Nowadays, it can be a real challenge to find quality products for your dog that are sustainable. In a vast sea of unsustainable dog products, finding ways to live more eco-friendly is more important than ever.
Here at Chopper & Otis, we love our dogs and our planet, which is why we are dedicated to creating a healthier lifestyle for our furry friends by providing them with environmentally-friendly dog toys.
Making Your Dog’s Life Greener
Choosing to live sustainably ultimately protects your dog from a number of toxins while also protecting the planet. Let’s look at some of the areas in which you can actively promote a healthier lifestyle for your dog.
Food
When it comes to what you feed your pup, not all dog food brands are created equal. In fact, a surprisingly large number of dog food companies put unhealthy ingredients in their products.
Meat “meal” is a common number one ingredient used for the bulk of pet foods. This meal contains byproducts such as beaks, feet, and other nutritionally insufficient parts of the animals used for the bulk of the meat. Your dog is more likely to eat an excessive amount of an unsustainable food in attempt to get more nutrients out of out a meal full of fillers, which increases his chances of weight gain.
Likewise, the second ingredient frequently used is either corn or wheat, which also lacks nutritional value and is used as a filler to give the food its crunch. It’s especially unhealthy for dogs that are gluten-free, and long-term use can even lead to gluten and corn allergies, as well as other health problems.
Bathing
Your dog’s food isn’t the only dog product that can contain harmful contaminants. The products you use to clean your pup can have harsh ingredients that irritate his skin and cause allergies. Not only that, but unsustainable bath products like shampoos and conditioners go right down the drain, where they impact our water systems and wildlife.
Opting for eco-friendly dog shampoos and conditioners means that your dog is receiving the best care for his coat. Green bath products for dogs keep your dog’s fur clean with all-natural ingredients that won’t harm the environment. It’s a win-win.
Healthy Plants
Another opportunity to live more sustainably with your dog is by choosing the right houseplants and garden products to enhance your pup’s life. Plants offer a pleasant atmosphere that uplifts both you and your dog’s moods, and they help clean the air.
It is important to be aware of what kinds of plants you plan on putting inside and outside of your homes, as well as the plants in nearby neighbors’ lawns, as there are many plants that are toxic to dogs. Plants like the Sago Palm, Boston Ivy, Chrysanthemums, and Azalea, to name a few, are shockingly common in gardens and households but are harmful if your pup eats them.
Meanwhile, plants such as African Violets, bamboo, sunflowers, and fuchsia are among a few of the dog-friendly plants you can have around the house.
Sustainable Dog Toys
Your dog’s toys are an important part of his life. Interactive dog toys are engaging and promote healthy play and exercise, but many toys produced today contain cheap plastics, synthetic fabric, and rubber that is not 100% natural. These toys break down easily and pose choking risks as well as long-term side effects such as broken teeth and upset tummies.
Investing in environmentally-friendly dog toys protects your dog’s oral health and stomach and promotes the use of recycled and sustainable materials in the dog toy industry. Green dog toys are also more durable because they are made with pure ingredients meant to last.
Here are the most popular types of eco-friendly dog toys that are both healthy and fun for your pup:
Biodegradable Dog Toys
Recyclable Dog Toys
Recycled Dog Toys
Recycled dog toys are often made from recycled materials such as plastic bottles and rubber, making them an easy option for those looking to transition to a greener lifestyle. We support a fair number of green dog companies that use recycled materials to make eco-friendly dog toys:
Cycle Dog is a leading sustainable dog company that uses recycled rubber from high-quality bike tires to make a number of their eco-friendly pet products.
Beco Pets is another example of a company that goes above and beyond to provide dog families with sustainable and safe dog toys. This company avidly participates in the reduction of plastic waste by using recycled plastic bottles in many of their products.
Switching to a Green Lifestyle
Going green with your dog is a journey that begins with small, sustainable choices. Supporting sustainable businesses that care just as much about the environment as you do ensures that your furry friend receives the best of the best without harming the planet.
If you need help finding the best sustainable dog toys for your dog, don’t hesitate to reach out to us so that we can support your eco-friendly journey.
Until next time--