Sustainable Pet Parenthood

Updated on November 03, 2021

Education and Compliance (ACE) Team

Compassion for animals often extends to a sense of care and concern for the planet, future generations of people and their pets. Many pet parents are naturally curious about sustainable pet ownership, but knowing where to start can feel overwhelming. If you’re a pet parent looking to be more environmentally conscious by choosing eco-friendly pet products and adopting more sustainable practices, this second guide in our sustainability series is for you. You don’t need to make sudden, drastic decisions. It’s okay to start small and make gradual adjustments. Find a way to incorporate sustainable items or actions into your life as a pet parent—whether that means switching to eco-friendly dog food, upgrading to more sustainable kitty litter or committing to brands with sustainable practices. In the long run, you’ll create the biggest impact by incorporating changes into your routine that are practical enough to be sustainable for you, your pets and the planet.

How to handle your pet’s waste sustainably

Responsible pet parents don’t have a choice about whether to dispose of their pet’s poop, but they do have choices about how. For many pet parents, waste disposal has typically entailed scooping up pet poop in a plastic bag and throwing it in the trash. Convenient, sure—but is it sustainable? There are some better alternatives for cats and dogs alike.

Eco-friendly dog waste products

When dogs do their business, it always needs picking up. If you’re using virgin plastic dog bags—newly created plastic resin bags without any recycled materials—to clean up every time you walk your dog, all those bags can really add up.

An easy but impactful way to practice sustainable pet ownership is to switch to eco-friendly dog bags made with biobased content derived from plants and other renewable materials that get the job done just as well as traditional plastic bags. And instead of running around the backyard with a bag to clean up at home, you could level up to a poop scooper for an even greater reduction in your pet’s carbon footprint.

So Phresh Solid Green Earth-Conscious Dog Waste Bags

So Phresh Earth-Conscious Dog Waste Bag Dispenser

So Phresh Easy Pick-Up Claw Scoop for Dogs

Eco-friendly cat waste products

Cats will go through a lot of litter in their lifetime, and sustainable litter can be one of the most impactful eco-friendly cat products you can buy. Whether you look for a litter box made with recycled materials, litter crafted from renewable resources or simply earth-conscious packaging that helps you reduce waste, there are many options available. A more sustainable way to purchase cat litter is to buy a 16- or 30-lb. container of So Phresh Advanced Odor Control Scoopable Cat Litter and then take it back to your neighborhood Petco Pet Care Center to refill it when it’s empty.

So Phresh Lightweight Advanced Odor Control Cat Litter

So Phresh Blue Open Cat Litter Box

Eco-friendly pet food

Your choices about what you feed your pet can create a big difference in their wellbeing. Those same choices can impact the environment, too. Luckily, what benefits your pets is very often what benefits the Earth. Responsibly sourced plant and animal ingredients, organic recipes and sustainable farming practices are some of the hallmarks you can look for to make sure your pet’s food is good for the planet and good for their bodies.

Eco-friendly dog food

Because most dogs will eat just about anything, it’s up to their pet parents to provide great food made with beneficial ingredients. If you want an eco-friendly dog food or dog treat, look for one that contains responsibly grown and sustainably sourced natural ingredients and organic meats. Some dog food brands, such as Jiminy’s, are even turning to alternative protein sources like crickets. Another way to incorporate eco-friendly dog products at dinnertime is by using dishes made from sustainable or recycled materials instead of virgin plastics.

Jiminy’s Cricket Crave Dog Food

Eco-friendly cat food

Cats are generally thought of as being a little choosier than dogs when it comes to food, but you can still find eco-friendly cat food and treats that your fussy feline will be happy to consume. Sustainably caught fish treats or responsibly manufactured food with natural ingredients are delicacies your cat will likely gobble up—and they’re good choices for Mother Earth, too.

Whole Life Pet Just One Ingredient Pure Tuna Fillet Cat Treats

Eco-friendly toys

It’s important to replace your pet’s toys once structural integrity has been compromised. Small scraps of cloth, trimmings, stuffing or tiny chewed-down pieces of bone or plastic can present a risk of choking, indigestion or even intestinal blockage, making relatively frequent toy replacement necessary. Since tossing out toys is an inevitable part of pet parenting, take this opportunity to look for eco-friendly dog and cat toys with a lower environmental impact.

Eco-friendly dog toys

Sustainable dog products include dog toys made from recycled materials and toys that are themselves recyclable. Some dog toys are even made of materials like cotton or—in the case of dog chews—natural animal parts. Another good sustainable dog toy choice is a treat-dispensing puzzle toy that can be reused many times and doesn’t need to be replaced frequently.

West Paw Zisc Glow in the Dark Frisbee Assorted Dog Chew Toy

Harry Barker Aqua Rope Tug & Toss Dog Toy

West Paw Qwizl Treat Assorted Dog Chew Toy

Good Lovin’ Naturally Shed Elk Antler Dog Chew

Eco-friendly cat toys

Since cats are less likely than dogs to chew and swallow everything that crosses their path, there are plenty of sustainable cat products made from organic, recycled and biobased ingredients. Recycled and recyclable toys, plant-based scratch pads and, of course, natural catnip are just a few of the eco-friendly cat entertainment options available.

KONG Naturals Catnip Spray Cat Toy

KONG Naturals Refill Incline & Double Cat Scratchers

EveryYay Assorted Scratchin' the Surface Cardboard Couch Cat Scratcher

Eco-friendly grooming and cleaning supplies

From brushes and shampoo to freshening sprays and cleaning formulas, there are plenty of products designed to keep your pet and their living area clean. That means there are just as many opportunities to choose eco-friendly pet products without sacrificing quality and effectiveness. Many eco-friendly dog and cat grooming and cleaning products aren’t just gentle on the environment—they’re gentle on your animal companions, too.

Eco-friendly dog grooming and cleaning supplies

A sustainable brush made from recycled materials with eco-friendly construction is a great tool for pet parents. Plant-based, EPA-awarded shampoo and biodegradable grooming wipes are other eco-friendly dog products that are effective enough to keep pet parents satisfied.

Biosilk Eco-Friendly Boar Hair Bristle Brush for Shedding for Dogs

Wild One Biodegradable Eucalyptus-Mint Dog Grooming Wipes

ECOS Pet Hypoallergenic Conditioning Peppermint Scent Shampoo

Eco-friendly cat grooming and cleaning supplies

Grooming brushes made from renewable resources and recycled materials easily take the place of brushes made from newly manufactured substances. Deodorizing litter box sprays made with plant-based ingredients and fast-acting enzymes target and neutralize odors. And plant-based, cruelty-free cat wipes make quick work of cleaning whatever debris may be clinging to your cat’s coat.

ECOS Kitty Litter Deodorizer Spray

Burt’s Bees Daily Grooming Cat Slicker Brush

Earthbath Hypo-Allergenic and Fragrance-Free Grooming Wipes for Cats

Other tips for sustainable pet parenting

Little decisions add up, and making moves towards more sustainable pet parenting means making the choices that make the most sense for your home, family and lifestyle. Perfection isn’t necessary to have a positive environmental impact. There are countless ways to make a difference in the world’s wellbeing while being the pet parent your beloved pet deserves. If you’re overwhelmed with options, here are some helpful guidelines to keep in mind:

Use it up. Whether or not you purchase eco-friendly pet products, you can reduce waste by using every last bit of shampoo, cleaner, food or supplement in a container.
Recycle. Check the labels of spent containers and packaging to see whether they’re recyclable. Some toys, dishes and accessories are even recyclable when your pet is done with them.
Built to last. Having eco-friendly lifestyles with our pets isn’t just a matter of using biobased or recycled materials. Another way to practice sustainable pet parenthood is through purchasing high-quality products that are less likely to break down or need frequent replacing. Well-crafted items can be sustainable items.
Waste not. When items can’t be recycled, look for more eco-friendly ingredients. Cleaning products that rely on enzyme action instead of harsh chemicals, dog waste bags made with plant-based ingredients and toys crafted from natural fibers are all good ways to incorporate eco-friendly dog and cat products into your routine.
Donate. If your pet doesn’t like their new food, treats, toys or has outgrown some of their items, don’t throw them away—donate them to a local shelter or rescue.

FAQs about sustainable pet parenthood

Still have questions about parenting your pet sustainably? You’re not alone. Find out what other pet parents have been asking about sustainable pet parenting.

How can I be an eco-friendly pet parent?

Being an eco-friendly cat or dog parent starts with simply noticing the areas in which you have an opportunity to make a positive environmental impact. Pay attention to how many pet products you use each day and look for ways to switch to eco-friendly pet products. Perhaps you could begin using dog waste bags made with recycled materials or look for cat food made with sustainable ingredients. You may be able to introduce biodegradable shampoo into your pet’s grooming routine or commit to toys crafted from recyclable or plant-based materials. You don’t have to aim for perfection. Just keep an eye out for simple changes you can make to lower the carbon footprint of your overall household and lifestyle.

Is eco-friendly safe for dogs?

Many pet parents care about eco-friendly dog products for the same reason they care about dogs—they’re compassionate people who want the best for the Earth and all its living things. Fortunately, there is plenty of common ground between sustainable dog products and effective, beneficial dog products. You shouldn’t need to choose between something that’s good for the Earth and something that’s good for your beloved pup. Remember that it’s still important to use eco-friendly pet products as directed. Just because a cleaner is plant-based doesn’t mean it won’t sting if it gets into your dog’s eyes, and just because a food is made from sustainable ingredients doesn’t mean it automatically fits the diet plan recommended by your veterinarian. Sustainable dog products that are used incorrectly have the capacity to harm your pet, so make sure to read instructions before using eco-friendly dog products—just as you should with any new pet product.

How can I make my cat’s lifestyle more eco-friendly?

There are a number of ways you can introduce sustainable cat products into your feline’s routine. Some of the most impactful changes can include various solutions such as: Sustainable food. Sustainably caught fish and sustainably raised meats can help reduce your carbon footprint without sacrificing flavor. Biodegradable toys. Cat toys made from biodegradable ingredients like paper and cotton can help reduce landfill space. Refillable litter. Refillable kitty litter containers, like those made by SoPhresh, can significantly reduce packaging waste. More natural products. You can find natural, earth-friendly ingredients in everything from treats to toys to shampoos and cleaners.

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