9 Eco-Friendly Pet Products That Are Paw-Sitivly Impactful

Who knows, we might even become zero waste pet owners by doing so.

No, we’re not barking mad. To an extent, a zero waste dog (or cat) is purrfectly possible by choosing sustainable pet products made of natural, organic, and recycled components. Not only are these safer for the planet, but safer for our furry friends, too.

So sit, stay, and let us take the eco-friendly leash here as we walk you through some environmentally friendly pet products that are doggone good for everyone. Beyond materials, we considered ethical manufacturing and those brands going the extra (dog-walking) mile with green business practices like using renewable energy and sustainable packaging.

Over the coming weeks, we’ll be rolling out our new Brand Rating System that extends our considerations to 22 different criteria (from climate change and chemical use to product performance and packaging). For the full low-down on how this system works, have a read of our explainer.

Our pets deserve a sustainable slumber (i.e. an organic dog bed) so let’s kick off with a couple of suggestions that will help your fur baby get comfy whilst pawing lightly on the planet.

Montana-based Certified B Corp West Paw makes low-profile, machine washable dog beds for pooches of all sizes.

The IntelliLoft® fill used in their Heyday and Big Sky Nap cushion beds is OEKO-TEX 100 certified and made from recycled plastic bottles.

In addition to their sustainable mattresses for humans, Brentwood Home makes them for animals. too. Their Greenguard Gold® and Climate Neutral® certified pet mattresses are made from non-toxic, easy-to-clean materials.

As far as sustainable pet products go, addressing your pet’s diet is key to lowering their carbon pawprint.

In addition to main meals, we’re looking for snacks and training treats made from natural, healthy ingredients and minimal (ideally zero waste) packaging. So, where can you find sustainable dog food and cat food for for your best friends?

Certified B Corp Petaluma makes organic and sustainable dog products by sourcing ingredients from local organic farms.

Their meat-free, veterinarian-formulated dog food is baked in a solar-powered facility and their Sweet Potato Jerky chews feature organic, air-dried sweet potatoes grown in North Carolina. The latter comes in a compostable bag.

You can say no to GMO and chemical preservatives with The Honest Kitchen’s 100% human-grade food for dogs and cats.

84% of ingredients come from North America and their huge range includes dry food, dehydrated food, wet food, treats, toppers, and supplements.

As any dog owner can testify, pups eat their toys—or at least mangle them into an unrecognizable mess. So it’s important that the products they’re chewing on don’t contain toxic chemicals.

Avoiding oil-based plastic also helps cut down on the vast amounts of plastic pollution, making sustainable and eco friendly pet products a win-win for pets and the planet.

For eco-friendly dog products in the US, West Paw’s tail-wagging selection includes chew toys and frisbees made from non-toxic and chewable Seaflex™ ocean-bound plastic waste. And for peace of mind, West Paw’s products are entirely OEKO-TEX 100 certified, BPA-free, phthalate-free, latex-free, and FDA-compliant.

Both their Seaflex™ and Zogoflex® toys can also be sent back to West Paw to be recycled into new toys.

For eco friendly pet products in the UK, Beco Pets has plenty to keep your pup entertained. From recycled polyester plushies to natural rubber chew toys and hemp and recycled cotton rope toys, your pet can happily gnaw away with minimal eco-consequences.

Responsible pet ownership rule #1?

Pick up that poop!

Littering is sh*t…especially when it literally is. Just because dog poop is natural, doesn’t mean it doesn’t have a host of negative environmental impacts when left to lie.

Thankfully, eco friendly pet product brands prove they give a sh*t about the planet with poop bags that don’t pollute.

Like Give A Sh!t’s TÜV AUSTRIA-certified home compostable bags made from plant-based materials. 10% of profits go to the Soi Dog Foundation to improve the lives of dogs and cats in Asia.

With new brands popping up all the time, make sure you read our deep dive into recyclable trash bags and biodegradable trash bags before you buy.

For a simple, zero waste solution you can also use old newspapers to scoop and wrap the poop and flush it when you get home.

Let’s not forget our feline friends.

To make your cat’s business more sustainable, switch to eco-friendly cat litter made of natural materials like corn, grass, or wood.

In the US, World’s Best Cat Litter and ökocat make natural compostable cat litter.

While these litters are compostable, make sure you compost it separately from your other waste and in a high-heat system.

Unlike dog poop, you should never flush cat poop due to the parasites specific to a cat’s digestive system.

Conscious canines need to look good too, right? How about cats with cattitude?

These eco-friendly pet brands are here to help our fur babies step out in sustainable style.

Wagging Green Pet Shop sells bamboo harnesses, bamboo dog collars, and bamboo leashes. They’re all hand sewn in the US and some in a huge selection of colors, prints, and styles.

You can also send back your old collar or leash (from any brand) and they’ll recycle the hardware and give you 25% off a new Wagging Green replacement.

For dogs and cats alike, The Good Dog Company’s leashes, collars, and other sustainable pet products are handcrafted in North Carolina out of 55% hemp and 45% certified organic cotton.

For pet food bowls, we want those that are made from safe, sustainable materials with zero risk of leaching.

There are plenty of ceramic and stainless steel options out there, as well as bamboo, hardened into something as tough as plastic but without the planetary impact.

Beco Pets’ line of natural eco friendly pet products includes bamboo dog and cat bowls available in the US and UK. They are non toxic, BPA-free, phthalate-free, and colored using food-grade natural dyes.

The UK eco-friendly pet brand The Green Pet Shop also offers dishwasher-safe bamboo dog bowls made from 100% natural renewable resources.

Smooth coat, short coat, combination coat, double coat…regardless of whether you have a high or low-maintenance dog breed, grooming is part and parcel of responsible pet ownership.

And you can level up that responsible pet parenting (and help your pet shed less hair and less plastic into the environment) if you choose one of these eco friendly dog products, too.

Like the sustainable bamboo pet brush handmade by Juturna Studios. The double-sided gentle tip pins and plant-based bristles give flexibility for different coat types.

German brand Redecker’s double-sided dog brush is handcrafted from natural pig bristles (sourced as a byproduct of slaughterhouse waste) and sustainably harvested wood.

You’ll find these non-vegan brushes in the US and Australia.

To clean up after those little furry tornadoes, the best eco friendly pet cleaning products ensure a safe pet environment, both in your home and the earth as a whole.

First up: how to clean your actual pets when they need a wash.

Just as old-fashioned bars make for excellent zero waste shampoo for human hair, they work for fur, too.

If you prefer liquid suds, Hank’s Garden handmade biodegradable pet shampoo is organic, non-GMO, palm-oil free, and comes in a refillable metal bottle.

What about your house?

We love them, but pets are the master at mess-making. Thankfully, those muddy pawprints and silly spills are quickly cleaned up again with the help of Ethique. Their dissolvable household cleaning concentrates allow you to create your own in your reusable spray cleaning bottle.

Or opt for a simple DIY cleaner made from vinegar and baking soda. It’s inexpensive, effective, pet-safe, and zero waste. Here are three recipes to get you started.