Feature Photo by Sam Lion at Pexels
As sustainability keeps playing an increasingly crucial role in our daily lives, it comes as no surprise that it’s gaining significant attention in the pet industry as well as general products aimed at us humans. From eco-friendly pet food to biodegradable poop bags, a wide range of sustainable pet products are now available in the market. If you own a pet, opting for these products will help you diminish your pet’s environmental footprint while also supporting companies that prioritise sustainability. You know just how much I love to support those kinds of companies! In fact, in this article, I will delve into how to spot a pet’s sustainable product as well as share my advice on selecting eco-friendly alternatives for your beloved furry friends.
The popularity of sustainable pet products
People’s attitudes towards the environment and sustainability have shifted since the 2020 coronavirus pandemic. A recent survey revealed that 48% of consumers now think more about environmental impacts and have concerns about climate change due to the pandemic. While 55% stated that their pandemic experiences have heightened their environmental awareness, prompting them to purchase more environmentally friendly products.
Furthermore, there has also been a change in perceptions regarding what businesses can do to enhance environmental conditions, with a higher percentage of individuals believing that companies should step up their efforts. This expectation now extends beyond the production of human products to include the manufacturing of pet products as well. The popularity of sustainable pet products is on the rise as pet owners acknowledge the significance of reducing their carbon footprint and opting for eco-friendly choices for their furry companions as well as themselves.
the benefits
The benefits are countless, but if you still have no idea about the reasons why you should opt for environmentally friendly alternatives in your daily lives, I’ve listed the main four reasons why sustainable pet products are important on an ethical level.
Lessen Environmental Impact
Traditional pet products like toys and bedding, are often made from materials that harm the environment, and conventional pet food can have a significant environmental footprint due to the resources required for production, transportation, and disposal.
Choosing eco-friendly alternatives crafted from sustainable and more natural materials can decrease the overall environmental impact, reduce carbon emissions, and minimise waste generation, helping to mitigate environmental damage.
Promote Sustainable Sourcing
Eco-friendly pet supplies are frequently produced from renewable or recycled materials, reducing the demand for new resources and supporting responsible sourcing practices.
By purchasing sustainable pet products, consumers can support companies that are committed to ethical and environmentally responsible practices. This helps incentivise more businesses to adopt sustainable initiatives and contributes to the growth of a more sustainable pet industry as a whole.
Health Benefits for Pets
Some traditional pet products contain harmful substances that can affect your pet’s health. Opting for eco-friendly options made from natural, non-toxic materials can create a safer environment for your furry best friend.
Sustainable pet foods often contain high-quality ingredients that are nutritionally balanced and free from additives, artificial colors, and preservatives. These products can contribute to better overall health and longevity for pets, reducing the risk of allergies, obesity, and other health issues.
ECO-FRIENDLY AND SUSTAINABLE PET PRODUCTS
Green and eco-friendly pet products are those crafted from non-toxic, safe, renewable, or recyclable materials. As I already mentioned above, these products not only promote pet health but also contribute to environmental preservation. But if you’re unsure of what to look for when researching your sustainable pet products, I’m here to help.
Ethical Sourcing
When it comes to sustainable pet products, ethical sourcing from the company that produces these products plays a crucial role. This involves a business that only selects ingredients or materials that are acquired in a manner that reduces harm to the environment and promotes fair labour practices.
Biodegradability
Numerous eco-friendly pet products are created to be biodegradable or compostable, lessening the strain on landfills. From poop bags, compostable cat litter, and even pet toys crafted from natural materials, look for biodegradable materials when shopping for your pet.
Recycled Materials
Many environmentally friendly pet products are crafted from recycled materials, which helps to maximise the use of everyday waste and lessen the demand for new resources. This range includes products such as pet beds, toys, leashes, harnesses, collars, and more, all can be made from recycled plastic bottles or repurposed materials.
Sustainable and Enduring
Opting for products that are sustainable AND long-lasting can promote sustainability by decreasing the need for frequent replacements. While high-quality items may come with a higher initial price tag, they can lead to long-term savings and conservation of resources, as you won’t need to buy the same product more than once.
Minimal Packaging
When it comes to sustainable pet products, minimal and eco-friendly packaging is key. Excessive packaging leads to waste, making products with thoughtful packaging designs essential in reducing their environmental footprint.
BRAND RECOMMENDATIONS
While sustainable pet products may have a higher upfront cost, they can offer long-term savings by reducing veterinary bills associated with health problems caused by low-quality ingredients or environmental toxins. Additionally, investing in durable, high-quality products can reduce the need for frequent replacements. Here are some of my favourite brands:
Awoo
Awoo is a US based brand dedicated to developing pet essentials while considering the planet. Their goal is to create products that enhance the lives of pets and align with their sustainability values. The company is focused on ethically manufacturing premium pet essentials using third-party certified, eco-friendly materials.
Awoo places importance on the welfare of pets and the environment, from sourcing sustainable materials to partnering with responsible manufacturers. Their products are made from recycled polyester, natural brass, organic cotton, felt wool and silicone. These are the materials used by this company for your furry friends.
One of my favourite products is the lick mat, a grooved mat designed to encourage the act of licking, which is a beneficial addition to a pet’s daily routine, proven to address behavioural and health concerns while providing moments of calm.
lick mats
They are suitable for both dogs and cats, and offer various advantages for their well-being, firstly, Enrichment and Training: Lick mats stimulate pets’ brains through sniffing and licking, promoting a sense of safety and comfort. This activity releases oxytocin and endorphins, redirecting excess energy into positive behaviour. It’s particularly helpful for puppies and kittens to deter harmful chewing and biting.
Lick mats also help with Anxiety Reduction & Calming Distraction: The mat serves as a positive association tool and distraction during anxiety-inducing situations like vet visits or thunderstorms. It can also alleviate separation anxiety and nervousness around strangers by reinforcing calm behaviour.
Finally, lick mats have Physical Health Benefits: Licking aids in removing bacteria from the tongue and increases saliva production, which promotes dental health and fresher breath. Slow eating encouraged by lick mats enhances digestion and reduces reflux. They can also be used to administer supplements or medication by hiding them in the pet’s favourite spread on the mat.
Furthermore, once you stop using your pet products, you can send them back to be recycled into something new through their rePAWpose scheme, or can be sold second-hand on their FURever site. In exchange Awoo will give you a $5 off your next purchase, to avoid them ending up in a landfill. **Currently, AWOO are only accepting returns from US customers, but the donation option is available worldwide.**
Castle Baths
What sets Castle Baths apart is their commitment to quality control. From ingredient selection to label printing, everything is done in-house in the US to ensure their products meet the highest standards. All products are formulated with natural ingredients and are 100% free of any harmful chemicals linked to cancer or birth defects. Most of their products are also vegan, kosher and gluten-free, catering to a very diverse customer base.
When it comes to their pet care selection, they have everything you might need if you want to groom your pet at home. From face washes to dog and cat shampoos, everything from this line is 100% environmentally friendly and if you’re not sure how to take care of your new puppy or kitten, they even have guides for you to purchase, so you can learn everything there is to know here.
Bunty Pets
Bunty Pets helps all pet owners to look after their pets by supplying high-quality products that are not only affordable but also durable for the most enthusiastic of pets. All of their products go through heavy testing by pets to ensure the very best quality, so that you can be sure to be purchasing long-lasting essentials. From beds to leads, jackets and clothes, food bowls, and grooming products, everything is washable and wipeable to help keep our pets in a clean and warm living environment every day!
Purr & Mutt
Purr & Mutt offers an online pet portrait service that can turn any pet into a masterpiece. They cater to a wide range of animals, including dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, reptiles, and horses. They sell everything from blankets, cushions, phone cases, framed prints, mugs, pet bowls and pet bowl mats. Their portraits are offered in a range of themes from renaissance to royalty.
nourish every dog campaign
This Valentine’s Day, they teamed up with Butcher’s Nourishing Food For Dogs to celebrate their love for pets. Their Valentine’s Day cards for dogs feature heartfelt messages and commemorate the launch of Butcher’s new Healthy Heart product line. Each card is priced at £1, with proceeds going to Butcher’s Nourish Every Dog programme. This initiative supports dog shelters, homes, and rescue charities across the country. Since the inception of the #NourishEveryDog campaign three years ago, over 2 million meals have been donated to more than 250 charities.
SaveMoneyCutCarbon
SaveMoneyCutCarbon is at the forefront in the UK when it comes to achieving savings through sustainability. If you’re keen on being more eco-friendly but unsure of how to begin or what steps to take next, they have introduced an innovative method that simplifies sustainability. Providing advice to businesses and individuals, the company offers recommendations on how to enhance sustainability practices.
For us individuals, they have the best shopping recommendations for literally everything. From our homes to electric vehicles, from energy saving to garden supplies. Of course, they also have a pet products section for our furry friends. Biodegradable poop bags, recycled plastic toys, silicone food bowls and recycled grooming sets, here you’ll find the essentials for any pet owner.
beco recycled soft doy toy
This Beco Recycled Soft Dog Toy | Tilly the Tiger is made with recycled materials and a hemp and cotton rope. Whatever the occasion, this toy is here to help. The soft cloth and stuffing make it extra cuddly and the long legs give your dog a good grip during tug of war. Double-stitched seams help improve its strength and durability
RE:GN
At RE:GN, their mission is centered on providing eco-friendly products at affordable prices. Re:gn is deeply committed to sustainability, sourcing materials responsibly, employing low emission manufacturing, and collaborating with eco-conscious organisations to ensure their products meet high environmental standards.
They prioritise environmentally friendly packaging as much as their product ranges, ensuring that even their packaging aligns with their mission. These Tuff Pets Compostable Dog Poop Bags are perfect for dog owners who prioritise sustainability: not only are they thick, strong, and reliable, but they are also made from plant-based materials (cornstarch) that make them 100% biodegradable and compostable.
ECO-FRIENDLY AND SUSTAINABLE PET FOOD
Sustainability in pet food involves more than reduced meat consumption. From supporting smaller local companies to offering your pet highly nutritious meals and taking part in a larger effort to support the planet, the reasons why we should choose sustainable food for our pets are countless. But if you’re not sure what to look for to get sustainable food in your pet cupboard, that’s what I’m here for.
Sustainable Packaging
The pet food industry in the US alone generates approximately 300 million pounds of plastic annually. This is why eco-conscious pet owners prioritise sustainable packaging. We should seek recyclable, biodegradable, and compostable pet food packaging, as well as packaging crafted from recycled materials.
Sustainable Ingredients
Apart from other essential micro- and macronutrients, protein plays a crucial role in maintaining pet health. However, traditional meat production from livestock contributes significantly to carbon emissions and consumes substantial resources. To address this issue, both pet owners and pet food manufacturers are now turning to alternative protein sources, including:
- Plant-based protein: It’s essential to note that exclusively feeding vegan food to your pets is not beneficial for their health as it lacks the essential nutritional balance required for cats and dogs to thrive. Nonetheless, incorporating plant-based proteins can help reduce the reliance on animal-based protein in pet food while meeting your pet’s protein requirements.
- Meat byproducts: Byproducts refer to the edible parts of an animal, such as organ meats, that are often not consumed by humans. Utilising meat byproducts minimises food waste, conserves resources by utilising the entire animal, and reduces animal waste in landfills, which helps mitigate carbon dioxide and methane emissions.
- Insect-based protein: Replacing meat-based protein in pet food with insects is another option that offers a more sustainable approach to pet food. Insects provide all the essential amino acids necessary for dogs and cats, unlike plant proteins. Plus, insect farms require fewer resources compared to livestock farms to produce the same amount of protein, making insects a more environmentally friendly protein source for pet food.
Sustainably Sourced Pet Food
Another aspect we should all keep our eyes peeled when looking for the right pet food company is whether they source ingredients and materials locally whenever possible to minimise emissions linked to long-distance transportation. Many pet food producers are turning to local farms and suppliers, not only reducing the environmental impact but also backing small farms and local economies. From using cage-free chickens, grass-fed livestock from small farms, or wild-caught fish, prioritising local and sustainable sourcing practices should be at the core of our brand selection.
BRAND RECOMMENDATIONS
Petaluma
Petaluma stands out as one of the most environmentally conscious dog food companies, holding certifications such as Certified B Corp, Climate Neutral Certified, and being a member of 1% for the Planet. In addition to their impressive credentials, this sustainable dog food company operates from a solar-powered facility and prioritises sourcing from organic, biodiverse farms whenever possible.
Their treats are packaged in home compostable bags, and they are actively exploring low-waste solutions for their dog food packaging too.
For Petaluma, quality means veterinarian-formulated dog food that undergoes extensive lab testing and is free of any meat. While their products are meat-free, each cup of Petaluma contains 33 grams of protein, a complete amino acid profile, and a balanced mix of omega-3 and omega-6 fats. Petaluma has even shared a detailed nutrient analysis and has conducted digestibility tests demonstrating that dogs can absorb approximately 80% of the nutrients.
Chippin
Chippin produces vet-formulated hypoallergenic dog treats rich in proteins to fulfil your dog’s hunger sustainably. These treats contain sustainable proteins like spirulina and crickets, which are human-grade. The crickets offer complete protein, minimal environmental impact, and are responsibly sourced from a family farm in the USA. Chippin blends these protein-rich ingredients with superfoods such as kale, flaxseed, banana, and blueberry.
The company prioritises canine health by providing a chart to assess dog’s poop, aiding in supporting your pup’s microbiome for their well-being. Additionally, Chippin is dedicated to the environment, even in its eco-friendly dog food packaging. While not entirely plastic-free, each bag is crafted using 29% post-consumer recycled materials.
Jiminy’s
Jiminy’s produces a kibble that excludes corn, wheat, soy, and animal meat, opting for oats, quinoa, sweet potato, and other natural, minimally processed ingredients. Their Cravin’ Cricket and Good Grub dry dog foods use crickets and dried black soldier fly larvae for protein, which are complete proteins beneficial for skin conditions and anti-inflammatory diets for dogs. Insect protein is hypoallergenic too, gentle on sensitive stomachs, offers prebiotics, and is free from common meat pathogens.
All products are formulated by a veterinarian with two PhDs in animal nutrition and entomology to meet AAFCO standards for adult dogs. The kibble is oven-baked in small batches in the USA, preserving more nutrients compared to extruded (high heat and pressure cooked) methods. This eco-friendly dog food brand, recognised with awards, also provides treats and pet accessories, such as a leash made from recycled materials.
Currently Jimney’s are offering 22% discount on all their sustainable snacks, if you sign up to their newsletter.
If you have a favourite sustainable pet product brand, I would love to hear more about it. Please email me below with details and I will check them out!
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