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Eco-Friendly Lifestyle Choices For You and Your Dog

Did you know that the way we feed, walk, play, and wash our dog can have harmful effects on the planet? Owning a pet comes with great responsibility. And it's not only about looking after your furry companion, but also making sure that their care doesn't cause any negative environmental impact.

To help you become a more eco-sustainable dog owner, follow these easy steps that can make a big difference to our big blue world.

Choose planet-friendly pet food

Dogs have lived with humans for thousands of years, but it wasn’t until around the 20th century that ‘dog food’ existed as a product in itself. Some of these dog food are made by combining the scraps of waste from farm animals and lesser cuts of meat. Cheaper dog food brands are often known to be lower in quality and can be a health risk to some dog breeds. 

One safe way to select better food for your dog is by purchasing sustainable dog food brands that are organic and good for the environment. 

When it comes to your pet, there are alternatives that are also much leaner and provide your pup with the right nutrients, which means a better health for them and a better choice for the planet.  

If you'd like to be even more sustainable, then you should also focus on limiting packaging. Find pet stores that sell loose food and carry it home using your own reusable containers. Alternatively, try to get food with recyclable packaging, or purchase in bulk. This way, you will reduce trips to the store and the number of packaging you contribute to the landfill.

Make homemade treats

With such an abundance of inspiration and recipes online that we have these days, there's never been a better time to start making your own pet treats! Bake your own and store them in a resealable, reusable container to avoid wasteful packaging that comes together with the majority of commercial pet treats. Take a look at this three-ingredient recipe for Peanut Butter Banana dog treat for you to make at home. Dogs love peanut butter and with this simple recipe, you'll not only make a positive eco-impact, but also indulge your pup in a healthier snack.

Use eco-friendly poop bags

Cleaning up after your pet is essential, whether it poops in the park, garden or uses a litter tray.

Dog waste may contain pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, and parasites that can be passed on to people through contact with soil and water, while the nitrogen and phosphorus in dog waste can contribute to toxic algae and harm marine life.

To prevent this from happening, make sure to use compostable, eco-friendly poop bags to dispose of your dog's waste. This way you'll not only protect the water and soil from contamination but also won't contribute to the overwhelming scale of plastic pollution.

Go green with grooming products

You should always consider what goes into the products you get for your dog, just like you would do with the products designed for your personal use or home. Not only are the majority of grooming items harsh on your dog's skin, but they can also be dangerous for your kids and harmful to wildlife and oceans when washed down the drain.

Instead, look for organic grooming products, using plant-based ingredients such as essential oils, shea butter, and other natural components.

Use plastic-free toys

Another great way to reduce your pup's environmental impact is to substitute plastic-based toys with those made from organic or recycled materials. Some options may include toys made from jute, hemp, or sourced rope. These are ideal since they are biodegradable and also very durable, which will save you money in the long run as well!

You can also make your own dog toys. Get creative with scraps of fabric, old T-shirts, and other items you’d probably throw away.

Donate and upcycle

Whenever you buy new items for your dog, consider donating your older stuff to nearby shelters. They can make great use of old pillows, towels, toys, leashes, collars, and grooming tools. Just make sure that all the items are still in good, strong condition. 

You can also consider upcycle older items yourself. See if family or friends can offer used collars, leashes, and other products. It will not only save you money, but will also prevent those items from ending up in a landfill.

These are just a few of the ways you can help your dog to leave a smaller environmental paw print on our planet. And as you become more aware of the amount of waste that life as a dog owner produces and the alternatives to harmful ingredients, you will be able to find even more ways to go green with your pup.