet market industries by offering innovative and aesthetically pleasing choices for pet owners. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Washable Pet Carpets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dayspring-mat.md) - [Artful Doghouse Design Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/architecture-for-dogs-exhibition.md) - [Pleated Designer Dog Houses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/issey-miyappy-tessellations.md) - [Plush Sandwich Rugs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sandwich-rug.md) - [Intricate Mascot-Honoring Rugs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/family-of-mint.md) - [Minimalist Pet Decor Products](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/modern-pet-furniture-collection.md) - [Dog-Friendly Smoked Meats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/meat-snacks-for-dogs.md) - [Minimalist Pet-Inspired Decor Items](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/minimal-pets.md) - [Desert-Inspired Floor Coverings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dune-rug.md)