We all love our pets, right? Our beloved dogs and puppies bring so much joy into our lives. We should also love and care for our planet. It’s amazing how many innovative eco-friendly dog food and related products are being released to lessen our pets’ pawprint on the earth and our environment.
With an estimated 500 million dogs globally, our beloved dogs contribute significantly to environmental issues, from resource consumption to waste production. Dog food manufacturer Jiminy reports that dogs in the United States consume 32 billion pounds of protein every year.
The Importance of Eco-Friendly Practices in Dog Ownership
I didn’t realize how large our pet’s pawprint was on the environment. Think about it, from pet food production and disposal to the manufacture of plastic toys and accessories, dog care and maintenance contribute to a range of environmental issues.
Dogs are omnivores, and a large portion of their diet is meat. The pet food industry significantly contributes to carbon emissions due largely to its reliance on meat-based products. Farming practices in pet food production significantly impact the environment and water usage.
Transitioning to sustainable dog care practices, like eco-friendly food production, pet waste management, grooming supplies, bedding and toys, can promote a healthier planet while setting a positive example for eco-conscious living.
Eco-Friendly Dog Foods and Treats
Changes are being made towards sustainable dog foods. Pet food producers are introducing more eco-friendly alternatives. These pet food options reduce environmental impact by using organic, locally sourced ingredients or less common protein sources such as insects.
Let Them Eat Bugs!
Yes, Yora Pet Foods utilizes insect protein to significantly lower the carbon footprint associated with traditional meat production. Yora is using an insect called Hermetia Illucens as its protein source.
Yora’s studies have found that insects are a viable source of protein for pet food. Processing insects into pet food also has less environmental impact on land, CO2, and water than beef, chicken, and soya proteins.
Yora reports that their insect-based pet food has increased immune-boosting antioxidants, unlike meat and chicken protein, which aids in reducing arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease.
Yora pet food contains lauric acid that promotes healthy skin and coat. It also reduces allergies and skin conditions commonly found in dogs from meat proteins.
Yora’s pet food production process cycle begins in Kentucky.
- The insects feed on grain by-products of the production of bourbon whiskey.
- The insects grow from consuming these grains, which provide them with proteins, vitamins, and healthy fats. These insects are superfoods!
- The waste produced from the insects is then used as compost fertilizer for the farming industry. Cycle complete!
Yora has taken it further by making its pet food packaging fully recyclable!
Yora also reports that 1% of profits go to helping endangered animals worldwide.
Jiminy Crickets!
Yes, Dog food manufacturer Jiminy’s uses crickets in its dog food and treats—you can call them Jiminy Crickets! Like Yora, Jiminy also reports insects as superfoods with prebiotic properties that allow easy digestion.
Jiminy’s studies and research on insect pet food production found similar findings to Yora’s in reduced environmental impact on land, CO2, and water usage compared to beef, chicken, and soya proteins.
Jiminy’s reports that their cricket-based protein pet food is less allergenic than traditional protein sources. Jiminy also states that veterinarians are using their cricket-based pet food as an elimination diet to determine the source of dog allergies in food.
Let Them Eat Plants!
Wild Earth has an innovative approach to eco-friendly and ethical dog nutrition. Wild Earth uses high-quality plant proteins in its line of pet foods. Wild Earth plant-based pet foods offer a substantial alternative to traditional meat-based kibble.
Wild Earth uses yeast, oats, peas, sweet potatoes, and chickpeas to create nutritionally complete and balanced dog meals. The formula made from plant-based ingredients is in line with the company’s goal to minimize the environmental impact related to the production and consumption of pet food.
By relying on plant-based ingredients, Wild Earth’s products require 95% less water and emit 96% less CO2 than traditional meat-based kibble.
Wild Earth’s plant-based approach addresses concerns over pet food sustainability and contributes to a broader effort to combat climate change.
Wild Earth’s reports their research shows no adverse or detrimental effects of their plant-based vegan pet food. Wild Earth’s vegan dog food offers health benefits for pets:
- Improved overall health, improved breath, and less odor
- Reducing allergies and itching
- Nutritionally complete
- cruelty-free & nutritionally complete
Chippin
As their name states, Chippin’s goal is to ‘chip-in’ to help reduce our pets’ pawprint by producing high-quality pet foods. Chippin uses planet-friendly proteins like cricket, spirulina, and silver carp to produce pet foods. No mammal proteins are ever used.
Chippin also reports decreased allergies in dogs due to its exclusion of beef, chicken, lamb, and dairy proteins. Cricket protein has shown improvement in dog digestion.
As mentioned by other insect dog food producers in this article, Chippin reports less environmental impact on land, CO2, and water usage compared to beef, chicken, and soya proteins.
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Yarrah Yarrah produces organic, healthy, and sustainable dog foods. Yarrah is committed to animal welfare and sourcing eco-friendly meats and organic vegetarian ingredients for their pet food. Yarrah’s eco-friendly and organic dog foods include Vega, Adult Dog Food with Chicken, Grain Free, Wheat Free, and more in wet and dry varieties. |
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Beco Beco is a UK-based pet product producer that strives to have a huge impact on its customers and their pets while having as little impact as possible on the environment. Beco creates grain-free dog food with ethically sourced meats, fish, and vegetables. Their products use MSC-certified fish, free-range chicken, and wild boar to ensure high animal welfare standards. Beco’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its food products and pet care items, including toys, accessories, and waste management solutions. |
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Pezzy Pet Treats Pezzy is a California-based pet treats producer focusing on pet treats made exclusively from invasive fish found around Mexico. They’ve partnered with small-scale fishermen in Mexico and the US to fish invasive armored catfish (devil-fish), lionfish, and silver carp to produce their pet treats. Invasive fish found in Mexican waters
The benefits of producing Pezzy Pet Treat included:
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Pet Biodegradable Waste Management
Ok, we’ve covered several food and treat options. Now, let’s delve into the proper disposal of dog waste for environmental protection. Did you know that plastic bags can take hundreds of years to decompose?
Biodegradable bags provide a more sustainable solution, breaking down in a fraction of the time. ATIFBOP dog poop bags and MUAMUA Biodegradable Dog Poop Bags are 2 great options.
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Composting dog waste is another option for many pet owners, turning waste into nutrient-rich soil.
Products like Walker Good Boy Poop Bags and Doggy Do Good Compostable Waste Bags are designed for this purpose, promoting a circular approach to pet waste management. Both are biodegradable & compostable, plant-based (allowing for quicker breakdown, leaving no traces), leakproof, and earth-friendly.
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Natural Dog Grooming Products
The chemicals in grooming products for our pets can harm the environment as they get washed down the drain. Natural grooming products made from natural biodegradable ingredients offer a safer alternative, ensuring that our pets’ bathing routines do not contribute to water pollution.
Earthbath provides eco-friendly grooming products for pets made from natural ingredients. Here are 2 Earthbath products – shampoo/conditioner and wipes:
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Eco-Friendly Dog Housing and Bedding
Sustainable living extends to where our pets sleep. Eco-friendly dog houses and bedding made from recycled materials or sustainable sources reduce environmental impact and provide a comfortable space for pets.
Just because a product is environmentally friendly and offers sustainability doesn’t mean it has to be unattractive or uncool.
Take a look at the New Age Pet Pet Crate. Not only is it stylish and well-crafted, but it is also constructed from reclaimed wood and recycled plastics. New Age Pet has named this proprietary composite material EcoFLEX.
The ecoFLEX material is non-toxic, pet-safe, and resistant to moisture, warping, cracking, and splitting, ensuring longevity and ease of maintenance.
This isn’t your typical pet crate. It’s pet furniture. Not only will it be the home of your pup, but it can also function nicely as an end table in your living room or den.
| West Paw’s eco-friendly beds are a prime example. They use recycled materials to create durable, comfortable, and environmentally responsible dog sleeping solutions. |  |
Sustainable Dog Toys and AccessoriesAnother area of growing concern is dog toys made from non-biodegradable materials. Eco-friendly alternatives made from bamboo, hemp, and recycled plastics are increasingly popular and available from companies like West Paw and Beco.
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As seen in the companies and products listed above, a large community of pet product manufacturers are pet lovers and earth lovers. They are committed to producing high-quality pet products while minimizing their environmental impact.
Embracing eco-friendly dog care practices is a step towards a more sustainable lifestyle that benefits not only our planet but also the health and well-being of our pets.
We can significantly reduce our pets’ environmental footprint by making informed choices about their diet, toys, waste management, grooming, and bedding. This journey towards sustainability is an ongoing process that requires commitment and creativity, but the rewards—a healthier planet and happier pets—are well worth the effort.
It’s an exciting time to be a dog lover!
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