Our companions can be big polluters. It's estimated that the average medium-size dog has a similar carbon footprint to a large SUV. The good news is, it's easier than you think to reduce your companion's carbon paw print. It might not be possible to have a completely zero waste dog but it is certainly achievable to make their habits more eco-friendly.
In this guide, I've shared the climate-friendly habits and green products that will help you be less wasteful and more sustainable when it comes to your dog companion.
Buy sustainable collars, harnesses, and leashes
Puppies grow out of their collars and harnesses very quickly. So if you have a new puppy in need of the basic essentials, ask friends and family if they have unwanted spares. Alternatively shop second-hand before considering new. There are countless options online, mostly barely worn - if worn at all.
Once your pup has grown to full size, invest in a properly fitting sustainably-made set. Your dog doesn't care what they wear so long as it's comfortable and safe. They don't need countless different options. Pick a couple of well-designed dog essentials and keep using them until they wear out. My dog wears a matching set from Poppy + Ted. It's lightweight, comfortable, and durable. Read my full review here and browse their range of dog accessories online.
Use eco-friendly poo bags
The bags you use to clean up after your dog almost always end up in landfill (unless you have a dog poo compost bin at home!) So it might seem pointless to purchase an eco-friendly alternative. However, that's not true at all. Switching to an eco-friendly alternative is still better than buying traditional plastic bags. It's all about the materials used rather than what happens to them once they've been thrown in the bin. Opting for a plastic-free option means less plastic and less waste overall, resulting in a more sustainable planet.
Eco-friendly dog poo bags are typically made from plant fibres, meaning they're plastic-free. These ones by Adios are made from non-genetically modified cornstarch, and naturally breakdown in 3-6 months. If you're in need of something more heavy duty, try Tuff Pets Heavy Duty Dog Poop Bags. Made from cornstarch and post-consumer recycled plastic these thick durable bags will prevent leaks without shedding microplastics.
Play with recycled plastic or plastic-free dog toys
A simple way to reduce your dog's environmental impact is to avoid plastic toys. There are so many alternatives making it one of the easiest and accessible switches to make. Although it's hard to resist, don't purchase your companion too many toys until you know what they really love to play with. Once you've got an idea on which ones they like, opt for ones that are plastic-free or made from recycled plastic.
The most eco-friendly option is homemade dog toys, made using the contents of your recycling bin. There are an abundance of plastic-free toys you can buy too, including those made from rope, jute, or wood. If your dog is a super chewer, you'll need tougher toys. Recycled plastic is another good option, both Barc London and Beco have a nice range of well-designed toys.
Choose vegan-friendly dog grooming products
Whether your companion has long hair or short, curls or no curls, or prefer to stay indoors than play in puddles. They'll need a bath sooner or later. Our companions deserve grooming products that are gentle and kindle to their skin and hair. We should be mindful that the products we are choosing to buy and use are kind on our planet too. The best way to do this is to buy cruelty-free vegan-friendly dog grooming products.
Use a PH-balanced gentle dog shampoo, like this one by Poppy + Ted. The shampoo will deeply cleanse without drying out your companion's skin. An essential for my long-haired double-coated companion is a detangling spray. You can use it on wet or dry hair to help prevent stubborn knots that cause matting. It leaves their coat looking and feeling silky smooth. To keep sensitive skin moisturised, apply a paw and nose balm with gentle ingredients to soothe and repair.
Switch to sustainable dog food
The biggest environmental impact our companions have is from their meat-based diet. Our pets consume 20% of the world's meat and fish, and the trend for feeding them human-grade meat is causing that number to rise. Animal agriculture is a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions causing immense destruction to our planet, and is the single biggest cause of global deforestation. With emerging research showing that dogs can thrive on a plant-based diet, it's time to start thinking about a more sustainable food for our companions.
If you're keen to stick with a meat-based diet for your dog, avoid human-grade food and, if feeding raw, opt for cheap cuts. These often wasted cuts are the most nutritious and affordable. They don't put extra pressure on the global food system either. Insect-based foods are a nice compromise between ethics and sustainability too. However, dogs can thrive on a plant-based diet. There are several nutritionally-balanced brands available in the UK, read more about the best planet-friendly dog foods here.
